[001] 
 
Macon Georgia 
March 26th 1865 
 
My dear father, 
 I can make no arrangements  
for bringing Clara, Julia, myself and 
the baggage across the country in getting 
to Athens unless you can spare the rocker- 
way [?] and a two horse wagon from Bona [Bonaventure?] to 
send down to Milledgeville. One reason why 
I have not hurried on to Athens was that 
the sale of the sorghum syrup at Blowing 
Cave to Gallett [?] is still pending and any [unknown] 
how [?] is [unknown] to conclude [unknown]. I 
[?] successful [Judeed?] I cannot well go away 
for the reason that if I fail to sell it to him 
I want to try and get [unknown] in Money at 
over [?] from the [Government?]. It may be necessary for 
now to make another trip to Blowing Cave for 
a day or two to accomplish this result bef- 
ore going to Athens. 
The negroes wagons , etc. to for the last [?] cooks 
have been delayed by the high water in Southeastern 
Georgia and by the presence of some of  
the enemy's vessels off St. Mark's lighthouse. 
They have now gone and are probably at [unknown] 
 
[002] 
 
today. Col. William has recovered sufficiently  
from his wound to be up an attending 
to business. 
I want to see you to talk over the subject of  
your letter to the General upon the subject 
of raising a regiment of negro troops. My 
view is that the administration basing [?] 
committed itself to the policy, [unknown] requires 
every good citizen to support it but sir I 
do not think it is your duty to take part in 
the organization. Is it not apparent to you 
that if you accept a Colonel in the line 
that injury [?] to you and your country too, must 
follow from the inevitable neglect of your private 
interests? Remember you cannot hope to 
get leaves of absences to Athens to your private 
business. They will not grant them. You seem 
up to the whole matter. I believe your duty to 
yourself and younger children in the first 
place and the country secondarily [unknown] 
that you be left free to give your time and 
attention according to your own bequests [?] 
to your private interests. I feel assured that 
although you may differ from the view I 
have expressed you will fully appreciate the 
spirit which I have written. I am "prompted" to 
write as I have by [unknown] but the sincerest affection 
for you added to a firm conviction that your 
strong desire to see this movement successful has  
indeed [?] you to take [?] proposed step. I earnestly 
hope that you will reconsider. Your affectionate son, [signed] Pope Barrow.