The Pre-Diary Letters in the Ralph Leland Goodrich Collection
Editors Note: The letter numbering as presented on this page coincides with the numbering scheme assigned to the letters housed in the Archives of the Arkansas History Commission. Only selected letters appear here which explains why some numbers are skipped. Some letters were only partially dated but I have been able to date them based upon the letter's contents. As a result, some of the numbering is out of sequence but I felt it was important to present the letters in chronological order.
Letter
Number 1
Nine year-old "Freddy" Goodrich, son of Elizur T. Goodrich and Mary
C. Beach of Hartford CT, writes his older cousin Ralph Goodrich in 1852:
March 15, 1852
My Dear Cousin Ralph,
I have just done supper and as I have not got any
lessons to learn, I thought I would write to you. I hardly know what to write
about. A few weeks ago I went to the Alexander’s Panorama of the World. The
first scene was the Last Supper. There was Jesus in the middle and his disciples
around him [and] asking him “Is it I?” And
the next scene was the Resurrection. It was very beautiful. Then the curtain was
droped again and the next scene was Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden. The
trees were very beautiful. There was the cocoa-nut tree and the tree of
From your affectionate Cousin, -- Frederick E. Goodrich
Letter Number 2
Nine year-old "Freddy" Goodrich, son of Elizur T. Goodrich and Mary
C. Beach of Hartford CT, writes his older cousin Ralph Goodrich in 1852:
Hartford
[Connecticut]
May 13, 1852
My Dear Cousin Ralph,
I would have written to you long ago if I had known that
you had written last, but I didn’t. It is no matter, is it? I am going out
into the country this summer. I thought that I should go this week but it has
been so rainy that I shall not go until Monday. I expect that I shall have a
good time out there. I am going to school Wednesday. Our vacation was but two
weeks at Miss Hilyer’s school but as I was going out in the country, Father
said that I need not go to school till I went into Glastonbury so that I had
three week’s vacation. Tell [your brother] Stevy that I will write to him as
soon as I can.
Your affectionate cousin, -- Frederick E. Goodrich
Letter Number 3
Goodrich's 23 year-old sister Augusta writes to him while attending a Female
Seminary in Hartford CT. She resided with her Uncle Elizur Goodrich -- her
mother's brother.
Hartford
[Connecticut]
October 1852
My dear Ralph,
I have intended to write you for a long time, but have not, and this is only an apology of a letter. I am glad to hear that you are in school and hope you are improving daily. I know you are.
How is the crossing on the bridge [over Owego Creek] since they are adding to the railroad? Do any of the boys about you go over to school with you? And is Mr. [Charles R.] Coburn still in the school? I shall have to go in and see you when I go home. Do you go to the Sunday school? If you do not, I wish you would.
Our superintendent, Mr. [Collins] Stone, also a teacher in the Deaf & Dumb Asylum, has gone to Columbus, Ohio as President of an institution there. He has been in the school for years and will be very much missed. His place is now to be filled by a Mr. Curtis – a very fine man, and a teacher in the high school.
One of my little Sunday school boys is going to New Orleans soon to spend several months. That has been his home until lately.
I mean to write you sometime before I go home, but I would like to have you write to me.
-- Sister Augusta
Letter Number 4
Fifteen year-old James Robert Fiddis, the son of Robert B. Fiddis and
Lucy Tryon Goodrich, writes his cousin Ralph Goodrich from Hartford CT where he
attends school. The author's mother was Ralph's aunt -- the sister of his
mother. His parents lived in Owego NY; hence, he and Ralph became close friends
during their teens. His father, however, died in 1850.
[Hartford,
Connecticut]
January 23, 1853
Dear Cousin Ralph,
I am to blame for not writing to you before, but I write promising amendment and ask forgiveness. Nearly 10 weeks have elapsed since I took my departure from my much beloved home [of Owego, New York]. I do not think that I am sorry for I like Hartford very well. I go about 100 rods to school. The school house is a large brick building having five dressing rooms. By dressing rooms, I mean a room for the overcoats and slippers. We all have to take off our boots and put on slippers. In doing this, we leave all the dirt and noise downstairs and our school room looks as neat as a parlor. Mr. Harris, our teacher, tells us it is our parlor and we must keep it tidy. This room contains about 120 scholars, 60 of each sex. They do not have any communications in the house. The other rooms are for smaller children.
I will tell you something of my stop in New York [City]. We arrived there about 12 o’clock the next day [after leaving Owego]. In the afternoon, Cousin Maria [Hollister] went with us to the [Barnum’s] Museum. We first went upstairs to see the performers. That was not much. After that, we walked around viewing the curiosities to numerous to mention. We then went up a flight of stairs where they keep animals of various kinds. There was a large cage that had cats, rats, mice, monkey, squirrels, rabbits, owls, and several other birds. This called the Happy Family but I should call them a Miserable Family [for] they had no teeth. The porrest look as sober as a deacon. But the monkey was full of his fun. Then we went downstairs to see a live “Sea Tiger.” It was lying in a tub. It looked something like a seal. It was about 12 feet long. Then we look around till after dark there. Did not see near all.
The next morning I went to the
shipping on east river. I went on board two or three large ships. Then went to
the battery where I had a fine view of
The next morning Cousin Maria went with us to the reservoir. It is in the north part of the city. It is built of stone. From the top of it you have a fine view of the city. It is a very large wall built in this form [illustration inserted].
[Back of letter]
Dear Ralph,
I was very much surprised to hear of the death of [your] poor [twin sister] Rachel. When I saw her last, I did not think it was for the last time. Can it be possible so short a time? But the Lord gave and the [Lord] hath taken away. How sudden? But she has gone I trust to receive her reward in another world.
What are you doing now and tell me about your school and what you study. How do you get along in Latin? A few nights since, Fred [Goodrich] and myself went into the Charter Oak. It is the largest tree I ever saw. James Hollister called that evening and Fred was telling him of it and he said he saw 20 men go into the Oak. I did not know my paper was so small when I commenced writing. We are all well as usual. Fred and Jamie [Goodrich] go to school. I have been a long time writing this letter. I think I commenced writing in December. I have to study very hard and I do not have much time to write. Please write soon.
From your affectionate cousin,
Do you have any sleighing in Owego? We had some here last week. Last night and Sunday it rained and I guess spoilt the sleighing.
Letter Number 5
Goodrich's 24 year-old sister Augusta writes him from Hartford CT where
she is attending a Female Seminary and residing with her Uncle Elizur T.
Goodrich -- her mother's younger brother.
March 1, 1853
My dear brother Ralph,
I have not written to you for some time and I think you have not written to me for a long time either. But I will try to write a few lines tonight to send with the others.
James Fiddis sent a letter to you some time ago. Did you receive it? He wants to know. I directed it for him. He goes to school every day and studies hard all the time out of school. Do you go now to the [Owego] Academy? And has Mr. [William] Smyth recovered? I suppose Mr. [Charles R.] Coburn is still there. I would like very much to go in and see you in school and hear your recitations. Do you like Latin, and do you improve in it? I attended a lecture to young men last Sabbath evening in the Pearl Street Church. It was delivered by the minister of the church, Rev. Mr. [Elias R.] Beadle, and I wish you and [our brother] James could have heard it. Has he received a letter that I wrote him while in Hatfield?
It is just two months today since I heard of [our] dear sister Rachel’s death. And Oh! It was such sad news, and now I cannot realize it. It does not seem that I shall not meet her with the rest of you when I go home, but that one face will be missing. Oh! It is sad, and I know you feel it deeply. She was your twin sister. But she has passed from earth, we hope, to another and better world where if we are only God’s children, we may meet her hereafter. Think of her often. And when tempted to do wrong in after years (if your life is spared), just stop and think, would my spirit sister approve of it?
