(This is a copy of a letter, written by William Firestone to his younger brother John Firestone)

State of Alabama – Cherokee County

May 25, 1866

Dear Brother and Sister -

Through the mercies of God I take my pen in hand, to inform you that we are all well, hoping that you are in good health. I received a letter from you yesterday which gave us great pleasure to hear of you. We have hard times in this country because of the past murderous war. The robbers and the Yankies have ruined this country. General Shermans Yankee Army camped here with us and ruined this part of the country.

Our Brother Samuel Firestone has broken up and moved into Cass County Georgia. Sixty miles away. The Union men of Tennessee has run him and his son Polk, his two Sons-in-law away from Tennessee and have taken all their land from them. Times are hard here. Neither meat nor corn here. Only what is brought in. Corn is two dollars per bushel. Bacon is thirty cents per pound. Flour is twenty dollars per barrel. Salt is four dollars per hundred. Money is scarce. Times are too hard to talk about. My youngest Son Samuel Firestone went to the war in the Southern Army for four years and he was captured at Canton Mississippi and we have never heard from him since. I have had five children by my last wife. Three sons and two daughters. Our son Alfred is dead. He was twenty-five years old when he died of fever. We have only one daughter with us. She is single. We have only four in family. My wife, myself, my daughter Mary and a little Orphan boy by the name of Helton. All the rest of my children are well the last account I had of them. Only Samuel I fear he is dead. Please write to me in full and direct your letters to State of Alabama – Cherokee County Center Post Office. James C. Firestone lives near us. They are well and have seven children. Write and tell me if you know of James Douglas and Family or of Brother Alfred. If so write to me. My two oldest children Mathis has been twice married and has seven children. Nancy is a widow and has eight children. There are a great many negroes in this country. This country is healthy but times the hardest I have ever seen. It would take a quire of paper to write all the news that I hear. No more but I remain your Brother and friend until death – Farewell.

William Firestone to Brother John Firestone

Elizabeth Firestone sends her love to you and Delana and her children and wishes to hear from you all. My Son William started to move to Missouri where you live. He got to Cross County Arkansas. He was late starting and the weather was cold so they could not travel any further with their little children. He is a good Carriage Maker by trade.

Write to me in full and I will answer your letter. May God Bless you all Farewell.

William Firestone