Letter from Charles H. Abbott to Samuel B. Reed, July 6, 1860

In this letter from July 6, 1860, Charles H. Abbott writes to Samuel Reed discussing the completion of the harvest and the prices of crops. He states that he heard Reed "had a great time at the Douglass [sic] celebration at Joliet [Illinois]," and teases him about the fact that the Joliet state prisoners also strongly supported Douglas in a mock election.

Chicago
July 6^th/60

Friend Reed

Now that you must have got entirely through harvesting the small crops and are doubtless lieing [sic] off recuperating your exausted [sic] strength taking your ease with wife an [sic] baby a few lines from a friend may not come entirely amiss. I watched the weather closely for a couple of weeks after the following Monday from the close of my very pleasant visit with yourself & family & was gratified that it was all the most complaining farmer could wish. Wheat holds up quite well as yet, & if yours is out and I was in your place I think I want a sell now. Freights are at Miseurlow [sic] , and is so much to the advantage of wheat trad [sic] can now be sent forward. When the rush comes which will be soon, freights must go up and wheat come down proportionably [sic] . I hope you will do well with all you have to dispose of slow is it with the horse and donkey. I hope you sold herhim. And the horse too for that matter. Let them slide the first decent chance you have especially the donkey. Did you see the man, who someone told us wanted to buy him?

I hear you had a great time at the Douglass [sic] Celebration at Joliet. Which place is said to be very strongly democratic. The press of to day [sic] says that someone had the curiosity to take the vote of preference of the prisiners [sic] at Joliet for the defermit [sic] presidential candidaty [sic] .
Results as following

• Lincoln  ——   000
• Douglass [sic]         682
• Breckinridge        200.

The state prison all [right] for Douglass [sic] . Ha. Ha. Don't take what I say to heart and it won't hurt you. I saw Boyle here about two weeks ago. He went toward the lakes to Collinwood. Saw him again on his return last week. Said he had gained 12 lbs. [Let] us go this hot weather. We lean ones [ought] to have the privilage [sic] if any.

I hear from Mrs. Abbott regularly twice a week. She is enjoying herself immensely. It is the time of the anniversary at the Andover Ma Theological Institution in which everybody in that part of the country take great interest, & she is delighted with what she sees & hear. I should judge that her health had much improved. The boys are also very well. I rather think that I shall let her remain at Andover during the coming winter although when I think of how sick & how blue I was last week, I can hardly yet make up my mind to it. I had quite an ill turn last week. No wife to wipe my fevered brow or wet my parched lips. I always wished that I had never had a wife. It misfits us for the hardships of life and brings the blues. Can I be of any service to you or Mrs. Reed. I have been expecting a commission for ladies [fixins] of some sort, to match, from Mrs. R. but it don't come. I enjoyed my short visit at your house very much. Shall trouble you again sometime if not unwelcome. Please consider as much if this letter for Mrs. as for Mr. Reed excepting that part touching upon politics and the donkey.

Please let me hear from you when you can make it convenient. Remember me kindly to Mrs. Reed, & your Brother & I send much love, to dear little Anna.

Truly Your Friend
C.H. Abbott