Can any one connect with this letter. It is written to Alexander Crawford of Overton Co., Tn. Alexander is from Botetourt Co., Va. and a brother to my ggg grandfather Wm. K. who also moved to Overton Co., TN in early 1800's. Charleston Tnn June 26th 1877 Dear Uncle Alexander Yours of 15th Inst came to hand in due time was glad to hear from you again; and must ask you to excuse me for neglecting to answer your last letter & was waiting to see what Jim would do before I wrote as he was in a strait he wanted to go to you and John wanted him to go with him. So he decided and went with John and I was so absorbed in the matter that it caused me to forget that I was due you a letter. So you understand the reason of the neglect and that Jim has gone to bal.(?) he seems to be delighted since he got there. He will stay for a while with his uncle and take a course in medicine he thinks that will be as useful as a course in Theology and will asist him in the work of the ministry He will assist John in his work and will preach about two Sabbath in each month while he is engaged in study - the Dr is well and doing well, Robertsons folkes(?) are all well Charlotte lives at this place. Our daughter Mattie lives in Cleveland ten miles from here is doing well her man Culton is the preacher at that place, bella and her man are still at Jonesboro doing well, I am devoting all my time to the ministry - I am the Evengelist for our Synod (?) which includes all E. Tenn. So I travel from Chatonooga to Bristol and preach for vacant churches and the destitute places, in the last two months I preach over one hundred times had some ??? meetings, I never enjoyed beter health in my life. My family are all well but three children with me Anna, Tend and Willie. Hope you are all well and doing well the blessing of Heaven rest upon you. Write me again Your Nephew W.N. Crawford (or could be W.H. Crawford) Joanne A. Smith Mello jomello@innercite.com