Letter from Samuel Test, Jr. to his father, dated January 2, 1825. Edited by Frederick Cleveland Test 2nd.
Near Germantown 2nd of first mo 1825Dear Father
I received thy long looked for letter yesterday and likewise the one sent by Joel Woolman[?] a few days after I put the last letter in the post office thy letter was satisfactory in many respects especily respecting my debts which has been no small burden on my minde latterly thee mentioned thee had paper left in thy letter but thee wanted matter to fill it but I think if [I] had had the dictateing of it I could have mentioned many more things that would have been verry satisfactory to me viz. your health the situation of the mill farm & C.
The death's thee has mentioned has rested much on my minde particularly the last a man in the prime of life and in sound health when I left, I should like to know what has become of the remainder of M Jones's family since his deceased.
In respect to thy friends in Jersey I may inform thee WM Griscum is living on John Den's place him and his family were [?] well but somthing always came in the way to prevent me from going to see him while at Salem tho I had proposed several times, but I intend going their again before I returne if things permit.
And as to thy sister I must frankly confess that I did not know thee had one living, but if health permits I shall endeavour to find her out, thee mentions that Sister E has got home which is pleasant to me and thee may give my bst [sic] respects to her, and inform her and all the rest of my Sisters and brothers that I shall keep them in remembrance but not for their many letters they have wrote me since I left you.
As to my returning I may inform thee that takeing every thing in consideration I believe it will be best for me to returne in the Spring say some time in the fourth month altho my stay here will not be quite so satisfactory as would wish on account of my indigent circumstances but believe I have many things that will be of material benefit t me in my business and otherwise.
I have been the most of my time (since here) employed at the Branch town Mills under Wm G. Hirst [?] at one Dollar per day but I have to pay $2.25 cts per week for board and washing and I likewise consider it will be much to my interest to travel a little more over this part of the country be for amongst the factories before I return, I found verry soon after I came that my circumstances would not permit me to go about as I had intended to do and therefore I thought it best to continue at one place until I had earned money enough to carry me through without stoping which I expect to accomplish in about two months more; and then when I returne.
You may expect to see me without money and without clothes but I hope not without credit, I cannot boast of having acquired much knowledge in my business but I trust enough for the situation of that country and I shall have to increase with the country, (pleas not to forget the cultivation of teasels as my demand will be much greater for them than before).
You need not be surprised if our Uncle Abraham and family should be with me when I come and as to Aunt Rebecka I wish thee to be particular about her in thy next and if she has not gone down the river I shall come by that way on my returne but Aunt Armelle got a letter from her stating that she intended to decent the river in the twelfth month.
I have been thinking somthing about a situation for business when I return but as for partnership work I had rather have nothing to do with it if I can get suited another way and as for journey work I do not like that and I am fully of the opinion that thee wants some more assistance and I should like to be near thee but our circumstances are such that we cannot start anything at present that would be profitable and therefore I have thought it mite answer if it could be made agreeable, for me to rent Crumwell's carding machine and R Swans fulling mill and by that means (as money is scarce) I mite be able to appropriate what I mite receive to the improvement of the place and if I [. . .] could in the course of one year raise money enought to pay all our small debts that is all except George Taylors and then I think we can go on with life.
But I wish by all means for John to be with us and I am well persuaded he cannot do better I mearly drop these things for thy consideration and wish thee to write me thy opinion on the subject without saying anything to them about it as thee must know pretty well their situation and whether such a thing will be likely to take with them but to give no grant [?] as I know not what offers I may meet with, but I wish thee to rite immediate as their will be but little time for this exchange. I am in good health and believe fleshier than ever I was
with sincere affection
I conclude,
Saml Test JrMy letter is like the journey of human life when we first set out we think we have time to spare but when we come to winde up we find we have not enough. S.T.
[remnant of red
sealing wax]
Germantown P [Penn.]
Jany 3thSamuel Test - 25
Dunlapsville
Union County
Indiana.
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