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1856 Letter Transcript

Editor's notes:

Bryan wrote interesting, articulate letters, but neither his spelling nor his grammar were perfect. This transcript reflects his original document, including all his errors, without modification or correction.

The Creek Nation was composed of many different tribes who originally lived in the Southeastern United States before being forced into the Indian Territory (modern Oklahoma)

Mr. A. Cockrell

Sir,
I Receivd your letter of December the 4th a few days since, and I was very glad to get it. I have Rec- one from my Wife, only I am living with Jesse Chisholm in the Creek Nation about 40 miles North of Fort Arbuckle. Chisholm is a half Breed Cherokee and an old friend of mine. I have don[e] nothing yet to make a living. I hav[e] been out on the Plains 3 times to look tbr the Gold mines but did not find them, and I think I shall start again soon, but will Return hear again. I some times think it would be best for me to go into the western part of Texas and make me a new home, for I want to see my Family and shall not be satisfied untill I am again with them. I wish you to write to me and advise me in regard to this course and let me know if it would be safe for me to do so or not. I was in a storm some time since, and a tree blowed down on my Horse (Neshoba) and broke him down in the line since which time I have had to borrow.

Give my Love to my wife and children and say I will be with them as soon as I can. I shall depend upon you to act for me as well as you can, and I hope to live to thank you and pay you for it.

I remain your
Friend

J N Bryan

Write soon & direct

Fort Arbuckle
Chickasaw Nation

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