L. H. Cook to D. H. White 1855

1855 letter from L. H. Cook to D. H. White in Iowa that mentions near the end: "There is some talk about the Indians being trouble some and scares some of the Women almost into a duck fit it has been reported that there is 6000 at the Counsul bluff but it does not interupt me till I know more about it . . .

This interesting letter is up for sale on Ebay Item number: 350204519314.

James Crandal 1792 Rhode Island

Hand written letter dated 1792 with the letter writers seal beside his name.

Know all men by these present that I James Crandal of Westerly in Washington County and State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantation for it valuable consideration to me in hand well and truly paid by Daniel Whitney Late of Newport now residing in the State of Masachusets and herewith I am content do hereby sell asign set over and transfer unto him the said Daniel Whitney a certain ballance reported to be due to me by a committee appointed by the Legislature of the State of Rhode Island and on account of the depreciation of my pay as a solider in the late State Regiment commanded by Coll. John Toppin which ballance amounting to fifteen pounds eleven shilling lawful money as by the depreciation account of said regiment will appear and with the interest due thereon to have and to hold the said transferred balance to to him the said Daniel Whitney his heirs Executor (?????can't make this word out) or asigns forever furthermore I the said James Crandal do hereby constitute and appoint the said Daniel Whitney or his atterney my Atterney and in my name but for his or there use to demand and recover said ballance and acquittance thereof to give in my name and this I give as my Irrevocable power with full power of substitution In witness whereof I have here unto set my hand and seal this 30th day of March in the 16th year of American Independence A1792 Signed sealed and delivered in presents of Sam Bliven George Saunders Washington County of Westerly March the 30th A1792 Personally appeared the above subscriber M'James Crandal and acknowledged the before going instrument to be his free act and deed hand and seal before me. Sam Bliven Justice of the Peace.

This document is for sale on Ebay Item number: 180359723034.

Lee family of Virginia

Three letters from the Lee family of Virginia. They include: (1) 2 pg. letter, November 28, 1789, Goochland, from Richard Lancelot Lee to his mother Betty Heale. In this letter Richard mentions he saw Kendall in Fredericksburg and that he ran into a Samuel Harding who had "lately been in the neighborhood of Ditchley & had heard that the family wee all tolerable well." He goes on to say that he sent Daniel (probably a slave) to buy some material for stockings, shoes, and a hat that he wishes to be made up for Tom. He mentions Kendall has a fine son about 6 weeks old. He gives compliments to his brother William. He adds that Daniel will carry down a horse for him and Arthur could take of the horse until he comes down. (2) A 2 pg. letter, March 12 1812, written by Louisa Lee to her aunt. The partial address indicates the aunt is "Mrs. Priscilla Edwards. The letter has much religious content. (3) A partial letter (no date) written by Judith B. Lee.

This great batch of Lee family letters is for sale on Ebay Item number: 280346604192

1737-1738 FIVE LETTERS FROM A PERSON JAILED FOR DEBT

Mr de Bellisle who is in the Chatelet jail of Paris writes patiently to Mr the chevalier de la Rye, the director general of tobacco in Paris, initially for a loan of 50 gold Louis and then as time passes to ask him to certify and pay accounts that will allow him to recover his freedom.

Mr de la Rye appears to have not reacted very quickly: the first letter is only dated 1737 and Mr de Bellisle has already been in jail six months. The following letters are dated May and December 1737 and then April and May 1738 and Mr de Bellisle is still very politely asking for the payments that would make him a free man.

Ebay item Item number: 360155979000.

1784-1864 WESTFORD, CT LETTERS, REV AMOS SNELL, BAPTISTS

Interesting lot of 9 handwritten letters, 1837-1864, to Rev. Amos Snell, a Baptist Church elder in Westford, Windham County, Connectiicut and later South Wilbraham, Massachusetts. The letters are primarily personal nature letters from former Snell church members in a variety of locales.

Some of the highlights:
1840 Hillsboro, Illinois letter, 3pp., Sabria Bennett. The writer dislikes Illinois, the "Western Wildernes"; "...not an eastern family in this neighborhood all suckers...they are not our sort of people."; "O that we could see you and hear you blow the Gospel"; "We often hear the wolves howl near our cabin doors verry thick. Two have been killed so near the house we could hear them bleat like a calf."
1854 East Pembroke, New York, 2pp, legal, Charles Snell, brother. Fire at large tavern house of Edward Powers . "Burnt to ashes", killing young son.
1837 Stafford, CT, Jemima Hicks, 2pp., legal. Had typhus fever, now in poor health. Highly religious letter with a few poetic lines re Jesus. "I can hardly refrain from weeping when I think of the long suffering compassion of the savior towards me..." Mentions "poor sinners"; "Pilgrimage to the Celestial City" and laboring in the "vineyard of the Lord."
Fabulous autograph letter signed, "Asa Snow", Petersham [MA], Jan. 17, 1854, 1 1/4pp., plus 1p. letter of Snow's second wife, Eunice. The internet has some interesting background information on this strange inviidual, also known as Asa "Popcorn" Snow, including his main diet of popcorn and milk; suicide death of first wife Isabelle; and Snow's metal casket with viewing window (became a local tourist attraction.)

