[Letter from John Teackle to Charles Nicoll Bancker, November 23, 1806, Vol. 1]

Kegatank 23 Nov. 1806

My dear Son

I wrote you on Thursday eve last and a day or two anterior your mother and sister addressed your and my Sarah, And I again embrace the Chance of Conquest to mention my Dear Henry's situation; Indeed I dont feel competent in my own Judgment to express an opinion regarding him because of the extraordary Symptoms which seem occationally attached to his case, sometimes I have been ready to accept Idea's which will present, of his affliction being in addition to his former hurt, which brought on the Sarcocele¹ a kind of nervous Cholick, or a Ruematic affection. I understand these diseases to be nearly Synamous, and at other times I seem forced to suppose that his misfortune in the first Instance, has so crippled those nice Organs, which connect life to the mere material part. That he is gradually passing to a better habitation. In truth my dear Charles, I scarcely know how to think on his Situation; I fell most disposed under the embarrassment to submit interely to divine will or dispensation; Henry is extremely exhausted and at this moment as lean, I suppose, as my poor brother J. Dennis was the Week he died. Yet occationally he is chearfull and reanimates all around him, altho experience has told them that before the Night has passed his extreme pain and languor may give general alarm to the family. For my part, I have been striving to be prepared for whatever may be the

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result of his tedious illness. I have already felt all the parental emotions which his seperation from me would excite, and have as often endeavoured to reconcile to my self the Justice and mercy of my God thereon; so that if he is continued, I shall have apparently greater cause of thankfullness.

This letter is not intended for his Sister whose situation should be kept quiet and as happy as may be. Her mother sends her a few more Turkeys as a Token of her love; The oats M^r. Conquest cannot take as well as some other articles I thought to get in the Vessell, his hold is full. If he does not sail Tomorrow I will all to this letter if any alteration occurs.

A view has of late presented, That as I am prevented (by my Son's Indisposition) from the contemplated voyage in my new Schooner, To send her immediately to Jamacai with a load of Tar and Pitch with such other contriband articles as might be most likely to succeed there, and to cover all so as that no loss will be occationed in event of being taken.

If I do thus conclude I should wish to be informed how low Insurance could be had for, on such an adventure, in Philad^a. I mean out, will you inquire on these points and inform me fully for my guidance, early after the receipt of this this. If there be any difficulties which do not offer themselves at first View, I beg you'd point them out, for It may not be that I do adventure in this Voyage, yet I think it likely I may, believing as I do that a good Voyage may be made. We unite in affectionate love

to you and yours. I have sent to James Fisher for 3 half Blls of his best ale and to Pepper for 1 Bll of his best beer per Casses whose attention I have not much confidence in and lest he may omitt I have to ask of you to request James Fisher to send me 2 other haff Blls of his best ale per this opportunity, he will Charge it to me in acct as I sometimes am in advance to him. The Buckwheat flower you'll not forget per Cosses or this Vessell as it will be of loss to the family to be without. Again in love I am

Your father
John Teackle Sr.

We are diserous to know how your parents and sisters are and particular Augusta. This evening Henry is more than usual cheerfull and free of pain.

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