folder 07: 1841

Heartache day 7. 1841

Dear Sister I was happy to receive even the short note you sent me, and am compelled by dearth of intellect to send you a short a one in return. What can a man say when his whole soul is absorbed in the computation of the time which must necessarily elapse between breakfast and dinner - supper and bedtime? I bade adieu two months since, to my two best friends, coffee and tobacco From that time forward I have not been able to hold up my head in the world. I have languished for want of the accustomed stimulus. My brain has become deadened in it sensibilites. I live in a state of half dreaming unconsciousness - my brightest idea would do discredit to a man in a doze. I am half asleep now, tho I have not a dollar in my pocket and the sight of a constable would stop the circulation of my blood You are the wife of a Judge. I have a curiosity to know why you were not made a Judgess on the first ballot. but I shall learn it when I see you which I shall do as soon as circumstances will permit - Your boarder, Columbus, has not yet reached here send him on. I have seen several people from your village lately, but did not feel sufficient interest to to enquire about the affairs of your little corporation. I want to get all the news from you and sitser and mother - it comes better from your lips. my love to mother sincerely yours R H B we are all well but old Sam he is no better

Mrs. Lucy M Battle Raleigh NCa

pr Esther

I am surprised you complain of my not writing to you I have written at least two to you and they must of been lost in the mail

Warrenton February 4 1841

Mary H. Walker

My dearest Sue

I received your dear affectionate letter about ten days ago and deferred answering it untill I arrived at Warrenton because I thought I would have more to say about your family from this place, Mrs Eliza Plummer was hear to day and made many inquiries about you all she is going down to see Ann to morrow Ann is looking out daily and Mrs P looks as if she ought to book every moment they are all very well, Ann has had her miniture taken for you I have its quite small and Rose Eaton says it is not attall like her but I have not seen it. I did intend to have mine taken for you but I am afraid it will look so ugly that Shay would cry to think his dear Mary is so old and ugly but however you must not be supprised if I should venture, Kate Davis has quite a pretty little girl and says I must give her my dear darling Shay for a sweet heart but I told her she must be first rate or else she should not have him. She will go to house keeping to morrow about seven miles from Warrenton her Father has given her beautiful furniture and every thing she can possibly want (and Cousin Sally White) says she is better fixed than any one she has ever seen, Dr Davis has given the plantation and seventeen likely negroes the Dr is for their being [/] and plain and Mrs

is for her makeing a dash so I dont know how too such hard hands will get along and so intirely different but some think the Doctor will cary the day. Tom & Sarah Amis popped in Warrenton very suddenly not long ago they have too children (he is broke all to pieces is the report) but Sarah acts and talks as large as ever but no one thinks they will ever return, and what do you think of Tink she last sunday night she did not know she was, and that is not half of it. Asia Plummer was at a party given to William Hunter (he is married to Miss Yarborough) and at the table she was [?] now what do you think of it all, I expect you have heard of your brother Henrys exploit but how ever I will tell it for fear you have not he has cournted Mrs Mary Williams and been discarded and is as [peast?] a lively as you please dont men folks beat every thing in life but I think he stans in as much need of a Wife as any man in the world still I was supprised, well I believe I have written all the news of this place so will write about your dear self you cant half know how uneasy I am about your health my dear Sue do pray if you dont get better dont stay in St Louis but come back next Summer and be cured again, and bring my dearest boy and never go away again the idie of your being so far away and perhaps sick is rathre more than I can bear so do beg Mr Cob to sell some of his flower and do you take the fifty dollars your Pa gave you and come along what good can wealth do when you are

sick health is of more value than all the wealth of the Western world and beside you can afford to come I know so do pray think of what I say and see if you cant [?] at least for my sake, I dont know what I should do [?] myself if I could only know you were comeing I should be obliged to go and meet you waitting for you [?] arrive would be out of the question, my dear [?] baby boy that he must ask his Papa to bring him [?] see me, and let him write some the next time you [?] his dear little words were so sweat and lovely that I [?] like a Child, but that I invariably do when I receive [?] letter from you, and if you think it better to go to the North or the Springs just let me know and I will meet you at either place, tell Shep he must write me all about his going to the party my health is tolerable good and if I could see you and Shep I should be as well as ever I was except a Cough which I never expect to be without but it dont make me low spirited for I am resolved to be sattisfied about my health and to try and be resighend to the will of the Lord, but I am not sattisfied not to see you three for I cant think but what devine providence would approve of your coming, you must give my love to all the family at home and Mrs Cheanter and Julia and Mrs Archer when you see her and my respects to Dr Beaumont and all that enquire after me, give my sincere love to Mr Cabonne and team thousand bushels of love and kisses to my darling little Shep and the same quantity for your self bless your heart