Thomas Wright's Diary

October/ November 1865

3, October 1865,

The Union Commandin Officer, a Colonel Martin an detachment of men came, Theo introduced himself, as Colonel Theodore Bowman, an myself as Captain Thomas Wright. Theo told him what happened. Bowman, say this is a civil matter, not a Military one. The Colonel tell him, this just became his matter the Sheriff and Deputy both dead. He was the civil authority now.

Well, he separated us, an questioned us all. Told Bowman ta go ta Maysville stay in town. The rest of us stay on the farm. He would investigate this matter, an have us appear in two days. They took care the bodies. I asked ta let Joe know what happened, he had one his men escort me ta Ripley an back. Joe looked I might worried, tell him might want ta head my way in the mornin. No need fer a lawyer mine handle it. I will take care a any cost.

4, October 1865

Thinkin back on yesterday, should killed that Bowman also, don't think any knew any different. Just few fellas gone is all. Been like killin that Reb Colonel at the Bridge. Just did not seem right. Joe came, still looked a might worried. Told him his boys probably saved a few lives, by doin what they did. Mister Baxter thinks they be fine, say it sounded like self defense ta him. Told the Sheriff he couldn't arrest fer, what Bowman wanted him ta.

7, October, 1865

Colonel Martin an the Sheriff of Washington county, convened they inquiry inta the shootin. Although the Sheriff had no authority ta arrest me, from what they could tell, we had a right ta defend ourselves. The shootin tragic, the deputy had no right ta use his gun. They also said Bowman should except our offer, an move on with his life. Bowman agreed ta except it. Tomorrow we start, ta remove his personal stuff out a Rivers Edge. I feel now, just maybe it a get better. Me an Theo bought the slaves, we told them, ta late fer us ta build new housin fer them. We divide the land each a get 200 acres, seed fer the season. We all work tagether, we can build a right nice community.

Between buyin thum, and makin sure we have seed. Most my put back money is used up. They took a vote they be clearin some land fer lumber ta build houses this spring. I bought up Bowman's saw mill. Think we build up a small community store, they all work tagether might just be a grand thin happen here.

Theo gave back, what was Wright land still good timber on that land. Think that mill come in handy. Might be a money maker.
Should have most a Bowman's stuff moved say two more days, takes time ta move it ta Maysville.

10, October 1865

Bowman's all moved, he told us what we have planned won't work, those niggers they can't think or do fer they selfs. They need pushed ta work. All our efforts be scattered like dust in the wind. I'll have that land back, they be starved an dead. What is left have work fer him. We didn't even respond, Theo say Da we done, after taday we no longer speak. We spent the night in Maysville, didn't feel like the ride back home in the dark. Theo say once winter over, he goin ta study Law with Baxter. So we got the Law on our side. Theo say I should study Law, I tell him want no part a that. Just want ta farm maybe, make some money off that mill.

14, October 1865

Theo tell me, he sent word ta Tuey about what we doin. He is comin back, maybe open up a store. I say that be grand idea, got the makins of a good thin goin now. Beth an Ma, both doin good.
Think Ma wants ta go back the new place. Beth well, never seen her this happy well, not since Starr. We both happy, long as my Beth is around, I be happy no feelin like it least I haven't felt anythin like it. Uncle Thom, well is a gettin the need ta roam. Can see it, in the way he acts hope he don't run off. Nice havin him around. Like when Poppy was around. Miss Poppy somethin awful. They a makin great progress on gettin land cleared fer lumber. Uncle Thom say they work, like they wants ta an filled with pride. We had us a drink, tell him an Theo we ta make sure we all are united on this. Uncle Thom just smiled, I ain't leavin just yet Thommy boy. Bowman, ain't took care of yet. Then him an Theo say, he will be back ta make it hard on all. Hate ta say it, think they right.