A letter my ancestor wrote to her husband before Sherman marched through North Carolina

Check the box next to “I tried to leave things better than I found them”

Above: A letter my ancestor wrote to her husband before Sherman marched through North Carolina


The job of dispersing the clutter in my mom’s former home, which was strangely personal to people who lived 100 and more years ago, is done, in my opinion, as of this letter below from the University. I know my mom will be proud. I’ll tell her that the letter really should have said that the recognition for the contribution goes to her, and I mean that.

Little La Motte shadows on the sand, c. 2005

I hope my kids will feel less like I gave something of theirs away and more like I saved it in the best way I knew how. Pretty sure they are coming around to it.

“Your contribution has been put to work…..” I really hope that’s true.


Agriculture in the Archive