Maury
County, Tennessee
June 12th,
1851
Dear and
affectionate Cousin William,
Through the
care of a kind Providence I am once more permitted to drop you a few lines,
though with a hand trembling.
The changes which
time brings are sometimes Joyous, and sometimes Grievous. At present it falls
to my lot to communicate the sad intelligence of the Death of our many years
stricken Father (Col. Hugh Brown) who departed this life on the 13th
of last month (May) after patiently suffering a confinement of 17 days. His
disease was what the doctors were pleased to call an inflammation of the
stomach. He was given to hiccup pretty much during his sickness, loathing food,
yet craving drink. During his illness, he was calm, patient, and submissive.
And though for two days before his Death his speech failed, it did not appear
to effect his patience in the least. We could see nothing distressing in his
countenance, and thus quietly he left us, as we hope, to rest in the bosom of
his Savior, free from the turmoils of this sin-smitten world. He appeared to
anticipate his death from the time he was taken ill by frequently expressing
that he was near his journey's end, and that he could last but a little while
in his 90th year.
During his
sickness he was attended by all his children, except Brother Joseph who lives
in Memphis, 200 miles from us, and Sister Elisa McCallum who lives in Pulaskie,
Giles County, 40 miles. Uncle Duncan was also with us, all which appeared to
minister to his comfort.
Dear Cousin
the last letter from you was directed to Father which gave him and also others
great satisfaction, especially to hear that you were all well. That you had
gained you lawsuit and that the deed he had executed to you and others, for the
benefit of Philadelphus Church was rightly arranged and satisfactory. His
prayer was that the Church might grow and become a strong vine, producing the
fruits of righteousness.
Dear Cousin
you and I in some degree, have to occupy the Christian Station which our
Fathers did. May the Lord grant us grace that we may glorify His name. The
Church (by Divine Grace) committed to your nursing in concert with others is
the Church in which our Fathers worshiped and in which you and I were given to
the same service. Can we be too careful to hold forth the Truth as it is
revealed to us in the Word of Life. These recollections and such are touching
and should prompt us to know our duty and discharge the same.
Two weeks
ago I read a letter from our Cousin Elias Fort in Georgia in which he stated
that they are all well. He himself has had bad health for the last 12 months
and that his hand trembles so much he can scarcely write intelligible (Which is
truly my condition.) and that Uncle James is Dead. I have lately heard from
Mississippi. Our friends were generally well as far as I could learn. I last
week heard from Cousin Hugh Smith who lives in the West part of this State.
They were all well except one son who has returned from California enjoying bad
health. Two of his sons has been there for some time. There has been
considerable immigration from this State to Texas, and yet many talk of going.
There is
great scarcity of provisions among us at this time---corn, $3 per barrel, which
is 5 bushels higher than for many years; bacon, 10 cents per pound. So far in
this year we have been blessed with favorable seasons and the present crop
promises an abundant harvest is coming on with plenty to all appearances.
My Dear
Cousin I must close by requesting a continuance of your communication with me.
Give my respects to relations and friends.
Your
affectionate Cousin,
John Brown
Original:
Lacy C. Buie
Transcribed
by Bradley M. Buie January 2000