This is a letter that my grandpa’s sister, my aunt Ora Clyburn Brown had in her possession. She wouldn’t allow it to be taken from her, so her daughter Donna rewrote it. She sent a copy of it to my cousin Velma Faulkner and Velma sent it to me. This is the document that I believe confirms my family line. This proves we really were Blackwells, because it speaks of Margaret and Eliza. It also speaks of Mary Hubbard. This is a very special document to me. It may be an old letter, but it says all I need to know. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I do.

I’ve tried to type it in the layout it was originally written, but it is typed from my copy.

Jefferson P.O. Chesterfield, County S.C.

August the 1^st 1885

Levi. Dear Sir. This is in answer to yours of June-the 11^th which came to hand in due time, we were all glad to hear from you, and that you reached home in safety and found all well. Hope you are all still well and doing well. This leaves myself and family in usual health.

Our relations are generally well, tho uncle Wm. is very low, has not been up in a month. He has gravel or stricture of the bladder. I thought when you left my house that I would see you again but did not. I have seen your brother George. Since I saw you, he contends that he bought the interest in the mine from you for $25- and will sware that in any court, but if you will pay him back the $25.00 and the interest on it ever since he paid it that he will pay you the balance he has a receipt with you name signed to it and a mark witnessed by Henry Blackwell for six dollars which purports to be in payment of interest in Mine he also has an order from you to James N. Jowers for $11.62 Signed by you making X mark, and witnessed by John Blackwell. So you can see that the receipt and order both only makes $17.62 which is all that he can show that he paid, and he further says that he only got $100.00 one hundred dollars for the interest. I can not get a lawyer to take hold of it for any part of what they might get. They want me to become responsible to htem for a good big fee before they will take the case, and I am not willing to do that as it is likely to cast more than we would get. My notion now is to take what I can get without a suite. I might get something out of George and to sue the Mine Company would be a long shoot and a narrow chance with my chance of producing evidence. George claims that when you sold him the mine that you was Margaret’s agent. I suppose he would sware that and for all I know prove it by someone else. Some people do grievous things these days for a little money- and now I have state the case just as I find it now. What do you want me to do, tell me. What is the least you want me to do, tell me what is the least you will be willing to settle for , tell me and I will make an effort to get it. I do not think there will be any money for you in instituting a suite, as in such cases lawyers expect big pay. Mary Hubbard was here yesterday. They are all well and are still talking of going to your country. I would be more than glad to see Eliza and Margaret, but it is hardly probable that I will ever enjoy that pleasure unless they come to this country. Ann sends love to her sisters and their children wants them to write to her as my verse is scarce and perhaps you are wearied with my scribbling. I will hasten to a close. Write soon remember me kindly to all. I remain as ever yours.

Thomas M. Kirkley

Jefferson P.O.

Chesterfield Co

SC