Panola Miss

Aug 5th 63
My Dear Wife

I have an opportunity of droping [sic] you a hasty note by Capt Craig who is en route for [Comdese]

I wrote you the other day by Mr Rodgers nothing of interest has transpired since my Last I am in good health and as cheerful as usual though I have seemingly but Little grounds to be so while all that I hold most dear my family and country are Scourged so severely
your short note by Mr Cooper rendered me quite unhappy at times but it is unusu-ally the case when I get a Letter from you stating that you are Ill to hope by the time it has reached me that you are better and but for my peculiar temperment [sic] under the present circumstances I should be extremely unhappy a dark cloude [sic] just at this time seems to overhang our country and disease all those I love but it is not the post of a soldier to murmur the state of Miss [sic] is whipped to death the country which has bosted [sic] so much of its shivalry [sic] is now the home of thousands of Miserable cowering deserters who are willing to sue for peace or do any thing to save their cowardly scalps are willing that the rivers of Blood that has been shed and the dead of a thousand battles to be forgotten and the last hope of Constitutional Liberty perish while they hide behind their wife and children for protection the Miss troops in this deportment are all deserting because they say Pemberton sold Vicksburg
Morgan and all his men have been captured Morgan was captured near Slatern Ville Ohio
There are all sorts of rumors here of the Recognition of our Independence there seems to be no doubt that the question is quite seriously considered in Europe Lord Chief Justice Campbell has made a very able speech in the British Parliament also Mr Robuck [sic] The French are moving to the same point
The Hon W. L. Yancy is dead
Capt Jackson has got well and in camp nearly half of my men are sick now and the prospect very [?] that the other half will run off soon they some where caught the infection from the people here Col Withers has tendered his resignation says he cant soldier on this side the River [think] he is whiped [sic] he puts it upon the grounds of his family
I have not heard from my application to transfer my command across the river
give my Love to all take care of your self as upon you my Little ones much Lean for support for a time I wish I could be near you in you Illness but I fear If I were near you where you are sick I should be a poor soldier be cheerful and hopeful a Kiss for my Little ones and yourself as ever truly

W. F. Slemons

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Hd Qus [sic] Forces in field

aug 11th
My Dear Mattie

I write you hastily by Mr Halenbeck I read your Letter by him after one that was written some time after it I am quite well still in comand [sic] of all the forces in North Miss Gen Chalmers still sick all quite here now I am quite sory [sic] to see you so desperately though the clouds look dark at present I think a better sky is beyond it I Learned to day that John [?] and his have been put in close confinement and there heads shaved dont know that it is so I think the Time is not far distant when the black [bonnie] will lie round Lincoln has [issued] his proclamation stating that negro soldiers are entitled to the same protection of the white man news from abroad some what conflicting a great deal of [dissatisfaction] just now at the President about his defense of Pemberton
you wrote me that Hemingway and Ridgel were killed hope it is not true
Col Withers has gone home again I hope he will stay this time has tendered his resignation he is worth nothing to the service with me some of my men have run off it is reported that he told them if they would report over time it would be all right I have 20 men in pursuit of them hope to catch them before they get over the river
I hope you are better by this time be cheerful my Love to all a Kiss for you and the Little ones Truly W F Slemons
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Hd qus forces in the field

