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A Pair of Letters from Emily to her Family discussing her trip to Yorktown, particularly her experience at a "Colored Meeting"

A stream of consciousness with abrupt changes in subject matter from sentence to sentence, as expressed in the second quote above.

Yorktown: January 1869. A pair of letters from Emily to her family keeping them appraised of her trip to Yorktown [NY] in January 1869. The two letters are written within a day of one another, with one addressed to her parents and one to her brother. The family's last name is not mentioned. The letters are jam-packed with the events of daily life. She is somewhat ill perhaps with consumption and speaks often of her health. Additionally religion plays a significant role in her writing. Of note in the letters is Emily's description of a 'colored meeting' she went to, which was a church service for African Americans. Emily writes about how the 'spirit' moved the church members to what she perceived as frightening noises and groans, and that due to this she wouldn't feel comfortable going to another service. The letters also discuss Emily's health and her fear that she might have bronchitis. As well as updates on her family. Measures 7 3/4" x 4 3/4". Below are a few excerpts from the letters.

"I went to a colored meeting one evening and does seem to me I could not go again, they hold it late about 10 o'clock and the spirit moves them to such noises and actions, sometimes they would screach [sic] and shot and sing and groan till it seemed like confusion confounded. I pittied [sic] them for there is no white-folks church to learn from and I was almost frightened so I did not get to sleep until late that night."
- Emily to her parents, January 12, 1869

"Samuel saw an old French Dr. on the boat- when he went to B. - and told him how I was, said he should call it a dry consumption. He said worse than Dr. Powers. Sad I ought to stay here a year and then not stay where it was a cold winter. Said he thought if I could have the chills it would change the course of the disease... I think our little bute [sic] is getting to be a little fast, got so she runs away from school (well seems to me I should have one of the boys go out to help her from running away - Little boys I mean) It seems Emilus likes me best and don't hesitate to tell of it - I know Abbie must feel bad to have him say anything."

- Emily to her Brother, January 11, 1869

Marginalia in every blank space. From a margin note:

"I was selling a negro some woolen pips and he stole one out of the box right under my nose-- I did not know enough not to hand him the box - so I let him pick out one and he got 2" General wear.

Price: $175.00

Item #20128002