Gray Letters 1859 11 13

Letter

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Museum of History Benicia

The image depicts a handwritten letter from Samuel Gray to his wife Lucy, dated November 13, 1859. Written in cursive on blue-lined paper, the letter expresses heartfelt sentiments and longing over their time apart. Samuel mentions attending church together six weeks prior and reflects on the emotional distance they feel. He conveys eagerness to receive a letter back from Lucy, expressing that the act of waiting fills him with anticipation. The letter suggests a longing for connection, highlighting how there is "no home" for him without her presence. Samuel mentions the daily routines that keep him occupied, and there's a note of optimism as he hopes for a future reunion. The writing style is formal and indicative of the time period, showcasing the deeply personal and cherished communication between the couple.

The image depicts a handwritten letter from Samuel Gray to his wife Lucy, dated November 13, 1859. Written in cursive on blue-lined paper, the letter expresses heartfelt sentiments and longing over their time apart. Samuel mentions attending church together six weeks prior and reflects on the emotional distance they feel. He conveys eagerness to receive a letter back from Lucy, expressing that the act of waiting fills him with anticipation. The letter suggests a longing for connection, highlighting how there is "no home" for him without her presence. Samuel mentions the daily routines that keep him occupied, and there's a note of optimism as he hopes for a future reunion. The writing style is formal and indicative of the time period, showcasing the deeply personal and cherished communication between the couple.

Name/Title

Gray Letters 1859 11 13

Entry/Object ID

2025.12.1.1

Description

This is a letter from Samuel C Gray to his wife Lucy Wetmore Gray when she was visiting on the East Coast. The letter starts with how mu8chn he misses her and that it has been 6 weeks since he held her. It has also been 6 weeks since they saw the wonderful preacher Henry Ward Beecher. He talks of the weather and then about the poor shape the Woodbridge church is in and how he wishes Mr. Woodbridge would accept the offers to relocate to Sacramento. He is not pleased with the singing in the church, the dedication of the Trustees or the money coming into the church. (The 6 trustees are Mr. Walsh, Flatt, Hyde, Hooper and Pouslhols(?)). He says if the Episcopal church were open "I should certainly transfer my attendance". Local news is: He mentions that he has sold his store (in Benicia) to Mr. L. B. Dell. Mrs. Condan opened a private school in the old public school building. Senator Broderick was ousted in a duel with Judge Terry Ellora Derby married Mr. White Methodists hold meetings in the Woodbridge church in the afternoon Samuel describes their new neighbors Mr. & Mrs. Scott and Mr. & Mrs Danforth of the Scott & Danforth partnership.

Letter Details

Letter Date

Nov 13, 1859