Project Ayer - Pre Civil War

Haverhill Jan 7, 45

Dear Friends

We received your Saturday the fourth and we all feel very deeply afflicted at the death of your beloved mother and brother, and truly sympathize with you all your afflictions. We feel her death to be a great bereavement to us all, although we have been separated from her by so great a distance; yet no one could but feel sensibly, the loss of a sister, who possessed her superior mental qualities and goodness of heart. I am thankful that I was permitted by a kind Providence to visit her while on earth; O may we all be prepared to meet her in heaven where separations and disappointments are not known. We were very much disappointed in not receiving a visit from you, but as we heard nothing we concluded you had deferred until another year; I hope that you will as it is, do if you can, although it is very trying to know that our dear sister cannot accompany you; but as we can see her on earth no more, the separation from her should serve to strengthen and bind more closely the bonds of affection between her children and their relatives. I shall ever retain a very grateful remembrance of the kind reception and friendly attentions which I received while at Evans, and hope I shall have an opportunity of returning them. I arrived safely at home the Thursday after I parted with you, and found my family all well. We had the pleasure of having all our children and grandchildren at home to Thanksgiving twenty in number including husband and myself. I sent you a paper in november containing a notice of the death of sister Corlisses daughter and Mr. Charles West, but as you did not mention it in your letter I fear you never received it. but I must bid you adieu for the present.

I must bring my letter to a very imperfect close as I must leave room for the other sisters to write. Please present my love to all freiners and accept a large share yourself.

L. L. Bradley

Thursday 8th

You will perceive by the first page, that I expected sisters Bradley and Corlis to write with me as we agreed on receiving your letter that we would all write together in answer. But Sister Bradley has this week been attacked with a violent cold and feverish symptom which will render her unable to write for several days, she wishes me not to delay sending my letter but to write for her. Brother Bradley, wife, and family wish me to say very deeply, and truly sympathize with you all in your afflictions and they would be very happy to have you visit them and we all hope you will.

Sister Corliss says the news of your mother's death has so overcome her, and brought so forcibly to mind her recent afflictions that she cannot steady her hand or compose her mind sufficiently to write. She was called in November last to part with her beloved daughter Lorena aged thirty years, in a very sudden and distressing manner with inflammation on the bowels. She was sick so as to have a physician [or bup] her bed but three days; she was the only unmarried daughter except Abigail who you know is of no help which leaves Lorina very lonely situation; she has one son with her who is a very worthy young man and is a great consolation to his mother in her lonely situation. Sister sends her love to you and wants to see you all very much indeed. The summer was favorable and dry for the crops as usual and the fall and winter thus for have been very mild and pleasant although we have good sleighing now. I hope you will excuse husbands not writing as he never writes except when business calls even to the children, and I have all the writing to do. I hope the correspondence thus solemnly commenced will be continued; I should be happy to receive a letter from any of you at anytime. Husband and family all send their love and sympathy. I should be happy to cover this sheet, as there is much I wish to say to you, but as husband is waiting to carry it to the post office I must now draw to a close but will say again that we shall expect to see you here another summer.

Yours with much affection and

respect B. & L. L. Bradley

Notes:

B. Bradley is Brickett Bradley, brother of Sarah Bradley Ayer.

L. L. Bradley is Brickett's wife Lucretia Little Page Bradley

Sister Bradley is the wife of Enoch Bradley (Sarah Bradley Ayer's brother) Abigail

Sister Corlis is Sarah's sister Abigail Bradley Corlis

Meadville, Aug 27^th

Saturday morning

Dear Sister.

I arrived at Meadville safe and sound as a Roach on Evening of the day I left, about 11 O’clock P.M. and put up for the night at the American, a splendid Hotel on the Water Street. With a Worthy Host I had a most refreshing sleep and pleasant dreaming about that sunny little fire place at home with Parents and Sister around it __ and various other little things; I presume to numerous to remember till morning. I arose went down and squared up for my shoes, – got a Crystal put into my watch, which by the I broke on account of the pocket being on the hip bone. It cost me 25 cts. I did feel so bad about it as I should if it had cost me 12 Shillings from Erie to M it cost me only a Quarter and all in all, at about half past Seven I started to go up to Mr. Black’s when I got up to the College I met a lot of the student Ayres, and, McConnell, among the rest Ayres had almost given me up and the rest all had; – as I was just one weeke behind the time, Monday before last being the [thirs] instead of last Monday. There had several applied for the room and Mrs. Black had almost a mind to let them have it but A still thought I would come and so I did but am considerable back in my studies however and shall have to Scratch in a spell longer, at best to catch up. Well; I went back to College and got my studies which are Geometry, Algebra, Adams' Arithmetic, and Latin, besides receiving Browns Grammar, at home, and if I have time Comstocks Philosophy, and perhaps Study Phisiolagy, and Hygiene. Well I went up to the Blacks, they were all terribly surprised as well as glad to see me, asked after all my folks and especially how my Mother felt to see me and how I felt to see her and so forth. McConnell only paid his fare up to Evans Center but on his arrival there (on his return to Meadville), it was a raining so hard that he thought best to go on. Hartman did not come down into New York at all which was a very good reason for not calling. I am enjoying myself first rate so far, and calculate to as long as things go on smoothly at home, which I doubt now will, that is for all of any [peeny] labor which I might do. Now tell pa and ma that they must not worry themselves. Take every thing Cool, that’s the way, don’t worry; theris a good time a coming, now do take the advice of your Only Son, and be aisy. How do all the rest of the folks stand it. Now I believe I have every thing of consequence, and therefore as a matter of course will have to stop give my respects to Nancy, and tell her that now she is at home she had better write. I guess you [nudn’t] though. Also to George and Emma and all the good folks tell Sarah and Julia that they must write and give me a full story of all their proceedings since I left. I must now close as I must go right to studying to catch up and keep so. I did not go down to Society today on that account it has been raining here all the morning until now which is half past ten. Write soon and tell me how you are all getting along, no more at present from Your

