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1865 May 25, Letter written by J. Edward James, 96th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment, on May 25, 1865, at Camp Harker, Nashville, Tennessee, to his sister Lizzie James Lamberson, Galena, Illinois.
In reply to Lizzie’s “business kind” letter of May 16, he states that he wants to make money, or at least enough to feed and clothe himself. Notes he has received a letter from Mr. Huntington advising him of a possible business opportunity but, since he did not know what it was and he was considering Lizzie’s offer, he has not replied. “[page 2] now in regards to what you speak of – I rather like the plan and [page 3] if I understand it rightly I think the plan as stated by you would work well, and I think were I at home I should take the offer, though as I cannot here judge just what is for the best I can hardly give a decisive answer. You say 'the only question is whether or no I would fancy the [photography] busness [sic]', this is only a small question with me, - yes I think I should, and as it puts a fellow a little on his ingenuity I would like it all the better for that, and with Harvey I think I could soon learn enough to help. - If Harvey thinks he would like to take me in with him, and has not made any other agreement and if he could delay matters until I get home (which I think will not be long) I think I shall be ready to take the offer. I shall have when paid up between five or six hundred dollars, and I would prefer letting it or investing with him than any one else I know of. - There is one point in your letter that I cannot by the words decide as to what is meant. - am I to understand that I am to rent the Gallery in Galena - or am I to be the partner spoken of, and go with Harvey while a third person take the Galena Gallery on shares? Perhaps if Harvey would write me a few line [sic] on the matter I could tell better [page 4] what to do. At all events before any other person is taken in. I would like to understand matters fully, that I can come to a conclusion, as I said before I rather like it and as in taking it up I shall remain more at home (by being with you). I would prefer it rather than going in to anything with strangers, at least better then Mr H. offer."
Identifier
sc.0069.001_004.004
Date
1865 May 25
Keywords
United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Correspondents
Recommended Citation
"1865 May 25, J. Edward James to Lizzie James Lamberson" (2023). Documents. 10.
https://digitalcommons.memphis.edu/speccoll-mss-jamesje1/10
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