Henry Wise Farley 1812

This letter home, from Harvard medical student HW [Henry Wise] Farley, contains a lengthy and detailed first-person account

Farley describes leaving Ipswich for his boarding house on Newbury St., Boston. He lugs his heavy trunk a quarter mile, has little sleep for a few days, and then attempts to bring the trunk up "three pair of stairs, high Boston stories."

"You might, perhaps, in a still time have heard my heart beat at their bottom. I was astonished, agonized; it seemed to be impatient of its narrow prison. In fact I had a serious fit of palpitation...I found next day that when I went up stairs I had pain or distress in my breast accompanied more or less with horrid forebodings. This distressed my mind exceedingly. It increased momently; I dreaded to go up a stair, my heart beat hard only at sight to them. By Saturday evening I was so violently affected that I with difficulty reached my room..."

"I was firmly persuaded I had an incurable disease of the heart. I had nothing but remorse for past excesses in exercise, excessive pain for the present, and gloomy apprehensions for the future."

Fortuitously, at this time Farley is visited by another boarding house student who had "a similar case". He advised Farley to "take no medicine, compared my own case with his own, called them both hysterics hyppo, told me he had recovered. In a moment I was nearly so, myself."

War of 1812 - AWOL Soldiers Executed at Fort

"As to going in a privateer or other vessel I have by no means given up the idea...yet as I am now considerably interested in the lectures I should like to get thro with them first."; "On Thursday last two unfortunate runaway rogues of soldiers were shot at one of the forts. This likely and will frequently happen...Two more I understand are sentenced for next Thursday."

Harvard Students

"About 60 attend the lectures among which are every sort of contour of countenance that ever happened, I believe, except handsome ones...proof positive that deep philosophic, thinking pates, seldom have the commonly much valued yet insignificant addition of a pleasing face. Among these heroes of science, your very humble servant cuts no very disrespectable figure."

Also mentions buying a five dollar half ticket in the Union Canal lottery.

John Cushing Letters

Three letters addressed to JOHN CUSHING, ESQ. All letters are asking his help in their dire need for money and help.

The first letter., folded into a stampless cover, and hand carried to Cushing at Durham., portion of the red sealing wax still on the letter., written by an American patriot Jacob Rowell., [~~He was a Sgt in Capt. John Blunt's Company., defending the frontiers of Lincoln County.] His letter dated at Salesbury, March 1789 stating that he is nearly out of patience waiting for an answer to his last letter, stating too that he is in great straights.

The next letter dated at North Yarmouth, March 16, 1787 also saying he is in trouble and needs help., signed by William Buchnam.

The third letter is longer and from Jacob Boardman., dated Newburyport, Jan 20, 1800 also expressing need for help. .

Boston 1833, Mrs. Isham of Taunton

Autograph letter signed, "B B Wisner", Boston, April 11, 1833.

The letter, sent to an unknown recipient, regards an upcoming Convention of Congregational Ministers and reads in part:

"I wish, thro' you, to inform the Central Committee, & the Committee of the Congregational Charitable Society, that Mrs. Isham of Taunton deceased last fall. She has left one child, a daughter, 8 years old, with no means of support whatever; which has been taken by a maiden sister of Mrs. I., who supports herself by teaching school. An allowance is needed for this child.

This great old bosten letter is for sale on Ebay Item number: 170202111020.

Seymore Connecticut, 1853

Seymore Connecticut, December 4 1853, from George B. Glendining to Charles W. Gillette.

[In part:]

"My Dear Charles,
The multiplicity of business must be my apology for not answering your kind letter
...the days pass so rapidly that everything appears a dream to me.
Every desk is occupied and more too as Paddy says continual applications are made by good fellows - old scholars - but there is not room -;
several take French, Spanish, Latin, Geometry, Surveying & Book Keeping in the evening, so that all my time is occupied. We have 13 Boarders, and all together a pretty large family.
George has not commenced yet, and were he anyone else, he could not come in, but I must accommodate him some way.
Charles Johnson is at home pursuing his studies on account of his eyes...
Did George or any of them give you an account of the very delightful time we had a little time ago? Such devastation and destruction must be seen to be realized for words would fail to characterize them. Out place had its share of troubles, but probably less than most others in the Naugatuck Valley.

