Thomas Wright's Diary

1934 / Letters

Grace, Thom

Hello to both, wanted to let you know plenty of room at the old place, no need in finding a place to stay. Looking forward to us meeting. Sitting down to a few good meals. Enjoying ourselves maybe horseshoes and cards of the evening. Well a couple letters from  Ma or Betsy if you think it isn't Ma. One from Grama Wright ta Pops and one from Joe. Well I'll start with Grama Wright's letter.

Thom

I miss you dearly, those two young men of Joe's are a fine set a young men. Hard workers told Joe on his last visit they were doing just fine. Thom, I must tell you, now don't worry and get all worked up.
Bowman is stopping by a lot lately, to be honest, he looks at me strangely. Like well, I think he is lusting after me an Betsy.

I have had to gently move him away, a few times. He looks at Betsy the same. I told Betsy not to mention this, I thought it better if  I said it not her. Don't worry your Ma can take care herself, I think Betsy can too. We planted some corn, beans and potatoes this season.
Please write more, I worry so. I fear when I don't hear from you, that you died or were captured. We planted ten acres more of the corn and beans, just feel I need extra. Don't worry about us Thom, all is fine here. The Farm is ok, you just stay clear of death.

We took a trip over to Ripley just to get out. We had a fine time they had the town Band play on Saturday. We sat and listened some it felt good to just get out some. We all were starting to feel trapped on the farm. Thom I love you, please write soon. Your Ma has a boring life, not much to tell.
Love Ma

Grace, Thom I guess Pop didn't write home, very much I can tell you from his diary. He was a very busy man. Betsy or Momma's letter then Joe's. Take care I'll let the letters finish out, see you soon. Your older Brother.

Dear Thom Mister Thom.

I have not gotten a letter in weeks. I am sure you took the time to fill that diary most days. I worry so, about you will you come home. If so will you have something missing. Master Bowman has been here a few times. Your Ma told me not to tell you. My dearest Thom he has about forced his self on your Ma and me. I think your Ma can control him. For how long I am not sure.

Frank and Ben are doing a great job around the Farm. Few times Frank has stepped in while Master Bowman has been here. Him just coming around makes him stop. We may not want to admit it Thom but those two men, have helped more than even Joe knows. Thom I love you so. I miss our walks around the farm. You telling me the things you want to do. Our time spent at Lees Creak sitting under the shade tree. Just us Thom, no one to watch us we can act normal. I miss watching you fill that diary, holding my hand that few minutes before sleep. This war ain't stopped the babies from coming think I have helped 6 babies come into the world past month.

Thom, you make sure to come home. About time we start thinking on a family to fill this house up.
Love Betsy.

Thom

I need to pass a few things on. Ben, you know my son brought word that the Planter Bowman has been putting intentions your Ma's way and Betsy's way. Something about monies owed him, he is saying your Ma owes money on the land. Thom, I know this not to be true, your Poppy and yourself told me he was paid off. Before I send this letter off, I have set aside time to speak to this Bowman I am bringing along a lawyer friend. He is willing to look into this claim for free.

Thom, it is as I feared, Bowman has laid claim to the New Place along the river. Saying you owe him 600 dollars for services you did not complete. We argued that money was pay towards any runaway that you pursued even if you didn't find them. Thom he stood down on that claim after the papers signed by you as to the agreement were looked at. Thom this Bowman I think will continue to go after you. He said as we left, that you took the money and help two fugitive slaves go free, possibly more and he shouted you are fighting for the Union, not the just cause. I think he was digging for our reaction nothing more. All communication goes out through Ohio. How he would know that I am not certain.

I will keep looking into this, I hope you are safe. Looking forward to your return and the Wars end. You need not worry my boys will protect your land and family. They both have done some growing up. They feel your Ma and Betsy are like family. You stay safe and come home.
Your friend
Joe

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What does Mister Bowman know if anything?

Is this just speculation and he is digging to get at Thom?

Maybe he is just after sexual favors from Ma and Betsy.

Bowman may see his life style going away. Maybe this is his way of getting back. Thanks for reading, your thoughts as to what is going on, and where this may lead, is on my mind. So vote and comment. Dram12 AKA Tim.