Shelby City, KY
May the 9th 1880

A. A. Dalton Esq
Old Fort, NC

Dear Sir,

Yours of Apr the 8th was received some time ago which I am now attempting to answer. I received the some of three dollars and 50 cts from you by letter some two or three years ago which you stated was due me on rent from the Bald Mountain place which was something I was not looking for as I have never been able to get any information what ever in regard to what was done with Father's land and other property. The only thing I could ever learn about it was that all the land was about to be sold to pay security debts, but never could learn any more about it, whether it was sold or not. I never could learn what was done with the home place although I have written several times in regard to it. So I know no more about what was done with the property than if I never had heard of it at all. Every time I would write in regard to matters there in place of answering it I would get a mess of politics or some other stuff in place. So I have almost come to the conclusion several times to never write again.

You stated that Sister Liza had married T. B. Ledbetter but did not tell me whose son he was. So you see I am as far in the dark now almost as I was before.

I received two letters about one year ago, one from Sister Maggie and the other from Martha Williams. Now I believe she calls herself and answered them both the same day; but never herd any more from them.

You said you had ten children. I can say I am in four of you. We have six four boys & 2 girls. Our last one was born 19th of Jan last. If there is anything due me thare for rent you you can collect it and keep it for your troubles & write soon again.

Give my love to all.
Yours as ever
Wm. Murphy

(We are all well)

NOTE: * His sister Eliza Jane Murphy married Tom Ben Ledbetter 12-23-1879.