Letter from Richard to his Father
Contributed by Frank A. Chappell
“Dear Father, ... I have felt that I had
much reason to rejoice in the Lord and prais his name. For I know his
holy spirit has been with me though living in a land of vice and
immorality. The good Lord is ever ready to bless our souls if we will ask
in faith trusting in his goodness...”
This quote is from a letter written by
Richard Branscomb to his father, Ben Branscomb, while he was away from the
family in another Alabama town involved in a business venture there. It
was written in 1857 prior to the Civil War. Richard remained in Union
Springs during the war making leather goods for the Confederate army. It
is interesting to note that several of his descendants became prominent
Methodist ministers. He evidently passed his firm faith on to them.
A few of his letters are included in the book, “Dear Sister, Civil War Letters
to a Sister in Alabama” which was published in 2003 by Branch Springs
Publishing. Frank A. Chappell, the great-great grandson of Lucinda Hunter
found the letters and published the book. Copies are available from Frank
A. Chappell, 800 Watts Drive, Huntsville, AL 35801 or
fchap10220@comcast.net.
