Slack Letter 5

Letter From Wharton, Texas Sept 12, 1848 From Margaret’s Brother Robert N. Slack To Their Brother Mr. James B. Slack, Bardstown, Kentucky

“…I was very pleased to hear of the birth of your son and sister’s well being but more to hear that it bears its uncle’s name showing that I yet live in the hearts of my dear relations.” Robert Slack, Wharton Texas Sept. 12, 1848

Dear bro

I have deferred answering your letters which came to hand some time weeks since partly through inflect and partly for the want of time. I was very pleased to hear of the birth of your son and sister’s well being but more to hear that it bears its uncle’s name showing that I yet live in the hearts of my dear relations.

The duties devolving on yourself and wife are now increased four fold. And requires of you that a rigid and strict observance of those laws and rules best calculated by example and instructions to infuse into the mind of a son habits and principles which will in after years enable him so to steer the “boat of life as to bring it to a peaceful and tranquil anchorage, I had hoped to be able before this to speak with some decision as to my own calculations for the future; but cannot as I do not know whether I am settled here for any great length of time.

My prospects are as flattering as the most langaims could wishes. I have done the best practice that has been done in this county in which I live. And have not as yet lost a single patient – But notwithstanding all this I am not satisfied. I have no engagements, no leaumes of amusement or pleasure. I am this little, I receive in flattering my vacsity at my liveging, I have been reading every day for the last three weeks untill today, although the old citizens say the season has been quite heathy.

This is much laborous confirmation to the practice being my sides and usually from eight to twelve and fifteen miles; and you would scarcely believe it when I tell you that since I commenced I have not slept away from home but twice. Then I was called to a lady which detained me three days. I have made it a fixed rule, that whenever I get through prescribing to start home.

Consequently, I have rode much in the night, through probably one of the darkest countrys I ever saw, I have purchased a huricane pony – that copis me eight miles an hour, over any lost of reach, and I surely ride in a slower pace thake a cope night or day – This is an enchantment or charm connection with my nocturnal rides that I could not feel in an older settled community. There the woods are infested by wolves, bear, wild cats, and panthers creating just chase – just enough to give a charm to the ride, but I don’t think this kind of feeling will be very durable – – You may think that I am endangering or risking my health, but it improves under it.

I have built one a baths houses on the bank of the river where I bathe almost every day. And I do assure you it is quite a Curary – I want health while I do live, but I can not how soon, nor in what shapes the green eyed monster, death may come. I shall not however foolishly hand myself into dangers. But if I die in the discharges of my duties, or in vindicating my name or honor, I can not, nor have not, any fear.

You ask about our brothers. I went to see brothers Lou and remained at his house two weeks himself and family are well. I live about forty miles west of him. I wrote and received a letter from John. He’s leading a soldiers life another northwestern frontier. He belongs to a company of renpons – He was quite well.

I want to know if my birds are living and if sis renders them sufficient attention, as I rather suspect she divides it between her son and them, giving much the larger portions her son. Tell her, by no means to neglect them, as I wish to see them and have them sing for me if I should ever return.

I must chide you about your manners of directing your letters. You must do better indeed and direct to Dr. R. N. Slack instead of Mr. This you will take gently from yours. best of Invins brothers R.N. Slack

PS Give my love to sister E. Kip here and my nephew both a half-dozen times over and over again for me. Give my respects to all my friends – especially. Mr. Payers and Lady – R.N. Slack Friday, Sept