Emigration from Virginia to the West; Wm. and Mary Qrtly, V. 14, No. 2, 1905

Transcribed by Kathy Merrill for the USGenWeb Archives Special Collections Project

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Emigration from Virginia to the West

   J. Watkins

   William and Mary College Quarterly Historical Magazine, Vol. 14, No. 2
   (Oct., 1905), pp. 94-95.

           EMIGRATION FROM VIRGINIA TO THE WEST(1).

               J. Watkins to Nathaniel Massie.

   Dear Sir:  I am very desirous and without hopes, but that this will be

handed to you, by my relation & particular friend Mr. Abram B. Venable - Our
member of Congress for this District, one of the most deservedly esteemed
among us - who has at this time of the Recess of Congress - a desire to see
your much famed Western Country - should he find you on the Banks of the Ohio - 
where you directed me, when I had the pleasure of those few moments of your
Company in Richmond last winter, the first & only time, that I ever saw this
one of my sister's sons, - who has strayed off from us - and taken a course
different from all other of our relations - but judiciously & fortunately I
hope, as 'tis said for himself.  Before I quit this subject, I trust you will
excuse me when I give it you in particular charge - not to let the Indians
scalp my friend - I have no doubt of your friendly offices to him while with
you.

   It would have afforded me a real pleasure to have accompanied him out, as I
am anxious to see those fine Lands - But tied down as I am here to some offices,
I am deprived of this pleasure as well as that of seeing you at this time.  But
not altogether without hopes I may at some future day have this pleasure at
your Ohio Villa.

   I am one of those of your relations who have been accustomed to the busy
scenes of life, have a numerous family, - and saved some money to settle them.
But undetermined in the choice of plans - all our most Independent & married
men seem to be running to the West, the greater proportion to the Kentucky &
Tennessee States.

   The migrations from the Eastward who have an aversion to slavery - go your
way - and these are the most valuable class of citizens & among these I had
rather choose settlements for my family.  But as I have before observed I can't
look out for them on account of the reasons already mentioned.
_____________________________________________________________________________
   (1) Massie, Life of Nathaniel Massie, 127.

Page 95.

   If you have not forgot the ties of relationship in the pursuit of wealth,
and there is any Garden Spot left on your side of the Ohio which you do not
wish to possess such as it is - esteemed of the Rich Old Cream, in the Vicinity
of a good body of Land - claim title, & 8 or 10,000 Acres - belonging to any
person on the Eastern Waters.  (I mean Atlantic States), which in your Opinion
can be purchased, please drop me a line, describing every necessary particular.
I shall esteem the favor highly, and a very great favor indeed.