Alphabet File page 232
The Hancock County Historical Society is where Col Marshall's letters belong - not with me. Do with these original letters as you wish Mr. Gray and share them with others within your Society.
I watched him age, felt his heartbreak with losing his vision, the pride of his children's accomplishments, the hurt in losing a grandchild, and in his vision for the want of better healthcare for his friend and the lepers through several decades of writings.
If you are successful in locating one of his descendants, please give them a copy. The originals are now the Historical Society's property.
I have only one request of you, if you have any biological data, or a picture of his homestead, I would appreciate a copy.
If I can help you with any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Most sincerely,
Marilyn Harrison-Wiest
318 Edna Drive
O'Fallon, IL 62269 (618)628-4297 Home
And so it begins....
March 20, 1904 Bay St. Louis, MS
My dear Dutton,
It has been so long since I have written you that I cannot remember when it was. I have had you in mind, however, and frequently think and speak of you. The photo of the bold headland, with your village at the side is framed and stands on top of a bookcase in my library, the room in which I am now writing. The glass has protected the photo and it is as clear and perfect as the day on which you sent it. We are frequently called on to explain what it is by visitors.
As regards letter writing, I am the victim of procrastination - still I can plead that I have been terribly overworked within the past several years and, as usual, the matter of increasing force to keep pace with increased work was deferred.
The division (NO & M) is now one of the "heavy" divisions, in traffic - we have had to enlarge facilities at New Orleans and Mobile, and intermediate points are now rebuilding all the bridges, substituting heavier structures, so that the largest engines may be used. All this work now approaches completion, and, as the Co has recently given me assistance I an not so hard pressed.
My health and strength have continued good. I weigh close to 250 lbs! would you have believed it? The health of my family has been good all along. My oldest son will graduate at the Va Military Institute in June (at Lexington, Va in which "Stonewall" Jackson was a professor at the opening of the Civil War) My two sons next in age, are students in the Louisiana State University at Baton Rouge La. Gen'l W. T. Sherman was a professor in this institution before the war, resigning to go north when hostilities began. The General gave the school $20,000 after the war.
My youngest son, aged 13, is at home - I hope to live to give them all good educations, and get them started right in life. I have succeeded in keeping them clear of tobacco; and whisky of course. The changes of time!
I saw your picture in a magazine some time ago. Didn't need to look at the foot to read whose it was. Recognized you at once. I think you asked me in a letter if both installments of a previous letter of your had reached me. You had sent the first part by one mail and the other by another and there had been a mail steamer lost just at the time. I do not know if I have written since, but would say now that all the letter was received.
I received a note from you last month, also Governor's Carter's speech. The speech is a good one, but it has the old familiar ring - guess there are politicians everywhere. If one understood Tibetan, and heard a speech to the people of H'Lassa, the same old "ear marks" would doubtless be there. I am reminded here of the war. How are the sympathies of the Islands? The unanimity of the sympathy here for the Japanese is something astonishing It is 500 to 1. The Clan Na Gael are for Russia. This of course comes from dislike to England as they favor anything which may be injurious to England. Our Slavic element also for race reason favor Russia. Some newspapers are afraid of the "yellow peril".
You spoke in your note of H. F. Smith. I didn't know that he had interests in Memphis. He is with the Nash. Chatta. & St. Louis Ry still and is doing well. He is an able man. Mr. Smith was in New Orleans last week attending a meeting of railroad officials. I did not see him as, during his stay I was on the line mostly, or engaged busily at his time of leisure.
Mr. W. H. Smith still retains his vigor to remarkable degree. He is as strong and active as for the past 10 or 15 years. Indeed, his health is better than it was some time ago.
I am afraid that I will wear your patience out with so long, and rambling a letter.
When you have time write me. Tell me as to your health, and spirits.
I hope not to fall into arrears again to such an extent Very truly your friend
Charles Marshall
Sunday, July 24, 1910 Bay Saint Louis, MS
Dear Dutton,
It has been a very long time since my last letter, though you have not been out of mind by any means - I think of you often, and frequently speak of you to friends, and at home.
It is a case which proves that "procrastination is the thief of time". I have received your several communications since by last letter, from time to time -- am always glad to get them and thus know that all is still well with you I hear from you occasionally otherwise -- your last, I believe was a postal card as regards Admiral Young. I do sometimes go to Pensacola. The next time I shall certainly look up the admiral.
I was in Washington in May, and again in June - what changes have taken place there since your time - indeed in the right recent years -- the new public buildings, the parks, statuary, improved streets and enlargements and adornments on every side! The War Department is now a magnificent palace - where is an immense building used for offices for the representatives, and one for the senators The latter is connected with the Capitol by a subway - a senator descends from the senate chamber in an elevator to the basement where he gets in an automobile which whirls him, through the subway, to the basement of the office building whence he ascends to his office floor by elevator -- the return trip is made in the same way. The new congressional library building is a wonder in itself on account of its magnificence - Fine is the word!
These are but a few of the things that have been done -I visited the celebrated "Hall of Fame" of all the statues of our great men I was most interested in those of Daniel Webster, General James Shields, whose statue was placed by the State of Illinois; though born in Ireland he had lived in N.Y. and Missouri as well as Illinois - you probably will not recall Shields, as he was not a great man, as were Grant, Lee, Sherman, Jackson, Forrest and Sheridan. But I was interested in the statue as it portrayed a man of perfect physique and most notable features - I knew his history as an old time regular army officer of the Mexican Civil Wars, and who was the only general who had defeated Stonewall Jackson, which he did at Kernstown, Va by dogged, obstinate fighting, as well as by good generalship - I visited Mount Vernon and was much impressed - deeply so. Arlington is a most beautiful place - the national cemetery - there are many Confederates buried there also whose graves are also cared for -- The old Lee place belongs to the government, which paid Gen'l Custis Lee $150,000 , in settlement of his claim-