Let the remembrance of her be a safeguard. Never do anything but what you think she would approve of in the spirit world, did she but know it. But above all, give your heart to God now, in the morning of your life, and if your life be spared, so live that your example may be safely followed. It is my daily prayer that we may not be a divided family in another world [and] that at the judgment day, we may all be united in God’s Kingdom. We cannot be truly happy here unless we feel that we are God’s children & are looking forward to a home with Him when our brief life is passed. Brief it is if we live four score years and ten. But I hope we shall spend eternity together.
Please write to me soon.
I love to hear from you all & often. Your affectionate sister, --
Letter Number 7
Eleven year-old "Fred" Goodrich writes to his cousin Ralph
Goodrich from Hartford CT.
March 9, 1854
My dear cousin Ralph,
You wrote to me a great while ago and I have been intending to answer it for a great while. I had a letter from [your brother] Stephen and [my brother] Jamie about five weeks ago. I cut my knee four weeks ago and after I had staid at home three or four days. I had canker in my throat, and I staid at home a week with that, and then I went to school one day and took cold. When I staid at home two weeks more and recited my lessons to Uncle Knapp. I study Arithmetic, Spelling, Grammar, and Geography at school, and recite Latin at home to Uncle. I like to live here very much. I should like to come out there and see all of you too. But I expect to receive a visit from you before I come up there again. I hope [my brother] Jamie has not forgotten me. I have not forgotten him.
Have you heard of that dreadful accident that happened in Hartford last week? Sixteen men were killed, and a great many badly wounded by the bursting of a boiler twenty-four feet long and five in diameter.
Have you read the life of Solomon Northrup? Have you ever seen him? He lives somewhere in your region, I believe, does he not? I think it is almost as interesting as Uncle Tom’s Cabin. I suppose you have read both of those books.
Give my love to Cousin Augusta and thank her for all her kindness to me and Jamie. I hope that someday I shall be able to pay her for all her kindness. I hope to write to her before a great while. I hope that you are all well.
Give my love to your Father and Mother, brother, and sisters. Your affectionate cousin, -- Frederick E. Goodrich
Letter Number 9
Nine year-old James Tryon Goodrich ["Jamie"] writes his cousin
Ralph Goodrich from Hartford CT. Jamie was the younger brother of Frederick.
They were the sons of Elizur T. Goodrich and Mary C. Beach. At the time this
letter was written in late 1854, Ralph's older sisters Augusta and Sarah were
just getting ready to return to Owego NY after attending the 2d wedding of their
Uncle Elizur. After his first wife Mary Beach died, Elizur married Mary E.
Johnston.
October 30, 1854
Dear cousin Ralph,
I have intended to write to you before but I have not had time. I would like to see you and all my friends in Owego very much. Tell [your sister] Mary I send a picture by Cutie [Augusta] for her. I have a little kitty which I have named Zeby because it is striped like a zebra. I am very sorry that Cutie and Sally [Sarah Goodrich] are going away today. I have a new mother now and I think will not return with them this time. Tell [your brother] Steve he must write to me. Tell [your sister] Mary that I will write to her. It is dinner time and soon after it will be school time so I must stop writing.
I send my love to all. Goodbye, -- Jamie [Goodrich]
Letter
Number 10
Seventeen year-old James Robert Fiddis writes his cousin Ralph Goodrich
from Hartford CT where he attended school with his 15 year-old sister Lucy
Fiddis.
[Hartford,
Connecticut]
December 31, 1854
Dear cousin Ralph,
I will improve the opportunity in answering your interesting letter which I intended to answer two or three months ago. I don’t get much time now to write letters when I come home from work.
I have a proposition in geometry to learn and I am attending a course of eight illustrated lectures on Geology by Dr. [John F.] Boynton. He has lectured most every Wednesday and Friday evening. They are very useful and interesting lectures. He has given six lectures and exhibited several beautiful paintings. Last Saturday he had an instructive entertainment in Natural Philosophy, Galvanism, and the Gases. He had a small balloon near the size of a barrel which he sent up in the hall (it was in the melodeon). It rose against the ceiling and a current of air took it across the hall. It amused the children very much for there were a great many there.
[My sister] Lucy and
myself attend the Institute lectures. They generally have one every two weeks
through the winter. They have had three this season delivered by Bayard Taylor,
Henry Ward Beecher, and Mr. Wainwright of New York.
These are very hard times in Hartford and there are a great many out of employ. Woodruff and Beach [Steam Engines] have discharged most all their workmen. They had nothing for them to do. They have reduced the wages 25 cents on a day’s work of them that remain and they work only eight hours and they used to work ten. The apprentices like the eight hour system but it is hard for the journeymen. We go to work at 8 o’clock and leave off at five. The citizens of Hartford have raised a fund of over 3,700 dollars for the poor this winter. It is hard work for some of them to keep from freezing and starving. Family comforts are so high. Coal is nine dollars a ton, flour 14 dollars a barrel, butter 30 cents a pound, eggs 30 cents a dozen, and other things in proportion.
January 11, 1855
Dear Cousin –
A week of the new year has gone. How quick it has passed with what celerity the future comes upon us and ‘ere we are aware of it, it is passed, never to return. Let us not trouble ourselves wit the past but improve the future. What is a better way to better the past but to improve the future?
Did you get a Christmas present? I did not. Jamie [Goodrich] got a cunning little Philosophical toy. It was a figure of a Chinese man so contrived that it would turn summer sets down a small flight of stairs without any help. It is hollow and has a ball in it illustrating the center of gravity. It pleased Jamie very much.
How is grandpa and grandma? Do you go
up there very often? ...Please write soon and tell me all the particulars. Do
you ever see Ed Jones? If you do, tell him he owes me a letter….
Believe me your affectionate cousin, -- J. R. Fiddis
Letter Number 11
Thirty-two year-old James Sayre Griffing writes to Ralph Goodrich from
his squatter's cabin on Wakarusa Creek south of Lawrence in Kansas Territory.
James was engaged to be married to Goodrich's older sister Augusta. At the time
of this letter, James was completing his third month in Kansas Territory as a
Methodist circuit rider. In this letter, James offers advice to Goodrich who is
considering his options for attending college.
Wakarusa [Kansas
Territory]
January 24, 1855
My friend Ralph,
As I am writing to Augusta, I thought of enclosing an apology to you for so long a delay in answering your very kind letter. I am glad you received those books and hope you may find some of them serviceable. You will notice many of them are second hand books and as a consequence have been used hard. I am very glad to hear that you are bending every effort to ascend the hill of science just as far as circumstances will allow. A choice I am sure you will never regret. You are already finding no doubt that obstacles distant and apparently insurmountable are inclined to present themselves all along your pathway. But toil on. Be not discouraged as you approach them their size will diminish and you will be enabled to proceed with great ease and boldness. New and brighter objects will continually unfold themselves to your intellectual gaze and beckon you to wander to new heights never before reached, and every advancing step will only tend to make the future path much more enticing.
I only wish my past was mine again. How I should like then, with s more close application and a more systematic disposal of my time apply my energies in intellectual improvement. Yes, Ralph, push right on. And if there are obstacles, even drawbacks, let the only course [be] redoubled energy.
You asked my opinion as
to college. If I were to choose one for myself, I think it would be the
The college is not a matter of near the importance as the improvement of the precious hours whilst there. By close application and a determination to improve the powers of the mind, a student will show himself almost anywhere. I can only say be sure you are about right and then “Go ahead.” Freely speak with me and if in any possible way I can assist you in your very laudable course, nothing will afford me greater pleasure. I hope to have the pleasure of seeing you next summer. Shall you ever come to this centre of the county – this Eden of the states? How I would like to greet you and how much you would be pleased with the country.
Please write me soon. Adieu – yours – J. S. Griffing
Letter Number 12
Twenty-one year-old James Jeremiah Goodrich ["Jim"] writes his
brother Ralph Goodrich from his claim near Topeka in Kansas Territory. James
traveled to Kansas Territory in March 1855 with relatives of James Griffing, his
sister's fiancée. At the time this letter was written, James Griffing had
already departed Kansas Territory for Owego NY where he intended to marry James'
sister Augusta and return to Kansas Territory before winter.
