1866 Mortimer Bruce Austin writes to his uncle, William Henry Austin
121 Chambers St., NY, August 22, 1866
Dear Uncle,
I don’t think of anything particularly interesting or of much importance to write about, but as i have nothing very urgent to do this morning and feel somewhat in the humor of writing I thought I would write to you.
Uncle Perry was at our house not long since, and said that you was talking some of taking another Lumber job at Smith Mills.
If you do try the lumber business again, you had ought to have it understood so that there will be no quibbling or misunderstanding when you come to make a settlement and not only that you should (must) be pretty well satisfied that you are going to make something for there is no use of your working yourself almost to death this winter.
And then when you come to settle in the spring find that you have made nothing and I should if I were you have it understood that if you were dissatisfied with the price they charge you for provisions, feed, etc, that you will be at liberty to make your purchases of supplies elsewhere and make them advance you the money as fast as you make it or may need it.
If you should want any money to do business in that way, I will try and let you have it if you want and will purchase provisions etc., have you or ship them to you and you can pay me in the spring or when you settle.
If you don’t take the job I think Lon would have you this winter to drive cart for him. He pays the man he has now 12 or $13 per week and I have no doubt he would give you 14 or $15. You could come here and go around with Father a week and then you would get along without much trouble.
If you can do anything to make more money or that suits you better of course you will do so.
You will remember when I saw you at Barryville you got some feed (meal) at the mill and they charged you 20/ or 22/ per hundred and poor at that.
I priced some when I got home and had it offered to me at $1,85 and a good deal better article. You can buy first rate (the best) pork here for $33 per barrel, but I guess I have wrote about enough on that subject.
Has Thomas given you a deed for the place yet? If not, punch him up and don’t be too easy with those you deal with. Make them toe the mark for they will you if they have a chance.
All the folks are well as usual.
Addie and Emma are at Mount Kisco, Miranda and Belle intend to go to Barryville next week.
Hoping this will find you and Aunt Mary and little ones enjoying good health, I
Remain yours truly,
Mort B. Austin
Please write when convenient.
121 Chambers St., NY, September 26, 1866
Dear Uncle,
Your letter came to hand in due time and I should have answered it before but Lon was out to Barryville and I thought that you would see him there. I was over to see him Monday evening and he said that you was coming to N.Y. to drive cart for him so I suppose that there is really no need of my writing but thought I would answer your letter.
Lon and family are all well, also my folks. Miranda arrived home last Monday.
I don’t think of anything more to write about so I will close this note.
With love to all I remain
Yours Truly
M.B. Austin