James Haynes Letter, September 1853

HAYNES

Posted By: Pat Ryan White (email)
Date: 8/8/2019 at 19:55:28

Wayne, Henry Co., Iowa, Sept. 3rd, 1853.

Dear Uncle:

We have never written you before, but now having occasion, on a solemn subject, we desire to send you a few lines.

We are all in the enjoyment of a reasonable portion of health. The health of our country is pretty good. Abundant crops of all kinds of grain and vegetables. We have had a very seasonable Summer, but it is pretty dry now.

What I intend saying is, that sister Mary left home about 9 weeks ago, without telling us where she intended going, but told some of our neighbors that she would go to Virginia, and we wrote to Aunt Polly, in Brooke County, received an answer that she had not come there, so we think she may have gone and stopped at your place. We have heard nothing from her since she left Burlington, Iowa, and don't know how nor which way she went. Her conduct at Burlington proves to us that she was not in her right mind, caused by trouble that she has had for the last 6 or 8 months.

We are very much troubled about her, fearing something has befallen her.

Father went to Burlington twice, to try to find out something about her, or which way she went, but could not. If she comes to your house or is there, we would be very glad you would let us know, or get her to write to her afflicted father and mother and brothers. O that she was once more with us. She was in poor health when she left, diseased with a nervous debility that threatened injury to her mind and body. I hope she has got to you and her health is restored.

We have no doubt but that such a trip would be good for her health, and we have almost hoped since [s]he has undertaken to go away that she has got to some of our friends, that will take good care of her, and send us word forthwith, of her whereabouts.

Write to us frequently, and tell us where to direct our letters, that you may get them. Let us know immediately, if she has got to your house.

Your nephew, James Haynes.

P.S. Direct your letters to Wayne, Henry Co., Iowa.

J. Haynes.

[Original letter in possession of Henry County Heritage Trust, Mount Pleasant, Iowa; letter received as a donation August 2019]