Doctor George Codwise

United States

Norfolk Virginia

September 24th 1849

 

 

My Dear George

It is many a year since I have written a letter, but my feelings for your severe loss

compels me to write. I regret that I had never the happiness of knowing your beloved wife,

as I have heard so much about her from everyone who knew her. I sincerely regret that

Elizabeth [Rebecca's youngest daughter still living at home]did not see her. I know that she

has lost a sincere friend and one that would have been a Mother to her. I loved her as your

Wife and the dear Children that she has left.

 

I only wish that I was near them so that I may assist in caring for them. Although I am very week

since my late illness, it would be a great comfort to me to be near you all. I have but one child with

me now and her health is very bad. I am afraid that we will soon lose her [Elizabeth, the child in question,

lived for many more years]We lost Dear Caroline for the want of money to send her away in the

commencement of her sickness.

 

I hope you are pleased with Rebecca [his sister, who was taking care of him following

the loss of his wife]Tell her that she must not forget that she has parents that love her

tenderly and hope that she will not fail to write.

 

I wish you had Cornelia with you as she is fond of children and they get very much attached to her.

She has been spending the three last weeks with Anna for the change of air. Tell Rebecca her

niece grows finely and is as handsome as ever. Poor John is still Overseer and he has a wife and

child to support. He raffled his few pieces of furniture to pay some debts. We are so poor ourselves

we are not able to assist him.

 

I can assure you my dear child that our situation is a melancholy one as

we have not the means of supporting our house. God only knows what is to become of us.

I am now sick and the burden is on Cornelia [a daughter who lived on the island but not with

her] I never knew the want of a dollar until now, for I have always had a little money to purchase

any thing that I stood in need of. It is truly hurting to my feelings that in my latter days that I should

be in want - which is the truth.

 

Do see that Rebecca is properly clad in the Winter as she is very much adverse to

wearing flannel and very careless about herself.

I have sent a box of preserves and a keg of tamarens by this opportunity.

The Captain is named Clark - he promised to deliver them safe.

Perhaps this may be the last letter that I shall ever write you - you must excuse

this scrawl

as I am in such a nervous state that I can hardly grip my pen. I wish you would send

me some pickled oysters by Capt Clark.

 

Tell Rebecca that we have received but two letters from her and Anna got hers.

I can't imagine what has become of the others. Kiss my grand children for me. I

long very much to see them - and if I had it in my power I would come on in the Spring,

as it would be beneficial to my health, for a few weeks. I must now bid you adieu and my dear Rebecca

I remain your Affectionate Mother

R Codwise

[This is possibly her last letter to son

George. Rebecca died less than a year later.]

A Child of Misfortunes

1. Part One
   
2. Part Two - Letter One
   
3. Part Three - Letters Two and Three
4. Part Four - Leters Four and Five
   
5. Part Five - Letters Six and Seven
6. Part Six - Letters Eight and Nine
   
7. Part Seven - Letters Ten and Eleven
   
8. Part Eight - Letters Twelve and Thirteen
   
9. Part Nine - Letter Fourteen and Epilogue
   
10. Part Ten - Letters and other odds and ends
    

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