Clarke County

Sept 4th, 1799.

Dear Brother,

After m-- I obtained a coppy of your agreement with -- Todd which caused me to decline the business until I have your sentiments after the perusal of sd coppy which you will find enclosed. Mr Lytle refuses to take cash for his services. I offered him my Bond with good security for the amount. He told me if I had the cash in my pocket and offered payment he would not receive it but would have the one third of the land which is Eight times as much as his pay in cash would amount to, as I am informed the land would sell for 20/ per acre of the common allowance in cash when the business was done was forth dollars per thousand acres. I therefore submit the whole to your own judgement & shall proceed agreeable to future instructions.

We are all in a tolerable state of health my wife seems to get better but slow. She is weake & hath great difficulty - -thing when she stirs any about. her -(must be 'child') grows fast & is a fine brisk boy.

I hope - with my sister & little cousins are all enjoying the Great blessings of health which may God grant, is the sincear desire of your affectionate brother.

Walter Preston

PS If you wish to write to me before the bearrer here of Capt. Montgomery returns and can find no safe conveyance put your letter in the Post office to be left in the Lexington P.office- hope to be in about next Christmas if life & health permit.

W.P.