Box 1

1/2 page. Complains that he hasn't come to see her in two months. William Ball to mother, Sally Smith. Undated. 1/2 page. Excuses himself for not visiting. Will come when the weather clears.

3 pages. (Philena Thorp probably a hired housekeeper). Her trip home. The new Baptist meeting house; the deacon's serious illness. She is willing to come in the fall, but thinks perhaps Newell and Albert don't want her.

1 page. Has received the $5 Mr Smith sent and would like "the rest."

2 pages. Inquires about health, how he is recovering. Same letter. To father: hopes to visit him soon. To Sally (Smith?): Asks her to write.

1 page. Hopes William's complaint is better, and that he pays attention to the doctor's advice.

2 pages. Has finished her poem; requests that her son go over it for mistakes before she copies it and tries to sell it. Does not know what periodical to try; perhaps the Lady's Book. Needs the money to pay some debts. Quotes two people who say she has talent. Advises son about sermons he plans to publish, book he proposes.

3 pages. Mary Irwin: Is visiting Fanny McDill in Franklin. Afraid that her concern for her son Samuel is inconsistent with the Christian spirit. News of old acquaintances. Mixed feelings about their church in Wilmington. FM: Son Wilson is walking now. Joseph Wilson, lecturer, Agent of the American Anti-Slavery society, visits this week.

4 pages. When returned to Forestville after 4 years absence, made melancholy by the number of changes. Has moved to North Perrysburg. Particularly unhappy because of Sister Laurentia's backsliding. Concern for her Christian life. Confused--can't return to Dresden now that Pitkins have moved, yet wants to return to Ohio. Asks them if they hear of any teaching jobs by spring, to write to her.

4 pages. News of her children, their education. Their father had 72nd birthday; feels his preaching is not affective. News from Fanny (Eliza's and Mary's sister?), her daughter Mary. The Methodist church has been holding a protracted and reportedly extravagant meeting since Christmas.

4 pages. Occasionally rhapsodic, re. family he has left behind. (They are perhaps German immigrants, since she uses many German phrases, though the letter is in English.) Also speaks of servant and her child, their young son Albert, her economizing.

2 pages. Problems with Mary (servant?), who tends to drunkenness, & with Miss Misca. Considers husband's suggestion of moving to Lubec.

2 pages. Both he and wife, Sarah, have been ill. Health of two children, Dwight, and Anice Eliza (8 months). Will start for Michigan in May. With the $40 they sent he bought a span of mares. Same letter: Smith, Sarah (Linus Smith's wife). Has been weaving, sewing to prepare for trip to Michigan. Asks Mother and Aurelia to write.

2 pages. (Salutation is "Dear father and Mother") Baby daughter died in March. Has decided not to go west this season, but instead will visit Volney in middle of June. A promising spring. May 24: Has delayed finishing letter, hoping Sarah would write some of the poetry she composed when daughter died. She says she would rather not.

3 pages. Visited Michigan in November; bought 80 acres of land in Berrien County, southwest corner of state. Needs a team and wagon and year's provision before can start for land. Plans to leave a year from spring; asks parents for help. 2 February. Dwight ran away from home to see "Grammaw". Found when a mile from home. 31 January: (Sarah Smith writes) Illness and heavy destructive rains rampant. Sends six 4-verse stanzas she has written about death of daughter.

2 pages. Hasn't had the courage to write. Has very little money; has sent most of possessions to Michigan. If situation does not improve, may have to sell land in Michigan and house he has paid 2 men to build for him. Hopes some of family will visit him this summer.

1 page. His father's death a great stroke for him. Suggests that property be appraised by 3 disinterested men. Will send power of attorney or come himself soon.

1 page. Arrived home the day after he started. Found Sarah's health poor. Will see to the deed as soon as she is better.

2 pages. Explanation of his sudden departure from Volney.

2 pages. Asks Smiths to secure a letter of dismission from the Regular Baptist Church of Fulton Village so that she may join the local church in Ohio.

4 pages. Family illnesses. 5 December 1847. Uncle Benjamin's illness. Uncle Addison elected as representative; will go to Boston. 11 December: miscellaneous family news. 30 December. Uncle Addison will leave for Boston after New Year's.

2 pages. Shall she bring Elizabeth with her when she visits in the spring? Maloney wants to come too; should she bring both girls? Mentions Aunt Wealthy.

4 pages. Much miscellaneous family news; mentions Addison's health, Judith's marital problems, Lydia, Julia, Orrin's school teaching, Newell and Malona. (See letter #4, Folder 47)

3 pages. Re. her school teaching. Family news--Reuben, Lydia, Addison, and Grandma Ellison.

3 pages. Accounts trip from Philapsville to West Otis. Grandfather has died. Malona has gone away to school in Worcester. Miscellaneous family news.

4 pages. Enjoying her stay with Uncle Chester Webb. Has become quite healthy in mountain atmosphere. Possibilities of new teaching jobs-- asks advice. Visit to paper mill at Tysingham. Family news.