Dacusville, S.C. Feb 22 (1863) Paid 10 manuscript postmark (CCV $250) on folded letter to James E. Hagood Esqr., Pickens Court House, S.C., contents docketing on back from John Smith, Dacusville. Letter to Hagood explaining the necessity of proving the age of his son William L. Smith who is in the Confederate service near Pocotaligo. He asks that Hagood sign the enclosed probation and mail it back to him directed to his son at Co. B. Sharp Shooters Care of Capt. Allston, Pocotaligo, S.C. He also enclosed stamps for postage and urged haste. Nice use! Ex Cantey and R. Murphy. $250.  

James Earle Hagood (1826-1904) was in the mercantile business and Clerk of Circuit Court during the War, frequently called upon to perform services for soldiers away in the army and their families; after the war, he read law and was admitted to the bar. He was one of six commissioners appointed in 1868 to select a site for the present town of Pickens. His family papers are in the University of South Carolina Library Manuscript Collection.