wh notes: I have converted this text to my own html presentation for readability purposes.
Note that the originator states copyright information at end of document.
SOURCE: http://www.geocities.com/orbweaversweb/gen/muirletters.html
- INVALID EMAIL ADDRESS - drakefamily1@earthlink.net
Drake Family? who posted these letters does not identify him/herself anywhere in the document
but I have reason to believe it was done by Jennifer Sauer based on other items on her site
for reference and context:
"Polly" is Mary Hepburn, James Muir's granddaughter by daughter Jean & her husband Samuel Hepburn.
John Muir is Jean's brother, Samuel Hepburn's bro-in-law.
The Muirs live on Maryland's Eastern Shore in Dorchester County,
The Hepburns are in Prince George's County.
I'm uncertain how or where the provider obtained or determined the genealogy listed herein.
I have found records supporting some, but not all, of the relationships she describes.
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Notes by Drake Family
The Letters of James and John Muir
These 20 letters were lent to the Southern Historical Collection in March 1954, to
be microfilmed and returned to the owner, Miss Lettie V. Downs, Columbus, Mississippi.
I have been trying to track down Miss Downs, and I believe her to be Letitia Frances
Walker Vick Downs, the daughter of John Wesley Vick and Letitia Frances Booker,
and the granddaughter of Newit Vick, upon whose plantation the city of Vicksburg,
Mississippi, was founded. The Rev. Newit Vick lived from 1766 to 1819, and was a
Methodist minister from Virginia. Ms. Downs lived from 1859 to 1976.
I would very much like to discover the present location of the letters and find out
if there are any others written by other family members. The name Newit inclines me
to believe that the connection to my family lies there, as James Muir's wife was
Sarah Nevett.
The letters were written by James Muir of Dorchester County, Maryland, and by his
son John Muir. They are addressed to Mr. Samuel Hepburn at Upper Marlboro in Prince
Georges County, Maryland, whose wife was Jenny (Jeany), daughter of James Muir.
For more information about the Muir family, please see my genealogy page.
Here's a brief description of the family:
Sarah Rider (About 1710 - 1790) married 1.Major Thomas Nevett ( - 9 Feb 1749)
Their daughter Sarah Nevett married James Muir (died Dec 1794) [abt 1750? Adam's birth]
Their children were
Adam Muir (b.1750; d.1791) sp: Ann
Thomas Nevett Muir (b.1752)
John Muir (b.1754; d.1810) who is often referred to as Jacky in his father's letters
James Muir (b.1756; d.1794) sp: Charity Shaw (m.1791) [wh - is in MD Index]
Jean Muir (b.1759) called Jeany/Jenny in the letters.
She married Samuel Chew Hepburn, to whom the letters are addressed.
They had Polly and at least two other daughters.
Charles Muir (b.1760; d.1771)
Sarah Nevett Muir (b.1763) called Sally/Sallie in the letters
sp: Thomas Bailey (b.1764;m.1792;d.1827)[wh - is in MD Index]
Robert Muir (b.1766) sp: Anny Stevens Keene (m.1795) [wh - is in MD Index]
Henry Muir (b.1769; d.1773)
Amelia Nevett, another daughter of Jane Rider and Thomas Nevett, married Ralph Green.
Their children were Sarah Green and Thomas Green.
Sarah Rider m2. William Fishwick, and 3. Robert Darnall.
She is referred to as "Mrs. Darnall" in the letters.
Polly Hepburn married Samuel Judson Coolidge on February 20, 1798 in Prince George's County, Maryland.
Sarah (Sallie) Nevett Muir married Thomas Bailey of Baltimore (b. Nov. 7, 1764)
on March 27, 1792 in Dorchester County, Maryland.
I have [bracketed] words I could not decipher or was unsure of. I have attempted to
keep the spelling and punctuation as it was written, although I have added some
punctuation for clarity's sake. Do remember that spelling and punctuation were not
standardized in those days. I had a difficult time especially with names, and with
distinguishing "Mr." from "Mrs."
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Letter #1
Dr Sire
After a cold and disagreeable [passage] of four hours I arrived on terra firma at
[Camb Hund] five minutes after five oclock, the next morning I set out and got to
Mr McGees, between the hours of seven and eight at night, and next day I arrived
safe at Winsor Castle where to my great pleasure and satisfaction I found the family
well which is a satisfaction, I flatter myself that both you and Jenny will be glad
to hear. I have been living in wait this day or two watching what came up on the wheel
of fancy worth communicating to you in a letter, but am at last convinc'd, that my
distract'd head can produce nothing of this sort _ You can't believe my thoughts are
consistent when I tell you how they are divided - sometime I think I am with you
conversing about the balls and young Ladies on your shore. This is the second morning
after I arrived at home, so that its out of my power to give you an account of the
rejoicings here but will at some future time. Nothing more but God of his infinite
mercy grant you and your little family along series of happiness in transitory world
and believe me to be with truth and [?]
