Alexander Macaulay letter to Francis Jerdone, 1803 September 29

Alexander Macaulay letter to his uncle, Francis Jerdone (1756-1841) regarding the destruction of crops; the health of family members; and the war between France and England. Macaulay also writes about the visit of Raphaelle Peale to Virginia and his process of making silhouettes with the physiognotrace. Macaulay also notes the prices charged and explains how his uncle should mount the silhouette of himself which he has enclosed. Macaulay writes further that Peale has left for Williamsburg and will probably proceed to Richmond.

Recto

Hampton Sept^r. 29^th 1803

Dear Uncle :

Yours Came safely to hand on the 12 of this Month
& am sorry that your Crops are so unpromising these in
the lower parts are half destroy^d. by the Gust But am happy
to hear that Grandmama & the family keep in good
health. The French are making great preparation to invade England
By the latest Accounts y^e English privateers & frigates are
continually coming into Hampton Roads. The people down
in this part have been remarkably healthy considering the
Season of the year & the D^r. has not over five or six patients
to attend to. The famous Peale the profile drawer has just
gone from here yesterday & I send you one of my Blocks you
may Get 4 profiles for 1/6 & if you get drawn twice he
will let you have two Blocks. the profiles shew very well
in frames which he sells for 2/3 a piece The machine is very
ingenious, you sit on a table & apply your left ear to a

Verso

a piece of wood scooped out like a spoon & he then draws a
small bit of Brass over all your face which is connnected with
a small fine pin which marks the paper, he then cuts out
the profile with a pair of scissars & you put it on a bit of black
Silk or Paper & it shews remarkably, The one I send is Supposed thought
to be a remarkable likeness, he is gone to Will^msburg &
suppose will proceed to Richmond: They are well at home
by the last Accounts & hope that you & Grandmama & family
still retain your health, Give my best love to Grandmama
& family also to my Friends about & believe me

Dear Uncle your affectionate Nephew
Alex^r. Macaulay

N.B. I was obliged to cut the profile smaller to put in a
letter & if you will paste it carefully on a piece of Black Silk
it will shew very well

Ink on paper