August the 5th 1816 Deare Brother & Sister; I take this chance by the mail of communicating to you to let you know that myself and children are all well at present thanks be to the author of Our Mercies, hoping this may find you and family well. I suppose you have heard of my loss of my companion one of the greates loses that this life cane experience I have tryed to bareup and resine to the will of providence thoe I find it a hard tryel. one reflection hopin that her soul is happy is a concilation. I shall give you the pertiquerlers of her deth. She was taken about the sixth of last August with chills and fever at that time being in a delcate sittiation she was dilivered of a daughter the thirteenth of August, and departed this life the fifteenth. Mother-in-law and Melinda tooke the child to rais it. It never enjoyed much health. Every attention posible was taken to rais it. It took sick about the first of March, and died the ninth. I have five children, my youngest in the ninth year of his age. I still keep house and my family together with me. I exparience a very lonesome life. I think no man can forme a correct idee, but them that exparience such a loss as I have. I wish you to write me by the mail as it appears all the way of communication we have. I sold my land in Tennessee & moved to this place last April was a year. I have bought a plantation in two miles of Mother-in-law's. I have plenty of open land and a good orched and plenty fruit. I have a verry good aperence of having a good crop. I am much better satisfied living here then whare I lived in Tennesee. I suppose you have heard of the deth of James Mars he died some time last spring the pertiqulers of his deth I have not had. I exparienced a good many seanes in life since I saw you last. I had the feteigue of a hard campain in our last war, which I stood verry well, thoe I find myself not as able to stand hardship I have. As for news I hante any worthe your attention. Our relatives in Tennesee was well the last acount I had from them friends here are well except Samuel Reid family is not well this time. I shall conclud. I & my family joins in sending our compliments to you, Agness, and all the rest of youre family & to all inquiring friend and soe remains your loving brother til deth. James Shannon Written to Thomas Shannon at Poplar Hill,Va. by Capt. James Shannon, his brother.