Civil War soldier's letter

Civil War soldier's letter dated Concord [Camp Berry], New Hampshire, August 25, 1861. From George W. Felch to his friend Adeline Jones of West Wilton, New Hampshire. He writes about how good things are in camp, the food, no women cooks yet, leaving for Washington soon.

James Dalaney 1825

Letter dated 1825, where James Dalaney has written to P.R.Fendale at Alexandria, D.C; asking to borrow $100.00 as he is barely 100 miles from home, traveling with his dear old mother, a hack, two horses and a servant, with barely $5 in his pocket......signed James Dalaney

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Rockaway Long Island, New York 1806

Rockaway (Long Island, New York), Sep 4 (1806), from William M. Pree, to James Clapp, No. 2 Upper Chambers Street, New York City. Hand carried, no postal markings. The content reads, in part, as follows, "This will be handed you by a domestic, at present in the pay of Mr. Jones and myself. I will be very much obliged to you if you would go with my servant (whose name is Gilbert) to Chesterman and give him a pr. of pantaloons and vest, which I ordered to be made for me yesterday. They will certainly be done ...[He} is a stranger in town and may get lost. I would also thank you to purchase 2 lbs. of almonds, 2 lbs. of raisins and 8 good oranges, together with one lb. of sugar plumbs, which send with him out of town as soon as bought. I would think you to be particular as to going to Chesterman's, as I am in sadly in want of things above mentioned. If they should not be done, make Gilbert wait in town until they are. I expect him back, however, tomorrow morning. He was sent express with a letter to PLT, which you will have. Miss Claypoole arrived here yesterday, which circumstances will alter my determination of going to town on Monday. I shall not be down until the following Thursday. Write me by the bearer and mention what articles are sent with him, as you know what servants are ... [signed] M. Pree.

Civil War Soldier's Letter

Civil War soldier's letter dated Cairo, Illinois, February 21, 1862 and written by Thomas Call, Company A, "Yates Sharpshooters", 64th Illinois Infantry, to "Friend Katie". .....He comments about family matters, and friends in the service, how much he hates Cairo but enjoys watching the rebel prisoners pouring in every day. About five thousand have come through, being sent to Alton and Camp Butler for the duration of the war. Steamboats going up the river to St. Louis.

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1850 LETTER TO PHILADELPHIA EYE DOCTOR

1850 LETTER TO PHILADELPHIA EYE DOCTOR - ISAAC HAYS MD - 1 1/2pp handwritten letter of Wilmer Worthington, West Chester, June 10, 1850, to Isaac Hays M. D.

Worthington asks that Dr. Hays look at his little daughter Kate's eyes during her visit to the city. She previously used a solution of nitrate of silver and citrine ointment and recovered, but her eyes are affected again. "It is with difficulty we can keep her from the glare of the sun..."

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San Francisco 1859

Business letter, dated San Francisco, California, August 4, 1859, from bookseller J. Q. A. WARREN at 149 Clay Street, San Francisco, to publishers G. & C. Merriam requesting a price list and catalogue, and questioning when their Dictionaries will be arriving. An illegible notation from Merriam is found at the bottom.

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St. Davids Jamaica 1801

Interesting three page letter from a W. Sutherland of Greenwall, St. Davids in Jamaica dated 30 September 1801 to a business associate in London dealing with his sugar estate and a bumper crop. Much of the letter on an indentured blacksmith, Morgan Jones, and how when his indenture was up, he settled at Morant Bay and "took to drinking and of course lost his health..."

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1846-48 MISSOURI MISSIONARY LETTERS

Two letters to family members from Rev. Charles D. Herbert. An 1848 letter to his mother is datelined Harmony Mission, and completed in Warsaw, MO where the writer went to preach at a funeral. The other is an 1846 letter to sister Charlotte in Ellsworth, Maine, from Parkville [Platte County] MO. In this letter he includes a copy of his letter to a Mrs. Morgan in Hartford, CT with description of religious work in the west.

