Family Letter Between William Henry Bassett and son Benjamin, 1854

William Henry Bassett descends from #59B Benjamin Carter Bassett as follows:

Benjamin Carter Bassett and wife Martha Davis
William Henry Bassett (b. 1796)
Benjamin Harrison Bassett

Typed transcription of April 28, 1854, letter from William Henry Bassett (1796-1872) to his son Benjamin Harrison Bassett (1831-1893):

Big Bend Bayou Deglaizes Apr 28th 54

My Dear Son

Your very affectionate and acceptable letter of 7th Inst. was received last Saturday – you cannot conceive the pleasure the perusal of it gave me. Your prospects of being at least second in your profession were truly gratifying to me – and your affectionate allusions to your unknown mother really delighted me and made me regret having written a letter some time ago censuring you for neglecting her – by your continued silence – She is well worthy of the name – a most devoted and affectionate wife and appears to be as much interested for the success of my children as myself; and as much delited when I receive a letter from any one of you; and very anxious to become acquainted with you all, we have been in daily expectation of a promised visit from Virginia and Henry. Carter has been absent about six weeks, in a letter from Sis dated 18th she says he speaks of leaving for Alexandria tomorrow and would try to call by home on his return, but, he has not come yet. In my last to Jeff I stated that when I settled up my years business in N O [New Orleans] I would make arrangements to let you (Bassett & Bassett) have the required amount; since which time I have received account sales of my cotton which was very low, and my account current shows a balance against me of near nine hundred dollars, which is more than I expected – but I have about $1500 worth of wood, the water has been so low that boats would not go into the yard consequently I have sold none, I have also considerable quantity of corn for sale – which, with, some other resources I shall be in easy circumstances. My crop is very good – corn beautiful. The house is progressing slowly – but steadily, carpenters work nearly done, our health is generally good and happiness once more reigns in our habitation.

Bayou Deglaizes is as unsociable as ever – only two ladys have called to see Mrs B. since her arrival and one of those only has she returned – she has never expressed a wish to see any person but the members of my own family – her happiness is at home; the place assumes a different appearance under her superintending care. She is the neatest person I ever saw – you would be surprised to see the change in me – and everything else – she desires to be affectionately remembered to you both and says she would comply with Jeff’s request to write but she thinks that etiquette requires that he should write first. She received a most affectionate letter from Virginia on Monday last. Little Jesse Toon (her son) says I must give his love to Brother Ben and Jeff and says he hopes some future day to read law under their instruction – he is really a smart child though only 7 years old the 10th of this month, reads very well and spells remarkably well.

You mention having seen Marcus Fulton he is a debtor of mine (I believe) about one hundred and fifty dollars, which he promised to pay if he paid no other person; if there is any chance to get it I will send on his account. PH Glaze also owes me something if you should become acquainted with him. The bayou is healthy there are no changes – except the marriage of E H Satterfield to Miss Clara Taylor they live at the Burrow place which I understand he has purchased. In B.W. Kimballs trial the jury hung, eleven for conviction of assault & battery and one for attempting to commit a rape.

I am still in the dark with regard to Carters occupation – Virginia does not say a word about it. John Charrier is still living at the wood yard, he & wife desires to be remembered to you both. I wrote to Jeff about a week ago. Give my love to him. Write again – let me know if it would answer the same purpose to receive the amt you want at different periods if so I might do it without going more in debt – adieu my dear son and believe me as ever your affectionate and devoted father

WH Bassett

 

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