Firsthand Accounts

Research

Jacob Miller, letter

August 10, 1859

“Sharpsburg August 10th 1859
Dear Christian and Amelia
Yours of the 3rd is at hand in relation to Jacobs cource against me which was about as
harsh, rough, ungentlemanly, un Christian like and without regard to relation or friendship as it
posable could be. I do not believe that a man (in tolerable good standing) could be found in
Washington County or in any other County who would prosecute a case so riget against a friend
and relation as Jacob and I stood towards each other. ---- he showed his cloven foot last Spring
soon after he came in. ...but I thought I was dealing with relatives and friends as for Jacob I
alwas considered him one of my warmest friends and he always profefsed to be such so I
confefsed a Judgment to him with a stay of execution for one year fully satisfied in my mind that
I would be ready to meete the call. But things in general took a change, the next crop of wheat
failed which wound up money matters verry close which threw everybody out of market in
buying land so I failed in selling and raising the money...
...he then ordered the Sheriff to sell anything he could lay his hands upon that would
fetch the money that I had some negroes he should take them and the Sheriff is bound to obay
his instructions so the Sheriff came down and took Aaron, John, Nau [Nan?], Jane and her child
now I would almost as soon he would have taken my life as to have taken them three boys from
me and I believe they would have wrisked their lives for me so great was their attachment for me
that when the Sheriff came down I told them of what was to be done they submitted at once and
said then you will be clear of Hauser but when the Sheriff came to Harriet she became enraged
and said Jacob made a big leak [leap] and she hoped the next leap he would make would land
him into hell and I can assure you that Jacob has verry fiew friends hear anymore...”