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1844 stampless folded letter with manuscript town marking, Piedmont NY

1844 stampless folded letter with manuscript town marking, Piedmont NY

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This 1844 letter from S. H. Todd in Pierpont, New York, to his family in Shoreham, Vermont, covers family updates, local economic conditions, and legal/estate matters.

Gifts & Remembrance

  • Apples & Comforts: The family safely received a chest containing apples and other contents. The writer notes that eating the apples makes them feel homesick for "good old Vermont."

  • Missing Nuts: They thank the family for a delivery of nuts sent via Adolphus, though the package has surprisingly not yet arrived.

Farm Life & Market Values

  • Maple Sugaring: The family is heavily active in boiling maple sap. They have already produced over 100 pounds of sugar, which is valued locally at 5 cents per pound.

  • Livestock Prices: The writer lists regional livestock values, noting that large oxen (6.5 feet) are selling for $50 to $55, while good cows bring in $10 to $14.

Estate Planning & Future Travel

  • Settling the Estate: Todd spent time traveling 30 miles to a surrogate court to handle a will and assess personal property, which was appraised at nearly $1,000.

  • Driving Cattle: Due to debts related to the estate, Todd must sell off livestock. He asks about market prospects in Shoreham, hoping to drive 15 to 20 head of oxen, steers, and cows there in the fall.

Illness & Local News

  • Health Troubles: While a local measles outbreak is mentioned, the primary health concern centers on "Mother." She is dealing with a severe ear infection that she fears will leave her deaf, a bad knee, and a worrisome "hunch" (lump) on her breast.

  • The Canton Fire: Todd shares news of a local disaster in nearby Canton, New York, where a fire broke out in a tavern ("grog shop") and consumed eight buildings, destroying $600 in cash.

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