I received the Catalogue...Now just exercise your Knowledge box and give me a nice long letter... George B. Glendining"

This Great old letter is to be found on Ebay Item number: 290213173741. If you want to see it or bid on it just follow one of the links on this Blog.

Moses Jewett Burlington, Vermont Letter

18th Century letter from Moses Jewett, [of Burlington, Vermont], datelined New Ipswich, NH to his brother David Jewett of Jaffrey, NH.

Reads in part:

I tarryed to Peterboro three weeks after I left your house from thence I went to Fitchburg & tarryed there about the same time & have been at this place about a week...our journeywork is some lower than it has been...I am forced to exert myself the more

... with regard to my colt I have rested early thinking it was sold. I expect my mare is with fold now therefore you can get fourteen dollars for the red one, you may sell it...I will pay you for your trouble...

With regard to Sister Hannah's silk I have sent several times to Boston & have been a often disappointed there is not any in the country stores to be had & it cannot be obtained in Boston without the cash in hand. ...there is no cash to be obtained at present...I have engaged some hard ware for sisters saddles of Mr. Crosby...M. Jewett

Nelson Linsley Letter, New Haven Connecticut 1860

Four page letter from New Haven, Connecticut, dated May 14, 1860,
from Nelson Linsley, a Melodeon Manufacture in New Haven operating under the firm of Treat & Linsley with rich political content discussing the upcoming election, the Charleston Convention, the "Negro" question pertaining to the Slavery, one that had divided the country at that point & would see the rise of Abraham Lincoln a few Months later to be the nominee and mark his landmark Presidency.


He writes to his friend Anderson. Transcribed in part:

"New Haven, May 14, 1860

Friend Anderson

It was with much pleasure that I received yours of the 25th of Apr I believe that I made out to get at the meaning generally & as regards the of the paper I concluded that it was some new fangled style some French of Spanish or some other fashion which had not reached this part of the world yet as I regard economy that I think is a good -- which prehaps (sic) it would do well for some to cultivate,

As regards your politics I am glad to hear that you are giving both sides your consideration & I think if you will carefully examine the merits & decide candidly that there yet some hopes for your salvation politically the Charleston Convention have broken up as you are probably aware without making a Nomination but it makes but little difference who the man is.

Principles are what we are after in reference to the Negro question
I for one do not think that they would trouble it at all if the Democratic party did not commence the agitation
I have watched the house & senate with considerable interest the present session & if you will observe whenever there has been anything said on the question it has been brought up by the Democrat Members in every instance
The Republican principle is not to extend, unless the new states want it, but let it remain where it is as long as its residents fit
then give it a fair chance to vote for or against it and not do as they did in Kansas.

I don't see how any candid man can find fault with this if they do
I cannot help it if that is all we must wait the result if the world was made up of men of Intelligence I should not fear for the result but there ar

for so many that vote who do not know their right hand from their left in politics that it is doubtful care to say the least
I shall have to stop for the present for I cannot see.

May 21...I am pretty tired we have packed and sent of 12 Melodeons today the largest number we ever sent in one day
but to the letter I told Mr. Treat what you said about his voting for you when you go up for Congress & he says that he will do it, if you are a Republican & I think he would, for he thinks you are about right otherwise & we have our hopes in this respect\
it is dark again so good bye

I am going to bring this epistle to a close this time Sartain...I have been to Branford...had a letter from Hough he intimated as if our Southern Friends might possibly come North this summer well if you do we have some grape wine of our own manufacture which if you get here before it is gone I will treat you so hurry up or you lose...
I have to go to Guilford to attend court tomorrow...One of my uncles the heirs are going to try and break the will...
Look for papers next mail...Nelson Lindsley."

This great old letter is up for sale on Ebay Item number: 290211312219. Just follow one of the links on this Blog if you want to take a look.

