Richard Sappington b. July 25, 1763 in Anne Arundel
County, Maryland to John Sappington Jr and Ann Everett (Re: Gentry of Anne
Arundel County, Maryland) descends from the immigrant Nathaniel Sappington of
Cecil County, Maryland. The Sappingtons were well educated; Richard's name
appears on many legal transactions, and it is possible that his education was in
law. Richard removed Georgia about 1784; it is likely that he traveled through
Virginia where he met his bride, Rebecca Jarrett, daughter of Fadda
Jarrett/Jarratt and Martha Ivey. The Sappingtons lived in Wilkes County, Georgia
and later moved to Henry County, Georgia after 1821. At the time of this
letter, Richard was 74 years old; his wife, Rebecca, was 72. Richard died
January 8, 1838, 7 months after writing this letter.
State of Georgia in Henry County
May 20th, 1837
Dearly Beloved Brother,
Your kind and interesting favour of
the 9th February was received through a due course of mail, and the
contents thereof duly and respectfully noticed. It is a source of great
satisfaction to us to hear from you and to hear that you are also enjoying good
health.
These few lines leaves us all in the
enjoyment of usual health at this time, which we hope the same will reach you in
realising the same blessing.
I have nothing of much? importance
to attract your attention. More than to let you hear that we’re yet in the land
of the living hoping that if we never have the pleasure of seeing each other
face to face in the world we may eventually meet where parting will be no more.
There has nothing new transferred with us of importance since writing my former
letter.
In answer to your son’s enquiry
relative to the State of agriculture here in GA, I would say that in some
sections our lands are rich and productive; others are of a poorer grade but
quite fertile. As to a what a single hand can realise here per annum is a
matter depending very much on the course of his pursuits in regard to a line of
agriculture it is a matter somewhat varying according to the times. Say from
one hundred and fifty to two hundred dollars is the amount usually procured by
the single hand. Some realise over that amount? it would be a source of much
gratification to us to see your son in this Section. I have no doubt but
what he would be pleased. I have never regretted coming my self. You are
apprised of what was my situation when I came to this country. I have by the
help of kind providence been enabled to give all my children a comfortable home
and I thank God I have a sufficient competency by the will of our maker to
comfortably support me the few remainder of my days.
You requested me to mention the
distance that I live from Columbus the residence of Lancelot Gambril, it is
about one hundred and four miles. I have a son that resides near Columbus, and
from circumstances happened in Mr. Gambril’s store to purchase some goods and in
making the bill his name was learned to be Sappington which led to the enquiry
of his family which resulted in the fact that Mr. Gambrel had your kind letter
for me which was immediately forwarded. I shall expect a letter from you as
soon as convenient. Direct to White House Post Office Henry County, Georgia.
Nothing more at present but
remaining your loving relative until death.
Richard Sappington
Rebecca Sappington
Envelope: White House
May 26th
Mr. Caleb
Sappington, Brotherton PO, Ann Arundel Coty
Maryland
