Foster (fl. 1858) to his cousin
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01450.712.01 Author/Creator: Foster (fl. 1858) Place Written: Providence, Rhode Island Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 8 March 1858 Pagination: 4 p. Order a Copy
He received his cousin's paper, but has not written earlier because his studies, at Brown University, have kept him busy. Reports of a local stable fire in which eight of sixty horses died and nearly all their carriages were destroyed. Two days later, their was an attempt to set fire to another stable. A hackman was suspected. Mentions good weather. Discusses skating. A note on the back, possibly a response to a letter from Annie mentioned in the letter's main body, records a day's schedule a Brown.
Mar. 8th /58
Dear Cousin.
Your paper was duly received, and that too, with pleasure I meant to written [sic] before but my time has occupied in studies, fixing my errors and in other affairs too numerous to mentions [sic]. There was a great fire here last Tuesday eve at about 7. It was a stable containing 60 horses and crammed well with hay. A part of this stable was full of [teems]. 52 horses were saved, their carriages were nearly all destroyed with exception of some [hacks]. The fire did not last long, the stable, being all frame work and the hay was burned soon. At about the same [2] time another fire or rather an alarm on Thursday eve occasioned by an attempt to fire an other stable here. They suspect some hack-men because the coach hire has been reduced; hence their attempt at raising is by this proceeding. There is, other wise, little news. That would interest you, If you will say some thing in you next. it will give me more ground to expatriate upon. There has been fine weather lately, Yesterday the weather was quite cool, and windy. My time for bids me writing much more but when I have more to write you and more time I will let you have it with pleasure. Received a letter from Annie last week. which I answer [3] with this. Is there any skating in Salem? There is some tip top here The ladies here partake as well as gentle men. Though they do not make so good skaters. very good, considering, about 500 ladies and gentlemen went over to a pond, called, Mashapaug. They [dressed] and enjoyed themselves finely. I did not skate then I did, a week ago from that time. I never enjoyed better skating. If you will tell Mother or any of the Folks to send my skates in my carpet bag if they have not sent it. you will oblige you affectionate cousin
Foster.
PS be sure and write soon.
[4]
This day we recite in Algebra at 8.30 and Latin at 3.40 pm. Greek at 11.30 A.M Prayers at 8.15 AM. The village bell rings at 6 and 7 oclock every morn.
With my best wishes for your welfare and an assurance of my best health is this closed
Yours truly,
Foster
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