Pike County Miscellaneous - William Fortune Letters, England ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.genrecords.net/alpike/ ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb by: Patsy McCoy pmccoy@pacifier.com May 2003 Good Friday, April 4th 1817. Gloucester Castle. My Dear and only Son Since my confinement in this prison, I have written to you in duplicat, sent by different ships laying at Bristol* This I --- write you lest the former should miscarry, and although the detail is unpleasant yet we have this to say there is nothing dishonourable attached to me thanks be to Almighty God, who has enabled me to maintain the principles of an honest man through the ----- precarious lines of life-and my health is good-I when seized by the Bandogs was almost out of cash, which was on the 24th, February last-But a worthy good Famale acquaintance has sent me several congratulatory letters-and 15L Ster. to move me out of this Basted- to the Bench in London, which will not only give the greatest liberties that can be expected-but liberated months sooner than I should be were I to decline going further; at the same time rid me of the company of 48 prisoners, all in one room; and when divided for the night’s repose 10 of whom were to sleep in an other room -- on cast iron bedst---- of whom I am one! There are no meaner low characters than I am obliged to put up with here. However I have procured a Habeus for my removal 7 days ago, but the -------- prevents my removal for a number of days, perhaps 10 or 12-after which I can be eighther retired without noise or ---- company and if I wish it- the company of gentlemen-I wrote you I had a little Cell to myself –that’s taken from me! Tho’ I gave for the interest of it, some shillings to one leaving this Hell-there’s about 200 Criminals in hearing of the debtors- the noise is great and if any odds the blackguard detors are the (basest?). All low English-I the only Irishman-so much for the perfidy—of h-officers of the regt I was in –a disgrace to the service - and the perjury of my pay sergeant! Which he done to get 8s per.week on the staff! However as it has ever been my care, so it is now-to not bring a ------ in the face of any that were pleased to form a good opinion of me that not even the slightest appearance of a low or unmanly act shall ever appear against me on the closest examination of my own heart, tho! unfortunate, by William.- Two days ago I received a letter from my First Cousin Richard Fortune and Officer in the Husars 4(1)8th Regt now in France, He desires his respects to you and sisters and he writes me that Lord Moira-now Marquis in of Hastings is on his way from the Indias to London and that on his arrival the Marquis-my friend is to be Lord Lieutenant of Ireland-my Lord will feel sorely hurt for me-his old trusty veteran; on acct of the ----tratement I’ve received in his Regt in his absence -and which he forced me - to take a company promising to take me out when something better would offer and which ---- caused me, notwithstanding every struggle to prevent the same, on consenting I was constrained to burst into tears he made great promises and so others ---- -- --- I would not prevent the ----- torrent –man is but a weak creature particularily when of strong passions and great sensibility. Notwithstanding all my sorrows, and reduced to a maloncholy ebb-yet providence has enabled me to ---- on the armour of fortitude; and given me a heart of prayer and a well grounded hope that this affliction; added to many others; will be sanctified to me be assured my Dear Joseph, prosperity is a dangerous fabric you now I have experienced prosperity and adversity- O! the dangers and deaths I have escaped are wonderful, and yet well--------- a boy!-in the 70th year of my age! May it be my constant care to be thankful to God who has not curtailed my years, nor subjected me to any bodily pain to prevent my faculties in any respect from my duty to him-and abilities to administer aid to my support when any thing may offer. I won’t trust in man-yet I have just right to expect something pretty. Read 14th Chapter of Jeremiah- or maybe it’s mentioned in the 17th I have no bible. Good when my Lord arrives-Don’t fret at any present predicament – and any enemies do wrong to rejoice, for with the great prophets I can say rejoice not o mine enemies for though I fall-yet shall I rise again-I forgive ‘em all. thank God for that feeling and laudable mind. My Daughters, your sisters do not write to me! They are in the hands of providence and a dangerous troublesome world-it’s unnatural for me to say more than pray for their welfare –but this conduct to me --- ---- ---- ------- from God-quite the contrary-I am in no wise a disgrace to them. I wrote you very fully respecting ‘em in my former letters and to let them only know my circumstance as it can’t redown to their good to make it public-they are in prosperity and youth so was I-but dutiful to my parents-my father tho’ cruel to me-said often times I was the most dutiful of all his children-seven. It does not follow that all any children are so, I can’t help it nor ------ it either. I remain my dear and only son with love for your wife and children Your loveing father. Wm Fortune. I carry within me the works of Isaac Ambrose that Great Divine had it bound elegantly into (Velames ?) myself-but has poor chance to read --- Louisa has it I suppose if she’d make good of it she’d not neglect writing to me. * I believe N. of Bristol 35 miles. This was the View of the misereby way of stigma -- --- a county Gaol-upon the whole I dared ‘em 6 months to arrest me that I might get into the Kings Bench I spight of ‘em now there ------- **Notes** Bev has tried to transcribe the letters exactly as they were written. I did my best not to change any of the words and spellings but no doubt I have made some errors. Also, as you well know, many of the words are illegible. William Fortune is related to the Fortune's of Pike County, Alabama. Have copy of the hand written letter. