Sunbury Jan'y 23, 1853

 

My dear Uncle

                        I have rec'd Yours & Cousin Wm's letters yesterday. Was very sorry to hear of your sickness, but do hope that you have ere this recovered from the attack. We are all well at present, with the exception of slight colds, &c Charles A. after the holidays has gone to Hawes Park, Pine Creek, to assist him getting out lumber. Previous to his leaving he spent 3 or 4 days with us. He was very well. Park's family was well. From Litiz. I have heard lately, they were all enjoying good health. As for Adie, (it was she that wrote to me last) she seems to have gained more strength, so much so, that she was enabled to go to church and attend an Entertainment at the Schoolhouse. Addie, however, has no hopes of recovery herself, and says, that the Lord only gives her some strength, in order to have a little rest. Her sickness no doubt, will be protracted. I suppose you are away aware of the death of Matthias Tchudy, he died about last November. I cannot give you any other information about Litiz. Here in Sunbury things seem to take a change at last, as the prospects of rail roads are now certain. The prices of lots in town have consequently risen / tremendously, lots that sold a year ago at $150.00, now sell at $200.00 to $400.00 and even above that. For other facts relating to the rail road, I would refer you to the "Sunbury American", which I send you weekly and I hope you receive the paper regularly. I have as much as bought a lot in town, in the same street I now live in, opposite Mr Schupham's the wagon makers, on the opposite side of the street where we now live; it will be a corner lot, and fronting the street, running down to the river. I intend putting up a brick house, precisely like my sister Amelia's. Lots are bought up fast. North^d borough, it has not effected as yet. Next May we will have the Iron horse here. Charles A. spoke to me much of the west, and wishes himself with you, if he can get his money together to buy a small tract of land. He would like very much if I would join in with him in buying about 60 acres, and settle thereon. I would not say "no" to such a proposition, but at present, I cannot say "yes", it might be when I get more tired of my present occupation, I might think more seriously about it, but think I would go no further as long as Mother is still living. I have no doubt Charles will try to buy in your neighborhood, but keep this to yourselves, and say nothing to Charles about it, he may not like it. I pity Charles very much, the way as he is now situated. Still, he was in pretty good spirits. 

 

But Uncle, open your eyes, and look at this picture. Married, at Harrisburg, some two months ago, by the Rev— —  Mr C C E Kretchmar to Miss—Shad. If you cannot believe it, I won't blame you, neither could I, until within a few days, when L. Young wrote to me from Harrisburg, saying it was a fact. As K. wrote me the news, I answered that he could not come palm a second rail road conspiracy case upon me. It seems he has already a daughter some 15 months old, but he says, or Lewis says, that K says that he was not guilty of the childs existence. Lewis describes her as a german woman of low birth, uneducated, not very bad looking. K wants to give her instructions. He is satisfied, and happy,—so we will leave them in their enjoyment. We had much sickness here this winter, had a very pleasant winter till the holidays, but had little cold weather as yet. I am afraid we will pay for this in spring. I am glad to see you surrounded by good neighbors. News, any way interesting to you, I know of none, from our place & neighborhood. You spoke of a Mr Chr. Krieger near this place, he died about one year ago. He was a fine old man, and a kind friend of mine. I will not close this letter till to morrow, as the mail only closes at night, I may find something else to write. Meantime, good night. We had quite a deep snow a week ago. Sleighing is however poor, snow & rain to day, finished the little sleighing. /

 

Monday Evening.—This afternoon old Mrs Finney aged about 75 years, choked to death at a piece of bread. I happened to pass the house at the time. Jane, her daughter, takes it very hard. I seen her lie on laying on the floor, screaming—my Mother, o my mother &c. The poor old woman had scarce recovered from a fall down part of a stairs, and now had to die an unnatural death. I am greatly obliged to you Uncle & Cous Wm. for the letter sent, for I did want to hear so bad from your country, how lands sell, and what soil &c I must now close for this time, and Hannah joins me in love to you dear Uncle, Aunt Cath and all the family—not forgetting John & Cobb

 

Hoping you enjoy yourself much in Ohio, your adopted state (seems unnatural to be in Ohio) but still my spirit is often with you. I subscribe myself your affectionate Nephew & Cous.

                                                                                    C. O. Bachman

 

I forgot to mention, that I brought with me from York Co. our Niece, the oldest daughter of Mary Ann Colvin, she will spend at least the winter with us. It is Hannah's name sake. Take good care of my Name sake out west—I hope to see him one day

 

now do write soon again—and grubb not too hard.

SOURCES