Boonesborough 30th Decm. 1779
My dear Salley
You will I fear think how that I after all the promises made to return to you in six weeks, if possible, have already spent ten weeks and cannot possible leave this place in less than two weeks from this time. And yet my Dear you may believe me when I assure you that I have done all that was in the power of man to doe, the six weeks was run out before I could git to this place and when my horses was so poore and low that I had not one in the world able to travele. I have now got them in away to thrive a little, and if please God I can git in a situation to preform the journey, will be with you about the last of January. I had sot a resolution when Capt. Pain left me to return by the way of Cumberland, but the extream coldweather, together with nakedness of myself and people and the poverty of my horses has obliged me to decline that notion and intrust my affairs to Col. Moore and Col. Henderson who are to go down about the time I set of Inn...My people tho allmost quight naked has had (I thank God) but few complaints among them. I have till now been very well myself and even now have no other complaint that a bad cold -I got no cattle all out except three, two of which dyed by eating Laurel and the other was lost I know not how -Altho I expect it will be very difficult wintering of them being reduced very low by their journey, as for our sheep I think we have but about one half of them to show and the wolf very severe on them. I expect to save very few or none of them and as for our horses Wm. Shearing I suppose told how they were situated when he left me and I expect (though am not sure) that I have lost my best mare and colt since -My cornfields I found in very bad order being near or quight half destroyed by the creatures and vermin and what remains is yet lying in heeps in the field exposed to weather and vermin yit I think we shall save enough to serve us here and spare some to go round to Cumberland which I shall indeavour to contrive there by the time we get down -I shall refer you to Majr. Shelby for the news of this place and I would recommend it to you to apply to him for his advise and assistance in the management of your affairs espetially that of procuring provisions which you I know must have been bad off for. I am in haste & much thronged with Company this morning which occasions me to cut my letter short, which I beg you'l excuse and believe me to be yours, Most Sincerely
Natl. Hart
