Letter from Charlotte to Samuel Cowles, 1833 September 10.

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    Farmington, September 10th 1833.


    My Dear Brother,


    Among all the strange occurrences this year, I know of none which has excited so much astonishment and joy, as mother’s journey to Vermont. It is so seldom that she goes out of the county, or even out of town, that when she does, it is universally noticed as something remarkable. But really, since the journey to Salisbury last autumn, she has not thought so much of going a few miles. Aunt Lucy wishes very much to have my parents go to Boston and make her a visit; and she told me the other day that now they got so far as Vt, she should not despair. Perhaps you knew that she went to Boston last week. I was very much entertained last evening, by the exhibition of a splendid electrical machine owned by Mr Wright, said to be the largest in the United States. Various wonderful experiments were tried, such as combustibles set on fire by applying them to cold water. -- a house demolished by lightning, -- light machinery moved by the power of electricity, -- lightning and the northern lights imitated, &c. I suppose you have seen the miser’s plate, with a piece of money on it which any one may have by taking it off. Each one seemed to be determined to have it, but none succeeded. Mr Wright told us that it was impossible, but still the people were resolved to try.



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    When the plate came round to the ladies, a great many of them tried, but all drew back their hands as quick as flash. Well, Thinks-I-to-myself, I’ll not be frightened by a little spark of fire; so when the plate come to me, I was determined to persevere, and touch the money; my hand was actually within a quarter of an inch of it, when a little flame with a slight explosion burst from between the plate and my hand: a tingling sensation ran up my arm and through my head, and the next I knew of my hand, it was up in the air at least half a yard above the plate. Those who wished to take a shock joined hands around the room, and there were as many as could stand on one side and two ends of the Hall. Some believed their bones were broken, others thought themselves half dead; but as for me, I was not hurt or frightened at all.


    I expect to be chief manager during mothers absence, with the assistance of Miss Hurlbut. If you think this worth answering, I should like to have you answer it by my parents; you will find time while they are gone to Thetford and Hardwick.


    Yours affectionately


    C.


    I believe you think I don’t improve much, either in composition or penmanship. I don’t care, my pen is not fit to write with, and I am in a dreadful hurry; and, besides, I got in such a frolic last night with the miser’s plate, and electric shock, that I don’t expect to get over it this week.


    Do write me a letter as quick as you can. Do, Do, Do,


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    Mr. Samuel S. Cowles


    Windsor


    Vermont.


    [annotation by Samuel Cowles: Sept. 10, 1833.]


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