Affectionate Brother

Ira

Notes:

I think this is from 1853. August 27^th fell on Saturday in 1853 and not again until 1869 when Ira was in Lima.

It is a splendid Sabbath morning, and as all nature seems to harmonize so well with my feelings, and Vice Versa, I can not forgo the pleasure of sitting down and having a sort of a back handed Chit Chat through the medium of the pen. Friend Ayres, is sitting at left with his feet on the stool of a window pouring over the works of Fowler and Wells, with the intensity of a [Demostherus], or the deep searching thought of a Cicero, and but little dreams that I am making these comments upon him. Our Society met Yesterday as it does weekly. I was to be on debate, but owing to its being the day to elect officers, and performers for next Select Performance, (which comes off six weeks hence) it was postponed. By some strange coincidence notwithstanding my unworthiness I was elected as one of their Declaimers and therefore shall be under the necessity of committing a speech which will not disgrace a “Hall of State” much more Allegheny Literary Society. Now what I want of you is to send me the best speech in the City of Buffalo according to your judgment and I will risk it. But if it does not suit me there are one or two very good ones in Sander’s 5^th Book, which I have. I was very much pleased to hear that you enjoyed yourself so well after I left, especially one particular evening on which I believe you said I could well imagine what happened well; now I never could exactly, till here a few moments ago something attracted my attention, and looking out of the window what could it be but four Geese, 2 black ones and 2 white ones. Squawking and gabbing along and it struck my mind very forcibly that they were beautiful representations of the aforesaid night. Now don’t you tell Emma nor James of this for the world! How are they? Tell them that I should like to hear from them firstrate, and if they will only condescend to write to this poor writer way off up on Pennsylvania that I shall feel like shedding tears of joy and shall be sure to send them on excuse of a letter if nothing more, though as a matter of course it will sound as if it has suffered with a severe drought. I am getting along well in all my studies excepting Algebra. Those Quadratic equations are turning my head up side down. However they are easy if I had time to spend on them. I doubt not when you come to receiving I shall understand them thoroughly. I like Latin firstrate, also Geometry is very nice. How does Uncle Richard get along with his business! Has Aunt Ann come home yet? Is it improving her health? Tell her that I should be very happy to get a good long letter from her. How is Anna and Bessy? Has Bis [gut] [thine] [ize] in hers [strit]? If she hasn’t I shant [] her atall? Atall? I must now close this long uninteresting thing, I can hardly call it a letter, for the Bells are ringing for church so Goodbye, love, best respects to all. Write soon.

You have no doubt been looking some time for a letter from me this quarter, and I will acknowledge with all my heart that I have not been as prompt as I should have been, and will most solemnly ask your, Highness, pardon, which being granted I will proceed to the point at once. You must accept 10,000 thanks for you kindness in sending me that piece, which (by the way) suited my taste (that is literary you know) exactly, you could not have done better if you had hunted a week. But it was very near “all over with” for I had only 4 ½ days to [cornusit] and practice on it. However I didn’t break down, nor come near enough to it to see it, however you know I am shortsighted and perhaps that was the reason. When I got on to the Rostrum, I could very distinctly hear something go, pit, pat, which caused me to feel rather uneasy at first, but my Colleague, Ayres, spoke first and gave them a long address on, Female Education, the winding up of which was “Favor is beautiful and Beauty is vain. But a woman that feareth the Lord she shall be praised.” Well by this time I had got a little composed, so that I made it go off very well. Well, Sisey dear, I am coming `Home’ a week from next Wednesday, you have no idea how wonderfully quick this term has passed away, why the “Morning Dew” is no comparison, I have enjoyed myself first rate, I suppose that must be the reason, I have progressed very well in my studies this time, but after all not so well as I might if I had known exactly how to, have take hold, the fact of it is any person that leisures to use time the best advantage must have a regular system and abide by it, never break over it without it is in ease of life or death, and then you know that would be cultivating good business habits, which after all is a good part of what a College Education is designed to accomplish. Latin I like first rate, everything does come out so slick, there is no ambiguity or anything of that kind, it is perfectly plain out and easy, that is after I have studied it out, Geometry is beautiful, it trains the mind with reason with things in abstract, and in fact is perfectly to strengthen the mind every way, Algebra is pretty hard. I make out to understand about all in review. There is a young Gentleman by the name of Green, that talks of calling with me and make a visit. He will stay a day or two. He is a Canadian age 18. If things should come around right I should like to come as far as B with him and show him my sister and I think there is little doubt but what I shall, that is if you would be pleased with the proposition, he is a smart fellow just about my size. I must now close as it is so dark that I can but just see, and the supper bell is going to ring in about a minute. I guess I hear the plates rattling, Give my best respect to all the folks and write very soon,

