New York Monday Oct. 15, 1832

Dear Brother and Sister, --

            I sit down this evening to answer your last of the 29^th ult. Etc’ and am grateful that we are all well, hearty, and generally, very favorable circumstanced. At the present moment however, I feel that the chilling blasts of winter almost unfit me to write; my body almost shivering, and my hand almost benumbed with cold. My excellent cloak being closely wrapped about me; I hope to write with some comfort, though in a homely and botching manner.

            I was glad to hear that you were well, and especially was I pleased to learn that Susan had united herself to one who is likely to prove a comfort and a blessing to her. I wonder if she will hereafter be induced or compelled so often to bedew her cheeks with a shower of tears as in times past? In respect to my last letter you say “I should like to have heard a few more particulars respecting Walter’s coming, when, where, etc., etc.” I presumed that Walter would inform you of every thing respecting himself, that you would like to hear about. And as it respects your friends, I must acknowledge that I am almost totally unacquainted with their circumstances or condition; -- with great numbers I am entirely unacquainted, and Jane scarcely ever visits, being constantly confined. I will be as particular as possible. After Walter arrived, he concluded to board with Mrs. Fordyce until he was prepared to keep house. I had secured a situation for him at our office before he came; though it is but poor, not being able to make more than $6 per week. He is now at work and will have constant employment during the winter. Ellen’s health is quite good. She, (with him) is very ambitious and industrious, -- sewing as constantly as possible. They hired a room, bed-room,  etc., on the first floor, and back part of Brother M’Lean’s house, (in Varick St.) They commenced domestic business last Wednesday; and from appearance (though they are not yet settled) I presume they will live happily and comfortably, “in their own hired house.” Jane is living with them. They would like to have, and do expect to keep two boarders. They would presume, be glad for me to make one; but the distance is too great; were it not for this, I should consider it my bounden duty to board with them. (You need not think I am bound here by a cord that cannot be broken; by no means.) Being at a convenient distance from the office I think it proper not to change at present. Jane’s health is better since her return from Long Island. Her visit, she says, was very pleasant and pleasing. She wishes me to send her kindest thanks for your kind and generous offer; but thinks it her duty to remain here while health and circumstances are as good as at present. At a future time she may gladly embrace the opportunity. Thus much for Walter etc. Now for your friends; -- but here I shall be more at a loss. I, being one I trust, and all under this roof are in good health; and prospering, temporally and spiritually, as well as ever. You will probably learn or have from the Advocate, that Mrs. Prindle is no more. All others, as far as I know are as usual. Mrs. F. says old sister Pelton is able to attend church quite often. “Aunty Smith’s, Brother Ostrander’s, Mr. Bertine’s, Anderson’s, Elizabeth in particular, Walgrove’s, Pell’s, M’Leans’s, Vixon’s (?), Van Pelt, Reed, Howard, Webb, (she was well Saturday) Holliday, Smack, Smael, (these two are in the country) and many others.” And I will add Brother Sanford, Coles, Landon, (he did not distribute your letters in four or five weeks after he arrived ) Prindle, Jarvis, Gurnee, Byers, Sturr, Ketchum, Loveland, Burdett, Mrs. Bloom (not in very good health) “and many others;”—All these, the last time I heard from the, (and I have heard from many of them  lately, and seen some of them to-day,) were well and prosperous; only Mr. Reed’s in Vandam St. were scorched a little in consequence of a large fire and lost about $400 worth of goods etc. Thus much for old acquaintances. Now for the business.

            I called at Brother Sanford’s to-day, and delivered the message you sent; -- and at his suggestion write thus soon. He spoke somewhat thus: -- “Tell Brother Ferguson, if he can raise $200 at Plattsburg, he had better hasten down, as soon as possible, and there is no doubt but that the business can be settled without much difficulty.” This he repeated once or twice, quite emphatically. I suppose this will be somewhat pleasing; --but I will venture to add, if you come down soon, you will be made acquainted with something which may be more pleasing still. Walter’s “circumstance not named” and “obligation dissolved,” etc. which you do not understand will then be explained. He wishes me to say that he has the interest money; but knows not when, where, nor to whom he is to pay it. This he wants to understand.

            One word respecting Brother Sanford, -- I esteem him one of the best of men, one of the most solid, substantial, deep, plain, and intelligent, ministers that I ever knew. He does not tickle the ear, please the fancy, and gratify the curiosity with his blowery oratory, and his beautiful voice and address to be sure; but this I can easily forego, if something almost infinitely better can be substituted. But this is unneccessary (sic), as you are better acquainted with these things than I.

            Your comment on my “principle” is very good and no doubt very correct. I think with you that “my goodness of heart (as little as it is) and my sense of duty” would oblige me to violate it in your case. But all my “goodness of heart” and “sense of duty” will not oblige nor induce me to violate it in every case that may hereafter present itself. I hope, however, always to “love mercy, and walk humbly with my God.”

            Mr. Fordyce has not been home yet and I know not whether he intends to come or not.

Uncle Timothy’s people are well.

            Give my love to Susan, and believe my, my dear Brother and Sister, your ever affectionate,       

                                                                        Addison A. -----

Mr. S.  D.  and  Mrs. H.  A.  Ferguson

            Mrs. Fordyce and Eleanor say I must not forget to send their love.

            I trust you are not now disposed to say “I should have been pleased to hear more particulars, “about friends etc.; for I have enumerated all you mentioned, “and many others.” None have married since you left.

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 in The Ferguson-Jayne Papers, 1826 - 1938, edited by Mary S. Briggs, Interlaken New York: Heart of the Lakes Publishing, 1981. Transcribed for this web site by Margaret Monaco. All misspellings have been carefully preserved.