Gray Letters 1864 01 27

Letter

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Museum of History Benicia

The image showcases a handwritten letter from E. Crocker to Samuel C. Gray, dated January 25, 1864, from New Bedford. The letter is penned in cursive on lined paper. Mr. Crocker congratulates Mr. Gray on completing his duties as County Treasurer and suggests he may now enjoy a period of rest at Benicia away from business responsibilities. Crocker acknowledges the hard work and service Gray has provided over many years and suggests that Gray deserves some relaxation and freedom from business obligations. However, Crocker humorously notes that if Gray is anything like himself, he might soon grow restless during this idle time, feeling the urge to return to active employment. Overall, the letter conveys a warm and understanding tone, pairing formal congratulations with personal insight and reflection on the common human need for both rest and activity.

The image showcases a handwritten letter from E. Crocker to Samuel C. Gray, dated January 25, 1864, from New Bedford. The letter is penned in cursive on lined paper. Mr. Crocker congratulates Mr. Gray on completing his duties as County Treasurer and suggests he may now enjoy a period of rest at Benicia away from business responsibilities. Crocker acknowledges the hard work and service Gray has provided over many years and suggests that Gray deserves some relaxation and freedom from business obligations. However, Crocker humorously notes that if Gray is anything like himself, he might soon grow restless during this idle time, feeling the urge to return to active employment. Overall, the letter conveys a warm and understanding tone, pairing formal congratulations with personal insight and reflection on the common human need for both rest and activity.

Name/Title

Gray Letters 1864 01 27

Entry/Object ID

2024.10.1.103

Description

Edward Crocker talks about retirement and how Samuel Gray must be ready to enjoy life away from business worries. He says in his own case he had planned to only rest for a year or two and then to "float" back into something more active. The Civil War changed that as well as the local depressed business environment. Mr. Crocker thinks that the War is about at an end, at least he hopes so. The last part of the letter talks about a Mr. Boles repayment of his loan. NOTE: Wilkins Micawber is a fictional character in Charles Dickens's 1850 novel David Copperfield. He is traditionally identified with the optimistic belief that "something will turn up."

Collection

Benicia Historical Museum Collection

Letter Details

Letter Date

Jan 27, 1864