yr John Muir
November 26th 1781
PS please to make my compliments to all friends at poplar hill as I shall present
yours this day to Mr Steeles
>
[John Muir's signature]
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[Sample of handwriting]
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Notes by Drake:
Poplar Hill was the residence of Robert Darnall and his wife Sarah, who was
John Muir's grandmother. This residence, rechristened after the original name of
the property, His Lordship's Kindness, still exists in Prince George's County,
Maryland. The Darnalls were a prominent and wealthy family in Maryland, but were
persecuted for being Catholics. For more about Sarah, please see Sarah Rider.
| |
Note by wh - uncertain why Samuel is addressed "Sire" in above letter when elsewhere
he is addressed "Sir".
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Letter #2
April 30 1782
Dr Sr
yours of Decemr. 5th by Tubman to the care of Adam [In--] as also April 7th by
Mss. Sharp, [Philepot] is not yet come to hand, I am glad to find you have all
recovered your health. I have been very uneasy about you untill I got your last
letter, as being inform'd, not only by yourself, but also by Mrs. Darnall some
time past, of the bad state of health which you all three injoy'd, particularly
poor little Polly, whom I long much to see. You say she is not well recovered yet,
hope the spring will give her health and spirits. We have had a very [sickly] fall
and winter, which I mentioned to you before. Several reputable persons have died,
among the number is your worthy friend and acquaintance Mr. Henry Steele. Mrs. Sharp
has informd of that. - he died the 5th day of Febry. with [Aporipneumy?] on the
13th day from his first attack. Mr. Green is also in a very bad state of health,
and without a change in his favor can not stand it long. Mr. Jn Henry has been very
poorly all the winter, but has got better and intends to Annapolis this Assembly.
Mr. [Thigg?] left us last spring with his little Daughter, and went to New York,
after staying there some time, he with his Daughter, took ship for England, and being
at sea about three days unfortunately fell overboard and was lost, but the ship got
safe to London with the child and was sent down to her relations in Scotland,
I am in hopes that this letter will meet you on the way, as I have been expecting and
looking for you all the month of April agreeable to your own appoint.
Mr West was at Vienna on his way to Somerset from Talbot Court, when Jacky Muir met
with him and son, he tould Jacky he saw Jeany a few days before he left home, that
you were all well, but could give me no account whether you intended over this
spring, which I think concludes me with giving my compliments to Mr. and Mrs. Darnall
& S Green as also my worthy friends Mr. and Mrs. Caulvert but particularly to you sir,
and my dear Daughter Jeany & little Polly
Yr very [H--]
James Muir
PS have sent 2 pair of shoes which was made for Sally both of which provd. to small
for her, I think they will fit Jeany/ Maguiar lost his wife last fall on which he
broke up housekeeping and has not been settled to work anywhere since he has got
the shoes and says he will make them as soon as he can -------- JM
[James Muir's signature]
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Notes by Drake:
The Steele and Henry familes were prominent in Dorchester County. For more on Henry
Steele, please see John Steele Gordon's genealogy pages. Col. John Henry was married
to Sarah Nevett Muir's aunt, Dorothy Rider. They were the parents of Governor
John Henry of Maryland. James Muir's wife, Sarah Nevett, had a sister, Amelia,
who married Ralph Green. S Green refers to their daughter, Sarah Green. The Calverts
would have been Benedict Swingate Calvert and Elizabeth Calvert, daughter of
Gov. Charles Calvert.
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Letter #3
Dr Sir
yours of the 4th of January came to hand the twelfth of March, so herein you make
mention that more came to hand safe. I should have wrote you before but it was for
the want of a safe conveyance to your shore as People are apt to peak into letters
let the subject be ever so shifting, for not long ago Jinkins, directed a letter to
me but falling into the hands of some curious person, it has never as yet came to hand
nor do I ever expect it will, though the contents are of no consequence. But this by
Mr. Kirkman, I flatter myself will reach your Benighn hands, for such I shall ever
esteem you and your little family. The Fall and spring has been very sickly and that
mortal numbers have dropt off the stage among others is my Friend Henry Steele, Esqir.
who departed this life on tuesday the fifth of February at forty seven minutes after
twelve Oclock, it being the thirteen day of his illness as I was with him during the
whole time of his illness. I never saw any person bare it with so much fortitude,
perfectly [resigned] to his fate and said that the will of Heaven must be complied
with and Natures det paid. Those that were spectators to his death have a most
[shattering?] of example left them.
For my own part I never was a spectator to so mournful a scene before. But for fear
I should take up too much of your attention on this melancholy subject I will drop it
& endeavor to give you some account of the rejoicings of his Lordship Cornwallis's
surrender: it was general on this Shore. Cambridge set the example and everything
managed with decency & decorum. Our little Village Vienna next but the day set apart
for that occasion prov'd bad which prevented numbers from being drown'd in Baccus.