Mr. Christopher W. Wilder Bridgeton ME

This great old letter is addressed to "Mr. Christopher W. Wilder Bridgeton ME" but you will also find the words "Haverhill Mass" written across the front but crossed out. It also says "To the care of Mr. Daviz Carriage Trimmer Please forward this." Then on the backside of the address is a handwritten note that says "I thought I would direct this so there might be no danger of it’s being miscarried."

As far as the letter is concerned it is a three page letter dated 1848 and written by his sister Elizabeth who is in Lancaster. I’ve quoted a small portion of it below to give you a better idea of the contents, as follows;

"Lancaster Feb.25th, 1848

Brother Christopher,

Nearly three months having elapsed since I wrote to you without receiving an answer to my epistle or any other tidings of your welfare. I can wait no longer, but again address you hoping to ascertain the cause of such delays. Has sickness debilitated your frame and prostrated your powers of mind? Or have you found one whose good fortune it may be to render the part a sister would wish to fulfill more pleasant and more faithfully performed. I have long feared that the former was the case of your neglect and thought how happy I should be if such were your misfortune if I could be so situated as to fulfill the office of that affectionate sister who was so early taken from you, but as misfortune of various kinds would have rendered that impossible, still I can assure you that you are not forgotten in any condition ……I know little of the society of Haverhill but suppose like all other large towns, it has it’s temptations as well as allurements to the path of virtue and happiness. But I am happy to find that you profess a turned up mind which is little calculated to relish the pleasures of that class who are ever looking to the scenes of gaiety for their happiness, for although I believe some amusements are necessary to refresh the worried mind at times and invigorate the physical nature of man, yet those who look for happiness from such a source are often lead to repent of their folly………Please favor me with a speedy answer as I shall wait with much anxiety to hear from you. This from your sister, Elizabeth B. Wilder."


This great old letter can be found on Ebay Item number: 170197656010. If you want to place a bid on the letter just follow one of the links to Ebay on this blog.

Portland Oregon 1911 Letter

"Portland Oregon August 28th, 1911

Mr. Walter Beattie,

My Dear Brother,

I received your long looked for letter Friday so glad to hear once more from you and yours only so sorry to hear of Dear Mothers death, although I never remember her as my mother, yet I have still that daughter love in my heart that rightly belonged to her. I had a good cry when I read your letter because I had been thinking in my own mind so strongly that as soon as the girls had got a little larger, I should have tried so hard some way to have made the trip home to see Dear Mother and you folks, so it went pretty hard to think I shall never see her…..How is Anna now a days and all the dear little ones? We are all fine. Doctor is busy most of the time, he is real well, he weighs 196 pounds…..You all can remember her, but as for me you know just how it is better than I do…..Dear Brother tell me about mother’s sickness and death and tell me when she died, you know if you were away from all the home folks as I am your heart would ache as mine does many and many a times a week without any of the family knowing anything about what a heavy heart I have. You, nor anyone else can’t understand these things as I do. The only thing that keeps me up as I do, is the ever lasting arms of Jesus that are always ready to help us in our lonely moments……bye with any amount of kisses.xxxxxxxx"

Kansas City 1903 Chas Renick Letter

Kansas City, MO. Renick, Charles V. Jackson County, Criminal court letterhead. In pencil dated 6/3/1903.

A personal letter with great content, by the Clerk of the Criminal court addressed to a friend: “My old friend Billie… you stick so close to Pony, [Missouri] now, don’t think that I don’t like Pony, and Pony people, infact I have wanted to come back to Pony ever since I left… why don’t you come to Butte once in a year, and call a fellow up and have a few more ‘bunches of rye’ together. One cant get lonsmn out here for there is an missalaneous croud dropping in here … as any Bohemian quarter in Paris.“ He then writes about his brother in law taking a “trip down the Mazoo” which will be a failure as “money making scheme.” “I will spend the late fall and all of winter in Southern California, Utah & New Mexico…I have seen some very bum prize fights… there has only been two good ones.” Etc… Signed “Chas Renick”.

