Catherine Crommelin Letter #141
Catherine Crommelin - Jean(?) de la Chambre Jr. - Jean de la Chambre - Robert Oursel Jr.Mother: 26 December 1693
Received: 10 January 1694
Replied: February 15Au Havre
26 December 1693I've had your letter for some time and meant to write you, my dear son, but I fear that others aren't in as much pain as I am and, alas, you didn't hear anything from me. Thus you learned somewhat late of the news that God unfortunately put to rest your brother Oursel. That's why I pray God that He shortens my days, so I won't have to suffer much longer. The good Lord has been against me in taking my dear children, two in 3 years. The last one leaving no children. However he regarded his little ones like they belonged to him. I was bitterly opposed to that miserable voyage for their sakes. This poor boy always claimed that he had many debts and that with God's help they would be retired from everyone should their affair go well. Also I'm told that he made them his heirs. Therefore, my dear son, don't be alarmed. God will permit all kinds of hardship from time to time.
As for your cousin Jean de la Chambre, it was he who proposed to your brother to undertake this miserable voyage, he having given his son as a partner, sending the two poor boys to live in that cursed country (Jamaica) which is the tomb of all the world. The desire of your brother wasn't at all to work for him but a desire, with the help of God, to raise up his house again. Our thoughts are not at all those of God. He put the poor son too early into his eternal rest. He leaves me to mourn with a broken heart and sees me shamed by your brother who had the inheritance of your dear father. He reminded me of a small fire. He was in a hurry and toward the end he spoke only of making a fortune.
Monsieur de la Chambre also cast his eyes on your dear father, closing his office and making an inventory of all the furniture and merchandise. Your brother had very bad advice from a braggart who wanted to be well known. This will not at all excuse your brother for the injury which he did me since he was a lazy person who only wanted to work on things that pleased him. It wasn't enough for him to be in possession of the goods of your sister Garelin, he went on to impoverish me by demanding my bread. I have enough trouble existing by being thrifty in light of the big changes taking place in the world which are weighing us down, especially the poor Huguenot who is burdened as much as can be. We can only endure by the grace of God.
For two months Mr. Oursel has been at Rouen. On the death of his son I had him go there in the fear that he might sink under the affliction and wish to be alone. He assures you, as I do, that death to him will be welcome. He is mortified and laments bitterly to everyone at Rouen.
My dear son, my letter on New Year's Day is to wish that God keeps you, your family and my daughter, your wife, in his divinity that you might go in all His ways, and enjoy much prosperity with blessings from heaven and earth, and that He might give us plenty of joy. Blessings always. These are my wishes which I have for you from God with all my heart. Please remember me to my 2 orphan darlings, and your child with love from me. I greet you affectionately. I am, your affectionate mother...
Catherine Crommelin
Post Script:
I received the letter you wrote me already some time ago. Monsieur, my dear brother, I thank you for the amity that you have kindly expressed and which I ask you to continue, also my sister, your dear Moitie. Be assured that mine will continue for the rest of my life. I wish you all sorts of blessings in the course of the year that will soon begin, as well as for all the others in which I pray God, Jesus gives plenty of joy and prosperity. I embrace you along with my sister and your small family. I am your very affectionate sister...
Marie Oursel
