Kaskaskia, Aug. 22, 1820
Dear Pa:
Just one month ago your letter was dated which I received this
evening together with Helen's first. In a letter I had written and
put in the office before I received hers, I scold her rather smartly
for not writing.
You mention in your letter that Mr. Hodge and Dr. Nelson start
for this country in September next. Is it my old friend Hodges the
Lawyer. Well now the object of my writing this time is to enquire
if it is not possible that either of these gentlemen will receive a
draft on me payable at sight in land office money for $50 and advance
you the amount. For only the difficulty of procuring nmoney that
will pass current with you, is so great that I almost despair of attaining
it, under some time at least. Don't mention to them that
eastern funds are at a premium. I wish to send it as much as you
wish to receive it. Be assured I will pay every cent of it, and in
time try to pay Emott. We have a great deal of money due us, but the
hard times prevent us from collecting, -- say $3000 owing us, -- or more.
Our sickly season commenced in the last of July, rather earlier than
usual. Our business at present is pretty good, say from 10 to 30
Dolls per day. My health still continues good and Sidney is very
healthy. Advise Hodges to come to this place first. We will be in
our new shop in about 3 weeks & next spring add about $1000 to our
present stock, which is getting rather low.
Remember me affectionately to Ma, the girls and boys, and rest
assured my attachment to my paternal roof and its inhabitants is not
dimonished
Affectionately yours,
Chas. P. Livingston.
P.S. the letters I wrote the girls are all postage paid.
Henry Livingston, Esquire,
Po'keepsie, Dutchess Co.,
New York.