(Note: this excerpt is from the letter Anna's mother wrote to her son Patrick detailing the account of Issey and the burning of Fort Hill. She intended it to be burned. Published in The Papers of John C. Calhoun, edited by Clyde N. Wilson and Shirley B. Cook)

Floride [Colhoun] Calhoun to Lt. Patrick Calhoun, "Fort Towson, Choctaw Nation, Arkansaw" (sic.)

Fort Hill, April 3, 1843

My Dear Son,

We have been delighted at hearing from you frequently. The last letter was to John [C. Calhoun Jr.], and as it came here first, we read it and forwarded it to him. He is now at the Virginia University, and appears thus far very pleased. His throat I fear will give him much trouble. It has been very painful for some time. I miss him much, now that James [Edward Calhoun], is at home particularly, it appears as though he ought to be here too. James, is to go to the Green Wood School, as soon as I can get him ready, and William Lowndes [Calhoun], to Mr. [F.M.] Adams again…[…]…And lately Issey's trying to burn us all up. She put a large coal of fire under William Lowndes' pillow, fortunately the smell of feathers led to the discovery in time to save the house. She was taken up immediately, and confessed the whole, but said after she putthe fire under the pillow and became alarmed, and intended when she went to turn down the bed to take it out, but I told her that would have been too late. I intended shipping her off. The Negroes all appeared shocked at the act, and said she ought to have been hung. I think her Father is at the bottom of all[;] as soon as the alarm was given of fire, he took up his hat and stick and ran off as hard as he could. Burn this letter as soon as read as I would not like any one to see this about Issey. We have kept it a profound secret. If it was known she would have to be hung […].