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Letter 2 London April 20th 1815 My Dear Son Joseph Since my last letters to you ---- duplicate by Wm Campbell, and little davy, the Taylor Montreal; I have --- most distressing time with respect to the case of law which I in my former mentioned to you adding to that, very heavy expences all which I could have avoided, were it not for a matter which very recently has taken place and at the moment of those difficulties therefore was --- (as the old proverb) to my trumps. Were it so that I had given --- to prison I should have entirely lost all future hope for this --- with respect to a home in Europe - because Charactor which I --- --- yet maintained in the full sense of the word, would be lost. But having generated the matter in a proper manner, I have succeeded – My Dear Joseph the vicicitudes in this life are many, with some of which you are acquainted, tho’ not the loss of your Dear wife – But I am for great length of time; which has made me very lonesome and miserable insult in lodgings that it has however fell in my way thro! Miss Eliza Davies, a lady who has known me here, both in and out of the army for about six years; to point out away to relieve me from any disconsolate life – therefore my Dear son, and each of you my Dear Children – pray sympathize with me in what I above mentioned – and what I beg farther to say on the following account; as you are dutiful and loving children I know you will – the sister of the above, Miss Martha Davies, a lady of the first character, and moves in the first circle of the people of South Wales * (on a visit Piere from S.Wales) one Brother an officer in the Navy and another making a fortune in the East Indias – All are well known to my friends here who are happy in the matter of which I have mentioned on all accounts. M.D. is a very fine presented woman -exceedingly well bred of respectable antient family – has paid a visit to her sister E. D. who introduced us together stating the excellence my sober steady and manly character – out of debt to ---- the matter is through Miss E. interposition brought to acreges the marriage to be performed in a few weeks – the thing is inviolable and -- ---- take place immediately; But she Miss M. D. has some landed property to settle first – which to take place now would overset what she has already done, prior to our first interview – not that she would care for land, but to retract the business would cost about L80 also procrastinate things. Miss M. lives in her own house which she built, not quite finished she, when matters were concluded between us; wrote to her mother and relatives in South Wales; distance from hence 273 Miles and ---- I must ---- as soon as she can put a few more chambers in order to receive us – this is her mother and Brothers advice to her. M. show’d me the letter I was at her sister E.’s house when the post arrived – the letter saying you are about to be married to a gentleman and he must be received and accomodated as ---- put your house in order and you have a right to make your own choice and we can not object; and refer you to your own and your sister Eliza’s choice. Miss Davis is 37 years of age a rosey cheek’d fine woman and excellent company, mild, modest and very entertaining to all with whom she does convers. This is a detail, which in my disconsolate situation, you will I am sure not think the worst of me for particularly when I tell you she lives on her own estate, her own stock, horses ---- and three servants and she has no incumbrance. But very desirious to see my Dear Rawdon to reside with us, and Louisa if its thought well of; but I advised against the latter for the present. My Dear Joseph you sent me one gift, which had made a complete ---- to my credit and unspeakable comfort – I dont want another I’m getting in the way of independence * (and ride my own horse once more) and going to set down in south Wales, opposite Wexford, and where we propose to pay a visit to my kindred in that County, and who are in pretty high circumstances – at the same time commence the business touching the houses in that city – across the channel about 300 miles – soon run down. Now in order to continue the covering of the evil affair of lawsuite – Lend me L100 which shall be returned to you again in due time. This I ask what there may not any deception be found in me to make room for any uneasiness in the mind or her with respect to me – for she knows nothing of it – she says (Miss M.) that and halfpay will serve me for pocket money for me. She wants for nothing – that she is as comfortable as she wishes to be. I hope your Dear Wife and Children are well. I congratulate you on the peace with America. Fare well my Dear Joseph – May God bless you. Give my love to Mrs. F. and children and respects to enquiring Friends. Your Loving Father Whilst in ____ Wm. Fortune NB. I had a present made to --- for you, the Cyclopadia but one volume sent made it - in complete –don’t buy till I get and ---- em for you – pray send Rawdon to me there’s money enough for him here. Wm F No doubt you have my agents address Mr. Fraser Duke Street Wesminster He will forward your letters to me when you send a draft as before –advise him, and let him keep your letter to me he will write me what you say to him for me this to prevent loss by long postage. (Written on the side of the page is the following): N. B. This alliance gives me a vote in two counties in South Wales **Notes** Bev has tried to transcribe the letters exactly as they were written. I did my best not to change any of the words and spellings but no doubt I have made some errors. Also, as you well know, many of the words are illegible. William Fortune is related to the Fortune's of Pike County, Alabama. Have copy of the hand written letter. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Letter #3 Feb 20th 1816 Bristol is 125 miles west of London Dear Joseph My last letter to you was from hence by a New York Ship, you will direct to me as usual. My health is very fine and no alteration in circumstances since then. I hope you are well, your family, and in still prosperous circumstances, may God continue it. I have no prospect of any change in my poor circumstances; unless Lord Moira returns from the Indias which is not soon expected, he’s doing great things there for government and he much needs the same for himself, as he went thither ----ined m—by selling his estates in Ireland to raise money to support one great man here – to the amount I and told, seven hundred thousand pounds ster. He intended to do something for me but, he was not in power I have no friend in office and the person whom my lord left written instructions to pay attention to me would not see me – even the Regent’s secretary Col. W. Mahone, in whos company I fought in the ranks as a private for the day in the Battle of Camden – but he took care to not show his face there. I am very lonesome here and to return to the country wherein I suffered so much hard times –my family almost all dead, and my improvements in the hands of strangers – is too serious to a consideration! Adding to that the danger of traveling and to set down in a hostile climate, hardy as I am – I am certain it would shake my old tho’ firm frame of course it would be the delight of my heart to see and be along with you. This would be mutual but were my health impair’d nothing could be pleasant to me. No blessing like health. With respect to the trouble I had in the dirty Regt. I was in the costs of suit and though I did not owe one farthing! – amounts to about L140! And if it was but one shilling they know I would not pay it by persedy and perjury the obtain’d judgement, so that all they can do is to deprive me of my liberty about –four months- or less by the late act, so that as soon as the weather grows fine I intend to return to London and take my lodge in the kings Bench for that period amongst General Lords and others * for that time the Captn that led the Van at the abo mentioned ----- - Camdon is one of the party in the bench – it’s a hard ---- a man’s liberty should be taken for neighther crime nor debt. I managed matters so that I own no man - Your money enabled me to discharge all ---- money in hand – its all gone now and I only fear that I should suffer in the above period because things are double dear in the bench. Yet as it would cost the villians something to put me thither and they are poor dirty proud dogs – perhaps they’l not attempt it, I rather the would, I cant suffer more than I did amongst them – if I can get something to support nature the cloud will be removed and my honor safe: after the trial was over one of the peace officers came to me and said you have been and ill treated man; and you have this to say – you are and honest man – the cost will be 80L a maybe I answer’d be it what it may, I never will pay one farthing – I remained months – the did not further proceed – better be confined in London than in close county jail where I might die and no one know me or the merrit of the matter – besides go where I may it may be said I run for -- I find it more convenient in London I can get my Half-pay quick, it’s now paid quarterly, I will be handy for your letters, or if ever have in my power to send any thing to you and I should have had my pay last Christmas I sent my affidavit but no account have I receiv’d, nor one pound in my prossession this month: agents are not very good. I will return loan I will be ready and in defiance of all. I received letters from the girls – Louisa’s maiden letter – Eliza writes me how she is on a visit to their friends in Montreal- young M. Hopple brought ‘em W.F. (written on the margin)**Master Hoople had been so ------ I wont trouble him with ‘em. My chief employment is reading the Bible, --------- it regularly all through from the beginning. I wish to send you several things. My best Regimental coat and best sword and snuff Box but as I am not in London I cant see ‘em passed in the custom house and shipped –my writeing Desk cost more than five Guineas which I wish to send also. I must stay until I go to London - - --- ---- as into the lions mouth – stay until your friend Moira… - - those things mentioned in the margin --------- front side and distain’d for -----henth --- to and the finest --- becoming --- in England of palm tree wood: But I am very unsettled - - writing a letter to my uncle from South Carolina 47 years old, he’s off again to his Regt. at ---- near London. - N.B. Richard Fortune, my Father’s brother’s son heard of me in London came to me, stayed three weeks he is, contractor in – Reg’t. Hussars horse his brother --- Fortune, Lieut in the same Regt he’s a handsome fellow. John I have not seen He’s a great soldier I am told - they have one sister married in good circumstance near London they are my uncle Owen’s children by a second wife and he showed my father’s hand writing. P.T. All the Militia have been raised a new on bony parts, arrived in France now all disbanding again so I have missed the -ack –tho’ lost the pay extra – I am better off my health not impeased. I sent in my resignation on the former disembodying – and to please ‘em or vex ‘em, signed myself Lieut. of the county of Prescott Upper Canada N.B. I had a narrow and, good escape from the marriage overture Wm. Fortune He’s in London to collect merchandise and I thought he’d come see me but he has not even answer’d my letter and I don’t care a (bauber?)------ (for the best o thom), if that’s their play. Eliza writes very dutiful, she’s able --- her pen than Louisa I write them by ---- with this. Eliza spakes largely of her husband’s goodness and property and house furniture and I am glad of it - but not a word about the pi- , to wit, how is your circumstance or do you want a guinea or will your permit me to send you some --- No no - she forgot poor thing and maybe we can’t help it Dear Jo. it does not follow that the consideration of a child is equal to that of the parent I am glad that I am not in Ireland. It’s very troublesome in my native land Government are ---ing in troups there horse and foot. We expect war with America- I am sure it will be the case therefore order your matters accordingly. you know what I mean you see how well I have faird for the bravest services – none to excel me Thank the Almighty my health and ------ness is as at forty I am glad to the heart you have --- bible Read in the 14th Chapter of Joshua and see what Caleb said I am not so old as --- but as hail as he was pray send me my age for you have it recorded with my family in your good old book. Don’t fail writing often to me. Send me an account of the --- county and where you have purchased and built ---? Let me know more of your affairs. I am afraid our (name?) will be extinct in Canada; though I love the dear little girls the most; they wont keep up the name: Eliza says --- her next – be it boy or girl by our name and keep it in her --- as well as she can Have they prosper’d that -----, and shot into my windows Say something about the changes since I left the country. It was pleasing to find your well managed the envious trash – the --------- how --- Johnson turned out with you?- and the rest of the fellows? Bad enough I reacon was little Every grateful for the commission I gave him? Have you any more increase in your family? I know not any more to relate or request but pray God for your prosperity in this and the nex life amen I am Dear Joseph Loving Father W. Fortune **Notes** Bev has tried to transcribe the letters exactly as they were written. I did my best not to change any of the words and spellings but no doubt I have made some errors. Also, as you well know, many of the words are illegible. William Fortune is related to the Fortune's of Pike County, Alabama. Have copy of the hand written letter. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Letter #4 March 12th 1815 N. 7 Duke Street At M. Fraser’s Westminster My Dear Son Joseph. I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter in duplicate inclosed a draft for L100 on the Treasury P.W. Clark Commasary Montreal and also yours of the 23rd of Oct last by M. Campbell, written in Montreal Your donation came to hand at the moment of want an distress. The Regiment I was in was disbanded the 24th of June last. I had outgeneraled the Villionous Field Officers in their vicious attempts against me, until the week we were dismissed when in order to ruin me, they ordered shirts shoes to be issued to my company in order to run me in debt to the new quartermaster – a bad little wretch – (we broak the former, M. Scott and I) and agreeably to his Majesty’s Regulations I provided for my Com. They by that means were out of -ept, better and cheaper appointments and the pecculation prevented; which of long time had been prac-- same week, therefore I could make no weekly stoppages from the Company’s pay – Then the paymaster the New Colo’s. Bastard son by his wife’s sister! Was ordered to stop my contingent and none effective money; which by the by is the Captains ½ yearly allowance for the repair of arms, an accoutrements to --- ---- Cartouch boxes and not at all even the last article of clothing. I in this situation had but two pound notes at my command in debt to my lodging. and Taylor. Above L40 – and not able to commence receiving my old half pay until the 25th of December following – six months! Without relief was aparently my lot! However I arested the paymaster and recovered L18-2 this done without cost to me-he kept me however five month out of it until the commencement of the ½ yearly sessions- and swore me out of one month and a halfs pay besides, so that I received but about half my just due Then your bountyful and --- came to hand at a time when I was on recovering --- illness - blisters physiced. and this illness proceed --- compelled to do exactly seven times more that --- this the compelled me to, to make me leave the Regiment --- would not be driven out ; as were about 30 others before me Those villains six months --- theRegt sued me to the Court of Kings ---------them Some hundreds – and they are poor and well know they will never recover anything from me. I had arranged matters the receipt of your Bounty to pay all my debts and put L50 in the Bank of England which I intended to keep there for you – but the above matter compelled me to take it out – and I can command L40 – of it yet – As an honest man and the soldiers friend my character stands - the day I pay’d off and discharged my company I was carry’d six times of all companys by the soldiers through and about the (town?) ---- (written on small pieces of paper probably torn from this letter?) Such mals practice. I order apointment thus ----- King’s regulations can only of his company) contrary to, and to give the quarter field officers caused those company --- w---- to be discharged the Greek and latin scholar says its nonsence they contradict one the other – I hope you’l never feel the pinching circumstances I have felt, don’t throw away our money for such – your eyes were hurt in London you know – much reading will destroy your sight, I declare after looking and serching for that Book – I would not give L5- for my reading - for the largest Cart load of such --- The girls has not sent me a line – Eliza an Louisa I am sorry for --- --- worst Father, the ---- you gave Louisa at my request I want --- at least things are still dearer I have only half pay now --- to get it --- able to go anywhere – the above matters prevent me to go to Wexford this summer – God help us – I live recluse rather --- melancholy at times – almost 70 years of age but as active as ever --- --- my Dear son Joseph - --- wonderful. (on the margin) My dear Jo. I am so full of -- --- to me I have to say I have you will never forget me you have say and to me I have made enquiry what L170 per annum for life – on account o! let me have some --- my love to you dear Jo. --- --- **Notes** Bev has tried to transcribe the letters exactly as they were written. I did my best not to change any of the words and spellings but no doubt I have made some errors. Also, as you well know, many of the words are illegible. William Fortune is related to the Fortune's of Pike County, Alabama. Have copy of the hand written letter. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ July 16th 1817 – Bristol Say – To Col. William Fortune Care of M. Bird, Jeweler – Wine Street Bristol. My Dear Son. Having written to you several letters prior to this stating my confinement – dated at Gloucester Castle. I trust you have receiv’d one or more of ‘em however the detail is not pleasant, therefore will not now enter into a second account thereof and thank God almighty who gave me unparalleled strength of mind to –ore the above the stigma of a prison –perticularly when I considered I neighther broke the peace, nor, owed money and, done nothing unlawful it, gave me much comfort – my health was not impeared tho’ the -able hut was rather to dark – I had acquaintances write me to say “keep up your spitits your honor is safe” adding to those consolatory words “ we will advance you money to recover your liberty” But I refused, for I owed none and, we would leave the Villians to pay one another (about 100 guineas) and, so it is for having moved by habeas Corpus to th Kings Bench 120 miles to London I preserved health and, passed my time amongst gentlemen, pretty agreeable – they were in for debt but, I owed nothing – yet the law through the perfidy of three or four officers and, perjury too. Made it a debt against me – when I was ill thro’ over fatigued and cold – they ordered my company to be clothed at a time the Regt was to be disembodied, they knowing I could not make stopages to pay the same – and although my Lieut. and myself Broke the Col. And, the quartermaster, they from a new quartermaster, ordered the clothing – although made it a point, according to his Royal Highness the Duke of York’s Regulations I would no take any thing from a quar. Masr. But, when we would get better and cheaper goods too. I mention this that you may know, lest my former letters did not go safe to you – however I am now to say that, I am in exceeding good health and placed most comfortably in a very decent lodgings, half a mile from the Town Bristol we--- side in a beautiful country and, all my acquaintances male and female congratulteing me professing their joy to see I have at last done over the designing reptiles that sought my --- It has all turn’d out for my good, and to my credit – and none of the dirty fellows offered to show their guilty faces when I was called up to Court at Westminster Hall, where I was acquited in the presence of a numerous court and many of my London acquaintances and friends one excellent brother officer Captn Wheeler a pretty little fellow and true stood close to me in my troubles. My confinement in Gloucester was seven weeks, and the remainder of four months, three days excepted; in the Kings Bench which, was all over the 22nd of last month June a Col goold, south of Ireland – in for 32000L took me in his carrage to court, he was liberated soon after me was very kind to me however I did not hear the Cuckoo this spring but am a free man- well, and thankful to my God. Long since I had a line from you! Old people are generally irksome to the young – I am not so to you I am sure – all say they don’t know one my equal of such years neither in appearance nor activity – same as usual. But my ungrateful daughters never write to me –never but two letters from Eliza and one from Louisa her name is not worth writing I am sorry that I am brought to these expressions by my own daughters, they’l not prosper the better for such undutiful behavior – It hinders me from going to Canada again – they cant have a concience equal to meet death that are thus ungrateful to a loving Father – which love they have worn tthreadbare nd more too. Fare well my Dear Son I remain with the love and prayers of a parent for you and your Family Wm. Fortune N.B. I should be altogether unjust if Id’e close this before I mention to you the name Henry Moranne Esquire, he lives in Islington, near where you may well