Suggestion to brother to leave town due to cholera epidemic
Author
Recipient
Date Written
July 23, 1832
Member of Series
Jacob Sharpless was 40 years old when this was written.
The recipient, Blakely Sharpless, was 45 when it was received.
Jacob Sharpless died 30 years, 6 months, 26 days after writing this.
It was written 190 years, 8 months, ago.
It was a Monday.
Downing Town 7th Mo. 23rd 1832
Dear Brother & Sister,
It appears from the papers & from a letter to Father from you both that, the spasmodic cholera has in reality made its appearance in your city. There is no doubt much alarm & great excitement felt & it has become a question among you whether it would be better, to retire to the country before the destroyer or to remain in your city & meet the enemy in the awful field od destruction. My opinion is if it should visit us in D__town & other country situations, it will not assume that malignant form that it will in cities. If cases should increase & seem to threaten your dwelling, I would advise you to hasten to the country—And if you think well of it by all means come to Downing Town.
My dear Mary says tell them we will receive them (that is you & your family) with open hearts & open house. We have two spare rooms with 3 spare beds that will hold they can. If you come please do not forget Aunt Offley—we would like to have her with us—do not be fearful of making trouble. In times like the apparent approaching crisis we ought to do all we can for each other without a murmer.
I do not know whether Father or sister Mary have written to you are not, but you know their house is always open to you; and it would be bad indeed if between us we cannot accommodate you. Do not hesitate to come if you conclude to the leave the city.
Mary, our little babe & myself are in usual health, and our town likewise. Mary joins me in love to you.
I would write more but it is 10 o’clock at night. I somewhat sleepy being not in bed last night.
Respectfully thy Brother,
Jacob S.
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