Page:American Historical Review vol. 6.djvu/95

This page needs to be proofread.
Diary of John Harrower
85

the proper directions below. As for myself I thank God I want for nothing that is necessary, But it brings tears from my eyes to think of you and my infants when at the same time it is not in my power at present to help you. But how soon I am able you may depend upon it. I have litle else to say at present ; only may the great God who governs all things wisely suport you and my Infants, and guide and direct you in all your ways.

I shall write you again soon and when you write me direct my letters as follows Vizt. to John Harrower at the seat of Colonel Wm. Dangerfield Esqr. of Belvidera near Fredericksburgh on Rappahannock River Vir- ginia; Then you must take half a sheet of paper and write another letter the contents of which may be as follows Vizt. Gentlemen, being desired by my husband to send his letters under cover to you. You will please forward the inclosed by the first ship bound for any part in Virginia and charge Mr. Glassel Mercht. in Fredericksburgh with the expence you are at ; I am yours &ca. Signed A. H. After you have closed my letter and directed it as above. You will inclose it in the above, and direct it as follows To Messrs. Anderson and Horsburgh Merchts. in Glasgow. You must get some person to fold up your letters properly and on who writes a clear Distinct hand to direct them. Pray write me verry particularly how it is with you and my Dr. Infants, likeways any thing that is remarc- able in the Country. I shall conclude this with offering my Comp? to all enquiring freinds if I have any and my sinceer prayers both evening and morng. for you and my Children. My Blessing to you all, is all at present from my Dearest Jewell your ever affte. Husband untill Death. Signed, John Harrower.

Addressed, To Mrs. John Harrower in Lerwick, Zetland. 2d Letter from Virginia. Belvidera 7 Augt 1774.

My Dearest Life

I wrote you very fully 14th June last to which I refer you it being verry full, but meeting Accidentally Just now with a Gentleman bound to London, I have just time to write you a few lines while he is at Dinner to let you know that I am still in good health I thank God for it, and am hopefull this will find you and my Dr. Infants the same. I gave you verry full Directions in my last how to write me but in case this should come to hand before it, I shall here again repeat them. — See Directions page 63.[1] — If this or my other letter comes to hand before the Pacquet leaves Zetland for the last time this winter[2] pray do not faill to write

  1. A reference to the preceding page of the manuscript book.
  2. The compiler of the eighth edition of A Tour through the Island of Great Britain, London, 1778, says, IV. 324, that the Shetlanders are deprived "of all foreign correspondence from October to April, during which time they hear nothing of what passes in other parts of the world. A known instance of this was, that though the Revolution [of 16S8] happened to begin in November, they knew nothing of it till the May following." This is taken from Brand's Brief Description of Orkney and Zetland, 1701, (Pinkerton, III. 773) but was doubtless practically true seventy years later; for it will be observed, under date of May 27, 1775, infra, that Harrower's first letter from his wife, in answer to his letter of June 14, 1774, is dated March 1, 1775.