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James Williams to Mr. Daniel Williams [Original MS.] CAMP, HEAD-QUARTERS, June 12, 1779. DEAR SON: This is the first chance I have had to write you. I am, by the care of Providence, in the field in defence of my country. When I reflect on the matter, I feel myself distracted on both hands by this thought, that in my old age I should be obliged to take the field in defence of my rights and liberties, and that of my children. God only knows that it is not of choice, but of necessity, and from the consideration that I had rather suffer anything than lose my birthright, and that of my children. When I come to lay down in the field, stripped of all the pleasure that my family connections afford me at home-surrounded by an affectionate wife and eight dear children, and all the blessings of life-when I reflect on my own distress, I feel for that of my family, on account of my absence from their midst; and especially for the mother, who sits like a dove that has lost its mate, having the weight of the family on her shoulders. These thoughts make me afraid that the son we so carefully nursed in our youth may do something that would grieve his mother. Now, my son, if my favor is worth seeking, let me tell you the only step to procure it is the care of your tender mother-to please her is ten times more valuable than any other favor that you could do me in my person. I hope that when you come to reflect on the duty of a son to a tender parent, you will take every step to establish that connection, which will add to my happiness; for it is a pleasure to me to know that I have a son who is able to manage my business and plantation affairs. Make it your study to be obliging to your mother, being careful not to do anything that may grieve her. Take the utmost care of every thing that falls under your care, so that you may receive, on my return, my thanks, and have the blessing of being a faithful and dutiful son to his trust. I would have you consider yourself filling one of the most important posts that could be confided in you; and if you should manage well, it will greatly redound to your praise. After these serious thoughts, I beg that you will take these hints. In the first place, consider that the eye of God is on you, and to secure His blessing is the only way to make yourself, and those that are concerned with you, happy; for to fear God is the first and great command. The next command is, to honor thy father and mother. Now, the only way to do this, is not to do anything that will grieve or oppress them. Be kind to your brothers and sisters, and careful to manage the business to the interest of the family. Your care and good conduct in the management of my plantation adds greatly to my happiness; and I can promise you, that you shall feel the good effects of it, for I have the pleasure to hear by your tender mother's letter to me, that you are doing very well, and business goes on well. I am happy to hear it. I have wrote several times about trying to get a few good horses. I expect by this time you have made the trial; if you have been successful in procuring some, I shall be glad to hear how many, and what sort they are, and I will send some good man to bring them down-if unsuccessful in your effort, no matter. I want Nancy brought to me at that time to ride. Try to have the mares in as good order as possible; be careful that they are all well fed; let them be used as little as possible. I have traded for a fine English mare, which is on Fishing Creek, at Mr. Wm. Adair's; the order is enclosed for her. I wish you could get a man to go for her, or spare the time to go yourself, as she is a valuable animal. If you go, Mr. Adair will, doubtless, be saying something about her. She was taken from McGirth by Capt. Moore, and I bought his right of her; she is a young, full-blood mare, and has no brand on her unless Adair has branded her since she has been to his house. He took her up in favor of Capt. Moore, and since she was carried from camp I traded for her. I want her got home with as little stir as possible, and branded on both cushions with my branding iron; and let it be said that I bought her of a man on Fishing Creek, and paid $1,000. My reason for begging you to go for her is, that it may not be known she is a plunder mare; and when we have the pleasure of meeting, I will put you in possession of all the particulars regarding her. I shall be glad if you put her to the horse as soon as you get her. On all necessary occasions get Mr. Griffin to help you about the plantation. Regarding the horses I wrote you about, you may either come or let it alone, just as you please, as I can send for them if you have any agreeable to my direction. I am sorry to have to inform you of the melancholy death of Anthony Griffin, which took place on the 11th instant, while out with a scouting party. Alighting from his horse, and leaning on his gun, it accidentally went off, shooting him through the head. He never spoke after the accident. This is a fatal consequence of handling guns without proper care; they ought to be used with the greatest caution. The uncertainty of life ought to induce every man to prepare for death. As for news, I have nothing more to communicate than what I wrote last to your dear mother. I hope every thing will be done to have the mill in as good order as possible, to grind up the wheat; and as soon as you can, supply the saw mill with timber, as I desire to put in operation. In regard to whiskey, I think you must raise the price of it, in order to have things as much on an average as possible. I think you ought to sell it at two dollars a quart; if by retail, one dollar a half pint. Secure all you can at £35 per 110 gallons. I am in hopes of being at home by the 1st July, to see my family. I shall be glad to hear from you by every opportunity. Son, I think if you manage matters well, and I am spared, I can put affairs in such a state that, under the blessing of God, we may stand in as good a position as any family in the State. Pray, let no pains be spared to make every edge cut, and have the crops secured in the best manner, as much depend on them. Now, my son, I must bid you farewell. I commit you to the care of Providence, begging that you will try to obtain that peculiar blessing. May God bless you, my son, and give you grace to conduct yourself, in my absence, as becomes a dutiful son to a tender mother and the family. I am in reasonable good health at present, and the regiment as much so as could be expected. The death of Griffin is much lamented. I hope in God this will find you, my son, and your dear mother and the children, all well. My best compliments to you all, and all enquiring friends. I am, dear son, with great respect, your affectionate father, JAS. WILLIAMS (From Documentary History of the American Revolution, by Gibbes, Volume 2, p. 115) Doc ID: Gibbes, v. 2, p. 115a Date: 6/12/1779 |
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