DABBS Correspondence 1865 to 1873

"James Muse Dabbs was my Great-Grandfather and the son of Julia Washington Bourgeat Muse Dabbs and Dr. Christopher Hunt Dabbs of Monroe. His wife, Mary Olivia Collett Dabbs, was the daughter of William Collett and Emily Elizabeth Sanford. Many of the letters in this collection were written by Mary Olivia's sister, Eurilda Collett Hardy Rhodes. The collection includes letters and telegrams from 1865 to 1873. Muse was in Shreveport in 1873 when the city was under quarantine because of a Yellow Fever epidemic. Muse wrote beautiful love letters to Mary Olivia. They were married 24 January 1867. Muse served the Confederacy and enlisted at the age of 19 in Shreveport on June 4, 1864 and served as a Private in Company O, Consolidated Crescent Regiment – Infantry. He was paroled on June 6, 1865 in Natchitoches, La. and listed as a Corporal.

James Muse Dabbs died February 15, 1876, at the age of 30 years 6 months 2 days. His long illness with Yellow Fever in 1873 damaged his health I am sure. Although no record can be found, I am sure he was buried in St. Matthews Cemetery where his mother and his daughter and her family are buried." --Julia Scott

1) Letter from Ben H. Dinkgrave to Muse Dabbs written April 16, 1865, from General Hospital near Alexandria, La.

Friend Dabbs, Your favor of the 14th just came to hand this morning while I was taking a snooze and was handed to me by one of the Hospital rats after I awoke. I was at first puzeled to know where it came from it having no post mark but I soon was enlightened by opening it and found it from my friend Dabbs. I was not long in learning its contents and in remembrance of the days of yore I immediately got up and took a drink of good old rum which I had hid away for special purposes and drank to the health of you and your intended. I had hoped to see you here when I arrived having heard that a portion of your Regiment was on Post Duty at Alexandria. I would like very much for you to be near here. I think we could have some fun together with the women of the city of Pineville as you say they are of Easy Virtue most of them. Such things your humble serv't enjoys above all others. I am still having quite an easy time but sometimes feel a little lonely and wish for some of my old friends to be near to converse on the topics of home and bygone days. You may think me homesick but such is not the case. I am as happy as a King could possibly be under the conflicting circumstances and how _______ know what leaving the fun beauties of the Ouachita behind.

By the By Dabbs, I saw your intended a few days before leaving Monroe and must say it was altogether accidental on my part but I had intended going to see her before leaving. I am very much obliged to you for your kind consideration and making me not only a guest at your wedding but the idea of being groomsman for my friends is really a pleasure I had not anticipated and of course I get the first kiss you know. You speak threateningly old fellow because I told you I had pressed her hand in friendship. I was fully aware of your claims but you had better be a good boy and not even drink or I will inform on you. You speak of having a gay time on your trip at Shreveport drinking whiskey. I also had quite a splendid time a portion of the trip I made. After passing the mouth of the Red River we met up with steamer Gene Hodges had music and whiskey to drink and I don't think there was a sober man on board of our little ship Judge Fletcher that night. If there was I did not see him. Perhaps you think that I was not a fit judge the time. Myself I don't know whether I was or not for I had partook often and largely and went to bed at 3 o'clock that morning very sleepy indeed. I have had plenty to drink since I have been here. Egg Nogs every day Plenty of everything except that important article and I will leave it to your sagacity to guess what that is

So it ticked Bob to learn that you were going to be married. Maybe he don't believe it.

Its getting late and I must soon go to my grub so I must close.

Hoping to hear from you soon. I Remain Truly yr friend Ben H. Dinkgrave

P. S. Remember me to his honor R. J. Nelson.

Note: The following documentation was found on Ben Dinkgrave:

Dinkgrave, Bernard Hempkin Sep 29, 1844 Aug 31, 1876 Buried LA-KK-16 according to Louisiana Archives, which is St. Matthews Catholic Cemetery .

Dinkgrove, B. H., Pvt. Conscript _ La. On Rolls of Prisoners War Paroled Alexandria, La., June 3rd, 1865. Res. Ouachita Par., La. Also on Rolls of Co. C. Watkins Battn. Reserve Corps

Dinkgrove, B. H., Pvt. Conscript _ La. On Rolls of Prisoners of War Paroled Alexandria, La., June 3rd, 1865. Res. Ouachita Par., La.