This letter is for sale on Ebay Item number: 200201289929.

1819, Post Office in New York City

Feb. 3, 1819, Post Office New York City.

Fascinating handwritten letter from New York Postmaster Theodorus Bailey to R. J. Meigs, Esq., Post Master General.


Excerpt:

"I have the pleasure to inform you that two of the mail robbers mentioned in my letter of yesterday (their names, Maurice and Bertrand, both Frenchmen) were this morning apprehended by two of our Police Officers, and are now under examination before our City Police magistrates - they found upon them, secreted in their Clothes, about one thousand dollars - the search not yet compleated. The third robber is also a Frenchman of the name of Doctr Henvie who it is believed is making his way for Philada..."

This letter can be found on Ebay Item number: 170193543296

David Coffin, Newburyport, Massachusetts 1807

Letter from David Coffin, Newburyport, Massachusetts, dated January 22, 1807, to Robert Boyd, a Portland, Maine merchant. Coffin is looking to buy 60,000 feet of pine boards, six thousand oak staves and "good American cordage".

Ebay Item number: 200198977016

Thomas P. Wickes, Yale Letters

55 letters written to a man by the name of Thomas P. Wickes. They are personal and business letters received by Wickes who just graduated from Yale. Most of them are of a personal nature though. They start in June and go through October of 1874. Thomas spends his summer sketching and trying to sell the sketches to illustrated newspapers and tries in the fall to get employment as a bass singer in a church choir. His friends are off at employment in San Francisco or Chicago, or at graduate school in New Haven, or on Grand tours in Europe. There are wonderful letter heads and many of the letters are several pages long.

One letter that is not to him is actually from him. It is a 2 ½ page handwritten manuscript by Wickes himself. They are his own notes on Block Island’s geography and his appeal to the tourists which is to accompany sketches he is doing.

A most interesting thing about these letters is the fact that most of the writers were former graduates of Yale and also members of the Skull and Bones Organization. In fact many of the men sign their letters with the words “Bones” or “Fellow Bonesman” or even the number “322” which is very significant when it comes to the organization. There are several letters addressing the issue of a particular “Book” that was taken out of the Skull and Bones” Temple” and given to Wicke’s himself. The book, by the sounds of one of the letters, wasn’t supposed to be removed and very few members knew it was.

Some of the names in the letters are; Frank Spencer Witherbee, Fred Kernochan, H. G. Bixly, Henry H. Babcock, George Richmond, Watson Robertson Sperry and family (just their calling cards), Samuel Clark Bushnell, Henry W. Farnam, Thomas Williams Grover, J. D. Ball, Rockwell King, James Parkman, A. H. Messiter, W. D. Anderson, Whittemore, Horace Chittenden, Russell Walden, George Edmund Munroe and more. Some of the letters are also from his family members.


1) A note and a pharmacist’s envelope enclosing that says “I am in despair” It also has a hand drawn postage stamp.

2) “Newport June 22, My Dear Wickes, Yours of the 20th inst just recd. I am sorry of course to hear that any of your club have suffered from the panic or in any other way but surely no one of the pats? has any right to feel that you are not doing all your duty for three very good reasons. First the gift to the fund should be in every respect voluntary and not obligatory in any sense. Second, you have already spent so much on our dear old Temple………Yours always in Bones, I. Fred. Kernochan.” More to that letter.

3) One page letter on a “Nashua Lock Co.” letterhead. From H. G. Bixly. He wishes to meet him in New York and more.

4) Calling card of Mrs. Charles A. Fisher

5) E. H. W. author of this letter. New York June 24th, Message to their mother, Mr. Westen came to visit, and more.

6) E. H. W. from New York telegraphing June 26 that Mary left a cashmere sacque at hotel.

