Letter dated 5 November 1865, from Silas Doolittle, to his brother, C. W. Doolittle

 

                                                            Dowagiac, Mich.

                                                            Nov 5^th, 1865

 

Dear Brother,

            Yours of Oct 27^th, came to hand Thursday night and found me well enjoying myself hugely. Alice & I got back from North Wayne (That goal of infamy where crime stalks unchallenged Through the streets at mid day) Monday fore noon, & I went to work in the Shop in the afternoon, so I have made 5 1/2 days this week. I have been running a circular saw some and turning some. I like the buisness first rate, and am improving. I have got so I can turn over in bed without getting out.

 

            You can bet there are some rough old covie’s over in North Wayne. Uncle Daniel swings a huge shillaly and Joseph lifts a nasty brick bat, and even the little cuss now & then gets a mouldy posish on mucillage.

 

            There was a row in town the other night between a man & a nigger. The man played skewball on the African’s top hamper with a tumbler and the African returned lively on the crystal with a grape shot done up in a handkerchief. The result was the mans skull was somewhat damaged & the nigger was lodged in the calaboose, untill he settled it by paying the man $265.00, which ended the melodramatic affair.

 

            I would like to have my loose rubbish packed in my trunk and sent by Express. I would like my over coat & about 2 pair of pants (army) and my dress coat (the one with the corps badge) & vest, cap, belt, sash, ponchoe, & night cap, etc., etc. You can lock the trunk & send me the key in a paper. send the trunk by express & mail me the receipt. I will pay for the expressage at the end of the route. Please start it as soon as conveinant.

 

            Alice is rather unwell to day. she feels bad to think Phebe Ann would’ent write her a longer letter after waiting so long.

 

            The more I get acquainted here the better I like it. I talk some of buying a village lot of Mr. Foster. They are about $200 apiece. A good house & lot would cost from $100. to $800., and I think it would be cheaper to buy a lot & build. I think you could find lots of work here at your trade next year.

 

            It began snowing last night & the snow is about 10 inches deep to day. Alice & me are boarding togather at Constant Rouses. will wind up now but will write again next sunday and you must write as often as possible.

 

                                                                                    Yours Truly

                                                                                    Silas Doolittle

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