Here's a transcription of the letters in the images below. If you see an error, please email me to note the change.  The images I will add below.

Mullins, S.C.
May 2, 1962.

Dear Cousin Claiborne,

I am indeed sorry to hear of the illness in your family. I hope Cousin Helen is much improved by now. Rupert, my husband, and I keep on the go for which we are very thankful. We were fortunate to escape the flu and colds that were so prevalent during the past winter.

I did appreciate your letter. I have not been able to secure any more information on our McDonald forebears. I used to hear my father say his "grandfather (who was Angus) came over, when he was a small boy," so it could be his parents came with him.

Mrs. Huggins wrote me "Since Angus was born 1769-1770 named a son Neil, this would probably be considered alongside that of Angus above." She had reference to the 1790 Census of Richmond County. Angus would have been over 16 years of age in 1790 and the following McDonalds are listed in Richmond Co. males over 16.

Neil McDonald - 4 males over 16 including head
2 " under 16
2 females including head

Angus McDonald - 2 males over 16 including head
1 " under 16
3 females including head

Zacharial McDonald - 2 males over 16 including head
3 " under 16
5 females including head
7 Slaves

Neil McDonald - 4 males over 16 including head
2 males under 16
4 females including head

(This may have been the same Neil as above)

So you see our great grandfather could have been a son of either of the above. I wish we could find out. Mrs. Huggins could find for me his marriage record. However, William Buchanan's will in Book 1 page 199 written Sept. 29, 1817 and probated in 1818 in Richmond County Courthouse names as one of his children Catharina (spelled Cathrin) wife of Angus McDonald.

I believe the McDonald who did live in Bennettsville was J.D. McDonald, I read it in J.A.W. Thomas' "History of Marlboro County." He went there as a "very polished salesman" and was associated with others in operating a store. According to this history the business grew after he became a partner. When I again get a chance I shall re-read what it has to say. Whose son was he? You say he was your uncle, was he Angus' son or Neil's son?

I believe I've heard my father say his uncle Neil was red-headed. Is this true? We have a grand-daughter who has beautiful red hair. I like to think that perhaps it came from Uncle Neil.

I shall keep on working and if I find any information I shall pass it on to you. I am so interested in the compilation you are making on our family and will appreciate a copy when you can send me one. Studying family lines is slow work but such rewarding work!

I enjoy it so much and for the past year (I had major surgery a year ago) it has meant a great deal to me.

Thank you for writing me. My best regards to all your family. Write me again. I'd love to hear.

Sincerely,
Estalena McDonald Goodyear