Name/Title
Letter 1838 to Ebenezer Bull from John PayneEntry/Object ID
003874Tags
Ebenezer Bull, John PayneScope and Content
Image 1: Outer Address Panel]Morgan
Jany 11 25 Mr Ebenezer Bull. Hamptonburgh Orange County New York [Image 2: Page 1]Morgan Jan^y 9^th 1838 Cousin Ebenezer I rec^d yours to D. Dikeman the 5^th inst and am obliged to you for the encouragement you give us respecting that Cattle Market—although there is not so much decision expressed as is your wont—We have now about 40 head of as fine oxen as you seldom see Mr Dikeman intends to get 100 head if they are to be had—although we have to pay strong prices for them—he will probably start about the 15^th February for Orange County—I shall not come myself and cannot tell when I shall visit Orange being confined entirely to the Store—Except when called out to do a little Surveying—But although I cannot come to see you all—and although I have not written to you very lately do not think that I forget my friends or the place of their address—whether I have lost my senses friend Dikeman must tell you—At least you know I never had a very large stock of that commodity to lose—be that as it may I often think of old Hamptonburgh and those with whom I have enjoyed many pleasant hours—you say you still reside in the old Castle and that you are the same old 2/6 yet—and I do not doubt it—which means that you eat, sleep, drink, think, work, go to big dinners come home again and pursue the old routine the year round—and I hope entertain the same friendly feeling to those far away—my occupation is somewhat varied although in general am confined to the Store—but the Mercantile business in this Country is more complicated than with you—In fact a man must have his eyes open all the time and must have a pretty general knowledge of all kinds of property and also know where he can find a Market for it when he buys it—and lastly have an eye open for rogues— which is indispensable in any place—I have learnt how the Whigs of the State of New York have flogged the Tories and have often wished I could be with my old friends to celebrate the victory— [Image 3: Page 2 & Postscripts]I am sorry to hear that friend Charles has taken it so hard as to founder himself I am thinking he would not run a very good race for Sheriff next spring fall—you should turn him out this winter and let him run in the yard and not stable him—I think he would renew his age if he is not too far gone with the staggers—Ebenezer I want you to make out yours and my account and send me a statement of the same by D D who will pay you the balance for me—I should have had this business attended to before this but it has slipped my mind—There has been some snow & about a week good Sleighing it has since been quite warm the frost nearly all out of the ground—it is now cold weather again—some little snow again—we have news here that the Royalist party in Canada has been committing murder and Arson on Board one of our Steam Boats belonging to Buffalo—this looks a little squally if true—Mr Dikeman has just returned from an excursion of buying cattle—he wishes me to say to you that he will start about the middle of February and will probably be in Orange the latter part of March—and he wishes you to write as soon as you receive this and let us know all about the Cattle Market—we have now about 60 head bought—we attended the wedding of Mr Dikeman’s oldest daughter to day—You speak of some whisperings about town meeting &c &c &c I should really like to be with you and my old friends at that time—I want you to let me know in your next how the cat jumps & who are talked of for the diff^t offices & give me the particulars— My letter was commenced yesterday but I could not finish it till to day 10^th— Remember me to Uncle Peter—give my respects to Jane and remember me to all my friends and believe me your Constant friend C Bull & John Payne I. C. D. also wishes to be remembered to you and Jane—we must be ready for the wedding in about an hour In haste J Payne Don’t fail to write soon— (Side margin note on right page) Mr Dikeman again interrupts me and says he wants you to inform him in your next what you think four year old steers coming five that are broke will be worth for grazing per Cwt.—If you should think that Mr Dikeman has not timed it right please to say whether too late or too early and about what time it would be best for him to be there
Altho we are all well J Payne