The third and last was at Cratcher's Ferry but to give you every minute sercumstance
would be too [prolesc?] but think your Faint Idea of that place can paint to your
imagination what was carred on. This much I can tell you that there was a great
collection of people and no respect to persons. I saw Mr Stephen West & his son John
a few weeks ago at Vienna who inform'd me that you were all well which gave me secret
satisfaction to here and told him I should be at Marlbro. the begining of May if you
did not com over, but I believe it will be in my power so soon as that please present
my compliments to Mrs. Darnall's Family and Mr [Scoks] ______ and believe to be with respect
yours______
John Muir
May the 1 1782________
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Letter #4
Dr Sir
Mr. Dowson informed me this morning that he should send a boat in a few days to west
River. I have made use of the opportunity of informing you and Jenney of our passage
down the Bay. We left Annapolis between seven and Eight oClock in the morning and
arrived at Cambridge the next day about sunrise. The passage was long but not
disagreeable. Sally and Polly bore it very well and we have been visiting our
acquaintance ever since and they express great Satisfaction in seeing of us.
We shall leave Cambridge this morning for my fathers. I have nothing more to add at
present but my best wishes to my [M--] friends. And may Good of his great goodness
extend his blessings uppon your [rising] family is the sincere wish of your
inallienable friend
Jon. Muir
PS I have been prevailing on Adam to write by this opportunity but to no purpose.
All your friends on this shore are very well. I shall visit you much sooner than
I expected when we parted
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Notes by Drake:
Adam was John's oldest brother.
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Letter #5
Dr Sre
A few days after I parted with you, I received a letter directed to you, and knowing
that you was on the Western Shore, tooke the freedom to open it and found upon scanning
the contents it was from Mr. Carmical requesting that you would call upon him on your
return with the Ladies. Had you a call it would have been Much in your favor as your
detention at Cant was great. I have inclos'd his letter, in this where in you will find
he wrote you previous to this which has not come to hand as yet. The Evining that
Mr. Henry & myself left You, we went to Mr. [Whirstrand's] and got home on tuesday
Morning. All your Somerset and Dorset. Friends are well and presents their Compliments
to all their friends on your Shore
I remain Dear [in your --] J Muir
July the 3 1782
Bring compliments to Mr [Leek's] family and Wife Green and Mr [Calvert]
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Notes by Drake:
The Leeke's were inlaws of Sam Hepburn. His sister, Ann Hepburn, married Francis Leeke.
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Letter #6
Dr Sr
Having so good an opportunity by Mr. Brown have writ a few lines which is only just to
inquire how you all are, and how you got home and how you got Sally from Annapolis down.
Jacky on his return met Joseph Richardson who he said he expected would cross the Bay
with you, since he return'd. I sent to know how you all got over, he informed me you got over safe, but could
give me no other information.
Jacky talks of coming over as soon as he can make it convenient at which time if any
thing of moment happens will write you more fully, but at present having nothing more
than to desire my love to Jeany Sally & my dear little Polly, and am with the
greatest respect your
yrs most affly James Muir
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Letter #7
June 29th 1783
Dr Sr
I have only to inform you that yours by Mr and Mrs [Ga--] came safe to hand, and
intended to have answered them on their return, but they did not call, yours also in
three days from its date by James [Pain] I got, you are very good. I see you neglect
no safe opportunity that you can get on letting us hear from you. I am glad to hear
you all keep your health and may you long continue to do so. My wife has wrote to
Jenny and Sally (and according to custom I suppose [pretty] copious) but tell Sally
the things which she wrote for cannot be got until sent for to Baltimore, as having
no goods amongst us, but will endeavor to git them as quick as possible and send them
to her. By one of your letters she seemed inclinable to return, on which I was making
preparations to send for her, but on Mr. Henrys return tould us she did not propose
coming home until the fall. Jamey [Thin] tould me the same. I should be glad to know
for certainly whether she wants to return or not, if she should at this time, she will
find it very disagreeable traveling at this season the weather being so very hot.
Once more I must inform you I intend sending Jacky over, if nothing prevents after
harvest, which I am busily ingaged in at the present, which occasions the shortness
of my letter, and hearing Edwd Smoot sets of Annapolis to morrow, thought I would
give it a chance of getting to you
We are all well, and according to old still, hope this will find you all in the same
state, my love to Jeany and Sally and the children and am yrs. most affly
James Muir
PS We are all much distressed in getting down our wheat for the want of labourours
and most extravigant wages and the best of eating and drinking
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Notes by Drake:
This letter indicates that Mrs. Muir also wrote numerous letters, yet these have not
come to light. I would love to read her letters, if they still exist, as they promise
to be full of details about the concerns of the women of the family.]
