Notes

Nine letters between the Reid and Simpson families

written between 1816 and 1847

Contributed by Ralph Simpson

8) Richard "Duke" Simpson to his sister, Keziah Simpson Reid (5/4/1847)

Outside envelope:     Westport Mo
                                May
                                Mrs. Keziah Reid
                                Fayette County Tennessee
                                P.Office White Hall
                                May 24^th/47

West Port Jackson County< Mo., May 4^th  1847

Dear Sister,

                       I recd. your letter of the 13^th of last month some days ago & would have answerd it before this time, but my health would not permit of it. – I have been unwell since about the first of January but thank providence I feel to be recovering. – I think Sister tis reduced to a certainty that we never shall have the pleasure of meeting in this world any more, I would have tried to have visited you, but my health was bad & the whole family opposed it – but sister if we can prepare, & through the mercy of God & intercession of our Saviour to meet where parting will be no more – let this satisfy us, for our separation here.

                       I am extremely sorry to hear of Williams death, leaving behind him a wife & such a number of children – but I am told his wife is a sensible fine woman, let us hope for the best.

                       You ask to hear something from Betsey Harden. She lives up the Missouri River, in the Platt Country some hundred & fifty above me. I but seldom hear from her, but as usual I expect they are not doing very well. She has seven children, they are all grown & married but the youngest & how they are making out I can’t say. The rest of my children is progressing well & all growing rich & are highly respectable. - I am sorry Mr. Smith & Clarissa is not in your neighborhood as you have but the one Daughter it would afford you great consolation to have Clare by you. -

                       After my wifes death, I soon discovered that I could not manage a house & plantation too. & I determined to give up all my property to my children & they advertised a public sale, in a certain day & sold land, negroes, & every thing and made an equal division amoungst them – receiving to myself Twenty five hundred dollars, which I thought sufficient for me the residue of my life. – We have had a severe winter & I think the people is more sickly than usual at this season of the year.

                       My children is enjoying as good health as is to be expected. My hand cramps so that I can’t write any more – give my love to Billy, Widow & children & believe me sincerely your affectionate Brother.

From the John Reid Papers #3882   Southern Historical Collection, Wilson Library   University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill