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Oakley, March 31st
My Dear Brother, I write to you for the purpose, of expressing to you my gratitude for your kindness to me, and my dear little Children, I have often heard it said a friend in need was really a friend indeed, but I never expected to realise it as I have, every thing we possessed in the world was sold, except the land my dear Father left me in his will and the megnoes, and you know the only ones of them that are now of much service Mother took, the amount of what was sold I believe was nearly ten thousand dollars, M. Rodes told me you had authorised him to go as far as my necessities required, that you would never see me suffer while you had plenty, he bought for me in your name 42 acres of land that M. Smith bought of M. Harris, and gave 210 dolls. and for the 308 acres where we live the watson land. 300 dolls. for M. Smiths wright of occupancy, and 10 for all of the land East of Muddy creek, and Cavalloe at 450 dolls. they ran him up higher than any negro that was sold because he was my carriage driver, and they expected some of the family would give him to me, and Louisa at 335 dolls. my Carriage horses at 90dolls. and M. Smiths riding house at 70 dolls. for which my dear Cassius I shall always feel under the greatest obligations, you have been one of my best friends. Brutus gave me Allifain and Cafs, Mother bought my furniture, carriage and a few stock, Corn, Bacon, for which I was so very thankfull, M. Rodes made the Children several little presents, but Sidney my Oldest brother, showed so little feeling for me, he never will feel like you and
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Brutus to me again, M. Rodes told me he wrote a very feeling letter to him, stating my situation and that if it was not convenient for him to come over to the sale, to write and authorise him what he should do, Brutus was in Bourbon and came by for him, ask him if he was not coming over, he said no, ask'd him if he was not a going to write to Mr. Rodes, he said no, he had no word to send.
I know Father gave me a great deal and M. Smith has spent it, but it was not any of my extravagance or fault, he seems very much mortified at what he has brought his family two, but I do hope he will here after attend to his business and quit politicks, and be able to support his family decently, he was very attentive to his business last count and came home almost every night and off in the morning very early. Sally ann poor Child is very much mortified, the girls at school throw it up to her, and tell her, her father is broke.
M. Rodes bought Mercer for you, the rest of the boys sold for upwards of 400 dolls. and M. Rodes did not get them for youI have kept Mercer untill I hear from you, I hope by next year M. Smith will be able to make some better arrangement, Mother thought I ought not to keep Mercer, but send him to M. Rodes. Brutus was to have moved over home to day with his wife. our friends are all well I believe. Farewell my dear Brother and believe me ever your affectionate Sister E.L. Smith
W. G. M. Clay.
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Richmand Ky Ap 8 25 12 1/2 M. Cassius M. Clay 37 1/2 Elisa L. Smith March 21st. 1831.
Pos{?}on Apr 21 MS Mail
New Haven Conn