When Dr. Caldwell of Monroe died his obituary was signed by the doctors of Monroe including Dr. B. H. Dinkgrave. Whether this Doctor was Ben or his father, I do not know.

Benny Dinkgrave was killed in 1867 by an assassin who came looking for Benny, shot him with a repeater rifle, got on his horse and vanished never to be identified or found. The incident took place at the corner of Louisville and Riverside. The killing of Benny Dinkgrave almost caused a race riot in Monroe because Benny supported the rights of the black people to vote Republican instead of Democrat if that was their choice.

I went to Monroe today and went down Forsythe, took a left onto Riverside and down to the intersection at Louisville and I wondered if Ben knew he was going to his death and more important if Ben knew WHY this stranger was going to kill him. God rest his soul. He was only 32 at his death (August 31, 1876) and was the son of William and Dorcus Dinkgrave. My Great Grandfather Muse Dabbs died on Feb 15, 1876 six months prior to Ben's death at the age of 30 years. Both young men are buried in St. Matthews Catholic Cemetery. Ben has a headstone but James Muse Dabbs does not. The Catholic Church has no records back that far but I am absolutely positive his Mother Julia Washington Dabbs is buried beside Muse in the family plot with my Grandmother Julia, her husband and children.

2) The second letter was written Monday the 27th but does not indicate what year. James Muse is writing to his wife Mary Olivia and they were married January 24, 1867. He mentions kissing Gussy goodnight which would be his daughter Julia who was born on August 22, 1869. That would place this letter after the date of her birth.

Dear Little Petty

Received your little letter Saturday by mail rider. I am so glad you keep well. It will be impossible for me to go up until next week. I have to commence accessing this week and may not get through for two weeks but will be up next week certain. Perhaps on the Mayflower.

Well could I say in the evenings “I'm lonely tonight without you and I sigh for you to be here For I know Darling theres a feeling in me that always wishes you near.

Kiss Gussey for me and write again. Tis so sweet to get your letters. All well. Devotedly Your Husband Muse

Monday 27th

The letter continues on the 28th as follows:

Honey, last night about 11 o'clock after I had been at a meeting of the town council upon retiring to bed after having undressed all but one sock I heard a scream. My first thought was fire but no - - T'was by one of our band who unfortunately was in the middle of the river upset and struggling for his life. I hurried down in my slippers and nothing on but drawers, undershirt and coat in time to Johnny Lark depart from this life in the midst of the raging waters of the Ouachita. He was in the middle of the river. Men went to his assistance but ere they were within 75 yards of him he went down to Eternity. He's the Brother-in-law of Chas Boffeuschur the jeweller. The band are to take charge of the body as soon as found and will bury him, with music (Death Marches) which we have learnt.

We will turn out with Black Coats - thats white pants and gloves with instruments draped in mourning and drums muffled.

There are a few of the band on the river now fishing for the body. Tis now 2 o'clock. Imagine the heat of the sun on the water. I am comfortably situated in the store but will have to sit up if the body be found. Nothing new Farewell Petty Yours til def Muse

3) Mary Olivia and Eurilda's Mother Emily Elizabeth Sanford first married William L. Collett July 24, 1845 in Union Parish, Louisiana. After Collett's death their Mother married Byrd Ferrell Miller in Ouachita Parish, Louisiana on March 21, 1869 and had his son Byrd Ferrell Miller, Jr. on January 6, 1871. The following letter was writto James Muse Dabbs on July 11, 1871 and on the back is addressed to Mr. J. M. Dabbs, Monroe, La. The baby mentioned is Julia Elizabeth Dabbs born August 22, 1869 and would have been almost 2 years old.

Dear Muse Mr. Miller died today at 20 minutes past one O'clock. Levy says she does not know when she can come home. She says take good care of the baby. The funeral will take place at the Island Grave Yard at 4 O'clock tomorrow evening. Come out if you can. Yours truly, Eurilda

July the 11th 1871

4) Western Union Telegraph This message would have been sent during the Yellow Fever Epidemic in Shreveport where James Muse was under quarantine for a long period of time. This telegraph message was sent by Muse's half-sister Selina Dabbs.

Monroe, La. 24 1873 To: Henry Smith MD

Please do not delay having the Priest for J. M. Dabbs.

