Henry Co., Paris, Tennessee.
Dear Brother: 16th, May 1844
You, no doubt, have understood how I have been afflicted for the last 2 or 3 years with Rheumatic pains in my neck. My suffering has been great since the warm weather set in. I think the pain in my neck has a little abated, but my left knee and right elbow and wrist are in such a situation that I can scarcely walk about yard. I did think in the Winter that after warm weather set in, I would be able to go to Carolina and see you once more in this life, but at this time, my dear brother, it is utterly impossible with me. I received a letter from your grandson, Robert Love, of Carter County, some time in Feb. last, stating that he was authorized by you to receive from the Gambles, the balance of what was coming to you from the estate of our uncle, Joseph Bell, deceased, of August County, Va., which is about, or near, two hundred dollars. I have no doubt but what your grandson’s statements was correct, but still I would prefer an order from under your had to show as a voucher by what authority I paid over the money. I have been trying for some several years past to collect the money without making a journey particularly for it, but I never could until sometime last Spring, or Summer, when I met with a young man living in the adjoining county, who informed me that he was going to the lower part of Virginia, and I contracted with him to go by the way of Staunton and collect the money, which he did. He has not paid to over to me as yet, but is to do so in the course of two or three weeks from this time. I consider the money entirely sage. If you still intend your Grandson to have said money, you will write to me immediately on the subject, etc. I received a letter from my Nephew, Jas. B. Love, dated 5th, of April last, who stated your health was good as usual, which I was truly glad to hear. Our friends in this country, so far as I have any knowledge, are enjoying reasonable good health, et., I am,
Affectionately and truly your brother until death,
Thomas Love