[Penola] aug 13th
My Dear Mattie

I have an opportunity of writing you a hasty note by Lut Sandford I have written you often of Late but hear from you but seldom I suppose you hear the [Gat] news pretty often now my men are crossing the river very Rapidly I fear Brother Withers has acted badly the men charge him [?] but say nothing of this to any one It may be doing him injustice but he is certainly very [trifling] I am in fine health and as usual of the cheerfull [sic] the news from H qus is immportant [sic] generally quiet I think about sunday I shall have some sport the yanks are Reported advancing on water maybe 33 miles East of this If the Report is confirmed I shall put my forces in motion to day to meet them Chalmers is not [here] shall have at all my own way If I get whipped It will be my fight and I will be held Responsible when that is the case I generally fight hard hope I shant get killed as I desire more than ever to outlive this war If my men keep running away they will soon all be gone the weather is exceedingly warm and many of the men are sick Jackson and Tillman are both sick also Garison has been and still sick in the country Bilious fever he has authority to go home and rase [sic] a company will start as soon as he is able to travel The President has issued his proclamation pardoning all deserters who return to units in 20 days after his order is published in This State also returning all who are in prison convicted of Desertion this county full of them doing all kind of Devilment I am an advocate of [arming] one hundred thousand slaves and putting these in the field giving them an assurance that every one who gets an honerable [sic] discharge from the war departmet [sic] shall be set free by that means I think good soldiers of them [?] this war will never end until slavery is Exterminated or we whip them the whole thing is narrowed down to the one thing destruction of all our property then they will be willing to let us go I think both northern and southern papers think foreign intervention is inevitable soon I do not speculate upon those reports the queen of England has Prorogued her Parliament so England cant act until her Parliament is reassembled the US Admiralty Court has confiscated the English vessel Peterhof captured in route for a Nutral [sic] port It may get up a disturbance the Admiralty court of Great Britain has desided [sic] that Englishmen have a right to fit out and sell vessels of war to the Confederacy no other news my Love to all [damaged word] Kiss for my Little Ones as ever Truly

W F Slemons

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Hd Qrs [sic] at Granada

aug 25th 63
My Dear Mattie

yours by Morgan came to hand duly and relieved me of much anxiety as I was quite anxious about your health and that of the children from what you wrote in your Letter previously
on reading your Letter for the first time since the war began I felt homeless as you stated that you had abandoned my Little home an it is now in stranger hands_ But I shall be reconsiled [sic] to it
My health is very fine I believe I shall turn to a Brick before the war is over It seems that I can stand most any thing my men are all sick around me

I had quite a little bit of sport here on sunday the 16th Inst the enemy attack me here 1700 strong my force about 650 men after a spirited engagement of about 3 hours the enemy was repulsed a force coming up from the South I was compelled to fall back Eastward my Loss 1 killed 1 wounded the Enemy Loss from 30 to 100 I fell back 7 miles and awaited for them to come out and offer me battle but they beat a hasty retreat the next day and I came back into town
Maj Genl [sic] Lee is now in command of the cavalry and I hope we shall have better times Johnsons army is being rapidly put in fighting trim Gnl [sic] Pemberton has been laid on the shelf Gnl [sic] Hardee takes his place
The city of Charleston I think is doomed to fall soon Fort sumpter [sic] is in ruins though the fight still continues 16 vessels in shelling distince [sic] of the city Her Brittish [sic] consul has protested against the shelling of the city but I suppose that will do but little good I dont know but It would be a good thing for the country If the place were abandoned as It would give us a good army that is now doing us no good but defending one town its fall will be nothing in comparison with that of Vicksburg I think Gnl [sic] Beauregard will be able to get his men away safely If the city does fall
It is reported here that the people about Monticello are about to hold a Union meeting If so I hope an Earth quake may sink it and them instantly understand [Bunks] and Shorter are the Leaders If so I want to soldier on that side about a month while the Enemy are about them If they should come down [there]
My Reg [sic] is well nigh broken up I suppose Withers is the cause of it from what I can hear It is possible that I will get a transfer for the [?] of my Reg [sic] though Gnl [sic] Lee offers me any commd [sic] I may desire on this side your Aunt Betty Howard is dead died in March last but I never heard of it until yesterday
Lewis [Negroes] ran off and [?] go with him when he got ready to [start] over the river
I send you the [?] by Jerry Mathers and Dr he will pull all of you take the window out of the office if you desire it Box up our Books and take them with you Jo Bussy [sic] has the Library Key do the best you can in your lonely retreat If the yank come act as becomes a Rebel wife with discretion and firmness I have written this so hastily that I fear you can not read it [?] on [?] more [?] than I have and can take you time for it
I saw [?] yesterday he told me that Lewis was quit [sic] sick also [?] gotten home keep Ema [?] all you can my Love to Ma Rocky and the little ones a Kiss for you and the babies as ever truly W F Slemons