This great group of letters is up for sale on Ebay Item number: 230342789464.

Seth Chapman Letter Jamaica New York 1852

A letter from Seth Chapman in Jamaica New York to his son who is away at school. The letter is about school and also mentions a Ann and Libby and Lilly who are most likely sisters to the boy at school. Ebay Item number: 130305097499.

1808-21 SUMMERVILLE, VA - BRANCH FAMILY LETTERS

Lot of 4 handwritten, personal letters to Maria Branch -- two from mother, Mary F. Branch, Summerville, Chesterfield County, Virginia 1808; two from friends - Mary B. Royall, Locust Hill, 1821, and Selena Booker, Flat Rock, n.d. 9pp, 8" x 10", total. Brief content and excerpts:

1808, Mary F. Branch - Asks that Col. Clark bring Maria home at appointed time; a subject, "too delicate for distant discussion"; mentions Judith Woodson, E. Cunliffe; "Mr H was in a voilent (sic) pucker respecting his horse."; "Your letter is full of love from the pits." One letter with hand carried cover to Lucy Maria Branch, Col. Clark's, Powhatan.
1821, Mary B. Royall - Dr. Archer is busy, "taken up with courting." Has fine view of river where situated. "I am as contented as it is possible for a woman to be..." Hand carried cover to Maria in Summerville.
n.d. (c. early 1800s), Selena Booker - Writer upset, sister won't respond to letters. "They all seem to care so little for me."; "Will you believe me if I tell you that I have only one child. You know Maria I always told you that I did not intend to have any more for they are so much trouble."; "I am such a poor hardened siner. She I fear is like all the rest of you, cares nothing for poor Selena." Mentions Capts. Booker (husband?) and Taylor. Hand carrier cover to Maria Branch, Manchester VA.

This great group of Branch family letters is up for sale on Ebay Item number: 230339876693

Philinda Ford 1846

1846 folded letter from Philinda Ford, to her sister Miss August S Ford in Binghamton New York. News letter with talking of children, weddings, and other local news-she is attending a lecture by a blind lady from Michigan on the influence of females.

Ebay Item number: 160331352128

William M. Bambrick Denver Colorado 1860

Handwritten letter to brother from William M. Bambrick, Denver [Colorado], Dec. 22, 1860. Bambrick describes his hard-going existence.. He was sick during the summer, "my hair all come out." "I bought in to some claims in Neivad [Nevada] Gulch and made money on them. They froze up first of November. I worked two months and cleared $1.30."; "I worked day and night in my claims this fall. I worked six hours on and six hours off."; "You can see by the Mountain News that there are killings and hangings in Denver. There is considerable excitement here now about new mines in Mexico. A great many going there from here." Provisions coming in to Denver by train. "Hogs sell as high as horses."; "There is a prize fight come off in the mountains this fall in sight of where I was at work but I did not go to see it. They fought eight and was both badly hurt."

This letter is up for sale on Ebay Item number: 230339099522. If William M. Bambrick was one of your ancestors this letter would be a great addition to you family genealogy.

Connecticut Regiment Heavy Artillery

Agroup of ten letters from family members to David Sharpe of Company B, First Connecticut Regiment Heavy Artillery. Two are dated 1858, and the rest 1861-1863, with a total of 31 pages. Filled with news from home from his brother, sister, father and mother in Seymour, Connecticut, about the war, other soldiers from the neighborhood, and family news. The family shows its patriotism, faith in God and satisfaction with freeing the slaves. David originally joined the 4th Connecticut Volunteers under General Banks in 1861, which was then re-organized in 1862 as the 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery. The regiment served 1861-64 in the defense of Washington, the Peninsular Campaign [Yorktown and Fair Oaks] and at Petersburg and Richmond. In all, the lot includes ten letters, average size 5 x 8 1/2, with folds, an additional letter in envelope dated 1871, and news clippings from the regiment's return to Connecticut in 1864, and Sharpe's obituary in 1926.

This fantastic group of Sharpe family letters is for sale on Ebay Item number: 200332059504

Turbutt Francis, Philadelphia 1773

Letter signed, "Turbutt Francis", Philadelphia, Aug. 19, 1773, 1p., legal, with hand carried cover to Peter Kacklien, Esq, Sheriff of Northampton. Content re delivering bond in exchange for articles of Mr. Allen. "Do let me know your intentions as neglecting to give me an immediate answer will be ading one injury to another." Also mentions 500 acres under lease to Manning.

This letter is up for sale on Ebay Item number: 230336640148

Hezekiah Griffin Freedom Papers, Chillicothe

Chillicothe Jan30th 1823

I do certify that Hezekiah Griffin a yellow man abt 27 years of age is a free man and came by his freedom in the following manner viv He griffin ran off from his Master Gen Biggs of Virginia and came to this place was taken up by Major Beaty a friend of Gen Biggs was sold to me for 500$ cash this transaction was nowledged
since by Gen Biggs when in this place and further Hezekiah has paid me by his services and some money as whitness my hand.

