Smithfield Preston Foundation
Papers, 1784-1881, n.d., Ms1997-002
May 27, 1804 -- letter from Francis Preston to James McDowell
Dear Sir
I recd yours yesterday evening ---- ---- draft for our hundred dollars. If I had them I would now send them by Doct. Vass but ---- a dollar I have and know not when I shall get anyy this side Xmass. I am positively broke in any money off aim and will be most prodigious by embarrassed this year, towards next spring I will kick the world behind me having provided for this pleasing event. I don’t mean to kick out of world if I can keep it but to become independent of it. You see your chance from me to get out of Debt to the U States is but dull. Some individuals who cannot do without it as well as the U.S. they have few as five million in the treasury, so says the ----, the Feds to the contrary notwithstanding. The U.S. therefore don’t want money and being justand human will not push their debtors as they will be receiving ----. I need argue no further for if I know you these arguments are unavailing, all theres to say is that I will pay it the very first ton of ----, I sell for 100$ in cash or sooner if I can get it.
The bearer Doct. Vass is a gentleman of information and intelligence. I therefore have taken the liberty to request him to call on you from whom and from my sister I hope he will on her own merit as well as on my account receive you friendly civilitees.
Mrs. Preston is in tolerable health & will in six or eight weeks add to our numerous family if she does well & we can get a nurse may be may see you some time this year.
Goodby, you & family
---- it being late I am
---- yours
Francis Preston
May 27, 1804
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