Joel+and+Martha+-+A+Love+Story?

November 15, 1770

Martha,

I’ve come close to moving up in the scheme of things hear in Johnston. The acreage is beautiful as are the people and buildings. I’ve begun to commission land for a country court here in Johnston County. It seems only natural that a governing location be formed and I’m such a privileged gentlemen to be a part of it. I can’t begin to wonder what is to come of us next and our country. There have been many, many developments throughout the past few weeks and I cannot imagine to think what should come of me in the next few months.

Yours truly,

Joel

January 30, 1771

Martha,

My dear, dear sweetheart how I miss thee and loathe that you are so distant from me. I am nothing but exhausted in my attempts to communicate with you these past few weeks and you have my sincerest regret that I’m just now writing. As you may, or may not have heard, our great governor, William Tryon has recently appointed me lieutenant colonel of Wake Militia. There has been a building up forces in an around Orange County and I am nothing but intrigued by the prospect of fighting for the colony. Many are angry at Governor Tryon and I have heard many threats to his life, especially from the western counties of a perspective rebellion beginning. I can only hope that you my dear will be safe and our children will prosper.

Yours truly,

Joel

May 16, 1771

Martha,

From your previous letter I hope to assure you that the plantation is, as always, steady and secure. As the county court met I am now an appointed member of the court. I cannot imagine what else I’m expected to do other than to say yes when offered these positions. At times, I feel overwhelmed and eager to pack-up the house and move back to Wilmington. Oh how I miss the smell of the saltwater and picking seashells each morning with Henry, James and William. I do hope I’m not being too presumptuous when asking if they miss me? What is life without a father even if they do have everything they will ever need.

I forgot to mention the how reluctant Governor Tryon was in sending the Wake militia into the Battle of Alamance. I can only admit that I am nothing but relieved that I didn’t have to head to battle but the lingering threat of revolution continually lingers near. I’ve heard talk of an uprising with even more Regulators from the west and I feel that the time of the British rule may be on a decline.

Yours truly,

Joel

September 9, 1771

To My dearest Martha,

I know that you will never receive this letter but I needed some sort of closure for my own well being before your funeral. These past few years have been something that I know you’ve treasured, as have I, and the world will mourn the loss of such a person, such as yourself. All the children, especially little Dorothy are in tears repeatedly as my quill hits this paper. I’m not sure what to say to them – how to say it to them. I need guidance and I know that’s what you would be doing for the children if the roles were switched.

I’ll try to keep my sanity the next few months and help the children with this hardship but I know it will be difficult. I’m going to prioritize more and put family before Raleigh. Your sister, Mary, has been especially helpful thus far and is planning on staying with us for a good while. I expect this will help with the children and ease my sanity.

Yours Forever,

Joel