Buffalo Ford, Va
Dec the 1st 1841
paid 10
Samuel C. Gleaves
Glade Spring
Washington, Cty
Va.
Buffalo Ford Wythe Va.
The 1st of December 1841
Dear Samuel
I now write to let you & Wythe know that we are all well, your mother is now over at your Grandmothers The last account that we had from her she was a little better (Your G. Mother) Your uncle Andrew Porter is nearly well.
I have nothing of importance to write I have not got my corn all up yet I have made a greateal (great deal) this year ---
I suppose this will be the last time that I will write to you during the present session. I want you to say to “Mr. Collins that Coln. Beatie will settle part or perhaps all for you & Wythe tuition for this session & if any should remain unpaid tell him to be patient & I will pay it as soon as I can, I want you to let me know by letter the precise day that this session will expire, that I may know what day to send for you, and if the road is in good order for you to walk both of you tye up your clothes? & walk untill you are met with horses be particular to keep the main road for Jean that you might not meet the boy, and if the roads bad I
will send all the way, let me know the precise day that you will start & wheather you will start in the morning or evening, if either of you should be unwell at the time remain at the College until your horses get there
Mr Kent has removed his goods from here up into Grayson & Mr. Ballard is now a living up there.
If you have not money enough to bring you home say so in your letter, I shall look for a letter from you by the next mail after this.
James & Robert sends howdy
Your father
J. T. Gleaves
Samuel and Wythe Gleaves are the two oldest sons of James Turk Gleaves. When this letter was written, they were both students at Emory and Henry College in Washington County and Samuel would be 18 years old and Wythe would be 14 years old.
Robert Porter is married to James' older sister, Polly Gleaves.
The grandmother would be Malvina Crockett Gleaves' mother, Elizabeth Campbell Taylor. Elizabeth was born in 1775 and would live until 1855.
James (8 years old) & Robert (5 years old) are the younger brothers of Samuel & Wythe.