File:Letter signed J.C. (J.C. Iserman), Independence, to his brother William, September 21, 1861.jpg

Briefly describes unsettled conditions in the environs of Independence, including mention of troops at Lexington.

Independence Sept 21 / 61

Brother William

I received your letter the 19, We were all very much pleased to hear from you all. And to know you have not quite forgotten us. We are still in the land of living although in the midst of dangerous and troublous times. We have So far escaped being molested, but know not how long we may remain so. We are in the midst of it now. there has been several battles right around us. We can plainly hear the cannon booming on all sides on the 19 a battle was fought at Liberty, 8 miles from here. The Secession was routed a number killed [and] wounded. We are expecting a battle at Lexington 24 miles from here. Price is there with about 18,000 men. Sigel arrived there yesterday with about 10.000 men 8.000 stationed at Lexington making now 18.000 Federals this battle will decide western misso[Missouri] the Secessionist are stealing of all the horses and cattle from the Union And the Jayhawkers from Kansas are retaliating. Times are very hard here, nothing doing. [and] plenty to do it. You spoke about me coming back In the first place, I should like very much to come indeed, to get away from this Secesst hole. it would seem as though I was away from the Penitentery, and to live among white people again. But it is impossible for me to get away. I have not got the means to come with. Charley has offered to assist me. I thank him from my heart. for his kind and liberal offer, to lend a helping hand but what would I do with y my house and furniture. I would have to leave it or give it away. then again, What would I do east this winter, times I expect are pretty hard there. I would have no furniture no clothes for the winter, and no means to get any, I have left it with Fannie to decide, and she is about in the same quandary as my self. It is true I am in a bad fix here. I may have all I’ve got taken from me here I have had enough to eat so far, but dont know how it will be this winter but we have gone so far through, and maybe we can struggle through the rest of the way. And then again I know Charly is not over flush him self with money. and it is rather dangerous times to send any. If I could sell my place for one third what it is worth I would come east in a hurry, but as it is I shall have to try and brave it through. There is plenty of fruit here Peaches are selling for 15cts pr bush — apples 10 cts. I must not forget to tell you about my big boy. he is 6 weeks old. is very lively, and fat as a possum give my respects to Charley K and tell him I am expecting a letter from him write soon yours truly

J.C. [J.C. Iserman]