remember you broke your arm – this gentleman visited me in prison and if I would accept money it was ever ready and after I was liberated he wanted me to accept 20L – I did not – I must pay one as well as another, tho’ I am sure he has ---- regard for me he’d never look for it. God has given me a large heart I hope it will be good too M. Moranne earnestly requested you and Eliza would send him your pictures – do this and you’l do well – full faces –small perhaps is best – you have some can draw ‘em – Yourself or --- picture if no more thank him by letter for me. M. M. address V-- Henry Moranne Esquire Rosomond house Islington Green Islington Please let me know in your next – respecting M. Richard Savage’s land – he’s ever writing to me about it because you wrote to me once, you sold it but, could not make a title to it and -elieve us in this you and myself. Give me a detail of Family and County matters – and the number -- ---ture of your commissions W.F. **Notes** Bev has tried to transcribe the letters exactly as they were written. I did my best not to change any of the words and spellings but no doubt I have made some errors. Also, as you well know, many of the words are illegible. William Fortune is related to the Fortune's of Pike County, Alabama. Have copy of the hand written letter. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Letter #6 August 25th 1817 Direct to me Care of M. Bird Jeweler Wine Street Bristol My Dear and only son, of Seven! This is the sixth letter I have written to you! There has been plenty of time to answer them, to wit, some of ‘em, However I must now declare to you that, I think it’s not short of almost extreordinary neglect to not write more than one letter in twelve months to him that is not only the author of your being but a loving Father, do you not consider such neglect as mearly and omission of duty, or, downright undutifulness? thus to discard your father from a share in your memory if not a dutiful respect; - I had the most severe Father I ever saw yet Id’e grieve to be a month abscent from him; -he was still my parent. he would not allow me sufficient education to --- this unhappy world – nor by any means any kind nor a----plis--- of service possessed with a largeness of soul, therefore no hum drum feelings or d---- which disposition made me feel most sensibly the oppression. You well know my disposition with, respect to my sons and daughters, you know was quite the reverse of the above; therefore I need say no more on the subject and, close the matter by saying that the children of these days are, by no means equal to them of my time when a child; by my own knowledge and retrospective view, I discover them of those times abundatly cram’d with disrespect to parents – surprizengly so, to my sorrow – but why should I be troubled at it? I saught, and I got a large property in a hostile climate, contending with all the difficulties of a new and miserable country; commenced settling by the worst reptiles tha the state of a back-woods, country could produce comeing rownd me – I the first settler the worst charactors. picture the matter now to yourself; - suppose you had just now set down on the south bank of the Grand River, with Nine in Family (my case on settleing) and no plantation – surrounded by a parcil of Ignorant-treacherous, sly, nay devils incarnate. how do you think you’d feel? at the same time; not acquainted with the land or waters of the same place nor any where near it nor one Friend to advise with – the Governor your sure enemy, trieing to divest you of your right real and personal- (you know it was my case, and half-pay mortgaged to bring you and the rest to that spot) and your years kept from surveying – the only way I had to support my Family- work hard- Blister upon blister and Bloody blisters on my hands all the year round) How would you feel in that case? I leave you to judge how I got on!- since I came to England, I was in great distress for a little help (I walk’d without my dinner not having shilng togive for it) I (wrote to your mother and brother T: but no answer – consequently no relief!) I have much time to ponder over those unpleasant circumstances, yet, they’d all seem light to me if my children would regularly corospond with me; many a sore days hardship and sickness, I had to struggle through, to gain my point in some respect to be able to give aid to each of my children when settleing for then selves – I gain’d much and lost it by rogues – I would have come home again but your mother was not willing. I have lost -------- I have not a living creature in the world but, one Buck --- --- is all I have to ------ me , I wont be allow’d to keep any king of a dog because Im’e in lodgings – you have children. picture the whole matter to yourself on each account and look ahead. as well as at the past and present moment . and you’l wee how I must feel, I wish you may not experience such like unhappiness in your children – my children were promising too – and well brought up – more so than the woods can give, the elder saw Europe but you are geting in pretty high style in your county – absorb’d so much in the idea you certainly appear to forget me. But, you can’t do so. I should strain a point some how or other to go to you for I have none but you – your sisters totally neglect me they never sent me a scrape of a pen! I am sorry on their own account I want nothing of e’m but to write to me and that would prevent me from being ashamed when I am asked – when did you hear from your Daughters? this hurts. But I cant prevent it and I can’t answer in an agreeable manner to them or myself. The ingratitude of your sisters to me, is, enough to bring any parent to a consideration that will fine themselves a moment to consider and look into the matter on all sides and circumstances – I have not sent a duplicate of this as others – because I am growing heartless with respect to writing. if you should write any more to me mention the date of this that I may know you receiv’d it. I have quit takeing snuff because not withstanding the great strength of mind I am blessed with freting made me take too much, tho’ my acquaintances said I took it very clean. The behavior of --- has actually deterred me from going to Canada for it has and does surprise me. I cant account for it. I have got over all my English Troubles; I am as Healthy a man, young or old, as any in the world –lively and active as ever! This is a rear thing at such an age 70! Adding to that the dreadful harship and sicknesses I have experienced –beyond compare. O! why am I thus neglected by my children that they do not favor me with that small request – gut greatly valued by me and, expence to them, would not be much. even an old domestic that had been faithful would deserve an acknowledgement as such when so very solicitous for a line – One request I make – that you’l let me know why you don’t frequently write to me? and, (particularly?) why your sisters do not? Let me know all and it will suffice in some pleasure to rub out those neglects; that I am