FL860546

[Page 256]

Messina, April 29th 1811

My dear Father

Your letter of the 29th of last No-
-vember I received some days back, together with
those from my dear Mother and Sisters

Never was I more surprised than to see
Major Williams – The appearances which he gave
me of your perfect health, added to your own, afforded
me the highest satisfaction I am far from lamenting
that in a Father I have a rival in youth and should
never murmur at any deprivations which I might suf-
-fe from such a circumstance. Many thanks to
you, my dear Father for your letter of Credit – If I
have occasion to avail myself of it at all it will
be very moderately and that not for some time
Altho I am in no want of money, it is a plea-
-sant thing to have by me My plan is to pay
all off, before I receive my month's subsistance
from the Pay Master, by which means I have
always forty or fifty dollars in hand, but others
who do not adopt this method wait for their pay
to discharge their Bills, so that they are generally
without a sixpence, and at the end of the month
are compelled to borrow from their neighbours
[continued at top of next page]

[continued from top part of page 258]
tho addressed to me, were intended for your perusal

We are anxiously looking out for our new Commander in
Chief; His appointment will produce great changes in this
Army

Your letter by Major Williams is of a very
old date. I hope that the Packet may bring me some late intel-
-ligence. Edward Lee wrote me a very kind letter for which
my dear Father, I must beg you to thank him – I must wait
till I can find something to entertain him. My kindest
remembrances to Mary Ann, to Mr. & Mrs. Thompson, and every
branch of that good family. I must be so idle as not to write to
poor John, who will perhaps be demanding a Rule to show cause –
In my last letter I mentioned a few things which I should soon
want – Scarlet cloth, and blue worsted & white cotton web for Pantaloons –
I am perfectly well, and desire nothing more ardently than to hear
from you. Pray put a few lines into the Post Office, I should
be quite contented even did every letter contain a lecture –

I remain, my dear Father, Your affectionate Son
Edwd. Mc Arthur