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.  This letter is to his sister.

Fergusonville Nov 21st

Dear Charlotte

I can only write you a note. I received your note a few days ago I forget precisely the time. I looked for the letter you spoke of and found it in Merrys Museum and I enclose it with this.

On Thanksgiving we had Duck, Chicken, Gravy, Potatoe, Pie and Bread and Butter and Coffee for Dinner. After Dinner I went Skating or rather to look on but after a while I had a pair of skates lent to me.

Why do you not write to me I have not received a letter from any one this term. I wrote you a letter an sent I the Tuesday after I got here.
Please send me some stamps

Give my love to all with a large share for yourself.
From your loving brother

George.

Dear Mother,

Georgie is complaining that no one has written to him. I tried to persuade him to write home yesterday, but he positively refused until he should hear form some of you. I think he is quite well. The bureau is a very great comfort to me. Thank you for it a thousand times.

With love to all - - Emily.

(noted on letter: )
G. E. J.
Nov. 20. 1858

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 Association 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.