7) 4 pages letter; “Orleans June 28th, 1874. No. 2 ______Ave. My Dear Tom, This doubtless has been a very busy as well as a very agreeable month for you and ere these lines reach their destination, what remains of Yale 74’ will in all human probability have made it obeisance and in possession of the much desired “sheepskin” have made way for less worthy successors. Not however without some regrets, I presume, because that air of superiority. The three year acquisition, so inseparable upon the senior year cannot be so readily relinquished. If I ever regretted that my participation in your pleasures and troubles had not been of more active character, it is certainly now as the curtain falls upon the last act…….” He goes on to talk about his time spend abroad in Paris and says “Their religion over here would beat Goodyear’s patents out of sight as far as elasticity goes. But you could scarcely expect less where these damned Catholic priests have so strong a hold upon the nobility and the masses.” He signs his letter “The boy”.

8) Letter from Henry H. Babcock from New Haven June 29th. Wonders what he should do with the album ordered for Wickes.

9) Three calling cards. One from Miss Julia Henderson, One from Isaac Henderson and the last from Mr. and Mrs. Watson Robertson Sperry. On an additional note, Mr. Sperry was the U. S. Minister to Persia.

10) This is a 7 page letter from Frank Spencer Witherbee. I have some great information about Mr. Witherbee at the end of this description. He’s on a grand tour, exhausted by sight seeing….. “Morley’s Hotel, London. Saturday July 4th, 1874. My Dear Tom…….This time of the year the sun rises at 3:30 a.m. and sets at 8:30 p.m. Then a prolonged twilight prevails until 10 p.m. I have once or twice read a newspaper without candles at 9:30 p.m. I say without a candle for we have not struck a hotel yet where we have had gas in our rooms……I met old “Becky” in a book store last night. He was pouring over some rusty old books. At first he did not see me but knew me when I spoke to him. He is not in the least changed in looks, dress or manners. He is on his way from Germany to New Haven. I mistrust he is to have some position in the faculty…….Your aff. Friend in 322. Frank S. Witherbee.” More to this letter as he talks about a cricket match he attended with the “Elite” of London. Says the young ladies were dressed so beautiful but had very homely faces.

11) George Richmond Bookseller’s letterhead and letter.

12) Holden House Saratoga Springs Letter head. Letter from Sam Bushnell and in part reads….. “July 10th, 1874, My Dear Tom, for your sake I will play the part of the “sage” as you suggest. Don’t come to this “hole” of a Holden House. I meant nothing. This house is $2 per day. Two in a bed, six in a room, one towel for six, dish water for tea, chicken seed for coffee, no eggs, cold supper, “heavy pies” and thick headed female attendants. Go to the “Congress”, Yale’s headquarters. $3.00 per “dieue” where everything will be agreeable except, well, try it yourself. We can’t leave this……..Hence in “322” adieu to your friend, Sam C. Bushnell” Much more to this.

13) Telegram about the Columbia and Harvard game.

14) A photographer by the name of DeSilva is sending pictures to him by express. Wants to be paid right away because his wife is due with their baby

15) 2 ½ page letter from J.P R.W.? from San Francisco. “August 3rd, 1874, My Dear Tom, The photos are just received. They are splendid. You can’t realize the pleasure I am deriving from looking at them. Yours is “immense”. Do send me another that I may frame it. I want one for the Yale Album. Old “Rebald” looks as pious as an old wh—e at christening, as was his want in days and nights gone by. The hawk has his old look of swoop and the little fraud has “fixed” himself and tries to look 6 ft. What shall I say of Polonius……..Give my love to Polonius and all the Bloods. R. Walden” This letter has much more, especially concerning the photo and the nick names of the men in the photo. Great “Bones” letter.

16) From Sam Bushnell. Where should DeSilva send Grover’s pictures?

17) From DeSilva asking for his money again.

18) Mollie, I think his sister. Writing to thank him for the family wedding photo.

19) Uncle Robert Haskell in Lansingburgh. Writing with news about his mother. Tells him to have a good time at Block Island. Great “Floor Oil Cloths” letter head.

20) From an E.W.? A classmate of his called. Asking if he’s back in Block Island.

21) Letter from George Edmund Munroe.

22) Letter from Rockwell King in Chicago. Sorry to have missed him in N.Y.

23) Another from Sam Bushnell, tales of antics at Englewood with other classmates.

