Politics and Family News

Middlebrook, VA
Feby 25th
Majr. James T. Gleave               5 2/7
Wythe C. C.
County
Virginia

At my son Rudolph Middlebrook Augusta Coty, Va, February 23, 1847

Dear Nephew and Niece

It has been so long since an Epistolary correspondence has existed between us that I am truly at a lose to know in what manner to approach you having entirely forgotten what your Religious, Moral Civil or Political Creed consisted of, but taking it for granted that you are one of the fashionable men of the day as you are so much younger than I am, I shall endeavor to confine myself to the most interesting topics of the day.
I shall therefore commence with giving you a brief narrative of the various coincidences that have lately transpired in this our once highly favored section of Country when U. S. Bank Notes circulated freely among us at home and into distant nations, and empires wheresoever the breeze unfurled our tricolored flag—but – alas – alas – those golden days have been snatched from us by the ruthless hand of misguided and designing politicians creeping into the sanctuary of our political Sanhedrim (or Presidential Chair) and then for fear we would not be hurried to destruction with the velocity of a tornado, they must substitute that British safeguard the odious subtreasury which will before the conclusion of the present war, tender our circulating medium of no more value than continental money was in 1781 when our soldiers returning to their home at the close of the siege of York had to pay $500 for one quart of cider at Charlottesville, Albemarle County, and the venders would not have taken that amt for it had they not be acquainted with the needy supplements or some of their families – This is the kind of money I have no doubts that is preparing to pay off our gallant volunteers who marched from this county - They were a fine looking set of men, the commissioned officers were the Captain and First Lieutenant true Democratic Republican Whigs with 54 of the privates of the same stamp – The 3d & 4^th Lieutenants were Polk and Benton Democrates with

24 Privates of the same size and color, I feel well assured that you must feel distressed at the unparalleled misrule of the present dynasty, not satisfied with overthrowing the U.S. Bank, at length a few good and true Republicans got so far the ascendancy to give us a just and equitable Tarriff, but unfortunately it was a measure supported by Henry Clay and it on that account I have no doubt proved it to be so obnoxious even to a great number whom I believe if they had have been noncommitted would have supported the measure but the present Democratic creed to stick to the party right or wrong, and in 1846 it must be new modeled and again give our Beloved English Manufactories the ascendancy of our Home Industry well may the poor man exclaim in the grief of his heart, me and my offspring are to remain poorer whilst the Rich man becomes richer(.) But to change the subject I must flatter myself that a man of your Age and experience and that has had so much to do in public life has ere this fixed principles and hope they are just and equitable formed from Observation and experience, two celebrated teachers under whose guidance an apt scholar would not go astray willfully---- I am so little acquainted with your family that I know not how to address them by name, I have even forgot the name of your good lady of whom I have often spoken, and for whom I have ever had a strong prepossession in favor of, your Son Samuel passed through this Valley some 2 or 3 years agone as I was informed by the Johnston family, they spoke of him in truly flattering terms for their limited acquaintance, myself and family flattered ourselves that we would have the pleasure of a visit from him on his return, but we were disappointed --- I shall expect you to write one on the receipt of this and give me the number, names ages and sexes of the family

(obliterated) children are all married but two, viz. William and James Gleave Turk who I named for you[. H]e frequently talks of visiting you, but he is very much confirned he being the only one at home, Thomas has his own plantation and family to attend to, Alexr. St. Clair is engaged in a furnace – Rudolph lives in Middlebrook and acts as constable – Wm is in partnership with Peter Hanger.  They are trading largely in horses.  They have rented a stable in Richmond for a year from July last[.]  Wm stays in Richmond and attends to selling whilst James and Peter Hanger buy, fatten and forward to him[.  He has not been home since Novr last[.  He request me to ask you what good horses could be purchased for in cash in your section of country – which request I hope you will comply with and direct to Bridgewater, P.O. Rockingham Cty, as we live near the line[.]  I suppose you have been advised of Amanda’s return from Missouri and living with us.  She has 4 children, 3 sons and a daughter – I have the gratification of informing you that I enjoy as good health as any man of any age, weigh 348 lbs.
I must inform you that my aged sister Esther Johnston departed this life the 19^th day of last month[.  S]he was in her 83d year since the 16^th of November last – Betsy Coger and myself are the remnant left.  She is in her 73d year and me in my 67^th.  I have it in contemplation to visit her the ensuring fall at which time I intend visiting you, - you will present my respects to your sister Nancy, and the Porter family in  obliterated).  Remember me in the Bonds of relationship to (obliterated) of your family and in a particular (obliterated) companion and my Niece, whose (obliterated) I have (obliterated) – And accept for yourself my sincere wishes for your present and future happiness.

James Turk, Senr
To:Jas. T. Gleave, Esqr.