William Byrd II to John Custis
7 February 1711[/12]
Call number: Mss1 C9698a 9

Transcription:
Dear brother
February the 7th, 1711 [/12]
I do take every thing to be upon honor between us, and tho the last article concerning all manner of effects in England woud secure me in the affair of Whitchurch, yet I was willing to clear up every doubt between us to avoid all shaddow of controversy. As to my sisters fears concerning the debts due to Col. Parke in Virginia, as they were no part of my thoughts when we made the articles, so I shoud never have claimd them: but do think as you do, that they shou'd go towards defraying the charges of the estate. Tis only those in England, and out of Virginia that I shall pretend to, and therefore the debt due from the country on account of the town land is at my sisters service. There is one thing which I doubt not but you will believe I meant, which is, that if you have sent for any goods from England either for the Negros or for the house, they must be all upon your account (and you must pay for them) and not chargd to me, for I have engag'd to pay no debts but those contracted by Col. Parke and chargd by his will on the estates in England & Virginia, and am freed from paying any debts contracted in your time. I am also intitled to all the cropps already sent to England without any defalcation of a fifth part for your care in manageing the estate. I hope your intention was the same with mine in these particulars, that so there may not be the least jarr between us: but to have things plain and clear is necessary on both sides, and I can protest I will pretend to nothing that was not my true meaning at the signing our articles, without any gripeing or surprize. But in a matter of this weighty consequence we ought perfectly to understand one another. When we meet we will settle all things, and I hope your health will be re-establisht by Munday, that we may meet at the place appointed. I thank you for your care about settling the plantation at Mount Folly, and for your kindness in leeving your miller til I can be provided. Col. Duke writes word, he will send Green to you, who it seems wants a boy to wait on him, which I will never agree to. It seems the man servd John Bates last, who gives him anill character, which perhaps may be just but however youll please to talk with him about it. However if the mill can be well sold it will be best for me. I suppose by your agrement with Charles Fleming, I may carry one along with me to conduct the Negro to Falling Creek forthwith, where I very much want him. I send my sister some fish by Tom, and have directed him by my brother Dukes to call for some silkgrass-seed, because my brother was not at home when he went last. I meet with some difficultys in the papers, which I will get you to explane to me at our meeting til when I recommend you my sister and the little puppet to the Divine protection, and am with great affection / dear brother / your most obedient humble / servant / W Byrd.
Our peticoats send their service.