Highlights and excerpts:

1848 Harmony Mission; Warsaw, Mo - "You ask about the name Osage. The Indians pronounce it Wa-Sha-She...The Harmony Mission was abandoned in 1837 at the time the Indians were pressed to go beyond the bounds of the state. They were always rather wild & untamable & the liquor of the whites & the influences of the Govt agents was always vs. the Missions. Those who made farms were obliged always to support the whole tribe while their corn lasted & then go & hunt in their turn & so it was rather discouraging."

"The Christians here do no know much about Christ...They are so cold & lifeless. If they can have one great 'big meeting' as they can it...& make a great noise once a year they can sleep all the year after..."

1846 Parkville, Mo - Thanks Mrs. Morgan and ladies of Hartford, CT for the donation box which was passed out at a St. Louis gathering. He describes the hardships endured by the missionary families and their great need....ague, open cabins, long rides on the prairie. He comments on the ignorance in some communities who, "admire an ignorant ranting preacher" who advocates intemperance.

"There is a little band of brethren here on this utmost border of the state of Mo. in the Platte Purchase lately made of the Indians. I sometimes tell my friends not to look for one location in 'the far west." nor....in the midst of the 'great west'; but beyond....where we may see the fires & hear the wild voices of the red man on the opposite shore...In this new country there is much to be done."
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New Mexico 1887

February 10, 1887. Southern Part of New Mexico near Rincon. An autograph letter signed ”W.H.A.” to his daughter about his travels from New England to New Mexico; William H. Anderson wrote to her in pencil: “Altho I have written mama a card every day reporting how I was getting along I think you would like to have a letter from me. Now you get a map of the United States and trace along on it the way I came. I left Boston which you can find and by dark that night only got as far as Greenfield Mass. I crossed the Hudson River at Troy N.Y. in the night and Sunday morning just after I got out of my berth crossed the Niagara River not far from Buffalo. Then went on through the lower part of Canada to Detroit Michigan. There we crossed the river in a bog boat that took cars and all & after we crossed Sunday afternoon I changed into another sleeping car and that afternoon & Sunday night passed thro the states of Michigan, Indiana and Illinois to the Mississippi River opposite St. Louis. We crossed that river Monday morning about 8 on a very high bridge. At St. Louis I changed cars and during Monday rode all day across the State of Missouri to the Missouri River opposite Kansas City. We crossed that river on another very high bridge about 8 Monday night. I had to stay in Kansas City over night. As the city stands on a high cliff or hill above the river where the depot is we went up the hill in a street car drawn not by horses but a rope or cable which runs under ground. The hill was as steep as the roof of our house and it seemed funny to ride up so steep a place. I stayed at a hotel that night and about eleven Thursday morning I took this car in which I now am and started west again. We went through Topeka, Emporia and about the time I got up Wednesday morning we were at the eastern line of the state of Colorado. We had breakfast at La Junta in Colorado. That word is pronounced as tho it was spelled La Hunta as it is a Spanish word and in that language it sounds like H. Then yesterday we kept on thro Colorado & New Mexico & got to Las Vegas about dark, that is our dark, at home it would be two hours later because that is farther to the east where the Sun rises. We passed Albuquerque in the night and when I looked out this morning we were near Socorro, New Mexico. Had breakfast at San Marcian and shall get to Rincon, New Mexico about noon. There I shall have to change cars and wait an hour or two. Don’t you think I have given you a great lesson in geography? There are a great many cattle and calves along here and as the road is not fenced we have to slack up sometimes & blow the engine whistle so as to frighten them off the track and then they scamper good. Derring, N.M. Friday morn – When we got here last night we found we must stay here till 2 o’clock today – so I will send this now and write you again this afternoon on the train.”

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Timothy Skidmore 1803

May 25, 1803. A letter from Timothy Skidmore to "Mother" informing her that he has received payment from "Docter Sammuel Thompson" and wants to settle a financial matter involving a deed.

