Hello cousin Ed and all my other cousins, I am going to present an original letter written in 1872 but I would like to say a few things first. I am also puzzled about where the money came from when they decided to purchase a piece of land, especially just after the Civil War. I can understand having "money" in other eras of time but during and after the Civil War? There just was NOT any "hard" money in swVA and neTN up until after the coming of TVA and the manufacturing plants today. As late as the 1930s, the average person had but very little "hard" money. I can remember my grandmother going to the local store with eggs and butter to exchange with the store owner for staple items that she needed and could not come by in any other way! I agree with Ed that most "money" was some sort of barter in this region all down through historical times. And that tobacco was used as the main staple of barter but I have seen where people paid off debts with buckets, barrels, etc.. In fact, if one wished to get past the present "politically incorrect" useage of tobacco, one might very well say that our very country was founded on raising, selling and shipping of tobacco, especially the first 100 years. I know Ed and most people living here in this region well knows how the official State Theater of Virginia got it's name. The name of the theater is "Barter Theater." People would bring foodstuffs and items to barter for the privilege of getting into the theater for a performance. Such greats as James C. Scott, Gregory Peck and Ernest Borgnine are alumni of this famous theater. In fact, up until recent years, they would occasionally come back for a visit and tour. Here is an original letter I have found that shows several things. This letter is from some of my ancestors. It shows the hardship of the times of 1872, the poignancy and loneliness of a woman trying to help her ailing and dying husband, and a plea for help to anyone that she can. This woman is a proud woman and she is trying to make conservation along other lines rather than to appear to be just asking for help. Here is the letter she wrote so long ago. SPELLING is as it was in the letter so as not to destroy the flavor of the letter: Lee County VA Nov. the 24,1872 Mr. B. T. Hood Dear Brother I seat my self this beautiful morning to writ you a few lines in answer to your kind letter, which was received and read with mutch care. Well, this leaves us all well as common except the old man, he is very bad with colic and lung disease. He has tried the doctors here and instid of getting better he gets worse. The doctors here have done all they can for him. Dr. Gardner in sinsonation says he can cure him and will cure him for $10.00, he can't raise the money. He has got $5.00 owed to him dew now, the amt. and no money here now to get. If You will send me $10.00 dollars I will pledge anything I have got property or land. I have tried to sell property for half price and can't get the money for nothing. I hate to write to you for it tho I will do anything to save his life. Please send me the money if you can and you never shall loose anything. Just as quick as I can get it, I will send it to you. If you send that money you had better register it. Well Ben, the old man wants you and Alfurd to conic out at once. He wants you to fix up some business for him. And if either one will come, do come now for I am seeing a hard time. Have had so much sickness. Oh, no one knows the lonesome hours I have spent for the last year. Tell all of them to come for we want to see them all. When you answer my letter tell me where Brother Alfurd lives. Has he ever married or not? Give me his post address, don't fail to write. Oh, it is so much company to me to read a letter from a dear brother like you. We aim to come to see you this fall just before we got ready to start he was taken down and he never has been able to set up much since. I see more trouble than tung can express. I am here an no one to help me. It would be all the pleasure in the world for me to spend a few hours with you. If we never see each other any more until the last trumphet shall blow may we all meet in glory where we will part no more. I still remain you affecting sister until death. From, Louisa Penley To: B. T. Hood Good By fore a while End of letter I have rambled on long enough now so....... Until later, good hunting, Jerry in Kingsport, TN www.penjaccphoto.com