THE LOVER'S LETTERS and other family correspondence by E. R. Killian, Dec. 1, 2001 =================================================================================== The following letters were transcribed by Joann Weaver Grose, great granddaughter of Henry Rufus Causey and Victoria Hinton. Joann's 1999 appended notes give insight into the time period and the relationships of many of the personalities mentioned in the body of the letters. The author has amended a few of Joann's comments to reflect answers to questions she raised in 1999 about some of those mentioned in the texts. =================================================================================== The Correspondents: Henry Rufus Causey, 1846-1926, Lieutenant, Co. I, 44th Mississippi Infantry. Victoria Hinton, 1845-1933, 'Vicky' to Rufus whom she married Jan. 8, 1868. =================================================================================== =================================================================================== From Henry Rufus Causey to Victoria Hinton, apparently shortly after Victoria consented to marry Henry Rufus Causey. "Oak Grove Cottage, July 31st (1867?) My dear Vicky, Oh! What a Sweet privilege you have granted me; that of calling you mine: & Sweeter Still was the words that fell from they Sweet lips, that made thee mine. You can't imagine the happiness afforded me by that sweet word, "Certainly", I can't express my joy in words. I fear that you doubt my being in earnest, & oh! Sweet woman, if I knew that you did, how unhappy 'twould make me, though I trust you will have perfect confidence in me. My reasons for making this remark are simply this, there are some hard hearted creatures of both Sexes, that delight in playing the jilting game, which I think an almost unpardonable sin, especially when either side is as pure minded, & free from such thoughts as you are. As for myself I shall forever feel assured that we will some day (& I hope 'tis not very far distant) be united in holy wedlock. My heart was too full of love & fear commingled, to say all that was necessary on the occasion. I think t'would be well enough to have a full understanding about it. You have said that you would be mine Someday, when shall that day be? You know my circumstances I suppose & perhaps you could best say when the day shall be or when t'would suit you best. If I were better prepared, I would say immediately, but I feel that I ought to better your condition if possible. I expect to live here with Ma next year, & probably this will be my home as long as Ma lives, & maybe forever, at least as long as I live. 'Tis a sweet home to me, & I think you would like it. I think the society of this neighborhood is the best in the county. I shall always do my best for you & strive to make you happy; you know the condition of the country, & there is no telling what we may all come down to in a short while, but I feel confident, that as you love me well enough to join your fate with mine you will be willing to risk all consequences. I'll assure you that you shall never do anything that I can possibly relieve you of doing in the way of work. Oh! Miss Vic, how can I agree for you to leave me for as long a time as one year, my sighs and tears will be many for thee. 'Tis awful to think of letting you go if I could possibly help it. Still I fear that if I were to insist on your marrying me now I couldn't make you as happy as I would wish to do. I will say no more about it for the present, I will leave it all with you, I'll abide by whatever you say. I received the last letter today, just after I got here. I was very glad to see it. I was afraid someone would break it & read it for spite, there are so many that are puzzled about where I get so many letters, I don't intend any one shall find out from me. The widow would give almost anything to know where they come from. Never mind you believe the widow quicker than you will me, will you? She was very much mistaken. That letter didn't make me worse, it helped me, though sure for a while it's true I was worse that night, but 'twas not the letter that caused it. I am very lonely this evening, no one here but me, my ride home this morning helped me to think. If you could have come with me, I would have felt much better as I told you last night. I am never happy only when I am with you. God speed the time when I may be with you all the while. How very sorry I was to leave you this morning, I had anticipated a pleasant visit of about 4 days down there. But 'tis natural to be disappointed sometimes. I hope that I will be able to come out next Saturday evening as I promised to do. I hope to meet my Sweet Sister there then, as well as my Sweet Vicky. The Sun is fast sinking in the far distant west & as the shades of night approach I think of thee more and more each hour, how lonely I'll be tonight! Won't