Nine letters between the Reid and Simpson families
written between 1816 and 1847
Contributed by Ralph Simpson
5) Richard "Duke" Simpson to his
brother-in-law, Major John Reid (5/8/1816)
Outside envelope: Richmond Ky
May 9
Majr, John Reid
Caswell County
No. Carolina
P.Office at Lenox Castle
Kentucky, Madison County, 8th May 1816
DSir,
It has become my painfull duty, to be the
harbinger to you of the melancholy & heart rending news of the death of
your son, who departed this life on Friday last at a half past 10
o’clock. The Measles I have no doubt hastened his exit, from the time he
was taken with that complaint, he wasted & declined very fast. On the
Sunday before I got home, he in the afternoon rode home with Mr. Hardin &
Betsey with an intention of staying till Wednesday, but he declined so fast on
Wednesday he was unable to get back & consequently continued with Mr.
Harden till his death. – he was confined to his bed only about two weeks,
during which time he had considerable company it appeard to me he was admired
by all that knew him & was waited on with the utmost attention.-
After reading the letter I brought him & asking me a number of questions
about the family &c, the next day after I got home – he was no more heard
to mention any of you till about two days before his death, & then in his
sleep, he at different times talkd of all the family. – He appeard Chearfull
& did not seem to suffer any pain during his indisposition nor did he ever
once complain, or say he was sick. We had an elegant Coffin made for him,
of Curled Cherry, with a raisd top & having nicely dressd & shouded?
him – have buried him at Mr. Hardens by the side of his little children. – I
shall have no funeral appointed till I hear from you, tis possible if you
should move to this country, the family may wish to attend it.
A few days before his death he gave Mr. Harden a bill of different little debts
he owed in Town & requested him to go in & pay them off & bring him
the rects. which Mr. Harden did & after reading them, he put them into his
pocket book & that in his Coat pocket.
His money, Watch, Cloaths, Saddle, bridle, Saddlebags, Books, &c are all
here & shall be particularly taken care of – subject to your order.-
My family has & will all put on morning for him & so will a number of
his acquaintances in the Town & Country & there will be a great deal
more respect so to his memory, then you can possibly suppose a youth of his age
could command. – He died quite easy, without a groan or struggle & was
the most amiable looking corpse I ever beheld, having that agreeable smile on
his countenance, that was common with through life. – My family is not
yet clear of the Measles tho I hope none of them dangerous. – I am Sir real
friend & HreS
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From the John Reid Papers #3882
Southern Historical Collection, Wilson Library
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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