Letter home to wife from a sailor
Author
Recipient
Date Written
May 12, 1796
William Ramsdell was 26 years old when this was written.
William Ramsdell died 14 years, 7 months, 30 days after writing it.
It was written 226 years, 10 months, 19 days ago.
It was a Thursday.
New York May 12, 1796
Loving wife,
I write a few lines to let you know that I am well and wish these to find you the same. Our ship is chartered for London. We have one third of our cargo in. We shall sail in about 14 days. We have been so long here that I fear it will be late in the fall before we get home. Brother John has got no business yet but he has got very steady lately. He is aboard our ship every day. I have nothing to send home for its taken all my money to lay in a Venture. I shall get you some silk and other things for goods is cheaper there then (sic) at home. I expect paper is very scarce by your not writing the other day by Captain Bunker but Ammiel Gardner told me he was at your house and you was well & hearty.
I am in hopes to spend some part of next winter at home if I can make it convenient.
So my dear you must write all opportunitys (sic) and I shall do the same so having nothing worth notice to write I remain your loving Husband till (sic) death.
William Ramsdel
Our ship is called the Franklin of New Bedford
Scans of Letter
