1842: Moses Stockwell to Henry Stockwell

This letter was written by Moses Stockwell (1770-1857), the son of Abel Stockwell (1744-1805) and Patience Thomas (1747-1796). Moses married Electa Badger (1781-1864), the daughter of Lemuel and Sabra (Smith) Badger, in 1807. Moses’ first wife was Urania Ball.

Moses and wrote the letter to his son, Henry Stockwell (1802-1876) who was married (1827) to Millenna Yale (1805-1888), the daughter of Uriah and Eunice (Merwin) Yale.

Stampless Letter

TRANSCRIPTION
Addressed to Mr. Henry Stockwell, Caneadea, Allegany County, New York

Bainbridge [Chenango County, New York]
May the 19th 1842

Dear Children,

I received yours of the 2d instant and by it learned your situation. We morn that your health is so poor but we always to give thanks for the mercies and comforts we daily are given and not brood over the dark side of the picture too much. The hard times that you represent as stretching along on the banks of the Genesee made a gentle call here as it passed along and the way it whipped us was a caution.

But now for the money. I have got five dollars and will enclose for you tho the postmaster thinks it not very safe. But I think I shall be out there in four or five weeks and I will try to fetch the rest.

Abel and wife and Cyrus [have] gone to Catskill. Cyrus is agoing to sea for his health. I expect Abel and Lidy tomorrow. Lucinda has a daughter two weeks old Tuesday. She has had a serious time and is very low yet. Uncle Tim I don’t know anything but what Guilford folks are well.

I must bid you goodbye. I cannot write.

— Moses and Electa Stockwell

1842 Letter