10

Letters of COL. FRANCIS TAYLOR.
Virginia, Orange, 21, April 1798.

Dear Dicky
Your brother Thompson was here, ten days ago, returning from Caroline to
Kentucky. He informed me that he left home the middle of February, and then left our
friends well, to hear which gave me much satisfaction; having heard nothing from you
since last fall. I take it unkind that none of you will write. I have been so sickly
that I can do nothing with much pleasure - particularly in the night, so that my
friends must not be surprised if they hear of my taking leave, neither do I desire
that any of them should grieve when that even takes place, as it must in course with everybody.

Thompson was here so short a time that I did not get informed of half what I wished
- I request you to write how you like your situation, what improvements you make
&c. &c.

I make no doubt you have heard that your cousin F.S. Taylor was unsuccessful in
his application to get the Collector's place at Norfolk - He was highly recommended
by many of the principal men in this state and [others]-was at great expence & went
through much fatigue, from the deceitful promises of Wolcot - who finally told Frank
that the President made a total objection to his age-

Frank made a voyage in January to Charleston, being employed to receive money
there for sundry merchants in Norfolk, which he was empowered to lay out, and was to
share in the profits, besides having his expences borne. He informs me that his
trip was not profitable, so that he lost his time and was in imminent danger of loosing
his life, being in a severe storm, in which the Sloop on which he was on board upset
but afterwards righted &c.- However he seems not discouraged, but shall continue, he
says, to persevere- The partnership of Taylor, Leckie and Co. was about to be dissolve
& Frank informed me that he was about engaging with, I think, Mess'rs Armistead and
Randolph, in a new company. I wish he may propser because I think he deserves it.

Your cousin Edmund wrote to brother James that he had put off going to Kentucky
till next Fall or Spring- Your uncle James will start in a few days to take a view
of his land on [Harrot's] creek, and says if he can make things answer, and he likes
the Kentucky country, he intends to have a house built there to remove to-

Brother Reuben continues to talk of going, as does Major James: - I think the latter will move first, tho' some time ago he seemed inclined to remain in this country.

Dear Dicky, I take the liberty to recommend, what I am inclined to think will suit
your natural disposition, that is, to endeavour to prefer having every body (in
particular your neighbors) for friends, which is easy enough to be done, by minding your
own business and not intermeddling with other peoples, never listen to foolish tale
bearers, nor publish what they say- do such kind offices as your situation will allow
and nothing illnaturedly, to any, unless compelled by necessity by attemps from
others to impose on you, which will seldom happen, without you lay out for it.

I could write much more but I think the above sufficient. I must refer you to
your uncle James for information about our friends, the news &c.

I request you will present my affectionate regard to your father, mother, brothers
and sisters, and my warmest wishes for your and cousin Taylor's happiness and
prosperity, to hear of which will be the sincerest satisfaction to

Your affectionate uncle,
Fra' Taylor.

Thompson told me Brother Ben was getting well fixed, please tell him that I wish
him to have a spare room in his house, for if ever I get well enough to get to
Kentucky I want him to let me live with him till I get some place of my own; but that
is not what I seriously expect to.

Mr. Richard Taylor jun'r
County,
Kentucky.

In care of Capt. J.Taylor.
[Note- Capt.J. Taylor, was James Taylor, the Clerk of Orange, eldest son of Col. George and Rachel (Gibson) Taylor.
"Maj'r" James Taylor, was son of James, the Clerk. He was always called "Maj'r but I find no record of U.S.Army service.--PFT]