John Folson Moses

Letter to Children

Mr dear children:

I was indeed much gratified to see by the Register that The Bible Society of Knoxville presented to each soldier when about to leave the city, officers & privates, each a copy of the New Testament. Such a Act is praiseworthy and I trust approved of the God of Heaven & Earth. It lead me to think of the parting, with your grandfather, grandmother, Gt. Grandmother, Brothers & sisters. And also with your dear departed Mother. Although it was previous to our Marriage, Your Grandmother & Grandfather Pearson & family in 1814. When at one hours notice the company of Artillery to which I was attached volunteered to defend out coast. We were then with another Company in Exeter . Mustered into the State Service, under the Command of Gov. John Taylor Gilman. I placed my bible in my knapsack, and found it a source of great consolation to me, while retiring for meditation and prayer I could read undisturbed its Glorious truths and also in my tent I could read and lend it to those of my comrades who were disposed to read it.

I feel very grateful my Oldest Son left with me the Original painting (although it of right belongs to you, Miniature of Your dear Mother. Often vary often do I look at it and Hang it up in my sleeping room.. Never can I forget her, the Companion of my youth. The Mother of My Children.. The first of our number to enter the Mansions which the Savor has prepared for those who love him. Oh, it seems as if I hear the Savor Saying unto Surviving parent and children, ‘Be thou faithful also unto Death, and I will give to each of you a Crown of Life" Every day and hour do I think of the Departed Wife and Mother, whom we all loved so much, Yet I never knew her worth, until her last Sickness and since she has left us. Yet I cannot wish her back. Your glorified Mother fell asleep in Christ, August 10, 1844.

I shall still bear in mind the Church of Knoxville, the Meeting house and all your temporal & spiritual interest. I have been somewhat unwell for a day or two. Yet a dose of Richardsons Bitters has, as it did James, relieved me and I feel somewhat better. Your Uncle Lanes Youngest Child is quite sick with Scarlet fever. Your Aunt Henrietta is quiet feeble, she has gone to Newbury Port on a short visit to return to receive Mr. Jewett, Dora & the Children from Richmond, Va. about the 20th of July.

I expect to be able to forward a package by Vessel to Charleston, S. Carolina about the middle of July for you. I do hope my dear Children that the Lord will bless you with his Spirit in the conversion of sinners and in establishing you in the principles of the Gospel.

Give my kindest love to each dear Child. Parents, Brother Sears, Susans sisters Brothers in law. Coz. F. Gould and every member of your family. We have had to day a pleasant Sabbath. Good Sermons, Plain Gospel truth May the Lord make it effectual in good to precious Souls

Your Affectionate Father.

John Moses

The visit of my Son I shall enjoy in grateful remembrance while life shall last. Glad, very glad are we all that it was in his power in the providence of God to visit his Fathers home and his Mothers Grave. And I could hardly realize that he was gone until last Monday, when I suppose he left Dora at Richmond Va., Well His home at Tenn, is dearer to him and duty where binds him closer than at Exeter. The Will of the Lord will be done. Yes My Sons, then labor for Christ and for precious Souls and may God bless you all for time and for Eternity.

Your father,

J.F. MOSES

• Reference: FamilySearch Family Tree - SmartCopy: Apr 17 2017, 23:30:38 UTC