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1887 NEW BEDFORD WHALING SHIP CALIFORNIA

Letters partially read:

"New Bedford, Aug.17, 1887...We are much pleased that you sold the bone at such good advantage, and also approve of the disposition you made of the money. We are sorry to hear that your men ran away for we know that it must be a source of great trouble to you, but we are glad that you succeeded in getting all back again but two. We have made note on our books that you have discharged the steward and paid him off, and think you are lucky to get rid of such a man if he is as mean and poor as you write for he is not fit to be in any ship.We have also stopped his draw bill. It is too bad for Mrs. Brightman to be obliged to do the steward's work and we hope you will be able to get a man before long that will be satisfactory to you, for it is very discouraging to have poor meals. At any rate we shall consider the matter here and wait to hear from you again...The Bark Petrel has arrived at Panama with 1140 Sperm & 160 Whale on board. 1600 barrels all told. Mrs. Mandell is daily improving. With best regards to yourself and wife we remain Yours Truly, E.D. Mandell & Co., P"

"New Bedford, July 18, 1887...Yours at June 15th came to hand July 16 and we were glad to hear from you. I am very sorry your mate turned out so bad, but I must say it is just what I expected and you know I told you he was good for nothing. Though I think with such a good man as Mr. Mingo for mate you will come out alright for I know you will never come home till you get a voyage. I suppose you have got a boatheader as you telegraphed for me not to get one. I think myself you have had a pretty hard time, but I trust it will not discourage you, for perhaps the next year you may have better luck which I hope you will. You may be able to ship some good men from other ships which are coming home. We could not have got John L. Saysi(?) for he is not at home and Antone D. Cruse(?) went first mate with George L. Howland in the Canton. Mr. Eben Pierce(sp?) is going to send you some new bombs and has received you letter. We shall send the Brand Bombs as you requested. The John P. West has been sold to San Frisco partner and is going North. Your friend William McKim thinks you will get a good voyage. I don't think you will want Prince when you come home. You see he's wellalong in years and won't be as good a horse as he was when you had him though..(talks about what he would like him to do about his horse in his absence)...E.D. Mandell, Jr."

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Rio De Janiero 1814

Letter dated 1814, Rio De Janiero, where Nathan Smith has written to Eliphalet Smith; regarding the peace between England and France; Buonaparte has abdicated and been exiled, Tallyrand has become Minister to Louis, the soldiers are returning home, a great letter with awesome content; two pages, 8x11, addressed outer leaf to Eliphalet Smith, in Buenos Aires. Letter shipped to Eliphalet Smith, merchant in Boston.

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Near Winchester, Virgina 1868

March 2, 1868, from "J.W. Schultz to his "Dear Aunt."
Schultz talks of having oysters, and Uncle Pinyu, planting grapes, "a nice table grape," Robert Sloan, his travails in finding a wife, that his present help is an Old lady. "My administration must end with this one. I moved her back to town ...some of the girls will help me to plan with a faithful old col (Colored) woman who rents from me the house on the hill..." Went to town to hear the rev Munsey lecture..

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Providence Steam Engine 1837

A letter dated 1837, where Thomas H Hazard has written to John Babcock of Providence Steam Engine; regarding closing down his factory to install two new boilers.....signed Thomas H. Hazard,

