I beg leave to represent to you the following account of your Brother Summer Adams, my late husband, and hope at the same time you will pardon my freedom.—he being a young Man at the time he left America, was taken prisoner, and was obliged to serve in His Majesty’s Service, under Sir Digby Dent & in the Repulse Captain Dumarie, during the years 1780.–81 & 82. ‘till the Peace, when he obtained his liberty and came to this Island, where he remained untill 24th: January, 1784. when we were Married at St. John’s Parish in this Island, and have the following Children.— (My Maiden name is Esther Barrette)

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who are all living:—the first is at Labradore Forto, Newfoundland, the other two are here. Summer is learning to be a Ship Carpenter, & John the Baking business.—I have done the best in my power to give them a little Education, but am sorry to say, they have but a small share of that very necessary requisite.—

In March 1793. my husband being then in the Merchants Service:—Mate of a Vessel, returning from the Spanish Market was taken prisoner by the French, and kept in their possession ‘till the 10th: December following, three Days after that he came back here he took the Small Pox, and Died the 20th: of the same Month, to my great grief & loss; since which time I have done the utmost in my power to support my Children, without the aid of any, except my own Friends.—

I received a Letter bearing date 25th: April 1801. from Penzance in Cornwall from my husband’s Nephew Atkins Adams, son of your Brother Thomas, who had heard of the Death of his Uncle my husband, which letter I answered, but never heard of this young man since, altho’ he said he wou’d endeavor to come to Jersey.—

Sir,

With a View of this being no deception I can obtain a Certificate from Gentlemen of respectability, that I were your Brother’s lawful Wife, and that the Children were born in lawful Wedlock, if you require it.—

I have therefore entered into this long Detail to give you that far a consolation of your late Brother, as well as for my own justification, at the same time beg you will take a Widow’s case into consideration, and any thing you may be pleased to do for me, will be gratefully acknowledged by / Sir, Your most Dutiful & very obedient / Servant and Sister in law