This letter was written by Rebeccah (Agnew) Hayes (1781-1820), the daughter of David Agnew (1743-1797) and Mary Erwin (1755-1824). Rebeccah was married to Robert Hayes (17xx-1827).
Rebeccah wrote the letter to her younger brother, Smith Agnew (1792-1881). Several other Agnew siblings are mentioned in the letter, including Martha Agnew (1789-1837) who married John Lashells (1787-1847).
TRANSCRIPTION
Addressed to Mr. Smith Agnew, New Alexandria, Westmoreland County
Gettysburg [Pennsylvania]
March 13, 1814
Dear Brother,
Mary Stevenson and i received our partnership letter. I am glad to hear you received your trunk of clothes and letters. Edy did not receive his until a few days ago. It contained a great variety of new news. You mention Miss Rebeccah Johnston spending the winter at her brothers. She is a sprightly fine girl. David Agnew spent a few days with us 3 weeks ago. He tells me Mr. Work of McConnellsburgh is very fond of her. He loses all peace of mind on seeing any other pay attention to her.
I agree with you respecting Mag Porter and Mr. Sh___. Mag Porter is expected down this spring. We will be very glad to see her and would like very much to see brother Samuel and Smith and sister Polly along with her and as many more as convenient. Mother says you need not send the money to answer the accounts you mentioned as she will answer them.
Brother Samuel [Agnew] left this the 10th of this month with the militia. He was commissioned First Surgeon. He wishes his friends to meet him in Greensburg if you can ascertain the time they will be there.
We receive no letters from Tennessee. We had one from Lashells today. They are well . We heard from [brother] Robert this week. He is well and [brother] Gibson was seeing us this week. He is well and grows very fast. As respects our young people, James Beyly is in this place now. He brings word that Hugh Scott will be here in three weeks and Smith would not say it to a stranger but I think as unlikely things has happened as Hugh and Mary M. being _____ yet the Mothers are become ____ and a number of little favors and things passing amongst them in three months from this time.
Mr. Galiway [Galloway] was making great enquiry at Mother whether her son Smith intends coming down this spring, or if he intended going to Tennessee or if he was going to stop at the salt works or if he talked of setting up his trade here. Nathan thought you had not yet determined or if you had, you had not made it known to her yet. Mother thinks it would be a very good time for you set up your trade here if the un___[paper torn] as Sam Galiway [Galloway] is gone with the militia. She bids me tell you that Mr. Blood has commenced [teaching] his last quarter on Monday and if you thought it an advantage to you to go awhile to school, this would be a favorable opportunity and I am sure it would. Mother thinks you ought to return by brother John Agnew’s and John Lashells if you can make it convenient and Smith, I would try and get me 1 bushels of dry apples and bushel of dry peaches. Cousin Betsy Scott and I will divide them and Smith, do send them the first good opportunity as we want them against the Presbytery in May and if you cannot get both, try and get one.
Margaret Scott and Idea Lashe’s went to Mr. Beyley’s in company with Mr. James Beyley. She said she would take your letter and let [me] read it. That she would be very glad of it. I told her that if Mary would write you another, you would be very glad of it.
…This from your ever affectionate sister, — Rebeccah Hayes
P. S. My love to brother’s family.
Spared & Shared 8 