Autograph letter signed, four pages, written from Brooklyn, New York, April 11, 1867, from a son to his mother. A warm and highly informative family letter reflecting the economic realities of Reconstruction-era America, touching on employment prospects, urban housing costs, migration, and the continuing work of the Freedmen’s Bureau in the South. The writer opens by reassuring his mother after a period without correspondence, explaining that he had only recently received her letter. He then discusses the whereabouts of “Ben,” noting that he had last heard from him while he was connected with the Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands near Montgomery, Alabama, and promises to write in hopes of obtaining further news. The letter provides a vivid glimpse into everyday life in New York during the late 1860s. The writer complains of extremely poor business conditions in Brooklyn and New York, explaining that he has been “jobbing” for a month, struggling to secure permanent employment. Despite these difficulties, he remains optimistic and encourages his mother not to despair. Particularly notable are references to the high cost of urban living. Relatives have recently moved to Myrtle Avenue, Brooklyn, where they are paying $25 per month rent, prompting the observation that: “Rents are horrible in the city…” The writer further describes family circumstances, mentioning relatives engaged in shoemaking and house construction, and conveys news of friends and acquaintances in Brooklyn. The letter closes with expressions of affection and encouragement, urging his mother to maintain hope despite recent hardships. In part: “Business was never so dull in N.Y. at this season before…” and “I am trying hard to secure a permanent position…” and “I know nothing of [Ben's] whereabouts since last December at which time he was connected with the ‘B. of R. F. & A. L.’ (meaning Freedmen’s Bureau) and stationed near Montgomery Ala.” An appealing Reconstruction-era family letter combining personal news with observations on employment, migration, housing costs, and the continuing federal presence in the postwar South through the Freedmen’s Bureau. Such letters provide valuable firsthand evidence of how ordinary Americans experienced the economic and social transitions following the Civil War. Condition: Folded as mailed with expected handling wear and light toning. Handwriting remains clear and legible. Very good condition overall. A desirable postwar family letter offering insight into Brooklyn life, labor conditions, and the lingering reach of Reconstruction-era federal programs in the American South.
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Brooklyn April 11th 1867 My Dear Mother After waiting for a letter & worrying about you till I could stand it no longer I came over here to day to hear from you. I had hardly got here when your letter to Aunt S. came in. She insists upon my writing at once so I suppose you will have to consider this as her answer. I have rec'd no letter from you since I wrote last & yet you grumble at my not writing. You ask about Ben. I know nothing of him or his whereabouts since last December at which time he was connected with the "B of R F & A L" (meaning Freedman's Bureau) & stationed near Montgomery Ala. which was his Post Office address. I shall drop him a line to day however & try & hear something about him. I am satisfied that nothing serious can have happened to him as I would certainly have heard. You are right in your surmise. It was Mrs Cornea & not Juans mother who died. Mr & Mrs Eyles both recover'd & are very well while the old man is rather failing. Juan I see quite often. He sends his kindest remembrances. Business is very dull with him now & he has a family of 5, himself wife & 3 children. He says he wishes he had a good home to offer you, but such as it is if you should come to N.Y. it would be open to you with as hearty welcome. In regard to myself I have been jobbing about first month & am a living and trying hard to secure a permanent position, in case of getting it I should have you up here very soon so don't despair yet. Business was never so dull in N.Y. at this season before. It may get better soon. Aunt S's folks are all well & have just moved from 53rd to 540 Myrtle Av. have to pay $25.00 per month rent. Rents are horrible in the city but if I should keep house would live in the country a little way. Uncle Ben is working a little on shoes & young Ben is about building a house. The girls are well. I haven't seen anything of Rachel's people since I wrote before. Capt Lawrence lives at 594 De Kalb Ave., Brooklyn. Mrs Kelly's people are all well. Miss Hunt is very sick. We are very sorry to hear of Rachel's misfortune & hope that nothing serious will result from it. All send love. Aunt S says she must write as soon as possible. Keep up your courage as much as possible my dear Mother. Things may turn out better than we expect.
