2

the work before the hands were dismissed
The pork business at Stagville and Person is all completed
to the satisfaction of every one I believe; and all are doing
well I understand from Mr Harniss, There is very little
sickness any where around us, a chill or two occasionally
and a cold which generally yields to one small
dose of medicine is all we have to contend with, I
trust it may continue so, The boy at Stagville who
has been sick so long (ebbner) does not improve much,
but is no worse - The sickness which you fear would be
so serious at Person has almost disappeared Gabriel is
now the only one sick, and he is not seriously so, Bell
Green lost an infant a few days ago from teething,
which has been the only death. Old uncle Joe came
down last night, he has finished his job there -

Our little ones keep well and are as happy as the day
is long, the weather has been so mild they can live out of
doors, which I assure you they delight in; They all had a
merry Christmas finding their stockings full of St
Nickolas' gifts upon waking, and having music and
dancing together with a John O'Cooner We had more
musicians than we could accommodate I was quite
sick all day, but for the sake of the young folks and
because I know all the "people" who were here were
out of mischief, I tried to endure it, but for once got
heartily tired of music I felt rewarded however by
knowing it was the most peacable Christmas we ever had
and hearing Mr Piper say "that of all that were here
from Stagville, Little River, Eno and all about he saw