Maury County, West Tennessee

June 22, 1824

Dear Brother,

I have written to you twice since I have received any letter from you. I therefore take it for granted that no important change in your families or neighborhood has taken place, or you would not have neglected to write.

Circumstances with myself and family continue as they were when you last heard from me. Our crops are promising and our season good.

Religion appears to be at a lower ebb than we wish. The thorns and briars seem to prevent the seed from bringing forth fruit. The hoaring of my head indicates my approaching dissolution and I do hope in God, that the feelings of heart respond. Amen. I do humbly hope that my dear brothers are progressing heavenward, just as fast as they are going toward the grave. Dear brothers, if we should never meet on earth, O how happy to meet in the presence of that God whose goodness and mercy we can recount with gratitude and love. Archibald can give you all the particulars.

Give my love to your families.

From your affectionate Brother,

Duncan Brown

Original: Neill Brown Collection #702, Perkins Library, Duke University

Transcribed by Bradley M. Buie, January 2000