Nine letters between the Reid and Simpson families
written between 1816 and 1847
Contributed by Ralph Simpson
4) Richard "Duke" Simpson to his
brother-in-law, Major John Reid (4/24/1816)
Outside envelope: Richmond Ky
April 25
Majr, John Reid
Caswell Coty No. Carolina
P.Office Lenox Castle
Kentucky, Madison County, 24th April 1816
DSir,
I have taken up my pen
to write you with more reluctance than ever I experienced on any former
occasion when writing to a friend. - But duty enjoins it & painfull
as the recital is - I will faithfully detail it. - Your son had continued
very nigh in the same condition I left him (perhaps rather declining) till
about ten or twelve days before my return, when he was violently attackted with
the Measels - that brought on him a high fever & he desired to have
Doctr. Rollins sent for, which was accordingly done & the Doctr. Has attended
him ever since & is yet attending on him.
His fever still continues tho tis now slight, his cough has ceasd. & he
spits freely & the Doctr. says all the symptoms are favourable. -
But, (tho I don't wish to alarm you) I am notwithstanding the Doctors opinion,
very fearfull he is approaching his dissolution fast - in a few days I shall be
able to form a better opinion & will give it to you honestly - when his
fever is ok he is a chearfull as formerly, seems fond of company & conversation
- when his fever is on, he sleeps almost continually, talks in his sleep &
appears to be often dreaming - in his sleep, he very frequently blames himself
for bringing the Measles into my family & well say he ought not to have
done so - tho I have not heard say anything xxx when awake - He read yours and
Billys letters, with a great deal of satisfaction & made very particular
enquiries about his Mother & Sister. - My family is well except the
Measles - & my heart is too full to write you any more. I am DSir
with sentiments of the highest consideration & respect Yr.HLeeS
P.S. I got home on Saturday the 20th
of this month-
& two weeks after the Rect. of this, your
may expect another.
From the John Reid Papers #3882
Southern Historical Collection, Wilson Library
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
|
1) John B. Reid to his father, Major John Reid (1/9/1816)
2) John B. Reid to his father, Major John Reid (3/3/1816)
3) John B. Reid to his mother, Keziah Simpson Reid (3/5/1816)
4) Richard "Duke" Simpson to his brother-in-law, Major John Reid (4/24/1816)
5) Richard "Duke" Simpson to his brother-in-law, Major John Reid (5/8/1816)
6) Richard "Duke" Simpson to his nephew, William B. Simpson (4/7/1845)
7) Richard "Duke" Simpson to his nephew, William B. Simpson (9/9/1845)
8) Richard "Duke" Simpson to his sister, Keziah Simpson Reid (5/4/1847)
9) Duke Williamson Simpson to his aunt, Keziah Simpson Reid (10/25/1847)
