Four-page autograph letter, written in brown ink on a folded sheet, addressed on the final page to “Miss Harriet Phillips, to remain until called for, at Mr. Homester’s [or similar],” with extensive cross-writing to conserve paper. Dated “Brattleboro, Vt., Sept. 24, 1855.” Fold lines, minor toning and wear consistent with age and postal use. A vivid and highly personal family letter from early nineteenth-century Vermont, written by L. W. Phillips to his sister or close relative Harriet Phillips. The writer apologizes for his delayed correspondence and proceeds to deliver an intimate account of local affairs, family health, community gossip, and religious activity in Brattleboro and the surrounding countryside. The letter offers a detailed glimpse into everyday New England life during the Jacksonian era. Phillips reports on the condition of neighbors and relatives, noting that “things are neither one thing nor another, hard and common are very poor,” and discusses the health of several acquaintances, including reports of illness and recovery. He recounts attending a Methodist meeting, remarks upon the preacher’s sermon, and comments on the spiritual condition of members of the congregation. Particularly striking are his references to local social tensions, courtship and marriage prospects, and the circulation of news through letters and personal visits. The writer repeatedly urges Harriet to maintain correspondence, lamenting the scarcity of letters and emphasizing the importance of family communication across distances. The densely written pages, including substantial cross-writing, reflect both the cost of postage and the desire to convey as much news as possible in a single letter. An evocative survivor of antebellum American social history, rich in references to religion, family networks, health, and rural community life in southern Vermont during the 1850s. Condition: Good to very good. Folded as mailed with expected wear, scattered toning, and some ink show-through from cross-writing. Handwriting generally legible though portions are challenging due to the dense script and overlapping text. A desirable and visually attractive example of an early Vermont family correspondence letter.
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Brattleboro, Vt. Sept. 24th, 1855 Friend Harriet, This is now taken my pen to answer your long neglected letter. I acknowledge that I ought to have answered it before but I could not find time. I do so till now. As to news, I have not any to write. Your things are neither one thing nor another, hard and common are very poor. The first of Mr. [ ] took and is better than the first of [ ] and everything is so well and old [Vernon?]. I do not know much about it. I have not been there but twice for six weeks, the last time was three weeks ago and the nicest I heard of. Then was the baptizing of the Methodists. Mr. [Taylor?] was not the preacher there but was there next Tuesday. He has given the things of this world, he says, and he has had everything... (Second and third pages) ...but cannot find employment to suit him. I know of but one woman as yet for whom he [appears?] to have formed an attachment. Alas for the public dispute! Only they say that [ ] has not turned him off. I think he rather feels low concerning her. ...She might be your woman a little if there was not a house in this town that [ ] the fattest of girls. [ ] was going to be married over to his family almost every day. He says come home next week. I think he is not long for this world. As to [ ] you had best be a little careful how you draw your conclusions... (Final page / closing) ...to see you. You are a pretty fellow. I say you should read nothing as I do in this old age, as you call things, that are not good. Old Bill has gone to the end of his race and much sorrowful work. If you would like to see him, I know he can read through and communicate. Mr. [ ] has gone again some time since. I will give him the joyful invitation and all the doubts. “Do come, you will have fun.” Please answer this as soon as you receive it, and state the rest. Your respected friend and humble servant, L. W. Phillips To Miss Harriet Phillips
