University of Virginia Library

January 29, 1857 from William Douglass to a Friend [probably Dr. James Minor]

I take this opportunity of writing
these few lines trusting they may find
you well, and family, as I am quite
well, I have been very anxious of hearing
from you I has written you four letters
during the war and could hear nothing
which made me very anxious to hear
from you, I could not tell whether
you was dead or alive. Please to let
one hear from you as early as possible and
also let me your condition and your country's.
I would like to come over but and had
proposed doing so, but at this time I am
very busy in sugar making & farming and
cannot well leave, Last year I made 8000
pounds of sugar, and I expect to make a
great deal more with the Small machinery
I have this year, I Sold last year's for $60
thousand. [1] I am also acting as agent for
the Am. Col. Society for this last emigra
tion that came from Lynchburg here
Dec. 14th 1865, which keeps me very busy

I therefore am oblige to give up the idea of coming
as I proposed this march, but the pastor of
our Church Albert Woodson is coming over
in march and I expect him to call and
See you and all the friends in that district
for me. please answer this as Soon as you can
to this as I may know all about you and
if you are alive and all respecting you
as I am longing to hear a word from
an old friend as you. Also inform me
something about my Children I could hear
nothing from them neither during the war
though I has often written them, but I chance
to hear mention of them in a letter to George
Walker from Mrs Reeves that two was dead
and one she never mention her name at all
Julia, which made me very unhappy. In
1861 when Dr. Hall was over here last I gave
him $20 — in gold and a receipt for the Same
was inclosed to you in a letter. requesting you
to draw it from him and give it to my children
but the war broke out before he could arrive
to America and I have heard nothing about
it Since. I and family is doing well here and
are well, And I feel very proud that myself
and family may be an example for those that
may hereafter come to this country of Industry.
I must close for the present untill I hear
from you, Make our love and regards
to your family and all inquiring friends