To Neill Brown, Esq., Robeson County, North Carolina

Deep Creek

Jefferson County, Mississippi

February 15,1817

Dear Uncle,

Having now a favorable opportunity, I have undertaken (in compliance with a duty that I have often neglected) to send you a few lines. Though I have nothing particular nor satisfactory to state to you at present, only that I am still in the land of the living and in a tolerable state of health. Though I have been some afflicted with the colic of late, but am entirely free from any misery of that kind at present, and has been for about three days which is a longer rest than usual, though I have not yet been deprived from doing business.

My children all well. I am still teaching school and expect to continue the year out. I have also a Music School at the fork of Black Creek, which I attend on Saturdays.

I though a little strange of not receiving any answer to my last letter to you though I do not attempt to complain, as it is but the just reward of [my] own neglect for I have frequently received letters from relatives and returned no answer. Nothing more at present, but my compliments to you and all your family in particular and all inquiring friends in general, if any.

From your negligent, but still affectionate Nephew,

Neill Smith

The following letter was included with the above.

Jefferson County Mississippi

February 15

Dear Sister,

You requested me to write you one satisfactory letter in your last by the Mr. Watson. I wrote to Rev'd Daniel and Brother Hugh I believe, and you may think I have not treated you with justice. However, you will not think it untimely to receive one about May Court or before. The best way to give you satisfaction I presume is to let you know my intentions and the way I live. At my first commencement of school in this place, I lived quite reserved from company, unless people were at the house where I boarded, and then I chatted quite freely, but would not visit or go abroad, but as little as possible. And since I have formed an acquaintance with the neighbors, I am very glad I lived as I did. And by this means I have kept clear of broils and contentions. The people I live with think I am a curious man and in fact I am very much like Annacharses was among the wicked Tytheans for they cannot conform to my ways nor I to theirs. About once a month, I take a ride down to the Buie settlement which is thirty or thirty-five miles, and I loose but a day of school going on Saturday, and returning on Monday, which causes me to feel as if I was at home to see my old neighbors. When my school is out, which will be about the tenth or eleventh of March, I shall wish to ride about a little, if permitted, and afterwards steer toward the land of my nativity by the way of Tennessee.

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

Transcribed by Bradley M. Buie, January 2000