24) Short letter and the person, just signs it “E.W.”

25) Letter from Henry Farnam, Bar Harbor. August 19, 74’ Was on a cruise to Grand Manan Island with some Columbia men and got stuck in fog. Had a blow out with other Yale men and says….. “All the Yale men who are here at present are members of G.B. which is very pleasant. Last Sat. evening we had a blowout at Southworth’s room where raw oysters and Bass ale were consumed amid the familiar strains of the first anthem and of numerous secular songs. Those present on the occasion were P’s, Johnny Andrews, Howard Mansfield, J.S. Wood, T. Williams Grover, H. W. Farnam and K. Ed. Southworth….we are all sorry you are not here this summer…….Every yours in 322. Henry W. Farnam. B.S.C.”

26) Thomas Wickes notes on Block Island.

27) Daily Graphic New York Letterhead. Short note from J.D. Ball.

28) Eight page letter from his mother with family details.

29) Letter from Thomas Williams Glover, August 24th… “Dear Wickes, I returned from Mt. Desert last Thursday and write you a few lines……I had a most delightful time at Mt. Desert. Staid 5 weeks instead of 2 or 3. As I first intended. I only wish that you could have been there…..We had quite a bones crowd there. Andrews 70’, Mansfield, John Wood, Farnam, Southworth and myself and as we were there I suppose the impression was created that every Yale man, man’s a deities head. A wild and fantastic humor was spread abut the place at one time that the melancholy one, the great Polonius contemplated putting in an appearance…..Yours in 322, T. Williams Grover.”

30) Sam Bushnell. He is going to study Hebrew at Andover. Fuss between Harvard and Yale.

31) Letter from his father on a “Hudson River Oil Works” letter head.

32) Telegraph from Mary W. Rodman. “Come tomorrow without fail”

33) Another telegraph from Mollie “Come in the morning if possible”

34) Letter from Mary giving some general family news.

35) Letter from his brother, I believe, signs it E.W.

36) Another letter from Mollie. Details about home and more.

37) Letter from Sam Bushnell…… “September 6th, My Dear Tom, I cannot tell you how I have felt all this week about the book I sent you. I have not ceased to regret it. Have you received it? I sent it to your father’s address on Monday last and have not heard from you a single word. The pats (?) have been into to T---- everyday since the book was taken out. Our club book has been several times heavier and I have waited for the discovery of its absence with increasing uneasiness……..” There is so much more to this letter about the “book”. He says he also saw General Stapler and talked about the changes in Yale. He signs it “324 ½ Ever yours in S.B.I. Same C. Bushnell.”

38) Another great letter from Bushnell. Says they are having a meeting but without the book. He says that a man named “Gulliver” (I think that is the name) is writing his report and is asking where the book is. Signs it “Very Truly Yours nevertheless in 323.”

39) DeSilva begging for his money

40) ***** Another great letter from Sam….. “79 New Divinity, Sept 13, 1874. My Dear Tom, Sitting at my left and looking over my ______ enlarging is our mutual friend William Beebe. The soft light of theological gas throws over us its kindly radiance; everything in these gratuitous apartments breaths a pleasant influence, etc. Now I will cork up. I spent a most delightful afternoon today with Cushing at his room in Elm St. We had the kind of bones talk which makes ones cheeks glow and ones stomach yearn for 324……The “general” is one of the salt of the earth and his visits will be oasis in my life as a bones man this year. But Tom I thought I used to value Bones. My appreciation of it then was insignificant compared with the value I see on it now…..Arthur Allen was here Thursday. He expressed great regret that Wickes had locked up that book he had heard so much about. Tillinghast was very much worried about it until I had slung a series of lies at him. All the club of D’73 know your story and I want you to come on and unearth the book yourself as this will be the only possible way to avoid detection…….” He goes on to tell him to sneak in the Temple and put the book back. Tells Wickes he is happy about the work he did on the book but regrets to have to lie about where it is. Signs it “I am ever yours in Bones, Same C. Bushnell.”

