C. M. Moore
Cobblestone NY
July 24, 1869
“Peter Coburn who lived on the Russell farm dropped dead last sunday morning while driving some cattle out of his grain…” C. M. Moore to cousin Cynthia July 24, 1869
[inserted at top of first page] folks will know by the envelope that I am not writing love letters I never do that.
Cobbleskill July 24th/69
Cousin Cynthia
I returned from my weeks work three weeks ago to night and found on the mantleshelf a nicely directed missive which proved by observation to be directed to myself and that it was from you was evident from the writing well I was glad to hear from my old friends you better believe it old gal. I suppose you think I have been a long time answering (or rather getting ready to answer) but you see I am away from home all the time excepting sundays. I meant to have written last sunday without fail but in the morning I went to Church which of course was right and in the afternoon my headached so bad that I could barely see so I went to bed. I did not want to write to you when I felt so bad for I knew you would feel bad to by the way I am feeling pretty smart at present considering my age I haven’t seen or heard from Robert since the time of receiving your letter how ever I think you had better not [see?]him yet I know you will not if you think how bad it makes me feel to have my friends in trouble I will try and see him and arrange the matter satifactorily at the same time I must consider my own danger please be merciful.
I was glad to hear that Mr. Gallups folks were all right. I received a letter from Kate this morning I think it is a pity you could not show me that new _ref_ but I will excuse you this time for that day you was otherwise engaged. Sarah likes it up top at Rome. Aunt Dinah was better when last heard from Emm_line is married she married a Mr. Van Brocklyn. I did not go anywhere the fourth, third, or fifth, I do not know when I shall come to Richmondville don’t know as I shall come at all we talk of going to sharon spring to put up a large pavillion for city boarders which if we go will take till in the winter some time if there is [campmeeting?] to Jeff we us and company will tend if possible ask Ell how she likes city life tell her she must keep that picture for me and when she gets mine she can look at a handsome democrat ha-ha-ha.
Peter Coburn who lived on the Russell farm dropped dead last sunday morning while driving some cattle out of his grain. Now Cynthia it is after nine oclock I presume you are in bed please answer this immediately as you will be at home more than myself a better opportunity is yours give my best wishes to all my friends keeping a due portion for yourself this with the truest friendship (to all) it is my lot to give
from C.M. Moore to all my friends
P S I suppose Ell can wait on the table with as much grace as myself. C. Moore
not Seymour but C. Moore
Note from Lorine
I own the original of this letter and am offering it for sale. You may contact me for details. It is an interesting look into family life in 1869, with the same types of observations on people and events that we would make today. C.M. Moore’s sense of humor is evident throughout the letter, but especially in his closing “not Seymour, but C. Moore” (say it out loud)