JAMES LUCIUS EDWIN CLARK

A LETTER
JAMES LUCIUS EDWIN CLARK
TO
JAMES AUGUSTUS BERRIAN
September 14, 1879

contributed by CHARLOTT Y. JONES
luvnnonni@aol.com

Columbus, W Ter May 4th 1879

Dear Uncle

I received a postal card from you asking if I intended to come out there this fall as I am now fixed I cannot as I have my cattle paid for wintering and as i have no money by me now it is impossible for me to come this fall Unless I sold out and that aint at all probable that I could get a buyer at this time a year to pay me what they are worth if I do will and good I will let them go I think I can sell them in the spring for a hundred and seventy five dollars And I am now getting a dollar a day but dont know just how long it will last There is a new Railroad being built through this County and I expect to help get out ties this winter and some this fall Things look bright for me here but if I can better myself by going out there I will come But not until spring I tell you Uncle I've seen some hard times since I saw you But then Ive learned some since then Its true I am young but I have had some experiences of the ways of this vain world and experience is a good teacher at least Ive found it so But since I saw you I am older stronger and know more of the ways of the world Ive learned to face misfortune with a bolder front and to stem the tide of woe with a calmer heart "And all is not gold that glitters" and that to make our way in life we have to row our little boat over many a rough billow I was not born one of the "greats" to live in luxury and splendor but fate ordained that I should be born in poverty and battle my way through povertys gates I have had to "rough it" from the time I can first remember until now and will some time longer but I hope the darkest days are over and the bright ones about to dawn And the saying "rough it" will be a thing of the past the greatest of all misfortunes was the death of my dear mother who has filled a peaceful grave for over a year The death angel claimed her as his and I am only left to weep over the past Had she lived until today she would have had the pleasure of seeing her eldest son launched off into manhood For he is just 21 years of age today And I am following close behind I am up to Uncle Georges today I come every sunday Geo seems to be doing well and I am glad of it for he has seen some rough times with the rest of us I will close hoping to hear from you soon Give my love to all and write a long letter

From Your Effectionate Nephew
Lucius Clark

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