Cox Characters
Conclusions to Confusions
Part 2: Chapter 6
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Joseph's Letter Announcing his Father's Death |
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Emily and John Cox of West Liberty, West Virginia have the original of this touching letter to Michael Cox, Jr., from his brother Joseph telling of the death of their father, dated four days after Michael Senior’s death.
It looks unlikely that Joseph expected Michael Jr. and Jeruthea to make it back to Fayette County in time for the funeral. The letter contains no legible reference to the burial, only a consoling reference to religiously inspired last words, "Lord, do take me, I am willing to go!" Notice also that Joseph evokes Michael Sr.'s patriotism, undoubtedly intended as words of pride and comfort.
The long sheet of paper was used as both envelope and letter; it was folded over in lieu of an envelope, and the receiver’s address and closing words were written on the outer side. From Fruit Hill home in Fayette County, Pennsylvania to West Liberty, the letter did not have far to travel. It’s about fifty miles. But given the date of the letter, necessary delivery and travel time, Michael Jr. could not have made it back to Fruit Hill until at least ten days after his father’s death.
As with certain other items from the famous black box, we have endeavored to create a reasonably close facsimile, complete with indications of holes and mold. We have faithfully copied the author’s spelling, capitalization, and punctuation. The script we have chosen is fairly close to the original, but as it is computer generated, it is much easier on the eyes.
Words in brackets are our best guesses in deciphering this faded, and slightly damaged, old letter. Horizontal lines indicate words, or portions of words, that we have not been able to decipher. The letter has a total of four very faded lines that remain impossible to decipher.
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January the 28, 1815 Dear brother and sister [nephews]
and [nieces], I take this oppertunity
to Let you know that we are in a Reasonable State of health at present
Except brother Jacob Cox he has had the pluoresy but he is on the
mend. I must now inform you that sence I saw [you]__________
[Last] _________ my Dear brother _____
_____ __ _ ________ of trouble by request of George Dearth you must
come up [soon] and try to _____ ____
[appraise] _____ ___ ____ for sale ________
you _____ [please] ___ [not]
to ____im this
To
Mr. Michal Cox |
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