Moses Jewett to David Jewett Massachusetts Letter

1799 WWeston Massachusetts Letter JEWETT Jaffrey NH MANN's TAVERN Item number: 300164522801


letter dated June 24, 1799 Weston, MA to David Jewett, Jaffrey, NH
Hand carried and in manuscript on the delivery side
"To be left at Mann's Tavern"

Letter is from Moses Jewett to David Jewett, his brother. He mentions wishing to send his Horse to New Ipswitch within three or four weeks when he'll be arriving there and to ride to David's house. He desires to have Mr. Crosby informed and have the horse sent there and "take care of her."

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John H Greider Civil War Letter

1862 Manchester Tenn illustrated soldiers letter Ebay Item number: 280165030665


Manchester August 3rd from
John H Greider- no unit designation, to his sister.
I am no at Manchester Tennessee near the mountains-the rebels are with in 15 miles of us-we expect an...every day we have to stand ready for them-all the time we have a line of battle formed all the time day and night we have but very little rest now and besides that we have to go on picket duty every other night and besides that only half rashens-we have the hard times since we were in service-we are now detach to general smith devishen...to previde for his man like Negly did but I hope we will soon get to him again. but smith is a better general than negly is....the resen we got only half rashens was that battle at muffortsborro and the rebels burnd that bridge... you need not look for me insight a year. captured 1100 barrels of flower from the rebels at this town.

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Hannah Osborne in Keene, NH to David Jewett, Jaffrey, NH

Letter from From Hannah Osborne in Keene, NH to David Jewett, Jaffrey, NH. The letter, though with a Keene postal, is datemarked Paris, NY,
JULY 4TH 1803!
In Part:

From Hannah Osborne writing her brother and send her regards, tells him she intends to see him and Hannah asks David to "make me seventy or eighty dollars" They have an extraordinary chance to by a farm home if we can make out a first payment. "If not we shall go to into black river cuntry (sic) as we have taken up land there."

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Morriss family Letters of Lynchburg, Va

Spanning a time period beginning 1920 thru 1930, 5 envelopes addressed to various Morriss family members of Lynchburg, Va. There is family gossip and much talk of investing and financial dealings. Some of the letters are handwritten and some typed.

One sample letter reads: Jan. 26, 1926. Dear Sisters, I have been intending to write you a few lines since my return, but have been putting it off from day to day as I have had no news of interest to write. I found everybody pretty well on my return and went to Va. Beach last Friday and ate New Years dinner with the family. All of them were there and they had a nice turkey for dinner. Emerson and Meyer came that morning. We had a joint note from Louise this A.M. saying they were all well. They left here last Sunday for Baltimore. Don't ever refer to what I told you in regard to the history of Louis's case to Etta or any one as it was told me as a secret, and it will do no good now to stir it up, just let it be a thing of the past and don't let Louis know that you know it. I guess she suffered enough over the matter. There will be a big banquet at Monticello Hotel Friday night which will be $5.00 a plate. We will have some distinguished speakers such as Gov. Trinkle, Gov. elect Byrd, some of the Admirals and others as well as good music and I judge good eats. I have applied for a reservation. I suppose you have seen in the papers about the fire in the Governors mansion in Richmond from a Christmas tree, they are dangerous things after they have been in a heated house a few days, if they should catch on fire they will burn as fast as any thing saturated with kerosene Oil, and there is no way to put them out without great damage to your building by flooding with water, so you had better get yours out as quick as possible. We have had rain here for several days. It is not raining today but is very warm and bad weather for colds and Pneumonia. Montie has had a bad cold but think he is getting better. I am glad to say I have been free of one so far and am feeling fine. Love to Preston and all. Aff. Your brother, E.W. Morriss

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Rockbridge County Virginia, Mary T. Miller

ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY VA LETTER PLEA FOR WELFARE Item number: 190163133213


A woman named Mary T. Miller writes a poignant plea to a Rockbridge County board—probably for welfare assistance. Her writing is quite illiterate with many words misspelled.


“GENTLE MEN OF ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY WHO ATTEND TO THE POOR OF GOD’S EARTH: as I am one of that number, I hope you will do what is just and right by me as I am in bad health and can’t appear myself before you.

