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Campbeltown 30 July 1850
Dear Father
We should have written you long before this but we hope you will excuse us for our indolance in writing, we have great reason to be thankful to God for the health we are enjoying in our family.
John and Jannet are at scoule. Elizabeth has not gone yet.( Son John born 1842, Daughter Jannet born 1844, Elizabeth born 1847)
Our youngest is named Jean (Jean born 1849) for ant Jean who has acked as a mother to Elizabeth at all times. Jean is a stout thriving child she is running about. She is 13 months old.
Arch Galbreath that was farmer at Skerlling and I tuck the
leddels [ladles- a tax, originally on grain.] of the
Burrugh last seson at a rent of 230£. Our time is out the
first of September. It is not appearing to pay well on account of
a defincancy in the crops & prices being very low. There was
part of the barley as low in price as 15/ per boll. Meal about
16/ per boll. Beins 10/ per boll.
The 80 part is payed for Leaddels & farmers in jeneral allows
that the were a third short of crops that they have had some
years so on that account we are beat in our prospects. It will be
sold for another year in a short time if it be gotten for a good
sum chepper we will tray yett.
Elizabeth & I have always a strong noshon of seeing you sometime but in stead macking our means beatter for going. This year will make them worse and make us unable for going but is hard to tell what a year will bring forth as we are short sichted.
The friends are all in good health as far as we know. Uncle Alexd son Thomas was at home in the month of May last, he is a stout heavy lad & appears to lack the sea well, he is off to the East Indies.
The rest of the family are all well.
Hugh Mitchell is doing nothing but tacking a little drop now & again.
Ant Jean is blessed with a famley of well duing. Doghters Margaret keps a scoull which has a free hous attched to it where the famley all resides.
Uncle Johns famley are all well. He is lick maney more of the Kinteyer farmers complaining of hard times. I think if times do not gett better John will go to America.
Ant Nelly is quite brisk turned since her hisbands Death. She comes to Campbelton on a riddding poney that she has gotten at full gallop. She hardly ever calls at our house.
Mr Boyd [probably church pastor] is in good health & is still in a Loving frendly manner with his hearers.
We expect that those that emegranted for America this summer will be across the Atlantick by this time.
We hear that John Ralston & Duggale Kerral is for Canada.
Robert Granlees & famley that was farmer in Craigs & Granlees famley that was in the Rcem is Bound for Illinoys, if they land near your place they will give you all the partickelars about Kintayer.
There was a great many able young men left Kinteyer this summer which is the time for a man to emigrate.
Altho we have not done our duty in the time past in not writing oftnar we must be more attentive in the time to come. We are always happy to see a letter from any one of yours.
Elizabeth was varey varey happy to sea letter from Thomas
& Charles and wishes them to write often. Elizabeth is at
times trubbled with a cold that fixes on her breath which casses
a shortness of breathing and if she gets hir falliged or weat it
is ready to trubell hir. It appears to be an inflemshon in the
wind pipe. It has troubled hir at times this some years
past.
Elizabeth is happy to think that Ellen & Jannet will be able
by this time to kep their mothers house in order so you will not
miss Margaret so much.(Peter and Jannet's daughter, Margaret,
married John Picken in July 1849.)
Write us & let us know how Grandmother is after Grandfathers Death. Which we hard tuck place after his arrivel at your place.
Let us know Mrs Pickan and famley is coming on.
If any of the Lasses has gotten married.
We are sending our respects to all our Brothers & sisters. Lickway to all ants & uncels & all inquering friends.
This leves our famley all in food health, hoping it will find yours all in the same is the sincere wish of your affeconate Son & Doghter.
The crops are lucking well.
Wm & Elizabeth Fleeming.
Springfield Township
July 13th 1853
Dear Brother
We received yours of the 9th Sept'r in due time and was very glad
to get such a great stranger as a letter from you. We had just
thought that you all that is all our Brothers, had with one
concert agreed to correspond with us no more
I say this as some of you there with whom I had a regular
correspondence by letter has failed in answering mine. I have
always made it a rule not to have it stop on my side & I have
also made it one, not to write two letters in succession to any
person when I believe they had received the first. I do not say
this in any way of complaint, for you or them may have good
reasons for not writing But I have always thought that when
friends were separated so that they cannot see each others
countenance, the medium of communicating our thoughts to each
other by writing in some measure make up for the loss. The wise
man has said "As the iron sharpeneth iron so doth the countenance
of a man his friend ". And if the countenance has such an effect
why may not our exchange of good wishes for one another by letter
answer the same purpose.
