Fayetteville Dec. 6th 1844Dear Sister,
Your favor of Aug. 15th was rec'd in due time and I immediately commenced making my arrangements to get & forward to you the money agreeable to your request, but in two day sI was taken violently sick with the fever which has prevailed in this country during the past season. When the violence of my illness subsided I began to think about answering your letter but I had not the money and was not able to attend to the means of getting it. I consequently delayed writing hoping I should soon be able to get the money and send you but I have still been disappointed. I am very sorely afflicted with tha tmost disagreeable of all complaints the fever & ague. I also received your letter of Oct 5th and still delayed from the aucse above named until I have become so anxious to write you that I have concluded to write without the money. But you will perhaps think it strange that I cannot at any time command so small an amt of money as you wish. Our business is done in this country almost entirely by way of the exchange of commodities. I get but very little money here but take the products of the country in exchange for goods which I take to Louisville and sell for money or exchange for more goods but I have not been to Louisville yet this fall nor can I go until I get clear of this shaking for it completely innerves [?] me and renders me unfit for either business or pleasure and every thought that I put down here (if indeed there be such a thing here) seems more to have been drawn from a Pumpkin than from a set of human brains, which fact by the way I need not have written. However I am in hopes the cold weather will drive it off and I shall feel like myself again.
You would ask why I stay in this sickly country. I answer that it does not seem very sickly. The fault of my illness is more my own than the [word missing] or the climate. I am more than usually successful in my exertions to secure a little property to enable me to pay off some of my debts and I exert myself beyond my ability. And I feel that I am making an old man of myself even before I have reached the prime of life.
And here let me say that as I know not how much longer I have to spend on this earth I wish you would send me the exact date and amt of the note you have against me and I will make you a mortgage on real estate that will render you amply secure if I should be called away without paying you. I am very [anxious?] to see you and all our dear friends and I still "live in hopes." But I expect to write you again in 3 or 4 weeks by which time I hope to recover my senses a little and will endeavor to give you a more particular acct of ourselves. Give our love to all friends and accept for yourself our best wishes for you present and eternal happiness.
Affectionately
Your Bro.
Wm. Clark