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Samuel Jackson to Sarah Jackson
Clifton July 18th 1858
Dear ma
I wrote you a few lines last week saying I would write a letter more lengthy this week but I fear I cannot write as much as I wish. one thing I have nothing of interest to write, And another it is so very warm I can scarsely keep my chair. And what makes it worse I am confined to my mosquito house And not a breath of air. I feel the heat more this evening than any time this year it is very oppressive. we have had but few mosquitos until the last few days And they are now as bad as any time last year, we will have them now, till cold weather. if Pa was here now, I think he would have some excuse to return, and pay me a very short visit. since I am to think of it he has never seen them at their worst stage.
I have just come in from having the runaway negro that I spoke of some time since confined. Billy just called me out and I found the negro waiting to see me. he says the mosquito's are so bad he can not stand them And begs me to take him to his master. I did not know but that it was one of his tricks so I had him tied And is now here at the house with two of the men by him till morning. I will then have him taken up to his master.
I am glad he has come in for I had determined to kill him at first sight. I caught him last week, I could see his foot print every day, and I sit up for him till 12 and one oclock and then take a little Knap and get up a gain before day but could never see him. so I got Davy to get him at his house, or rather behind his house. I concealed my self and waited till he came, about