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Transcribed by Bonnie House, [email protected]
Letter from James Thomson of Tryon River to his brother, David John Thomson, 25 College Green, Dublin. David John Thomson had a lengthy career in the British Army and came to Tryon in 1839 with his family. This letter was given to Bonnie by Wylie Barrett of St. Eleanors.
Dear Brother,
I take this opportunity of writing you a few lines, as I understand that there is a gentleman of the name of W. W. Lord who is owner of a small Brig called the Hibernia which is going to Ireland and if it happens that he comes to your Port will be the bearer of this unto you. I received your letter of the 27th of June 1835 also the newspapers stated therein. I also received a newspaper this spring concerning the newspapers that comes to me I receive them free of postage. But I am afraid that the one that I sent you has cost you a deal of postage as I am afraid it was not sent according to post office regulations on account of my staying at a distance from the Post Office in Charlottetown otherwise I would have sent you more, if it is the case be so good as to let me know. Had a letter from Jean dated the 8th of August last, she states she had a letter from you about a month previous thereunto and states that you were all well, and that Mrs. Thomson has had another daughter. She speaks of a visit of Betsy and that all other friends were well, but I can get no word of Helen whether she is dead or alive. I wonder you are so long in writing, I would wish at least a letter from you yearly.
As to the account of our ancestor, the name of the Minister I wrote to was the Late Doctor Mitchel of the Parish of Kemnay, and that our great great grandmother was daughter of the Irvings of Drum. But whether the Brewers of Rathray is distant relations of ours is a circumstance I have not any knowledge of. And whether our great great grandmother was a legitimate child of said family I know not. However her son George Thomson lived in Fetternear in the neighborhood of Kemnay. But however the case may be as to our ancestors Loyalty or rebellion if a proper line of ancestry can be found out, I have no doubt but the Estate can easily be redeemed. But as to the name of the place being Campsie I think that is inconsistent for in all my researches I can find no place called by that name, but the one near unto Glasgow. Jean informs me in her letter that she has purchased a Gazetteer of Scotland was to sent it out the first chance she could get going to Miramichi but it has not arrived there as yet.
Our family with all the branches there are in the their ordinary state of health. But as to myself I still keep very poorly. Nevertheless Dear Brother in all visitations of life, whether in sickness or in health, in prosperity or adversity Let us at all times cast ourselves on the Lord who has promised to sustain us, and the promise of God is sure, having this seal that God is true, and His faithfulness is a shield and ? To all that put their trust in Him, my wife and all the family joins me in Love you Mrs. Thomson and family, and hoping that this may find you all in good health and spirits. I remain your affectionate Brother,
Pleasant Vale
Tryon River
Nov. 13th, 1837 James Thomson