Please think of me one minute I waited on that sick(?) man that had known him whom was as helpless as an infant babe. If it was your mother or wife that lost her (?) 5 weeks and could not get rid of her burden, what would not you think this a just cause?

I am a mother of 4 little helpless children and a crippled husband. Please, I will be thankful for whatever you think right for me.
From Mary T. Miller
In care of my mother Margaret Thompson.
I hope you will accept her to tend to this for me.”

Written on reverse is “Mrs. Miller’s petition to board of O. D(?).


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Letter G. Barrington Richmond Pitkin

I found this interesting letter on Ebay. You can bid on it by following one of the links on this page.

“Great Barrington April 2, 183-

My Dear Budd,

In your last some three or four______ you said something very clever about a “brisk Correspondence” good! but the bad is you are so subject to changes…….As to Pegasus, he had done grandly without blanket or oats. One hundred lines more will make me four thousand, which work I tell you is grand or would be with a good sitting. You will hardly credit my judgment firstly on account of natural partiality, secondly writers of good judgment are known to be ill judges of their own works, and thirdly because I thought so well of my old poem. As to the former poem, I now see it but poor poetry but it has been an ample aid, a treasury where I had deposited many valuable and grand ideas and some as near original or will generally be found at the present day…….Well I say the poem is in a fine way, before it’s completion, I shall probably add a thousand lines more. 5,000 that will make a pretty volume. The subjects, as a work, are far from being trite, and it is connected in a chain something like Child Harold, which you pointed out for my imitation in plan. The Indian is the predominant character. I have added sixty more lines to the piece I sent you, which I think more lyric than the other stanzas. When you write make some remarks on these things that will aid me. I want much to know what your calculations are about coming home this summer, you must come here or I must go to you and fix the poem. I must have it prepared and out this year. I need the avails of it and I have no doubt it will win it’s way in the world and amount to something; though I am as still as a mouse. _______are impatient to have it out……..I am very sorry to inform you that Nash B. has not been home yet. Since he left here he has found bad associates and his “natural tastes” as you call it has got the ruins, and he has become in some measures intemperate, though he had persevered in abstinence for two years……..Summer’s have just lost a beautiful boy sixteen months old. I never saw any person so completely cut down at the loss of a little child as he is and I think the effect will be lastingly beneficial. The night before the funeral there were two watchers to watch with the corpse there. Summer called his family together with the watchers, knelt down and made a very fervent prayer with them, as one of the watchers stated. Should Summer be a Christian he would be one with all is might, he is an Episcopalian…….I don’t know what you do to these Northerners down there for they all tell one story and that is a mighty fine one. Tis monstrous queer to blind so many eyes! Nor fairy gold could bury so many lies……(More on Nash)……I have not once attended meetings since you left here nor has there been much meeting to attend…..Our villagers are making their move today. John Russet takes the tavern and Beebe’s move opposite Mr. Burts. Mrs. House keeps a boarding house in the brick building south of the tavern. She has been very dangerously sick but is getting better…….Doctor Rogers inquired the other day whether you were publishing a paper and said you promised to send him some numbers. Your ever affectionate mother M.B. Pitkin…..162 lines remember!”

David Jewett of Jaffrey, New Hampshire 1802

Burlington Vermont dated June 17, 1802. Addressed to David Jewett of Jaffrey, NH from Moses Jewett, his Brother. Letter regards enclosing a twenty dollar bank note, thinks the money was stolen in the mail – he just returned from Canada – Talks of supplying leather and a “load of harness and some bridle leather…and shall trade with then for the usual credit…” He sold his horse for sixty dollars…”


