back to Russell and Washington Counties, Va., then through Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana, a distance of about 1800 miles. The following letter was written to his wife while on the trip:
My Dear and Affectionate Wife.
I just take holt of my pen to inform you that I am well at preasent and hoping that these few lines may find you and the rest of the family enjoying the same like blessings. We are now at William McCutchan's, all enjoying good health. I was very much disappointed in not getting a letter at London; I was verry anxious to hear from you when I was there, as I expected a letter. We are going to start to-morrow morning on strait to the Missouri. Our horses has stood it tolerable well. My horse got gravel, but is better. Mr. Christian's horse has a very sore back. It is a little uncertain whether we will be home agin Christmas. The roads are verry bad traveling, there has been a great dele of raine. I have seen a heap of fine country. I saw Nathaniel Steele at Robert McCutchan's in Ohio. They were all well; I was glad to see them. Wm. McCutchan's family are all well.
If ever we live to get home and see you I can tell you a good deal, and hope it is the Almity's will that we will see each other again in this world. No more, but remain your affectn husband,
Jain McClure."
I give below a number of letters found among his papers. In addition to the bits of family history they contain, they are interesting in giving something of the conditions of a hundred years ago. The following are from Capt. Samuel Steele:
Dear Sir.
I want you to send the axes and the publick rifles; make a twist of straw and rop all along and send moles
