The citizens of Owsley County Kentucky who had more men serve in Kentucky during the civil war than any other county per capita for its size were mostly pro union, According to local newspaper accounts, Rebels had invaded the area and were reeking havoc on their property and their persons. Captain, Elisha Bowman Treadway, of Company A of the 7th Kentucky Infantry wrote over 100 letters home to his wife and other family members as to what was occuring on his end of the war, in the meantime, James W. Sebestian who was medically discharged and went back to Booneville, wrote to Treadway as to the state of affairs in Booneville, causing Treadway to resign his commisssion with the 7th come home and petition the governor to raise the "Three Forks Battallion" which he commanded. The following is a rare look at to what James W. Sebestian and the good citizens of Booneville were enduring and is the property of the Owsley County Historical Society. Owsley County, Kentucky July 14 th, 1864 E. B. Treadway-- Major My dear friend I recieved your very interesting letter written from Morganzia-- June 9 and omited answering last mail, awaiting for something thriling to turn up to write to you about, but as nothing worse than murder or horse-stealing has taken place lately -- and not wishing to delay an answer longer I am compelled to write, with but little "Subject Matter" to write about/on. The recent ____, of John Morgan has become an old Story, and as you have doubtless ere this heard all about it I will pass it by without further mention. The next, and to milk and water Union Men, most allarming occurance, was the suden appearence of Col. Clark with a Company of men for the purpose, as all thought of wreaking vengance on somebody for the murder of his father. And Keywood was killed. I don't know for what without it was for being a Rebbel. You know we'v had it in the bargain to kill Rebbels ever since men assumed that infamous name, but it seem! s we have been over tender with all who, wage war against us in the character of citizens at the same time the Rebbel line of march all over this and from the best information. Other States are well dotted with the graves of citizens whom they have murdered for little or no (some sections blank on the photo copy) can come up at least they ____Owsley Wolf and _____an counties. I always was and am now opposed to _____even in times of war, but as I told a rather dutiful ____Lady the other day, whose beaux was hotly persecuted ______cold blood murders I would _____ fine sympathizers for every _____ forcibly away from his home _____ like it of course and ______ possible for a would be Aristocrat, nevertheless I soothed her by saying thats the way we are going to keep the balance of power and bring this war to a glorious termination by Universal emancipation. Besides puting old Mose out of the way, Clark did one thing worthy of note, which I believe gave general satisfactio! n to all loyal and brave men by securing and carving? away the noturious old thief harberer, Zack Wells. Zack didn't want to leave home much and insisted that he was an inoffensive man, medling with no body, and always stay at home. Clark in his dry way with a derisive smile repeats, "Neve go any place?" "Only for the good of souls", says Zack. But Zack's plea notwithstanding many souls may suffer, was not enough to prevail on the enraged Col. I understand that Well's Sons have declared they would kill any body in the world if their "Pap" was not restored Safe and sound in short order, but where Zack is I know not and as to the killing there has been no more of that done than usual. We are now quiet as if there were no war, being rid of all the troops of both sides, but I doubt not if some of us, would feel much safer, with a few blue Jackets about since they have become so necessary to the protection of life, liberty and property. As to the cases of Green & Tom mentioned in your letter I have nothing to say, only I wish they were not guilty of the charges. I am sorry for the boys _____, not so much for themselves as the _____ they _____ dishonored, and the Uniform they have so wilfully _____ But enough, let Justice have its course and no b(ody?) be wronged. 33 As to the army movements you doub_____I can tell you-especially_____ will soon have recovered _____ for work again at the ex_____ and distry-before _____ of the Gulf. You have but a few months to serve and in that time I would be much delighted to hear of the old 7th ading a new wreath of glory to her well _____ When you are mustered out if I can (illegible) the exact time. I will try and meet you all at Louisville . The most absorbing question now in the civil world is who shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States for the next four years. Old Abe looks with an anxiety, to the Presidential chair equaled only by the hipe of his friend - not so few even in this country, as to laughed at. The long hared Radicals are quite solicitous of the part of the celebrated, "path finders" but I don't think he can command a large vote in this part of Uncle Sams Vinyard, but rather give impetus to the Administration Party. Next comes the factious, rioting, ! copperhead antirepublican modern degenerated Democrats, and who will be the exponent lies in the Majesty of the Chicago convention to determine. Which is probably known all over the fast part of the world, ere this, or else they have had a big drunken row and all gone home, with sore heads and bloody noses, without making any nomination. I can't think that McClellan, will sand (stand?) any better chance there, than Grant did with the long haired crowd at Cleveland, Ohio. He may be recomended, but that is all. He is too much of a war man to suit peace fanatics. I understand Kentucky will have _____ of delegates. One of th? Wichlief and the other _____. The _____ and late party I learn is _____ by late army officers with doca_____ office headed with a dead_____ instead of the National _____ they feel outraged and _____ head of affairs, who will _____ pay less attention to their _____. Of course they will go for a man who has been removed from command as a humbug, and ! a failure. I learn they are enthusiastically and unanimously for McClellan. But if I were to venture a conjecture at this late period as to who is on ballot _____ of Chicago Convention, it would be about this. For President Horatio Seymon of NY, for Vice President Clement S. Valandigham of Ohio. I would be pleased in time of peace to see McClellan, President of the U. S. as he has doubtless been some little wronged, not by the president, but by the people, who demanded his removal. But old Abe was lawfully and constitutionaly elected president of all the States in 1860 and I want to see him command obedience in every one of them. Nothing would flag the spirits of the Rebbels more than Lincoln's re-election. They expect recognition so soon as the Democratic party get into power But I am of the opinion, the way things sand (stand?) now, that Lincoln has as many chances to be elected a second time as Grant has to take Richmond -- which is only a question of time. I thin! k from what information I can get Lincoln will carry big majorities in the nonslave holding sections and doubtless would all over the State, were it not for chronic prejudice, and that eternal bone of contention, slavery, which is almost a by gone thing. I hope this war may never close til the last vestage of human Slavery is destroyed forever. As it has always since my recollection and yours been the subject of broils and anomosities say nothing of the wrecked _____ by it in a private way. _____more I _____ closer I examine it the more _____ In fact I can see no _____manent distruction, Beyond _____fire which is the second _____ time, I can plainly see _____ will be in full possession _____ the fruits of his lab(labors?). Perhaps this antislavery doctrin don't suit you. Well when prejudice gives way and you come to look things square in the face, I'l vouch for it finding favor in any sterling 34 Union man's eyes. If the Rebbels got Jealous of our God and in fear he would diny them the right to Dominence over an inferior Race and brutalize, outrage and rob them, bent a whoring after Strong Gods, cring out for protection to that Constitution, which to them seems to be essential to the existance of the White Race, let their Gods protect the. We worship God almighty, the God of truth and Justice, whose decision we all must obey, and if he i the despensation of things gives freedom to the slave lets all say Amen. What do you say Tread. As to the manner in which Louis Napoleon has played his trumps and crowned and Autrun(?) Prince on the ruins, who commensed, and he completed in Mexico I have but little to say. However I am fully satisfied that a limited monarchy is the best thing Mexico could possibly have under the circumstances. At the same time I am opposed to all Monarches especially if hereditary. But if Maremilian can, under the auspices of France, give Mexico a stable Government, I am not in favor of quarreling with France about it, especially in our unhappy condition. If we succeed in our present undertaking we will hardly recover soon. And under the present circumstances I think _____ and impolite to talk about going to war with France. As to what I am doing --- Well, I am not mayed in blue broadcloth - two bars - long boots - briliant sash - and glittering sword, - and what would be still more delightful than all all - marching Company A to battle, and to Victory. But I am doing just what I abandoned three years ago on account of the war -- _____ light _____ in the army I managed to save _____ money to pay the balance of the expense of my second leg which, was more costly than the first, and not all together so efficient. And purchase a few other indispensables placing me _____ about as I was at the commencing of the war -- penniless. As I have made nothing since I returned, it has been quite a down hill business. But if not Proudenly? _____ I Shal commense a Shool in this neighborhood about the first of August. I am beginning to feel as though, among the distribution of so many paying little offices I might be offered one that would pay enough to buy my victuels and clothes any way. Tha! r must be something wrong about the distribution of these Govmt. favors. I wonder if they sell them. But I aint discouraged. No not a bit. I never heard of virtue and honesty going unrewarded. I hope to be recompensed some day for all my labors. As the Shade of night is about to close in I must beg leave to bring this communication to a close and hope that you will write to me soon and tell me all about the old 7. This leaves me only tolerable well. I have been been sediclously engaged in my studies for the last ten months which has taxed heavily on my physical appearance. So I cant say I am very well like a rustic plow boy would say to his sweatheart after only a weaks absence. Very Respectfully James W. Sebastian Sherry Baker Frazier Nashville, Tennessee President Owsley County Historical Society http://owsleykyhist.org http://sherryfrazier.com