The letters from William to his wife, Polly, have convinced me of one thing -- the value of leaving a written record. How else can our descendants have any idea what we truly valued. From William's letters, I know he valued his wife, his children and education.
The Value of Education
"Let
me know whether my children are put to school."
"I hope you will endeavor to keep the children
to school and expect that before I return I shall see a letter of Thomas own
writing."
"I am glad likewise that Nancy Jane is
improving in her schooling."
" I would be glad if you could spare Mary Ann so
that she could go to school, but these things I shall leave to your own good
management."
Love for His Children
In addition to his concern for the education of his children, William expressed other concerns:
"I
am happy to hear that you are doing so well as what you are and likewise that
Thomas is able to help you a little. I hope he will be a good boy."
"I am very sorry to hear that William got his
hand burnt, but I hope it is not injured much."
"Remember
me to my dear children Thomas H., Nancy Jane, Mary Ann and Wm. H. Probert and accept the same from your
Husband."
Love and Respect for His Wife
"I
embrace this opportunity of writing to you and send you my most sincere
respects."
"I
hope you will try to enjoy yourself as well as possible and render yourself
comfortable . . ."
"Dear
Wife, this day I received you letter dated 18th December which has
give me more pleasure than anything in this world."
". . . these things I shall leave to your own good
management."
"I must conclude by wishing that you may enjoy all the
comforts of this world and the best wishes of a sincere and affectionate
husband until death."
He has shown me who he is -- and I believe him.
Sweet. Very sweet. (romantic sigh...)
ReplyDeleteIt is so wonderful to have an ancestor that you like and admire. Sadly, they are not all that way so revel in this one. He sounds fabulous
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing discovery. Thanks for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteThis is so wonderful, Kathy. To have these letters from 1836.
ReplyDeleteOh how these bring tears to my eyes. I feel it in my heart. Maya hits the nail on the head and he has certainly shown who he is. I like how he names his children as if he is speaking their names so as not to be forgotten.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful treasure to have these letters from your family's past. It is a dream of mine to make similar discoveries in my own research. Great blog!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jennifer. I count these among my best genealogical discoveries/treasures.
Delete