H-2 1839, Jan. 30 Letter to E. R. in Europe from his brother Charles and sister Elisabeth in New Haven. They, in their respective parts of the letter, express relief that one letter came from Vienna and a second one from Berlin, both of which reassured the family that Edward's health was restored. Charles' part of the letter focuses on business-related items. He explains that prosperity is beginning to return to the region. Also says that his business (i.e., renewing insurance policies) is doing well. Mentions that brother George has found work in Smith & Sherman's store and Cornelia is attending dancing school, which helped restore her health. He is getting involved with politics and was asked to write a report on the feasibility of constructing a county prison. Elisabeth comments on a severe storm that did damage in New York and Hartford, destroying many bridges. She also indicates that she and Charles' family do not do much by way of social activities.
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1839, January 30 - Letter to Edward Robinson from his brother Charles and sister Elisabeth.
H-2 1839, Mar. 29 Letter to E.R. in Europe from brother Charles in New Haven. Gives a "sketch of things political." Charles won more than half of the Whig votes in the city election even though the Whig poltical machine had put up another candidate, and thus his new responsiblities include presiding at town meetings and examining candidates for electors. Three full pages of political news on the state and federal levels. On March 30th, Elisabeth squeezes a few lines on the space left by Charles. She says that Harriet gave birth to a baby daughter and Anna had a baby boy. Also mentions that Helen Tracy & husband are moving to Buffalo. She again indicates her eagerness to read his article in the Biblical Repository.
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1839, March 29 - Letter to Edward Robinson from his brother Charles giving a "sketch of things political," as well as some family news from Elisabeth.
H-2 1839, Nov. 14 Letter to E. R. in Berlin from his brother Charles in New Haven. [Note: the person receiving a letter sent to Europe is the person who pays the postage. That is why Charles begins his letter by saying he wanted to write a long letter to justify E. R.'s payment of a heavy postage fee. Now Charles has learned that E. R. no longer has to pay these fees and thus Charles no longer has to worry about the length or interest of his letters.] Nancy's health during pregancy was "very feeble," and Charles could not leave her for a single night, fearing she would have a miscarriage. Auut Mary came to visit, but caught cold on the canal packet boat and came down with lung fever. They thought she would die. The excitement over Aunt Mary caused Nancy to have labor pains and she had to be confined to bed for a month under the care of a skilled nurse. On Oct. 30th, Nancy gave birth to an 8 1/4 lb. boy. Aunt Mary gradually recovered under the care of another nurse. [Aunt Mary had a home in Avon.] George, for the past year, has been in charge of the books for the Smith & Sherman hardware store on Chapel Street [New Haven]. His son, William, has been working in a hardware store in Hartford, CT. Charles describes the economic situation in New Haven. Prices of produce which "hitherto remained almost as high as in 1836 have recently fallen exceedingly." "Flour which was last year $8 or $9 is now about $5. Butter in Oneida and Herkimer counties in New York (whence I obtain my winter supply) last year was at 22c, now it sells for 10c. The contraction of the currency will continue to reduce the price of all property. Considers E. R.’s plan to stay in Germany to finish his book is a wise one.
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1839, November 14 - Letter to Edward Robinson from his brother Charles, covering a variety of topics.