Contributed: January 2007
Contributed by Louise Williams, found in a trunk of her grandmother Carrie Tynes Wright who was the first child of Henry and Mattie Rogers Tynes. (spelling is Henry’s)
Booneville Miss
Jan "2" 1872 Dec "31” 1871
Miss Mattie
Your
sweet little note so long looked for came to hand this evening.
I am indeed sorry to know that you think me inconstant. Have never
failed to write at the proper time since our correspondence commenced
untill last week and then I wrote anyway, yet I knew you would
not get the letter untill Friday.
Miss
Mattie you have no reason to think that I am not ever thoughtful
of you. Have I not proved by actions that I almost worship you,
have never thought of loving any one else since I met you. Since
it seams that you have no reason to think me devoid of the feeling
for you that I profess to have it must be that you do not like
me as you ought. Still I will not accuse you of practicing such
hypocracy with me as to profess to love and then not to.
Hope
you will have a good time with your sweetheart. Though tell him
not to call to often. Guess you felt considerably fatigued after
keeping such late hours at night, have not entirely recovered
from dancing and sitting up yet. We intend having a party tomorrow
night, but it is raining now, and if it continues we cannot have
the party, which will suit me for I do not want to go.
*************************************************
(note: this letter is severely blotched and barely readable, words are missing)
Booneville Miss
April 1" 1872
My Dearest Mattie
In
the way of vanity I will send you an April Fool, though I guess
you will know the handwriting at a glance. It is your letter to
___ that I have reference to ___ Wright. I sent him a nice little
note requesting him to call and see me, that I had some particular
business concerning him and after a few minutes he knocked at
the door. After I was confirmed that we would not be interrupted
by any of the young gentlemen who frequently call to see me, in
order to tell their jokes, talk of bygone days and air sweethearts.
So it was late at night before I broached the subject to Robert,
commenced by asking him to let me see your letter again. That
I did not thourily understand it yesterday as I was in such a
hurry. He soon got the letter out of his pocket and handed it
to me to read. After reading it I told him to give it to me and
I would show it to you and find out the causes at the same time.
I ought to have known better. The causes are plainly set before
me in the letter.
We
talked a long time about it then. He told me some other things
which I will tell you when I go out, though I know it is not true.
I have not paid any attention to it and will not until I see you
though it is nothing that you should have said but some one else.
Also a letter wrote you about me, it will not make any difference
no way for I know at least I believe you will like me regardless
of other peoples opinions. Now do not mention anything that is
in this letter for my sake. And it is for your sake that I have
written it. I thought Bob would show your letter, which I know
he would do even though it was a regular sell on him at the same
time. He thinks it an honor to receive a letter from you whether
favorable or not. Write me Friday. As thine, your
Henry Tynes
*******************************************************
Booneville Miss
April "29" 1872
Miss Mattie Rogers
Dearest
Mattie
You
must excuse me for not complying with my promise of last week.
My
Brother was very sick. Some better today and if he improves fast
I will be out one day this week. This appology I hope will be
satisfactory. Have not received any letters from you in two weeks.
Guess you have not had an opportunity to write or else you are
sick. Hope it is not the latter. We had considerable amusement
in town last week. Two slight of hand shows and the Orphans of
Laudadale Springs Miss gave a concert Friday night. Besides we
had a Party Thursday night.
Suppose
there is to be a May Party at Corinth 1st of May and a Ball at
night. I would like to attend but circumstances are such that
I can't leave. Robert Holly said he saw you in Jacinta Sunday
two weeks ago, though said he never spoke to you. Circuit Court
was in session last week. Condemned one negro, found him guilty
of murder. The Jury sentanced him to the Penitenciary for life
time. And yesterday the Jailer left home and the negro got out,
so he has gone. I guess for good. I do not know of any thing interesting
to write. Therefore please excuse brief letter. You must not be
mad because I have not gone out, for I will come soon.
Your own,
H.L.T.
********************************************************
Booneville Miss
May "29" 1872
My Darling Mattie,
I
am afraid this letter will not reach you this week. would have
written Monday, but thought I would have represented myself then
in person ere this time. Had my Buggy and horse ready for the
trip and Oh how anxious I was to be off, when Mrs. Carter sent
a note to the store stateing that her child was dangerouslly ill.
And Mr. Carter had to attend to it, leaving no one here with me.
Consequently all my joyous hopes and anticipated pleasures were
soundly blasted. The child is yet very sick, and but little chance
for it to recover. I will still be bouyant and not dispond, hoping
that disappointment and misfortune will not always be my fate,
but that the coming years may bless me with the gorgeous pleasure
of being with you all the time. And the noblest boon that heaven
could bestow upon me, (is to give thee
to me) this one I love, prize and idolize! None other can ever
fill the place in my affections that you occupy.
