Cliffside N. C.
Christmas Night, 1916I just want to say that I know full well that some of these days I shall have to give up this life. All of us will have to, how soon none of us can tell, and it is no doubt best that we do not know.
I want to say in this connection that I feel that I have done my duty to my family and loved ones and to my country. It is true that I have had many obstacles, but I have discharged my duty as best I could, all things considered.
My conscience is clear so far as my treatment of my fellowman, and in every way, I hope my country will not be any the worse by my having lived as long as I have in this world.
I hope too, that the undeveloped plans I have laid may all some day be complete and the country be blessed and benefited by them, and that my friends and loved ones be blessed in many ways, and that they be better men and women and that they too can and will serve their country as best they can, and serve each other in a way that is right, and we all may meet by and by up yonder where we can live as an unbroken family in Heaven.
There are many more things I would like to say or write but probably it is just as well to only say this much.
If they should outlive me, I would like that at least the following persons be allowed to speak of what they know of my life and character at my burial in the hope that it might do some good to at least some of the young boys that will have to take the places of us that will have to pass away sooner:
Rev. D. J. Hunt, Judge J. L. Webb, Dr. T. B. Lovelace, Rev. Mr. Swofford, J. F. Alexander, Clyde R. Hoey, Judge M. H. Justice, W. L. Packard, R. L. Ryburn, and any others that care to or will.
With love to all,
R. R. Haynes
This letter was not found until a number of days after his death, and the persons indicated were not advised, though some of them were present at the burial.
Copyright © 2008 The Cliffside Historical Society