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HENRY WALLER LETTERS 1840s

HENRY WALLER SURVEYOR - 5 LETTERS - 1840S Item number: 260168648165

LETTERS PERTAINING TO HENRY WALLER - CIVIL ENGINEER IN NEW ORLEANS, ETC. - 1. Four Page Letter Dated July 7, 1843 New York - From Joseph Waller to Henry Waller at Donaldsonville, Paris of Ascension, La. - Regarding Family Matters - 2. Four Page Letter from Mother in New Orleans to Henry Waller at Land Office Donaldsonville, Dated March 16, 1845 - Family Matters - Caring for very sick daughter, etc. - 3. Letter Postmarked "Steam 5" - Addressed to Henry Waller - State Engineers Office - New Orleans, Dated March 9, 1846 - On Steamer Clinton From Brother William - Regarding Survey Business & Prospects for work - 4. Letter Addressed to Henry Waller, Asst. State Engineer, New Orleans - Baton Rouge - Dated March 20.1846 with "Steam 5" Cancellation Postmark - Regarding Family Matters & Surveying Business - 5. Draft of a Letter to Hon. Henry Johnson, Washington City - from Henry Waller for appointment of Survey General of Louisiana - Mentions references of General Taylor and his experiences of three and half years etc.

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BAILEY & CHANDLER FAMILY LETTERS FROM MAINE

1861+ ANTIQUE MAINE FAMILY LETTER LETTERS COLLECTION
PRAYER MEETINGS - AMPUTATION - BAILEY & CHANDLER FAMILY Item number: 330171237595

Handwritten Maine Family Letters - Correspondence. Most To: "Dear Sister" Janette Bailey Chandler. Most from: "Sister Nancy" Bailey. Some from Sands Bailey, Daggett & Others. Most from Cambridge Maine. a few from Amesbury, Green Corners and other Maine locations. 1861 - 1889. Most in 1870s. Mentions In Part: Anne did not come with us. She did not wish to leave Maine, therefore stopped at Lewis Woods in Winthrop giving lessons on the Melodrum - Headstones - Prayer Meetings - Wm Collins suicide - Making over our old dresses - It seems to bad when so near and you have a good team that you can not come - Sends you the little bottle of Preserves to remember her - Issiah has two singing schools besides his daily labor in the store - Louista impending Amputation - My left arm cannot do anything hard because it pulls hard on the kidney - P.M.B. from Boston & two of this place had her limb Amputated just a little above the knee& you can better imagine than I can tell how ? tending the scene. She took ether but still a disturbing moan was heard all over the house, it did seem to me I could not endure it. Writer goes on to write about the following days after the amputation...... she was suddenly taken of violent coughing and vomiting ......all exhausted grew cold, all the extremities arms and leg, death ......the physicians all night working with all their power resides all the rest of us warming cloths and rubbing applying a battery and all was cold as death and like it ? her fingers turned stiff & pale as death & the most disturbing scene I have ever witnessed - [the next day] Levista seems better & her physician thinks she is as well as can be expected, like raising the dead - Influenza which prevails in this place - The doctors are the greatest Humbugery of the age, they didn't know enough to know their ignorance - Sleighing - Made pudding and gingerbread - They are attending yearly meeting at New Port RI - I sent some silk to have a bonnet made by Levesta, I don't care if tis a Quaker - Minister C.R. Daggett [Duggett?] with us now and boarding - Fathers Death - Bottle of Medicine duly received - Mothers Death and description.

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Letters To Doctor John S. Barret is in Aylett Virginia

2 Handwritten Stampless Letters Aylett Virginia Barret
1835 Wagon Trip w Slaves/Indian Springs/Alabama/DETAILS Item number: 180163133110


“Monday Nov. 9th, 1835 Pitsylvania Woods

Dear Father,

By this time I presume you are forming conjectures as to how we are proceeding, where being, how faring &c. In few words, I’ll give a history of our journey. We left Ampthill (Virginia I’m assuming) on Tuesday the 3rd and traveled about 18 miles that day. I was soon aware of the extravagant estimate I had found of that rate at which we would proceed. Instead of thirty, I will gladly compromise with 20 miles average per day. We sometimes go over and sometimes under 20. I suppose on average thus far is a little over the 20 miles as we are now encamped about 9 miles from Danville being 7 days from Ampthill.