[Near
Topeka, Kansas
Territory]
August 25, 1855
Dear brother Ralph,
I received yours & Steve’s [letter] a week ago today & I was glad to get it. And I thought I would write a few lines to you but I don’t know as you would get it before you leave for Geneva. I thought I would [write] today as I am going to town & I can take it over and [save spending] a half day to take it next week. It will be a small sheet but you must excuse it as I have yet not much time to write.
I am glad you are going to college and hope you will improve your time there and make somebody [of yourself]. If you are there when I go home, I shall go that way to see you and to see you get along in your studies & all. How much will it cost you for board there?
Did you mow much this summer? We have not begun to mow here yet. It will take me 2 weeks to finish my fence & then it will be time enough to cut grass here.
James Griffing started for the East Thursday morning and will be there in a little over 2 weeks. He said he will tell you all the news. I sent my watch & some seeds [home with James]. The largest one is the coffee bean & the others are Osage orange. I could not find all the rattles that I kill. The knife of my watch end [our sister] Mary can have as I don’t want it here. I didn’t know as he was going that morning & did not have much time to look up anything, but when I go [back to Owego], I will take such things along to remember the country by.
I planted a peck of potatoes in the spring & I have wrote so half a dozen times. James Griffing will praze up the country more than I can do & I have no falt to find with country. It is good enough. I had to cry when James Griffing went away because I couldn’t go with him. And I would go quick enough if I should sell out here as I do all alone & cook for myself & do my own washing & mending. Hain’t what it’s cracked up to be. You won’t know what kind of a floor I have to my cabin. It is of solid dirt & it is a dirty thing.
I have not been to meeting since I left home but once & that was when I was in St. Louis which is almost 6 months. I can’t go now for the grass is so high & wet in the morning. It takes me most half of the time to cook and eat. I have such an apetite.
Last Sunday one of the
neighbors come up here from Topeka. They live in town now & I have to take my letter down there now & get
them. He said that one of the young men that come up [the Missouri River] on the
boat [from
So goodby, your brother – James Goodrich
Letter Number
13
Solomon
Washington ["Wash"] Gladden writes to Ralph Leland Goodrich from
Owego NY where he attended Owego Academy and worked as a type setter for the
Owego Gazette. Goodrich was attending his first year at Hobart Free College at
the time. Goodrich's sister Augusta was married in September 1855, a few weeks
prior to this letter and was about to accompany her husband to Kansas Territory.
Owego
[New York]
25 October 1855
Friend Ralph,
I received your kind letter some time last week and perhaps in strict justice would have answered it sooner, but I think you will excuse me on the same ground you pleaded -- a press of business. The weather today is decidedly unpleasant and so am I. Last evening it snowed here considerable -- enough I should think if it had not melted to have made five or six inches of snow. But it is nearly all on its way to "Hail Columbia" now. This forenoon I have been trying very hard to be sick and have not been at school. But I am intending to go this afternoon if I do not eat too much dinner.
The old [Owego] Academy "wags" on as usual. We have new female teachers this term, as you know, and I think they are well liked. At all events, I like them exceedingly well. We have had more interesting editorials this term than we did last, by far, and more fun generally. The number is small, however, compared with what it ought to be -- I should think about one hundred. I am studying Virgil, Caesar, Greek lessons, & Geometry. I left the Algebra class because I had not time to attend to it and I thought I could review it at a future time. Jenny Cohoon and Hattie Hull went through. William Farrington comes every day to recite to Stebbins but does not come to school. Russell & Burr are both here. Wat said serenading club, are practicing all the time but probably will not travel a great deal this winter.
One week ago yesterday, all the teachers (except Stebbins) and scholars of the [Owego] Academy went "chest-nutting" and had a splendid time -- one of the best times I ever participated in. We did not get any chestnuts, however. That wasn't, after all, our real object. Last Saturday afternoon, Miss Branch, Miss Bristo & myself went over to your house and found there Kate Taylor and [your cousin] Anna Fiddis. We had some sport there.
I suppose your sister Augusta started this morning for Kansas [Territory]; she was expecting to at least. She has a long and tiresome journey before her and a dreary life too, I should think, [living] there among strangers and savages almost.
Charley Odgen is clerking it now for Veltman in the crockery store, I believe. John Crandall goes and is very much as he always was -- perhaps not quite so much so. He thinks Stebbins is perfectly foolish, and Bert is almost too good to be human. And you know, you and I entertain opinions a trifle different from these. John is a great light and no mistake. That speech of his on the "Utility of Science" -- at least the last two words of it, "hypothetical syllogisms", I shall never forget.
Give my love to all the pretty girls you see, Ralph, and take care of yourself out there among them. I gave your respects to "Miss Pliable" (all on my own account) and she says hers to you in return, so you may thank me for them. Excuse this intolerable sesame which I have written in fifteen minutes or less. Answer soon.
Yours &c., -- S. W. Gladden
Envelope addressed to Ralph L. Goodrich, Esq., Hobart Free College, Geneva, N.Y.
Letters Number 14
& 40
Twenty-four year-old Sarah Ann Goodrich [a.k.a., Sally, Sadie, or Sed]
writes her brother Ralph Goodrich from Owego NY. At
the time, Ralph was in his first year of school at Hobart Free College in Geneva NY.
In the letter, she describes news received from their newly-married sister
Augusta as she traveled to Kansas Territory with her husband James Griffing.
Enclosed with the letter to Ralph is another written by his 16 year-old sister
Mary Clarissa Goodrich [a.k.a., "Mollie"].
[Owego,
New York]
November 25, 1855
Dear brother Ralph,
We received your letter
Wednesday together with one from James Griffing for [our brother] Stephen and
mailed from
They met with quite a loss at St. Louis. After they got their baggage on board, they went out around the city some & while they were gone someone entered their state room and stole from it. Her box of jewelry containing her pin with Aunt Mary’s and [our sister] Rachel’s hair, cuff pins, finger rings, James’ gold watch key 3$, her bead purse with five dollars in [it] and her new black silk apron. It is too bad I do think for anyone to do so.
One day week before last, Harriet G. and Lucy Truman came here for a call and wanted [me] to go up to the greenhouse with them. The invited me to go down there that evening. We did so and spent it very pleasantly. Kate ____ & C. Taylor were there.
Lucy is a very pretty
girl. She enquired about “Baron Von Klingenberg.” George Platt was sick a week with the typhoid fever. He was quite sick a
few weeks before but got better and went away on business for a week or two and
came home sick and died very suddenly.
…Mary & I reckon a great deal on your coming home. We think we can ride out home. I would like to see you on examination day in your royal robe. Ma would write to you but she is so tired that she cannot now.
We received a letter from [our brother] Jim today. He is feeling badly. He is out of money and he has no way to go any[where] and provisions is so high.
Lee’s come Friday and helped Pa draw in the corn stalks. He has not made cider yet. Our school commences next week. Mr. Duin from Pennsylvania teaches & [our brother] Steve I think will go there instead of [to] Mr. Pitcher. Write soon. I am glad your teeth are quiet….
Your affectionate sister, -- Sarah Goodrich
[Owego,
New York]
November 1855
Dear brother Ralph,
As I have not written to you in a long time I will write some tonight & send with Sarah’s. We received yours Wednesday with one from James Griffing to [our brother] Steve. Sarah has written all the news there. As Mrs. Smyth was here yesterday, she says they are best going to stay there only till spring, then a Mr. Evans & George Pumpelly’s oldest son are going to live there. Sarah, Steve & I went to meeting today thinking would be a pleasant day. But we had not been there long before it commenced raining very hard. At noon, Steve went and borrowed an umbrella for us as we came home. We were wet through and through when we got home.
Thursday is thanksgiving.
