Correspondence-Moses + John N. Waddel 1833

Willington, 1 July, 1833 Dear John, Yours by yesterday's mail to Mary Anna was duly recd. as also To myself, on the 20th, dated 18th. Tho both were on Fool, cap, small letter p after 4to port might have contained as much or more, because the margin was so wide + crooked. If you cannot write it straighter perpendicularly, rule the margin + do not make it so wide it is not scholar-like. On Friday night after I sent my letter to Mr. Church to the P.O. I recd. a long one from William dated 12 June. He did not boast much of his improved health nor mention a word concerning the prospective time of his returns. He spoke much of the kindness of Drs. Meigo + Packson + his confidence in their skill. We are all in usual health. Weather very sultry of late indeed. Wheat very poor half crop Oats greatly prostrated by the wind on Wednesday 19th. James school now contains 47, + 3 more engaged from Columbia co., Georgia. Last Monday I recd. $4. from Mrs. Noble for you. On last Saturday Peter Downy had collected Mrs. Waltons debt for you, Dr. Harris + myself; for your $50 I paid him 5 pcent. for him going three times to collect commissions. That he recd. from us all, + I was glad to get the money at that: he earned it. I paid Louis Covin $7.00 for you last week, sa he is going to Tennessee ([Lin??ston]) for his wifes health next week, for Luis complaint. No account from Lindsay Harper, tho John W. Callan thinks it good. I gave it to John, who was so weak + poorly he could not go to him; but he sent it, + he was not at home. This is Williams medical afc. Mrs. W. Caw paid Edward Gunnings a/c with much free down she is a very fine woman in character + I think deservedly. I have tried to get a $ 50 bill to inclose to you, but cannot yet: I may get one today from Deval possibly. He mentioned last week that you have an a/c with him not suspiciously He is quite discouraged by being unable to collect money to redeem a $600 note due in Bank, Augusta, on 4th inst. I know not the amt of your a/c with him; I have thought I might as well pay it today when he comes home, as he is in a great pinch. I shall at any rate inclose you at least $20 + pay you on settlement, if I live to see you at Commencement time which I hope to do. All the objects of inquiry in your letter to Mary Anna came safely; + tell Martha I sincerely thank her for the watch-guard of exquisite workmanship; it is greatly admired by all who have examined it, above all Greek, all Roman fame. They pronounce it the most elegant + appropriate they have seen. I am greatly dissatisfied by the statement concerning the prospective additional discord among the younger branches of my family. I may say, Jer. 47:6. Is it possible that the families of my children are never to be at peace, but to disturb the quietude + repose of my old age by their continued broils + bickerings? If this is to last always, you had better be all scattered farther apart. What would your mother say, to these things, if she were now living to witness these feuds? they would destroy her peace, if not break her heart. It is true what is said in Prov. 13:2 + 16:18 + 29:23. is all divinely true; but I fear none of you all make the prospects of the Bible, the standard of your faith and [?]tice, else you would all read the Bible + ac[?] [?]lse, frivolous Novels less. If you would all pray more for Gods grace + guidance, you would find your account, + that Prov. 16:7 is truth also. How many insults have I received in my life, which I pocketed, + had I resented them, I should have involved myself in disgrace + misery? Pray for your enemies + render not racling your [r???ting]. See James 3.5. Mr. Deval has returned got us $ 50. bill. He tells me you owe him (say) 23 Dollars borrowed money which he would be glad to have before the 4th inst. to pay his Bank debt in Augusta this week. I have paid him that sum + got credit: he says he does not want nor expect [it] the rest before December [Johns] James scholars will have their Exhibition of Composition Composition + their Oratorical Exhibition 30th + 31st days of this month, which is expected to be crowdedly attended. On next day I hope to start for Athens, + I think probably by Washington. Mary Anna will, I expect, go with me in my Baroneke, as she will have 2 weeks vacation then. James + wife expect also to go; + probably Govn. Hamilton [will accompany] will come down from Pendleton + go over with Mr. McDuffie, who has informed me repeatedly that he is determined to go with me. He just now told me to request you to bespeak a decent, quiet lodging for him + Govn. H. possibly, (as his coming is uncertain) but for Mr. Ms. McDuffie certainly, as he thinks the Taverns will be very crowded, + he wishes quietude. If Mrs. Cleaner Harris receive one or two, I would prefer her house as neat, clean + quiet. Ask her first + let me know very soon, whether she can, + if not where. Tell her, it is at my advice + request. Tell M.W.D. I intend to write to him before a week, to whom + co. with Louisa + Martha give my respect, + also to Moses. Your affectionate father, M. Waddel Willington SC 80807 12 1/2 12th July Mr. John N. Waddel, Athens, [*Mail*] Georgia