No
news of importance. Great many people were here last Saturday
and Sunday to attend the meeting. Some say they would have numbered
12 or fifteen hundred. The Bishop preached in the morning, think
he is the best preacher that I ever listened to in my life. Believe
every one likes him.
Had
a death in town about ten minutes ago. A young man by the name
of Martin. The cars run over him last Friday, cutting off one
of hes legs, at least mangleing it so badly that the Dr. had to
cut it off. I am very sorry for him and expecially his Mother.
She fainted when she first saw him. He was a very stout robust
man and his death being so sudden and was caused by being careless
and unthoughted makes it grieve her more than if he had have died
a natural death. And she says she always have beged him to quit
Rail Roading.
Give
my regards to your Pa & Ma, also Hugh, Mollie & Lee. Guess
Maggie is at Jacinto, therefore you
can send her word about it. Write me when you can, for
I will not promise when I am going any more, for I am fooled so
often.
Good by
Forever your's Henry
*******************************************************
Booneville Miss
June "22" 1872
Miss Mattie Rogers
Darling
Mattie
Your
kind favor of recent date was read by me this morning. Believe
I prized it more highly than all the letters that you ever written
me. It was so different to what I expected, though I guess you
will think that I ought to have responded with greater appreciation
than I represented above. But circumstances made it impracticable.
I went to Marietta Monday thinking probably I might find out something
about the forged letter. I did not return until yesterday eve.
My
trip was a complete failure, returned in disgust no wiser than
when
I left. Many many thoughts have flitted through my brain since
the time I received your letter accompanied by one with my name
to it. The punishments that I planned to heep upon the Perpetrator
are so wicked that I will not mention it. The most severe punishment
is too good for him.
I would
like to know who it is that you suspicion with the act, for I
have not got the remotest idea who did it. Will be over soon and
have you tell me your notions about it. You have no idea how bad
it hurt your Darlings feeling when you intimated that he wrote
the letter, though you satisfied me about it the last time. They
can not make us dislike each other, can they? No, I will never
cease loving you untill you tell me when we are face to face,
and I know that you did say so. Neither must you ever become fretted
at any thing unless you know for certain. People are very low
- minded and ____will stoop to any thing. They might tell you
things that I should have said and again they might tell you things
about me, and if you love me please do not notice the reports
of maddam rumor. You will some day know that I have always told
you the truth and it never has been my notion to deceive you.
And for my sake don't never think about such any more. Tell me
you will not in your next letter. Darling you know I love you
better than any thing in all the world because I never was constant
to any lady before in my life. Remember my promise and do not
never be mad with me any more. Good by untill I see you my dear
Mattie,
Your Henry
***********************************************************
Booneville Miss
July “22” 1872
My own Darling Mattie,
I
arrived in town safe, though very much fatigued the way I thought
Besides my horse was an awful ruff traveler. How is little Lee?
I am almost afraid to ask the question though I hope he is better
and will be fast improving “ere” this reaches you.
You must not think hard of me for comeing away when I did. I saw
there was plenty of company. Moreover I could not do any good
and my presence here was needed very much, really do not know
what I would have done had I not got here when I did. No nurse
in town, smallpox all died out. The Negro woman that had it is
dead. Believe I told you about the old Negro man being dead.
Darling
excuse me this time. Mr. Carter has gone out to a burial, no one
here but me. Good by, forever
Thy faithful, Henry
P.S. Write me a long letter and I will commence in time the next letter that I write you. Write me exactly your feelings in regard to me. You know mine.
Booneville, Miss
August 19th, 1872
Miss Mattie Rogers,
Darling
Mattie,
I
was not favored with a letter from you last night, and for some
cause I know not what I had rather receive a letter from you more
than at any time since our correspondence; I will still hope that
it may come tonight. We had a Picnic Saturday 5 miles south west
of the Wm. M. Bounters. Miss Mamie Bramlet and Misses Shinault
were the instigators of the affair. They sent us all cards Friday,
or at least such as they wanted to attend the Picnic. The Miss
Kitchridges from Louisiana were there. They are up as a visit
to see their sister. Had with them their Croqua balls. And the
fun of it was those on the grounds did not know how to play, and
they had a gay time learning. I made it convenient to address
myself most all of the time to one of the Miss Kitchridges and
by so doing did not have much trouble in learning how to play.
They are very lively, and seemed to enjoy the Picnic finely. I
am going out in the morning after one of them to come to preaching.
We have a protracted meeting here, don't think it will close this
summer. My reason for going after her is because they are the
F. F. Louisianna, and I know some
parties here will dislike it so much because they think I ought
not to notice any one else but them. Tell me if you can come up
next week or week after next. If so I will go prepared to bring
you with me. I am going out to see you about that time if not
providentially hindered.