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Letter #8
Octr. 12 1783
DrSr
All your letters since I left you excepting that via Salisbury, came to hand. Jacky I
am in hopes got to your house in a few days after he left home, am informd. He got to
Col. [Teves] and son day following the fridy he left home, by him we would have an Acct.
of the state of health he left me in. I was then I thought agiting something better,
but unfortunately for me, that NE Storm coming on, with such a quantity rain, gave me
that night some hours after I had been in bed, a violent ague which was succeeded with
a high fever, that lasted until almost day, which has again reduced me, and brought me
to the taking of wine and bark again, which I belive has removd. it, as not having any
thing of it since, but still continue very weak. By one of your letters you informd.
me that both you and Jeany had been sick since I came away, I was sorry to hear of
it, but sympathy is a poor physician, but before this, hope you have all got well and
stomachs for good beef and turnips, which I have tryed, but to little purpose. Bob is
still poorly, and not all [?] hardly able to do anything, in short the whole family has
been sick, and many still continue so Tel Jacky his horse was brought up to Cambridge
the second day after he went away by Leven, and sent home by Adam, and that I should
be glad they would indevour to get home as quick as they can. My love to them all,
and am most respectly.
yrs
James Muir
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Notes by Drake:
I thought James' mention of bark as a treatment for a fever was interesting,
and wonder if he meant white willow bark, from whence aspirin was originally derived.
Leven was probably Levin Denwood, a cousin.
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Letter #9
Nanticoke, Novbr. 20th 1783
DrSr
The tuesday after we left Malbr. we set out from Coll Chew's, between the hours of ten
and Eleven OClock, with a moderate breeze at N east and after an agreeable passage of
such hours we arrvd. safe at Capt Tripp's, when to my great surprise, found a number of
Ladyes and Gentlemen collect'd on account of hymen's torch being lit between Miss Fanny
Tripp and a Mr. [Guist] of Baltimore town. Our reception was great every person of our
acquaintance exprest satisfaction of seeing us and we spent the evening very agreeable.
The next morning I set out for my Fathers, leaving Sally with the wedding guest. When I
got in my mother was quite frantick with Joy. My father still remains poorly but in
hopes will soon recover it. The friday that you and I went to Alexandria, Capt. Hill
left his Brigg to goe up nanticoke had his boat sunk and Tommy Ball and two others
down'd and he and his Brother narrow escaped. Great damage has been done among the
Vessels on this shore. Nothin more to add but my best wishes to you Jenny and little
Poll and believe DrSr to be with every sentiment of Esteem
yours John Muir
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Notes by Drake:
Malbr. is Marlboro, sometimes spelled "Marlbrough" in the letters.
I'm wondering if Mr. Guist of Baltimore is a descendant of Richard Gist, a wealthy
Baltimorean of the 1740's.]
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Letter #10
DrSr
This by Coll Winder who I recomend to you as gentle worthy of your Notice, is to inform
you we are all well and by means of good hicory [Tiers?], have made [which?] to [--b]
through along tedious [scorre[ winter. I am afraid you and many others must have sufferd.
on your shore, not only as to the scarcity of wood, but the distance you have to fetch
it, without you took the same method we did, to get slays. We have lost the greater
part of our stock I have lost almost all my sheep, have but one lamb and all I expect,
and out of between 60 and 70 hogs and them [piged] in the fall, have 13 remaining, some
few Cattle and am afread I shall lose more as any provender is all most gone, no grass
and the trees not yet begining to bud, that from all Accts. there never was such losses
known in Dorset before. I must refer you to the Collenel, if you should be disposd. to
be inquisitive to inform you what is astiring in the two Countys, (that is, Somerst &
Dorset for I go so little from home that unless it be from those who come to see me, I
hardly know what is astiring in the Coty. More then this, Mr. Green died last Chrismas
and it is thought all he has will not pay his debts, he left her son T G Excr. who has
assigned it to his Uncle William Richardson; your friends here are all well and desires
their Compliments to you both and would be glad to see you over when you can make it
Convenient. I send by Coll to Jenny a Marsailles Quilted pettycoat, which I promised to
get her when I was over, the [h--] is much approvd. of here, and hope it may be so to
her. I am also in hopes she will by the same hand and at the same time receive a very
handsome apron if Jacky returns from Cambridge with it before Mr. [?] sails which is to
be tomorrow morning in which Coll. Winder goes to Annapolis, and from thence to Marlo.
by whom I shall expect to hear from you
My love to Jeany and the Children and am most affly yours
James Muir
March 30th 1784
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Notes by Drake:
There was a Gen. William Henry Winder who was in command of the American forces at the
disastrous Battle of Bladensburg in 1814. I wonder if the Coll. Winder referred to in
this letter might be his father. Also, there is a William Winder of Somerset County
mentioned often in the deeds of Ephraim King.
