Harry Reynolds

Josie was still very ill so I was responsible for taking the children to school today. It was surprisingly stressful to get them ready to go, I wonder how my wife manages everyday. It took quite a bit of time, but soon they were all ready to go be educated. So, I then sent them off to school. By then it was midday, my usual farming time was now shortened. I spent the rest of the day in the fields before picking up my children from school and taking them home. They informed me of the things they learned in school. Liam and Phillip learned how to be mannerful, while Edward, the older one, read a book. Constance and Sara learned how to write while Alice and Edith, the older ones, were taught more prayers. Josie and I were proud of how much they’ve learned. She’s hasn’t gotten any better however, and the baby is expected to be arriving in less than a month’s time! The children and I are very worried for Josie and the baby. Everyone, please pray for my wife’s fast recovery and safe birth of my next child!

Another great day of harvesting! I’ve collected a variety of different crops that will supply us with enough to last 2-4 years! There was especially a variety of corn, peas, pumpkins, grain, and potatoes. Now we will never go hungry! I also would like to apologize for my inactivity recently, since my wife’s baby is coming soon but she’s fallen very ill now and harvesting season was approaching, things has been quite busy. I am praying for my wife’s quick recovery. On the bright side of things, this year has been wonderful in terms of harvesting. Some of the other farms, however, were not so fortunate. They had most of their plants either stolen or destroyed. Farming life is mostly dependent on hard work and caution. If the farm is properly taken care of, it won’t be long until it all goes to waste. This is one of the main reasons why I spend most of my time in the fields, and why you should too. 

Today, I was sent to retrieve some new materials from Albany, which was indeed a wonderful experience. There was something I heard of called the Zenger Trial. Supposedly, someone named John Peter Zenger attacked Governor William Cosby and the corrupt government and was jailed for his ludicrous actions in a libel suit. However, during his trial, Andrew Hamilton defended him, therefore then the trial was successful and now newspaper writers are more encouraged to write more honestly. I’m glad that this happened so now we can be well-informed about what’s happening around us since it’s now more honest and credible. I informed my wife about this and Josie agreed. Thank goodness Zenger stepped in and wrote the truth, or we would still be reading the lies written in the newspaper.

Then, usually my wife will send my children off to school to be educated, however sometimes I must do it if she is unable to. I then later, I sell my crops to earn shillings for the family. However, I spend most of the day in the fields to ensure that the crops grow nicely and are in good condition. Since my land has some of the richest and most fertile soil in all of the colonies, we produce some of the best potatoes, pumpkins, peas, and overall crops. The southern colonies, their tobacco, and their low quality crops cannot even compare to our fresh, high-quality produce. Our family also occasionally attends church on Sundays. I also sometimes participate in horse-racing and shooting contests. I’m excellent in the horse-racing contests and win first place almost every time. However, I struggle in the shooting contests, my aim and coordination is not the strongest. These activities are still enjoyable and they’re also a good way to meet my friends. My wife also likes to occasionally attend weaving contests, and she always brings back the most interestingly woven pieces she’s created during her time there. Everyday is a new day, however, and this only describes a typical day of my life. 

I used to own indentured servants, but they were far more difficult to manage. We had to pay for their trip here, give them a wage, food, shelter, and they only worked for a certain period of time, according to their contract. Slavery is more efficient because they work without expense and work for the rest of their pathetic life. Now that I have slaves working for me, life has been much more productive and I was able to afford more tools and other things for my plantation and family. In conclusion, forget the indentured servants, just own slaves, they save your time and money.

Today, my wife was educating my daughters, Edith, Constance, Sara, and Alice, in the art of sewing, whilst I taught my sons, Liam, Edward, and Phillip, how to work in the fields since they will soon inherit this land from when I retire. This was a great opportunity to show my sons how to be a successful farmer and true man. They were delighted to learn about how I tended to the crops and to earn shillings to support the family. Edward and Phillip were interested in how to tend and care for the crops and raise the animals, however, Liam was more interested in how I sell my crops to the people. I’m especially proud of my sons and their hard work today, which will eventually lead them to become great, successful men. When I arrived back in the house, my daughters presented me with this beautifully crafted scarf, red in color and smooth in fabric. I wore the scarf and admired its rich color and warmness. I am also exceptionally proud of my daughters who have come so far and I cannot wait to see them become remarkably outstanding women.

Yours Truly, Harry Reynolds.