1849 Letter to Moses in Washington Co.,
I have a wonderful letter that was found among my grandmother's papers. it was written by her grandfather, John Rardin, who was the son of Samuel and Charlotte (Harrington) Rardin.John married Eliza Hitchcock in 1848 and the leters tells of Mary Ann's birth.
May the 27 1849Dear uncle and aunt it is threw(through) the mecys(mercies) of god I take up my Pen this good Sabath morning To let you now(know) that we are all enjoying a resonable portion Of good helth(health0 at the present Time hoping these few lions (lines) may Find you all enjoying the same blesing (blessing).I herd (heard) from father's family about three weak(weeks) ago and they was all well at that time.i want To go and see them this fall if Nothing hapens(happens0 more than I now(know) Of at this time.moses woodruff family Are all well at the present time.i supose(suppose) you herd (heard) that they had a yong(young) son he is about six Months old. I supose(suppose) you have heard that sister mary is dead.she Was beried(butied0 the same day that I got home last sumer(summer). from in thare(there) the Docters(doctors) did not now(know) what the complaint was.She was taken sick on tuesday and She died on friday.She had her Senses until the last breath left her the last word was not her will but gods will be done.She Died in the triumps(triumphs) of living fath(faith) that we might all die the Same fath(faith).my wife and myself is tring(trying) to live in that way that we may meat(meet) her in heaven.I want to meat(meet) you all thare(there). That has bin(been0 my Desire ever Sence(since) I got home last sumier(summer).I want you to Come and Seeus as Soon you can.I wa to see you twis(twice) ot three times and never receiveda leter(letter) yet no more at presant(present). rite (write) as soon as you Can. excuse my poor speling(spelling) and poor riting(writing). direct your letter to Gilboa, Putman co., june the 5. we had a daughter born yesterday, it is very smart and Eliza is as smart as common.from John Rardin and Eliza Rardin to Moses Rardin.