22 January 1863

[No envelope]

Erving [Massachusetts]
January 22, 1863

Dear Brother,

I have not wrote this week before as I was in hopes I should hear from you. The last letter I got from you was January 1.

Things are jogging along in Erving about as usual. Father has gone to Boston. Went this morning. Do not expect he will buy many goods as they are pretty high. Sheetings from 30 to 35 cts, prints from 19 to 23 cts — that makes it pretty blue. But chairs and shook are selling tip top. We are selling all we can make and now have orders ahead.

There is no war news of great importance. The papers seem to hint that Burnside is advancing and if so, I hope he will be successful.

We have no snow and the winter is a queer one. It will be as cold as sixty for a day or two and then it will snow a little and then rain and carry it all off. The Old Gent has got down on the maid and I do not know who he will try next. He never can get one that will suit him but a short time and then he will want someone else.

There is a dance over to the Farms tonight and I should like to go over but do not see how I can and it is pretty bad going too.

There is two Societies each week — one for the soldiers and one for the minister. I have not been to but two and then had a very good time. You see I cannot get out of the store and am compelled to be steady. There is a dance at Orange tomorrow night and I may go there but cannot tell certain.

Detroit Briggs and Dandelion Coller are married. ¹ They were married last Saturday night. The old man Collar married them and I believe that is all the news there is.

Hoping to hear from you soon. I remain yours truly, — Noah

The report from rebel sources is that the Union forces in North Carolina are advancing. That being the case, I suppose you are on the tramp again and I hope you will be as successful as heretofore.

[different hand]

Erving [Massachusetts]
January 21 [1863]

Dear Brother,

I have been down to the store this afternoon and Noah says he is going to write tonight so I will try and get my sheet ready. Today the Soldiers Aid [Society] meets up to Mrs. Holden’s. I have been this afternoon. Am going back after Eb[en] comes to supper.

It is two weeks since we had a letter. Hope we shall get one before long. We got the things that come in Mrs. Beard’s box. Do you know what he sent home? What I saw is worth as much [as] $30 and I did not see all. She had part of a piece of curtain muslin that I want. It is pretty and good. A nice shawl. She said she was going to tell him to get a nice dress to go with it. He is fussing to have a box of cookies sent out for him to sell. I think he would have to pay much. We put what we could in with the shirts & boots. We made the things together. I found full my share so you need not be afraid to talk half there is.

We have not got any snow yet. It comes a little, then rain. One day cold and another warm. I suppose the cake will freeze and thaw till it won’t be good.

I have been up to Heman’s and got home. Left them playing Copenhagen. A good lot there. We get 4 cts. you see we carry round the hat. I come home with Henry Benjamin & his wife. I like his wife very well.

When you get your shirts, I wish you would write a half sheet to the ladies and thank them for the shirts and one pair stockings was given. We sent some to Ed[ward] Coolidge. He never said a word about them to the Society. Guess they thought he might just thanked them.

They have got quite a family over to the house and a poor girl, I think. She wastes a good deal and is pretty slack in the bargain.

We had a letter from Maine last week. Madison [K.] Mabry went last summer. Lieut. has resigned and got home. He was one of the very patriotic ones.

Mrs. Beard writes to [George] Beard every week. I should think he would get some letters.

Meetings go rather hard this winter. Guess before [this] spring, Green & Heman will be alone. [Rev. George A.] Green has not got many friends. He don’t care much, I guess.

It is getting pretty late so guess I must “dry up.” Hope the mails will be permitted to go before many days. Good night. Your sister, — Jane

¹ Detroit Newton Briggs (1833-1866) married Adaline (“Dandelion”) M. Coller (184-19xx) on 16 January 1863 in Deerfield, Franklin County, Massachusetts. Dandelion was the daughter of Hezkiah V. Collar (1790-1880) and Rhoda Robbins (1798-1884). After Detroits, death in 1866, Dandelion married Austin D. Sheldon in 1872.