Hawley May 25^th/62

 

Friend Jacob

                        You will be somewhat surprised perhaps to receive a letter from me not having heard from each other in so long a time. But I thought I would write to you and let you know that there is still such a fellow in the universe as Frank Longstreet. I presume you are familiar with the name as we were associated with each other to long for you to forget it. Since we last saw each other a great many changes have taken place; our country which was then in a prosperous and flourishing state is now in a state of excitement and commotion on account of the civil war which is now being waged in our once happy country. And I hope that those ungrateful sons who have risen up and are endeavoring to destroy the best government on which the sun ever shone will soon be compelled to lay down their arms and return to / their allegiance; and that the angel of peace may once more return unto us never again to depart. Hawley has changed considerably within the last few years in size and appearance and buildings now are going up in almost every direction notwithstanding the pressure of the times. There is a rumor afloat the Penn^a Coal Co have completed their arrangements with the Erie R.R Co to run coal on their road from Lackawaxen to N.Y. City and the prospect is pretty fair that they will put a R.Road through from here to the mouth in a few months. if such a thing does take place it will make Hawley a very lively place. I am still in the Companys employ being engaged in the business that I have followed for the last five years. You undoubtedly remember Wesley Pierson he still lives here and is head Clerk in C. Y. Tafts Store and is prospering finely I mention his name as he was an intimate friend of yours. Oh how I would like to see you once more and have a social chat with you it would afford me so much pleasure and satisfaction; for you are a young man whom / I always respected and loved and for whom I always cherished a deep regard. My mind often wanders back to the time when I enjoyed your society and loves to dwell on the pleasant things connected with those old associations, and the friendship which we formed in youth (I trust) will endure as long as life lasts. I think of going west a year from this fall perhaps as soon as next spring. I have a desire to visit the part in which you live and if the country suits me I will probably settle down there. When you write will you be so kind as to give me a description of the county and its advantages &c, but as my space is getting pretty short it is about time for me to close.

 

            Hoping to hear from you soon,

 

            I remain your sincere friend and well wisher

 

Francis P. Longstreet

Hawley   Wayne Co

Penna

 

John J. Dewey                                     

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