This letter was written by Gershom Burr Bradley (1820-1897) of Westport, Connecticut, who was the husband of Frances Ellen Stevens (1831-1911). Gershom was the son of Burr and Lorinda Bradley.
Gershom wrote the letter to his cousin, James Scribner (1813-1880) of Lockport, New York. James was still a bachelor at the time this letter was written. The letter informs him of the death of his father, Jesse Bunce Scribner (1780-1844) in Westport, Connecticut. Jesse was married (1805) to Sally Platt of Norwalk, Connecticut.
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TRANSCRIPTION
[Addressed to Mr. James Scribner, Lockport, New York]
Westport [Connecticut]
March 20th 1844
Dear Cousin,
It is with deep sorrow and sympathizing grief that I have to inform you of the affliction which Divine Providence has seen fit to place upon you and your family by the death of your father who died on Sunday the 17th inst., after an illness of 8 days. On Sunday the 9th, he was suddenly taken with violent chills, and fainting, but being subject to such turns nothing serious was entertained by himself or family, supposing by care and quietness it would wear away as heretofore. But not getting better after a day or two, the Doctor was called who immediately pronounced his symptoms alarming, and his disease to be the lung fever. Yet on Saturday night, he was quite encouraged and thought him better every way. But on Sunday morning, he fell into an apoplectic stupe, being insensible and speechless with his eyes closed in which state he gradually failed untill 10 minutes before 5 o’clock P.M. when he breathed his last. His remains were interred on the Tuesday following. Thus has he ended his days of sorrow, leaving as a comfort to all who mourn him – that what is their loss is his great gain.
In affliction, I remain yours as ever, — G. B. Bradley
P. S. Expecting you soon. Jabez wishes you to bring him some ointment for his eyes as they have been very badly.
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