Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed, September 6, 1863

In this letter from September 6, 1863, Samuel Reed writes to his wife describing the extent of frost damage to crops in Iowa. He tells her he is "very anxious to know how much damage has been done in [the] vicinity of Joliet and especially on the farm."

Dearest Jenny

Your cheerfool [sic] welcome letters are both recieved [sic] . I am so glad that Mary is well and hapy [sic] . May she be spared to us and grow up without sickness & sorrow. And Anne dear child may all her childhood sorrows and troubles rest lightly on her head and joy and gladness chase every sorrow away. When you write to me again I hope you will be particular about the frost I am very anxious to know how much damage has been done in vicinity of Joliet and especially on the farm. The damage in Iowa has been very great at least one third of the corn is ruined in vicinity of the Rail Road [sic] . Some peeeces [sic] all killed others not touched and some with a part killed and a part uninjured. All low lands suffer most in this section of the state. Grapes are not injured as far as I can learn. Potatoes are selling in the market here for $1.25 per bushel.

It is time to go to church and I must say good buy [sic] until evening or perhaps Monday morning how much I wish you were with me to attend church.

How cold and dreary it is this morning more like November than September. Many a bright prospect has been blighted within the past few weeks by the unseasonable cold.

Mr. Barrows gave us a very interesting discourse in the evening. In the morning a stranger suplyed [sic] his place. I hope Mrs. Ainsworth has not passed by without making you a visit. Do you understand that Mr. A is going with Mrs. Ainsworth.

I hope you have had the fruit picked and sold as it ripens it must be worth something. How do the potatoes hold out. I hope you will have enough for the year's suply [sic] .

This letter I am sure will not be very interesting I have filled it with doleful accounts of failures of crops & c which can't interest you very much.

Remember me to all I hope to get leave of absence soon again.

Yours Affectionately
Saml. B. Reed

Burlington 63 S B Reed

About this Document

  • Source: Letter from Samuel B. Reed to Jennie Reed
  • Extent: 2 pages
  • Citation: Yale University Library, Manuscripts and Archives, Samuel Reed Family Papers, Box 2, Folder 30
  • Date: September 6, 1863