Demopolis April 21, 1865
My dear Mrs Rice,
I have your letter of 15 Inst. Starke passed through here last week, having spent one day here. He went with Sam to Dallas Co. As there are no mails to that point I will seek an opportunity of writing him and deliver your message. I understand Maj. Walker is at Meridian but can't say when he will go. Presume you have seen or heard from him before this. Montgomery was not injured at all. The enemy occupied the place but a short time and I learn the troops behaved very well, doing no damage whatever. It is reputed that they were bought off by the citizens for $200,000 in gold, but of course we do not know if it be true. I have heard nothing from your Father or Leigh, but presume they are safe, as I have seen persons who have recently left Montgomery. We hear that the enemy quietly occupied Mobile & they have respected private property & allowed no troops in the City proper. It is said that the Officers have taken the best buildings on Govt. St. but I can't hear of any families being turned out, except the Humphries on St Louis St. It is said they took Mrs. Ketchums', Col. Garner's, Mrs. Eliza Battles', Robt. W. Smith's &c. &c. Thus far Dampere's has escaped but we can't say how long it will be spared. At present the water courses are higher than usual - and the Roads are almost impassable - but no obstacle seems to be in the way of the industrious Yankee. We are all well, but may soon be separated. Mr. L. has returned looking only tolerably well. If you hear from your sisters I hope you will let us know.
With love to the children.
Yours truly
W. H. R.
Intellectual Underpinnings of the American Civil War
