ALS signed “W. B. Aldridge,” one page both sides, 8.25 x 11, October 28, 1839. Early letter written by a citizen of the Republic of Texas, in full (grammar and spelling retained): “I have not received a letter from you since the one informing me of the death of our Father. It was not in my power to visit you this summer oweing to the situation of my Business my Partner was called to Philadelphia by the decease of his Father who resided there and has not yet returned. Our business was on the credit system consequently we have large amounts yet due us which requires the personal attention of one of us at all times. My Family has continued well we have been above that place at Bastrop (200 miles from Columbia) for some weeks—I do not know that I have liberty to make any more promises if I had I would say that you would most certainly see me & Family next Summer—If we come we shall remain until The Fall, and shall most certainly calculate that you & Sister Mary will come home with us and spend the winter by that means you will be enabled to Form a correct Idea of our Country. Times here are dull indeed, yet I hope our standing as a republic (However small) is improving the Crops of Cotton in fine this season making about 12 Bales of 6000 pounds of Picket Cotton to the hand. Our Indian difficulties I consider near at an end our affairs with Mexico once settled and we have nothing to desire but industrious emigrants. I should be pleased to hear from you on the receipt of this my Boy is now running about although but eleven months old, he has not had a days sickness—and would be I think considered a fair sample in any Country. Make my respects to all enquirers and receive for yourself & Lady.” Intersecting folds (one vertical fold passing through a single letter of the signature), some brushing to portions of the writing, a few water spots, and slight show-through writing to opposing sides, otherwise fine condition. Provenance: The Robert Davis Collection.
