Letter from Charlotte to Samuel Cowles, 1836 May 10.

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  • Farmington May 10th 1836


    My Dear Brother,


    I am almost ashamed to write to you at all, since I have a second time proved myself delinquent. But I spent a part of last week at West Hartford with Miss Louisa Hurlbut, and of course could not write there. And as Mr Clark will set out tomorrow for Boston, he has very kindly offered to take a letter to you. It is not probable, however, that you will receive this within several days, as he intends to walk part of the way.


    It is all as still as you please here. The weather has suddenly grown warm, and every one feels languid. The appearance of my letter would indicate this, had I not told you of it in so many words. I never sat down to write upon such paltry, abominable paper as this. But it is so very warm that I have not the resolution necessary to induce one to venture out for the sake of procuring some that it is better. Now if I did not spin out that past sentence to sufficient (?) length, I am mistaken.


    There is nothing at all going on here. Nothing of importance has been said or done since you heard from me last. By the way, one incident occurs to me, of


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    which you may not have been informed. A resident of this town was, a few days ago, travelling in a boat on the Erie Canal on the North River with Gerrit Smith and Theodore Weld, who were going to New York. The subject of slavery was discussed, the passengers were so interested that not one of them went to bed that night. The principal opponent was so enraged to find himself beaten from all his positions, that he cursed Mr. Smith in his fury. At morning, a vote was taken, and a majority of the passengers were found to be in favor of Abolition. -- Cousin Chauncey has gone to New York to attend the Anniversaries. Austin sent an invitation to father to come, but Chauncey forgot to mention it till yesterday morning.


    There is to be a splendid Oratorio tonight at the Center Church in Hartford. Mr Edward L. Heart is to commence a school in New London next week?


    This wretched paper! I’m out of patience with it. I’ll never write a letter in such style again.


    Good afternoon, sir.


    Yours sincerely,


    Charlotte L. Cowles


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    (To)


    Mr. Samuel S. Cowles


    Boston


    Politeness of Mr. Clark


    [Samuel Cowles’ annotation: May 10, 1836]


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