http://www.visitdanville.com/page.asp?menuid=3341&sub1menuid=4441 But we have had no interruption. The weather pleasant and the roads fine. Until last night we have passed the sights pleasantly, all things considered. The first rain we have encountered commenced last night just as we had pitched our tent and continued through the night. Most of the time in torrents. Our tent resisted tolerably and the little wagon better than I expected. We got a sprinkling but are doing well. Just preparing to devour our boiled middling and bread……(He goes on talking about hunting squirrels to eat, what food they do have and how they prepare it, then….) By the by, you have no idea what a cook I have in the mess. William astonishes me by his dexterity in the art. From souping killdeers down to baking bread. He is perfectly at home. I shall take him to Orleans and hire him to some Frenchman as one deeper in the mysteries. The boys all stand the journey well and continue cheerful. Indeed their only thought seems to be a belly full of vitals. Mason and William send their love to mother and father and all say they are healthy and want to see all but wouldn’t turn back. Corbin and Robert send the same message to their parents and friends. Peter sends his love to mammy and daddy, master and mistress and says good bye! I had no idea of the futility and improved state of this section of the country until I reached Charlotte, the ridge on which I traveled presumed but a barren spectacle. But thence southward, the lands seem better and better. The tobacco lots large, the wheat fields green. I passed some today which entirely covered the ground. Tobacco is the principal, wheat the second staple of the country……..Perhaps you’d like to trace me as I go. If so I’ll give you the route. By Amelia, C.H. Jennings, Barks, Moore, Keysville, Moseley’s Ferry, Danville Va, Salisbury, Charlotte, N. Carolina, Yorkville, Pinckneyville, Union C.H., Lawrence C.H. Abberville C.H., S. Carolina, Washington, Greensborough, Monticello, Indian Springs, Columbus Ga., Montgomery,_______, Claiborne Ala…..Tell my mother that my next shall be to her but till I write she may take half of this to herself. I am writing by firelight, seated on a knapsack, the paper upon my knee. Therefore you must make allowances……Farewell! B.T. Barret.”



“Indian Springs Geo. Nov. 30th, 1835

Dear Father,

I again make an effort to convey to you tidings of our progress. Another week has elapsed since communicating with my friends. That communication was directed to Edward Mosby with a request that he would inform you of its receipt and report progress. I take for granted he has done so. But for a rule laid down at starting via to write at least once a week. I think it now than probable that I should suffer at last a couple to pass without taking pen in hand and pen upon knee. I think during the day of many things of which I wish to write and determine to do so at night but when night comes so weary am I that writing then becomes a task indeed……..My last letter I think was dated from a place some forty miles back in S. Carolina. Since then we have measured upwards of 120 of Georgia miles. My letter was dated Tuesday, but you will perceive from my journal (a continuation of which I shall sojourn) that we did not get fairly under way till Wednesday, so that in six days we have accomplished the above named distances. We have had however, no interruption from bad weather or other causes. Nothing keeps pace with us except such as are lightly equipped and furnished for riding altogether. We have left behind several traders with their gangs and moving families westward bound. An old gentleman and his wife living in a light carryall, accompanied by a gentleman on horseback, have kept pace with us now three days and without accident. We shall arrive at Montgomery about the same time. I am happy to say that all hands of us (with one honorable acceptance) keep perfectly well. Mr. Meyo has burnt his foot or perhaps worn it out and in consequence makes but a lame hand at traveling. He refused positive to ride though a seat in the coach has been offered him. I fear father Hersey has been giving him a lecture and the sole of his foot is to be the price of his soul’s salvation. I shall have him tied in tomorrow; the sin be upon my head!!!..... (He then goes on to talk about the villages they pass and how expensive the price of provisions are. He said they are “Perfect buzzard’s roosts” )…..Besides the necessary and usual expenses of a journey, I find a pretty smart sum occurring on the score of ferriages and tolls. Every little rocky stream forty feet wide has its catch penny continuance and that on the dearest scale. These things are very fatiguing to a weak purse that opens every time with more and more reluctance. But it is to be hoped that this will not last always. Though three hundred and more long miles lie before us, yet, the weather favoring and no accident, we shall accomplish it in fifteen days more. We have progressed into the cotton region and I begin to have a better opinion of the crops than the one formed in North and South Carolina…..(more on the cotton and sugar cane crops)…..I should have had another surprise last evening on visiting the Indian Springs to find so pitiful a fountain, just in the back of two small rocky creeks. Much resembling that at Bakers ford in Louisa. At the foot of a large rock and through a small cleft, issues with almost imperceptible flow, this little spring. The cavity or reservoir into which it is received is triangular and well contained at most, 3 pints. I found handsome buildings for the temporary accommodation of visitors in the summer months which of course are now shut up. http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Village/1954/ Upon enquiry I learnt that the latest proprietor who broke and had deserted the place, or rather absconded, whether in consequence of bad management or not receiving sufficient patronage to support the expense of the establishment, my informant could not say. I was tempted to put my bill into the clear little basin and take a suck but soon drew it out again. The water departed an oily feeling to the mouth and smelt much like the washing of a dirty gown. I cold only swallow it as medicine…….My love to mother, to Mavey, Colby, Jack, June and my little Morey. To all friends black and white. The boys continue well and in good spirits and are much cheered by the Negroes telling them how much they make from their own cotton. They are more impatient to be employed than I ever have seen them so. They send a heap of love to mammies and daddies and to the white family…..Farewell, Yours affectionately B.T. Barret. The pedestrian Methodist preacher.”

