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to Mary Kelly
January 11, 1857
Moore, John, 1826-1907
Informs Kelly that he has arrived in New York City from Washington, D.C. and will leave soon for Boston.
GLC04194.02
February 28, 1858
Describes celebrating Washington's birthday by the firing of a gun for each state in the union, although they are unsure of whether or not states have been added since the Utah Expedition began. Written at Camp Scott
GLC04194.06
to James Kelly
17 March 1858
Describes considerable suffering and deprivations experienced while preparing for armed conflict with the Mormons. Mentions discontent among the "ambitious young men in the army" because of a rumor that President James Buchanan made overtures to...
GLC04194.07
to Mary Moore Kelly
16 April 1865
He describes the surrender of Raleigh and the request for protection from looters. "The men here with few exceptions are anxious to come back into the Union; but as usual the majority of the ladies are rebellious, of course." He is optimistic of...
GLC04195.31
to Molly Kelly
30 June 1903
He refers to family, and recounts their travels.
GLC04195.53
1861-1865
Contains several fragments, probably from the same letter written to James Kelly.
GLC04195.55
1853/10/13
Moore, an army surgeon stationed in Florida during the third Seminole War against Billy Bowlegs, writes home to his brother-in-law about receiving mail, how easy his job is, and the character of physicians. Also discusses the infidelity of a man...
GLC04193.01
to Mary Moore
March 9, 1844
He comments on Richard's previous illness and reports that both he and Robert are healthy in Louisiana. He is anxious to return home. He contemplates the difference between rhyme and poetry, with examples.
GLC04191.03
March 1846
He appreciates hearing from home and misses all the trivial goings-on. He has not quite adjusted to Alabama yet and misses the friendliness of Louisiana. He comments on the rapid passing of the seasons.
GLC04191.05
07 July 1846
He has been anxious to hear about health problems. His scholarship and reputation have expanded, and he has become a "very conspicuous character among the good people of Alabama." He expects to attend a local Baptist revival meeting. He also plans to...
GLC04191.06
29 October 1846
He remarks on the changing seasons. School closes in two weeks and he plans to move on instead of remaining, but would rather participate on the march to Mexico as he is growing tired of the monotonous life of schoolmaster. His dream to study in...
GLC04191.07
to Robert E. Moore
8 January 1847
He hopes to find another school with better wages. He hopes that Robert will burn this letter after reading it. The weather is finally cold enough to kill hogs. He encourages him to study Greek to get a better job.
GLC04191.08
January 29, 1847
It is difficult to write because he has not heard from the family in almost three months. He has agreed to remain at his school for one more session and was a little disappointed to be passed up for another school, where a doctor with dependent...
GLC04191.09
February 28, 1847
He feels close to home when he writes letters home. He comments on good housekeeping skills, and a wedding by candlelight he recently attended, where he was matched up with a very beautiful young woman. Money is being raised for the suffering in...
GLC04191.10
4 April 1847
He comments on the slowness of the mail, and he comments on the pending marriages of several girls from home as well as other events. As spring approaches, the farmers prepare for what they hope is a good planting season. Relief efforts for the...
GLC04191.11
19 October 1847
He had a slight attack of bilious fever, but feels better now. He is glad that the verbena he sent is growing nicely, and comments on the laziness of other local neighbor girls, who only want to get married and will surely end up with "the razor...
GLC04191.15
to Mary Moore, and Richard Moore
10 December 1847
He suggests she be sure to do her hair properly; "attention to the toilette is an essential part of a lady's duty." He was pleasantly surprised to learn of Robert's new position. He is delighted to have been asked to be a groomsman at a wedding...
GLC04191.16
January 18, 1848
He mourns the passing of the year. He describes Christmas festivities, including time off for enslaved people and their joy in the holiday and in gift giving. To Richard he chides him for going to singing parties with desperate women and the hazard...
GLC04191.18
to Garrett Moore
February 26, 1848
He apologizes for not writing. He recognizes the hard life and work of his father, and he believes it to be his duty to repay his father, especially by occupying a high place in society. He intends to go to medical school next fall.
GLC04191.19
11 May 1848
In concern for her health, he is anxious about her overworking. The money he has invested in Mobile is not returning, and his teacher salary has not been paid in full, so he must find another way to pay for medical school. Robert has decided not to...
GLC04191.20
8 July 1848
He wishes Robert would come take his position in October. He plans on coming home after finishing this session. The slaves have been busy in preparation for an upcoming barbeque.
GLC04191.21
2 August 1848
He has just finished the session and expects to be on his way home soon. He reports news from Parks about North Carolina women. He is anxious to be home with Nancy McCalle. He is often asked about his religion, to which he responds that he was raised...
GLC04191.22
12 October 1848
He reports his journey and arrival. He describes travel and boarding arrangements. Mrs. Livingston is unwell. A man was killed there in a duel the previous week, but was promptly caught.
GLC04191.24
22 October 1848
He has moved to a cheaper, more comfortable boarding house. He describes the process of finding suitable accommodations and of taking new students around town.
GLC04191.25
31 October 1848
He received news of their father's death and mourns his passing. It is unfortunate that he cannot be there with the family. He hopes that arrangements of property can be made easily and quickly without the expense of a probate court.
GLC04191.26
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