October 20, 1853
October 20th 1853
My Dearest Sarah:
I now take the opportunity of answering your kind letter which came to hand on October 19th and was very happy to hear from you and that you was well.
But very sorry to hear of Harriet’s misusing you in my absence and more so her taking up with a fellow, as you call him, in such a short time after the death of William. I don’t think she pays much regard to him in taking up with another man in such a short time and acting so mean to you. But my own dear, never mind. I will be even with her if I live long enough. I assure you of that. It hurts my feelings very much to hear of it. I will assure you it made me shed tears to read your letter. Sarah, when she misuses you she does me likewise.
I received a letter from Mr. Edgar the same day I received one from you. He mentioned that he had seen you and that you looked first rate.
You wanted to know how my hand is getting along. My dear, it is first rate. It was just 4 weeks ‘til I was at my old work again. It is just as good as ever it was. Thank God I am strong and healthy as a bear.
Your brother George started for the States last week. He never told me when he was going. The way I came to know [was] Mr. Northup told me just 5 days before he started.
I sent him my gold watch to you and gave him $10 dollars to get a gold key for it. You take and wear it ‘til I come home. My ring, take care of that. The 3 pieces of gold you can do what you like with. I sent one to Charlotte and one to my mother and one to brother[‘s] wife. I would have sent one to your mother, but I could not get any more, and one to Dinah when I come home.
I suppose Sarah your brother is mad at me for this reason. I was playing a game of bluff one night for money. That is the only thing I can suppose it to be. If that is it, he can stay so if he likes. I am one of that kind. I do the same to his face or behind his back. He will be home before you receive this letter and give you all the news about California.
And now my dearest Sarah I have made up my mind to come home next fall. If God spares my health I shall. And if you think you can’t get along with your folks and mine together I will see what I can do in the spring. If I can raise three or four hundred dollars I will send it to you if you will come and that I can do easy enough if I don’t lose it in speculation.
Sarah, this is one of the healthiest[?] countries I ever was in. I think it would agree with you very well. If you don’t come out this spring, I will come home in the fall and get married and come out in the spring here to California again.
Again I have nothing new at this time. This leaves me well at present, hoping that I will be with you in one year from now. Excuse all mistakes and my handwriting. Accept of my best love and best wishes from your most sincere and affectionate lover,
My love to all,
John Bry[den]
Please to write soon my dearest and beloved,
John Bryden
Tell George to write to me and let me know how he got along across the Isthmus [of Panama?]. Tell him that Armstrong is in Brooklyn.
Written in ink on blue 8.5” x 14” landscape-ruled rag paper, folded along the short axis into a 4-page signature. Watermark in top left corner of the first page in the shape of a decorative plaque.
This letter has the recipient’s name and address (Miss Sarah Bowles, Lairdsville, Oneida County, New York State) 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.
