The following letter was written by John W. Walker (1823-1875) of Pickensville, South Carolina. He was married to Elizabeth Ann Grady (1823-1861) in 1848 in Lumpkin, Georgia.

The letter was addressed to James Earl Hagood (1826-1904), the son of Col. Benjamin Hagood (1788-1865) and Adaline Ambler Hagood (1808-1877). Hagood was a merchant and at the time serving as clerk of the circuit court in Pickens county.

We learn from this letter that the funds for the purchase of a regimental flag for the 4th South Carolina Regiment was raised by subscription by citizens in Pickens county.

T R A N S C R I P T I O N

Pickensville, [South Carolina]
June 2, 1861

James E. Hagood, Esqr.

Dear sir, I was absent when yours of the 13th ult. came to this office enclosing subscription to set up some funds to purchase a flag for Col. [J. E. B.] Sloan’s [4th South Carolina] Regiment which will explain to you my silence up to the present time. But yesterday I presented the subscription to our people around & about the City and am glad to inform you that you can draw on me for #31.30, it being the amount of cash subscribers, & there is still an unpaid amount of $18 yet behind which I think will be paid over in a few days. They are all good & will pay the balance certain which, when paid, will amount in all to $49.30.

Respectfully yours &c. — John W. Walker