This letter was written by William Frederick (“Fred”) White (1834-Aft1920) to his parents, Ivers White (1804-18xx) and Zoa A. Lawrence (1804-18xx) of Ashburnham, Worcester, Massachusetts. Ivers and Zoa were married in July 1832 in Ashburnham. Fred was married to Alice Aurelia Wheeler (1834-1909) in September 1857. He resided in Fitchburg for a time but later returned to Ashburnham. His occupation was sign painter — a trade he learned from his father.
TRANSCRIPTION
Addressed to Ivers White, Esq., Ashburnham, Massachusetts
Postmarked Peoria, Illinois
Peoria, Illinois
May 18, 1867
Dear Parents,
How d’ye? You perceive “I still live” & that, I trust, is all for the very best — especially as I am situated. I am not in the nest of health and yet I am so comfortable I have little cause to complain. I get tired easy & as soon as I can, intend to get under the old roof tree & take a good square rest — business or no business. I’ve made up my mind to try it a little bit but by this don’t infer I mean to make a six month’s stay. I mean if I can to stop a week or two and get rested right smart bit and done with it. I reckon it would be better all round. I’ve kept pretty lively this trip — been obliged to take good care of No. 1 — and am much better than I was for awhile.
I am planning now to go down the Mississippi a bit farther to Quincy and go east from there. I have had many odd incidents this trip but somehow I have my time all taken up. My line of acquaintances is much enlarged and I meet many friends who go for me at once. Then I have had so much to think of. Take it all together I don’t think the writing part has been a great show. I went out upon a hill — a marvel in this level land too, that is — yesterday & picked some woodland flowers while waiting for the train thinking mother would like them. It did me a heap of good to talk with the birds & see the trees put on airs with their spring styles just on, which by the way is just about the same as last year — no particular change. Meadows dress in green altogether and cornfields & ploughed ground in browns mostly. While water goes blue & bricks yellow this ____ way, but thats western, you know. Dogs all do up their back hair over their mouths with a leather strap & iron basket wire at present and I think it the most stringent enforcement of a law of dress or fashion I ever knew as its more than a dog’s life is worth, not be up in the height of style. In fact a dog is about sure to be shot for being independent and leaving off his finery. Some are quite inclined. I think that will give you an idea of us at present. I am still dressed as when you saw me last except I have tried a little artificial effect on one of my boots in the way of a side patch.
I am inclined to tell you of an incident of yesterday illustrating the phase of life I am constantly meeting. While waiting for the train at a little station or junction, a gentleman accosts me as a Mason and asks me to go to his room upstairs. Locking the door and seating ourselves in true California style, he at once commences his story saying my name is Ernestine Bernard St. Clair, a captain, and since a Brevet Major in the army. I was born in Vermont, Caledonia County. My father was a Scotchman. Early in life took me to Europe. Ourselves shipwrecked. I strapped to a mast, was saved & adopted by an Englishman. Almost all else supposed to be lost. Was put to school at nine, rebelled at punishment, and left the roof for city life, blacking boots, and all else to get ahead, getting money enough to complete, education, shipped to California & gained wealth. Came on during the war in the naval service [and] out of that into the army. Close of tour, called back to California, heard by a Boston man there that my father was alive, and by B____ proved my identity, came East, saw my parents & was recognized. Met a lady in Boston from the West here at G., was married a short six months ago. A while ago had letters that my agent in California has absconded with my funds & left me penniless, upon which my wife deserted me as an imposter. A detective caught the thief, recovered the money and has it for me in New York and now a few days ago I was informed an Uncle of mine in Scotland died leaving me 150,000£ gold. Have just proved my identity and am awaiting the funds now — dead broke — a ____ ____ worth $700.000 broke. Well that’s all now. We chatted a little more, wondered if his wife will get back to him. Now he has the stamps &c. & took the train that left us here. I shall now go to Quincy. ¹
Write me at Bloomington, Illinois. I have been interrupted a number of times in writing this but hope you will read it easily. I must go to bed now & try once more to do business on the borrow. Tell me lots. How flowers grow. Won’t we have glorious old times when I get home, eh? Guess not anyhow. I’ll put on a freedom suit them. I have not written such a letter as I would gladly. My heart is full of much else than the paper shows but tis time to go bed.
So goodnight. Blessings on you. — Fred
Love to all. Write by next day’s mail to Indianapolis.
¹ I don’t know if the tale of riches is true but much of the personal information appears to be factual. I found a New Hampshire Marriage Record that shows Bernard St. Claire, age 45, a native of Peacham (Caledonia county), Vermont, marrying Melissa Emery, age 31, a native of Bloomfield, Maine. The marriage was performed by Rev. George G. Field on 7 February 1867 in Dover, New Hampshire. The current residence of the groom was recorded as Oakland, California; the bride, Illinois.
Spared & Shared 8 