Andrew Richey, Clinton, Mississippi, to his parents, Ireland, 2 January 1837
Description
Andrew Richey writes to his parents of the death of his elder brother James, following his extenisve absences the previous summer and autumn in Louisiana, purchasing land from the Government — where he had taken ill from exposure and fatigue. On his deathbed he had sent for a Methodist preacher with whom he sang and prayed and Andrew noted his death was hard on his "tender wife". He explains that she was now left with three children, with their seven-year-old son Josiah having died last July but that the state law guaranteed that even as James had no will, she will get a fair portion of the property as will the children. Richey intends to sell-up and close their business stating that if he makes any profit at all he will visit home, adding "My tie to this country has been greatly weakened since [Final part of letter is damaged]".
Title and transcript by Professor Kerby Miller. This transcript includes handwritten corrections to original transcript from PRONI, made with reference to original letters. Letter description by University of Galway.
