The following letter was written by John Dortch Moss (1792-1864), a farmer residing in Athens, Clarke county, Georgia, at the time of the outbreak of hostilities between the North & South. He wrote the letter to his son, John Chesterfield “Goode” Moss (1833-1908) who was married in 1858 and resided in Tallapoosa county, Alabama, at the time. At the time of the 1860 US Census, J. D. Moss was the owner of eleven slaves ranging in age from 5 to 34—7 males and 4 females. Aside from his farm, J. D. Moss was a businessman. He created the John D. Moss Cotton Company in Athens.

Moss’ letter, written just two weeks after the firing on Fort Sumter, refers to the arrival in Athens of the Banks County Guards—organized and accepted into state service at Homer, Banks County, Georgia, on April 20, 1861. They became Co. A, 2nd Georgia Infantry under the command of Capt. Daniel Gill Candler. They passed through Athens in late April and arrived in Savannah in early May. It also refers to the closure of the college in Athens (forerunner of the University of Georgia) due to students leaving to enlist.

[Editor’s note: J. D. Moss’ handwriting is extremely poor and a challenge to translate but scans of the letter are included for the benefit of those more capable than myself.]

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

Athens [Georgia]
26 April 1861

Goode,

The butter came to hand this morning which was acceptable. The [ ] are coming on [ ]. I do not think [ ]. I have not seen or heard anything of Doct. Henderson & Wm. Toliver. I said to Mr. Rutherford when they arrived to locate them with me.

You seem to be or have the war fever & if nothing will relieve you short of a [ ], you had better come on and go to [ ] where you may get your satisfy. There was a company from Banks county came down last night on route for Virginia. There was 82 took cars at 11 o’clock; $200 given to them in Athens. The guard escorted them to the depot. The Horse Company was also after a speech from [ ] Coble. John B[oswell] Cobb says you must not go, or in other words, he does not wish you to leave; that you can have an eye to his interests, &c. I do not think you should leave at this time for I cannot spare.

The hot weather is at a [ ] old Rufus is not so [ ]; he seems broke down. No clerk & [ ] is doing a good many jobs for the times. T. Coble heard from Montgomery Saturday. I think Athens will look lonely in a few days and the churches will not be crowded as usual. I think it likely the college will suspend if the students continue to join the companies.

Goode, I hope to be out about the 15th of May or sooner if I can. You will [ ] your cotton by that time as the care of your wheat. Get it out as soon as dry and sun it well. I shall be obliged to bring one of the negro women in [ ] or [ ] on someone of [ ]. There is no getting on without one. My love to Kate. Kiss the daughter for me. Your Father, — J. D. Moss

Saturday 29th. I learn last night that the college has suspended, so many of the students has joined the army. They will not [ ] the Horse Company so Delaney will have to stay or get the foot company. I would prefer to go under him to anyone except Stanley [?]. We may have a war for [ ] years—there is no saying. Athens certainly will miss those that has and leaving home. Do write on receipt of this. We won’t [ ] very much. — J. D. M.