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are entertaining M^r Woolley in the passage. This is where we sit in
the forenoon & until tea - a very delightfully cool shaded spot
one drawing room opens into this Hall, two beautiful drawing rooms
a dining room & his office down stairs. But I will tell you all
about this when we meet. I thought when I again wrote I would
have had leisure & given you a guiet letter - but over dear cousin
being here all day, & the children all talking so much I am
confused. I often think of you & your precious children. My darlings how
I long to see you, you my precious Tootee & those sweet babes & my noble
son William. Last Friday when the wind blew so hard here - how my
heart trembled for dear William - God! grant he may long ere this
reaches you be safe with you & those little darlings. What would I not
give to have a peep at you all - you my beloved children - poor Mrs
Gale, my good negros [sic] - my pretty birds - my garden, even the old
house & dirt. I know my child you will do all in your power for me
I only hope you will not overtax your strength. If the negros [sic] can only
be restored to health, if they behave well & if the seasons are favorable - I hope
I may be able to meet the expenses of this to me terrible & eventful
year. God! knows what is best for us. My mind is still disturbed - but I sleep
better, this is some comfort. Kiss over & over again my precious babes. Kiss William
too for me. May God! reward us him for his kindness to me. My love to Mrs Gale - Shake
by the hand my good Pussy - Clementine, Marise, Mom Jane, Toney, Quam &c &c &c
Tell them all the kind messages your own kind heart may think of suggest ---
Cousin A., M^r W., Mary, Henry, G. F. V. F. Tip each & every one send their love
kisses &c - Rhina is terribly indignant at Rose's conduct. She sends
lots of love to all her family & friends. Georgia began a letter to you
& but I rather think she will be too late for this evenings [sic] mail.
She has to entertain M^r Woolley. Remember me to M^r Dunham -
When you go to Retreat again pray enquire particularly
after the little negros [sic]. I fear in all this sickness poor Affers [sic]
children are sadly neglected. How could Rose be so ungrateful
to me? It is probable she will spite me by neglecting her children
I think Pussy? deserves the highest praise, & she shall be rewarded if I
live to return. I must now really stop my own baby. Oh! my
Tootee how I do long to see you all again. It seems years since we
parted. I hope to hear again from you ere I leave this
Praying the choicest blessings of God! on you I am your devoted
Mother -
A M King