Potomack Company 1812

Detailed canal construction progress report, dated Georgetown, DC, May 12 1812, from Jonas Thompson, to, "The Honourable President and Directors of the Potomack Company, which was in the early canal business (see history below) based in the Washington DC region. The contents read, in part, as follows: "This will inform you that I am now working at considerable disadvantage for the want of sites for the new locks at the Little Falls. The opening of the foundation of which is a very considerable work nnd by putting it of[f] until the proper season for working on the [Potomac] River, I fear it will very much interfere with that working. It appears by the conduit of Mr. Carleton, while I was last absent, that we shall be able to keep very few hands at work this summer. When I left this place we had about 57 hands, which were hired by the year, a number of which were free coloured men, which Mr. Carleton paid off in order to give them the opportunity of leaving our employ, at the same time observed to Mr. Germain there would not be funds to keep in employ so many hands. From that circumstance I fear the funds are very short, and hope the Company, as soon as convenient, will inform me what number of hands we shall be able to keep in employ during the summer season, that the necessary arrangement be made. I understand that the Company have a free stone quarry at Seneca and a considerable quantity of stone already quarried, which we shall want for the gate jambs of our next locks at the Little Falls. I have had 4 new boats built and the old ones repaired for the use of our working operations, two of which I expect we shall be able to spare from that employ, if it meet the approbation of the Honourable Board. The one I will employ in getting lime down the River for the building of our locks, and the other I will employ in getting free stone from Seneca. And as those boats ascend he River, I will send from our quarry capping stone for the locks at the Great Falls -- if we should not be able to work a considerable force on the River this summer, would it not be advisable to remove the worst obstructions between this place and Harpers Ferry. Our present cap is getting very sickly, in consequence of which I wish to remove it soon. Our loss in tools this past year was considerable. I wish to make the overseers accountable for any tools that may be lost which under their charge; if you approve of it please to make an order to that effect. My services at this moment are necessary on the Shenandoah, but cannot have this place before our works at the locks are commenced. The first installment of the artisans' loan have been paid to the Banks. Mr. Carleton authorized Mr. Laurence to attend that business on behalf of the Company, but I believe there is no one authorized to draw on that fund for the repaying the expense of the works. Mr. Ragan has been under the necessity of purpose for that purpose on the subject of the width of the new locks to be built at the Little Falls. The present locks are eighteen feet wide and will admit two boats at the same time and, of course, will enable the lock keeper to pass one third more boats than if the locks were twelve feet wide, but there are more locks at the Great Falls and only 12 feet wide. More boats could be passed at these locks than could be passed at the Great Falls, if they were only 12 feet wide and in that case one third of the water would be saved. Either will do; please make the choice. I have in my possession way bills for several thousand dollars, which at present are in the possession of Mr. Moss at the Great Falls and no doubt before Mr.Carleton's indisposition took place that he received the way bill for the first freshet ... [signed] Jonas Thompson.

David P. Call of the David P. Call of the 4th Illinois Cavalry

Civil War soldier's letter with wonderful battle content about the war in the west. Written by David P. Call of the 4th Illinois Cavalry, General McLernand's Division, to his friend, dated somewhere in Tennessee March 29, 1862. He describes Commodore Foote's gunboats on the Mississippi capturing Fort Henry, his leaving Cairo by steamboat for Fort Donelson, with a highly descriptive account of the attack and capture of the fort, the role of the 4th Illinois, and the condition of the fort and the rebel defenders. Will then be heading past Corinth where the rebels have made a stand, General Grant with 125,000 troops and Buell coming with more.