I wish you could be here but I suppose we shant have anything different. How
soon will you be home? And how long will the vacation be? The [Owego] Academy is
out in little over two weeks & it commences the next day. The 12 of December
the next term commences. I should like to go but I can’t. have you written to
[cousin] George Stratton yet? Do you [know] whether he is coming here to school
this winter? We have not heard from any of them since [sister] Augusta
went away. They talk of having an exhibition this term I do not know whether
they will. Mr. [Wash] Gladden & Mr. Shipman came down in our [class] room Friday & spoke
about it. I hope if they undertake to have one they succeed. Mr. Burt is the
same – flies up at anything. A few weeks ago, Messrs. Gladden, Shipman, &
Pearsal spoke a dialogue before the whole school. It was first rate. Mr. J.
Crandal spoke an original one the same day titled “Excelsior.” He had his
eyes fixed on spot all the time he was speaking. I wish you could have heard
him.
I saw Fred Lovejoy the
other day. He said he had heard from you by Charley Parker. What did he come
home for?
Wash Gladden’s father
has moved over the river opposite Charley Ogden’s. Do you hear from Charley
often? I have not seen him to speak since you went away. Mr. Shipman let me read
your letter. He told me he had one and said I might read it. Has he answered it
yet? I guess Wash
will lend you that story when you come home but I cannot get the paper to send
to you. The title is “Love’s Arithmetic” or “Cupid vs. Cupidity.” It
is first rate. Ophelia isn’t coming back next term. Every Friday afternoon we
all go up into Mr. Burt’s room and spell. The girls side always beat [the
boys]. A girl and boy chooses and they try and see which will beat. A great many
have gone to teaching school so there aren’t many now.
I should like to go to [your] examination and see you. Will you have to get the surplus or do they have them? How do you and your chum get along together? Do you like him as well? Ma had a letter from Anna Coe a few days ago. They are living at Chatham’s Run, Pennsylvania.
They have got the church nearly finished. They say the steeple is the highest in Owego but I guess it isn’t. when I commenced writing I thought I could not write anything, but I have filled the sheet. I don’t know whether you can read this. Aunt Lucy [Fiddis] has five boarders now. She is well. I cannot write any more. Write soon. Good night. From your affectionate sister, -- Mary [Goodrich]
Letter Number 37A
Twenty-three year-old Sarah Ann Goodrich writes her brother Ralph
Goodrich while he attends Hobart Free College in Geneva NY. Ralph's mother,
Mary Ann Goodrich, attaches a brief note at the end of the letter.
Owego [New York]
December 5, [1855]
Dear Brother Ralph,
We received your letter today after expecting one a long time. Ma has felt very anxious to hear whether you had received the money she sent you.
I went with [our sister] Mary this morning when she went to school [and] to Aunt Lucy [Fiddis’] to spend the day. This afternoon we all went up to the [Evergreen] Cemetery. It has been a splendid day & we had such a fine view from the mountain top of the village and surrounding country that well paid us for our pains and extra exertion in getting there. It was quite dark when we came home tonight and we got some frightened crossing the [railroad] bridge and being very tired besides. My hand is not the steadiest and the pen ink and paper are all awful so here is excuse enough for this miserable scrawl.
We received a letter from [our sister] Augusta today from their home [in Kansas Territory] and we were so glad to hear as we had not in two or three weeks before. They got there safely with but few of their things injured. [Her husband] James expected their home would be finished when they got there, but the man had done nothing to it since he left and they had to stay with a family until they fixed up one that was built nearby and they had moved into it and were living quite nicely when she wrote. She likes the country much and if they are only well, will get along well I think. When you come home, you can have a good time reading all the letters from them. We are looking forward to a great deal of pleasure when you come home.
I saw Russell Gridley today. He says you must come and see him when you come home. And I also saw Mr. Lum. I cannot express the sensations that came over me except that my visibilities were very much affected. I never saw him before but often heard of him.
Pa has finished making cider. Lee helped him Monday and Tuesday. It is very good indeed. It will be worked nicely when you come. I know you must have had a nice time that evening you spent out.
Mr. Dewing teaches our school this winter. He has been to school of the Academy and says he is acquainted with you. [Our brother] Stephen goes there instead of to Mr. Pitcher.
Sarah Pitcher was married to [Mr.] Young last Wednesday. Were you acquainted with him?
Ma sends you five dollars and you must write when you receive it. There is so much money lost lately sending in letters that we want to know if you receive all.
Now Ralph, please burn this after reading it for I am perfectly ashamed of it. I received a letter from [cousin] Nancy [Van Kirk] last week. She says [her brother] George [Stratton] is coming here to school next term so you will see him perhaps. We enquired of Mr. Danforth the other day about those pencils. He says he thinks it is a failure. He had paid him over three dollars. He thinks that [he] cannot get them up for that price. Write soon. All send love.
Your affectionate sister – Sarah [Goodrich]
I shall not send any more papers. You can read them when you come home. I send you five dollars. How much more will you want? I have sent you now 30 dollars. Fetch home all your letters and your summer clothes.
Write soon, -- your mother
Letter Number 15
Nineteen year-old James Mersereau writes to his friend Ralph Goodrich. At
the time of the letter, Goodrich attended Hobart Free College in Geneva NY while
Mersereau operated a store in Union.
Union, [New York]
January 31, 1856
Dear Friend Ralph,
Once more I am seated to
answer your very kind and welcome letter. Oh! How my heart was cheered to know
that you had determined to seek your Savior. That you had resolved, by God’s
grace assisting, you would become a Christian. O joyful news! It is enough to
make the saddest heart rejoice. My, “the angels in heaven rejoiceth over one
sinner that repenteth.” I write as if you were converted and I hope that
‘ere this you have given up your heart to God, and have found joy and peace in
believing in the Lord Jesus Christ. But, however much I may [hope] that such is
the case, yet it would be no service of wonder if you had not yet become a new
man in Christ Jesus for I know that such is the fondness of the material heart
to cling to the things of this world as the all absorbing objects of attention.
Such is its hardness, such its unbelief of anything that transcends reason, such
its aversion of divine things and things eternal, such its hatred of humility.
In short, such is its wickedness and corruption that one day or one week is nor
always sufficient to change from the natural and corrupt state to the renewed
state of holiness.
February 4
I would advise that you should write to your sister Augusta and tell her your feelings and she might materially aid you by giving you advice and in making you a subject of her prayers….
From your sincere friend, -- James D. Mersereau
Letters Number
16 and 17
Augusta [Goodrich] Griffing writes to her brother Ralph L. Goodrich from
Charles Jordan's cabin about half way between Topeka and Tecumseh in Kansas
Territory. Augusta and her very ill husband James Griffing had to take
refuge in the Jordan cabin when the very harsh winter closed in upon them in
their rough squatter's cabin. At the time this letter was written, Ralph
Goodrich was attending Hobart Free College in Geneva NY. James Griffing
includes a letter to Ralph in the same envelope as Augusta's.
Topeka
[Kansas Territory]
17 February 1856
Dear Brother Ralph,
You must not think because we have not written to you that we do not think of you. But you know the reason -- the severe sickness of [my husband] James. He has said a number of times we must write to you, but since the cold weather commenced we have been almost destitute of ink as it all froze and broke the bottles. And what we have had occasionally is pale and I had rather write with a pencil and have done so several times.
We received your letter written from home during the Holiday. Then James was getting better, He was sick a long time and is very far from being well now. He was feeling so much better a few weeks ago that he went out too much & overdid in some way & took cold, and has not been as well since. He has a pain in his side & hip caused by taking cold, the doctor says, but thinks he will be well of it. He is not strong, not will be like himself for some time. He has reduced so very low. They all say here [that] they never saw anyone so low and recover. But I hope he will get entirely well when warm spring weather comes on.
It has been very cold & the snow deep for eight weeks, but is now gradually melting away. Such a winter the Indians never knew in Kansas before. They are usually very mild and pleasant. How has it been with you? They write from home [in Owego NY] that there is snow and it is cold, and so it is everywhere this winter. We are not in our cabin yet. It has been so cold nothing could be done about it. And so we stay here at Father Jordan's where we have been nearly eight weeks. It is very pleasant, as they are kind good people from Illinois. Our claim is adjoining this and we hope to have a small house on it before many weeks.
