These are the earliest letters found in the closet. There are nine letters, spanning eighteen years, to and from the Reed and Marshall families. So far, we’ve been unable to find any connection to any Reese or Maxey.
What to give your genealogy sleuthing a try?
Here’s a transcript of the first letter from Mary H. Leonard, Jackson, Mississippi to her aunt and cousin, Lydia and Augusta Reed at Myrtle Street 45, Boston Mass.
Jackson, January 29, 1838: My dear aunt,
I did not think so long a time would have elapsed after our arrival without writing to you we arrived here on the 25th of December safe and sound the sea voyage was rather tedious 25 days from Boston to New Orleans.
No disaster happened to us, contrary winds for the first eight days. I was very seasick and have no wish whatsoever of going to see again. I am perfectly satisfied with sea voyages a sea life is so dull and monotonous.
We found things very much changed since my husband left here in July last. Edward Leonard died here of fever September last. We did not hear of his death until we were at Vicksburg and the news fell on us heavily; we have lost a noble friend and to his family his loss is irreparable.
How we shall succeed is yet uncertain, our expenses are great but Mr. Leonard’s business is good but what makes against us is the small part of our goods came with us. The Charleston was full and could not take them on board then the Cherokee was to take them, which was to sail on the 1st of December.
Mr. Leonard heard that the Cherokee was lying outside the bar at the mouth of the Mississippi River on the 27th of December had heard nothing more from the ship and nothing about his good. It makes very much against him as his sales would be much greater on his whole stock. The India rubbers are behind and all his shoe strings and tools for making holes and smoothing off the pegs. We hope they are not lost and that we soon hear from them. But it gives a great deal of anxiety. We have heard once only from home, now anxiously waiting to hear again. We all have care and anxiety about something that interests us.
How is your health this winter the winter? I have often thought of you and family. Your health was so bad when I left. I hope this you have received. Is Uncle Samuel’s family in Boston this winter, if so where do they board? Do you have a cold winter?
The winter here has been mild. We have salads radishes and greens from the garden. Even now cousin Louisa Leonard has been gardening two weeks passed; planted peas, Irish potatoes, radishes and salads. We have some cold frosty nights but we consider our winter is nearly over. My husband says he shall write to uncle as soon as he can find out about his goods and that was the reason he did not write before, but I thought I would wait no longer but let you know we are alive. Give my love to all inquiring friends and accept the same for yourself and family. write soon and let me know how you are getting along.
From your niece, Mary Leonard.
Dear cousin Augusta,
How do you prosper this winter? Do you find time to participate in the piano or do other studies employ your time. Mrs. Leonard intends taking a school next fall in this place. She wants a teacher of music and one that will assist her in the afternoon and other duties in the schoolroom. She has two sessions in a year of five months each. The two warmest months, she will not help. She says she will give you $500 per year, board you in her family and have your washing and ironing done. Out of school your time is your own. I think Mrs. Leonard would not be very hard to please yet you will have inconveniences to encounter. She has no separate room for you but thinks she can make you comfortable. It will cost to you $1.00 to come out and same to return.
Articles of dress are very expensive here and it will be economy to provide a wardrobe sufficient for a year. Consult with your parents and friends. It is probable that you will have an opportunity of seeing her in June next as she talks of visiting, and hoped you can converse with her and any arrangements proper.
I expect that my husband and perhaps myself will return to this place next fall. You would have an opportunity of coming out should you wish it. Missus Leonard wanted I should write to you about it so that you would have time to prepare yourself. Write me as soon as is convenient and let me know what you think of it. Give my love to Mrs. Freeman and inform me how she prospered with her veil. Mine I have done nothing to it; my eyes are so weak I doubt rather I shall be at to.
Give my love to all inquiring friends and expect the same for yourself, your cousin, Mary Leonard.
When I see Augusta which will be in June next if nothing special presents that is the calculation now we will talk the matter over right soon.
All in good health, mhl
February
I have kept this letter one week in hopes of hearing from our goods and home have not we heard from for a few days past. We have had cold weather, comparable to something as cold as we had in Boston before we left. Perhaps Augusta would not like to visit in summer in Jackson. I should not recommend her to stay in the hot weather although many do.
Check out the original letters here
This is interesting – do you think they might have been family members?