1842: Lemuel Durfee, Jr. to Amanda M. (Smith) Durfee

Palmyra, New York, ca. 1840

This letter was written by Lemuel Durfee, Jr. (1801-1871), son of Lemuel Durfee Sr. (1759-1829) and Prudence Hathaway (1766-1849), of Palymra, Wayne County, New York. Lemuel wrote the letter to his wife, Amanda M. (Smith) Durfee (1804-1870). Wealthy C. Durfee (1831-1920), mentioned in the letter, was their daughter.

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Letter

TRANSCRIPTION

Addressed to Amanda M. Durfee or Lemuel Durfee, Palmyra, Wayne County, New York

Chicago [Illinois]
26 June 1842
Sunday Evening

Respected friend, A. M.,

It is now 9 o’clock in the evening & I am here and in good health, having a very good nay all tho nuff by spells still neather of us have been sick in the least nor my stomach has not been riled in the least degree.

We started from Buffalo Wednesday morning and arrived here this after noon at six having a head wind a good share of the way and some of the time nuff a nuff. Please be in good cheer and encourage the rest for if nothing happens, I shall try to be at home near the time I said. We shall start tomorrow morning for the Kankakee.

Tell Wealthy she must fly round and keep things agoing a few days longer and then I shall be at home and help Mat & Orrin cut loose and straighten things as you go, Seth Parker wanted you should say hi to his folks, that he was well, and I think he is for he is abed in this room and a snoozing. And as I have not had my close of since I left home, I shall not say much more but strip and go to bed. This is enough to let you know where I am if it reaches you, and that is sufficient although if I could have a line from you tonight and learn that that you was all well, it would be worth a good deal. I wrote you from Buffalo and a few lines from Detroit, and the next will most likely be verbal if nothing happens.

So no more at present. I remain yours, — Lemuel Durfee