My Matthew, I miss you terribly. Please come to your darling soon.
My whole heart for you & the Lord, Judy
Boston
June 23, 1866
Dear Matthew
I take my pen in hand to write that I am now a married lady! Deborah and Judy were in a flurry over my wedding and trying to make me learn to cook in time but all was lost. I have learned to sew a bit but do not favor the work. My husband tells me he did not marry me for food and clothes but for my kind nature and because God wishes it. Judy says she is his sister too and will cook for us all. She has taught my husband to read the Bible and I cannot help but remember how Deborah taught Judy and me ciphering and letters. The constitution of all is fair and there is much happiness.
We miss you. Visit soon.
Affectionately,
Mrs Coffee Routledge （Addie）
Thatcher Farm Baldwin County Georgia
April 19, 1867
My Darling Judy
Tho I’ve not written please do not be angry with your sweetheart! You are ever in my thoughts. The planting season is done and the men are hardworking. I hope to get a high price in the fall for my crops. I bought two beef cows & put up five hams. Thank you for the blue shirt you made me. Your hand is very fine and when I wear it I always think of you. Well that is all.
Please write soon. I miss you so much. I shall be traveling to Boston soon my love.
Yours only,
Matthew
Thatcher Home
Baldwin County Georgia
July 30, 1868
My Darling Judy
That man is finally dead and in the ground since Sunday past. Please come home my love. There is always a place for you in this house. There is no need for worry. Please come home.
Yours only,
Matthew
Boston
February 9, 1869
Dear Matt:
I know no other way to impart this news. Your Judy is gone to Glory. She came down with a fever and never rose again. Her last words were of love for you and for the Savior but I could not be glad at her passing. If not for Sister Deborah and Brother Winfred I fear I could not last. I have not their cheerfulness in the presence of trials. There have been too many. I cherish my sweet Violet but already miss Judy! My only hope is that I shall know her face in Heaven. I am so angry at what I have endured! What God would take my sister from me so soon after my husband passed away?
I am so very sorry to give you this news.
Affectionately,
Addie
Thatcher Home
Baldwin County Georgia
March 5, 1869
Addie
My heart is breaking to pieces.
If God wills I will see my darling Judy again in Heaven.
I cannot say more. These words are not enough.
Matthew
Thatcher Home
Baldwin County Georgia
August 20, 1871
Dearest Addie
Please come home. Please Addie.
I am very lonely. This house needs laughter. Please.
My Judy would want you and Violet to come home. Please.
Matthew
Boston October 23, 1871
Dear Matt,
My child and I shall be coming by train to Macon in a week’s time. Please wait for us at the station. I fear my heart will shatter when I step foot upon that earth again, but I shall withstand, as there is much work to be done for my people.
Affectionately,
Addie
This is the last will and testament of Matthew John Thatcher of Baldwin County, Georgia, a servant of Christ in whole mind and body. All other wills composed heretofore are null.
I appoint Winfred Hutchinson of Boston, Massachusetts, as my sole executrix and any thereafter as seen fit by him.
I bequeath the following to my servants and fellow travelers in Christ: To Mungo Thatcher, cash in the amount of $50 and two acres in Baldwin County.
To Quaco Thatcher, cash in the amount of $50 and two acres in Baldwin County.
To Juno Thatcher, cash in the amount of $50 and two acres in Baldwin County.
To Caesar Thatcher, cash in the amount of $50 and two acres in Baldwin County.
To Athena Thatcher, cash in the amount of $50 and two acres in Baldwin County.
To Obour Thatcher, cash in the amount of $50 and two acres in Baldwin County.
To Matilde Thatcher, cash in the amount of $50 and two acres in Baldwin County.
To Orpah Thatcher, cash in the amount of $50 and two acres in Baldwin County.
To Simon Thatcher, two suits of clothes, my leather shoes, my shotgun, cash in the amount of $100, and my dog （and any litters）， and two acres in Baldwin County.
To Dori Thatcher, all my kitchen utensils, my butter churn, three bolts of calico cloth, one lace wedding veil, ten mother of pearl buttons, cash in the amount of $100, and two acres in Baldwin County.
The remainder of my estate is bequeathed to my family members: To my sister, Deborah Thatcher Hutchinson, I bequeath my Bible and my gold watch and chain.