University of Virginia Library

August 15, 1860 from William Douglass to Dr. James H. Minor

I seat myself
once more to write you to in-
form you that I am still
with my family in the land
among the living, for which
I am more than thankful
to God. I can truly say
that the Lord has been good
to us since we have been in
this land in sparing our
lives. My daughter instead
of the little girl I brought with
me is now taller than her
mother. She has grown much
indeed and with her mother
is enjoying good health.
It has been now about 4 years
since I have heard from you
and I must say I am over axious
to hear from you once more—
more so since I heard the
war is about over. It must
indeed have been dreadful

to be in a land as America
has been for the last four years—
covered with all the horrors of
war. But I hope it will not
be long ere peace shall again be de
clared and when the sound of
the battle shall no more be heard.
In your last letter you requested
me when I write to inform you how I was am getting along.
At present I am doing pretty
well. I am paying the mass
of my attention to the growing
of cane of which I have about
8 acres. I made this year 8000
pounds of sugar which was said to be the best made around
here. It is true that it
is a new country, and we
have many hardships to un-
dergo, but by God's blessings
and an effort on one's side
he can get along. Here I
have realized the meaning of
the words: Sitting under one's
own vine and fig tree and
none daring to molest or make
afraid. The only thing
that grieves me, is that I
cannot enjoy it with my
children. were they with me
I should be perfectly satisfied.
To be so far separated from
them is indeed an afflic-
tion hard to bear.

When Dr Jas Hall was out
last I sent with him $50,00 in
gold to go towards purchasing
them, but when he arrived the war
had commenced and whether
you recieved it I am not
able to say. I forwarded the
receipt on to you for you to
draw it from the Dr to give
it to my children. When
you write you will please in-
form me whether you recieved
it or no as I am impatient
to know what became of it.
I had anticipated going over
about two years ago, but the
war commencing frustrated

my purposes. It is my des-
ire to see you all once more.
You will please let me know
whether and when it would be
advisable to do so. I would now
be able to recieve my children
as I have built and finished
a large house of marable wood
consisting of 8 rooms, more than
I am able to use. It is 34 x 24
built of the best materials in
the country. Not long since
we had an emigration from
the island of Barbados of
about 340. Some of them are
now living in our little village
which is indeed a help to us.
They are quite an intelligent
company and it is hoped
will be the means of doing
much good in our Settlement.
I cannot close until I tell you
that my wife is about as large as
your wife and weighs about 2,00 lbs
She enjoys better health than when
she was in America. I hope
this may find you & family in
the best of health as it leaves as
well. All Join me in love to
you & family & friends.