Regards From Edward

Jamestown

September 15, 1607

Dearest Brother,

               

It has been long since I received your last letter, I hope everything is fine back home. How is Mother? Is Emily working on her music? Most important, how are you?

            I have been on my best mood lately, and so has Cedric. Perhaps due to the event that occurred two days ago: we were elected to be a part of the House of Burgesses! It was such a spontaneous request, and Cedric’s negative comments kept us both doubtful, and yet we were chosen! Sometimes I can see Cedric’s eyes watery with tears of joy, although he denies it.

            Speaking about Cedric, he sends his regards to all of you, and misses you terribly. We have been getting along so well lately, that sometimes I think that coming here was a great idea. Ever since I extricated him from a discussion with Captain Smith about his new idea; “He who does not work, does not eat”, he sees me more as a brother who is there to protect him, rather than a boss who only commands him. Cedric was in favor with the rule, and worked very hard for the settlement, but others opposed to it, and so he complained about them. It was a minor argument, but Smith’s rules do have to be obeyed, he does have the right to and imperative attitude.

            Some men in the settlement however, disobey to the rules. They are thoroughly despicable from Cedric’s and my point of view. They succumb to a lazy attitude which has pervaded thought the others. Their disposition consists in guile towards the youngest to encompass them into their poor working group. Those parasites think that Smith is oblivious to their lack of work, but Smith is no fool. He favors those who work hard, like Cedric and I, and honestly, we have forged a good friendship.

            After a few days, Smith’s point was made clear. Everyone was working, whether chopping wood, digging for gold, exploring or farming, there was not a single man who did not sweat. And soon more fortune crossed our way. John Rolfe had found out that we could grow tobacco as a cash crop. It grows almost on any kind of soil and we have been cultivating it on enormous quantities. Later after that, the idea of burgesses came to mind.

            So in business we are doing well, we have hard working people, riches, money coming in, and finally, we can make our own decisions with us, the burgesses. Yet there is something that has been ripping me apart slowly, day by day ever since we set sail. Thomas, brother, I want Rose to read this next paragraph:

           

Beloved Rose, I know you miss me, I miss you too. I don’t know how I have managed to live without you, but I know it must be hard on you too. That is why I must make this message concise. I’m fine, work is hard, but every day we improve. I am as healthy as a horse if that makes you calm, and I want you to remember that I love you. The agony of having to wake up without you by my side is excruciating. It won’t be long before women will be allowed to come, and then we will no longer be separated. You have my heart, for I have left it with you. I love you and I miss you.

            Well Thomas, I suppose this is all. Cedric will send a letter of his own; he says it would make mine look pathetic next to his. Thank Emily for the lovely anthology of poems she dedicated to me, and tell her I love her. Do keep an eye on her, for she is your responsibility as the man of the house now. Give mother a kiss for me, do what she tells you and take good care of her too. Thomas, I forgive you. I know you never meant any harm. I love you, and god I miss you. Have a happy birthday, Thomas and enjoy your present.

                                                                                              Sincerely,

                                                                                                              Edward.