On the outside of this last letter he also writes “The tin rubs off and causes the dirty appearance of my letter.”

Doctor John S. Barret is in Aylett Virginia

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John Wesley Bristol England 1788 Letter

John Wesley letter dated Aug. 31, 1788 Item number: 260159987249

This letter is from John Wesley, co founder of the methodist church to Mr. Atlay. Dated Aug. 31. 1788, written in Bristol and sent to West Chapel London. Wesley is begging Mr Atlay to help Geo Whitfield instead of fighting him and mentions that Welsey's death is nothing to the purpose.

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Old documents dated 1907 New York, Albany Letters

old letters to and from Judge John Brady, founder of the childrens court in New York State. Most dated 1907. Two pictured from the New York Training school for girls in New York State from the superintendent. Also from an Attorney in New York State Frank E Wade, from Buffulo, New York

Item number: 200151251318

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American Red Cross Letter 1919 to Bertha Gilkeson, Pennsylvania

American Red Cross Letter 1919 to Miss Bertha V. Gilkeson, Pennsylvania about knitting for refugees

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Item number: 320154178058

George Webb, Richmond Virginia in 1788

COLONIAL DOCUMENTS & LETTERS 1791-1817, Virginia, Washington DC
2 Original Letters to James Pleasants, 58 Slave Names Item number: 190148199134

These very old documents and letters concern a matter 900 pounds (plus) that went missing from monies collected a a George Webb, esq, in Richmond Virginia in 1788. He held the position as Continential Receiver of Taxes for the the city, and he was required to send certain monies due on to the Treasry of the US (Alexander Hamilton, Secty of the Treasury). 3 of the Letters are originals and the rest are attested copies made and withnessed and signed with dates in the early 1800's This missing money became a problem for Webb and his family and for the US Treasury and suits and Indentures were innitiated.

The first two longer document deal with Webbs claim to have this missing money reimbursed. Evidently the claim has gone to the Federal Govt. and these two document are copies made in the House of Representataive on August 8, l811. They are identical copies (different handwriting?) They cover several important documents on file, one of which gives Alexander Hamilton's opinion of the matter of reimbusement. He thinks the petition was filed too late from the time the moneies went missing and he has signed his opinion in l791. At the end a petition is copied and dated l798, for the matter to be submitted to a Congressional Committee

There is also reference to the fact that the monies collected from Va were kept in a iron chest of some sort. One of these documents seems older, with a fancier calligraphy, more crossouts, and more fragile than the other, but both are attested as copies made on August 8, 1822. Many signatures are contained and need research. Of the three original letters, two are addressed to James Pleasants and are dated 1815 and 1817 .

One is from George Webb's son Thomas Webb Lt. US Navy pleading his fathers case to Senator Pleasants and writing of the Webb families depleted circumstances. The 1817 one is from a David Ross. he refers to the "old business of Webbs" and suggests the claims of the US against Webb be settled by Congress. Ross is mintioned in the other material and reasearch of these documents will spell out exactly where he fits in. Note the postmark of Richmond and red seal of wax on the Webb letter. These two letters are dated and signed originals, written to a Senator Pleasants who served as a Congressman from 1811 to 1819 and then as Senator from 1819 to 1822. He was also Governor of Virginia from 1822-1825, after which he retired to his estate in Goochland County.

