Cpl. Lewis Squire Loomis, Co. H, 122d NY Infantry; died 5 May 1864 in the Battle of the Wilderness.
This letter was written by Lyman Luzerne Squire (1810-1869), a son of Orrin Datus Squire (1783-1859) and Annice Frisble (1784-1841). He was married to Eliza L. Palmer in 1830.
Lyman wrote the letter to his sister, Jennette (Squire) Loomis (1815-1894), and her husband, Dr. Jacob Osmyn Loomis (1802-1894), then residing in Bolton, Connecticut. They were married in 1836. Jacob was the son of Jacob Loomis (1772-1833) and Jemima Risley (1777-1860) of Tolland County, Connecticut.
Jennette and Jacob were yet childless when this letter was written but Jennette was probably pregnant with her first child, Lewis Squire Loomis (1842-1864) — a casualty of the Battle of the Wilderness.
Stampless Cover
Page 1
Page 2
TRANSCRIPTION
Addressed to Dr. J. O. Loomis, Bolton, Connecticut
Branford, [Connecticut]
December 22d 1841
Dear Sir,
Your letter of December 20th was received this afternoon. In reply to your inquiry, I can only say that so far as I am acquainted, he does not intend to leave this spring. Our co-partnership was not a limited one. He (or perhaps his wife) might have expressed something of that kind, though I do not now remember of hearing of any such intention. We have been purchasing here. Besides, from other circumstances I am inclined to believe he is pretty well satisfied and I am happy to say that a very good feeling at present exists between us. He left this morning for Hartford and will probably return tomorrow evening.
I feel gratified to hear from you & Jennette. I have though strange of your not writing, Certainly Jennette could not have been so long engaged as not to have written even a few lines. We all enjoy tolerable health. Orin has been living in Chester. He is now at home.
William R. Frisbie & Harriet Cooke were married Thanksgiving night [25 Nov 1841]. They are housekeeping at Giles Barker’s — the house (or that part) being made vacant by the removal of Doctor Hubbard to New Hartford. Russell Pond & Lydia Tyler were married some time ago [on 27 Sept 1841], Augustus Wilford & Widow Statua Johnson were married about 2 weeks ago. Ami__ B. Barker has been sick several weeks; his difficulty appears to be on his lungs. I am rather fearful it will finally terminate in consumption. Capt. Ammi Harrison has been sick 6 to 8 weeks. He was first taken with suppression of urine; he has had a severe and dangerous time. He is now more comfortable.
The Baptists have held meetings about every evening for about 3 or 4 weeks and after through the day. The meetings have been quite well attended and I hope they will accomplish considerable good. Almon Beers, Mrs. Hobart Bench, one of David Arnill’s daughters, and Nancy Andrews were immersed Sunday before last. Last Sunday Miss Mary Ann Shelton & 2 other young ladies were immersed. Whatever may be your feelings with regard to the importance of these matters, I have — from mature and candid reflection — come to the conclusion that it is best for me to live a goodly, righteous, & sober life. Eliza unites with me in this conclusion. These few remarks will probably surprise you & Jennette, but I can assure you that I am satisfied to try. I have been for a long time thinking and hesitating, being at the same time rather persuaded in my own mind that it was best & without any heated excitement, I have calmly & feelingly come to this determination & humbly trust that our heavenly father will assist us in our endeavors. Without feeling any disposition to dictate or censure you & yours, it would afford me pleasure to learn that all my brothers & sisters feel as I do, — i.e., a willingness to serve God & keep his commandments.
The above remarks are made with the kindest feelings and best intentions. Will you & Jennette do me the favor to receive them as such. I am very respectfully yours, — Lyman L. Squire
Please write us often. The request that your letter be confidential will be complied with.
Spared & Shared 1 
Leave a comment