Mr. Green most likely refers to Ralph Green, James' brother-in-law. TG would be
Ralph's son, Thomas, and William Richardson was married to Ralph's sister, Elizabeth.
Ralph Green's children by his second wife, Sarah Leigh/t, were John and Elizabeth
Green. They were raised by their uncle, Col. William Richardson.
(This information comes from Elizabeth Drew, Ralph's 4G grand-daughter)
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Letter #11
June 8th 1784
DrSr
Yours I've recd. by E. Gant and in the same evening came to my house a doctor Polingar,
who stayed all night and went away directly after breakfast, as {?] and did not stop but
left your letters at Vienna I now write you by the Doctr. Polingar to inform you we are
all well, The corn which you mention, a part of it is gone up Potomack to Georgetown I
wate for her return to know what it sold for there, I was tould before it went that it
had sold for 7/6 Dr. Polingar conformd. it, it sels with us for 6/~ I have also 3 or 4
handsome Bushs. to part with, but am so backward with my crop owing to such a deluge
of rain and hail that fell about a fortnat past, such as I never beheld before, the hail
was full as big as hicory nuts, it took a Cart out of a Man's yard and carried it 30 or
40 yards which with the rain has put my plantation in such a condition that we can but
just begin to plow, so that it is uncertain whether I can send up an Corn to Marlo. or
not. I should have been glad to have seen you all over this Sumr. if it could have been
made convenient, but if your Carage coms in hope to see you in the fall, am sorry to
hear the two Children are poorly I long much to see them, and if Polly gets over must
indevour to keep her, Til Ms. Leak Jacky is going Imedeatly to the mills to try to get
the planks and shingals plank is high, many hast bought and carred to Baltimore and
brought it back, as not being able to git more than they gave for it, but belive as the
Millers on hearing of it has fell on their prise, it may I belive be bought at 8/4 which
if he can git will Imedeatly send over, but there is so many [for--] before has loded
and am loding that both keep up the prise and scarcity there was a Ship from London,
but last from Baltimore went down yesterday loded with plank & Shingals for Jamaca and
an other coming up the River for the same cargo from Alexandria and Coll Winders Brig
has just gone down with the same cargo he [h--] all has gone in her to the Westindies,
so that upon the whole I wish Mrs. Leak may get suplid. Till Jeany the reson why Sally
did not write was that she was not out of Bed and Mrs. Muirs right hand is in such [?],
that she is not able to use it, but both desire their love to her and Children, my pen
is so bad I can write no more so wish you all health and happiness and
am DrSr yrs most affly
James Muir
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Letter #12
Sepr. 28th 1784
My DrSr
As [Ma--] is just gone up the River for an other load of plank & Shingals for Marlo.
could do no less than let you hear from us, thow at the same time have very little to
inform you of, more then I have a very sickly family with the Ague & fever, I myself
have been very poorly with the same complaint am getting better, Sally has been very
bad, but by the Assistance of Dr. Gordon, she came downstairs this day and Dined with
us, as yet no return of fever, cant get her to take the bark, the Saline Mixture made
up with Lemonjuce, she takes pretty well Miss Kitty Henry that was, has been at the
point of death but is now giting better, in short there is scarce a family but has
more or les sick in it. When Jacky was over you desired him to git you some feather
edged plank, on his return he went among the Millers, but was shore he would not git
it, which turnd. out as Ixpicted, for it is never cut at sawmills but alltogether by
hand, I tould Mason if he possibly could besides his load, take in the Quantity uou
wanted in Inch plank, as Jacky informd. me you wanted it to weatherboard a Barn, which
you must want Imediatly, as you are ingaged in will I suppose deprive us of the pleasure
of seeing you over this fall or winter, but next spring I hope to see you all over,
thow I belive it will be a very hard summer with us who are on Auspt. of Bacon for our
hogs are dieing as fast and yet in good order that I am afeard there will be none left,
I sent Titus the Negro this Morning to look over mine who was gone but alittle while
before he returnd. and informd. me 4 or 5 of my best pigs that he had found dead and
as he did not see them all there may be more the cause is supposd. to be from the red
oak acorns being yet green or [?] have down by the Squirrells
I hope poor little [Simone] is got better and that all your family is in health,
Polly I long much to see ____you will do me the favour to present my respects to
Mr. Caulvert and his family, and receive the affectionate regard which due to you all
from ______ James Muir
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Notes by Drake:
Kitty Henry may be Charlotte Henry, the daughter of Col. John Henry and Dorothy Rider,
Sarah Nevett Muir's aunt.
