Background: George Jayne was a student at Fergusonville Academy in Fergusonville, NY.  Many of the students at the academy came from the New York City area.  It was thought that the isolation of Fergusonville would protect the children from corrupting influences such as drinking and gambling. George Jayne's family lived in Orange, NJ. 

Fergusonville Dec 9th 1858

I am well. This is the last letter you receive from me till I receive one from you.

Your aff brother

George.

Dear Mother and Father

You will notice that Georgie is marked ¼ less than usual in Deportment. He says he is willing that I should tell you what it is for. He has a habit, which I regret very much of whispering in church and chapel, which I am sure he could overcome if he should set about it. If not of course it will grow upon him. James says it is his only fault as a student.

Emily.
 

Courtesy of the Davenport Historical Association, Davenport, NY, 13750. Over 500 letters from the Ferguson and Jayne families, most dating from the mid-nineteenth century, are available from the Davenport Historical Society in The Ferguson-Jayne Papers, 1826 - 1938, edited by Mary S. Briggs. Transcribed for this web site by Margaret Monaco. All misspellings have been carefully preserved.