Polly Kinnan's Letter
Mary "Polly" (Lewis) Kinnan was abducted by Indians from her home in Richmond Co., VA, in 1791.Her husband Joseph Kinnan was killed in the attack.After more than 2 years in captivity Mary was able to write to her brother Jacob Lewis who was able to rescue her.Mrs. Kinnan later applied for her husband's Revolutionary War pension.The pension file includes the following letter.I was unable to make out just a few of the words.
Miamies River 29th July 1793
Dear Brother,
This is the only opportunity I have embraced since I have been taking by the Savages to aquaint you of my Situation which be well afraid? Is very miserable, However I hope after you here from me that your Generosity will in some measure ___? To relieve me from my present miserable Situation, I would have wrote you sooner but knowing of no Safe opportunity till this present one or you may depend, I would have acquainted of my case before now, which I hope you will take into Consideration ___? For me which if you do depend Shall always be remembered by me, If you undertake to come or send for me which I sincerely wish you would The way I advice you to take for your Safety will be the ___? That the Commissioners from the States came, which comes thro the Genessee Country to Niagara, and from thence you can come to Detroit with Safety and enquire there of Mr. Robt. Abbott where you will get intelligence where I am, I have another thing to request of you which is you was at the House when I was taken, to endeavour to take my children in your Care which I left behind as I am afraid they are left destitute of the world which that ___? Things displeases me much, In Case that you should mistrust that this letter is not from me, or that perhaps my long absence from home should any ways entice you to imagine that I am not your Sister, I shall inform you that I am the wife of Joseph Kinnan, Dear Brother ___? Write? You more Fully of the Hardships I have undergone since I have been taken, but my situation ___? Me so much that I cannot explain myself in as Satisfactory a manner as I could wish, I have been this long time Expecting that peace would take place? In expectation of getting home but the times are so precarious that I am quite discouraged, You will observe that I lived at Tigres Valley in Randolph County in Virginia therefore that I hope will convince fully who I am I am as good health as my Situation can afford, hoping you are so likewise which is the Sincere wish of your Loving Sister
Mary Kinnan
Dr. Brother give my compliments to my Father Mother & all the Family
Yours Sincerely
Mary Kinnan