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- Handwritten letter, with envelope, from Eber Brock Ward, addressed to his children in Rochester, New York, dated February 2, 1829, providing advice regarding the importance of moderation in reading, and updating them on his logging efforts in Cottrellville over the winter and of news relating to friends. The letter reads: Cottrelville[sic], Feby 2, 1829 Dear Children I see your letter of the 22nd of Dec. by which I learned that you were in good health and spirits. Emily it appears has changed places, I hope it will be for the best, but I am sorry that it was necessary. Your situation I think to be a good one and as Mr. Scott is no doubt friendly to you, I have no doubt that you will conduct with that [?] and industry by which you would wish to be distinguished and which will ensure you the confidence of your acquaintance. I am much pleased that you have an opportunity to improve yourself in the science of grammar, and that Mr. Scott [?] kind enough to instruct you. The use of a Library is likewise a [great?] privilege if suitably used. I have however to caution to [against?] reading to[sic] many books at once. While you are studying Grammar such books as treat[?] of the Language, are proper for you to peruse, but no other that burdens the mind ought to be attempted till you quit that study, the man who undertakes two things at once, seldom or never does either of them well. [?] thorough knowledge of almost any science or art is valuable [to?] anyone, but a smatterer seldom reaps much real benefit from his superficial knowledge while he has the satisfaction to see himself despised by all but the ignorant. These reflections brings to mind your intended business of varnishing, which if you intend to prosecute you would [do] well to get employed a few days by a man acquainted with varnishes and the proper manner of laying them on so as to do work as it ought to be done. I find that a light coat of varnish may be put on without difficulty but if you attempt to lay on a heavy coat at one time it is liable to runn in streaks and make a bad appearance. I have written to you twice before now since I arrive at this place in the last Letter I enclosed the fish [?] but I fear it will do you no good if I am here till the fish runn in the spring. I think I shall put up with five or six Bbs.[?] and bring them to Rochester. There has been no slaying[sic] here this winter of course it has been difficult for me to get wood and i have given fifty cord to Capt. Ward to get a contract price fifty cord. I have paid the Bell River people for delivering on the Wharf at [?] shillings per cord the other hundred cord I have choped[sic] mostly on the public land back of James Robertson's farm, should there ever a few days of sleighing I I shall get it out, the winter being so poor for sleighing I shall make nothing by the wood. I have had my health vary well since I have been here, have choped[sic] some wood and am now [?] across the swamp on bare ground with a sled, the ice [?] River is good, the St. Clair is frozen over but is much [rougher?] than I have ever known it. Doctor Ward is getting something of a sum of [?]. Mrs. Lewis is keeping school at old Westbrook's, Mrs. Nickelaus died a few days ago. Charles is expected to die in a few days with a consumption. Marriages--Mitchel Yak[?] to a Miss Laforge, Hannah B. to Mr. Kendel, Old Westbrook to Eliza Clark. Benjamin Clark lives with a man on [?] related to old Mrs. [Robertson?] his name is Edwards, Clark is at Capt. Ward's, I got three dollars from him. I should like to have you write as often as once in these four weeks and after if anything should happen worthy of particular note, if you hear from Sally or Abbie[?] write the news concerning them. I have had no letters from either of them. I write in last, two or three weeks [?] I shall have time to write more leisurely. I have nothing more to add than to pray that you may be endowed with discretion[?] to carry you comfortably and honourably through this rugged world and be blessed with peace and health so as to enjoy its blessings. E.Ward E.B. Ward E. Ward
- Date Issued:
- 1874-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society