41) Letter from Grover who is staying at the 5th Ave. Hotel in N.Y.

42) A letter about a report that should be taken to Sam.

43) Same as above and I think these were written by Grover.

44) This letter is from George Munroe, I think as the signature is tough to read. At the end of his letter he writes…. “The book is safe and the boys are ______from my back. I was discovered by Gulliver reading it in the S.E.C.’s room with the gas light, having just discovered it on the top of the book shelf. Where I ascertained they have not looked, much admiration is expressed &c&c….Yours in 324 ½”

This great bunch of letters is for sale on Ebay Item number: 180215136468. Just follow the links on this page if you want to take a closer look.

Salt Family, Babcock Family, Platt Family.

Huge Family Archive of New York genealogy. 49 Handwritten Letters. Most To The Salt, Babcock and Platt Families. Most From: "Caddie" "Mollie" Your affectionate Son, Rev. William Salt" "Your affectionate Mother, Jane Salt" A few Friends Letters also. Most From Bath, Steuben Co. NY - Branchport New York, a few from Willink NY & a few from other locations. Letters 1872 - 1910. [30] 1800s - [19] 1900s. Letters Mention In Part: Train Travel - Domestic Life of cleaning house and clothing being sewn - "I bake the wedding cake" - Rochester for a flag, 5 ft by 10 cotton $2.50 - Rooms for .60 & I put the door in if we want it - I have a drive of a mile every morning to say mass at the Orphan Asylum - Farming - Mothers illness, give an injection, Dr won't say - Servant problems - Site seeing in Philadelphia - Quilting - Miss Van Valkenburg to the Sanitarium for broken down health - Roast Rooster for Thanksgiving - Dr. Pawling wouldn't go to see a dying woman unless the man payed him the three dollars he owned him, Dr. Grant went ..... - Bath NY in the spring described - The boys went to Russell's for an outing on their Wheels - Bukmans [?] factory partly burned - Had Typhoid Fever - House on Steward St. has Diphtheria - & Much More.

This fantastic group of letters is for sale on Ebay Item number: 330210198169.

Albert & Rachel Singer Civil War Letter from New York

Three page Civil War Era Letter from Van Hornesville, New York.
August 14, 1864. Albert & Rachel Singer write to their Brother & Sister.
Discuss family matters
"Albert did not make you a visit..."
other details, "you should come to Herkerman..."
Then turns to the draft and Abraham Lincoln. Signed: Albert & Rachel Singer.

This Albert & Rachel Singer letter is a great genealogy find. If you would like to see more of this letter it is on Ebay. Item number: 290204162880.

18TH VIRGINIA INFANTRY LETTER

THIS IS A GREAT LETTER WRITTEN ON FOUR PAGES WITH A DESCRIPTION IN SOME DETAIL OF THE BATTLE OF DRANESVILLE AND WRITTEN FROM CAMP CENTERVILLE, VA. ON DEC. 22ND 1861 BY ABNER McCABE OF THE 18TH VIRGINIA INFANTRY. THE PHOTOS ARE OF A TRANSCRIPTION NOT THE ORIGANAL LETTER. IF YOU WANT TO SEE THE LETTER, OR MAKE A BID, JUST FOLLOW ONE OF THE LINKS TO EBAY ON THIS PAGE.

John Burgess & Edward Rutledge Letter

The letter begins :This indenture made the fifteenth day December one thousand eight hundred twelve Whitnesses John Burgess & Edward Rutledge tow of the overseers of the ( ) of ( ) County hath put Ann a free girl of colour apprentice to John Burgess of the ( ) County him faithfully to serve from the day of date hereof until she come to the age of eighteen or seven years & three months All which ( ) she shares her Master faithfully serve his secrets keep & his lawful commands obey She shall not waste his goods nor see it done by others without giving notice Thereof she shall not buy sell nor lend his goods She shall not contract matrimony ( ) ( ) At cards dice or any unlawful game shall not play whereby her Master may be charged

She shall not absent herself day or night from her Masters Service without his leave but in all things behave as a faithful apprentice ought to do and the said Master shall use his utmost endevors to teach or cause her to be taught and instructed in the ( ) of housewifery and ( ) and provide for her the apprentice sufficient drink washing lodging and apparel fitting for an apprentice during term and have her taught ( ) (several words marked through) and at the expiration of her servitude to give her one suit of clothes ( ) and for the ( ) performance of these comments and agreements either of the parties themselves unto the other by these presents In whitness thereof we have here unto set our hands & seals in the day and the year above whitness.

