old complaint of dull times not only remains but increases. As to anything of a public nature you have the same means of seeing and judging that I have. I think however, that the gloom thickens, and in regard to business I am almost discouraged. My respects and duty to our honour'd Mother, my love to all the little ones. Let me hear soon and often from you. and believe me your ever affectionate brother J. W. RUSSELL. To Mr. Giles Russell, Winchester, Conn. MY DEAR BROTHER: BRISTOL, Nov. 9th, 1813. Your favour of the 3rd inst. from Hartford I received in due course of mail, and am very happy once more to hear of the welfare of those so dear to me. My friends, that went to the Westwd. have returned-they came through Lenox, which route prevented their calling on you. I have all along had hopes of seeing you here this fall, but you must be the best judge whether it would answer. You made enquiry respecting clocks-this would be no time to sell any, on account of the great scarcity of money, and the peculiar pressure of the times*, which is already severely felt in a place situated like this-when corn-meal is scarce at $1.50 per bushel; and flour from $12 to 13 per bbl.; when the common labourer, who would always through the season, have his six dollars every Saturday night for his week's work, and has now probably not *During the War of 1812. earned 10 dollars in the summer; when the crop of onions, which has usually sold for $60,000 in a year is now worth 0000; when the honest sailor who supported his family well and laid up a little every year, has now been three years almost out of employ—and living on his former little savings; when added to this we view the hopeful prospect before us, you will judge that it is not without reason, that we complain of hard times. My little flock are all well. The boy grows finely and is greatly attached to his Aunt Betsey. My situation ought perhaps to make me feel melancholy— but I think, at times at least, that my Confidence in the goodness of our Heavenly Father is unshaken, and I know that I still possess many blessings—yea, many more than I deserve. Our little Ones were delighted to hear from you and send their love. Mine to my dear and honoured Mother, and to all yours. Brother Believe me your affectionate J. W. RUSSELL. ANNUAL THANKSGIVING, NOV. 26, 1812 Dedicated to Parnell Russell.* BY CAPTAIN JOHN W. RUSSELL When God, in anger lifts his arm When Parents, children, brothers, friends, Or the dear partner of each joy Lies pale and cold in Death Though all creation then may smile And songful groves be glad The very music of the groves, The very smiles seem sad. Drear looks the face of cheerfull day If then, mid frowns-such killing frowns The grief fraught soul, serene looks out *The second daughter of Captain Russell. Resigned-looks up, to heaven's high throne, Consoling angels lend the hand To guide the wanderer home- All Heaven's bright host shall tune the lyre All passing glorious when he smiles, From Heaven's bright host let mortals lean And know no time-though clad in gloom Then let the voice of praise resound, Come-nature's offspring all unite I, too, would add my feeble voice, My soul shall still rejoice in God, Captain John Willard Russell died in Bristol, Aug. 20, 1814-Aged forty-four years. |