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Hd Qrs 2 Brig Grenada

Sept 2nd 1863
My Dear Mattie

I write you hastily by mr Holsenbeck who is Starting home to day I have nothing of special Interest more than I am still in good health thank God although every body is sick about me I have never seen so much Illness among the Cavalry since the War began
I recived you [sic] Letter by Wells It was mighty short as your Letters are of Late I am glad that the health of my family is improving as that gives me more trouble than all the hardship that surround me I really hope when you get to the country where you so much desire to be that a change in habits and Exercises will be Beneficial to you as well as the Little ones I have not Determined yet what I shall do my reg [sic] is too sick to be cove away where some want to cross the river and some want to stay here I am indifferent where I fight whether East or west of the River If the Reg is not transfered [sic] I will be at home probably in a month after those that have [followed With me] over there from all I can Learn of his conduct It will go pretty hard with him If he is gotten back here again I am a Little surprised at his conduct I hope all I Learn about It is not so It seems there is no accounting for a white man these times the news from the East is unimportant The fight still progresses slowly at Charleston Ft Sumpter [sic] still replying at intervals to the Enemys Guns on Morris Island a great many think that the Citty [sic] will hold out I cant say knowing nothing of the force on either side I think It most probably that one more month will knock down all the Forts in the Harbor a fight at Chatanooga [sic] is daily Expected Bragg is being reinforced Burnside reported moving on Knocksville [sic] Tennessee Buckner will resist him in the mountain Gaps
It is generally considered that hostilities will begin in good [Earnest] in the next 3 weeks I write you all the news of interest by Garison in my Last
Please state to the Dr that his Letter come to hand I have no [horse] to send him Nor can I get one for him they are so scerce [sic] in this country
I hope the Iron Clad will be able to pull you and the Little ones [about] all the [bisecting] you may desire he is from Plough horse take good care of him keep him shod his hoofs are bad he is verry [sic] Easily kept in order If you need have him half fead [sic] and well rubbed
take good care of you hoggs [sic] and cattle and mony try to write a Little more nex [sic] Letter my Love to all a Kiss for you and the Littl [sic] ones as ever truly

W. F. Slemons
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Hd Qrs Brigade Grenada

Sept 4th 63
My Dear Mattie

I have another opportunity of writing you which is quite often of Late I am still in a very high state of preservation and as hopeful as usual there is a great deal of sickness here though bit few deaths I think

I have written you so often of late that I have Little that is new to write you Further than some Telegrams that come in Last night – which if half be true is very encouraging It is all Northern News via Memphis- One is that Price has obtained a Signal Victory over the yankees in the vicinity if Bayou Metro Arks another is that there is no sale for the US bonds in new york in consequince [sic] of the deception practised [sic] by the Treas Dept [sic] - Still another is that Six Powerfull Confederate war Steamers are En route for Chaleston [sic] from England and that another and more powerful fleet will soon start for Confederate waters this all comes from memphis [sic] cant say that I think it true- I saw a Gentleman to day just from Charleston who tells me that the Large Guns that have been manufactured for that place have reached Wilmington North Carolina and will soon be at that place- they carry a 600 lb shot of steel and it is supposed that the yankee Iron clads will be but a bubble before their terrible [sic] projectiles I shall send some officers over in a few days to gather up my Deserters may possibly come myself

The probability is that we shall son move forward to the Talahachie again reinforcements are promised to hold that country

I suppose I shall not hear of you often when you get to the country and then the Letters generally old at that I hope the Iron Clad reached you safely and that you will be pleased with him

Capt Jackson the bearer of this has been quite sick nearly ever since he has been out and I advise him to go home and Stay
give my Love to Rocky and [symbol] Ma Annie and [symbol] Sally a fond Kiss for my Babies and you
as ever truly
W. F. Slemons

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Hd Qrs 2 Brigade Grenada

Miss Sept 9th 63
My Dear Mattie

I write you by the officer going after diserters [sic]