The third original letter is to a Mr. S. Burch from a William Kerr, Jr. and dated April 13th l824. this is about some 630 copies of the "Georgia Claim Documents" for the House of Respresentatives from a Senate copy." Although each member of the House was furnished with a copy, but a table was missing ad it will be sent up in the morning. Burch is mentioned in some of the other documents so again research has to tell the tale.

The 7 remaining documents are copies of other depositions, letters, affidavits, sworn statements etc. that were all needed in the suit by Webb for the missing money and also the suits against Webb by the US Government for the money that should have come to A. Hamilton as Treasurer.

Number 1 is Mr. Webbs Deposition written from NY Çity and signed Peyton Drew, 1811; (5 written pages)

2. "Mr Ronalds Deposition, a copy:" Ronalds talks about the fact that George Webb told him of the loss (robbery of the money about 800 pounds) and mentions a kinsman Foster Webb and a Major Damure, who probably took the money from the chest. He doesn't receommend that Webb have Damure apprehended because there is not enough proof.

3. & 4. The ink on this small docebb if they be found within your balliwick" and keep them safe to be brought before the county seat of Henrica the first Sunday in July to satisfy of suit of a David Ross and dated May 1788 and signed Adam Craif. It is reutrned to him a copy attested to. There is another doument just like it but with different money numbers in it

5. "Mr Morriss Certificate". This letter is a testament to the fact that George Webb was the receiver of Taxes for the state of Virginia appointed by Mr. Morris superintendent of Finances for the US and that he served until Nov. 1784 and possibly after. He support Webbs request for more compensation. Written from NY, Feb l9th, l789. It was copied by Peyton Drew in Feb l811.

6. "Foster Webb's Deposition A copy". It starts out "Virginia New Kent County Seat". Very interesting depositon about the stolen 900 + pounds. Apparently Foster Webb was employed by George Webb and the monies from Va. passed through his hands and was kept in the room where he slept. At the time of the robbery a Frederick de Demar resided at this house and was in poor health, a British Major, and likely the robber of the monies. Foster Webb signs it and Jos Forter and William H. Macon sign as takers of the deposition. Edmund Randolph the Gov. of Virginia also signs it. The copy was made and signed by Peyton Drew, DGD, the 12th fo July 1811. This deposition sets up the robbery by Demar.

7. "Webb to Webb, Deed Trust". This indenture was made on June 2, 1787, between George Webb, John Harvie, George Thompson and Foster WEbb. In short the doument states that the missing monies have not been paid to the US Treas. and shortly a suilt will be instituted for a bond signed by the above John Harrie. The amount at this point is 1500lbs and several other names are mentioned as tied up with George Webb. The document goes on to list Webb's assets in land where Geo WEbb Jr. now lives and his ownership of "58 Negro Slaves" all of which are listed by name The slaves live on two plantations on the listed acreage. It also lists cattle, hogs, tools etc. this goes on two more pages in legalese and is signed by George Webb and witness by Marshall McGraw Fucher and Price, 12th day of December l787, the copy made and signed by Peyton Drew

GOSS FAMILY LETTERS - NEW HAMPSHIRE 1831

1831-46 HANDWRITTEN GOSS FAMILY LETTERS -NEW HAMPSHIRE
With content letter Drunkards Society, Temperance Item number: 170142703705

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1831-1846 Goss Family Letters - New Hampshire



Nice lot of 1831-1846 handwritten letters, mostly sent to Roxanna Goss of Gilford, Strafford County, New Hampshire from family members and friends. All but one with personl content. (15) pieces total -- (13) letters and two notes. Some with address covers -- four postally sent, including 1831 cover with manuscript Gilford Village N.H., Aug. 9. [See scan and info on Daniel Goss letter below.]

The writers include: Louisa C. Bickford, Alton; Abigail R. Hatch, Gilford; Joshua Goss; Elizabeth T. Hadley, West Camton [?]; J. M. Sargent, Danvers; Polly Berry, Strafford. An 1831 letter from her distraught brother, Daniel Goss, contains the sad news that his wife just died leaving four small children, including one that needs to go to a wet nurse.

