Letter From William Henry Scrape
To
Susan M. Scrape Hatchett
Submitted by: Michael
Scrape (From Matthew Hatchett, a descendant of Susan M. Scrape and
Samuel W. Hatchett)
This one is a letter from my 2nd great grandfather Col.
William Henry Scrape to his sister Susan M. Scrape Hatchett. I think that
part of the letter is missing or faded away. The R. B. at the end of the letter
is speaking of Richard Bartley McGee who was a partner with William and also
William's brother-in-law.
New Orleans, LA
April 17th 1854
Dear Sister
I received Yours of the founts
Set of two or three days since which gave me a small degree of
pleasure to hear that you were all well. I have received three letters from my
wife as of which since I returned from Shreveport. I was at home at least one
month without hearing one syllable from home. It rested heavy on my feelings to
be away so long without hearing whether you were living or dead. I have had a
hard time since my return to New Orleans, my mind and body have been taxed to
the utmost amount it could have been, but I have battled it like a man,
determined to conquer in the end, which I think I will do. While on Red River
and drinking the river water my health was in some danger of being very much
disturbed, but with caution I reached N.O. in tolerable health. Only my health
is better now, I hope to be in much better health by the time return home. I do
not know now what time I will start home, but I hope soon. I begin to be
impatient to get there, it labors me very much to write therefore you must
excuse a short letter. ___ I hope this find you and all of my _____ and friends
in good health. Give my respects to all and except for yourself the devoting
love of your brother.
W.H. Scrape
PS R.B. is well.
