1819: Mary (Barnett) Livingston to Gilbert Belcher

Head Stone of Gilbert Belcher

This letter was written by Mary (Barnett) Livingston (1785-1840), wife of Richard Livingston of Lowville, New York.

Mary wrote the letter to her uncle Gilbert Belcher (1761-1820), the son of Gilbert and Eunice (Owen) Belcher, Millstone, Somerset, New Jersey

Stampless Cover

Letter

TRANSCRIPTION

Addressed to Mr. Gilbert Belcher, Somerset Court House, New Jersey

Lowville [New York]
October 28, 1819

Dear Uncle,

I fear by this time you will think we have quite forgotten you by not answering you before, but I have been waiting the event of some things. My father has not been at home steady two weeks at a time this summer. My mother has took another boy and I expect she intends to keep him. Grandmother, I think, fails fast in looks and strength. My son is almost discouraged about going there to live with so many old folks. he thinks it a great task for a young man to undertake. He wants some word from you concerning the place as he considers it yours and ever will be yours for they are in no situation to pay the money which you have paid for the farm. I feel greatly concerned about them that dwell under my father’s roof. I think I have had a serious trial of the trouble of old folks but they are both gone. Grandfather died last March. Aunt Ellsworth has boarded with me till her school ended and then returned to fathers again where she now lives. Aunt Rood has requested some of her children to send after her, I understand. In a letter from Uncle [William] Maxfield’s family, I understand that Uncle Rood has become steady. We have heard from Uncle Joseph’s children. They were both living at their grandfathers. I have not forgotten the promise you made us when we parted but when we wanted to see you we must send you word. We all want to see you but is much more satisfaction than there is here. For my own part, I do not feel as if I was placed in a situation for you to take any great satisfaction with us but notwithstanding, we should be very happy in receiving a visit from you at least for one season. I thank you for your good advise and think it very good concerning our tavern. I should be glad to write more but I am so unwell that I do not feel able to write any longer. I hope you will not expose my letter as I have wrote this unbeknown on some reasons. I hope you will not delay in writing to me. So no more at present. From your niece, — Mary Livingston