We must say it has done so to us, for your letter made us glad
for we had no communication from Illinois for several months
before yours came to hand.
In the first place we were glad to hear of you & your family
welfare and of your prosperity in general and in the second place
of the good crops, & price for produce and the health &
prosperous condition of all Brothers & sisters with their
still increasing families. And last but not least that Mother was
in her usual state of good health. And however much we were sorry
at the death of your Brother John it gave us great satisfaction
to know to a certainty about it for there was a rumour here that
he was dead but nothing we could rely on. His brother in law
Edward Brown had no account of it more than hearsay. It is always
less or more disturbing to see or hear of the head of a family
being taken away from their beloved partners & their little
ones. Yet it is a great comfort in such circumstances for the
bereaved to be able to say with the good Shunammite when
interrogated by the servant of Elisha about the welfare of her
family. He said "it is well" when her only child was lying dead.
How few is it that arrives at old age? And how many is cut down
in their prime. That teaches us that this is not our lot. That
here we have no continuing city. That we ought to look for a city
that hath foundation whose builder and maker is God.
We had great crops this season with the exception of corn which
was deficient & potatoes was only middling. The markets are
good Wheat from 75 to 80 cents corn 45c oats 35c Barley is low
45c to 50c Hay 9 to 11$ per ton, Hay was a great crop, Potatoes
about 50 cents per bush. Apples 50c to 1.00 per bush. We had
scarcely half a crop of apples. The hog killing is about over for
this season. They rated from $5.50 to $7.00 per hundred There was
not a great many sold at the later price. I sold mine last week
at $7.00. There are not many raised for sale hereabouts now. I
have always kept about the usual number from ten to twelve as the
milk always keep them until we begin to fatten, & in this way
they pay as well as any other thing. We have generally about ten
or twelve cows. We sold about 500 dollars worth of them last
year. I keep a regular account of all we sell of the farm &
also all the outlay. I find both amounts to quite a round amount.
If I had it not on black & white before me I would not
believe it myself. The greater part of the butter is engaged by
the year at 25 cents per #. It is a very handy article to market
it is light and ready sale, but it requires strict attention to
carry it on right, and considerable slavery so much harder that
we sometimes talk about quitting it. We have a good deal of out
lay, we have to keep a man all the year. The dairy system however
improves the land & that is my strongest reason for keeping
it. Beef cattle is very high about $6.00 per hun & milk cows
about 30 dollars. Rents is also getting up A good farm will rent
from 6 to 8 dollars an acre.
We have been all favored with good health since I seen you The
children often talk about their cousins who sent them the
presents. We will be expecting to see some of you before a great
while as travelling is done so fast & so easy now & will
be always getting more so.
I think you happened well in getting the land you bought so
convenient to you. We were very glad of it.
We were sorry to learn that the health of your worthy minister
was in such precarious state. We hope the Lord will yet restore
him to health & usefulness among you. I was much pleased to
see the effort you made for foreign missions, especially as I
thought when I was there that there was some among you who were
not very favourable to such projects. It is more blessed to give
than to receive.
Your old friend Mr Reid & family is well & is always
happy to hear of your welfare & Jamie McNair is the old
sixpence so far as it regards his disposition, his health is not
so good he is much afflicted with rheumatism. The church he
belongs to now has got an organ into it & you may be sure
Jamie is sadly galled with that.
In conclusion we wish you & your family a happy new year and
our best wishes for your temporal & eternal wellbeing. For
their mother's sake I would say to your children to remember the
meek & miserable & quiet spirit of her & as they grow
in years may they grow in favour both with God and man.
We had great rains since Christmas, along the creeks & rivers
great damage has been done.
