Letter to Thomas T. Sloan from Bridget Sloan, August 28, 1834

Lexington Aug. 28th 1834 My dear son Your letter of the 18th Inst. came to hand last night at eight OClock, so this morning I sit me down as you say, to answer your severl letters. I am indused to believe that it is useless to present an excuse to you for not writing to you more frequently, as you are princi paled against receiving any, so I will make my self content by relying on your good nature. I wrote you a letter a short time since and sent it by your friend Cammock and I also sent you a beede purse by him. I begin to fear he has deceived me, for you might of seen him by the time you wrote to me last. Mr Prentice has been here lately. Allmost the second word was to inquire after you. He was here but one night and day, he visited us twice in that time when we parted he gave me a harty shake of the hand and at the time requested me to give his respec -ets to you the first time I wrote you, and to say that he was sorry you was not here whilst he was in this place. He saw your picture , he says, it is a most exelent likeness. Speaking of a { ?} I must tell you that I showed your likeness to a young lady, a day or so since, she admired the picture, so I told her, if she would wate untill I saw you I would give you to her, her answer was this--I would wate ten years for such a looking man. She is the neace of Mr James Turlton. Her name is Jinkins. She is not beautifull, but good looking. She has a good figure, and walks well she is intelegent ameable and sprightly

and to crown all she is truly pious. Your brother is still hanging betwene hope and fear, I do not think the day is fixed to compeate his happiness, as he thinks. I wish he was marryed on off I care not which, I am tired seeing him in such a state of suspence. You must not think I have any objection to her, no, far from it, for I do believe she possess every good quality to make my boy happy, Yes I will be proud of such a Daughter. Her father is building a new house, which will not be done untill October, so he wishes the two lovers to wate untill that time as she is the first daughter that she will give in mar -riage. Your Aunt Fanny has arived here at last with her six children. She is living in the house on limestone street. Her three first children are boys, the next two are girls and the last a boy again, which was born two months after the death of Mr Guevin. Your Aunt is very much changed for the worst. Joanna was here weeks before last with her seventh babe in her armes she speaks of you with much kindness and says-- there is none on earth she would sooner see. Aunt Betsy is Aunst B. still. Your Uncle James has become so large a man you would scarce know him, he is getting so large a frunt that there is danger of him having to get a wheelbarrow to carry it. Mary Jane sends her love to you and says she will learn the tune you requested her to learn, as soon as she can get the notes. Fanny and myself has had a longe conversation aboute you and poor Fanny Ray, she says if she is a judge of human nature F. loved you more than any one in this world. She spoke of you often and truly affectionaly she spoke of you having a splendid mind as well as the best of hearts. She made frequen attempts to write to you, became discuraged because she could not write as well as you her Father and Mother was pleased with your letter and was anxious she should curaspond with you as your letter would be instructing to F. God rest her soul.

Your Uncle T. is building another wing to his house. There is two rooms, in it, one for a library and the other a bed room. The hot dry weather has almost scorched us up, the shrubery and grass looks badly at this time, but notwithstanding it is the most peasanat residence I know, if there is a brease it gives us a touch--The old office looks retired and comfort able, it is well shaded by locust and morning glory, it is prity in the morning when those vines are in full boom

You say you expect things are changed hear, and perhaps the souls are chanced. The senery dose ware a different face a little. But Theodore, the souls has not changed, yes my son I think I can say with ruth that all your relations love you, and are high in hope that you are on the road to be a bright ornament to the fami ly, and more happy yourself. I hope you may be happy if you get the appointment that you expect, which is the only reason I wish you to get it. In fact I do not alow myself to think of it much, it is shocking to my feelings to think of the danger you will have to incounter, the accide nts that may occur and the distance you will be losted from me by the billow, I must not think, no, it will heat my brain, I will hush my feelings to rest, and pray to the one that has all power to shield you from dan ger on your pilgrimage through this boisterous world

I would hope if I dare that you would come and see us before you go to sea, but I ask nothing, do as you think best. In the mean time what shall I say to the young lady that is willing to wate so long for you? I should be pleased to present you to her. I presume you will be surprised to hear that John Cooms is marryed to Miss Eliza Bain, who would of though it. the other sister will be marryed next tuesday to a Mr Hanly Mr McMaon sends his respects to you, and says he is not acquainted with the gentleman you spoke of nor ever traveld the road you speak of. You are also mistaken in his being a scoch man. All sends love to you. Write soon, your mother & friend

B. Sloan

Mr Thomas T. Sloan Washington City