Frank Marten to former enslaver, Col. Joe Perkins, Esq
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Col. Joe Perkins Esq.
You will, as I hope, not have quite very often old times and old servants and trusting to this, I undertake to ask from you a great favor; which might give you some trouble; but trusting your kindness I hope you will help me.
You will remember Frank Marten who used to belong to Mr. James Fisher, the husband of Luci-anne Marten (Brooks), who was sold 1855 and taken to Claiborne County Miss.
I had to leave my children, 6 boys behind and as much as I know with you; - I have toiled since the surrender, hoping to make enough to go back to the old home and see it and my children once more, but have not been able to accomplish it and so seeing no [not with the âtâ crossed out] other way I direct these lines and in them my wish
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to you.
Do you know anythink about my children Please let me know where they are or when you only could let me know something of one of them; you would do me the greatest favor any mankind could do to me, and my thanks, which I can not give to you where I am so far from you, I will send in prayer to heaven. - . - .
I have enjoyed since you have seen me last, 19 years ago, good health (wich I hope to hear from you the same) and have been married in this state, having with my wife 3 children, 2 girls and 1 boy but I am getting old and have not been able to make anythink, I am as poor I was when a slave, might be a little poorer but I would veryed age and poverty in the joy to hear something from my boy, which I hope you will be able and kind enough to give to
Your loyal servant,
Frank Marten
Col. Joe Perkins Esq.
You will, as I hope, not have quite very often old times and old servants and trusting to this, I undertake to ask from you a great favor; which might give you some trouble; but trusting your kindness I hope you will help me.
You will remember Frank Marten who used to belong to Mr. James Fisher, the husband of Luci-anne Marten (Brooks), who was sold 1855 and taken to Claiborne County Miss.
I had to leave my children, 6 boys behind and as much as I know with you; - I have toiled since the surrender, hoping to make enough to go back to the old home and see it and my children once more, but have not been able to accomplish it and so seeing no [not with the âtâ crossed out] other way I direct these lines and in them my wish
[page 2]
to you.
Do you know anythink about my children Please let me know where they are or when you only could let me know something of one of them; you would do me the greatest favor any mankind could do to me, and my thanks, which I can not give to you where I am so far from you, I will send in prayer to heaven. - . - .
I have enjoyed since you have seen me last, 19 years ago, good health (wich I hope to hear from you the same) and have been married in this state, having with my wife 3 children, 2 girls and 1 boy but I am getting old and have not been able to make anythink, I am as poor I was when a slave, might be a little poorer but I would veryed age and poverty in the joy to hear something from my boy, which I hope you will be able and kind enough to give to
Your loyal servant,
Frank Marten