Give our respects to Margaret & husband & aunts Jean
& Janet You will see them often
And now dear brother we must bid you farewell
Alex & Margaret Brown
(On the outside of second sheet is this)
Mr Peter Ralston
Roscoe P O
Winnebago County
Illinois
Kilmaho 6th Dec'r, 1861 [Kilmaho is on A83 about 3.3 mi NW
from Campbeltown]
Dear Brother
As we have wet and stormy weather for some time past, and not
much out work, I thought I would write you a few lines to let you
know that all your mends In this country is enjoying" pretty good
health at present, I was in company with your freinds the Armours
of Rosehill a few days since, they say they are getting along
pretty well, they have been driving a good quantity of potatoes
from the Largie Side for the last eight days, as there is three
vessels at the Quay buying, they are getting £5 per ton,
they expect they will get higher, as they will be very scarce
this season the most part of the farmers will have none to sell
the only farmer about here that will have any quantity for sale
is Mr Snodgrass Clochkeel he will sell about 100 tons and he is
getting above £5 per ton at present, the white crop has
been very bad this last season in general, barley and corn will
average 4 [lb] per bushel lighter than last year some of the
barley is so light they are using it for feeding cattle, price of
barley 251 per boll, oat meal is retailing at 1/l ld per St,
butter 1/ per [lb] the fanners in general has large Stack yards
but far deficient in quantity and quality You will be surprised
to hear of Daniel Gilchrist Balevain losing his farm, as it was
thought he had a good bargain, he was very foolish for some years
past and did not attend his farm his barley when took to town
only weighed 43 [?] per bushel and could not be used for
distilling purposes he is to be rouped out next week, and his
farm is up to let, Semple his Brother in law is offering to pay
his arrears and keep the farm but it is said he will not get it,
John Giichrist was getting on pretty well, but it is thought he
will have a dear bargain with his new tack of the two Balevains,
it is likely mid Craigs will be a letting in a short time as Mr
Hunter the farmer died a few weeks since, he had only 4 or 5 milk
cows and 2 horses on the farm and it was very high rented, there
is a new Laird has bought the farms of Drumore and Craigs with
the large house and garden, Mr Wilson Auchaleek is getting along
pretty [?well] he has got very lame, James does not appear to be
doing any good, he has done nothing on the farm for some years
past, and I may say nothing else I mentioned in my last letter to
William that Mary Harvey was going to get married to a Mr Bell a
supervisor he is expected in Campbn tomorrow night, and it is
likely the marriage will take place in a few days, I thought when
I wrote to William he was a Widower he is a young man and has a
sister keeping house and two boys of a Brother's lodging with
him, I mentioned in my last letter to William of our eldest son
John going to Glasgow to the engineer business, he did not like
Glasgow, and he has come home, and wishes to keep by the Work as
he thinks it much healthier I have not sent Archd' s boy to any
trade he has got a stout boy and is able to work well for his age
he is in the school still, and is a pretty good scholar I was
thinking if he was inclined to go to America he might get on
better than go to a trade in this country, and I will have no use
of him as I will require always a good ploughman, the last day I
was speaking to Alexr Wylie he was wondering very much you did
not send him the Cash, as they are very badly of: they were not
able to pay me any rent last year as they did not get as much as
they expected from America, I heard a letter of Archd Smith's
read a few days since, he speaks very highly of America, you can
let him know that his Father is in his usual way, Robert got his
shoulder blade broke a short time since, but he is getting on
pretty well with best respects to William and family compliments
to James and the rest of the family yours truly
Hugh Ferguson
"Trodigal March 7th 1873
Dear Uncle
It is now some time since I wrote and few lines I in taking the
pen at this time I do so with a heavy heart As in letting you
know of the illnes and death of our dear Brother Peter I feel you
will be sorry as we all are. it may be you have heard already
through some of the friends but I think it proper to let you know
all the more so as he was named after you his Uncle
Dear Peter was in England in the town of Newcastle on Tyne in the
service of Steward McDonald, Glasgow he had been two years in
Newcastle and was getting on well. This last illness began with a
cold which entered his lungs he also had fever all of which ended
in Pulmonary consumption. He lay but on the second of January and
died on the 19th Feb. he sent us word and my wife & sister
Martha & my self went out to see him as the journey was too
long for Mother. When we saw him he was very weak I came home but
left my wife & sister with Peter but as he was getting weaker
I returned again to Newcastle. When it became evident that death
was in the cup I had the hard and trying duty of informing him
which he stood well his mind seemed to be thinking on the surety
We had several very precious conversations he told us he was not
afraid to die that the rock on which he rested was- Ye that
believeth shall be saved. Several passages & hymns I quoted
he finished and was comforted by them Hard as it was to part with
him we felt we could do so in the good will of a happy &
glorious meeting in a better world where the weary are at rest,
where the pilgrims that have laid aside their soiled garments and
be clothed with the glorious apparel of the Saviours
righteousness in that bright land of glory how precious that all
care shall be all yon all trouble shall cease perfect blessedness
shall be the fortune of the redeemed for ever and ever. Dear
uncle why should we grieve for friends lost in Christ they are
not lost only gone a little before. There shall be many happy
meetings in Heaven when all the children shall be brought home.
our sorrow at this painful dispensation is very much relieved by
such thoughts. We took Dear Peter's remains home to Trodigal and
buried him in his fathers grave in Keil, Southend. His body now rests down in
yon quiet resting place we believe awaiting a glorious
resurrection. Our hearts are sad our minds are stunned we shall
never more see his face or grasp his hand. we shall miss
fellowship and friendship but we hope yet to renew it in a much
more blessed place.