Your touching Epistle I just received. I had been looking for one from you for some time and did not know but I should be under the necessity of returning home without one. Sister Dear you touched a tender chord in your last. Four short years ago I had no Brother; you had none but one. To look back over this short space of time brings to the mind sad recollections. We can see a few sunbeams brightly shining through the sorrows, but only few; for sister; this is a world of tears. How fleet the season which “Lowe” sojourned here robbed away. All was happiness then; there was no grief but what all at home could wipe away on his rosy cheek. Oh how Pa and Ma doted on the lovely Boy. Sister; I have to weep to think that he is gone. And Pa took it so hard, if you had seen him it would have broken you heart. It was a heart Breaking scene one I shall never forget, nor do I wish to do so, there is something so holy connected with the death of the lovely boy, that I love to dwell upon it. It fills the soul with high and noble thoughts, and yet melts it to tears. A year has passed; but it seems but yesterday since “Lowe” lay cold yet beautiful in the “Narrow House”. Since we all took the last long look at “his lovely face” in Evans. Since we followed him to the “grave” and saw his little form coved with the crumbly earth. But “Lowe” was not there; He had soared above. He dwelt in “Angel’s Homes” and heard “The burning song, the glowing chant, that filled the sky – [gert] vaults of Heaven with joy”. And sister; not many years at most, and we too will be standing on the verge of the grave. It is a solemn thought, but I believe if it is indulged in for the present moment it can do no harm. Shall we see “Lowe” again? I fear that sometimes I depart far from the paths of rectitude. Your mild rebuke concerning the soul, (came to think the matter over a little) I do not know but I richly deserve but I am sure your generous heart will forgive me it was done thoughtlessly, indeed I had forgotten that I had put it on, and put the letter in the P.O. so hurriedly that I forgot to pay the Postage, for which I most humbly beg your pardon. I go home tomorrow shall get there about ½ past three I suppose. I think I will come down to B Friday in the Forenooon train, there is a Boat that goes out in the afternoon in which Gran expects to cross over. He will probably be at Aunt Ann’s two or three hours. If I possibly can I will stay with you till Monday. It is now 10 O’clock and I must get up at 2 so Good bye

It is Sunday afternoon, about two O’clock, and I have now a good long time to sit down and have a good long visit, that is on my part, and I can image what you would say, at least part of it. The other part I shall expect to hear (if I am patient,) in the short space of under six weeks, for you know what you promised just before we ==== each other on the door-steps. But I will not talk in this way any more. But you know I just wanted to remind you of what you said. You are no doubt in somewhat of a mettle to hear a short history of my proceedings since I left you at our beloved home. Well! I could tell you rather more definitely, and enter into the “Minutia” rather more extensively if I only had you here to ask me questions. But as it is, I shall have to do the best can and shall endeavor to lay before you as plainly as possible all the principal adventures and life-peril escapes which I have passed through. The first accident with which I met was of any considerable dimensions was that I (“Got left on the [Carres]”) at Evans Center in consequence of which I soon found my humble self about seventy miles up the lake, at a small town called Harbor Creek about seven miles N. E. of Erie. At this place; or rather from this place the track was torn up more or less to, a short distance beyond Erie. From said place I took the stage. You would naturally suppose that to make my exit from the warm and comfortable Cars into one of the old “Ohio Stages” would be anything but pleasing. So I thought till I found myself comfortably seated in one of the best stages with a little “sucker” about three years of age in my arms, the mother of whom was also in with two other lovely daughters. But unluckily for me one was only about two years old; and the other was young enough for me to have been her father. The one in question was a fine little chub, and the mother said as much as that I was a first rate Nurse and moreover that perhaps sometimes, I would be very happy to get her oldest daughter for a wife. Now it would not have caused my heart to flutter so violently, if she had not been a temperance “[lecturiss]” and one of the “True Blue” as I afterward found out from a “Practical demonstration.” There was a old bachelor, (I guess) in the stage and you know they have a particular aversion to the other Sex especially when they talk in real earnest, and I can tell you this one did not do much of anything else. Well I could hardly help laughing to see the efforts which he made to contain himself. He was as uneasy as “fish out of water” literally.

