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I have enjoyed tolerable health, with the exception of occasional colds,
which have been of short duration - though this is
reputed to be an unhealthy region. R H Kidd. -

Sussex County 27^{th May '44 -}

Dear Joe -

Doubtless, you perceive can conjecture from what is
written above, the reason of my leaving old Caro=
line, and taking up my residence in the county
of Sussex. You remember, when I saw you last,
I suggested the intention, of endeavouring to pro=
cure a situation in some private family, for
the purpose of keeping school; and accordingly
made several attempts, though without success. In
the intirim, however, I had written several com=
munications to gentlemen in different parts
of the state, to which, I had then received no
response. In the month of March I received an
answer to one of these letters, informing me of the
accpetance of my offer - And now my friend, I
am here in Sussex, fulfilling that divine injunc=
tion, "man shall eat his bread by the sweat of
his brow."

The school to which I have refered, is
composed of seventeen scholars - most of whom
approximate to maturity, so nearly, as to know
how to appreciate the value and importance
of an education, which you know is a great
consolation. I have to wak about a mile and
half, twice per day - I mean it is that distance
from my place of residence to the school house,

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in regard to which exercise, you may make your
own speculations - adding for myself, this remark,
although it may conduce to my general health,
yet in warm weather, the walk is somewhat
fatuguing. This is a fine neighborhood, and upon
the whole, I must say, that I have not been disap=
pointed, but on the contrary, my expectations have
been fully realized. - I cannot withhold to mention,
with what indifference and coldness I was received,
when first I planted my foot upon the soil of Sussex -
how I was viewed with a suspicious eye ; nor can I
forget to tell you, what a striking contrast now ex=
ists. But who is there amongst us, that would not,
at first, have his doubts and fears concerning a
stranger? What philanthropist would not be dis=
posed to allow quandaries to impound his mind?
Such reflections as these, afforded much consola=
tion, and as a condequence, I was constrained to
to be satisfied and contented.

The period of my la=
bor, will only be about eight months, for which I
shall receive two hundred & fifty dollars, (as I sup=
pose, for I have made no calculation) concerning
which you may again have your own opinion. -
The school is not given to me, but I am to receive a spe=
cified salary, for teaching a certain number of
scholars, and this sum is to augment in proportion

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as that number may, from time to time, increase.

But enough. In August, I shall visit Caroline, &
probably have an opportunity of meeting with you
again, before you leave for W & M. where you have
spent so many agreeable hours, and where you are
destined to spend as many more, with those beings,
more charming than the fruit, presented to the
vision of the unfortunate & unhappy Tantalus. Wom=
an! what misanthrope, even, is not attacted by her
charms? With such gallimation as this, I could turn
this sheet, and fill it out again, and such is my
desire, but I know I should be trespassing, & there=
fore forbear.

In your answer to this, leave nothing
of importance or interest, unnoticed. Inform me
how many students there are, and how many old
acquaintances - and to such I desire to be remem=
bered. Give my respects to D^r. Fleet & family, and en=
quire whether he rec^d. the Tobacco seed, which I sent
him. I sincerely hope, his efforts have been crowned
with success. inform me of the whole circumstance.

Remember me cordially to my old [torn, illegible] M^r White,
a gentleman, in whom I have an abiding confi=
dence, and for whom I have the highest Esteem
and respect. - and tell him I shall visit him
whenever I can. May, the last words which I add=
ressed to him, be fulfilled, - that is to say that he

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has a full school. I am anxious to hear from you
all, and hope that you will not be too dilatory. -
It is against my creed to apologize, but his writing
and paper are so indifferent, that you must over=
look. them

I wish you much success in your anticipated pro=
fession, and [crossed out, illegible] hope you may fulfill that sentiment, which you
I have so often expressed - a man can do any-thing
if he will persevere. Believe me now & forever y^r.
sincere friend
R.H.K.

Joseph M.Kay Esq
Fleetwood Academy
King and Queen
V^a.

Templeton V^a
May 28^th 44