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Letter #13
September 21st 1785
DrSir
Yours by Mr Powel came to hand and upon examing the contents find you request me to pay
attention to him, which I have complyed with, and I assure you he is very Clever and
much thought of with us. You say the time draws near for my visit to your Shore which
will be the beginning of Next month acomponed with P Steele and I belive B Henry but his
coming seems to admit of a dout I refer you to Mr Powel for particulars on this shore I
expect to set of for Philapia this week with P Steele for a Carrage at last and he and
myself will pay you a visit on our return my love to Jenny and Sally little Poll & Sam
and beleive me DrSir to be with every sentiment of Esteem & regard
yours Jno Muir
PS excuse evry Blunder in this for I had but little time
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Notes by Drake:
P Steele is Peter Steele (1762 - 1791), the son of Henry and Ann Billings Steele,
who in turn was the daughter of Anne Rider Billings, another aunt of Sarah Nevett Muir.]
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Letter #14
Sepr. 28th 1785
DrSr
Yours I recvd. by Mr. Powell, whom I found to be a very prety agreable young Gentlen.,
I think Mrs. Powell has done exceeding well, in getting so worthy a man to all
appearance, he went to Mr. Henrys and stayed there near a Weak, in which time, they took
the opportuy. of Examining Miss F deed of gift from Mrs. Darnall which they find to be
faulty and Insoficient, which Mr. Powell will inform you of. Mrs. Darnall designs on her
return, convaing the different Tracts by deed of Gift. which Mr. Powell will draw, I
think you had both better indevour to have it don as quick as you can for fear of An
Accident, I was at Baltimore in Augt. last where I got a letter of Attry executed before
the Notra-Publick and sent to your River to be put on board a Glasgow Ship which I
ynderstood lay there you say you have been very dry, so have we, many Countys wont
make near Corn to serve them, and no Tobacco and short crops of wheat. Tell Sally,
I have sent her a hald Joe more, and hope that will pay her Creditors and prevent a
[Cepi] Adsatisfactiandum being served on her also a pair of silr Buckels, cost Six
pounds, have sent to Glasgow for two pieces of Silk one for Jeany and the other for
her, My wife is very poorly and has been so for some time, and if she gits no better
must send Jacky for Sally whould be glad she would inform me by letter when it would be
conveniant for her to come _____ my love to Jeany Sally and the Children and am
DrSr yrs most
affly
James Muir
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Notes by Drake:
Miss F refers to Jane Fishwick, daughter of Sarah Rider (Mrs. Darnall) and William
Fishwick. Jane Fishwick was Sarah Nevett Muir's half-sister. For more on the distribution
of family property, see Sarah Rider's will. It is likely that Mr. Powell refers to
William Harrison Powell (1766 - 1802), a wealthy landowner from Loudoun County, Virginia.
He married Sarah Green, the daughter of Ralph Green and Amelia Nevett, Sarah Muir's sister.
For more on the Powell family, please see Mark Freeman's Powell website.]
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Letter #15
April 13, 1786
DrSr
Yours I recid. at the rising of the Assembly by Mr. Henry, and that by Mrs. Darnall is
just now come to hand, I am glad to hear you are all well I was very uneasy until I got
your first letter and also your last, as knowing Jeanys situation, you will please
excuse my not writing to you when mrs. Muir & Miss Sally wrote, for they ahd their
letters in rediness sometime, in order to go by Mr. Henry, but he delaing to go from
time to time, until a Special Misinger was sent for him, and when he did go went by the
way of Cambridge unknown to any of us, Mr. King which you mention, factor for [?] hapned
to come to my house some day in last Febry at Night, and went away early in the Morning
by whom they sent their letters to Annapolis to the care of Man, The deeds I sent to the
[E--] to be [indecipherable] which is don, but am apt to think will be of little use as
Doctor Murray of Annapolis has informd. the Assly. that the Land is subject to a
Confiscation, and by an Act for that purpose, the Informer has a right to the refusal
of the land, but will inform you more fully hereafter as I have but just heard of it.
I belive Mr. Henry will do what he can for us. I am apt to think W P is to blame for it,
as I have heard, he bosted and bragd. much of the Land that was given his wife on his
return, and well he might considering the unequal division, you mention in your former
letter, that corn is scarce in your Neighborhood that is 5/~ a bushl., it is the same
with us, and little to be got, but if you should want yourself, let me hear from you I
have I believe about 200 Bushl. that I could spare, if it can be got over to you in time,
but Jacky tould me that he saw yesterday at Vienna, an Advert. of Mr. Dick Sprigs
informing the publick, that he had 600 Barrels of Corn at Upper Marlbrough for sale,
if so there must be enough to supply the deficiency of all the County, pray miss no
opportunity of writing to me by the way of Annapolis to the care of Mr. Man, as I can
git your letters once a week from there by the Packet, I shall be anxious to hear how
Jeany is, I have nothing to inform you of, more then what I think you Experiance on
your shore, that is the scarcity of Money, the decline of Trade and an Increase of Tax
In short everything seems to ware a doolful Aspect
I am yr. Most Respectly. James Muir
Dr. Jeany I have sent you the [Case] and wish it may be the sort you want and any thing
that you may want, that I can get you in Dosit let me know. I heartily wish you a safe
delivery, and the recovery of your health and strength, which is the prayer of your
Affectionat Father James Muir
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Notes by Drake:
Dr. James Murray was a wealthy surgeon of Annapolis. He married Sarah Ennalls Maynadier,
the widow of John Rider Nevett, Sarah Nevett Muir's brother. In the Tax List of 1783,
he is named as Administrator for "Nevitt's Heirs." Sarah Rider seems to be addressing
this land dispute in her will, in which she specifies that Polly Nevitt, daughter of
John Rider Nevett and Sarah Ennalls Maynadier, pay Sarah Green for a property in
Dorchester County.]