you come over & stay with me? I cooked some biscuit today for dinner & as it happened there is enough left for supper. Just come now, & we will have a nice time eating cold biscuit & butter, or if you say so, I'll warm them & make some coffee, or do you prefer milk? I have plenty of that on hand. So don't fail to come now I shall look for you. I feel very sorry for you. I know you'll be lonely next week as Miss Mary is going to leave you. I wish 'twas so she could stay until the examination. Miss Vic, I wish you would please tell Miss Mary, that if there is ever anything more than friendship existing between her & Mr. Shaw, never to tell him anything about what I said to you one night on the gallery about him & her, I expect that I did wrong though I had a just cause for saying what I did, & I'll tell you now in confidence what caused me to say what I did. John told me that he was going to try to engage himself to her & have a nice time with her for several months, & then flirt with her & I thought 'twould be as well for her to jilt him first; but, I believe that he is really in earnest now, so please tell her for my sake never to tell him what I said, not that I care particularly about his friendship, but t'would cause us to be enemies forever and perhaps terminate in something serious. Clear it all up for me if you can, please. Write soon & tell me something about what I spoke of in the beginning of this letter. I think your decision will be better than mine because you know your own feelings, & you know what time would best suit you. If you want me to, that is, if you had rather I would set the day, please tell me & I'll do so. Excuse this badly written epistle, I am very nervous today. Write soon to your affectionate lover, H. R. Causey" =================================================================================== Notes: The above letter likely written in 1867 because they were married January 8, 1868. Henry Rufus Causey (1846-1926) wrote to his bethrothed, Victoria Hinton (1845-1932). "Oak Grove" was Henry Rufus' residence near Causey Springs and Berwick. "Ma" is Margaret Clemons (also spelled Clemmons) Causey (1810-1888), mother of Rufus Causey. His father, Josiah Chelson Causey (1808-1850), died when Rufus was 4 years old. Rufus was the 9th of 10 children. "the widow" is probably Henry Rufus' mother, Margaret Clemons Causey. "Miss Vic" is Victoria, "Vickie", Hinton (notice that Rufus spells her name "Vicky") "Miss Mary" and "Mr. John Shaw" are unknown. Rufus's cursive strokes use a capital S throughout. In transcribing I have taken a few liberties. 1) using mostly lower case "s" and 2) adding commas and/or periods sparingly, as well as paragraphing, for clarity, 3) I have transcribed his poetic usage of "t,is" and "t,would" to read 'tis and 'twould throughout, although this is likely also obsolete. (JWG, 1999) =================================================================================== =================================================================================== From Victoria Hinton to Henry Rufus Causey, two months after the above letter. "Sweet Gum Grove. Sept. 30 (1867?) My own darling big boy, Your mother handed me your welcome letter as soon as she arrived, but I have only just had a chance to finish reading it. 0, how I wish I could hear from you every evening, but I forgot to say that it is now bed-time so you see I have had to wait some time to read the precious words. I'm determined to answer tonight however (illegible, late?). I expect the folks will go to Bethany tomorrow morning and take your mother home as they go. Your sister and Emma went to-day, and the latter went up to be prayed for; I sincerely trust she may be truly converted. I should like to go very much but you know I am tied to the school house, and so of course cannot. I enjoyed the service much yesterday, though the sermon was not very forcible or impressive. I did not feel hurt at all because you did not come home with me, though I am getting so spoilt. I can't bear the idea of leaving you behind. Hard at work again, are you? My big boy beats them all working and don't brag on it either. I just think he's the best boy going. I wouldn't give him for all the balance put together. That's every word so, and there's plenty of the same kind felt, if it is not said. So Mr. David Causey has been letting you into his secrets, has he? They are safe with your "darling." Did you return the favor? You better not, if you didn't, & I expect one of the young gentleman's cousins will be married to an 'old maid school marm" about a month later. Now, don't you tell anybody, because it's a secret and he might get mad if he knew I had told you. 0, Rufe, how can I stand it, without seeing you for two weeks, but I will not say come for it would not be right. I expect your sisters think I am very selfish anyhow. Give my