John L. Long - Chillicothe, Ohio 1845 - letter
The following letter was purchased by Robert Lewis along with other Jackson County, Ohio Long family items.The letter is written in beautiful script but a bit difficult to decipher some of the words.I have not been able to connect the letter writer with my Long’s in Jackson Co., Ohio (Elias Long) though I believe there must surely be a connection since the letter was included with the Elias Long family letters.Hopefully someone will know who this is.
The letter was written by J.L. Long addressed to his wife Mrs. John Long, Jackson, Ohio
Chillicothe, Feb 18, 1845 (Chillicothe, Ross Co., Ohio)
Dear Wife & C,
Here I am, or what is left of me commencing an Epistle to my wife and this is the only way I have communication with my wife at present and I do declare it is too bad. Yet I must endure it a while longer.You seem to understand the relation of wife and surely this is as should be, I am glad to hear you express yourself on such language.
You know it’s effect upon me will be of benefit and will have a tendency to deepen my affection for you, and increase my desires for your future happiness.Happiness you know is derived from an interchange of affection, and this grand secret should be known and fully appreciated by every couple in the marriage state.I am fully persuaded in my own mind that you are all I fondly hoped you are, and in this belief I will rest satisfied.
Oh! that Poetry Language is lame.Oh! do excuse me, the sublimest of the sublime. The most sublimestest of all (Extant) bring the camphor.Who could have thought of such sublimity.Very sentimental, yes indeed.I do not attach the least blame to you for not writing for I supposed you was of the impression I ought to write and I suppose you were looking for a letter from me, but be that as it may it makes no difference at all about it only I was anxious to hear from you and consequently wrote knowing in due time I would receive an answer.You must have been very ??? during the illness of McO???.I know from experience it is unpleasant to be hurried. You are very Excusable indeed for remaining silent.
Now as the cause is removed of course the effect must cease.I suppose we may ere long expect a visit from you, if you do come bring Em along.We will have a fine Military Parade here on the 22nd and I would be happy to see you here to enjoy it with me.
You have taken a wrong view of my remarks (or rather appeal to your dear self, concerning the Fickleness of Woman, I did not intend to insinuate that woman was fickle, and that absence can conquer love, Nay verily, I do not believe that absence can in the least change the mind - or diminish the love of any being who ever felt the flame of pure ??? love, burning upon the alter of the heart.I would have been in a sweet pickle if I believed such a doctrine, having a wife absent from me all the time with but few exceptions.It would be a disquietude to my mind at all times, and I would be the most unhappy wretch living.
I am sorry to hear you have the Blues.Come up and I will cure you.When will you be up?I was introduced to a Mr Stratten of ??? City the other day, and have not had the pleasure of seeing him since.Give my love to R. (may be a K) E an L and your sister Em.Remember me to your Father and Mother and all my friends.Mr J.C. Long (could be James Crow Long of Danville, Kentucky) passed through this place about 2 weeks since on his way to Baltimore, he said he would have gone to Jackson and staid a few days if the roads had not been so bad.He left all his friend in good healthin Kentucky.That Lady of Woodland makes herself very scarce if she does not visit the City oftener.She must be fond of retired life. John Laird and Lady will be down in the summer sometime, as the Tailors/Taylors will have play day then.I cannot say for sarting when I can give you the light of my countenance at Your City, not before fall I guess.So I guess I’ll have to be taken through a course of Sprouts, for mercy sake don’t take me through Blackberry Sprouts --let me have a say in it.
Is it a fact that Em is coming up this summer to school, if so, I am correctly informed.Mr Stratten told me she was and I thought perhaps it was all talk.I am confident she will be very much pleased with spending the summer here.
??? has joined the city guards - they want me to join also, but I must ask my wife first.Well I do really think this unworthy a ??? but you must make the best of it.Nothing new here at present.
Address your as ???
Importance
J. L. LongExcuse the scribbling
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Re: John L. Long - Chillicothe, Ohio 1845 - letter
Kelly Thaman 10/23/10