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Letter #16
May the 9th 1786
DrSr.
Yours I recvd. and was very glad to hear of Jeanys safe delivery, and so soon over As
Congratulation in this case is [Reciprocal], we heartily wish you both joy on the birth
of your little brown Girl, hope Jeany has recd. her health and strength, we began to be
very uneasy to hear from you about the Middle of April, as we understood that was the
time she looked for a little one, Sally has just returnd. from a Ball at Cambridge, the
Circumstance of which, I must refer you to herself (that is, if I can get her to write,
but in case she should not, she says, she desires her Most Respectl. Comps. to you both,
and believe intends over shortly, but will let you know when, pray let me hear from you
soon, your letters can com once a weekfrom Annapolis to Cambridge have nothing new to
inform you of, therefore must conclude with wishing you all health and happiness which
is the daly wishis of
yr. Most affectly. James Muir
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Letter #17
July 14, 1786
DrSir
Yours in may last came to hand the fourteenth of this Inst., it has I beleive fell into
the hands of Some curious person, who is fond of Diving into the recesses of other
peoples Secrets As the letter had been opned and sealed up again Before it reach'd our
hands and upon reading the contents I find you have got an addition of another Daughter
to your family of which I give you Both Joy in. Peter Steele and myself, once more
flatters ourselves With the pleasure of Spending a few Weeks in Malbrough with You and
Jenny, this Fall. There is little Newes, have worth mentioning more than, a large Ship
from White Haven, loading with Square timber for the Irish market, And another Expected
dayly and hourly they have had Accounts of her being at sea nine Weeks they put money
in circulation in this part of the Country and Indeed we stand much in need of it,
for I never new it so scarce since my remberence. On the tenth of June, at ten minutes
after four in the morning, our friend and Acquaint Mr. Jon. Brown Wound up the thread of
life Mrs Brown is much distressed and great reason as his affears are much [section cut
off] pretty well reconcilled to his [rest of letter cut off]
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Letter #18
Saturday evining July 15 1786
DrSr
Yours I recd. this day, althou wrote in May, but no date to it, it has layd. so long in
the County, that it was all fly spotted, and hearing of Mr. Shaws intention of setting
off to Morrow for the Springs in Virginia, have made use of that Convincanse of a letter
by him, he does not know that he shall pass through Marlo. but will leave it where he
thinks it will the most redely git to you, I have been for a long time expecting to
hear from you, have sent Bob 2 or 3 times to N-Market to know if there was any letter
there from you, for I was at a loss to know what to do Respecting the Corn I intended
for you, and the wants of the People being very great, concluded by not hearing from
you, that you did not want, therefore a little before harvest, opined the corn house
door, and deliverd. it out to the people, but some bad person had got the whip hand of
me, and opined the door, or got in some other way before me, and had taken an overshair,
(being 11 Barrels I have lost,) I am happy to hear you have not wanted, I am glad to
hear that Jeany has got so well recovered & that you and the Children are well, I heard
of Mrs. Chews death some time past And now inform you of the death of Mr. John Brown,
who died about a Month past, has left a very disconsolate Widow, and am afread a very
destrsd. one Mr. Henry is in N-Yorke, the last letter we had from him informs us that
he is in a poor state of health Shall we see you over the fall, shall be very glad if
you could make it conviniant, your Nanticoke friends all wish to see you Sally I believe
is writing and will inform her sister when she intends over, I have nothing New to
inform you of, therefore present my love to Jeany and the Children and am dear Sr,
yours Most affectionately James Muir
[note in Mrs. Muir's writing in margin of letter:]
Kitty Henrys hat was
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Notes by Drake:
The Springs in Virginia may be Berkeley Springs, which is now located in West Virginia.
You can still take the waters there.
