Benning Letter

Mobile Jan' 13th 1861-

Hon' H.L. Benning-

My dear Cousin.

I enclose a copy of a letter to Mrs. L Virginia French, Editress of the "Crusader" published in Atlanta- Georgia, in reply to a communication from her praying me to append my name to a "memorial" from the representative women of America, to be presented to the Georgia State Convention. Mrs. French is a warm personal friend of Stephens, and also Ben' Hill; and one of these two will be charged with the presentation of the "memorial". I suspect the project was suggested to her by them, though she has not intimated it to me. I write to ask of you as a favor to me, that if the memorial is read before the convention, you will be kind enough to read my reply to her letter. I think it is an occasion when women should leave matters entirely to the wisdom of our statesmen, but if a number seek to exert their influence, at this time, in the form of a memorial I should like to have my native State know that I for one do not belong to the band of latter day Tories. Of course, if the memorial is not mentioned, I have no desire to have my name alluded to at all. I believe you will appreciate my motives, and not suspect me of any wish to thrust my individual views on the public. Hoping that you will have no occasion to read my reply, I am in great haste.

Your Affectionate Cousin,
Augusta J. Evans

p.s. Please send me a line to let me know whether you received my letter. AJE.