1815 Letter to Captain Horace Field from Father

Phelps, New York, 1815. Good. Short tears, toning, dust soiling.. Addressed to "Captain Horace Field of the District of Columbia and State of Virginia" from his father, Oliver Field (1751-1820). The letter begins with a meditation on death, referencing his son's proximity to it in wartime: "You have seen and heard of many falling in your parts in the arms of death where they are consigned to the Silent grave returning to dust again ... I have seen your mother bid me an earthly farewell [as well]". He goes on to record comforting lines of verse for those who are in mourning. He discusses scripture, and reports of his own poor health, and dedicates the remainder of the letter addressing his grandson, thanking him for his letter and urging him to be a good boy. Bifolium measuring 12.5" by 7.5" Captain Horace Field (1775-1840) lived in Phelps, New York, before moving to Alexandria, Virginia in 1806 where he became engaged in the tobacco business. He commanded a company of militia during the War of 1812. He lost nearly all his property in war after it was burned by the British.