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Letter #19
May 12th 1788
DrSr
I supose you will expect to hear from us on the siting of the Assembly, this comes by
Mr. Jenkins Henry to inform you we are all in tolerable ehalth, and that I recd. yours
in a few days after date by Mr. Dawson, my wife wrote by Mr. Forrest who was so good as
to take with him six pair of Shoes and one half Joe which I sent to Sally, which expect
have all corn to hand, my Wife wrote in february and sent by Mr. Gail to Annapolis which
was to have gone by one Stage of Alexandria, in which packet was 2 Shawls directed to
Miss Nevett in your letter by Dawson you take no notice of it the recivil [?], but hope
you got them, I am now very impatient to hear from you to know how Jeany is, but hope by
this all is well with her, tell Sally to let us know when she wants to return Jacky
taulks of coming over in about a fortnat from this time, which will be the next packet,
Before this reaches you it is probible you may hear of the death of poor Mrs. Steele,
she was taken in the evining walking in the garden, with an ague, soon became deprived
of her senses, and continued so untill she died, Jamey Steele had only left her two days
before, with his two younger Brothers for Prince Town, she was then in as good health as
common, P S is got to [walk] tollerable well, and in good state of health Jacky ahs been
staying with him untill James returnd.
my love to Jeany Sally and the children and am most respecty. yours - - - James Muir
[on bottom of same page]
My Dear Children
Excuse my Writing for the house is full and I am in great trouble about our Worthy
Relation Mrs. Steel and am inpatient to hear of my Dear Jenny safe Delivery please to
let me know as soon as possible my Dear affections to my Mother and all friends and not
forgeting my Dear Little Babes o what a change on Nanticoak I have Left my only friend
and Sincer find this from your affectionate Mother
Sarah Muir
I will write by Jacky or Jacky Henry more fuller and be more particular
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Miss Nevitt probably refers to Polly Nevitt, daughter of John Rider Nevett.
Jenkins Henry may be Francis Jenkins Henry, the brother of Col. John Henry.
Jacky Henry would probably be Col. John Henry's son.
James Billings Steele (1760 - 1816) was the brother of the Peter Steele mentioned elsewhere in the letters.
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Letter #20
August 8 1789
DrSr
I wrote you about 10 days ago by P Steele which he says he gave to Mr. Nicholls at
Annapolis it was just to inform you that Mrs. Hepburn intend over in the Pack and for
you to send the Carage up for her, your Acct. was presented by Mrs. H and by her have
sent you the Money to discharge Sally's Acct. also a Bill for £10... stating on my own
that which over pass it, when you dispose of the Bill perhaps there may be sum objection
on Acct. of French failure, but that need be none, as Mr. Dunmore is good they were both
jointly in a power of Attorny to receve my Money from the Trustees. I have sent you a
letter for F & D which I indevour to have put on board sum Glasgow Ship as quick as
posible so that they may have previous Notice of Bill, I supose there are Glasgow
ships at Alexandria if you send it by som person you can depend upon the delivery
I have wrote 2 or 3 times to them have recevd. no answer I am apt to think the letters
have miscarred in the Country, I want a state of my Acct from them including the Interest.
I must refer you to Mrs. H for what is [stirring] here and am DrSr. yrs
Respectly. James Muir
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Notes by Drake:
The synopsis says that this is a letter by Adam Muir with a note by James Muir, but I'm not sure
how they reached that conclusion. Please send me a message if you are interested in
discussing any aspect of these letters. This transcription is my own. Both it and the
original letters are copyrighted. You are welcome to copy the text for personal or
scholarly use, but commercial use is strictly prohibited.
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Additional sourcing for these letters
http://www.lib.unc.edu/mss/inv/m/Muir,James.html
Manuscripts Department
Library of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
SOUTHERN HISTORICAL COLLECTION
#3013
JAMES MUIR
JAMES AND JOHN MUIR LETTERS
Summary
NOTE: A more complete finding aid for this collection is available at the Southern
Historical Collection.
Contact staff at: (919)962-1345 (telephone); (919)962-4452 (FAX); mss@email.unc.edu.
Muir, James, fl. 1781-1789.
James and John Muir letters, 1781-1789.
20 items.
Microfilm. Originals returned to private owner in 1954.
Letters to Samuel Hepburn at Upper Marlboro, Prince Georges County, Md.,
from his father-in-law, James Muir, and from James's son, John Muir, on the
Eastern Shore in Dorchester County, Md. Topics of letters include family
and neighborhood news, farm activities, commerce, currency, and frequent
trips across the Chesapeake Bay.
ONLINE CATALOG TERMS:
Agriculture--Maryland--History--18th century.
Chesapeake Bay (Md. and Va.)--Description and travel--18th century.
Eastern Shore (Md. and Va.)--Social life and customs--18th century.
Family--Maryland--Social life and customs--18th century.
Farm life--Maryland--History--18th century.
Hepburn, Samuel, fl. 1781-1789.
Maryland--Economic conditions--18th century.
Muir, James, fl. 1781-1789.
Muir, John, fl. 1781-1789.
COPYRIGHT:
Retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants,
as stipulated by United States copyright law.
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