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-Mary D. Edwards Summer 2000

1856-1861 16 items Letters of John P. Lightner to Amanda C. Armentrout Brand #11332

Fancy Hill

Sept. 25th 1858

Dear Friend;

I improve the present opportunity to afford me pleasure in answering your kind and affectionate letter, which I received very unexpectedly, the first day I started to school. I do not know how you found out the Post Office so soon.

There were (was) two envelopes over it. Well it does not make any difference how I got it so I did get it. I expected to have gone down to the pines but I was like yourself; got disappointed. I was kept pretty busy as I expected to start to school again. I like Mr Poague (our teacher) very much[.] he appears to be a young man of true piety. He makes us commit so many verses of Scripture, every night; and he himself explains them to us.

He also reads parts of Scripture and explains them to us, & tells us all how to get to heaven & how to get our sins forgiven[.] I admire him for that one great thing expecially [sic], a thing entirely neglected by most teachers[.]

He teaches us the way of salvation, (or explains it taught in the Bible) as well as the way to knowledges[sic]. His language is very affecting, or at least has that tendency.

A person that has any regard for their Maker cannot help but like him. I like him[.] I have got acquainted with his sisters & Mother. his father’s dead[.]

I almost fell in love with his Mother. His sisters are nice girls indeed. They are like Mr. Poague eminent for their piety.

I went last night to prayer meeting but the weather was so unfavorable there was nobody attended atall [sic] but myself. It was at Mr. Perry’s. But I staid [sic] there till after he had prayers & got acquainted with 5 of his daughters[.] I dont know whether he had any more or not; one of them was the same Miss Perry that taught school in Greenville. They were apparently very nice.

I took a trip to Natural Bridge, it is a beautiful work of God; but it was not a very great curiosity to me, I suppose you would like to see it.

I am still the same John[.] I hope stronger in faith[.]

You were speaking about Ell McComb[.] I hope he may be what you hoped that he might be[.]

But as for me there is time enough yet for me to choose, what profession I have to take for life; but I hope that it will be one that will end my days happy. I hope to meet you soon if not on earth I hope to meet you on a happier shore[.] I follow (or try to) what Mr. Poague said, pray to God & he will make me & you Christians if we pray. Pray without ceasing.

Excuse all mistakes write soon Your affectionate Friend

John P. Lightner