But I will not detain you by this, anything but comfortable aflections on your part. I arrived at Erie a little before dusk. The Mead– stages had gone out, and therefore I staid in E all night. I had a chance to look around a little; enough to satisfy my curiosity at least, and pronounced it to be small potatoes, and it is a fact it is nothing else. Well I started for M. 8 O’clock next morning had a first rate sleighride and arrived at Mr. Blacks about 4 O’clock where I found them all in first rate health and good spirits. Green was also there. He assigned the reason for not calling when he went up as being because it was a very stormy. The roommate that I was formerly expecting to have contrary to his expectations took a school about two weeks ago and therefore Green came in with me and so we are rooming together as nice as “pigs in the cover” everything goes on briskly, except at times a body will get rather discouraged and feel almost like giving up. So not cherish the thought for one moment that I mean that I feel as if I wanted to leave off studying, but when on I get fatigued in mind and body I do not have that ambition, which I do when I feel otherwise which you know is very unnatural. However I get along well in my studies. Now Sister L you are the oldest and of course I look to you as being rather a better judge in some things that my self I don’t know but you will think my sense ought to teach, but still I want you to express your opinion on it. Do you think I write passable enough to correspond with any of the ladies? Now it is about half foolishness my asking this question, for I don’t suppose I could muster enough courage if I should try a [waly] to write. But! … Ahem. Ahem. I should rather like to hear from “Nancy”. Do you think it would be prudent for me to write? I hardly think it would, not only on this account but on other, And then if I do not write, she will not know what a horrible letter I do write, will she? So if there is a great loss there will be some small gain. How is James and George and Allen and Emma? Give my respects to al of them. James wished to have me write to him and I do not know but I shall. Now sis I want to have you write as soon as possible, and don’t for [marcy] sake write a short letter. Tack the letters together tight, and fill up every page if you can’t think of anything else, fill it up with motherly advise, indeed that is just what I want and I know right well that you are capable of giving it. No more at present. From your affectionate

We learn that to get back to school, Ira normally took a train from Evans Center to Erie, PA and a stage from Erie to Meadville. This time he had to take a stage from Harbor Creek to Erie (the last seven miles) due to track work. Just 36 years earlier when Ira’s father Ira went back to Haverhill, MA and back he had to walk. At the time there was nothing west of Buffalo. Now Ira can take a train and stage.

Meadville, Feb 17^th 1854

My Dear Sister

What is the reason you do not write? I have been waiting, every day expecting a letter for now about six weeks, and why in the world don’t you write? I wrote home yesterday and I told them I was a going to write a letter to you, and do nothing but scold in it. But I have finally concluded that I won’t scold any, but the next time I see you if I don’t give you such a “bussing” as you never had “since or before”. As I am only writing a sort of Business letter you must not expect anything very interesting. My business is rather private and if you are a mind I should rather you would not mention it, even to Pa if you should happen to see him. The very especial business which I have, is, I wanted to know why you don’t write. The [sceinet] is How is your health? How are you progressing in your school? Moreover How are all the People at B? I shall be very happy to hold a correspondence with you, and if you don’t see fit to write, I’ll do just exactly what I said, and if you think I am joking, just remember the [Mop] humble “catastrophe. You must, if you are acquainted with the Philosophy of human nature, know that the passions increase with age, and more over when the passion of firmness was so predominant in my youth you can judge what it is now especially when excited. You ought to be very thankful that I have not scolded at you any and sit yourself immediately to work, and not merit another.

But the supper bell has rang and I must now desist. I have also to prepare for the [Filve] “select performance” I have any quantity of the very best news to tell you but I have not time.

