March 29, 1852

 
New York
March 29, 1852

Dear Sarah:

I now take the first opportunity of writing to you a few lines to let you know that I am well. Hoping these few lines will find you the same; enjoying good health.

After the sad parting which you and I had before leaving, or at the time of leaving, I have got safe back to New York and found George well the same evening. I told him what you requested me to do when last parting with you. I shall remember, my dear Sarah.

I have sent you a paper to you and one to Charlotte, [in] which you can see the time of the sailing in the clipper ship. [illegible] Dear Sarah I am very sorry that I left so soon for New York. So if I had only known I should have stopped ‘til Monday, for the ship does not sail until the 13th of March on account of not having all prepared.

My dear Sarah my love, for you I must say that when I came to part with you my heart beat within my breast heartfelt for you and ever shall as long as ever I live.

Your brother is in the room with me at present. He has got his ticket numbered the berth on Monday afternoon. I bought on Monday morning and got my ticket and the agent gave to me $5 dollars out of my passage money and I have got all my things ready. I have got 2 pair of California Blankets for George and I we both sleep together and I have got sheets and pillowcases and everything but a basin to wash in. So I think we can get that there.

We are ready to set sail for San Francisco, Sarah. I have got 8 letters of recommendations to houses in the City California.

My dear Sarah, I am very sorry I have no more at present, but remain your most heartfelt lover and sorrowful lover,

John Bryden

Excuse all mistakes and my handwriting, from your most affectionate lover. Accept of my love and best wishes from as true a heart as ever beat within a breast.

No more at present. Give my respects to all your sisters, not forgetting your mother, your father, and Mrs. Hawkings.

From your most true lover,

John Bryden

Please to write before I leave in return, and direct your letter as follows:

Mr. John Bryden
Care of
Thomas Armstrong
106 Cedar St.
NY

I want to get one letter more from you before going to California, my dear Sarah. I wish I had you in my arms.


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Written in ink on white 8.5” x 10” landscape-ruled rag paper, folded along the short axis in to a 4-page signature. Watermark in top left corner of the first page in the shape of a shield with crown and supporters.


This letter has the recipient’s name and address (Miss Sarah Bowles, Lairdsville, Oneida County, New York) and postage (paid 3 cents) on the last page. From the fold lines, wear marks, and round, red stains, it appears to have been folded and sealed, rather than placed in an envelope.