Springfield Sangam Co. July 23rd 1823
Dear Father
If Edwin has not started, or made much preparation for
it, I feel very doubtful of the propriety of my former advise, this
country appears not to populate or flourish as much as it formerly
did, in consequence of the sickness expressed here every season
and the bad state of the currency, this season has been remarkably
sickly, many are leaving the state and many more would if they
could dipose of their property. I have been sick about 2 weeks
but have recovered. I have purchased S. Breese's share of the house
and lot, we bought together last fall. If Edwin comes he need not
calculate of Breese's friendship as he would prefer obliging a
stranger to a relative (a course of conduct I have experienced)
He is a composition of meanness and avarise in the abstract. Do
not suppose that I am endeavouring to dissaude Edwin from any selfish
interested motives but if he has made every preparation let
him come on, I will help him. My love to all the family.
Yours sincerely,
Charles P. Livingston.
Henry Livingston, Esq.,
Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
Kaskaskia September 17.