James H. Austin writes his mother, Fanny Austin, 1858
Feb. 23rd 1858
New York
Dear Mother
I again (adrefs) address you a few lines. I received your letter of the 19th yesterday and was glad to hear that you was better, but was sorry to hear that you had not received my letter of the 16th for I wrote by first maile after receiving yours by Felix Kyte. I think it verry probable that you have received it before this time. I hope you did the next maile. I have thought it was mi(f)slaid in the Post Office as is often the case. And sometimes it happens that letters do not arrive at their destination for sometime after they are mailed.
I again risk Two Dollars by Maile. I do not like to send this way, but you are in want of the money and so I risk it. I should send you a larger sum if I was shure you would get it. I think before long, some person of our acquaintance will be en-route for Lumberland and then I will remit to you.
In the meantime, get of your friends what things you want to make you comfortable and do not pinch yourselves for food or fuel and I will pay the bill. You may rely on it. I trust you will not run up a large bill extravagantly, but get all you want to make you comfortable. Keep Laura home with you. Do not think of trying to live alone. It is my particular wish and request that she remain home with you. Tell her that I will try and do something for her next summer in the way of drefses etc.
Tell Henry that probably there may be a chance for him to bring Cart this spring at Peckslip with Alonzo. Alonzo thinks of trying to make the arrangement so as to drive the two horse trucks and let Henry have his place with the Cart. If businefs starts when the Hartford Steamboat begins to run, which will be in the course of two or three weeks, that is if the spring is not too backward, I think there will be a chance for him. I think if the spring will open early, that is navigation, I mean, tell Henry not to rely too much on coming to the city. It is —- about businefs being brisk. To warrant him a situation this spring, I do not.
If Alonzo or myself can get him a situation this spring–will do it. I would like to have — this spring, even if he did not stay — the summer for by coming here and learning the city and how to do businefs. In a way of –be a great advantage to him and would — him to take right hold of my work (this) fall. The maine thing is to learn the — and the different Steam Boat and Rail Road — he may get along with businefs and Peck –Just the place to learne. So I think that (he) should come and drive a few months. It will prepare him for getting right along with…
But should he have a good chance for businefs at Lumberland, he had not better let it slip. but I think he may rely on having a good situation. In one years time Alonzo will soon ascertain what prospect there wil be for him and will write. Soon again, I think by the middle of March or sooner, he can know all about it. In the meantime, tell him not to be discouraged, for I think the prospect is good ahead.
Augustus’ folks are all well. Harriet Teed lives there next Saturday for home. Her Father is not so well again, although he is smart. We are all well and doing well. I have not time to write more at present. More soon.
Your affectionate son, James H. Austin
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Five o’clock afternoon
I shall look for a letter by Friday maile form Lumberland and if mailed Friday, I shall get it Saturday or Monday at the farthest, if there is no delay on the route. You need not worry yourself to write. Let Laura answer my letter.
Eleven o’clock AM
Be sure and write soon that I may not be in suspense concerning whether you have received my letters or not.
Yours with respect and affection
Five o’clock PM
My love and respects to all the friends.
Fannie Austin James H. Austin
May 21st, 2008 at 10:56 pm
[...] Uncle James, son of Ralph and Fanny, wrote the letter from 1858. [...]