Smithfield Preston Foundation
Papers, 1784-1881, n.d., Ms97-002
January 12, 1799 -- letter from William Preston from Fincastle to James McDowell
Dear Sir/
Fincastle Jany 12th 1799
I have inclosed you a long letter on pollitics and business together with a letter put in to my hand a few days ago by Col. Camble from your Kentucky relations. I heard from our relations in Montgomery a few days ago they were all well. An attempt was made on Betsy Madisons house a few days ago by robers but did not take any thing. She was at Smithfield the two girls were alone the robers entered the house before bed time and went up stairs the girls heard them and ---- went up stairs with the candle the theif heard her coming and got between the bed and chords she did not see him but discovered the bed tumbled and returned after locking the doors the theives piliged all there little ---- tore there feathers and then forced the locks all except the girls room which was too strong they then tried to cut with knives around the lock screws which they did not effect until day break and they left the house. Lucky was so frightened that she fainted and was several days unwell no other damages were done that I can learn and they cannot find out who they were. I must beg your particular attention to the business mentioned in the inclosed and particularly as to red crop. I have no news in this place worth relating.
I am ---- your ----
friend William Preston
Col. James McDowell
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