Estherville, Iowa 1861

Estherville, Iowa, Aug 7 1861, from Judge Adolphus Jenkins, of Emmett County, to the Samuel J. Kirkwood, the state Governor, stating that local people have no fear of Indian attacks, and do not desire to have troops there for security purposes. He also writes, "of an organized band of horse thieves," from Dakota Territory, who had disguised themselves as Native Americans. The content reads, in part, as follows: "As there is a strong effort being made in this country to raise a decidedly uncalled for excitement in regard to the Indians, and applications are about being made to your excellency to furnish a body of troops to be stationed at this place. Knowing as I do; that there is a decided majority of the inhabitants of this county strongly opposed to movement, I take this occasion to trespass upon upon your notice, to say that there is here a general feeling of security. As far as depredations from the Indians are concerned, we have not more to fear than the settlers about Fort Dodge. The country north of us, upon this river is quite thickly settled for over thirty miles; much more so than it is between here and Fort Dodge. To the west of us are considerable settlements about Spirit Lake and upon the Little Sioux, therefore we do not consider that we are hardly on the frontier. There is no doubt of the existence of an organized band of horse thieves, somewhere in Dacotah Territory, that commit many depredations in the disguise of Indians and upon their credit. Yet they have committed none in this county, or within eighty miles of it, and if they should, I hope and trust the people here, will prove equal to the emergency. We have in this county one hundred and twenty five inhabitants, over forty of whom are fighting men, or subject to do military duty, and if we cannot protect our homes, we are unworthy of homes in so fair a land as this. Another still stronger objection, which every true lover of this county has, has to [do with] the States sending men here at this time of our country's greatest need, is that as we are unable to assist the grand and noble cause, in which our country is at present so deeply engaged by men and means. God forbid that we would indirectly aid the enemy by intruding upon the precious time of those that have all they attend to, to content with our common adversary without being annoyed by any false and foolish pretense from the county that we are in danger. If it is desirable, we will forward to you a remonstrance, signed by the majority of the county, who are opposed to having troops stationed here. Please excuse this somewhat tedious intrusion upon your attention. If the intended petition should be presented, it is hoped that it will only receive such attention as the case merits ... [signed] Adolphus Jenkins

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Pitt. Washtenaw County, Michigan Territory, 1836

Pitt [Washtenaw County, Michigan Territory], Jun 5 1836, from Tyler McWhorter, to Henry H. Collier, St. Catherine, Upper Canada

The content reads, in part, as follows: "I received your welcome letter on the 27th of last month. I am very happy to learn your condition, that you are laying the foundation of a popular life. And were I two years younger, I should like to be your classmate. But as the state of matters and things will not exactly permit, I must lower my hopes and content myself to tread a more common path. I am not in the least surprised that your departure from Avoca did not trouble your mind. There is nothing there ... But, however, there are some quite decent chaps left in old Steuben yet. But I think it would be to their benefit to elope. A few days since I received a letter from Miss Elizabeth J. Moore, It contained no news of importance, except of the precarious state of business there and that Mr. Duparc, the preceptor, was indicted for bigamy, He has another wife in Ohio. He is now at Bath waiting his trial and it is the general opinion he will be committed. It will be a great damage to Steuben to lose so useful a man. If it had not been for leaving a cloud of trouble amongst our folks, I do not know, but I should have been to Texas before now. You inform me that you take the Steuben Advocate. I have likewise had the pleasure of reading papers from the Iowa [Territory] press. Mr. Barry has sent me a no. of papers this spring. A few days since we received the welcome news of the overthrow and capture of Santa Anna. I have not altogether abandoned my project of going to Texas yet, but I shall not go until I see the old Steuben once more, if I ever do ... Business seems to be in quite a sterling condition here. The emigration is exceedingly great this Spring. Cattle is very dear. A good yoke of oxen is worth $100. A drove passed by the other day, which came from Ohio, and for their best offer they asked 140 dollars pr yoke. And most anything of a cow is worth 30 dollars and horses is cheaper here than in York State. I calculated to take a trip out west next fall to see Ill[inois] and Wisconsin, before I return home. I cannot yet promise for certain to come and see you on my return. I expect by this time you perfectly understand the mystery of the sun's rising & setting n[orth] of east in the summer &c. I have blundered into the philosophy of that myself I think without the aid of Trigonometry ... Farmers are getting rich very fast. All farms about this part of the country, improved and unimproved, has doubled in value within two years. Improved land is held as high here as in Old Steuben and is worth a damned sight more than are farms on the Bend ... [Lands] about 12 miles west of this [place], which 5 years ago was wild and uncultivated ... are now selling at 25 dollars an acre. If a young man buys a wild lot of land and at the end of a year cannot sell it for double the first cost, it will be because he has made a poor choice of land. Wisconsin will double her population undoubtedly this Summer. I had some conversation with an engineer ... this morning. He stated that a farmer, who owned a form there then worth 4 thousand dollars could but support his family by working hard himself. Consider the vast difference when compared what farmers of this Western country. Mr. Wood, the man for whom I am to work, 10 years ago was worth but four hundred dollars. His property is now worth not less than 18 thousand. So he has cleared at the rate of 18 hundred dollars a year. He pays at the rate of 800 dollars a year for hired work. My leisure moments are but few, but I have most all kinds of scientific books at hand ... [signed] Tyler McWhorter.

