University of Virginia Library

Wythe C.H. Feb 17th

I must beg a favor of you which I trust
you will grant. at March court our little all will be
sold for debt. You know how much I am attached to
Sally and her children. attached to them because they
are the best of slaves. I never knew so faithful and valu
able a family of negroes. you have it in your power to pur
chase them. if you do so I can leave the country with peace
of mind. the first of April we will set out for the
North Western territory, a howling Wilderneſs.

My Husband will be in Abingdon this week, he told
me, he would visit you, his spirits are so low I fear he
will not. if you see him, say every thing to cheer him.

My Mother is unable to raise the money at
present to buy the family I speak of — Harry would I sup
pose but his Wife will sell a negro upon the most trivial
offence. none can please her.

Martha the oldest of the children is 16 she has been
afflicted with St. Vitus's dance 8 winters. in the Spring
Summer, and Fall she is perfectly well, Doct. Floyd
told me in the commencement of the disease that lime
was the only cure, for several winters it has been gradually
leaving her, this winter she has been confined only one day
of course she will go lower in consequence of it. she does all
kinds of work, that is usual about a house. and knits

all the Woolen socks and stockings that are worn in the
family — Mary is 13 she can sew very well — Madison
is 10, a very capable and likely boy. there are three
younger ones. Sally will have another in June.

I wish My Dear Cousin you would write as soon
as you can —

My love to yourself and family

I am My Dear Cousin Yours truly and sincerely