To Neill Brown, Esq., Robeson County, North Carolina, P.O. at Philadelphus

Vernon, Autauga County, Alabama

February 28, 1826

My Dear Uncle,

I have heard it said (and I believe it) that were it not for the prospect of death, Christians of all people on earth, would be the most miserable. I have long been a professor of religion, but it has not been very often that I could rejoice at the prospect of death. However, although my life has neither been very long nor very remarkable, yet I have seen enough of the crosses, losses, troubles, disappointments, afflictions, and sorrows of this world to convince me that at least, "all is vanity and vexation of spirit." Yet I wish to live longer. Hitherto, my exertions have been to sub-serve the Idol, Self, and I cannot boast of my success.

Now in addition to my former charge, an affliction dispensation of Providence seems to have thrown upon my hands, an aged Mother, three lonesome sisters, and perhaps my brother's widow and child. The task is truly a heavy one, but I do not believe that I dare shrink from it. And sometimes almost reproach myself for not forcing my way home, risking every consequence. But so it is, I have concluded to remain some time.

Mother is in possession of my reasons. And as my prospects at home do not appear to be flattering, as I do not wish to return to be an additional expense to her. As I wish to be doing something for myself as well as for her, and as I think I can make more money here than I can there, I have suggested for her consideration in the mean time, whether I could not do better for myself and for her by remaining here. My inclination leads me home, but I have been chastised for following my own inclinations. I wish now to follow the dictates of Providence. These, I do expect will direct me home also, but to enable me to judge of the case fully, I wish to be in possession of all the necessities that may be for my Mother, and your opinion upon the case, also.

Whatever I may do hereafter, I cannot now be at home in time to make any arrangements for the present year's crop, and her condition is too helpless to expect much management from her. The neighbors have always been friendly and kind and I know they will not be otherwise now. And their friendships and attentions to the bereaved, Mother and family at this time will lay me under peculiar obligations. And I can't help hoping that they will render her much assistance by their counsel and advice, how to manage, whom to hire, what to cultivate, what to sell, etc. And as you live so near, as well as from many other circumstances, I must request you, my Dear Uncle, and family there to add to my already many obligations. Many of our friends might think that I intended to insult them by tendering them compensation for services, but I can't help hoping that no necessary services will be left undone for the lack of compensation. Besides in many such unfortunate cases, some things are necessary to be done that requires time, labor and expense. Should there be any such in the present instance, I shall consider myself only half released from the obligations after the friend rendering them is amply rewarded.

I ought to have mentioned these things in a letter I wrote to your brother William, but did not think of them. I must expect and request one or other of your families to render all such services. The relation in which we stand toward each other, the helpless condition of my poor Mother, together with my own inability to return at the present moment, do cause me to indulge a hope that these things will be received in no other light than as evidences of my extreme anxiety for the comfort and consolation of my breaved, heart-broken Mother. My long absence from home and consequent ignorance of the true situation of affairs, render me incapable of giving any particular direction. And even if I was now at home, I should expect to be directed by your better judgement, and that of the neighbors, at least in every case of importance.

I must now mention one thing. Mother, you know, must hire a person, and perhaps more than one. One at least ought to be a White man in whom she could put every confidence in his honour, honesty, industry, management, care and attention, not only to the plantation, but to the stock of every kind, any to every thing else that concerns the family. I would rather give a double price to such an one, than half price to others on that might require watching. And such shall be paid. I do not wish Mother to let the wages prevent her from complying such an one, and such an one may be expected to ask an extra price, and Mother ought to give it. As she is very much unacquainted with persons and characters, your advice and that of your family on the subject will be thankfully acknowledged.

Present my affectionate regards to each member of your family, especially to my dear aged Aunt, with my ardent wishes and strong hopes that she may never know the throbs that now rend the heart of my disconsolate Mother.

Yours and most sincerely,

Arch Smith

Write to me. I hope that no contentions will arise, which are but too common cases. They are truly afflictions added to afflictions. Let me know.

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

Transcribed by Bradley M. Buie, January 2000