Submitted by: Michael Scrape
Jan. the 2nd 1854
Dear Sister,
Thinking you are quite anxious to hear from us since we left home, I will
try to write you a few lines. We arrived here Sunday morning the 1st in good
health but not in as high spirits as you might think for as I am quite homesick,
though we had quite a pleasant time while on the boat. The Capt's wife was on
the boat and some other lady, which enabled us to pass the time very pleasantly,
and almost killed my low spirits intensely. We were aground from Sunday morning
until Tuesday evening. The boat we came down on was a new one; this was its
third trip. It was called the Mary Agnes. It is quite a large beautiful boat,
everything passed off quite pleasantly. We were at Aunt Elizabeth two days, but
I will not say anything about it until I get home. We are now at Cousin's
William's and have just finished dinner at 4 o'clock. A great deal has happened,
but not to our surprised, keep still and I will tell you a heap when I get
home. There is no sickness of any kind that we know of. They say the city
is quite health now. Don't be nosey for we are getting along finely. I do
love dearly to travel in the river. I had no fears in the world. I did not think
of danger often, but I would die dead if I had to live here. I would not give
Trenton for any place in the world, and if I were yet there again, I will this
you know stay there, but don't say anything about it out of. Remember not
to say anything about what I write home. I know you understand my meaning.
I saw an Indian this morning; you know it was a site to me. I have cried
from dinner until now, but I believe I will stop for a while. Things present
is what wounds my feelings, but don't say a word and I will tell you something
that you never thought of in your life when I come home. I have nothing more to
write at present, but will write again soon. Tell Mr. Hatchett I have not heard
anything of his cousin yet, and tell him to write to me soon. I wish I could see
you all, for I did not know how dear home was till now, but perhaps we will meet
again. It would afford me great pleasure to receive a letter from some one of
you, write, write do not delay for a moment. Tell Lizzie Jones I have not
forgotten her and will write when I can, as it is very inconvenient to write at
present, but I will write soon. Give her my best love and tell her not to
forget me. Give Miss Martha my love and tell her I will write to her soon, and
tell her not to wait for me to write but to write immediately. Sue write, Mr.
Hatchett write, for I would take a fit over one line from home, both of you
accept of a large portion of my love. Sister I shall expect you to answer this
letter as soon as you get it. Don't disappoint me; write me all the news and
changes that have transpired since I left there. Is Lizzie Hess married? If she
is tell me all about it; write me all the news, be sure to write. Kiss Ann,
Charlie and Emma for me. Excuse all mistakes, and except my love.
Your devoted sister,
Sallie E. Scrape
