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Raleigh. 4th Feby 1822
Dear Sir
You have been advised by Mr Devereux that the money for the amount of W. R. & William's [Judg(men)ts?] against me as admr. of [Fairiis?] has been paid into the Bank and placed to your credit - I hope my exertions in this business will have a tendency to convince the world that altho' I have been imprudent yet that I do not intend to continue it, or to act dishonestly. If I could now have a Chance I could in a few years reclaim all that I have lost& pay all my Just debts- the last I am determined to do, if my life lasts- with the use of my limbs & senses- I do not mean to give up yet- however I am cash down at present- I am sensible that I have suffered myself to be drawn into practices & habits that were won while pursuing repugnant to my nature & revolting to my sober understanding- but it seemed that I was urged by some irresistable impetus to a precipice whose horrible height I view with shuddering and mortification- and wish I could draw the curtain of
of oblivion close & dark around my reflections on a few years past, & could only look forward_ however gloomy the prospect _ my feelings are often lascerated & sometimes I think [intionally?] perhaps I deserve it_ as a just punishment for my folly & gross imprudence_ but nothing shall drive me from my present determinations_ no emburrassments or distresses that may be heaped on me_ shall ever drive me to fool away my life as near as I have done. let what will fall I am determined to pursue one even course end how it may_ dissipation & intemperance is not nor never was congenial to my feelings or understanding_ and was only pursued from false reasoning & causes that I ought to have turned to other purposes_ or that should have produced the immediate opposite effects_
The object of this (tho' I had almost forgotten it) is to inquire if you have filed the Bill against McQuay and if not to beg your attention to it as it is said he is making way with his property to avoid a recovery or rather the payment of what may be recovered_ If you will draw the Bill & could send it down by some private hand even before our county court I would attend to the having the copy & O issued_ I fear if this business is longer delayed that more blame will be heaped on me. this I wish to avoid
but if the Debt should be lost I fear an attempt might be made to make me or my security liable for it_ which would add to my already manifold embarrassments & distresses ~
Respectfully Yr Obt &c
M. Cooke
Mark Cooke Feby 1822
Thomas Ruffin Esquire Hillsborough N Carolina
paid M.C.
Grassy Creek 5th Feby 1822_
Dear Sir,
I would beg leave to inform you, that I have concluded to have my name put in nomination to fill the appointment of Professor of Languages in the University, now vacant, by the resignation of Mr. Hooper -
As you have long been acquainted with me, I shall say nothing concerning my pre-tensions- and from your uniform friendship, I make no doubt of your support, so far, as you may think me worthy -
But I would assure you, that I have long since wished to devote the remainder of my life exclusively to litterature, & my only motive, in seeking this ap-pointment, is, to enable me to do it, & at the same time, to make myself in some measure useful to others -
Respectfully Your Obdt. SrvtJoel Strong
Thomas C. Ruffin Esquire