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 Seeks to see his Cousin, News about his Children

  • » Date: 1838-01-13
  • » Subject: Seeks to see his Cousin, News about his Children
  • » Written By: James Turk Sr
  • » Addressed To: Major James Turk Gleaves Sr
  • » Transcriber: Dennis Glaves
  • » File # 883

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12
James T. Gleaves Esq
Richmond
Va

New Hope Va
Jany 19


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January 13th, 1838

Dear Sir
Seeing from the returns of the Late Elections that you were a Delegate of the present Assembly, I have thought proper to let you know that Thomas McNeal son of John McNeal decd in Tennessee is at my house and Informs me that your brothers families were all well when he left home(.) he likewise heard from your family on the way that they were well, I have had (perhaps a Delusive) hope that you would visit us on your return, as I feel convinced that you have not done it on your way to the Legislature, should it not be in your power to do so make it known to me and I will come and see you and A.H.H. Stuart Although


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I voted neither for him or Kinney(.) I consider Stuart a man of high stand-ing worthy of the Confidence of any enlightened, patriotic people in the U.S. of America – please let me know from time to time the proceedings of the Legislature, Direct to New Hope Augusta Va and your favors will be thankfully received – If I knew your place of residence(,) myself or some of my sons perhaps might call and see you, if you would not call and see us, - I will give you a brief narrative of the Different Occupations of my family.  Amanda has removed to Missourie and she writes me is well pleased with the country


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Thomas is very industrious and doing well – Wm and St Clair are engaged in furnishing Beef, Pork & C (corn??) to the hands working on the James River Canal which as yet they find to be advantageous – Rudolf is Riding Sheriff, and James is attending to the farm – I have thus far given you a brief narrative of myself and family, please let [me hear] from you soon as convenient
I remain yours affectionately
James Turk
To J.T. Gleaves

Transcriber Notes

James Turk (1780-1862) was the youngest son of Thomas Turk Sr. and Mary Gleaves. James lived his whole life in Augusta County, Virginia.

James Turk Gleaves (1788-1862) was born and lived in Wythe County. He was the son of William Gleaves, Mary's younger brother. William moved his family from Augusta County to Wythe County, Virginia about 1770. He was a member of the Virginia House of Delegates at the time this letter was written.

The two cousins were close as there are a number of letters from James Turk on this website that span a period of more than 25 years.

The James River and Kanawha Canal was a project first proposed by George Washington when he was surveying the mountains of western Virginia, which at the time consisted of what is today West Virginia, Kentucky, and to the north bank of the Ohio river. He was searching for a way to open a water route to the West. In 1835, construction of the James River and Kanawha Canal resumed under the new James River and Kanawha Company. By 1840, the canal was completed to Lynchburg. The canal eventually extended 196.5 miles west of Richmond to Buchanan by 1851.
For more information, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_River_and_Kanawha_Canal

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