I am quite well and as hopefull [sic] as usual nothing new since my Last all quiet Looking for a fight at Chatanooga [sic] or Victory
I Expect I will be over in ten days my self to see to getting the men a cross the river I hope the yankees will not be there before I get over I [heard] that they were [?] up into Arks hope to find you well and cheerful If I come [over] your [friends] here are all well as far as I know

my Love to all a kiss for you and the Little ones
affectionately W. F. Slemons
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Panola Dec 13th
My Dear Mattie

I am going to try the mail route again

This leaves me in the finest health possible Save the old case of Rheumatism that I have every winter hope it will not be more severe than usual I have just returned from a two days ride on the M and [symbol] C R.R. was quite successful My Brigade operated by itself I captured the Town and fortifications of Lafayette destroyed the entire place including the Depot Stockades and All the buildings with considerable company Stores I then moved on Grissoms Creek bridge captured the entire Garrison burned all the defenses and destroyed the Bridge and trestle work a cross the creek about one hundred yards Long
My Loss was 6 men wounded Humbol Stone Severely wounded in two places in the arm I had a Letter from you on the 8th of Last month I was delighted to hear that you and the children were all well no more pleasing intelligence could have reached me a Gentleman has just passed who tells me that he passed your home about the 1st of the month and that all were well States that he had a Letter from you for me but that the Feds got after him and he threw the Letters away I was so Sorry for it but glad to hear from you any way I have written several Letters by mail but dont know whether they have reached you hope they have
The day is dark and rainy much resembling this day 7 years ago but I do not feel so cheerfull [sic] as the Surroundings are not so bright as on that day but Look back with pleasure to many bright days since that time If I should see no more I can at Least thank God for all the hapiness [sic] a good wife can afford the rude soldier
I do not dispose yet of the future which I trust is full of hapiness [sic] when this Tradgedy [sic] shall have ended all is comparatively quiet in the army now Since our retreat from Chatahooga [sic] from all I can Learn some of our Troops behaved very cowardly in the presence of the Enemy there
The Army of the Tennessee is now at Dalton Ga temporarily under the command of Genl [sic] Hardee Brag having been relieved The enemy have fallen back to Chatanooga [sic] and sinding [sic] off their reinforcements to other points LongStreet had to rase [sic] the siege of Knocksville [sic] in consequence of Bragg falling back he is going into va [sic] Lee has driven Meade back to the Rapahanack [sic] Charleston is still the Scene of a fierce Bombardment but the Noble old for Sumpter [sic] and Citty [sic] still Stands defiantly to the face of the foe the campaign by Land is about at an end the River and citties [sic] I am impatient to hear if the army in Arks doing something
I hope you have you have [sic] gotten comfortably in [too new] cabins by this time- our Congress is now in cession [sic] they have repealed the Substitute Law I hope they will do something with our currency soon as that is the all absorbing them with the army at present
This is I think the turning point in our efforts hope the wisdom of our congress will be sufficient for the hour write me often and all the war news
my Love to all and a Kiss for the babes and Mother good by
as ever truly
W.F. Slemons

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[Tysa] June 17th
My Dear Mattie

I am quite well will probably be down tomorrow If not the day after I hope you are recovered from your severe Illness

I forwarded your note to its destination this morning If at any time I should fail to advise you all the information you are intitled [sic] to know of my movements can be had at Gen Fagans Qrs [sic] a Kiss for the Babies