Particularly enjoyable letters are the four, plus one note, 1840-41, from cousin Mary Ann Goss of Portsmouth, NH. In an 1840 letter she writes that she recently travelled from Alton to Portsmouth and drove every step of the way by herself, "and no accident occured."

c. Jan. 1841 note - "I have just been over and got your Wig. It is certainly a beauty...Oh how I wish I could run up and see how you look. Roxy you are a Whig now most assuredly. There is no mistake. Hurra for Old Tip. General Harrison must and will be elected."

Reformed Drunkards

Aug. 28, 1841, 2pp., quarto - "Oh! cousin Roxy the temperance cause goes ahead in this town, and indeed, all throughout the different states - Probably you have heard of the Washington Reformed Drunkards Society which was first formed in Baltimore. It consists chiefly of men who have been poor, degraded, drunkards, and have reformed and become sober, respectable men...their wives are no longer mortified with the disgraceful sight of their husbands reeling to and fro across the streets nor their children ashamed nor afraid to see their father come home."; "I wish you could hear them lecture. They expose any one no matter whether it is Lawyer, Doctor, Deacon, or Minister, who has any thing to do with Alcohol either in shape of Rum, Gin, Brandy or Whiskey Wine or Sherry - or whatever. The take the poor drunkard by the hand, raise him from the mud and dirt, take him to a room prepared for the purpose, have him cleaned, if he wants clothes give them to him...they then after he is perfectly sober persuade him to sign the pledge and send him to his family an altered man."

Herbert W. Swan. Most to Shelburne Falls Massachusetts

1891+ ANTIQUE MA UNDERTAKER LETTER LETTERS COLLECTION
UNDERTAKER LETTERHEAD - HEARSE TEAM HORSES - HOSPITAL Item number: 330158714347


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73 Total - [71] Handwritten Letters - Correspondence. [2] Typed. All To: H.[Herbert] W. Swan. Most to Shelburne Falls Massachusetts & a few Longwood Florida. From: Most from H.S. Swan [Father] Written on Family business Undertaker Furniture, Carpets & Paper Hanging Letterhead. Shelburne Falls Mass. Most of the letters are addressed from Boston MA. So Herbert Sr. had taken the letterhead stationery with him while in Massachusetts General Hospital recovering from a illness, possibly TB. Few letters from other family members & a few letters from Sr. in 1895 still running the business. 1891 & 1895. [65] 1891 Undertaker Stationery - [5] 1891 Waltham MA. & [3] 1895 Undertaker Stationery. The Son has taken over the family undertaker business. Letters Mention In Part: They have just carried out the Sailor that was brought in 3 or 4 days ago - The man that was shot by burglar was brought into the ward, he is getting along well - The fireman is getting along - Doctors names & treatments mentioned - Swollen tongue - Patients coming and going - Exercise the Colts - You can do the undertaking - Writer advising his son on the business - Keep the business going - My lung improving - Glad to hear the horses are doing swell do hope you will try to keep them quiet so you can depend upon them for a hearse team - New Horses - The fireman that fell 40 or 50 feet off of the Theater sometime ago is up walking - This morning is very warm but smokey we think from the Western Fires - No cough, feel first rate - Frank riding his wheel - We have a lively ward - If the Buggy is to much broken you can get the buggy in the Woodward barn - How is the papering business - [1895] Yesterday the Funeral of the Thayer baby, the snow was so deep we put it in the Tomb for now. We have a very good road to the tomb but no further, we used the hearse alll right - & More. VG Cond. Most w/ Envelopes. Most w/ Stamps

