Letter to Thomas T. Sloan from Bridget Sloan, April 10, 1832

Lexington, April 10th 1832

My Dear son

I am in good health of body, but my spirits some depressed. I know you will not be pleased to read dolefuls, but I am determined to write in character [character] to my feelings, so you may prepare for - No, I will not say it. However, Theodore, I have reason to reflect [reflect] on you, for the appearance of want of affection. You have been absent for near six months, and I have not received but two letters from you. I am almost inclined to think you have more love for your dog than me. I notice the fruits of your love to me, much more minutely than you suppose [suppose]. You must reflect that I am a widowed mother with nothing on this earth to rest her affections on, but her boys, and that it is perfectly [perfectly] in your powers to become the sun shine of my path through life or over-cast it with clouds [clouds]. I anticipate the former, therefore the slightest speck has its affect. I am also sorry you entertain [entertain] the opinion you do, for the females. You must [must] not indulge such sentiments, it will blunt all your social feelings and unfit you for society [society]; and I fear at length you will become a misanthrope. God never desired you for this, no, no, he endowed you with tallent, you have a good person health streanth and acquirements, and everything requisite to make you an ornament to society. Why do you stand apart and look on your fellow man or mankind with a suspicious eye? Remember, we are all mortal , therefore we are liable err. Charity is a virtue my boy, nourish it, and cultivate it well in your bosom. Its growth will

add much to your happiness, with your intercourse, with the world. You have been unfortunate enough to meet with some unworthy females, I have no doubt, but that is no reason that you should condemn all the sex, no, by no means. Examine will, refind society, (I do not mean the most fashionable [fashionable] and dashing part of the community), but those that are well educated, and has been taught the truths of religion and morality. There you will find virtue and chastity in all its loviness. If there was no errors in the caracter of some women, where would be the distinction? What makes the purity of an individual shine with all its lustre? Is it not the impurity of an other individual?

Mr Christy returned home last friday in good health and found all well. His infant was so grown that he would not known her if he had seen her any other place than home. She would look at very hard, she did not like him. When her mother would sit in his lap she would cry. She will notice her mother across the room and spred her dear mouth to a laugh, if she is in good humour if not, she will evince her distress. She knows my voice as soon as she hears me speak to her. Is not she a wonder? Margaretta was pleased with your present. I must confess [confess] I was some mortifyed that I did not receive some remembrance, if it had been only one word.

I received a letter from Fanny G.R. in a few days after I got yours. She enquires when I hear from you, and how you come on. It appears from what she says, that you promised to write to her but has not been as good as your word. I believe she has a friendship for you. I have written to her and given her all the information she wished. The Doc. has been in bad health all winter, and your Aunt Sarah has a

another son, who she calls James Simon. What do you think of that.

Your Uncle T. M. H. received a note from you last sunday. I have no doubt its contents will be duely attended to The girles speak of you often, and affectionately. I believe you are dear to them, and if you were there one brother, they would not be more solicitous for your happiness, than they are for yours. You ask if Mag. loves her babe, as well as the black cat. I wish you could see her, you would soon deside. She is a devoted [devoted] mother. Robert was here last week, he is well. He thinks you do not treat him well, by not writing to him. I wish from my heart you would write more frequently. I see nothing to prevent you, at the same time I am not writing to think that it is for want of inclination [inclination].

[I?] am truly greateful to your friends in Kentucky [..] there kindness to you, it never will be forgotten by me. I saw Mr Huggin's letter, I was pleased of course. But I was apprised of his opinion of you before, from a conversation. I heard between your Uncle T. and him a few day previous to your Uncles receiving your letter, were in you requested him to get a letter from Mr H. Give my love to Mrs Loughborough, and tell her I fear some one has been trying to prejudice her against me from all I can hear. Present my respects to Mr Dowling and tell him that I have got a wife in my eye for him. I will introduce him to her when he returns to this place. If you write soon I will promise to write the next without scholding one word. How do you come on in the military way. Be careful of your health of all things. How is those pains you had in your shoulders, and how is your feet.

Your mother and friend B. Sloan

Mr. Thomas T. Sloan Washington City