I presume you have heard that the Missourians came up to Lawrence, or near there, intending to take it &c., &c. -- but they did not then, and now it is said they are making preparations to come the 4th of March as the Free State Legislature sets then at Topeka, and they threaten to take that place. But I do not think they will. Some think one way & some another. Time only will decide.
It is expected there was fighting at Easton some fifty miles from here toward Leavenworth, the 15th, but we have not yet heard. Some Missourians were there & gave two men until the 15th to leave or they would then smell hemp & a party went from Lawrence to protect [them], if necessary.
Father Jordan took James & myself to Topeka last Thursday, about three miles from here, and we visited at the physician's Dr. Martin's. The family are from Pennsylvania, not far from Erie. They are pleasant people. A college [class]mate of James' -- a Mr. [Walter] Oakley from the East, is building quite a large house in Topeka. We saw him there. He has been here to see James [too]. The place is very prettily situated on rising ground overlooking the Kansas River and extending back from the river as far as the eye can reach [on a] rolling, not a flat plain. I like it and the country very much. When you get an education, you must come here.
I wish you and our people [back home] could have some of our fine prairie chickens. The [Jordan] family have two traps & we have one & catch all we want and some to spare. We have three ahead now and part of one cooked and have been cooking for some time. The meat looks almost dark as beef and is very good, but not equal to the tame chicken, I think. We have had two rabbits & two quails; fresh pork & beef is our other meat. We have a good cow and have all the milk we want, but do not make butter this winter, not do Father Jordan's people. But we have good gravies & syrup &c. as a substitute.
[Our brother] James Goodrich was here a week ago. He was working for a Mr. Storms & doing very well. He has sold his claim for a hundred dollars and intends getting another that he likes better if he can find one. He was very well indeed. I wish you would write to him. He may go with the Surveyor awhile. They have offered him good wages; thirty dollars a month with his cattle & twenty without.
I suppose you enjoyed your vacation very much seeing so many old acquaintances. And did the working agree with you? How do you get along with your studies? And do you keep well? Do you like the place as well in winter as in summer and have you become acquainted with any of the people, besides students? How does time pass? Agreeably or not? Do not injure your health permanently with hard study. Exercise a great deal and try and keep well. If you lose your health now, you will never be able to finish your studies and always be an invalid. Do be very careful, Ralph. And take care and not take cold. They wrote you had a cold & cough when you went home. Write us as often as you can and ever believe me,
Your affectionate sister, -- Augusta
I think my husband will write too.
Topeka
[Kansas]
18 February 1856
Brother Ralph,
You will think that ink is scarce in this region, but when there are only three or four places for purchasing such things, and it freezes at those places, why we just are obliged to reconcile ourselves to make just such a mark as we can, and try and speak to our distant friends as audibly as we can through other means. How very much we should like to have been with you at your visit home [to Owego NY] and enjoyed the pleasure of a fireside gathering. We can imagine something of the feelings induced after such an absence from those so dear.
I was glad, dear brother, to learn of your success among your classmates. Tis noble, tis satisfactory to know that you are not behind in toiling up the steps of literature. And whilst one starts in the contest with a noble band, he does not like to be outstripped, but feels as if a place among the foremost secures much the most satisfaction. Yet one must not allow his physical frame to be sacrificed under any consideration. With care it is not necessary. Physical exercise should be just as systematically introduced and practiced as any of the lessons or exercises of the school. I hope your entire college course will be truly pleasant and fully satisfactory to yourself, and that you will find that your physical education has kept pace with your intellectual and moral.
I never so much appreciated the value of good health as within the few weeks past. Disease in its multiplied forms has been preying on my poor weak frame and I think my ambition has been flagging for some time back. I have not been free from quite severe pains. For two or three weeks latterly, [I have] been attending to Doctor's prescriptions but without much encouragement. Our physician's here are different -- not filling us with that confidence we would like [to hear]. I am in hopes as the warm weather comes on [that] I shall find my whole system gathering renewed strength.
I have secured an entire release from my ministerial cares, believing this would be best for a year at least. I shall, if health will allow, turn my attention to agriculture and shall find plenty to claim my attention. We want to plant out one hundred apple trees this spring and have engaged that number, besides some peach, cherry, plum, and pear trees. I think from all appearance this will be a fine country for fruit and the sooner anyone enters upon its culture the better. I want also to break considerable new prairie, as I have only five acres under the plough.
I was greatly in hopes to have secured [my brother] Ossy's aid the coming summer but from suggestions made in late letters from home, I am almost afraid he will not come out at all. I shall be greatly disappointed if he does not. I am confident it would be greatly to his interests to do so for I could afford to compensate him well for services, and without doubt he could manage to secure a good claim near[by], which would soon be worth hundreds of dollars to him. But I suppose the unsettled state of things in the territory will not only keep him but others from coming.
[With regard to your brother] James Goodrich, I suppose Cutie has told you about his late move, selling his claim, and determining to go out with the surveyors. He may do better in getting money for the time being, but in the end I think he would have the biggest pile to stay by and improve his claim. He is hardly sufficiently stable. What he will make out, time will determine. I am not certain but he is gathering money to [go] home, but I must close as [the] messenger has come.
Yours, -- James [Griffing]
Letter Number 18
Twenty year-old James Mersereau writes his friend Ralph Goodrich
revealing his desire to attend college and enter the ministry.
Union [New York]
April 19, 1856
My dear Friend,
I humbly beg your pardon
for so delaying to answer your kind and most welcome letter. The only excuse is
that I have been so pressed with business that I hardly had time to do anything
aside from it. I am well and enjoying myself very happily. I have sold out my
interest in the store and am once more without any business to pursue. This [is]
what has kept me so busy – invoicing and studying what was best for my
interest and settling up the affairs has occupied the most of my time I assure
you. I have not as yet determined what I shall do for the future. Father wishes
me to commence again alone or if I do not that, he wants me to go to New York
[City] and get into business there. Mother wishes me to go to Binghamton
and engage in business there. I wish to do neither of them.
Since I have become released from business, I have felt it my duty to prepare myself for the ministry and I hope that I may obtain Father’s consent and his aid that I may commence going to school at once. The grand difficulty with him in regard to it is a want of confidence in my ability to be a smart minister. He says that if he thought I would be as smart as such a one whom he mentions, he would be willing that I should go. I tell him that I should never expect to be as smart as they are and that it is not necessary that I should as a minister’s success in the cause of Christ does not so much depend on his smartness as upon the spirit he possesses. We may look around us and we will find some very smart men in the ministry – men of extraordinary talent and of eminent ability – who labor with as little success in many instances as those who are much their inferior in that respect. In fact, it is often those who are not eminent in talent who have the best success in winning souls to Christ.
[Your friend] – J. D. Mersereau
Letter
Number 19
Solomon
Washington ["Wash"] Gladden writes to Ralph L. Goodrich from Owego
NY giving hometown news. At the time of this letter, Gladden was attending the
Owego Academy and Goodrich was attending Hobart Free College in Geneva NY. Gladden
mentions the departure of the Cohoon family from Owego. The particular family
member he hints will be most missed was Jenny O. Cohoon whom he would later
marry (in December 1860).
Owego
[New York]
May 19, 1856
Dear Friend Ralph,
I received your kind letter the other day for which you have my most sincere thanks, but in answer to which I must, in justice to myself, say that our friend Barr when he told you what you would "catch" in case you did not write to me, rather "strengthened" my form of expression. I am not in the habit of using such "incentives" as you doubtless know, and probably Barr used his own language to express what he conceived to be my idea.
I am sincerely glad to hear that you take so good a stand in your class. And I presume, if you were a high churchman, you would take one still higher. This sort of favoritism is one of the particular things for which I don't like Hobart. If Jim as just as good and perhaps a better scholar than Harrison, it is shameful to the institution that he did not have the first honor.
