Origsize: L 8" x W 10"; Origformat: Print-Photographic; Resolution: 600 DPI
Name/Title
Letter from James and Julia Goodrich to both parents
Entry/Object ID
2000.FIC.048
Scope and Content
A two page letter from Julia Ann and James Goodrich to "my dear parents." The letter relates personal news and family health matters. Julia Ann expresses significant doubt relating to her religious faith.
Sunbury Aug. 1 [1872/3?]
Very Dear Parents
Since the On taking my pen to write a few
lines this evening the first suggestion to my mind is
do I desire to communicate with my Earthly Father more
than my heavenly Father for I have not read a word
of his will today. My health has been unusually
good since my return till last week when I had a
bilious [Billions?] attack but am getting over that. The chil-
dren are well except diarrhea which they all have.
Hiram is hearty & is getting flesh again. Mrs. G.
is well. We are very busy just now making preparation
for the Association. Delia Hale has done kindly
things about the meeting house now getting up curtains
to the windows, covering [four?] lamp stands &c.
I went to meeting this morn with my children
they were very good this afternoon [Hyrie?] accompanied
his Father [somewhere?] to preach. He does not go to
Seneca as he talked of. We have got a cow & pig; our
garden amounts to but little. I think we shall have
plenty of apples but no other fruit much so much
for items— & now I wish I could express my mind
as easily as I can write facts. But it seems a cross to me
to night to mention the Savior I display so little of
the fruits of the Spirit that I have but little hope
that I am a Christian If I know my own heart I
think less of the world every day but alas I do not see
that I love the Lord any more. I feel that I am but a—
PG.2
speck in the ocean of existence another wave may remove me
from my place & I shall be missed but little & that not long
my account will be sealed for eternity another will fill my
place perhaps better than I have done & thus the drama
of life is acted & passes on.
Two important questions
They press upon my mind 1st am I prepared for this great
change 2nd have I done what I could to prepare others
for it— the 1st I humbly hope for, the last I answer
no!— sad thought— Many times I can remember
when I have felt it my duty to speak a word to the
impenitent but did not do it— It is getting very late
& I must close. A spot has appeared on my neck which
different Physicians agree in saying is the result of
a Scrofulous humour in my blood & will be a thing [ever?]
I cannot get time to write to Lucina Brown to
learn what cured hers if you see her please ask her
& let me know. good night
Your affectionate
daughter J. A. G.,
P.S. do not forget the green physic. [physic?]
Tell William I look at his miniature often & never
without a smile I did not think it would be so much
company. Please write soon
J. A. Goodrich
2. P.S. J. A. did not ask me to make a pen
for her, or for any knife to make one for herself.
Do not think that these blots display a want of
reverence—
James Goodrich
