From George Latimer   March 20th 1844

Newtown Gore¹ | March 20th 1844.

My dear John,

I have waited some time patiently to hear from you, and post after post arrives without anything from Leighlin Bridge. I was waiting to hear from you, before I would write, but do now think it better do so that it may prevent any unpleasantness that may occur, and first ‘hear me for my cause’.² T’was with no peaceable feelings on the part of my friends that I engaged in my American struggle³ heretofore, being saluted on all sides by this phrase ‘I think that you are too hasty, and should wait at least 12 months at home, ere you would engage in such an adventure, for we are persuaded that when you become known to the gentry of the country, you will have perhaps more to do than you will be able to attend to and you know, that you have not been more than 1 year at home for the last 10 years. How then can you expect yourself to be recognized by gentlemen to whom you are a comparative stranger? Again if you go I just give you one twelve months, until you are back again, for with all the experience you have from those who have been in America, and now from those that are in it, in various parts you cannot boast of one solitary exception, where you can say “there is encouragement for me”, and it would ill become you to be compelled to set aside all the drawing instruments &c with which you are surrounded, and take up the spade and shovel’. Now I say that I battled with those objections as a man struggling for liberty, and longing to be set free, with this only advantage – that I might go if I would, but mark the consequences. So that after all my fondly cherished hopes of accompanying one who is dear to me, yes dearer I would say than any other beyond my brother, must relinquish my hold, and struggle for liberty amongst this people for another 12 months and then, if I am not satisfied with my advances, I may with all freedom of will spread my sails, and steer my barque⁴ for America, for as the whole matter of my opposition is contained in this ‘past counsel past grace’.⁵ My dear John I know not what may be your opinion of me, but one thing I know, and which I solemnly declare, that I never excited expectations in your breast relative to my going with you that I did not intend to see fully carried out, until transatlantic shores should seal the truth of our long cherished hopes and most faithful intentions. I cannot well describe myself to you, you may be very much displeased with me, but weigh those circumstances and consider that though my father⁶ would not prevent me if I were sure of getting anything after I would go, but the thought of not getting employment caused him to calculate for me and to conclude that it is more expedient for me to wait this year, and sound the country well. That there may be no cause of complaint hereafter concerning this gentleman, or that, who may have very considerable work to survey and had I taken my father’s advice, I would run a fair chance for it. I am utterly at a loss what to say more seeing that you will be so disappointed in my not going, and would it be inconsistent if I dare ask, for you to come down to Newtown,⁷ at the time formerly specified. If not, it is not improbable but I shall see you in Liverpool, as a friend of mine wants me to go there for him on a certain business, but if you would think well of coming you would be as welcome as the flowers of May.

I had a letter from Phil⁸ concerning the cash which he said he could not make payable to me sooner than June next. Now if you will oblige me, and honour me so far, in taking that sum which I have no doubt but he can get for you, before your departure, you will confer upon me a great kindness, the sum is £1-10s. I know a little of you! Don't be ruffled at my bequest and till I hear from you which I hope shall be shortly I subscribe myself

As ever your affectionate | George Latimer.

RI MS JT/1/TYP/11/3744-3745

LT Transcript Only