Colonial Williamsburg Digital Library

Lewis Burwell letter to Nicholson, 26 December 1702

Yo^rs of the 22^d instant have received by M^r Minge, by w^ch you do find you lay
several things to my charge I deserve not, which I could easily clear my self of
(were our circumstances alike), but since they are so different that I cannot answer
for my self in such words as I think I aut to do, were we on even grounds, I
must beg yo^r Excell^cys leave to be satisfied with my telling you that I am a loyal
Subject, an honest man, and one that hath always endeavoured to do my duty
to the utmost of my power, w^ch shall be the constant practice of

MS43.04: Francis Nicholson Papers
Lewis Burwell letter to Nicholson, 6 January 1703

Yo^rs of the 4^th instant have received by which you blame me for not sending
an answer to yo^rs of the 22^d last past, which would have been done, had it not
accidentally mett with a stop, but now accompanies this, it was not out of any Slight
or disrespect to yo^r Excellency that occasioned my not sending an answer, but it is as aforced
Neither am I guilty in the least of any of these things you charge me with in relation to
my forcing my daughter to have M^r Barkly, nor my inviting you from Glocester Court
to my house on purpose to affront you, Yo^r Excell^cy must remember that I have often
told you that I left my daughter to make her own choice as to a husband, And as for
my inviting M^r Barkley on that acco^tt who ever told you that Story, I do aver
its a Notorious untruth, for he nor I have not had one word in relation to such
thing this 18 moneth, nor would I be guilty of such a horrible peice of Cruelty
(for to gain a kingdom) as to force my daughter to marry ag^t her will to the best
man alive. And as to inviting you to my House on purpose to affront you, I cannot
conceive what Reason you have to think so, for I am satisfied my behaviour showed
no such thing, but since my civil intentions are so misconstrued, I hope I shall be
excused for future (if I endeavour not to affront yo^r Excell^cy in that manner
anymore, I hope this answer will be sufficient for what past & for the future
I intreat yo^r Excell^cy not to give yo^r self the trouble of writing or sending any more
messages to me on the Subject that occasions this answer, for writing is very troublesome
to me, but if yo^r Excell^cy hath any thing more to say to me (as you seem to say you have)
intreat you would be pleased to speak to me (when next I see you) And that you would
be pleased to give me leave to answer for myself which will oblige