Dr. Alfred: The Life and Letters of Alfred Walker Bethea, a Signer of the Ordinance of Secession of South Carolina from the Union

"I think your idea of leaving if Vicksburg falls is a very good one, for your section of the country will certainly be overrun in that event. Should the necessity arise come out & come out at once & we will do what we can for you. A great many from the exposed sections of Mi and La have already brought their negroes back home." These words were written in a letter dated June 24, 1863 from Dr. Alfred Bethea to his brother from Reedy Creek, S.C. in Dillon County, South Carolina and is one of ...