Stampless folded letter sheet.
Circular Black postmark:
       NICHOLASVILLE Ky JUN 4
Manuscript rate:
       25
Addressee:
       Samuel Barnett Esq^r
       Bentleysville
       Washington county
       Penn.

Letter:

My dear father,

  After a very considerable interval I again sit down to address you. Since I wrote last I have enjoyed uninterrupted good health. I do not remember whether it was before or after the commencement of my present term of teaching that I addressed you last. However, I am now advanced two months in my second term. I have a larger school than I had last session, about thirty scholars. I do not think however that my salary will amount to more than between 4 & 5 hundred dollars. I received letter from John some weeks ago, which I answer now. He informed me of the death of Nany Bentley and the marriage of Henry. I also notice in the paper the marriage of Miss Anne to Robert West. Since I wrote to you last, it has pleased the Lord to bring one out of darkness into his marvellous light. If I am not deceived he has lifted me out of the horrible pit and out of the miry clay and hath set my feet upon a rock and established my goings. I can now see and believe that the blood of Christ cleaneth from all sin. I have been enabled to entertain a hope of acceptance for more than a month. How delightful it is to be able to look up to God with the spirit of adoption and cry Abba father. I trust I can do this. You have been a kind father to me, but I have one who is kinder still, my father in heaven.

  In the Western Christian Advocate a Methodist paper published in Cincinnatti, I noticed some time since an article stating that there was much need of as many as six missionary school teachers for the Cherokee nation of Indians. The Cherokees live west of the Mississippi. If you take the map of the United States and look to the Northwestern corner of Arkansas, you will see Washington County. West of this county live the Cherokees outside of the state. Brother John Harrell has charge of the district in which the Indians reside. He was going on this spring to attend the general conference at Baltimore. He passed through Cincinnatti & informed the editor of the Advocate of the need of teachers. They then inserted the article that I mentioned. Young unmarried men, members of the Methodist Episcopal church are wanted. They must go out as soon as possible, at the furthest, early in the fall, before winter sets in. I think of going. If I thought it was the work of the Lord, I would not hesitate. I have not yet offered my services; but I take this opportunity of first consulting you. If I go, I shall no doubt remain a considerable time amongst the Indians; perhaps spend my life there. These people are somewhat civilized. They are those who removed from Georgia.

  I wish you to inform me immediately what you think of this step. I would have written to you on the subject long since; but delayed for these following reasons. In my last letter, I promised to return the 10 dollars that I borrowed from you in the course of two or three weeks. I have not since received that amount; but waiting for it. I have delayed writing. Anxious however to know your advice I now write. As soon as I can get it, I will refund you the money. When you answer let me have the news; how is Holland doing? Gist? Henry? &c. How is it with your soul? Do not let the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word. Give my respects to all my friends and acquaintances. You need not mention the matter on which I ask your advice, to any.

I am your affectionate son                     W^m G. Barnett

Sam Barnett Esq.

Transcription: © Melanie Hamilton 2005