THE ATTIC

1814 LETTERS
Ethalinda (Parmele) Kayser 1786- ?
Asa, Silas, Abraham, Isaac, John, John
This unstamped letter to was addressed to: Mrs. Charles [Ethalinda] Kayser, Christian Street corner of fourth, Philadelphia. She and her siblings were born shortly after the Revolutionary War in Richmond, Mass.; the family moved to Jefferson County, N.Y., in 1799.

Inside the folded paper it appears there were at least three letters to her: the first was torn off at the bottom, so I'm not sure who wrote it; the second is by her father, Asa; the third is by her sister Polly.


First letter

Conventry, Rhode Island,
January 21, 1814

Dear Ethalinda: As the pure limpid stream to the thirsty travelor or as the showers of rain on the new mown grass, so is an opportunity to hear from you my dear child. By your Mother I am inform'd that you were at Richmond [Mass.] last fall and spent a few days with your mother and family and that your health was much better than it was when your sister Lucy left you in Albany [N.Y.] last winter, which gives me pleasure would been happy if you could have made it convenient to have come and spent some time with me and your sister Lucy before you returned to Philadelphia which I understand was at that time your place of residence and to which place I shall address this epistle. Am informed that you have entered into the ---enial bonds of Wedlock hope you have made a wise ... [bottom of page missing]


Second letter

Dear Daughter Ethalinda. Your letter dated July 9 was received August 29th with much satisfaction having almost dispair of hearing from you any more on this earthly shore. We all feel much sorrow of heart for your distressed situation. Wish it was in my power to relieve your from your unhappy situation. But alas I have no means to enable me to accomplish so pleasing a task. But must resign you into the hand of God to be dispos'd of accordingly to his pleasure believing that he will do with us and for us that which will in the end be best for us poor ignorant mortals.

And all that we have to do is to rely on his faithfulness by living nearer to him and praying for a deeper work of God on our souls being resigned to his will in all things. Always bearing in mind that we have by our sin and disobedience forfeited all favors from his hand. And to be careful that we do not murmur or respire at his dealings with us. But remember that he scourgeth every son whom he loveth and that it is through great tribulation that we must enter into the Kingdom. That we must be as gold tried in the fire that we must be cleansed from all filthyness of flesh and spirit. That our souls must be fill'd with love to God in order to be accepted by that being who is the essence of Love.

As respects my self, I feel as though I needed much time for me to prepare me for an inhabitant of the New Jerusalem but the Blood of Christ cleanseth from all sin which is my only hope of ever being received to the favour of that God whose Love I have so often broken. It is my earnest prayer that I may have an interview with you in this world if it is the will of God but as we are all mortal dieing creatures and I am past three score years old.

... house and may live to enjoy many happy days. Must inform you that neither time or absence has eradicated the remembrance of you from my mind but that I still feel the tender parental ties of affection for you wishing you health and prosperity in this world that you may so live and conduct yourself here as to secure the Love and esteem of all your friends and acquaintance and finally be so happy as to be receiv'd into those mantions beatfic rest that are prepared for all those that have accepting of the offer of Salvation have had their sins washed in the all attoneing blood of the immaculate son of God who died and gave himself as a ransom for such vile Wretches as you and myself if we will truly repent believe and accept of him as he is offered ...

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... to us in the Gospel is ... desire of your Father has not had the pleasure ... you for almost sixty years. Should be much pleased to have you and Mr. Keyser come and see us next spring or summer or when ever you can make it convenient if you feel so disposed as we shall at all times. Be happy to see and receive you. Was it not for the War [of 1812] your best rout[e] would be by water to New York and from there to Norwich [Conn.] from which place the stage passes my house every day which is but twenty-three miles. Would also inform you that your Mother ---. Mother, Polly and Leah are all with me here where they all arrived the ninth of this month and are all in tolerable health and spirit. Shall be much obliged to you to write me immediately upon the receipt of this and let me know of your health and determination concerning visiting us in the spring or summer. Adieu my dear child, Asa Parmele

Third letter

Dear Sister -- It is with pleasure I address a few lines too. I can inform you .... in tolerable health. You and Polly bore the fatigue of the journey much better than I exspected the appear to on you themselves very well. Father treats us all with the greatest tenderness and wishes very much to see you if you and Mr. Keysor can make it convenient to come here next summer. Should be happy to see you. Was very sorry I left Richmond [Mass.] before you arrived there. Give my respects to Mr. Keysor. Tell him I should be very glad to see him. ...

... Imagine you would like to hear something from your little Dog. He's healthy is very good. We are all very fond of him. Polly says he hopes you will comb your hair and try to look a little smart when you come her. You must divert your letters to Providence in Rhode Island State. Paper will not permit my writing any more. The Family all send their love to you. Adieu dear Sister, Lucy Parmele


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