1862 May 12 Columbus, Ala.

Columbus 12th May 1862

Dear Sir [General John Hartwell Cocke]

On my return home yesterday
from Hopewell, I found your letters
of 22nd & 28th April at my house.
I will attend to the puting your
mares to a horse when I go down
again, which will be the first week
in June--I wrote you fully from
Hopewell on friday last.  All well &c
I notice what you write about Maria
& would not take Maria from her mother
without her consent, if you had not said
any thing about it.  When I was down
last I named to Lucy what I had
written to you, but had not heard any
thing from you on the subject.
Her reply was, that she did not think
you would object. I left her to think
about it, & when I heard from you we would
talk more about it.  She wrote to her
mother (old Mary) saying to her, she
did not think you would object, &
that Maria was anxious to come to
Columbus, & that she hoped she would
be a comfort to her Grand Mother

[page 2]
If I take Maria, Lucy must be
entirely willing--I know Betsey too
well to want her--altho I appreciate
your kindness.  She is filthy, lazy, & has
but little sense, besides, I object to her
very white child--she can't blame you,
me, or my wife, if she is sold, as we
all gave her good advices.  She can
not be sold now.--I am truly glad to
learn Doct. Cocke will come out soon.
It is important that he come & come soon.
The Government has impressed 9 of the est.
servants into the Hospitals service here.
I would not take the responsibility to
hire them to the Government.
We are tolerable well thank God & Mrs
Powell unite in love to you.
Our Respects to the Doct. & family.
I hope Mr J. B. Cocke will come also--
If Lucy leaves this county, we will not
be in the way of Maria's going with her.
                          Farewell, yr friend
                                   R.D. Powell

Genl John H Cocke.

MSS 640