1848: Jane (Merrill) Spear to Stephen Lewis Bates Spear

This letter was written by Jane (Merrill) Spear (1799-1848) just a few weeks before her death in Chelsea, Vermont. Jane was the second wife of Dr. Sceva Spear (1793-1844). His first wife was Jane’s sister, Susan H. Merrill (1794-1824).

Jane wrote the letter to her son, Stephen Lewis Bates Spear (1834-1907) who married Addie Hoyt (1833-1916).

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TRANSCRIPTION

[Addressed to Mr. Lewis B. Spear, Strafford, Vt.]

Chelsea [Vermont]
Apriel the 16, 1848

Dear Children,

I write with mutch pain in my side but I hope in a fiew days, I shall feel better. I have had a vary hard time you must know. I am now settledown to Mr. Allen’s and they are very kind. I enjoy myself as well as I expected to, but you can think how lonesome it must be to sit down to eat alone. But I anticipate all is for the best. Mr. [Calvin] Blodgett is haveing the house fixt first rate.

I have not found any place for Lewis to work this summer. Mr. [Thomas] Carswell does not want him. I feel to trust providence that what is for the best will take place hooping that he is striving to live so that he can meet the approbation of God. I often feel to morn when I think what poor examples I have set for my children. If I never see you again, O forgive me and ever strive to live in the fear and love of God. If you want any provition of any kind, write and I will send out. I have not had any [maple] shogar from Mr. Carswell yet. They have made four hundred weight.

We have I suppose you want to hear from our new store. They sell goods the cheapest that I ever saw sold and John told me the other day that some days he sold sixty dollars worth a day.

You must write what you want me to do for you befer you come home. I cannot write no more. — Jane Spear