Letter to Robert Pleasants, 1793-01-09

              1st Mo. 9th 1793
Dear Friend 
I was favourd with thine of 12th mo 14gh 1792 (three days ago) 
which I have read to satisfaction, as also the publication with respect to 
slavery, which I think with thee is a performance with respect to 
gainsayers, who are too numerous, I met with a many of that sort who 
proposed to sign the Petition; but very few who had Negros in Possession would  
sign however some did. Perhaps I was too scrupulous, in offering it. I [?] 
endeavourd to get housekeepers of charractor to sign; I left the Petition [?]
Lusburg with Sammuel Murry a merchant (and a Methodist a wellwisher to the [?] 
who expected to obtain a number of Signs he kept it, so long prevented my 
getting it to Goose Creek monthly meeting or friends there, for whin 
I got from his hands I was obliged to send it down. I now intend to comply 
with thy Request as far as I can in getting morofully signed, and also draw 
copy or copys to Hopewell [ye.?]. I was up at Hopewell a short time before 
I sent it, upon Inquiry among friends there, that they had not seen or heard 
of any Petition [offerd?] in them parts, as I expected one had been sent to 
most countys, I have not heard of any was sebt to Alexandria in Fairfax 
County, I will Inquire, and do what my little capacity may afford, to 
promote that riteous cause, which I am in the faith will not fall
[?] in [?] and finally determine in favour of these oppressed People. 
I saw the memorial from your Yearly Meeting it was 
printed in our Alexander paper. it was well drawn and met 
my approbation. About three years ago I attcked the magistrates 
of our court upon the subject of the hat, upon which they submitted and 
from that time we have had [jore?] Liberty to be in court, do our business 
[?] at the bar, as witness, or Jurymen, with the hat on no ways molested. 
I desire to ne kindly remembered to thy son to Tho. Pleasant and Peggy and others in thy Freedom 
and am thy [assured?] Friend. 
John Hough
NB I think if those Kentucky Pamphlets was spread they might be [?] JH.