Very truly

W. F. Slemons
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Hd Qrs [Gores] Farm

Arks River July 9th
My Dear Mattie

I reached the command the Evening of the 2d day from home found considerable sickness in camps though but Little fatally 2 Lut [sic] of my Brigade have died this week
The 2d day Arks is up near the Bluff no news of the Enemy at Present there is a great Dearth of News from Va and Ga I feel quite anxious to hear from the army of Richmond
my health is very good I feel quite sad more so than at any time during my life I had not thought that domestic Misfortune could reman me as those that have overtaken me this year the Loss of both our Loved Little daughters makes me feel more Keenly the Loss of Each the thought of their future welfare has often occupied my thoughts and cheered me around the lovely wach [sic] fires and nerved me in the hour of Battle
I hope that from the Land of the hereafter to which they have gone they may be allowed to wach [sic] with as much care my safety as I did theirs when with me when I reflect soberly and not selfishly I am content that they are gone Even If they should have been successful in Life as the most fortunite [sic] of our women The solace they might have been to us for a few years might have been dispeled [sic] in a [moment] by personal Misfortunes
But I am human and cannot Philosophise [sic] on Every Thing that comes up in my path though blest with an unusual Share of fortitude in Misfortune I fear you will be more Lonely and cheerless than usual but Try to Look on the bright side of the future hope Ere Long to be by your side in every trial that may threaten you
I send Lee out to work out you crop have the Peas thoroughly worked the Potatoes Scraped plowed and hilled up have Beck to follow the Plough and kill all the grass as it is ploughed up have your Cabbage Well ploughed and the Crop all dug up in the vines I am this Explicit that you may have every thing Well Worked out before the Boy comes back and that It may be well done
dont forget to ascertain when Dr Taylor gets out his wheat you had better see If you can get 10 or 15 Bushels from Dave Wells also the same amount from M Neese or Collins Mill so that If any one should fail you will still have some I should Like to have a Little to sow this fall Write me often as possible as ever truly W.F. Slemons

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Hd Qrs At Mortons Place

July 12th
My Dear Mattie

I sent out Lee the other day to work for you hope he got there Safe and that he will be able to work out your crop before it rains again
Capt Greenfield presented me with a fine Carpet which is at Capt Gill Gibsons at Tyra [sic] Capt Newland of Fagans Escort promised to take It to you as he went out yesterday having a wagon along dont know whether he did or not If he did not I will have It sent to you soon_
I was quite Ill yesterday with Billious [sic] Cholic [sic] but well to day and start in a few moments for Pine Bluffs with my Brigade on a scout where in all probability I shall have a fight

I will write you as soon as return Look well to our only baby

I am as ever truly

W. F. Slemons
To
Mrs Mattie Slemons

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Hd Qrs Slemons Brg

July 16th
My Dear Mattie

yours of the 12th Inst came to hand to day right glad to Learn that you were quite well I [received] at the same time a letter from Gnl [sic] Fagan who stated that he had visited you and that you were very well and that he hoped that you and his wife would be intimate friends Culitvate [sic] their friendship while he commands this District It may be of advantage to you the Gnl [sic] seems quite anxious to do you some Kindness
I have been quite delicate for several days but on duty General debility Physically and mentally renders me little fitted for the duties in cumbent [sic] upon me I hope some exciting duties will spring up which will rouse me from my present Lethargic condition If something does not turn up soon Which indicates an active campain [sic] I shall try and get 30 days Leave of Absence in which to recuperate my Wasted Energies
I have just returned from near the Bluffs where I went to meet Clayton Who was reported coming out to fight me he did not come and I was much disapointed [sic]
I feel more determined than ever to wage desperate warfare upon these Miserable adventurers who have so Long deprived me of the pleasures of home and the privilege of seeing the Last moments of my sainted Babies I know that I should not Murmer [sic] against the severity of Providence as If it is not Wicked It is certainly foolish but I cannot well understand why or for what purpose these Little ones should be given me and when I had Learned to Love them I should be deprived of that poor boon and that too while strugling [sic] with those who would dare enslave them and me But I will not Brude [sic] on my own sad misfortune but Look to those Left me
Look after you supply of wheat at once before and it is all disposed of by the army send down to Dr Taylors and ascertain what he is doing about his wheat and If it is about [to be] prepared get a safe Guard from Gnl Fagan for what you need dont neglect to secure a plenty for the year too much is better than too little Let me know whether [ned] has gotten the horse from Collinss If she has not tell her to send at once as he may be taken off by some
If things remain quiet I will be out in a few days and rest awhile I am sorry to hear of the severe Illness of my good friend [crossed out word] Ann Niell [sic] Mr Niell [sic] is not here absent on a scout I dont Know Where as soon as he returns I will send him If not too Late
a Kiss for the [Bay?]

as ever truly

W.F. Slemons

[crossed out]
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Camps at Morton

