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Disclaimer: The opinions on these pages are those of the writers
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Mr. Joseph Fawcett PM
St.
Charles
Mo
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Gainesville Oct 9th 37
Dear Pa
I recd yours of Sept 5th and
Mr. Fergusons of the 1st but a few day back. I am in hopes your
uneasiness about Keyes is all removed by this time.
Business is on the improve
here. Coarse negro clothing & shoes are just begining
to go off tolerably lively. Town still on the improve. Crops
very indiferent, except the corn which is much better than ususal.
For the last two months we
have had no rain untill the other day, and then if came in abundence.
One steam Boat has gon down
being the first for the season. They run here only about half of
the year, and that half is in the winter. Which makes it very dificut
to keep up an assortment of goods. There is not two stores in the
place if put togather that would make a good general assortment.
The crediting business I believe
is carried on to a greater extent than in Mo. and from all accounts the
customers are much less prompt. The percent on cost of goods. is
pretty much the same there as in Franklin Mo. The expence of getting
goods here I think also is about the same )though S Boats charge by the
barrell here, at from one to three dollars up from Mobile) But when
you begin to count house or Genl expences then you find the differences.
I believe a man can live on one fourth of the some in Franklin that he
can in Gainesville.
It is compliance with Bransons
risquest that trouble you with this.
He wishes to communicate what
he would not let remain a secret for all the world. He commenced
braging ) his natural failing ) by sending me a note before I was out
of bed telling me he was a Father of a son that weighed 10 lb when only
two hours old. Branson seemes today to be about two inches taller
than he was yesterday and his heath is desidedly better although on the
improve before. This late circumstance seems to have given him a
mighty lift surely an other would cure him entirely.
I have promised to leave some
room for Branson.
My love to Ma & the balance
of the family
Your Son
Erasmus
Ras says I am braging, but
I think myself quite moderate considering the size and fine looks of
my boy besides I was married on the 10th of Jany last – Elizabeth &
child are both doing finely.—
My own health is better but
I find I am not well fitted to bear sickness – 13 years ago mother had
a hard time with me – Elizabeth fared no better and from chills &
fevers had it much longer. it is now near 2 month since
I have been of much use in the store.
We have not heard from Willis
for 3 or 4 weeks at which time he left here for Courtland with Rob McMahon.
Elizabeth sends her best love to every one of you and is very anxious
to show you her shote
Remember me to mother and all the rest – write soon as I feel uneasy
about Keyes – I will write as soon as I find Leisure.
Your affct Son
L.B.F.
On back:
The name for the Hero is Robt Scott F…..
Note: Lyle died on March 25, 1838.
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Source: Handwritten
original in the private collection of the Chambless family. Transcribed
to softcopy by Susan D. Chambless, 1998.
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