Private D.H. Farr to Lubbock, April 14, 1862
Life in Texas grew very difficult as the Civil War continued. Some Confederate supporters formed militia groups that were little more than lynch mobs, rounding up those suspected of Union sympathies and terrorizing or murdering them. There were shortages of ordinary goods, such as salt, coffee, medicine, shoes, paper, farm implements, and clothing; Governor Lubbock himself was inaugurated in a homespun suit. The beginnings of forced conscription (the draft) meant that men were sent to the war front, leaving women and children to run the farms. The transportation system broke down, as railroad tracks were torn up and roads and bridges fell into disrepair.
This letter from a soldier is typical of the letters from ordinary citizens that can be found in the correspondence of Governor Lubbock.
"War, Ruin, and Reconstruction"
Governor Lubbock Dear sir Owing to the failure of crops and scarcity August 14 1862 D.H. Farr, pri, Capt H. Davises company |
"War, Ruin, and Reconstruction"
Private D.H. Farr to Lubbock, April 14, 1862, Records of Francis Richard Lubbock, Texas Office of the Governor, Archives and Information Services Division, Texas State Library and Archives Commission.