No more it present form your

Loving Brother

Ira

Strange things will happen, and I don’t know as I ever scolded but that I was sorry for it, but I believe it does not do you any hurt for it wasn’t twenty four hours after I wrote to you, before I received an answer; at least I suppose it was; – or rather I have good reason to believe it was, because you had not written before. Wow it appears that you have written one other letter, which, as yet I have not received. Moreover, your wrath appears to be unkindled against me; because I have not answered a letter, which I have never received. But I shall be under the necessity of advising you to let it gently die away, like soft murmurings of the autumn breeze, or rather the more melodious, and much more to desired song of the crow, as she Culls herself to repose, on the pinnacle of some lofty forest oak, which has withstood the & & & &. I just wish to inform you that they, – (that is your threatenings) fell upon my eyes, with about as much effect as would a beautiful waterfall, leaping and bounding from the dizzy height of six inches. If I remember right I’ve seen the same before and it didn’t scare me then, but more I know from experience. You may be sure that, notwithstanding the startling sentiments, which were embodied in yours, I was very much elated, to once more receive a scrap of your handwrite, even if it did nothing more than to inform me, that you were still in the land of the living, and enjoying “That Rich [boan]” which alas; so few enjoy. – Good health. This evening, by the love, and tender care exercised over me by the Maker, I am enjoying the same blessing. L, the Good Lord has been good to me. This is the news which I was a going to tell you in my other. Won’t Strange things happen? But it is even so. Two weeks ago tomorrow I went to the mourners bench for the first time. I didn’t do it because I loved God or because I felt that I was a sinner. But I knew I was, that is, I knew it in my heart but I didn’t feel it at heart, and you know that is where God looks for repentance. A protracted meeting had been held for some time, and I was undecided for a long time; whether to try and live a Christian, or not. I finally made upon my mind to serve the “Evil One” about one year longer. But my conscience, That Godsend to mankind continued still to whisper, in a low, but awfully impressive voice, “Do your duty”. I knew it was my duty, and as I have before said I finally concluded, by the aid of my “Father in Heaven” to try and serve the Lord the rest of my days I found it was no easy thing to seek, – much more to get religion. I supposed if I went up there and prayed earnestly, that I should have a great conviction of my sins, be melted to tears, and deep contritions for my sins, and after struggling a day or so in this manner, have my soul filled with unbounded love, for my Creator. But you may be sure it was far different. In the first place, I found, for anyone to get on their knees and pray, was far different from what it is to get into bed and after you are all covered up in the clothes, think over a few good thoughts. Yes what I wanted was faith. I could not believe at heart though I knew it intellectually, as you might say. Before I went up to the alter I went with the determination, that with the help of God I would try and live a Christian the remainder of my days. But I began to think that I wasn’t a going to find any help, and was nearly discouraged, thinking that I was so hardened that I could not appreciate the Goodness of God and therefore that He wouldn’t bless me. I finally told the Lord, that I would serve Him, whether He blessed me or not.

From that time I began to feel much better, and my faith began gradually to become stronger and gradually I began to love God more to love His people more, to love to read the Bible more. And in [fina (latin?)] I began to feel more as if I was a Christian. The forepart of this week I had a great many temptations, but the last three or four days I have felt as if I loved God, as if He was my friend, and more as if I still desired to serve him. I have not had such an overflowing of happiness, as some have felt, but I do [feall] to bless the Lord, for He continues to give me sufficient grace for every time of need. We had a first rate prayer meeting here this evening, and I really felt that the Lord was good. Sister, There is totally something in the religion of the heart. I do know it from experience and I know I am not deluded by an excited imagination, for not one minute was I in the least excited, and that was what the D____ argued as my not having religion. That is for a spell, until the Lord gave me so much faith, that he doesn’t come any more. Isn’t it an overwhelming thought, that the great Jehovah, Who made this Earth and all the universe, regards such poor insignificant creatures as we? And yet it must be so. Else how is it that we are protected safely through so many trials and dangers? Yes Dearest Sister God is good, and let me entreat you to give you heart to Him while yet in your youthful days. Everything is pleasant and prosperous now but do you not remember when you but a child? How swiftly fleeting years have passed. I am almost twenty, you are almost twenty. It seems but a dream since I was ten. The next ten will pass much more swiftly than the preceding and with them we shall be ten years nearer the tomb. O! Then let us endeavor to live, so that when we come to die, we shall have a bright hope of going to Eternal happiness, for you know we have some of Our dearest ties there. Yes, Sister dear, I must see Brother Lowe once more. We must all see him again. What are the pleasures which this world can afford, compared with such Soul buoying and Heavenly aspiring hope? Sister let us read our Bible, and do just what we think from the very bottom of our hearts is our duty. If we do this God will bless us. He has promised to do this, and he most assuredly will not fail. How long since you have seen James? If you see him to try and be a good [lory], for similar reasons. How long since you have heard from []? I should like to hear from her firstrate. I think I shall have to write to her. What do you think about it?

I received a letter from “Our Folks” this evening. Ma has been rather unwell for a month or two past, but as here hurry is a little over at present, she is in hopes of regaining her health. Sarah and Julia a going to go to bed as soon as they had finished their stints sewing carpet rags. I am getting along very will in my studies and I do love Latin, nearly all the words in the English are derived from it. The books which you lent me, come very handy, and I am a thousand times obliged to you for them. It is now one O’clock and Green is snoozing away with now and then a slight grunt and whisper as if perhaps, [something in Latin, Ask Randy]. Write very soon, and you may be sure that I want to hear from you, not having heard a word since I left home, only that you were well. So [Latin again]

