Letter dated 23 April 1866, from Silas Doolittle to his sister, Sarah.

 

                                                            Dowagiac, Mich.

                                                            Apr 23d, 1866

 

Dear Sister,

            Yours of 10^th Apr was recd in due time and was glad to hear from you again and that you had “sot up bizzness” in the thriving town of Rose Valley.

 

            I am having the fever & ague. Dont you wish you had some? It aint everybody that can have it and I am one of that favored few.

 

            To day is “home sick day” so I thought I would write, and if I can escape the chill to day, shall think I am all right. Yesterday (Sunday) was my “well day” so I went to Church in the forenoon, and in the evening called “around” and asked a Lady aquaintance of mine to go with me, which invitation she accepted. We had a good meeting. I invited her to go walking with me in the Country next sunday provided I did not have the “Shakes”, so I expect to have a pleasant tete’ a tete with her if the weather is fine and my miserable shakes will leave me.

 

            Dont you envy me? of course you dont, but if it was a fine fellow of the “muscaline gender”, perhaps the result would be different, but as it is, I suppose you will only congratulate me.

 

            Now, perhaps you have something to do with Sidney’s frequent visits to the shop. If he had an “oven” I should think he had gone into the “mutton pie” buisness & that you were going to take them. But he had better look out, for you often promised to bake me some and did’ent do it, but perhaps you will do better by him. He may have my oven if he can find it.

 

            Has Albert been to see you yet?

 

            Coleman is not at work to day. he thought it was too cold. I guess he and Mose have gone to Niles or St. Joseph.

 

            I recd. a letter from Alice Thursday night and answered it Saturday. Coleman also recd. one from Phoebe.

 

            I think of writing with the Church soon. Julia goes to the Methodist Church now. she has got sick of the Universalists lately.

 

            Now write soon and often.

 

                                                            Your Loving Brother

                                                                        Silas Doolittle

 

P.S. Where shall I direct, to Wolcott or Rose Valley? I will direct this to the latter.

                                                                        Si

 

This letter is postmarked April 23^rd, 1866, and is addressed to:

                                                                        Miss Sarah M. Doolittle

                                                                        Rose Valley

                                                                        Wayne Co.

                                                                        New York

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