Darling,
I received a letter from brother Lucius this evening, told me
more things that the Misses Gaines have said about me ...their
elucidation of the before. Goodness knows if they was to tell
you what he wrote to me and if you was to believe it, I know you
would never speak to me again, and I would not blame you; however
we will not notice them any more and if she does speak to you
disrespectful of me, you will do me a favor not to listen at it.
For I know I would not allow any person to say ought against you
in my presence. And it is probable that she may say something
judging from what Lucius wrote. He also stated that Dr. Kirk's
little girl died Saturday evening; she was a sweet child and was
my favorite of all my nieces; I could not go to see her and I
regret it very much.
The bell is now ringing for preaching tonight, can see the young
ladies returning from their evening walks and they look very sanctimonious.
Believe if the meeting continues this week that all of them will
profess religion. I went last night and feel too sleepy to go
again tonight.- wish I could see you, know I would not be sleepy.
More Saturday -
Good night,
Henry
*********************************************************
Booneville, Miss
Sept 2, 1872
My Darling,
I
wrote you a letter last night, but I read your sweet letter over
again a few minutes ago which causes me to write you this one:
Darling I know you are superior and the best lady in the world
and if you will forgive me never again will I do anything to trouble
you. Some things Darling have occured with me that makes me sick
even to think of it.
Ma
was sick when I got home, and she had heard I guess the same that
you have about me. She kissed me and cried nearly all night and
I could not get her to tell me what was the cause of it untill
next morning. She then told me all about it. When I left Ma kissed
me several times and said she would forgive me, at the same time
begging me never do so any more, for she said she loved me better
than any one on earth, that I was her favorite child and for her
sake never act in that way again. Now Darling, my Ma who loves
me dearly said she would forgive me and you must also and I know
you will if you love me as she does, and I believe you do.
Darling,
great many things are false I know that you have heard. Still
some of it is correct, and I regret it more than you do, or any
one else. Young people are liable to be contaminated and be carried
away from all that is good and pure, and never return again to
the faith of honor, righteousness and duty, but Darling I am glad
to know that I am possessed with enough self esteem and self confidence
to quit any thing regardless of the habit or attachment that I
may have for the indulgeance that I might become a victim. Yes
Darling, I love you and for that reason there is reformation for
me. I will from this time forward live to honor and love you darling.
I admire your frankness with me, still I always knew you was conciencious
and frank about every thing, and for that reason and great many
other qualities which you are possessed with, that I admire and
cannot find in but a few caused me to first love you. I have Darling
been with and associated with great many ladies in my life, which
you know to be a fact, therefore this experience that I have,
however I am quite young, teaches me that you are more perfect,
more graceful and elegant than any lady that I ever met. Yes you
are the ideal of my affections, the image that I pictured and
painted in my memory when a boy and I know you are mine. And all
the combined flowers of earth can not take you from me. Darling
let who may talk to you of me, but they can't hurt me; for I have
too much energy and can out live all such insults, and the very
ones that speak the most bitter language of me are the most ready
to speak sweet words and profess friendship when in my presence.
There will be a time when they will regret what some of them have
done.
I
know I do not harm anyone, either by words or actions, and why
should they busy themselves about me so much. Now Darling write
to me exactly what you think about the affair and you need not
disguise any thing about it. I will not think hard of you, makes
no difference what you write. I will wait untill I hear from you
before I come. Write soon and a long letter. Good bye
Your faithful.
Henry
P.S. We have Methodist meeting going on here.
Believe all the young men are morners some of them professed,
I hear them shouting now.
********************************************************
Booneville Miss
Sept _ 1872
Miss Mattie Rogers
My
Darling Mattie
I
thank you for your Goodness and Kindness to me. Darling I love
you a thousand times better than I ever did. Yes, the combined
intelligence of earth could not assess the devotion, the
affection and quality of feelings that fill my heart for you.
Your Sweet letter, though brief, meant as much as the dozen __(unreadable)__
gives me pleasure every time.
I
feel too unworthy of you. But
I hope through your goodness that I may be made good, and I hope
that I may live to honor and love you. Darling I love you. Yes
more than I can tell and more than you will ever know.
Daniel
Wright was here Saturday. He and I had a long conversation. Daniel
is a good man, besides a good friend of yours as well as mine.
I
suppose John Owens thought through his _(unreadable)_____ supplication__
would correct___. When I went to the morners bench he came to
me and said something. I do not know what but I did not give him
as much attention as I would one of Hugh’s hound dogs. He
got mad with me last Spring about Miss Fannie Patrick and kept
talking about me untill I stopped him. And he is still mad because
Miss Fannie will not allow him to visit her, says I am the cause
of it, when I never had nothing more to do with his & Miss
Fannie’s business than some one’s that I never saw.
