"A.W." to "deer frind," 20 September 1800.  

September 20: 1800

deer frind

Tel jacob at john Williams johny is taken up and wil be hanged i is afraid- so all you in gloster must keep still yet- brother X will come and prech a sermont to you soon, and then you may no more about the bissiness. i must be killed if the white peple catch me and carry me to richmon

i am your tru frind

A.W.

Gloucester sc.

This day Wm. Morgain came before me & made Oath that he picked up the above Letter in the road between leading from Gloucester Ct. House and Ware Neck yesterday given under my hand this 2nd. day of October 1800

Thos. Booth

[Addressed on reverse to "To Mr B.H. / Gloster"]

Governor's Office, Letters Received, James Monroe, Record Group 3, Library of Virginia.