Thomas James

J.L. Cummings

Reverse:

Hezekiah Griffin

Freedom Papers.

This interesting letter is up for sale on Ebay Item number: 160327299539. If Hezekiah Griffin was one of your ancestors this would make a great addition to your genealogy.

Chicago to Peru 1852

A travel letter from Chicago to Peru [Illinois], from a wife to husband, Peru, Feb. 29, 1852. The writer, travelling with her sister, describes a night in a hotel -- bitten by bugs, loud men with a drunken one stating he's going to sleep in their room. They retrieve scissors and shove the trunk by the door. The following morning they take the stage from Aurora -- gentleman passengers; Ottawa bridge torn away; mudhole; Joliet stage; coach sicknessness; no food. A few passengers get out to walk and are retrieved by the stage a few hours later at a stranger's house.

Ebay Item number: 230335308063

New York House of Refuge 1883

New York House of Refuge Letterhead - Handwritten letter, Dec. 12, 1883, signed W. C. Steele, sent to F. A. Fidler, Esq. A letter of apology, it reads in part, "I am heartily sorry that a playful remark interjected into one of my Lectures should have been the means of causing pain to any one, least of all yourself or the excellent young lady chosen by my friend Bro Strater for his companion in Christian labor..."; "I heard that some over-sensitive person had misinterpreted the aullusion...Mr. Strater is a man of noble qualities of head and heart..."

This fine old letter is up for sale on Ebay Item number: 230334856333

Rio Vista, Henrcio County, Virginia

Rio Vista, Henrcio County, Virginia, Nov. 7, 1886. E. F. Warren to friend, Mina. The writer describes the family move from Jefferson and new home in Rio Vista -- wood now is scarce "little round sticks"; woodwork in house almost black with dirt; no near neighbors -- & comments on the help, "Mother and I do it now [cooking]. There were too many colored folks hanging around to suit us, as long as a colored woman worked here. We have a colored man to work here all the time, but he eats by himself and sleeps in the old house where the servants used to do the cooking.

This interesting old letter is up for sale on Ebay Item number: 230334416880

Charles Lucius Anderson 1853

Letter reads in part:

"Lowell, October 18, 1853

Dear Mother,

Enclosed you will receive a letter which I received from Aunto Anna since I wrote you......there has been two sad accidents at the Fundry of late, by one of which a man had both his legs so badly crushed that they were both taken off above the knee, The other man was nearly killed by something falling upon his head and has since died.

...Governor Boutwell* delivered a political lecture in Huntington Hall last week. I think as the man grows older he improves in his manner of delivery. Aaran Blanchard spent last week at the Worlds Fair. Several went also from the Shop...

Since I wrote you last I have got my pay raised from seven shillings pr day to eight shillings pr day which I think will do very well till next spring. Next Pay day I shall receive $40.00 for my five weeks work.
...I like my boarding place very much...Charles Lucius Anderson"


Ebay item Item number: 370179113972

Nancy Shippee, of Readsboro, Vermont

4 page letter, dated Feb. 10, 1862, from Nancy Shippee, of Readsboro, Vermont. Discusses family matters, marraige, Francis Boyd enlisting to go south, and Stamford soldier brought home named Richardson.

Ebay Item number: 170312713836

James Magee 1784

Letter from Fairfax County, Virigina., dated 22 day of April, 1784., stating that a young woman has taken the oath that she was made pregnant by Cpt. James Magee of the Ship GUSTAVUS, and that he shall be found and brought forward to answer to these charges. The woman has born a bastard female child and will likely be charged to the state for support.

This letter is for sale on Ebay Item number: 300300812759.

Camp Pierpont 1861

Nov 28th, 1861 letter written at Camp Pierpont, Va. . Letter was written by Sam M Stricby.
He writes We have our tent built up 31/2 feet with poles and then dug down 11/2 feet in the ground and our tent set on poles and banked up around the poles with dirt and then a fire place in the bank and one bunk in the floor for 2 to sleep and one a bove for 2 more to sleep. As this was Thanksgiving for Pa., I was in the country at an old favorite place and had a splendid diner, it consisted of roast pork-fresh- stewd rabid, warm buisket mashed potatoes....I suppose you have the news of the 1st Pa R Cavelry at Dranesville the other side of us. They brought along 11 prisners past our camp next day most of them on foot and 2 other rebels wounded and left 2 ded in the field. Our men was 4 wounded, one of them was the assistant surgon of the hospital. more about camp life.

Sam M Stricby

This great old Civil War letter is for sale on Ebay Item number: 280321194537

Samuel Lillie 1705

Letter dated 1705, where mechant Samuel Lillie (Lilly) has written to Captain William Pickering, presently at Newfoundland, regarding the contents of the Sloop Content, mostly a hoard of fish....he also wishes Pickering to sell, at best price, a load of sundry goods to the people of Newfoundland and get paid in bills of exchange from London based banks, then to re-load with what fish can be had..but no contraband goods...if he gets blown of course then proceed to Berbadou (Barbados?)and get molasses and rum...signed Samuel Lilly.

This letter is up for sale on Ebay Item number: 350173047320.