The following letter was written by John M. Ellis (b. 1824). He appears in the 1850 US Census as a law student living in Hopkinsville, Christian county, Kentucky. He wrote the letter to William B. Harrison (1808-1884) of Elkton, Todd county, Kentucky.

John’s letter speak’s of local and state politics as well as of “pretty girls” at a Methodist camp meeting in Salubria Springs.

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

Hopkinsville, [Christian county] Kentucky
July 21, 1846

Dr. William,

Your very interesting and acceptable document came to hand in due time & had I not been very busily engaged, I should have given it my immediate attention. But as circumstances placed me, I was bound to defer answering for some time—1st as I had no news of importance to communicate, and 2ndly, because I have no other reason.

Times are flourishing for McL and we are going to do all we can for him but because that is the case we should not remain in a state of lethargy but be up and doing and Capt. Bristow I am informed by some will grow all in the northern part of your county. Said yourself and one or two more, “This I do not put any confidence in as being the truth.” Show them how many you can carry in with you, and go up to the polls early in the day with all that you can think the least wavering, if such you have, and make them vote if possible the right way. Three cheers for M. G. and our side and will do all you can and you will be doing sure enough.

The southern part of Todd will give a considerable majority for McL. and by balancing as much as possible in your range you will do a great deal of good. We are going to give McL in our county I think a majority of some four or five hundred and it will keep us working hard to dit yet nevertheless we will try.

I went to a camp meeting on Sunday last at old Salubria Springs [near Pembroke, KY] and the Lord knows there were more pretty girls there than ever were together before since the foundation of Christian county. Seen I could scarcely get along for looking and gaping about. I was just like a green horn who had just entered a city looking at signs, &c. You never saw the like in your life. [ ] Gals want nothing to them and you think they are some punkins—that last word is spelled wrong but what the odds in electioneering times. We get along in our way just as well as the nature of the case will admit. We have a fight in town occasionally and kind Justices of the Peace to keep the peace.

Will, I have been among the women so much for a few days past that I am entirely out of sorts for writing a letter and therefore I hope you will excuse this disconnected, disjoined scroll and hope for one better when I hear from you again which I trust will be as soon as you get this and send me all the news—local, political, statistical, or otherwise you may have and be sure to nurse the Brethren in politics and you will be remembered long in this world by many friends and lovers of the light side of all questions. Send me that magazine you were speaking of and give my very best respects to all friends and acquaintances. Take a liberal share of my love to yourself and believe that I as ever remain your sincere friend, — Jn. M. Ellis

To Wm. B. Harrison