love to your sister Cate, if you go, and remember me to Miss Kelly (?) If she inquires for me. I must tell you the news. Mr. John has departed, and left me "weeping, sad and lonely," to mourn his departure. Have I your sympathy? Your last letter does not trouble me now, it is all right, and I hope always will be, there is no reason why it should not be, so far as we can control events, and we must trust these above our control to a Higher Power, even in our Heavenly-Father. Darling, darling boy, I am so happy in your love, it is the sweetest thing on earth to me, and it will always brighten life's darkest paths, and cause the light ones to be clearer still. May we indeed be always comfort to each other, and tread the pathway of life side by side. I do hope I shall get a letter from home this week. I feel so anxious about the dear ones there. I expect to sleep with your letter under my pillow to-night, so if I don't dream about you, it will be a wonder; I dreamed about you all night, last night. Tell Miss Lil, that "old Vic Hinton" sends her a little tiny bit of love, but she has so much "sixteen vear old love" for her big brother, there is not much to spare. Come just as soon as you can, and now a fond goodnight. from your "darling" Vickie" =================================================================================== The above letter was written September 30, probably 1867; they married Jan. 8, 1868. "Sweet Gum Grove", Victoria's residence, is of unknown location, but she was obviously teaching school nearby. "Cate," is likely Catherine Ann Causey, 1849-1938, Henry Rufus' younger sister. "Miss Lil" is likely Lelia Adalaid Causey, 1844-1917, Henry Rufus' older sister. "Emma", "David Causey", "Mr. John" and "Miss Kelly" are unknown. Victoria also uses the German stroke 'ss', as in "Miss Lil." =================================================================================== =================================================================================== From Henry Rufus Causey, 1846-1926 to his son, George W., 1887-1971, and Evie Lena Rhodes Causey, 1889-1979, expressing Henry Rufus' sadness in the passing of George W. and Lena's daughter Margaret Elizabeth, 1913-1914, who died on the day of the letter, Nov. 2, 1914, indicating some rapid form of communication. "Berwick Nov. 2nd, 1914 My Dear Sorrowing Son & daughter, The Sad news of the decease of dear little Margaret has just reached us. We were fearful t'would be so, but were still hoping for the best. Our Father in heaven knows best. Still, we grieve for those we love, especially our own flesh & blood. I was reading not long since of a man who had lost his companion in life and who had visited her grave with a friend. After being in deep thought for some moments (he) exclaimed, "God help the man or woman whom the Lord has never chastised or chastened." Yes, these things are for our good if we will only regard them so. I would not have you regard lightly your loss, but time is a great healer and 'tis well that it is so for the duties and responsibilities of life are such that we must necessarily turn our faces to the future, and with trusting and faith, leave to Him who doeth all things well our destiny. Some blessed day I trust we will all meet where partings are no more. Give my regards to Mrs. Rhodes and her family. I know that you have true friends and helpers which is a comfort in a time like this. Kiss the children for me, and accept much love & sympathy from (your) Sorrowing, Papa" =================================================================================== The above letter from Rufus Causey written in 1914 offering regards to "Mrs. Rhodes" refers to Mary Lena Sims Rhodes, mother of Evie Lena Rhodes Causey, but does not mention J. T. Rhodes, Mary Lena Sims' husband. =================================================================================== =================================================================================== From Victoria Hinton Causey, 1845-1932, to her son, George W. Causey, 1887-1971, after Victoria and Henry Rufus had moved to Doyline, Webster Parish to live with their daughter, Helen Daisy Causey and her husband, Eddie Edison Causey. Her husband, Henry Rufus Causey had died in 1926. "Doyline (Webster Parish, Louisiana) April 7, 1929 Very dear Son, I received your letter a few days ago, was glad to hear you were all well, but sorry to know you were having so much extra work to do, hope it will not make you sick; I should think extra work called for (illegible, extra pay?). My health is better but I am quite feeble. The family are well. Helen and the girls have gone to S. School. The School had died, and they are trying to revive it. I was not able to attend preaching, last fourth Sunday, but hope to be able to go next time. I had a letter from Mamie Jackson the other day, she said their pastor was a