I hope you will conclude to go to Williams [College next year]; or be enabled to go. I suppose you will of course if your Uncle [Elizur Goodrich] is willing [to pay your tuition]. I think he will be. I do not believe your expenses would be more than fifty dollars a year more than at Geneva, and the advantages you would gain would not be comparable in my way of thinking. Besides all considerations of profit to yourself, I should like exceedingly to have you as a roommate. I think it might be pleasant as well as profitable to both of us. Then you would in '57 be a Senior, I a Junior, and Albert Tau a Sophomore. I conclude that under these circumstances we would have the Institution pretty much in our own hands. Of course all of us intend to take the valedictories in our respective classes. Williamstown people would begin to think Owego was some ["aspiring village"], as [Q. K. Philander] Doesticks says.
Out term [at the Owego Academy] commenced a week ago tomorrow. It opens rather more favorably. We are to have twenty-five students -- seven of whom are Boarders [in the village]. Charley Ogden, Jim Mersereau, Edward Warner, Sam Barstow, and numerous others are here. Prindle is here, looking well, and feeling better than he did last term. It is a first rate place in the summer to study. I have a room alone and enjoy myself very well.
I will take the liberty to inform you -- though I do not know as the information will be as interesting to you as the fact is distressing to me -- that Mr. Cohoon's people leave Owego for Aurora IL in about three weeks. We all feel sorry to part with them, especially some members of the family whose names I won't mention and you needn't presume to guess.
Chauncey is at home sick with a sore finger. I received a letter from him on Friday. Lewis has been here and we enjoyed ourselves "hugely" during vacation.
I am very much pleased indeed that there are a few more large boys here [in the Academy] this term, and some first-rate scholars. Jim [Mersereau] is a good boy. I wish he boarded here and roomed with me. He boards with his uncle, Mr. LaMonte about a mile east of here. By the way, Ralph, I was very glad to learn from him what I had never known before; that you were somewhat interested in the subject of religion -- a subject that ought to be interesting to all of us. I presume you think, Ralph, that I am not very deeply interested in your welfare for I have never addressed you before on the subject. I know I never have. I have thought of it often yet something has always restrained me. I hope you will pardon all my past negligence and believe that I do desire your welfare as earnestly as anyone.
You know [18 year-old] Sarah Chatham who lives at Seneca Falls? Though you did not know that I knew her, I have corresponded with her nearly a year. And since last January, the correspondence has nearly all been on this subject. A few days ago, I received a letter in which she says she has entered upon the Christian life. It was good news to me, though truly Ralph, she is nothing more than a friend to me, and a friend, too, whom I have never seen. Be free to tell me just how you feel, won't you I should like to know exceedingly well. And perhaps if you have any troubles and doubts, they may be similar to mine in former years, and I can perchance assist you in overcoming and understanding them.
Give my best respects to Barr and remind him that he owes me a letter. Answer soon.
Very truly yours, -- S. W. Gladden
Letter
Number 20
Twenty year-old James D. Mersereau writes to Ralph L. Goodrich from Owego
NY sharing his views on religion. At the time the letter was written, Mersereau
attended the Owego Academy and Goodrich attended Hobart Free College in Geneva NY.
Owego
[New York]
June 4, 1856
My dear friend,
Stealing a few moments from the time which should be spent in my studies, I sit down hastily to answer your very welcome and interesting letter. [I say] welcome and interesting because of the glorious news which it contains. But I find that pen ink and paper are poor mediums to convey the feelings of rejoicing that I had in receiving such glorious intelligence. I never had so great anxiety to receive a letter from anyone as I did this from you. You know in my last I expressed fears that you were making your own acts a ground of acceptance with God, and you had delayed so long in answering me that I feared that the language which I used had offended you.
You may imagine under such circumstances how glad I was to receive the news of your conversion to God and instead of being offended at me, returning your thanks for the seasonable advice. I assure you that you are entirely welcome. And how glad I am to learn that you have concluded to love and serve God. Oh how blessed, how infinitely blessed it is to be found in the service of the most high God.
I find new sources of enjoyment, new pleasures from the well spring of life, new beauties in Christ my savior, new beauties in His gospel and in the holy word of God, new pleasure and delight in his service every day. Oh, where is there anything else that will afford such constant, increasing joy? God and my own experience answer nowhere. And since I have determined to give up all things and to forsake all, and have commenced my studies preparatory to the ministry, my job in the Lord has been really increased. I feel to explain as the apostle did that, "I am persuaded that neither height not depth, nor angels nor principalities, not powers nor things present nor things to come, nor death nor life, nor any other creature shall be able to separate me from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus, my Lord." Romans 8.38. But such is the treachery of the human hearty, it becomes me notwithstanding I meet with so much to attract me to Christ, not to be high-minded, but to fear, knowing that as soon as the sustaining grace of the Lord Jesus is withdrawn, I shall fall. But Christ is able and he has promised to keep all who trust in him to the last day and then to raise them up and crown them with eternal life.
Dear friend, I sincerely hope and trust that you are "born again"; that you truly are a "child of God." But I am aware of the deceitfulness of the human heart, and I would therefore caution you against entertaining a false hope. It is an old device of Satan when he can no longer prevent a person from seeking Christ to cause them -- if he can -- to be satisfied with a false hope. And many a soul has he thus deceived until they were brought to leave this world when, alas, they too late discover they have discovered their mistake.
For the space of six months at least, I am satisfied that I was thus deceived. And had not God been gracious and merciful toward me and helped me to fulfill the resolution which I had made soon after I commenced to seek him, that if I had not obtained the forgiveness of my sins and a hope of eternal life that by his grace I would have (and I would die seeking him sooner than go back to the world), I should ere this perhaps been one of the most hardened transgressors. Oh, how good the Lord has been thus to deliver me from such an awful state. Remember that nothing is strong, nothing is holy, nothing good without the Lord makes it so, and except the Lord build the house they labor in vain who build, which is to say if the Lord does not renew the heart by grace and make it holy, they labor in vain who strive to love and obey him. Thus all the glory of our salvation and redemption is to be ascribed to him. And if God has wrought a work of grace in your heart, how you will delight to praise and glorify his holy name.
I will caution you dear friend against judging of yourself by your feelings at different times for often I have no doubt you will have dark hours and you will think that religion is no reality because you do not enjoy yourself, but this is no way. Quite frequently I feel to give up my hope. But the proper question to ask is, are my affections chiefly directed toward God and divine things, or are they always toward worldly objects? Do I when I commit sin and do that which is contrary to the will of God feel sorry and try not to do it again, or do I take delight in it? But especially be resolved in this one thing, never to conclude yourself past hope so long as you desire to be saved and because you sometimes feel that you are not a Christian to give up all hopes of ever being one. Imprint this one promise upon your heart, that you may ever bear in mind, "that whosoever cometh unto me, I will in no wise cast out." These are the words of Christ himself and we have no evidence that he has ever failed to do as he has promised.
You will doubtless meet with much to discourage you. Satan will do his best to harass you with growing doubts and fears, but dear friend, lay hold on the hope which is set before you in the gospel.
I have told you of the happiness which I find in the service of the Lord. But be not discouraged if you do not enjoy the same degree, for it is the Christian life. As in everything else, there must be a beginning. When you began the study of Greek, it was very hard to understand, but now you have progressed and know much about the language. Once you were an infant; now [you are] a full grown man. You are now in your infancy in the Christian life, and if you use every means of grace with the same order and zeal to become an eminent Christian that you have to become a scholar, you will have occasion in a few years to look back with astonishment and rejoice that you have made so rapid progress. Oh, the service of God is a source of ever increasing, never ceasing delight.
And remember also, dear friend, that prayer is the only weapon that you have to overcome the evil one who goes about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. Use it therefore. Never neglect it. Set apart a particular time every day to read the word of God, to meditate and pray, and let no light excuse keep you from it. You will find that you will lose no time by it. Such a course has been the greatest help to me of anything else. And although at times I felt it a task, yet now I would sooner go without my breakfast than to be debarred the privilege of holding communion with my God. Why, I would sooner think of a man living without eating than a Christian growing in grace without prayer. I know of many persons who have started in the Christian life and who have become cold and hardened who have told me upon being interrogated that their first retrograde step was when they began to neglect prayer occasionally. Satan would take advantage of them telling them that they had neglected it once [so] they may with safety do it again...