almost ashamed to day -are down the spirits of a loving father to you all and poor Betty Wade my Friend did you restore arthur how does matters go on with you, and the county at large and, what is the times – perhaps your in too great a hurry, it’s bad to grieve the heart of a parent there’s sore and heavy threatenings on them, him, or her, guilty of it - I am sorely hurt and agreived at the apperent disrespect of my Children – no matter it appears to them how I have suffered by the late and serv’d imprisonment run into debt. I have outlived the Troubles –through the Blessing of God. and I hope I shall the debt also. Fare well My Dear and only son of Seven My love to yr. Wife and Daughters W. Fortune ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ March 6th 1820 55 Gardener Street Brighton Dear Joseph Many letters I have written to you and not receiving any answer I had intirely given over to do so for a long time why so ? because I was disheartened! Adding to that retrospective view is unpleasant on account of hopes – Disappointment and heavy and --- Misfortines. But still Remember I am the author of your being and ought not to be Neglected; remember also there is a blessing goes with the duty to a parent. – when I was, as I may well say in the belly of Hell – in a cold and Dreadful prison for no crime nor yet debt but, thro the perjury of ruffians, confin’d four months where I must have perished but, for the interposition of a worthy Hostess who, well new the wrongs done to, supplied me with money and food it 40 mles distance undo thrible locks in a cold cell, I still wrote you and no answer one letter after liberation I wrote but, you did not acknowledge the rec’t of any of the former. I wrote since --- no account from my only son – nor yet from your sisters. Now several years! I know nothing of Louisa oh! Shocking ingratitude – write to e’m for me. Do so - Pray do It’s still not a little odd that a Lady whom I never saw or heard of a Mrs Read whose – Husband wrote respecting you . from point F. but no line from any of my children!!! Why this grave Neglect of an aged parent? Examine your conscience and say if after that’s passed and the letter I wrote I think containing of high eight sheets closly written – does my unfortunate parent dserve this neglect at my hands? – surely not – you have children of your own – it makes my heart ache such treatment, now, bleed – do not beget the like for yourself – remember the old proverb: he that makes his Fathers heart to bleed shall have a child that will ------- Decd – I hope this wont be your case or, your sisters – look into it and, judge faire pray God to pardon and help you have my fine Family Bible read, ponder, pray God to be your guide and remember you are not always to remain in this life – oh! What is man nothing nay worse than nothing. I after living in and, in the invi—ines of Bristol upwards of two years being very lonesome particularly so on account of the death of my family – Rawdon the last who I was so sure of his coming home to me – I was nearly distracted – from thence I move to bath for society when I found enough – there I caught cold by a hair dresser cuting hair too close, the Doctor said strong constitution saved me but a cough ---- -----, miserably ---- and cash not plenty however being ---- ---- to go to the seaside; I paid every one, and --- --- last July and am perfectly recover’d --- strong and active but thin of flesh These occurrence as I observed has left me bare being of course --- to refund the cash with which I was supply’d as stated first above – my Half-pay is too little to give the necessary nourishments I should take of I could ----- to better – every thing is so very dear But can’t go home – not that it’s dearer here than where I have been – How could you say I talk’d of going to Canada -? With or on what? Lord Moira is still in India, has stay’d longer than --- other Governor has done great thing there – is made a Duke of I hear King George the fourth; his Majestys choice of England is this Town, there’s no ship harbour its only for small craft – this town lays to the sea as your habitation and Point Fortune to the grand River no higher Banks than the south bank thereof – but no trees - a larger Town than Montreal – and where I once more enjoy sweet health Mrs R wrote to me at Bath 125 miles west of London – thence 54 miles east of London letter redirected where I am now, I am very lonesome at times – I am shie of strangers – pat was alone in the throng in hidepark – Because he had not ca--- I must leave you to your own discretion you’r of age and your sisters, therefore you will answer for yourselves – Remember you are the children of a Father that never though any thing but good for you when I was in good circumstance ; that is not the case now – I am very happy to think you are --- --- --- --- ---- have no Friend here may God ----- ----tress give them strength of mind --- Governor of the Tower was my friend ---- and is no more - Fair well my ----to your Family – I often, words --- --- Betty – remember --- Dear Joseph Your loving Father Wm. Fortune I am so well known in all the places I have resided that you have only to say – Col. fortune Brighton (it’s 54 miles S.E. of London) If I am to be look’d on similar to (agays?) Hunter, it’s turn him out an shoot him for the hounds – he’s past his leaps --- In this case Im’e not to be favord with farther notice – O! the cruel girls Eliza and ungrateful Louisa I wrote her were I to beg from door to door then I would not trouble her thats not quite the case yet- N”B” I write so little I write badly I had but one penny left when I paid thy postage and, now to ----- it out for six weeks without a pound til next pay day ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Letter #8 January 2d 1821 City Road London Dear Joseph My only son –surely it was a great treat to me last fall, to receive a line from you and, that from the hand of Captain Joint, who having no other business to Brighton and Fifty four miles from London, making 108 miles quite a different course from his estate and business, only, to see me and deliver your letter to your unfortunate, and, disolate father. I had recovered a very severe illness by indigestion and spasms, not able to eat bread; nor take as much food in twenty days as a moderate man could take in one (meal?) Besides the excruciating pain! – about thirty days a physition attended me carefully; both he and myself expected I would starve to death – a little beef tea only I existed upon; I was reduced to a miserable appearance and the worthy pyhsition has not yet been paid one shilling nor am I able to pay him. The medison is only paid to the chemist I stated something of my calamitous situation to Captn. Joint; rejoicing at my remarkable recovery at that of seeing so good a man. Captn. J. stayed only the afternoon I saw him first, made me drink wine tho’ I ---- ---- the fruit of the grape – reason in all things – you know my circumstance and spirit too – the Captn. Very gentely brought a matter, this