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---- 20 1876
Dear Father,
I will drop a few lines to-night [tonight] that you may hear from us though I have
nothing to write about of any interest. We are all well is the best news
I have to communicate at this time. Solie has been a little unwell for
the last two or three weeks. he is improving though very fast at this
time and he intends to leave for the Centennial Friday week. Jake will
leave for school tomorrow the 26th inst. Old Bell has just got back from
Edenton with his boat and is going to give us a shake though we do not
fear him at all. Mr. Hill came down last night on the "Chowan" to see us
and made things rather brighter for us than ever before we now prorate
with the Black Water Line and he allows us 1/3 or 33 1/3 per cent on the
dollar of every thing [everything].
He told us to go ahead that he would stand by us also told us that we
might have
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going north ---- cut any other boat and if ---- to take it for nothing he
would pay us well for carring [carrying] it. I think our prospects are as bright
or brighter than ever we are considered now a part of the Black Water Line
and "Hill" has promised to stand by us, so we will make it lively for Bell
as sure as he is a man. Solie is very anxious for you to go with him to
the Centennial the fare has been greately [greatly] redused [reduced]. If you think you will go write at once so
as to give him time to make arrangement to meet you. You must be sure to
pay us a visit at court. I recon [reckon] I will be home between the 15th and last of
October.
My love to all.
Your Son
W.F. Askew