I am now going to school preparatory to College, thence to Theological Seminary, thence to preaching the everlasting gospel of the Lord Jesus. If God be willing, I expect to go to college as soon as I am prepared for the Sophomore year which will be if I have my health one year from this fall. I have Latin and Greek this term. I do not know what college I shall go to but I think some of going to Amherst. I have not heard from your folks. I hope I shall be able to call there soon. I should very much like to come out at your commencement but I shall not be able to. But I thank you for your kind invitation. I saw Wash [Gladden] today. He had just received a letter from you. I was glad to hear that you contemplated going to Williams [College] with him. The association will be so much the better. Write as soon as you can and be free to tell me your feelings.
I remain as ever, your sincere friend, -- Jas D. Mersereau
Letter Number
Owego
[New York]
September 24, 1856
Dear friend Ralph,
Nothing but an earnest wish to give in every possible way satisfaction to my employers has prevented my answering your letter before. My time being wholly taken up "from early morn till late at eve" and no time after that even lest by remaining up my two bachelor roommates should be disturbed. Sundays I have resolved if possible never to employ in writing letters. Tonight I have concluded to stay to the house and sit up as long as I have a mind. And you Ralph shall have my first attention though others have claims of months standing.
The [John C.] Fremont meeting that evening before you left was not one of our best. I heard nothing of the fight of the Parker boys and young Pumpelly and can hardly believe it was so. Since then we have had Samuel H. Hammond, formerly editor of the Albany State Register. Tonight, Smith of Elmira -- a very talented young man -- spoke [and] next week Mr. Culver of Brooklyn, a first class speaker, is to be here.
I have forgotten what day S. W. Gladden started for college, but allow me to say I think his not coming to see you originated in any willful disregard of your friendship.
I went up to the camp meeting on Sunday and nothing I ever saw (except the State Fair) would compare with it and can be described as a "perfect rush." I saw people there from Danby [NY] and one man from Newfield [NY], but none of our folks. I have seen none of your folks lately and very likely you have heard from them later than I have. I am happy to hear of your good fortune in securing a room and hope your other prospects are as promising.
Your invitation to visit you will have to be postponed a year when I hope to be able to come and see you. Today has been the first day of the [Tioga County] Fair. Though it attracts a good deal of attention, it fails to bear any comparison to the fair in Tompkins [County]. I hardly got time to take one look through the hall drove have we been in the store today. It's been one of the busiest days I have seen.
As I opened my drawer tonight, my eyes fell on the bible my mother gave me when I left home -- its lids molding from neglect. Neglect! of that book of books which the wisest men of every Christian age have valued above all others. What! Neglect all chance of safety on the troubled and dangerous sea of life when that pole star shines steadily through the mists of earth and guides to a sure haven whose waters are peaceful? Yes, I plead Guilty, and now make a resolve stronger than ever I made before not to live unmindful of its instruction but to look often to that guiding star which is able to make wise unto salvation.
Your friend, -- Geo. Stratton
Letter Number 3
Owego
[New York]
[Sunday] September 28 [1856]
My dear Ralph,
Yours of the 22nd is received after expecting to hear from you for more than a week. You must write oftener. We are all well. Sarah, Mary and Steve have gone to church. It is a very pleasant day [but] rather cold. We have had another letter from Kansas [Territory] -- one from [your sister] Augusta and one from her husband [James Griffing]. I will send one of them to you with this. We are all feeling very bad about them. You will see by the letter that James has gone. We hope he is safe and home again before this.
We are glad you have a pleasant room. We feel afraid about your elbow. If it has not got well, you had better let some physician see it. Perhaps there is a bone out. But I hope it is well before this. How come you to be in Logies room? Where is Tinkham, and why does not Logie room with his mother and sisters? Do they board at Geneva now? Is Collins Pumpelly there? What is the minister's name at the Presbyterian Church? We are glad you like your cup. I should think you would need a fire. What have you in your room more than you had in the other? If your chum comes, you will want his bed.
Your father and [brother] Steve will finish cutting up corn tomorrow. Our county fair was last Wednesday and Thursday. Stephen and your father went over the first afternoon. Em Wheat came down Wednesday [and] she and [your sister] Mary went over to the plowing match Thursday forenoon. [In the afternoon], Steve went over with Mary Griffing and [your sister] Sarah. Your Aunt Mary and Leland [Goodrich] got home last Wednesday. They had a pleasant journey [and] found all well. Yesterday Leland came down in his carriage after me to go there. I went and had a good visit. Mary went up to see Kate Taylor yesterday. Whilst your Aunt Mary was gone, Harriett had a party. Kate told Mary [that] the Catlins, and Duels, Jack and John, the Whites, and Harriett's friends were invited. Kate and our girls were left out.
[Your brother] Stephen does not study any. I wish you would write and tell him if he is going to school, he must study. He intends to go to the [Owego] Academy. George Rice is going next term. George Rice wants to be here, or have Steve there nearly every evening. If they visit so, Steve cannot study much.
I sold that butter to Hatfield for twenty cents. If I had it now, I could get a good deal more. Butter is very scarce and is high. We have had but little rain since you left. Consequently, we have but little pasture for our cows. Your father has begun to feed them stalks. I have commenced putting down a tub [of butter] for your Uncle [Elizur]. We received a letter from him last week. Have you written to him since you went to Geneva? He had an opportunity of sending direct to [?] and has sent some things to [your sister] Augusta.
I wish you would write to [your brother] James Goodrich. Your father says he is sorry he has gone. We fear he will get into trouble. I do not think he intends to stay with them this winter and I do not know what he will do.
Jack Frost made us a visit two nights last week and has left his mark. I shall send you five dollars in this. The next time I write, I will send three dollars. I would send both now but if I send the letter from James [Griffing], it will be too thick. Ralph, you must write once in two weeks or oftener if you can. We all send love to you.
From your affectionate Mother.
[P.S.] I wish you would send the letters back that I send you from Kansas [Territory]. Sarah says tell him to take time and write all about your lady and if you go out any. That letter that James Griffing wrote to Mr. Smyth, after it came out in the [Owego] Times, created quite an excitement. Everyone was enquiring who wrote it. Dr. [Ezekiel] Phelps stopt Ossy [Griffing] in the street Sunday to know if it was from his brother. They had a Kansas meeting and collected $1000, so we hear. Ralph, how is your elbow? Write soon.
Letter
Number 37
Sarah Ann Goodrich writes her brother Ralph L. Goodrich from Owego NY
giving all the hometown news. At the time of this letter, Ralph Goodrich was
attending Hobart Free College in Geneva NY. Enclosed in the same envelope is a
letter from Mary Ann Goodrich, Ralph's mother.
[Owego,
New York]
[November 16], 1856
Dear brother Ralph,
You know I don’t like to scold and hardly ever do, but I do think you ought to take some time to write home [more] than you do. You know we like to hear about what interests you there. I am sorry you have not been well. Have you been too sick to get your meals any time? We are afraid there is a bone out. I am glad vacation is so near. Hope you will keep well till then.
We saw Miss Katy [Taylor] at church today. She is not married yet but will before long. I suppose she is going to marry for money I guess as he is wealthy and altogether too old for her. We hear he is forty-seven.
Steve has been three days to school. He likes it very well. He has just written his composition. [The] subject is water. It is something quite original.
They have got the work all done [on the farm]. Nick Cortright helped draw the corn stalks. Ma has told you that we have three boarders. It is a real bother and if it were not for making something, we should not keep them. One of them has a “union pipe” that he plays on. They sound very much like the bagpipes, only bitter.
We hear Chet Holmes is going to teach the school this winter. I think district school teachers are degenerating or sadly deficient in some things – at least ours are. We some expect John Becknop over here before he went home but thought he did not have time. Don’t Shipman write to you? I should think Wash Gladden would write to you. And does James write to you now?
