Humphreys County 1788 White's Creek, May 31st,1788 State of North Carolina, Davidson Co. Dear Son and Daughter, I have this opportunity to let you know that we are in good health at present, blessed be God for his mercys, hopeing these few lines will find you and your family, enjoying health and happiness. I have received but one letter from you these thirteen months and was dated the sixth of last August, whichgive me an account of your welfare, which I was very glad for to hear. We have had a middlin troubled summer. Last year and likewise, there was in the course of last winter and early this spring, about seven persons killed at Cumberland, and off the road between this and Kentucky. We have had very stilltimes about Indian affairs these two months past. We sent two men early this spring to the Creek nation to treat for peace, which the Creeks readily granted. They said they sent a number of indians against us last fall, upon account of their head warriors being killed on the cold water expedition upon the Tennessee, so I think we are not in any real danger of indians, only a few roguish Chickamaugas that come in sometimes to steal horses. There is some 90 road cutters to set next Monday to blase it better, and do some ccutting from this to Holston, and there is another party to go sometime in July to clear it about half way, and about the first of September, there is to go a large to clear it to Holston, and to be on guard to the people that will moving to this county this fall. I have had some thoughts of coming to your parts this year, but I think that time seems to be too troublesome to venture, it may be that some of the boys, if they be called on clearing the road, it may be that some of them wiil be there this fall. These that have lately viewed the road and marked ,it say that does not exceed two hundred miles from Holston settlement till the French broad, and likewise says it can very easy be made a wagon road. Tell John Crow II have got the pattent or grant for his-------?.There's one half dollar cost on it and ten years tax on the land of five shillings per hundred, which I have assumed to court to pay, so you may not be uneasy about your land, for I will keep it clear till you come or send. I wrote you that I made use of your horse, and desire that you pay yourself for him.Keegers whiskey. I wrote to you to try to trade for some corduroy for jackets and breeches for the boys, and likewise some things for your mother, Sallie, and Ester, they are allgrown now, and as we have frequent opportunity of going to sermon, they would want to appear like other people. There is very few goods comes to this country, and what few comes, they are at such extravagant price that it is out of poor people's power to purchase them. I have always kept myself clear of being indebted to the stores, and intend to continue so, needles and pins is scarce articles here and is wanted very much. I have made no further purchase of land yet, it is likely I will purchase some next fall. I have the offer of land very cheap. I intend to go to Kentucky this fall to try and get my land from Kenton. I received a letter from him last year which gave me some hope that he intended to use me better than I expected these years past. I had some expectation that James Cloyd would have come here before this time, he promised that if he came, that he would bring some articles if you have traded for them. I think if you would come to see this country, you would not stay much longer at Walker's Creek, But I don't take it upon myself to advise you to it, for fear of danger of roads. Remember our kind respects to Brother and Sister William and Anna Crow, and Margaret, and Anna, and John Crow and his wife and likewise to Col. Cloyd and wife and family, not forgetting Dr, Daniel Howeand his wife. Dear son, I would earnestly entreat you, that you would always keep the good fear of the Lord before you, and as you have a young family, sett a good example by keeping the Worship of God daily in your family, let the example of good old Joshua be a guide for you, let others do what they will, that you and your household wiil serve the Lord. You live in a loose and very carelaess part of the country. I could wish wish you were in a place where the gospel is preached, take this small advice from me and your dear Mother, who wishes the welfare of you and your wife and your family's sakes. We shall conclude with the best wishes to you and your Nancy and the children, and remain your affectionate father and mother, whilst your brothers and sisters send their compliments to you and Nancy and the children. Samuel and Jean Shannon p.s. We have had a very hard winter and a middlen cold set spring, creatures suffered somewhat, for the frost killed a good deal of the kane it will make some more industrious for to save fodder in time to come, corn may be had here for one quarter of a dollar per bushel. I want to get twenty acres of corn planted this year if the season is good, it is likely we will be plenty this this next year. Your stock is in my reach now and seems to do very well. You have a particular chance for beef when you come to this country, for you have some very likely steers, as likely as I ever seen at new River. Son John and family is well, and James Mores(Marrs) and the children is well, Anna has a son and daughter, they are both very thriving and well. I am fearful I shall tire your patience in taking up your time to read so long an epistle about so many frivolous affairs, the bearer of this, Mr. Reuben Jerson, has promised to call at your house with this letter and thinks of resting himself two or three days, which I expect you will not be against from Your loving father Samuel Shannon Written to Thomas Shannon, Walker's Creek, Poplar Hill