is it, do you play cards; Counters are property Not being aware what he the worthy sould and, Body was ab --- He offered to accomidate me with a few card counters; I saw they were one L 1 – peices in gold I refused; as we sat at the table in the Coffee house where the Captn. Put up – in my weast coat he slipt something, which I found afterwards to be five guineas now why this? You tho’ so often you told me by letter how very well you were off with respects to this worlds goods I did not find one word of a pecuniary boon in your Note by Captain Joint, Oh! – if I had only him when on Point Fortune instead of the people I had to contest with (tho’ not worthy the name of people) I should be there yet. I leave you to the Captain to say the rest with respect to my circumstance. I am still single You have been so much employed You seem to not have time to write your Father!!! It would be too much indulgence to gratify him in this respect He often brought to the blush when asked when did you hear from yours son, or daughters Of pitty although your father was unfortunate yet he would never be deterred from doing all that was in his power – (Honestly saying for his childrens promotin in all respects And pray, at a late time of life with your Father; why neglect him so far as to not even favor him with a line? Is it because I am now in the seventy fourth year of my life I am to be forgotten? ----- I’m alive yet – and younger than any other of the old Boys! – All acknowledge this – if it is disputed I’me able to convince e’m but yet, it’s breaking my often tried heart; because I an neglected by my children! So much so, that they do not ask by a line Father how are you? No not once in a year – My daughters; not once in three or four years!!! This conduct bleeds the parent’s heart. Do as you think proper – only be dictated to by a concience; you have children – Make the case your own , then you’l feel it , not else. Strength of mind thr the blessing of God, only, has spared my life and active limbs. I have written to you near about three years ago when -- belly of Hell*, in a cold cell under four fold locks and for what? Thro’ the perfidie of some of the officers of the Tower Hamlets and the perjury of my well treatd serjeant after the Regt was disbanded, many months; seven weeks I was confined in Gloucester Jail er’e I got moved to the Kings Bench, by my former Land lady supplying me with cash for the removal thither, where I finished four months imprisonment and came out by the insolvent act. As I was the means of Breaking a graceless Coll., His party combin’d against me and Lord Moira had gone to the East Indias therefore the officers an his and my side the question they were afraid to do or say for me Having taken ill by doing the duty of eight Capts Caught cold; took a pluracy, and in that recess of --- new clothed my company that were supplied to bare inspection and sued me for the amount I stood trial in the matter at Guild Hall, along I’said I suffer death er’e I pay one farthing because of the base imposition and so as above I suffered. You don’t say what family you -------- Name to be extinct? I hear you are mov --- miles in Hawksbury – you don’t write me ----- to the state of your wifes friends and, the ---- much about it not on consideration did I like to ask him much I must ask how is your dear little daughters and their worthy mother, Did Louisa give you the (Law?) book. I peremtoraly commanded her to do so but no letter do I receive from her or Eliza – Captn Joint has married a wife much the gentlewoman – and kind; nay they have a happy sight of Canada and prosperity therein more than was my lot. I conclude with love to you and Family give my respects to Betty Wade and Family and any other you think proper Dear man ad---- my dear only son Wm. Fortune *5 letters but no answer ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~` Bev’s notes, comments, questions, theories, re: Fortune letters 1. Letter of July 25th 1804 From Joseph Fortune to John Daly Joseph writes; ‘the inhabitants are chiefly Canadians’ – not sure what he means by ‘Canadians.’ Joseph writes; ‘you mention that you have been at the same school with me in Ireland I have some slight recognition of you ….’ - Joseph went to school in Ireland. I wonder if it could have been Newry, Wexford or somewhere else. Perhaps worth looking for records of Joseph in Ireland. 2. Letter of March 12th 1815 From Wm. Fortune to Joseph Fortune Wm. Writes; ‘Your eyes were hurt in London you know’ – Joseph lived in London at sometime. Wm. Writes; ‘The girls has not sent me a line – Eliza an Louisa I am sorry for --- --- worst Father’- Wm. has 2 living daughters, Eliza and Louisa Wm. Writes – ‘the above matters prevent me from going to Wexford this summer’ –He is probably going to visit extended family because in the letter dated April 20th 1815, Wm. Writes; ‘and going to set down in South Wales, opposite Wexford, and where we propose to pay a visit to my kindred in that county’- which may suggest that the family originated here and perhaps moved to Newry or sailed from Newry since we already have a source that tells us William arrived in South Carolina from Newry, Down. Wm. Writes; ‘…almost 70 years of age’- which makes his date of birth to be about 1746, which is close to the date we have of 1744. 3. Letter of April 20th 1815 From Wm. Fortune to Joseph Fortune Wm. Writes; ‘the vicissitudes in this life are many, with some of which you are acquainted, tho’ not the loss of your Dear wife – But I am for great length of time…’- Wm.’s wife has been dead for some time although she was living when he left Canada (see letter of August 25, 1817 – ‘since I came to England …wrote to your mother…I would have come home again but your mother was not willing…) Wm. Writes that a woman who he is planning to marry is ‘… very desirious to see my Dear Rawdon to reside with us, and Louisa …’- Rawdon is probably Wm.’s youngest son, or youngest living son and Louisa is probably his youngest daughter or perhaps only unmarried daughter. We know from the letters that both Eliza and Joseph were married and had children. 4. Letter of Feb 20th 1816 From Wm. Fortune to Joseph Fortune Wm. Writes; ‘my family almost all dead’- We know from the letter that Joseph, Eliza and Louisa are living and we know from the previous letter that Wm.’s wife has been dead for some time. We do not know if Rawdon is still alive (assuming Rawdon is his son) and there is no mention of Wm. Jr., who we know from John’s will was a son of Wm. (probably the eldest), and no mention of Thomas. (See letter of Aug 25th 1817 concerning Thomas). Wm. Writes – ‘Richard Fortune, my Father’s brother’s son … ----Fortune, Lieut in the same Regt …John I have not seen …they have one sister married…near London they are my uncle Owen’s children by a second wife …’- John Fortune, Wm.’s father, had a brother named Owen who had a son Richard, a son John, and a married daughter. These children were by his second wife. Also, in his letter of April 4th 1817 Wm. says that he received a letter from his First Cousin Richard Fortune. Wm. Writes; ‘I had a narrow and, good escape from the marriage overture’ – Wm. had not gone through with his plans to remarry. Wm. Writes; ‘I am afraid our ---- will be extinct in Canada; though I love the dear little girls the most; they wont keep up the name: Eliza says ---her next be it boy or girl by our name and keep it in her --- as well as she can’- I believe Wm. was correct in thinking the name would disappear in Canada. This leads me to believe that Joseph was William’s only son who had children. Therefore it makes sense that Wm. Jr., Rawdon, and Thomas died fairly young. Also, the letter of April 4th 1817 is written to ‘My Dear and only son.’ In his August letter of the same year Wm. writes; ‘my love to yr. Wife and Daughters’- As far as we know, Joseph had six daughters and no sons. (I have record of six daughters from reliable sources) Wm. writes; ‘…pray send me my age for you have it recorded with my family in your good old book.’- Is Wm. referring to a bible here? He seems to have forgotten his age. In his letter of March 12th 1815 he knows that he is almost 70 years of age. I assumed that this meant he was about 69, but perhaps he was younger. 5. Letter of April 4th 1817 From Wm. Fortune to Joseph Fortune Wm writes; ‘…in the 70th year of my age.) He seems to be surer of his age now. This makes his birth date at about 1748. Wm. writes; ‘my father tho’ cruel to me –said often times I was the most dutiful of all his children – seven.’ John and Ann did have 7 children. 6. Letter of August 25th 1817 From Wm. Fortune to Joseph Fortune Wm. writes; ‘My Dear and only son of Seven!’ The letters mention only five children, if we include Rawdon and Thomas. Wm. Jr. makes six. There is a record at the National Archives in Ottawa, Canada, of a Jane Elizabeth Fortune, daughter of Wm. Fortune, which would make seven. I am fairly certain about this. Glen, do you have the source? My only question is – could Jane Elizabeth be Eliza? I tend to think this is the case. Here’s why. Glen, Hoople the info. you sent me from rootsweb, assuming it is correct, and I tend to think it is, shows Jane Elizabeth’s second child, a daughter, as Eliza Fortune Hoople. In the letter of Feb. 20, 1816, Wm. says, if I can guess at a few words, that Eliza told him she would keep the Fortune name by giving it to her next child (Eliza Fortune Hoople was born in 1815, so the timing is close). Being that Wm. was so far away from his family and that they did not write to him often, I assume he would not have heard about family births and deaths until quite some time after the event. If this theory is correct, and it is a stretch, we are still missing one child, providing my other theories are correct about Rawdon and Thomas (who have already died since Wm. now calls Joseph his only son). Rawdon, however seems to have been alive in 1815. (see letter of April 20, 1815). But he may have even died before this and Wm. may not have known of his death. Jane Elizabeth named her first child, a son, born in 1814, John Rawden Hoople (probably after her brother). I believe Rawdon’s name was Francis Rawdon. If he was called by his middle name, perhaps Jane was too (Elizabeth – Eliza). Glen, did we at one time think there may have been a Sarah Fortune? Jim and Patsy, I will scan a record I have from Glen, in case you don’t have it. It gives the names and ranks of the Prescott militia (Upper Canada). Wm. is Colonel; Joseph, Lieut. Col; Fra’s Rawdon Fortune is a captain and Thomas P. Fortune, a Lieut. You will also see other names here that Wm. mentions in his letters – Arthur Wade, Eden Johnson and Every Story (could be Joseph’s wife’s brother- her name was Mary Story). *Just read Glen’s email so you have the record I am referring to. Interesting stuff! Way to go, Glen!! Wm. writes; ‘(I wrote to your mother and brother T…)- At first I thought he meant recently but upon rereading I realize Wm. was writing about something he had done a while back which now makes more sense to me. ‘brother T’ is where I came up with Thomas. We know Wm. had a son whose name began with T so I took a leap and decided it might be Thomas, since there is a Thomas P. Fortune in the Prescott militia, along with the names of Wm., Joseph, and Rawdon Fortune. What do the rest of you think about this? Wm. writes; ‘the elder saw Europe’ - Does Wm. mean that only the eldest of his children saw Europe? * Glen, now that you have told me what the memorial says about this, it looks as if the three eldest saw Europe and the youngest did not. I would appreciate a copy of the memorial when you have a chance. Thanks. Wm. writes; ‘This is a rear thing at such an age 70.’- He seems to be very sure of his age now. This now makes his birth date at about 1747. 7. Letter of March 6th 1820 From Wm. Fortune to Joseph Fortune Wm writes; - ‘you have my fine Family Bible.’- I wonder if this bible could still be around. I know Guildford Dudley Porteous, my great grandfather, had a bible given to him by his mother Susanna Fortune, who was Joseph’s youngest daughter. There were some family records written in it. My grandfather copied information of his immediate family from this source. I have written documentation of this from my grandfather. Glen, I think you know about this from my grandfather’s correspondence with you. Do you think this could have been Wm.’s bible? I know my grandfather did not have it, unless he gave it to my uncle, but I doubt it. I will look into this on my side of the family if you think it’s a possibility. Wm. Writes; ‘on account of the death of my family –Rawdon the last who I was so sure of his coming home to me’. - Indicates to me once again that Rawdon was his son and others in his family had died (his wife, other sons, a daughter?) According to the letter, Eliza, Louisa and Joseph, needless to say, are still living. 8. January 2d 1821 From Wm. Fortune to Joseph Fortune Wm. writes; - ‘my only son ’ – meaning Joseph. He talks about his daughters Eliza and Louisa. Therefore Wm., Joseph, Eliza, and Louisa are still living in 1821. Wm. writes; - ‘…I am now in the seventy fourth year of my age.’ - which makes his birth date to be about 1747. According to the letters, Wm. was born about 1746 – 1748. I think that in about 1752 the calendar changed so this may be one reason for the different dates, or perhaps Wm. lost track. I believe you had his birth date at about 1744, Patsy, am I right? I know there was some mix-up for a bit. Glen has some different dates as well. Even Wm. himself was not sure! Wm. was quite a character, to say the least, somewhat dramatic. It appears from the letters that he had quite an unhappy life. It is difficult to know the truth about all that happened to him since we only have Wm.’s perspective. He appeared well educated and wrote very well. What bothers me is that his family seemed to want little to do with him and William claims not to understand why. I suppose we may never know but then again who would have though we could have found out as much as we have to date.