He knows that I do not associate with him and his sort, and he
does not like me for it. I know that I am better than John Owens
and ever expect to remain so.
Really I do not notice him at all, since he has acted so mean
with me. It is like Miss Ida Norwood said, I am to good for John
Owens to talk about if I do not always do right. I went up other
camp meeting yesterday. Had a fine time. Eight of us went in a
hack, and the horses would run down hill and scare the young ladies,
and some of them would laugh and hollow. The meeting broke last
night, but our meeting here is still going on, and not much telling
when it will close. I will be over soon, Good by, Your own Henry
Booneville Miss
Nov “12” 1872
My Darling Mattie,
I
will write you a short note tonight, though I do not think you
will receive it this week. I went down home yesterday morning.
Started at day light and did not have time to write.
I
found my Ma considerable better than when I saw her last. Hope
she will yet get over her sickness. She is willing that you and
I to take our Memphis trip still she said. She would send for
Sister Mattie and give us an infair* if I desired it. But I think
too much of her to impose on her good nature. Sister Mattie would
attend to it for her, but the doctors advise me as not to have
any excitement whatever during her sickness. Darling I heard you
arrived at home safe. Saw Mr. Tipton as he was going on to Texas
and he informed me.
Hope
you will be ready on the 17th of December, believe that was the
time you requested for our marriage. Make Mrs. Mitchel wait and
go with us. She is such a good lady, and will be so much company
for you. Tell her that I want her to remain untill we go. Darling,
I anticipate a pleasant and happy trip. Certainly it will be pleasant
to me as I will be with my Darling, the only one in this world
that I love as I do myself. Hope you do not have any doubts on
this subject now, for I have proved what I have always expressed.
Business
is very pressing at present and I will not have time to go over
to see you but once more. Therefore you must not expect it. Will
let you know when I will be over in my next letter.
How
is Howtower & Miss Belle getting along? Tell them to talk
fast and get married soon. Write to me this week, certain, and
excuse bad writing for I broke my gold pen and have to use a stub
one. Give my love to you Ma & Pa, Hugh, Maggie & little
Mollie. Good by.
Yours only, Henry
*(an “infair” is an old custom of welcoming the new bride home.)
*******************************************************
Booneville Miss
Dec “7” 1872
My Darling Mattie,
Hugh
handed me your sweet letter this morning. It was appreciated to
the utmost extent of ardent affection that I have for you. Sorry
that I did not remain longer with you Monday as Miss Willie came
up. Would have liked very much to have met her, however I guess
she will remain there untill next week. I will be over at that
time. Tell her that Dr. Smith will be pleased to meet her. He
is a very nice gentleman, and stands at the head of his profession.
I arrived at home safe Monday, but stopped several times on the
road. Consequently I did (not) get here until in the night.
Darling
since considering our affairs I think the 24th of this mo. will
suit me as well as any time. Provided this suits you we will get
married on that day. And let me know in your next letter or probably
I will see you ere you can have the chance to write me. I have
made other arrangements about going to Aberdeen, have hired Mr.
Selman, a young lawyer to attend to my business there. We have
no news in Town. Considerable sickness in and around the vicinity
of Booneville and proves to be very fatal. We buried two of our
citizens this week. Both old Christian gentlemen, which is some
consolation to their kindred and friends. Everything is in such
a bustle this morning that I cannot write, therefore excuse this
letter. Good by Darling
Yours only, Henry
*********************************************************
Mobile Ala
Dec. 9th 1874
(Note that tombstone inscription for mother of Henry, Elizabeth Tynes, dates death as November 14 1874 - He calls her “Ma” here. Perhaps her tombstone inscription actually reads 1879? Or is he calling wife Mattie “Ma”?)
Dearest Mattie & Carrie Baby
Your
letter mailed at Fulton came to hand this morning. I was extremely
glad to know that you had received my letters, for I was considerably
confused when you wrote me that you had not heard a word from
me since leaving. And again I am proud to hear that the Baby is
so well and gaining flesh. You can not conceive of the idea how
proud I would be to see her. I think of you and her every minute
in the day. Also I am glad to know that Ma is taking good care
of her and feeding her Pudici. Nothing new has occurred since
writing you the other day, only a negro woman fell off the wharf
this morning in the river and drowned. Tell Pa that I attended
a Democratic Convention last night. It was a grand thing. Thay
cast out every man that had ever participated with the radicals.
The Catholic Church is still holding their meetings ordaining
Bishops vi: I am going to the Methodist Church Sunday. Suppose
a man from New Orleans will Preach then. I will close, wroter
merely to answer your letter, will write a long letter Sunday.
Good by Your boy Henry. I give my love to all, and tell Hugh to
write me.