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 from his mother and sister.

Orange Dec 1/57

My dear George

I am very glad to hear from you, and such good accounts too, these please me very much. I hope you will continue to serve the good character Mr. Oliver gives you. And above all my dear boy seek to please your Father in heaven remember his eye is upon you constantly. If you acknowledge Him by avoiding every thing He forbids in His word, and try to do what God commands He will direct your steps, and be your safe guide through your whole life. Annie has been quite sick. The baby learns something new each day. Addie is a funny little fellow, Kitty tells him that “he don’t know any thing,” he answers her, “I do know enough to eat when I am hungry.”

I would like to write more but the baby wants me. Be a good boy dear Georgie.

Your loving mother

E. W. Jayne

Sunday afternoon.
Dear Georgie,
It is very rainy this afternoon, and I have staid home from church all day. I thought I would write a few lines to you. I finished Ivanhoe yesterday, and am charmed with it. I know you would like it. It is all about knights, Robin Hood and his merry men, besieged castles, tournaments, etc. The baby grows sweeter every day. Write to me, won’t you? I have written two letters (this makes the third, and have not received any answer. I must bid you goodbye.

Your aff. Sister,
Charlotte.

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 Briggs. Transcribed for this web site by Margaret Monaco. All misspellings have been carefully preserved.

All materials on this website are for non-profit, educational use only.