As I was unexpectedly detained a few days on account of its raining Sunday night (last) I did not start from home till last Thursday. I had a very pleasant journey in deed, starting from home about twelve, and arriving at M. about nine. Started from Erie about four making 5 hours between E and M. a distance of 37 miles. 7 miles and over an hour. It is however as splendid flank road. We had a delightful moonshine evening. Cool enough to be pleasant and company “all correct”. Found all of Mr. Black’s people well except himself. He has been quite unwell a couple of weeks, now recovering however, and hopes soon to be able to resume his “daily avocations” Hate is in good spirits, and asked if you were coming out next commencement. I wish you could. I think it would be worth your while, and I am sure you would enjoy yourself first rate. The new Chapel was dedicated last Wednesday. The people received an address by a distinguished person from Pittsburg. I’ve forgotten his name. Among the “pieces” sung by the choir, was one composed by Dr Baker which I will copy and send to you, in order that you may see some of his composition and judge for yourself. He is no poet however, neither does he make any pretensions to be one. You will notice that there is a depth in it, which is not found in all rhyme, and comes right to the point. I found Green in good health and spirits. He says he had a enjoyed his vacation very happily and had many pleasant seasons with the [Gir….s”]. I forgot to give him your respect. I guess I would now, but he is out of the room. He doesn’t know I am writing to you or I presume he would send his. (“I thought I’d just tell you how it was so you wouldn’t feel sorry”) I have finally given up studying German this term, as the teacher failed to raise a class. I have taken in its stead Political [Evcouring] a very useful and pleasant study. I have four studies this term. Greek Grammar Anthon’s Cacsar. Day’s mathmatics, and the one before mentioned. I recite there the 1^st 2^nd 3^rd and 4^th bells, having no vacant bell as you see, which I like first rate getting through about eleven O’clock with recitations. This gives me about an hour more every day. I think of nothing more at present. Write very soon.

Feeling in somewhat of a communicative mood this afternoon, I cannot refrain from taking my pen, and having a “little visit” with my beloved, but absent sister. This has been a beautiful day sister, though the sun has not shone as brightly as it is want to do in the “sunny days of June” nevertheless it has been truly pleasant, and I have enjoyed it. I had almost said, as well as mortals are capable of enjoying anything in this world. In the morning I attended “class meeting” at college. About forty belong to the class, all students. The Pres__ is our “leader”, and he is a good man. It seems to me he is one of the best men that “ever lived”. Why sister I do not know that I ever said anything to you, since I have made a profession, with regard to your views or feeling in the affairs of religion. I do wish you would tell me candidly just what your true sentiments are with regard to this matter which is of such vital importance. You are certainly old enough now to realize that it is only a short time at the most that we will be permitted to taste of the pleasures of this world; you believe that each of has an immortal soul; you believe in God, that he is the bestower of all our blessings and that He has a tender regard for each of his children, in so much that he gave his Son that we might have our interest in his merits, and might obtain an entrance into a better world, even Heaven. Yes dear sister I know you believe all this. You believe that after dissolution the Soul goes to an unknown world (which we see by Faith) and there finds ample scope, and liberty to delve into hidden knowledge, and to consider and study the power of the infinite Creator. Sister is not this a happy thought! Is it not a noble thought! Is it not a soul inspiring hope, and at least one blessing which we receive from God, for which we should be thankful? I know you will say yes. Now sister if we know that God is so good to us, how can we return sufficient gratitude to him? Ought not we in the first place acknowledge his goodness? And then ought we not do what he has told us to do in the bible? You nor I can but acknowledge the propriety of this. It is just the same as if he should tell us to anything, that he told you to do, would you not? Certainly you would. You know he loves you so that he would tell you to do nothing that would harm you. Now sister religion is nothing, but acknowledging the goodness of God, and trying to do what he tells to do in the bible, and believing that if you do this, you will through the merits of Christ, receive the recompense, in reserve for all good Christians. Now Sister, I know you will not say I am preaching, or anything else except telling matters of fact. Consider on them well, and above all Dearest sister read the Bible, obey it’s precepts, both in the world and in the next.

I will tell you Sister, since I first start to live a Christian I never have felt that enthusiasm which some feel, but I have for the most of the time had a constant peace, and felt a quietness which I had never before felt. When I have done my duty as I should do, I have felt happy from the consideration that I was doing my duty. Now sister do you feel happy in the course which you are now pursuing? Do you feel as if you were doing duty as well as you know how? I fear, nay. I may as well say I know that you often feel as if you were doing as you ought not. If you do feel thus sister, do not defer longer, to find an interest in that all sufficient Sacrifice, Christ. Sister, when you write I wish you would tell me just how you felt on this subject, and tell me how your health is, and how your spirits are, how you enjoy yourself generally. And remember that I pray every night and morning, that God may protect you, and make you a monument of his suffering mercy. If you have not answered the one dated June 2^nd do answer this as soon as you receive it. I trust sister that by the grace of God assisting me I have lived a more consistent Christian this term than I have done before. I pray God that I may ever lead such a life that I may show to the world that there is certainty in religion. A friend is waiting for me to accompany him to a wedding, so good bye, read the Bible, do your duty, and may you be preserved from all evil

