Letter from Abraham Stites to Andrew Mitchell, dated December 14, 1811
[Complete transcript:]
Dear brother
I have the melancholy task of informing you that my father, brother John & Cousin Isaac C. Gano have all departed this life within six weeks past—My father died at his house in Geo.town on 10th Instant with considerable resignation—he had been laboring under severe illness at intervals for about three months past, & was taken off rather unexpectedly by a severe inflamation in his stomach which lasted but about 26 hours—he left his affairs in much confusion & under great embarrasments, he left no will that can yet be found, & I am of opinion that he did not leave property sufficient to pay his just debts,-his widow & her children will not however be much distressed, as they had a considerable separate estate.—My brother’s family consisting of his widow & two children are also well provided for in a similar way—You will please to communicate this intelligence to Mrs Bowering Mrs Bryant and our other relations in New York New York & its vicinity.—

With regard M A.Mitchell
Yours affectionately
Abm Stites 
G.town Dec 14 1811
[N.B. Georgetown, Kentucky]

[Transcription by Andrew Trotter who holds the original.]