Charleston, South Carolina Letters

Lot of over 20 Documents 19th Century Charleston SC ! Item number: 200143571410

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This is really a fascinating grouping of antebellum through late 19th century attorney's papers from the historic "Holy City" of Charleston, South Carolina. I've listed this as over twenty pieces, but actually I counted up to about 30. Many individual papers are attached and grouped together. It seems this little cache originated with one of the many lawyers in Charleston working from just prior to the American Civil War (yes, I refer to it as well as the War of Northern Aggression) up through the end of the 1800's. One letterhead references the firm of Simons, Siegling, and Capelmann at 46-48 Broad Street. One of these documents references Thomas F. Purse of the city who, interestingly, is found (not in these papers) purchasing slaves from a free black woman of Charleston in 1831 (ref. Larry Koger: Free Black Masters in SC). In these documents pertain to Purse as well as "The Protestant Episcopal Church of St. Phillips vs. William Purse," and includes a hand drawn plat of the "public square" at Broad and Meeting Streets, along with a brief history of a lot (#71 Broad) which was in dispute. This William Purse, I would assume, is the 18th and early 19th century Charleston silversmith. There are tax records included, also another hand drawn plat and papers pertaining to the "village of New Summerville" in 1856. Another interesting document is headed "United States of American vs. Sixty Seven Barrels Distilled Spirits," a 19th century South Carolina distillery. Another hand drawn plat shows lots on Meeting and Wolfe Street. There is really a huge amount of material here, more than I can sort through without a better working knowledge of Charleston family and place names.

1873 Williamsport Thomas Morgan

1873 Williamsport PA Overseer Poor Distr Court Document Item number: 220141990470

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This listing consists of a legal paper size, 1873/1874 court document, Michael OConner vs The Overseers of the Poor of the City of Williamsport. All handwritten. Some of it states: abt Plff claims for boarding 1873 Williamsport Thomas Morgan a Pauper of the City of Williamsport. Demand $36 at the instance of Deft continued to ..............................Parties appear Michael OConner sev. John McGrath sev., A.R. Moore sev., David Trainer (?_ sev. dontined to pay.......P.(?) A. Borman held in the sum of one hundred dollars conditioned for the payment of all costs ........Signed by George A Cramer, Alderman & his handwritten seal. More handwriting on back when folded.

Charley Hopkinson 1871 Great Chicago Fire Letter

1871 Great Chicago Fire Letter on ICRR Co Lettersheet Item number: 190143027346

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Very Nice Original Nov.13th,1871 Great Chicago Fire Letter from A Worker at The Illinois Central Railroad Company.This letter was mailed back to Maine and tells about the rebuilding of Chicago, about a month after the great fire.The letter states how rapidity buildings are being put up again,how a friend Dr. Hanson was not burned out, how another friend [Charley Hopkinson] is making at his brick laying and doing well, plus family news. In very good condition with small tear to right center fold mark,see pictures,measuring about 7 5/8" wide x 9 7/8" long and written in black ink front and backside of the lettersheet. Great addition to all original Chicago Great Fire Historical Memorabilia collections.

PRE CIVIL WAR MI LETTER LETTERS COLLECTION

1856+ PRE CIVIL WAR MI LETTER LETTERS COLLECTION
OLD WEST KANSAS FEVER - U of M ANNOUNCEMENT Item number: 330156730187

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16 Total Handwritten Michigan Letters - Correspondence. Pre Civil War And Beyond. Most Pre Civil War 1856 - 1868. one undated & one incomplete[ no closing] Family & Friends. To: Mahlon A. Smith, Louise Reddick Smith & Helen. From: Louise Reddick, Brother J.B. Reddick, Corrine B. Smith, Helen S. DeLander [?], Will, B. Smith & Mother. From the cities of: Grand Rapids, Jackson, Albion, Girard, Niles & Sharon Michigan. Also Extras: [1] Newspaper poem clipping - [1] Pre Civil War 1860 Clever Fellows Festival, Wesleyan Seminary Albion Michigan Reunion Announcement & [1] Chi Psi Fraternity Anniversary, Michigan University 1853 Announcement. Letters Mention In Part: Teaching positions - Train travel - Hauling brick to the depot - Piano music piece "Old Old Home" - Friends and Family news - Albion commencement, I will be in Ann Arbor in June. Dearest friend of my school days writting from Dr. Tuttles - Took the Omnibus ? the Union School, splendid building, beautifully located - At Albion found Elder Cogshall at the depot, took tea - Fine time at the Society - I thought you might not receive as many Valentines this year - School teaching - Preparing Father & Brother for a journey to Kansas - The Kansas Fever, for such I may style it. I presume is common in your part of the state, a number have left from Niles and more intend to going though none have joined the Company organized in the eastern part of the state, many will be discouraged and return from the unsettled condition [1856] & More. Most VG Cond. Most w/ envelopes - some stamps