Margaret Donald’s Letter to her cousin, Gov. Patrick Henry of Virginia, 1790

Letter from Margaret Donald, Marischal St., Aberdeen to Patrick Henry in Virginia, dated 13 April 1790. Original letter in Library of Congress, Washington, D.C., in the personal correspondence of Patrick Henry, Manuscript Division ‎‎(mm 81025767)‎‎. Transcript also reprinted in “VA Mag of History & Biography” Vol. 33, pp. 44-45. Original spelling has been retained. Some punctuation has been added for clarification of sentence structure. Brackets are used to clarifiy misspellings or abbreviations.

Aberdeen 13 April 1790
“Dear Cousin,
Allow me to put you in mind that I am still numbered amongst the living – and would be very happy to hear of you and your whole family. I have wrot [wrote] your sister Mrs. Merideth sevral times, fear my letters never reached her. I had the pleasure to receive one from her and one from your worthy mother before her death. your sister wrot [wrote] me on that mealincoly occison [melancholy occasion] of the death of your Br[other] who I sincerly [sincerely] regret – your cousin David Henry is still Living. he is often desiring me to send the history of your relations in scotland which I have done again and again as far as I know. as we are at such distance I might not make him understand me that, and his ill health prevents him from writing you. your grand father’s name was Alx Henry. he married a Jean Robertson whos Brother came to virginia and was living when my Br[other] Wm. Duguid was with your father. Jean Robertson had two sons, your father and the Parson of hanover. Three daughters who are dead long ago. there is children living witness, the two Mr. Milns and my selfe to t? [word not identified]. The rest is out of my knowledge as I am a stranger at home. My mothers name was Jean Henry. David Hen[ry’s] father was your Grand father’s uncle; my mother your Aunt. all this I believe you know but my cousin seems desirous you should know again. Sir I hop[e] in return you will send me word how all is with espisaly [especially] those I had the pleasure to know. first, my Dear friend Mrs. Merideth and her family. next Miss Bettsy Henry. and so and if you think Mr. Buchannen will & can send me and my sister the 2 hundred pounds George Donald left us. fairly did he promise it should be the first paid with interest when his lands was sold. I have been at some expense sending powers [powers of attorney] for my sister and my selfe but since they were sent had no notice of their comming [coming] or that I was to be minded at all. Mr. Oglvie who was in virginia at my Brothers death desired me to apply to his Brother Mr. Barret and he would do every thing in his power. to him I sent the powers; never heard from either. it would be kind of you Sir to make some inquiry and let me know if we are to get it or not. indeed it would be very seasonable sent now to boath [both] my sister and my selfe. with a heart full of good wishes to you and all your Relations over seas,

I am with esteem
Dear Sir, your affectionate cousin,
Marg’t Donald

P.S. You might either send my letter to London or Glasgow as we have a post goes twice a week betweenst that and Aberdeen
To Margaret Donald
Mairschale Street
Aberdeen”