A Collection Transcribed
and Digitized
by Edmund Berkeley, Jr.
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Summary
Letter from Robert Carter to [John Carter,] May 15, 1727
Robert Carter writes to his son [John Carter,] May 15, 1727,to attend the celebration of the King's birthday because he is too unwell. He gives instructions about invitations to certain persons, and then sends family news.
Letter from Robert Carter to [John Carter,]
May 15, 1727
-1
-
Rappahannock, [Lancaster County, Virginia]
May 15th: 1727
Dr: Son --
It seems very likely the Govr:
will not arrive
before the birthday
I fully purposed to have discourst you
about it but the hurry I was in when I came away put it
quite out of my thoughts I am under such daily & hourly
Afflictions with my distemper that it is hardly possible for
me to give my Attendance at the Seat of Governmt.
in s[uch]
a fateigue Yesterday I was ready to Dye for want of breath
Could eat no victuals and was forced to ride half a dozen
Mile in the Evening to over come the pressure I was under
It was with a great deal of difficulty I held out the Court
the Oyer and Terminer I must be at if it is possible [The]
throng of my own business th
at this season of the y[ear]
you know however I resolve to have the Kings birt[hday]
kept with as much Solemnity as the late Govr:
did
and have given directions to Mr. Robertson
accordin[gly]
And now who is so proper to think of to personating [me]
[but your]
Self. Therefore I Earnestly desire you to be there
-2
-
[if]
possible a Convenient Time before the Day Colonel Bird
&
his family by all means must be invited, The rest
Mr. Robertson is instructed in. Majr: Harrison
and his family
Should be invited, If I can perwade yor: Brothers to meet you
there I will. I hear by a Random Storey that Colonel Page
di[d]
not get out of Town last week that his Boat went for him
on Sun
yester
day pray God grant him to recover so well to let his
family partake of the Diversions I hope yor: wife is well
and may have health and inclination to Accompany
you.
I have Curtis's promise for two hogsheads of heavy
Tobbo: for you. Turner's two hogsheads I shall not forget Your
sister Mary
is at this Time very unwell Robin
& his Wife
have not bin at home since my return The rest I thank
God are in health I may say with a great deal of truth
the days are come upon me that I have no pleasure in
I am
NOTES
Source copy consulted:
Robert Carter Letter Book, 1727 April 13-1728 July 23, Carter Family Papers, Virginia Historical Society, Richmond. There is a 19th-century transcript of the letter in the Minor-Blackford Papers, James Monroe Law Office and Museum, Fredericksburg, Virginia. The right margin of the first page of the letter has been damaged affecting many of the words at the ends of the lines on that page.
This letter was enclosed in one sent to William Robertson, clerk of the Council, for forwarding to John Carter who lived near Williamsburg. See Carter's letter to Robertson
of this same date.
[1] Sir William Gooch (1681-1751), lieutenant governor of the colony under the govenor, George Hamilton, Earl of Orkney, would reach Williamsburg in September 1727. He would serve during Carter's lifetime (and until August 1749). ( Emily J. Salmon and Edward D. C. Campbell, Jr. The Hornbook of Virginia History.
[Richmond: The Library of Virginia, 1994]. p. 106.
)
[2] Carter refers to the birthday (May 28) of King George I who reigned 1714-1727, dying June 11 of that year. ("King George I" at "Royal Family History" examined 6/5/2012.
)
[3] Williamsburg
This text, originally posted in 2003, was revised June 5, 2012, to add a footnote and strengthen the modern language version text.