The last time
You must write after you
get this and tell how much money you will want, or else write to Uncle [Elizur
Goodrich] yourself. It is time to see about it. Write before long…
Your affectionate sister – Sarah [Goodrich]
Owego [New York]
Sunday, [November] 16, [1856]
Dear Ralph,
We received yours last week. I wish you would write oftener. You did not say that you had received that $3 bill but suppose you did as you did the letter. Sarah is going to write to you if she can. She has had a very sore finger – her fore finger on her right hand. I think she will lose her nail.
Stephen and the girls have gone to church today. It is not a very pleasant day. Your father has got his fall work done. Stephen commenced going to the academy last Wednesday. He likes it well. They have a large school. Steve and I called at the Academy last Monday and saw Mrs. Higgins. She said they had 110 scholars. Steve has got to write a composition today for next Wednesday. Tom Farrington and Albert True spoke pieces. We have not seen George Stratton in a long time.
We have three boarders – men that are at work on Mrs. Rice’s house. One wanted to stay for 3 weeks, the others 2 or 3 months. They are all Irish men. One is doing the same work in the house that Farris did in the greenhouse. The other two are plummers. They are putting in the lead pipes for the hot and cold water. Leland came here yesterday to get Sarah to make him a coat. He did not want his mother to know it for he does not want her to come and sew thinking to get it cheaper. Some thief stole their curette sheep and killed and dressed it under the sand bank last week.
Miss Taylor and Mrs. Charles Taylor was here visiting last week. Mrs. Taylor said she did not know anything about Kate’s being married, but her man was expected week before last. He had not come last week. His name is Tom Lukin. He worked here in the bridge shop when Ossy Griffing was hurt. Since that he has got to be boss on the railroad near Chicago. He is 47 years old.
Now Ralph, I want you should write the particulars about yourself. What has been the matter with you and do you think there is any burr out in your elbow. Are you housed at the same place and do you like your chum?
[-- Mother]
Letter
Number 24
Thirty-nine year-old Elizur Tryon Goodrich writes to his nephew Ralph
Goodrich from his home in Hartford CT. The letter was written one month
after the Presidential election in which Democratic candidate James Buchanan
defeated Republican candidate John C. Fremont.
December 5, 1856
My dear Nephew,
I have received two letters from you this term and I am very glad to learn that you have more comfortable quarters and times there than you have experienced the previous year. I should have answered your last letter before but concluded to wait until I could send you the money you wanted and as I suppose you would not need it till the close of the term, have delayed till this time. I hope it will make no difference with you and do not think it will. Enclosed you will find a check for forty-five dollars which I trust will reach you safely. I have received letters from your mother – also a tub of very nice butter – but I have not heard from them within four weeks. I hope they are all well. I received a letter from Augusta a week or two since. She was very well and [her husband] James Griffing was improving but I suppose you have heard from them since and I can tell you no news of them.
The elections are over
and [John C.] Fremont
is not to be our next President. But we are not disheartened. We
are ready, or rather getting ready, for another fight – feeling some that our
principles are right and in the end will prevail. You know “Truth crushed to
earth will rise again.” Did not New England do nobly; and
Our Thanksgiving passed off quietly. We had quite a table full at our house. Father Beach & family, which with our own, presented a formidable appearance. We are having a little winter weather just now. The grounds around are covered with snow but there is not enough to make sleighing in our streets.
The lectures before the different society’s of young men have commenced. We had three or four – one from Dr. [George W.] Bethune of Brooklyn, and one from Thomas F. Meagher, the Irish patriot. I seldom attend [them] except when we have some very noted character.
Give my love to the folks at home [in Owego] and do not forget to write me and keep me informed how you get along. Yours truly, -- Elizur T. Goodrich
Letter
Number 26
Fifty-three year-old Mary Ann Goodrich writes her son Ralph Goodrich
while he attends Hobart Free College in Geneva NY.
Owego [New York]
March 1, 1857
My dear Ralph,
Yours to the girls was
received yesterday and glad was they to get it. I am sorry you take what I wrote
so much to heart, but I guess you will get over it in time. Don’t you think
you will? Well enough of this. We are all usually well. Your father is not well
and all he does is to do his chores which takes him all the forenoon. We have
two boarders from New York
[City]. Their names are Martin, are brothers, and are Englishmen. They are
paper hangers [and] are papering at Mr. Rice’s house. Wish you could see them.
They are real gentlemen. The oldest one looks and appears so much like your
Uncle [Elizur], I almost think it is him – Mr. George Martin.
Mary and Stephen have
gone to church today. Mr. Harry Martin is writing a letter to his brother that
is living at
Sarah and your father are
reading. Harry has got [Martin Farquhar] Tupper’s Proverbial Philosophy here.
We are reading it. It is good larger than Augustus. I think is just such a book
as you would like, and I wish you had it now for I think you would find some
ideas in it that would be a help to you in writing. It is a $1.25 cents book
here, but he gave only 96 cents for it in New York
[City].
I am sorry Mr. [William] Smyth sent you the wrong [news]paper. I have lent ones to Miss Rice. Shall not send it away [and] shall keep it for you. And also last week’s paper which had a piece written by a student at Geneva – an undergraduate. Do you know who wrote it? I do and I think it good. I do hope the boy that wrote it will write [his mother] again...
We received the catalogue
last week. We did not get a letter last week from
Ralph, we do not any of us feel very bad at present and hope you do not. If you do, get over it as soon as you can. Please write as often as you can. From your mother.
Thursday afternoon [March 5, 1857] and I am all alone. As I have not sent this, I will write a little more. Just before dinner today, Mr. McKenie and another man plumber came and wanted we should board them for a week or two. We are all sorry. We were having such good times here evenings [with the Martin brothers]. Harry sings and last evening [we] had a number of puzzles. The evenings pass quickly. They are very good company and are real gentlemen. It will be getting a little more money having the plumber come. I think I can send you 2 or 3 dollars next time I write.
It will be 2 weeks
tomorrow since we have [had any] news from [your sister Augusta in]
Try to keep well. We are join in love to you. Your affectionate Mother
Letter Number
35
Mary Ann Goodrich writes her son Ralph L. Goodrich from Owego NY giving
all the hometown news. At the time of this letter, Ralph Goodrich was attending
Hobart Free College in Geneva NY.
Owego [New York]
July 3, [1857]
My dear college boy,
We received yours yesterday and would have answered it the same day but had company and could not. I wish you would have seen your father when he got home. He was completely covered with mud. He had on your blue overcoat, a new cloth vest, and blue pants. We had then all to wash. John Goodrich says he has to laugh when he think how he looked when he first got up. They think [your brother] Steve managed the horses well. We have not had any hot weather here yet but have had plenty of rainy weather.
We think just as much of
Mrs. Rice as ever. I do not think she was any more to blame than Mr. Wood was.
He ought not to have made Mr. Rice think that he was a good farmer when he did
not know anything about it. And then to have him come here and she to have to
give him 400 dollars a year, she could not afford it, and Tom had to go ahead
and tell him what to do. Mrs. Rice did not expect they would make us so much
trouble. She makes her side good. We think there is a little blame on both
sides. I can tell you better than I can write it. They are very friendly here.
Mrs. Rice came here yesterday and brought a large bowl full of large
strawberries. Louisa made a visit here Saturday and brought (she said) a small
cucumber. It was one foot and three inches long. We are all invited up there
tomorrow too. They are going to have strawberries and cream and ice cream. Mrs.
Rice was here more than a week ago and said if we wanted to spend a quiet
We have not had any letter from your Uncle [Elizur Goodrich]. Have not you wrote to him yet? I shall send you 2 dollars with this. If you want more, just write to your father and ask him for some. I think he would send you a 5 or 10. he sold Thurston 18 bushels of corn yesterday for $100 per bushel. A day or two ago he got $25 of Fernslager.
I do not know how soon Fanny Rockwood will go. She expects her father for her. The term closes next week. They are not going to have any thing going on the 4th [of July] here but at