May 6, 1969
Hi Claudette –
This is Peggy writing – sitting out in the yard next to the Garage – so peacefull – only the birds chirping – Florence received your note and asked me to answer __ Our grandfather Collins name is James Wesley Collins – born in York County, S.C. – June 28, 1859 [sic] – served in Civil War – enlisted 17 June 1863 at Camp Lee, Virginia. Was a Union prisoner of war. Captured at Petersburg, Virginia 2 April 1865 – imprisoned at Point Lookout, Maryland – released 26 June 1865 upon taking the Oath of Allegiance to the United States – place of residence is stated at York District, S.C. This information came from Civil War Record[s], Washington, D.C.
Our great grandfather Collins name is Lloyd James Williams [sic] Collins – That is all I have been able to find out about him. I believe someone told me he came from Scotland, and settled in Blackstock, S.C. Dadie gave me the names of his uncles – I do also have to war record of the Uncle Green B. Collins __ he enlisted one year after grandfather – Green enlisted in Company H, 12th Reg. S.C. Infantry – 8 Sept. 1864. Also a prisnor and released at the same time grandfather was – captured the same day.
I do not have listed any one by the name of William Ketchcart Collins – Dadie's mother's name was Elizabeth Amelia Ann Cathcart – which is a scotch name – I understand some Collins from Ireland went to Scotland, then took a ship for America settling along the Coast of Carolina.
Be sure the name you have is of White race – there are a few Negro Collins in America. Do not know how they came by the name.
All is well here – I go to St. Pete this coming Sunday to see a friend I worked with in Detroit. Many years since I have seen her.
Had a great trip to Texas. Hope you and Rosalie have a nice vacation in Michigan in June. Florence & Amos plan on leaving May 30 for their two week vac. I am keeping the house while they are away – will try to get Elmo to come over to stay with me.
Inez will be away 4 or 6 weeks, last of May & June, I believe. We expect them down here one afternoon this week. My regards to all.
By for now
Peggy