Shelby County Kentucky April 15th 1802 Dear Brother and Sister: I write to you with pleasure to let you know that we are all well at present thanks to God for his mercies, hoping that these few lines will find you in the same. I have nothing particular. I receive a letter from sister Ann a few days ago. She was well and living with her son William in Indiana in Washington near Salem. She has one son with her that is single. Brother James' three eldest children was with us Christmas his son James wants to learn tanner trade with Samuel Harleson but did not agree with him and he has gone home. Brother James is married to Widow Mclung he and his wife lives very unhappy his three oldest children has left him. Two of them lives with her grandmother Reed. Ant Reed is alive yet. Samuel Reed's wife is dead. Friends in this country I believe is well, We had a very hard winter Money is very scarce and are very much in debt. I want you to write to let us know how you are. Give my complements but remains your afectionate brother and sister til death Alexander and Jane Mars This was written to Jane's brother, Thomas Shannon on Walker's Creek, at Poplar Hill, Giles Co.,Va. Jane Mars and Thomas, are both children of Saml and Jean Shannon. note: to those who've asked, all of these are transcripts from transcripts, not from the originals. I was never so lucky to see or have the originals. MS ps I was out of town for a couple of days, but am back and will try to answer my mail as I can.