Ebay Item number:260560073471

St. Andrews. June 12, 1792.

“This is to inform you that there was such a person as Loring Barker and I am very sorry you ever knew there was such a person. I dare say you will think strange of my conduct it is what I thought of when I left Pembroke. To be short I was married this last June to Miss Polly Ross. I hope it will not give you any uneasiness for I think you are deserving a much better man that I am or ever shall be I hope often been told that Miss Torrey was too worthy a person for me to have, and have taken it into consideration and think so myself. Furthermore you have often told me that you wished to live a single life and I would not wish you to disoblige yourself for the sake of obliging me. I have wished to enter into that state a long time ago buy you refused it and now it is too late I think that you have so many accomplishments that you can have your choice among the best of men and wittingly there is not a more miserable creature living than I am I wish you all the happiness this world can afford I must conclude I wish you to write a line or two to inform me of your Health so no more adieu forever.”

“Loring Barker”

St. Louis 1841

St. Louis Steam Boat EMILIE, Mar 21-22 1841, from Henry to his lady friend, Sarah E. Hodgen. The content reads, in part, as follows: Has been impatiently awaiting for her arrival, writing, "I do declare it almost seems to have been a month since I have been watching every Ohio River Boat that may chance to come to the landing and so soon as they touch at the wharf I take to the boats and soon travel all over them in search of you. I have sometimes thought I should be sorry to have you see me running about the boat looking in the ladies cabin, lest you should think me very rude, for I know everyone else who may observe me thinks me so, but methinks I should now be willing to be termed rude by half the world (provided you were not on that side) could that secure me the pleasure of seeing my dear Sarah E. before I leave for Columbia [Missouri], which must be tomorrow, as business of an imperative character demands that I should return this week. But ... my heart takes comfort ... that in four short weeks Pittsfield [Illinois] will again be my home and then we shall meet, never more to be separated in the cruel manner which has kept land and sea between us ever since the 30th ... Jul last. I have not heard from you since I was in Pittsfield in Jan last, but knowing that you were always well, I have managed to convince myself that you were still enjoying your usual health. I have just been interrupted to go and look over another boat, the GIRARD has just landed, but no friends there for me, and I have again to board board with bitter and unavailing regret over my repeated and continued disappointments all the way down ... I yesterday heard the celebrated John Newland Moffit preach in the Methodist Church of this city. My opinion of him is that he is a man of splendid talents, but a consuming hypocrite. He is the greatest fop I ever saw in a pulpit. An elder opened the service, and while he was praying and singing, Moffit was fixing his hair, his stock, his collar, brushing his clothes and taking all the airs of a dandy ... [Mar 22 1841] this day I must start home. I shall lock up shop in Columbia in a week or ten days and shall be engaged about a week or ten days in making settlements, and I think in three weeks I shall be ready to leave for Illinois, and if ever I was thankful ... to leave any place, that place is Columbia ... I shall be very anxious to hear from you and hope that you will write soon as you safely reach St. Louis. I have seen no friends from Illinois since I have been here. I saw Amos Goodin yesterday. He is filling the Honorable Station of Second Steward on board of the Stam Boat ELIZA ... breakfast is ready and as soon as I get that, I must turn out to lay some goods to send up the Illinois River. I want to send them on a boat which will leave today ... [signed} Henry.

This fantastic letter is for sale on Ebay Item number:260557350563