July 17th 1864
My Dear Mattie

yours of the 15th is to hand glad to hear that all are so well I think I am somewhat improved since my last- But I do not think that I shall be rite well in the bottom as the climate does not agree with me and the Water very bad mostly River water
otherwise we are doing well plenty of forage and plenty of Beef and Bred [sic] for the men Billious [sic] fever is making its appearence [sic] in the Command and I am afraid will be general I do not think I shall have It as I am quite Lean and very abstemious
There is no news of Late date here some of our forces are in Penslvania [sic] and Maryland I dont know in what strength as I get my information from Federal sorces [sic] and they do not seem to know anything of our strength there but are teribly [sic] alarmed Harpers Ferry was taken on the way- I am rather incline to think that It is a cavalry Raide [sic] after horses and Cattle for the army at Richmond and nothing more

I recived [sic] a Message from Mrs Richardson my old sweetheart Miss Snyder who lives about 8 miles from this that she had a great many good things for me saving until I called on her among other things Bottle of fine Brandy and that If I did not come soon she would be over I wish I had the good things to day Sunday have rather a poor Diner [sic] but good enough I suppose for a Rebel
I told Lut [sic] Cooper who went out yesterday to Monticello If Lee was done work to bring him in but If not to let him stay until he was done

I am sorry Ma did not get the horse but that is just my luck in the horse line If nothing ales him but swiming [sic] that can be cured easily_ I wrote you in my last what I wished you do generally in relation to your domestic affairs at home
I fear I shall trouble you in the management of you affairs now that I am so close to you I only offer what I say as suggestions and not as directions for you to be governed by use your own discretion in all you [sic] domestic affairs
my Love to my little Boy and all
very truly
W F Slemons

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Hd Qrs Cobells Division

In the Field July 31st
My Dear Mattie

Inclosed [sic] find latest news from East of the River which is quite exhilerating [sic] If substantially true

I am in tolerable health as good as usual I believe at this season of the year all quiet in front had little scirmish [sic] up on the front about some corn that was in dispute we got the corn however

I have a small amount of Indigo Soda and Pepper I will send you [on] the first chance have sent for your Bill of Goods Ms Richardson has very kindly undertaken to get them and says she will procure anything she can for you I understand there is a great deal of sickness in the hills hope you will be prudent in your diets and exercises and Look well to the health of our Little Boy
dont neglect to get the wheat If when you hear the Dr has It ready you cant get a wagon call on Gen Fagan for Government Wagon to haul it home my Love to all as ever truly

W. F. Slemons
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Hd Qrs Cobells Divis [sic]
My Dear Mattie

I recived [sic] yours by last courier glad to hear of the good health of yourself and Little Ones I am rite well at present Save severe pain at times in my back Rumors of sucess [sic] in every direction Keeps me cheerfull [sic] News of the sucess [sic] at Atlanta confirmed Report now in circulation that Grants army has been driven from Richmond himself said to be wounded Shelby is reported to have defeated the Enemy near Brownsville on the [Bod] Road Greenback gone up to 350 all thinks Look well at present I wish I had permission to give the Enemy a bout at River Bluffs I am quite restless at present I think I shall assume the responsibility of getting up a fight soon If I dont get orders to annoy them I hear from you nearly every day when you dont write Capt Thomas or Gnl Fagan tells me they had [seen] you I should be glad to come and spend a few days with you and hope to do so soon my friend Mrs Richardson sent me bunch of cigars and Bottle Catsup to day and a letter beging [sic] me to return a mule impressed by my Qer [sic] Master I send you her note it is no harm I suppose in getting a Letter from an old friend like her now and then but I know you are not Jealous or at least dont think you are much inclined that way

I think Johnson and Zellner have assumed Large responsibilitys [sic] for this season of the year I am quite sorry to hear that Whit and his [?] get on so badly he had better Stay in the army as I do a fine preventative for such I guess my sick increasing most of these too Ill to be moved to the hospital at such a distince [sic] my Love to the Boy and Rock tender my regard to [Qundly?]

as ever truly W. F. Slemons
To

Mrs W. F. Slemons