This old letter Item number: 160200091887 is for sale on Ebay.

NEW YORK LETTER 1861

Letter dated New York, April 30, 1861, from Nelson Cross to the law firm of Small and Cogswell regarding legal matters. Cross comments that Mr. [J.B.D.] Cogswell has been sent by the Administration to Wisconsin to prosecute the leader of the Anti-Constitutional Party of that state. Also notes war spirit in New York is high, troops mustering, leaving by the thousands for the war. "Damn the traitors!".

This Great New York Civil War letter Item number: 190189997129 is to be found on Ebay.

Dean Letter From New York 1808

“Respected Friend,

John Draper,

I received thy letter and have included a rough sketch of a plate intended not only to be inserted in my work but will answer also for title to the slips repeated. The first that is headed in German text. “Large text words” Thou may alter in any manner thy fancy may suggest. I think the word “Designer” with the flourishes would look very well under the words “Large Text Words” which would make it read in this manner.

An Alphabetical set of

Large Text Words

Designer

For the use of Schools & Academics

By

Henry Dean”

The letter goes on to talk about if there is any alterations that need to be made he gives Draper permission to do so and that he wishes them to done on a “respected piece of copper”. Then on the second page of the letter he talks about another book….

“The title of this will read thus,

A New Set of

Round Text

Copies

Designed for the use of Academics

By

Henry Dean



I shall be much obliged if thou will do this plate for me immediately as I want it for titles to ship that are now printing. I should like thee to do about three more plates. There is about an equal quantity of ______ on them that there is on the enclosed. Thou will be able to ascertain the value of the engraving by the others……..The present I should like next eve by the swiftest stage in a week or 10 days and the remaining three by the 20th of next month……”

There is a bit more about the expense of the work done. He signs it “H. Dean New York 8 mo 8 1808.”

Waterloo High School, Watertown, N.Y. 1888

Martha's Vineyard Summer Institute, Cottage City, Mass." It is dated August 6, 1888

To Whom It May concern,

I have known Mr. Willard J. Graves for some year as a student at the Waterloo High School and since he left us. I have found him an industrous and careful student, quick to grasp the important points of whatever work he had in hand, and clear in his explanations to others. I have also seen evidence in him of executive ability to a marked degree. I therefore heartily recommend him to any seeking the services of a good teacher. Respectfully,

Herbert M. Hill. A.M. Principal of Waterloo High School, Watertown, N.Y.

This great old Waterloo High School, Watertown, N.Y. Letter, Item number: 120207274184. Is for sale on Ebay. Just follow one of the links on this page if you want to take a look at it or place a bid.

1850's-80's New York Herrington family letters

GROUPING OF 15 LETTERS FROM THE 1850'S TO 1880'S. MOST BEING SENT TO MRS. OSCAR AND IDA HERRINGTON OF SOUTH HANNIBAL, MERIDIAN AND CICERO NEW YORK. ONE LETTER FROM APRIL 1865 MENTIONS LEE SURRENDERING TO GRANT AND THE PARADE DOWNTOWN WITH A THOUSAND SOLDIERS. THERE IS A LETTER BY MARY CONRAD ABOUT DEATH AND GREAT SICKNESS FOR THE FAMILY, SOME LETTERS TELL OF TRAVELING, ONE LETTER TALKS ABOUT A UNIVERSITY IN SYRACUSE AND MENTIONS BY NAME A FEW TEACHERS FROM 1871.

This great batch of Herrington family letters is for sale on Ebay, Item number: 360010959608. If you want to place a bid just follow one of the links to Ebay on this Page.