Mrs. Hannah Bennett

My dear Sister

Your letter of Jan. 13th is just at hand by which I hear with extreme sorrow of your needfull situation, and were I possessed of thousands, now cheerfully would I relieve you of all your wants, but my situation here is such that I think I can truly say that I have not had any money as my command since I have been in Kentucky. I consider myself only as a Factor Hand here with goods belonging to other people, which when I sell, I am bound to return the proceeds. It is true I have advantage of the profit, if any, arising from the sale of the goods -- but this country has been in such a distressed situation for two years past, that with all my exertions, instead of making money, I have lost considerable and my future prospects of making money are not very flattering -- We have a paper money which is depreciated about half, as I am obliged to give sixteen dollars of our paper for ten dollars United States money.

I am very sorry that our Parents are so deserted by their children in their old age. Nothing would give me more pleasure than to live near them, and be able to administer to their wants, but my destiny has fixed me in this remote corner of the earth, and how long it will be before I shall be able to visit you, I cannot tell. I have some hopes of doing it sometime in the course of next summer, but I cannot say certain how it will be -- it is now nearly five years since I have visited you, and been in exile -- Enough of gloomy reflections, let us cheer up & hope for better times. I have enclosed a ten dollar note, which you will accept and I know it will make your heart glad for a while. It is all I have at present that will help with you and if my business gets better in future, I am in hopes to be able to render you a little assistance occasionally -- As you boys get old enough, you should put them to places where they can earn their own living, and thus relieve yourself of the burden of providing for them -- Remember me to all friends --

I remain your
affectionate brother