Letter dated 18 February 1866, from Silas Doolittle to his sister, Sarah.

 

                                                            Dowagiac, Mich.

                                                            Feby 18^th, 1866

 

Dear Sister,

            After a long silence, I once more resume the pen to inform you how we are getting along. I received your letter some time ago but have been so buisy since that I have had scarcely time to rest. I work all day & as late as I can see at night & then walk a mile home. so I am tired enough when I get there to think of rest.

 

            My first Three months service has expired and I am now turning by the piece. I make from 1.00 to 1.50 per day. I dont get full wages now but will the first of May, and then I can make from 2.00 to 3.00 per day. I like the buisness first rate, and I like Mr. Rouse’s folks & they like me. so I guess we are suited all around.

 

            I am going into partnership with Constant Rouse the first of May, making office chairs. we are going to make one lot & it if pays we are going at it “heavey”.

 

            Now, about your moving out here. I dont think you had better think of it for a moment, at least for the present. Village property is very high here, and as far as dress-making is concerned, you can do as well, if not better, where you are. And you have got a home there all paid for which you would probably have to sell for a great deal less than it was worth, and it would take a good share of that to get moved, and a place as good as that here would cost from 1,000 to 1,500. If our place was here I would like it, but as it is, I think you would be a great deal better off where you are for the present.

 

            Alice & I talk some of going to keeping house in the spring if I can rent some rooms handy by. I would like to rent one large room & two bedrooms. It would cost about 1.50 per week. And then if Alice comes home next summer perhaps I can get somebody else to Keep house for me. But that is only supposition.

 

            I was over to the M.E. Church this forenoon and heard a good sermon. I have been attending their prayer meetings lately and am trying to live a Christian life, and I feel that God has blessed my efforts and forgiven my sins. and with His help I will continue faithful to the cause I have espoused.

 

            Alice has dismissed Mr. Jordan at my earnest request. He was keeping company with most too many different girls to suit my fancy. He may be a good fellow enough, but such a flighty minded fellow will never amount to much any way. Alice is a good girl & he is by no means worthy of her, and I am very thankful she has dismissed him.

 

            How does yours & Alberts correspondence progress? does he make love? or hasent it got to that yet? I have been married once or twice (i.e. by repute) but remain in a state of single blessedness yet. A good smart fellow can get any sort of a wife he has a mind to here. I thought there was a good many girls around Wolcott, but Dowagiac against world for girls & old maids—but probably that dont interest you.

 

            My quick ear catches the sound of the Potatoe Masher down stairs, so I think it is about time for Dinner, so I will close. Much love to Mother & Phebe & a large share for yourself.

 

                                                                                    Your Loving Bro

                                                                                    Silas Doolittle

 

This letter is postmarked February 18^th, 1866, and is addressed to:

                                                                                                Miss Sarah M. Doolittle

                                                                                                Wolcott

                                                                                                Wayne Co.

                                                                                                New York

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