hestersta Nocte Vestrǎ Literoa Acceptǐ, and now with the greatest pleasure and expectation possible, I take a seat to answer it, and tell you how I am a getting along, and how things are prospering up here in the Old Key Stone And first of all I must notice a mistake or so which you made in your Spanish, should be in the ….. and should be … also, … You say that it is so warm and that you did not feel like writing; well I feel kind of sorry to pity you, but I don’t know but I shall have to. And so let you off without saying much, but mind that you don’t impose on my gentle disposition, again or you may not get off quite so easy. But it cannot be possible that one of so generous a disposition as you could wish me in hard situations as that which you have described, no it can’t be possible. I shall be home just exactly Thursday, in the afternoon train and just about Saturday you may expect to see me down to B with Billy Biter, and a Buggy and won’t we have times, sure enough I warrant you the gals will both want to come, Julia especially. We have Splendid times here. Yesterday Mr. Black’s people got up a splendid [Linrue] for the Edification of a Graduate by the name of Goshorn (he is Boarding there) all of the senior Class were present last the annual Anniversary of our Hall was celebrated. It was decorated with Flowers and Wreaths, Brass Bands. And last But not the least By any means, Ladies, there were just 155 of the latter, but there wasn’t one real Beauty amongst them, in fact I haven’t seen one yet that could hold a candle to some ahem in western N York. We had a Valedictory Address by Mr. Lee and reply by a Mr. Cawhorn, and they made me feel lofty. I can assure you I have had to Declaim in Chapel, the Professors kept still, however it is not worth while to say any more about that. I have also had to write a composition in Society. And it is a perfect nuisance, we have just got through examination. I passed first rate in every thing, Latin not excepted. I could not exactly get the force of the conclusions that you and M came to, but after looking over them 3 or 4 times I came to the conclusion that they were something rather uncommon judging from the high Intellects from which they were called and the Stars [Alracto] and stripes with which they were adorned. Now there is one thing [..] don’t you ever dare to enclose two [Arages] of loosely written foolscap in an envelope that is marked Meadville again. For if you do I shall not excuse you and more that that you will be liable to suspension. You must excuse the length of this letter, for my pen is so poor that I have come very near tearing the sheet when it [eatehest]. My room mate is a going to be to my house the latter part of vacation and will expect to get a squint at you, he has got into his head that the New Yorkers are somebody, he says the pleasantest two hours he ever spent in his life was there, he is a smart fellow 24 years old. We must try to make his visit as pleasant as possible. I have no room to write any more. Mr. Hardman sends his best respects and says that he has done all in his power to keep me in the path of rectitude and has succeeded in a great degree but he thinks College is not the place for one so young, as they are apt to [lose] their [health]. By some of [Mre] fair [sex] get ice Cream Saloons and so forth. No more at present from your affectionate

I am now well settled and have this moment for the first time found leisure to expand upon the abstract I so hastily sent you. You will of course tell the friends the regulations in the [Same] suffice it to say I have a pleasant room and roommate, furnished good enough board very satisfactory and everything pleasant. The surroundings are indeed beautiful. I have never seen a country that would begin to compare with it. The woods are all beautiful groves, and the farms with their appendages are each models of perfection. I have entered regular Freshman with the expectation of making up during the year. Have not failed yet though I shall not be able to read Herodotus under three or four weeks. I am also in Prof Hoyt’s class in Greek. I like the faculty very much and the school is far superior to the one at Meadville. In fact there is nothing I could wish for different. Everything is pleasant and calculated to make one happy and contented. Please tell ma I have marked all my things and shall take good care that none are lost. Now dear Sister, I shall not have time to write very long letters, but I hope to hear from you and Br George often and I will try and be faithful in reply. My love to all the friends and much to yourself and Br G, from

I believe that Ira is at Genesee Wesleyan Seminary or Genesee College. The following is from the web page for Elim Bible Institute, Lima, NY:

Lima, New York was originally the home of Genesee Wesleyan Seminary (GWS). It was founded in 1832 as a result, according to historians, of the impact of Charles Finney's revival crusades in Rochester. Genesee College, a liberal arts school, was added to the campus in 1850. Twenty years later, the students and faculty moved to Syracuse to the institution known today as Syracuse University.

Your’s was received in due time which much relieved me for though I had heard of the advent of a little stranger into your midst. I had learned nothing of the welfare of the mother. May God help you all and make you a very very happy family.

I have thought of writing to you very often this term, but my studies have been so pressing that I have seemed to find no time. I hope however to see you during vacation when perhaps Sister Sarah will accompany me to Gowanda to welcome our new niece, and, as it were, assure ourselves as to our new position. I have enjoyed good health this term + have made very good advancement in my studies. I like the school much.

If I remember correctly, Vinnie borrowed a little money from me a while ago and as I have been obliged to use considerable this term and have consequently made quite a draw upon pa’s purse, I thought I would turn my attention in another direction. If it will be convenient to forward it, I think, with what I now have, it will carry me through the term. As other duties are pressing upon me please excuse more, from

I cannot longer defer writing to you. The picture of your charming little Iris lies by me upon the table and makes me think of your little home in the “Valley among the Hills” and of the friends there whom I shall not see again in months, and of great many things which I cannot mention; but I want to write and so write I will. And now How do you all do? – for I am not a going to stop for formalities. God bless you, my dear Brother and Sister, and give you your cups brimful of happiness, is the prayer of your brother Ira.