native of Belfast, Ireland, he is going to the Bible Institute in N. Orleans. Our pastor will finish at Pineville this year and wants to go to the Bible Institute another year, he is a fervent worker. Mamie wrote that Cousin Vic was dangerously ill, and they had phoned for Cousin Leonie to come home. Give my best regards to Ellis Causey, when you see him and tell him to give Katie my love. They certainly were kind to me when I was in Jackson. I never have thought to tell you that Cousin Frank had rented the place to Lewis Smyley again for sixty dollars, he is to fix up the garden. The taxes were $48.50 (?) so there was just enough left to pay for the nails. I see by the Gloster Record that some places that had to be sold for taxes did not bring enough to pay the taxes. Nolan McElwee and his wife are still living with Cousin Frank. I am going to write to Lena, so will have to leave something to tell her. Lots of love from Mama I pray for you spiritually, physically and financially." =================================================================================== Notes for the above letter: "S. School", likely is 'Sunday School'. "Pineville" is the location of Louisiana Baptist School near Alexandria, Louisiana. "Bible Institute" later known as the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. "Mamie Jackson" is Mamie Virginia Causey, 1885-1978, a daughter of William Isiah Causey. Mamie married Wallace Jackson and they ran a Country Store at Berwick. "Cousin Vic," "Nolan McElwee" and "Cousin Leonie" are unknown. "Ellis Causey" and "Katie" of Jackson, Mississippi are Ellis Boyd Causey and his wife, Katie Hazlewood. Ellis Boyd is a son of Joseph Eugene Causey. Joann Grose has a photograph made in Jackson of Victoria, her granddaughter, Evelyn Jackson Keithly (daughter of Caroline); and an unknown great-granddaughter of Victoria. "Cousin Frank" is unknown. "the place" is likely the family home at Berwick. =================================================================================== =================================================================================== From Victoria Hinton Causey to Evie Lena Rhodes Causey, 1889-1979, sent enclosed with a letter dated the same as that to George W. Causey, 1887-1971. (see above) "Doyline (Webster Parish, Louisiana) April 7, 1929 Dear Lena, It has been a long time since I have written to you, so I thought I would write you a few lines. Helen and the girls have gone to S. School but I did not care to go, the roads are so rough, there is not much pleasure riding in a car. They had a play at the school house Friday night, in which Lillian took part. I went, and stood the trip very well. They have a nice auditorium and very comfortable seats. Lillian surely acted her part to perfection. She will graduate next month. (I just) got this far, (and) Helen and the girls came in, bringing company with them. Victoria & Lillian have just now gone to take them home in the car. They had a very good turn out at S. School. Helen sent off for the goods for Lillian's dress, and she has received it, will be very busy getting it made. Eddie has fenced the yard with woven wire and she has (been) working with her flowers. They have planted their garden, corn, (?), potatoes and watermelons. Helen has a good many young chickens, some nearly large enough to fry. They milk two cows, and are looking for another calf next month, get lots of eggs. I hope you will have good success with your chickens, guess you have planted your garden. I do hope little George is better, and that the rest are well. I wrote to Hessie several weeks ago, hope she received my letter. Give her and Telulah my love. Best regards to your mother and Addie. Love to all the children, including Mabel. Love to yourself from Mama" =================================================================================== Notes for the above letter: "Hessie" Hickman married Wiley Jackson, grandson of Victoria and son of T. S. and Caroline. "Telulah" (McMillan) was T. S. Jackson's second wife after "Carrie" (Caroline) died. "Telulah" was not a blood relative of the Causeys or Jacksons (to my knowledge, JWG), and had no children, but was beloved by the G. W. Causeys. "Addie" is Evie Lena R. Causey's sister, Addie Rhodes Bennett. "Mabel" is Mable Victoria, her namesake and elder daughter of G. W. and Evie Lena. "Lillian" and "Victoria" are daughters of Victoria's daughter "Helen" Daisy and her husband, "Eddie" Edison Causey with whom Henry Rufus and Victoria lived. This letter from Victoria Causey written in 1929 and the letter from Rufus Causey written in 1914 offer regards to "Mrs. Rhodes" and "your mother" refer to Mary Lena Sims Rhodes, mother of Evie Lena Rhodes Causey, but they make no mention J. T. Rhodes, Mary Lena Sims' husband. -----------------------------------------END---------------------------------------