To Mrs. Thomas Eston Randolph, sister.

Transcript

[page 1]

To: Mrs. Thomas Eston Randolph
Norfolk, Virgina
[from Harriet to sister Lucy Beverly]

Leon County, Sep. 6, 1829

We had no letter from home last week; how
did that happen my dear Lucy? I know you are very, very busy but
you must spare time to write by every mail. I cannot feel any-
thing like tranquility of mind when two weeks have passed without
bringing news of my hearts treasures. By this time I suppose
you are in New London, and anticipating at no great distance,
your journey to Norfolk, -- I shall however continue to direct
to Lynchburg, until I hear something positive of your move-
ments, for the new London office is so unsafe I do not like
to risk anything in it. We are all quite well her again.
The "epidemic" (Frances cannot endure I call so) has pass-
ed away, I hope forever. Goliah has not gone out to work yet
but he is strong enough to ride & will soon get about now I think
& all the rest are "groset gras" as heart could wish. I believe
I mentioned formerly, that our women hired for only $4 a month
in consequence of having each a child. even that however is
something besides saving their support. Some weeks ago, Agnes
sent me word, that little Agnes had been very ill with an im-
posthume on her throat, but she had "car'd her strait to Mr.
Campbell" & he had carried the child to a Doctor who lanced
the place. I was considerably shocked as well as diverted that Mr.
C. should be thus forced in to the service of our distressed damsels
& when we were in Tallahassee, I gave a strict charge to both
not to bore Mr. Campbell again, but if anything serious was
the matter to go to Dr. Willis - last week Agnes sent me
word that Nanny was very sick but on enquiry, I heard she
had been to Dr. W. to draw a tooth, so I hope it is only one of
her customary spells of the tooth ache. I forget (for I
have grown dreadfully absent) whether I told Mama that
we had cut the wagon cover to give Agnes a bed case. We
have taken off of it since, a shirt for Jordan who was literally
naked, & when Francis went last to magnolia I was obligated
to send for providence cloth for a habit a piece for Agnes & Nanny.
They wore out each a suit completely on the journey, & have been
so indecent lately & indeed in such absolute want, that I
did not think it right to carry my economy any farther.
Of course we are obliged to exercise our own discretion in these
matters as Mama is too far to be consulted, & the servants have
none to look to but us.

Full Text