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John Catlett letter to Thomas Catlett(1664 April 1)

  • MS 1931.16
  • Microfilm: M-1561
  • Transcript: TR/00/1664/Apr 1

John Catlett, Sittingborne, Rappahannock River Virginia writes his cousin, Thomas Catlett, Hollingborne, Kent , England, about status of a personal debt, about the poor crop yields (including tobacco) and about problems with neighboring Indians: the Potomac Indians have killed some Englishmen and blamed other Indians. Actual murderers were captured but were set free at their trial by Governor Berkeley. Catlett has decided not to seek the “west sea” at this time. He has written an almanac and given copies to Berkeley and Secretary Thomas Ludwell. Includes cipher to say that he has been made “President of the Court.” Concludes with family news and comments on the state of the Church in England. Advises that letters be sent only in certain ships that go directly to the Rappahannock River.

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