Miss S. Dabbs

5) Western Union Telegraph This message also would have been during Muse's quarantine in Shreveport. This message was a half-rate message.

Monroe, La. 29, 1873 To: J. M. Dabbs

In Monroe for several days. Stay in. Out too soon. Come as soon as you are able. All well. Love from O J W S M and Julia

Olivia Dabbs

Note: "O" would have been Olivia his wife. "J" Julia his mother, "W" his brother-in-law William Collett, "S" his half-sister Selena, and "M" his sister Mary Elizabeth.

6) The following letter was sent to James Muse by his sister-in-law Eurilda. Emily Elizabeth Sanford Collett Miller was married to W. C. Grace on August 4, 1873. She died November 1873 and W. C. Grace died shortly after her death. Levy mention in the letter is Muse's wife Mary Olivia.

Arpent Plant. Aug 12 1873

Dear Muse

Levy received your letter and we were all glad to hear from you. I have but little news to communicate to you. Ma and Mr. Grace was married last Thursday. He stayed here til Sunday then left for home. Little Julia has bin right-sick with fever but is better now. I hope she will soon be well again. Today is the concert in Bastrop. I do not know yet whether Levy will go or not. If Julia will consent to stay with Ma she will go provided her fever does not rise. Julia says she is ready to go to Texas. Her property that she is going to take with her is a colt and a calf, a duck and a chicken and a ginny Levy has not had an opportunity to go to Monroe since she received your letter . saying you wanted your coat and hat but she will send it just as soon as she can. I hope you will be perfectly satisfied about Levy and Julia. We will do our best to take care of them. Julia says make haste and come home and bring her a lot of furniture. Be sure and wright soon and often and tell us all about yourself.

Your affec. Sister Puss

The back of the letter has the following address: Mr. J. M. Dabbs Southern Hotel c/o J. L. Brooks Shreveport, Louisiana

7) This last letter was written by Muse while under quarantine in Shreveport, Louisiana after being very ill with Yellow Fever. It would have been written about the time of the telegraph message asking that the Doctor send for a Priest. Father Geruard the priest who baptized his daughter Julia Elizabeth was in Shreveport during this epidemic and died there of yellow fever. James Muse survived Yellow Fever but his health was compromised. He died 3 years later in 1876. Eurilda Collett Hardy married William Spellar Rhodes on September 29, 1873.

The letter head has imprinted General Ticket Office Reau Compell Gen'l West'n Pass. & Ticket Office

Joe B. Hubbard, Ass't Gen. Ticket Agent Lock Box 118.

Shreveport, La. October 9th, 1873

Darling Wife Rec'd your letter of 2nd just this morning. It made me very glad to hear from you and little Julia. I thought Puss was 4 on second Tuesday of this month. I am mostly well but the fever is still going on. Only 13 were buried yesterday. Nearly 700 deaths since the fever commenced. Nearly every house is closed & the city looks deserted. We had a light frost night before last. You don't know how I miss you these cold nights. I'm tired of this kind of life and when we get together I hope I will never have to leave you so long again. I have been away six days lacking 3 months and expect Julia would hardly know me if she saw me. When I was taken sick I weighed 154 lbs and now I weight 132 lbs. I am gaining every day. I send you _ _ _. As soon as I can get off from the office I will come over and spend a week or two. The supervisor wants me to keep the office this winter. The clerk that ran away for fear of fever and died on the 1st of this month. I am alone here in the office of the stage line. As soon as itis entirely safe I will bring you over here with me. My clothes Ma sent were lost. The Company paid for them. Send my brown coat & vest and if the pants worth sending send them. Give them to Dob to bring to me.

Give my love to all & to Mr. And Mrs. Rhodes my best wishes for their prosperity and many ___ of the happy occasion.

Goodbye Darling. Write immediately and kiss Julia for Papa. Your devoted husband Muse

Additional Comments: These letters (1865-1873) include a letter from Ben Dinkgrave in 1865 from General Hospital outside of Alexandia, Louisiana (Pineville I think). There is also a letter written by Muse when he was very ill and under quarantine in Shreveport in 1873 during the Yellow Fever Epidemic.

These letters give a glimpse into the life of a young man and his family. A young many who died at the age of 30 probably a result of the damage done when he had Yellow Fever in Shreveport.

Other family names are mentioned and I hope you find someone you have been looking for in these long ago letters.

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Contributed Jan 2009 by Julia Scott

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