Well I’m here, and nothing to hinder me from enjoying myself and making improvement. I trust that my efforts may not be entirely in vain.

Our new President, Dr. Geo W. Loomis, is a noble man. He is more than six feet tall, somewhat portly, hair just a little frosted, and an expression of benevolence as scholarly dignity which it seems to me could not be surpassed. Vinnie, he is my ideal of a perfect man, – a profound scholar, an earnest Christian, and an accomplished gentleman. I think he cannot fail to raise the reputation of the college, so that it will take its stand among the first of Western Institutions. Already he has done much. Indeed he made it a condition of acceptance that $10,000. should be expended upon the college grounds and building, and that the salaries of the Professors should be raised. I believe that he will do what he says. Whatever he says has weight. He purposes soon to have a reading room supplied with the leading Periodicals of the day, to which students can resort during vacant “bells”. He has formed a college choir, and our “chapel exercises” are accompanied with singing, which seems very appropriate, and adds much to the interest. As I know you (Vin) will be very inquisitive to know whether I belong to the choir or not; I will just say that I do not. (Vin, G, is a woman entire, – “perfect after her kind”) It does seem to me that the most charming characteristic in the fairer portion of mankind, dear G, is their capability of sympathizing with us in those details of our experience, which we would not think of broaching to a calculating world. They, with a sort of feminine ambition, as it would seem, assail those points in the man’s heart which he prides himself upon as being the most strongly barricaded, and before he knows it, they are bearing off the spoils. The difference between their Assaults and Caesar’s, is, that they are made with such a loving grace, that we only wait longingly for them to renew the attack. But business is crowding me and I must write longer this evening.

I only snatched my pen to have a little talk with you. Now write often, do. I should love to hear from you. I should love to hear from you. Why should and may not friends have frequent intercourse? Both give Iris a warm kiss from Uncle Ira; I have nothing but her little type to kiss now, which I often do.

Would I, I could imagine you enjoying yourselves in a hundred different ways in your little home in Gowanda. But I must refrain from imaginings. I suppose your little “Rainbow” changes Its hue almost hourly, sometimes bright with sunshine and again obscured by clouds. I think she must be beginning to understand almost everything you say to her. What a little Treasure! Give the Darling her Uncle’s love, and many a warm kiss from him.

I have heard from you quite often by the way of home, and was soon put at rest with regard to the termination of your illness, hearing of your visit home shortly after receiving yours. Was it as severe an attack as the one which you had last summer? I remember as plainly as though it were yesterday, your illness in Buffalo of somewhat a similar character. I think it was during the January of 1856 – a little more than five years ago. You may have an indistinct recollection of receiving some cold philosophical, suggestions as to the proper method of defeating kind nature in her efforts to restore harmony, after having been disturbed by a powerful emetic. I shall never forget the winter; I enjoyed myself very much the whole time. This has been a beautiful winter day. The snow is about eight inches deep and of course we have fine sleighing. The day after my arrival here we had a heavy rain, which changed into snow and by some melting and freezing formed quite a coat of ice. Owing to this, though we have had a thaw and rain now and then, we have had good-sleighing I believe, every day this winter. This has made my boarding away from college a mile no inconvenience, but just a pleasant walk. I am enjoying myself much. I think never better.

Dear Brother and Sister, I find religion to be more precious to me, it would seem, than ever before. I love the Bible and love to meditate upon its teachings. They seem to me very sublime and precious. Do not I entreat you, allow the inconsistencies of others, to labor you from drawing your sweetest enjoyments from its consoling promises. Do not [enalt] Reason too much for she weak when she attempts to grapple the unseen and the unknown. Faith, humility, prayer and repentance have brought light and peace to ten thousand hearts. That the Father of our spirits would soften and refine our every emotions and bring us all an unbroken family to enjoy his communion forever, is the daily prayer of your brother. How quickly will life be fled. How is all pride laid low in the grave! Dear ones; I will not dwell longer here, lest you should be wearied with such reflections, and they should not have the weight which it seems to me their importance demands. Did I not feel assured that you will not be in any manner offended at so frequent a recurrence to this subject, I should most surely refrain from so doing; but as its is I follow my inclinations, knowing that you will receive it as but the promptings of brotherly love.

Now write soon. I received both the letter and paper in due time, but have been so busy, that I have found time to write but few letters. George make Vinnie write, and Vinnie sit down and write me a real, long, good letter such as you used to when I was at college before. Don’t break through all conventional rules, as for instance writing on as sheet of paper a greater of which has been cut out, and then only filling the other quarter, and that in such a manner as to give one the idea that you are just recovering form the Palsy. I own you are quite independent. You have a husband, and a snugh little home, and a dear little girl; but pray don’t forget your only brother. Pardon me loved sister for this bit of raillery. Its all unfounded. Ask G if it isn’t. Please remember me to Mr. Savage, who I hear is now boarding with you,

Project Ayer - Pre Civil War - Transcriptions