1816

Source: Photocopy of letter sent by David White

Dear Wife and Children

I arived at Simon Rubottoms the 20th day of my Journey where I am now writing I found Simon his wife mother Joseph and Mahaly not in a good State of health but are Mending Execpt (sic) his mother the complaint they labour under is a Remiting fever As to my own part I could boast of health were it not that I have been troubled with the cholic on the road which together with my mare being foundered has made my Journey tedious notwithstanding at this time I feell reasonably well and my mare is but little worsted having at all times as yet an excelent appetite. Thomas and little John Joseph is in good health and Polley is tolerably well. I gave her a dose of Lees pills the night I got to her house and they opperated both as a puke and a purg and has been of great service I believe to her. She is quite cheerful and I hope will do well She has never been confined to her bed but able to do her work. I expect when I rest a few days to day eight or ten to take Thomas with me and go on to the Illinois which is perhaps 200 miles There has two men lately come from that country and has been at Brother Joseph and Susannah Browns. It will not be in my power to come through Tennessee State as Thomy and Polley are so Anxious I should come with them to Chatham. To go by brother Jesse home would be 200 miles out of my way but I am Sorry I cannot See them and know not how to help my self without disoblidging them I wish you to acquiant George Rubottom that I carried the money he commited to my charge Safe Sealed to his father which I thought to be 100 and 28 dollars but there is but 100 and 18 in the letter. This is a mistake between me and George in counting or his father must have droped it the night I gave him the letter. The neighbours are sickly in general hereabout especially new comers. Nathan Wells is dead. It is supposed he had the Epidemic. William Gowdy died with the consumption a day past and Danniel Dawsons daughter also Rachel Dix is married to George Farlow Abraham Holliday and Elizabeth Dix John Sniper and Nancy Crow also. Excuse me for short writing. I am in haste but remain yours, most affectionately.

Stephen White