Page:The McClure Family.djvu/143

Rh crown. I should be very glad indeed to have a letter from you.

I had a letter lately from Hugh M. Allen stating the death of Martha Allen, which took place on the 16th ulto. As he was prevented from seeing her on her death bed by reason of confinement from a severe fall by which two of his ribs were broken, could not give us the particulars of her death, but was informed Jane intended to write us on that subject shortly.

I have had several letters from son Harvey since my return from the West. His own and wife's health, together with greater part of the children, was still bad, very bad. His object is to move back to Columbus as soon as he can arrange his affairs, that is some time the insuing spring, although he is at a difficulty what he will engage in as a way of living. I believe I told you of Matilda's son, who was in ill health when I was in Illinois. In a recent letter she states he grew worse and worse until he lost use of all his limbs, also the use of speech, which remained for upwards of six weeks, but has happily recovered his usual health and use of his speech and limbs, &c.

My own health was much benefited by the late journey, and thus far much better than it was the last winter and summer. Part of my hours are occupied in teaching Daughter Gravis to make vests and overalls, otherwise I should be called an entire gentleman (that is nothing to do). Robt. Milton has quit farming and now lives in Cincinnati and engaged in some business as a clerk I believe. I find two Kentucky gentlemen were on business with our Legislature (about slavery), but nothing I believe has yet been transacted respecting their mission unless their memorial to the Honorable body. After all, negroes will run away from your State, be harboured and forwarded on their way to Canada, and you cannot help yourselves. If the whites do not engage in it, there are sufficient number of blacks in the State to do so, of which they boast without scruple. In fact, altho a large majority of our citizens are not