Franklin County: Jacob Stouffer to His Brother and Sister, March
9, 1863
Summary:
In this letter Jacob Stouffer discusses the health of family members and the upcoming sale of
several neighbors' properties.
March 9/63
Chambersburg
Beloved Brother & Sister
I Seat myself to write you a few lines for Satisfaction we received your letter of the 6th this evening and were pleased to hear from you-hope you may be all
restored to health again-we too have been afflicted Some little Since you left us-Eliza had a
bad cold with tightening in her breast-but is over it again-Emma
has the mumps-is not much Sick- Amos complains this evening-is Sick
on the Stomach-and pain in his Side-we do not know yet what it will be-Daniels are not So
well-Daniel, David, Fannie Fry and H. Ryder's girl have the mumps and
their little Johnny is also feverish and
Sick-Mary Cosgrove is perhaps a little better-, Leah is also
better-is able to go about again-the neighbors and friends are
generally well. Neither Immels, nor Eberlys have been here to inquire for anything,-there will be offered at public Sale on
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Friday March
20th two Small properties in our neighborhood-that of P. Laufmen Deceased and that of Littles, the first you are acquainted with-the other near the Alms house-is
on the road from the pike to that institution-between John Bowmans and Mary Leydigs-Littles lot
has an old log dwelling-a Small Stable and a new brick house not long finished-both are to be
Sold on the afternoon of the 20th
instant -If you have a desire for any of them and could come and See
them beforehand would be the most Satisfaction-or If you prefer it I will do what you may
desire in the matter-the Laufman lot is far the most deSirable-and I fear will bring a big
price. I learn there are a number waiting for it-I have heard nine to eleven hundred dollars
Spoken of as a price for it-which is high for about 1 1/2 acres of rather poor land with very poor buildings on it-how the feeling will run when it is up
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is hard to Say-the other property is too near the poor house for most people and does not
border on the pike-I learn they want $1400 for it-If you have a desire for either and could
come up to See them would be the most Satisfactory-having given you what is on my mind I will
close wishing you the abundant Grace of God and the guidance and
assistance of his holy Spirit to lead and direct you through this vale of troubles So that we
may all meet and enjoy that rest which is in Store for those who love his appearing
From your friend and weak brother in the faith
Jacob Stouffer
Catharine Ryder and Adam come here Saturday-they were all well at
Loudon-Adam went home yesterday after the meeting-he took a young man
along up-who came from mt. joy by the Cares and is going to live with him a while Catherine is
here-intends to Stay part of this week.
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Tuesday morning
Dear brother
& sister
I will yet add & say. Amos came from the mill yesterday
evening after dark, had a severe chill pain in the side, throw up several times we send for
the Dr He pronounced it Billious plurisy.
gave him powders
applied mustard plaster to his side he was very sick all night still threw up. feels a little
easier now
we will let you hear again should it not get better
