Autograph letter

YELLOW FEVER IN FAYETTEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA, 1822

ROBINSON, Dr. Benjamin (Old Ben) West (1775-1857). ALS to William Haswell, Esq., Post Master Bennington, Vermont, marked "Free." 1 ½ pp., folio + integral address-leaf. Fayetteville, North Carolina, November 9, 1822.

Dr. West Robinson moved to Fayetteville from Vermont, and built the family home, Monticello. According to his obituary in the Fayette Observer, "Dr. Robinson was formerly Mayor of this town; and Marshal of the U. S. for Florida, by appointment of President Monroe, which office he resigned. In 1825 he was appointed by Mr. Adams one of three commissioners to treat with the Southern Indians. In early life he enjoyed the acquaintance of Mr. Jefferson, for whose memory he ever cherished in sincerest regard. He enjoiyed fully the confidence of all classes and parties."

Robinson writes that he has been incapable to attend to any business "in consequence of an destinate Bilious intermittent Fever-for a few days past I have been better…It has pleased Heagen to take from me two of my family, Mrs. Pearce the Mother of Mrs. Robinson and ouir second son, William, a fine health boy in the 8th year of his age. He died on thed 1st of Octr. After an illness of only 2 days duration of the prevailing fever. We have had the most sickly season that I have ever known since I have been in this climate, and more Fatal cases. My sickness prevented me from going to Florida, and well that it did; I find from the accounts from Pensacola that almost the whole American population have died off with the Yellow Fever a disease rarely known there. My family which now consists of my wife & two children )the last and youngest) are none of them well. The little daughnter about 2 years old is quite ill, we entertain hopes of her recovery. I have not heard from Bennington for some time, I believe I have had no direct information since General Robinson's letter in Junme last. If your leisure will permit give me somewhat in detail the situation of our family & friends; in my reduced circumstances I can never expect to see them again…" Folded for mailing; blank piece cut out, presumably taking a wax seal. 84579