University of Virginia Library

March 3, 1857 from Young Barrett, Maria Barrett, and Isabella Johnson to Dr. James H. Minor

I have taken this first opportunity
after my arrival in this country, of writing to you
I hope that you and family are well, myself &
family are quite well, and have been since I
been in this country, yet at this time I am not
quite well to day. Myself and Maria , Isabella
Charles and Richard , have all come to the new
Interior Settlement, about 50 or 60 miles from the
sea coast. Wm Douglass and his family, Charles Twine
and his Brother Philip , George , Winslow and Hugh
Walker 3 Brothers, Washington, Coleman, Allen , Wilson,
and Martin 4 Brothers, John and Washington Mickey
2 Brothers, and Thomas and David Scott, 2 Brothers[1]
compose the company that came to the new
Interior Settlement with us, We have all been
quite well, no fever nor any other kind of sickness
the place is finely located on top of a very high
mountain, we like this place much better than
we seen elsewhere, and although things are not
like they were at home, yet we are thus far quite
satisfied. The rest of our people all settled at
Monrovia, and Clay Ashland up the river about
15 miles from the sea coast, And I am very
sorry to inform you that the mortality has;

been very great by the fever, we have lost
by Death the following persons, my father, sister
Francis[2], Uncle Buck Thomson, Billy Douglass,
James Scott, Lucy Twines baby, Frank Coleman;
Maria Coleman; Lucy Twines Father; Patrick
Mickey;[3] [4] Robert Scott is laying very low, indeed
all the people down at Clay Ashland are quite
sick, Thus far we all have enjoyed good health
as when at home. I will now tell you of my
wife Maria, and the children, they did not get
any of the clothes that was intended for them
the box was robbed or something else; as there was
no bill of Lading for them, we have never seen
any them. I would like you send me 1 Barrell of
Pork 1 Bll of Fish and 1 of flour, and also 2 pair of
Black Gaiters No 6 and No 7 also some leather shoes
for us all, I would be very glad to receive these
by the Mary Caroline Stevens, when she comes
in the Spring, so as we may get them by the
then our 6 months is up on the Society, I would
like to get some Calico, some Bleached and some
Unbleached Cotton, and 2 cotton Bed spreads —.
some Blue and White womens stockings;
and 1 White Swiss muslin dress pattern for
Isabella ; I wish this to be fine, and a peice
of Satin Ribbon, and please to send Maria
some Black dresses suitable for mourning

I wish you to send me a few lawn
dress patterns, and some cheap calico for
country trade, as that is the same as money or better
you will please to send me some cloth for
myself and the boy, I would like to get a good
Bedstead also; I wish you to send me about 20
Dollars in Gold or Silver money, I would wish
you to give my respects to Dr Merryweather and
ask to send me something. Young Barrett
send his love to his Father, Mother, Brother and
Sisters, Maria and Isabella sends their love to
all, Maria, sends her love to her Brother WmTerrell
we all send our love to Uncle Bob, Aunt Daffiny
Jane, Mr Harry Lewis, and Sarah Lewis and
all of their family, Tell Aunt Daffiny, Young
has seen Dianna and she was well; Isabella
sends her love to Sarah Thornton and her family,
She is very well and enjoys herself and expects in
a short time to be married. You will please
to send me some Leaf Tobacco as that is the
Money; You will direct your letters to
Carysburgh Interior Settlement and in the
Care of Mr Saunders A Campion Superinten dent
of Carysburgh and Agent of Amer Col Society
as well as all goods for us by these means
I will get them. Please to put my things
in a box by themselves and direct as above