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1838 antique THOMAS WISTER perry co pa DOCTOR’S LETTER langhorn scarlet fever
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Original February 12, 1838 folded stampless letter sent to Thomas L. Wister, Esq., of Philadelphia, then forwarded to Clarks Ferry, Perry County, Pennsylvania. Multi-page handwritten content in brown ink, discussing a family medical crisis, melancholy, and the bleak winter weather. Old folds, edge wear, separations, and staining as shown—complete.
LETTER CONTENT SUMMARY
The long letter is rich with family health updates and bleak emotional tone:
Reports on Mr. Jones, who returned home to see his mother but is dying, doctors having done all possible.
Writer describes Wister’s “very gloomy” and discouraged mental state.
Mentions winter hardships: 5 inches of snow, bad cold, and the season restricting travel.
Notes about Penelope Green, previous correspondence, and a “convalescent husband.”
Extended discussion of farmland holdings:
1100 acres in grain
acreage near Standing Stone
property near Coller’s Run
references to the Miller family
Thoughts on character, independence, and grief, including reflections on the deceased mother.
Remarks about the writer’s own poor health, complaining of exhaustion, stress, and cold weather.
Letter retains original postal rate markings, manuscript “3,” and remnants of a red wax seal.
PROVENANCE (this letter only)
From a Pennsylvania estate of mixed early-19th-century correspondence relating to the Wister family and regional land & agricultural matters. No other letters included here; others from the estate are listed separately unless otherwise sold.
Authentic period piece related to family, historyor local heritage - well-suited for historical collections, genealogical /genealogy research, or museum acquisition.Vintage or Antique.
CONDITION: See listing description and photos.
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