The Copley-Pelham Letters 1739-1776 Peter Pelham, Sr. to Peter Pelham, Jr. 1 I was indeed somthing surpris:d on the 6th of May last on the Receiveing a Letter from an almost an unknown Person which Referd me to Captain woodside for a Pirtickuler account of you and your affairs, who gave me but a short and unsatisfactory Relation as I found in your Letter which was that you was married to a second wife 1 with a Prospect of an Increase of your famely without any fortune which makes me Concernd at your being too near Re[l]ated to me by being forst to labour under Deficultys as I my self am and have been many years; but of all afflictions being slighted and forsaken by my owne flesh and Blood gives me more trouble and vexation than all other Crosses and Disapointments; but as their is a time for all things and when are at a Crises it is sure that a turne is to be Expected. and as it is my nature to putt the best Constructions in most things Relating to my self from my Children, Espesialy for your so long silence and neglect of me. but since you make me beleive you are sorry for what is Past I Cannot be of that stuborn and unforgiveing Disposition as not to Pardon and wipe of all Misdemeaners, and do heartily forgive what Ever has been amiss in you on my account, and never for the future I hope shall have any more Cause of Complaint. I had another Letter on the 12th of June last Dated April the 5th by Mr. Hilhouse who Pleasd me by saying you Lin:d very 1 Margaret Lowrey, whom he married, October 15, 1734. well and in a handsome manner which I am heartily Glad of. I Prest him very much to lett me know where he Lodg'd that I might waite on him, but Could not Prevail. so have not seen him since. I was at Chelsea to see Captain woodside once, who was att his fathers house, a Decenting Minester but was not at home at that time. he has been to see me severall times since, but the last time he was with me is above two months, and what is become of him I know nott, whether in England still or gone. I am but latly Recoverd of a feavor since then but am very well at this time; your sister Messenger, thank god, is very well and shed tears of Joy at my haveing a letter from you, and sends her kind Love and servis to you, and her sister in law, and Blessing to all your great and litle ones. your sister heley is in the Country and was very well when the other day I had a letter from her. She writt to you some time ago but haveing no answer soposd might miscarry. and now once more my Dear son since the Ice is Broake Between us, I hope for a great deale of Pleasure by Renewing our Corispondence, and shall heartily Prey god to Bless and Prosper you in all your honest undertakeing has been my Constant and Daly Prayers; and were I in any Circumstance of shewing my love to you other than my hearty wishes for you, you should soon find how sincearly my Dear son I am Intirely your Most Affectionate father P: PELHAM. 1 Pray give my Blessing and servis to my Daughter in law, and I wish all health and happyness to attend her and hers. I was mightily Pleas:d with Charles: s2 Prety Letter to whome I send 1 Helena. 2 Charles Pelham, born in London, and baptized at St. Paul's, December 9, 1722, became a schoolmaster at Medford and elsewhere, and married Mary Tyler, niece of Sir William Pepperell. |