Mother is very much saddned by this event but she is wonderfully
upheld God's ways are remarkable his doing often mysterious May
we have grace Still to trust through all events is a trial
I hope your health is keeping good as you are now much advanced
in years. Peter was 26 years of age at his death life was short
humanly speaking Peter has left a sa?vour of good impressions
behind him few young men had got on so well in business his life
was strictly correct his life now closed here is begun we trust
in the land of light I glory to go no more? out.
Mother & wife join me in kind remembrance to all my cousins
and yourself Hoping to hear from you soon. aduie for the
present.
Believe me your affectionate nephew
Andrew
Ralston"
Andrew Ralston information at Wikipedia
(Copy of letter written to Elder Peter Ralston of Roscoe by his nephew Andrew Ralston of Scotland)
Trodigal
Dec 24, 1873
Dear Uncle
Your welcome letter reached me on the 3rd of this month - and was glad to see by it that you were continuing in your usual health which at your age an indeed to us all old or young is a great blessing.
I am happy to say that we all are enjoying good health also and that my mother is keeping well in usual health her pains being not quite so bad these last few weeks. She is taking some medicine which is doing her good. I may mention that you would see by the paper that I sent you lately that my wife has had a little boy on the 19th Nov. and since then both are doing well. (Alexander died 15 months1) This is our first born and we are naming him after my father whose memory we all deeply respect and may this child be a son of God an heir of glory and a blessing to the world and if spared to us may he be a comfort.
As you mentioned in your letter one generation goeth and another cometh. Men die and man still lives reminding us of our mortality and yet what a bright and glorious future all true Christians have when the earthly tabernacle is dissolved. I may mention that Mrs Howie is in her usual her parents well be a great deal the better of he company as the youngest sister is in Glenmore hlack? with her brother Matther keeping house.
Dear Uncle the year is near or close how swiftly they roll by and carry onward to the great end of all. Even at three score and ten life looks short. The past year has had its joys an sorrows its trials and comforts its many changes and yet amid it all our God is unchangeable even in the storms of life he guides the vessel of human affairs to a happy issue.
I wish you a happy new year and may each year as it goes finds us all nearer to God and better prepared to live or die. All the friends are well trusting you are enjoying the same blessings. I remember the tomb at Keil Fathers grave is quite close to the wall of the Laird Ralston's tomb, and a good many relations are buried all around it. May there be many happy and blessed reserections from its silent ashes.
Now good bye with best wishes your affectionate nephew
Andrew Ralston
1 This note seems to have been added by the person making this copy, probably P Wm Ralston.
(Transcribed copy of Alex Brown letter to Peter Ralston, he would be age 83 in June and died in April 1879, age 87.)
College Hill Feby, 14th 1874
My Dear Brother
I have heard of your severe sickness, + have often wished you were within convenient distance that I might visit you and converse of the better land where there is no sickness, and where so many of our dear ones have gone and where they are enjoying the full fruition of their hopes. How delightful to think of these words of out Savior when about to leave his disciples "in my fathers house are many mansions - I go to prepare a place for you - that where I am there you may be also." Well that will be enough to be with Jesus. I think you can rest on his promise and if I go I will come again + take you to myself. We are told that when the poor good man did he was carried by angels into Abraham bosom, In the one case we are told that Jesus will come for us + in the other that He will send his angels. We will be safe either way + the landing place the same, "The Heavenly House.'
But I have not heard of the nature of your sickness, whether you are racked with pain, + the earthly tabernacle is racking + reeling, or whether it may be the gentle loosing of the " fears", of one, who his four score years to remind him that "this is not your rest."
Blessed are they who endure The Lord has given you a long lease of good health above many others, and now I hope you can say with a spirit of submission "It is the Lord let Him do what's made good in his sight."
I noticed with great satisfaction to me when I was there that conversation was heavenward, that there was a general feeling for spiritual things and I am sure now in your affliction your mind will cling fasten to the object of your faith "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today + forever." An unchanging forever able to save to the uttermost and who has said I will never leave thee nor forsake thee. A precious promise in our extra nineties. I trust you can rely on these precious promises of which the bible is full + which is so cheering to the believer because directed to all our wants.
I hope your sickness will not be unto death but that you will be spared + recover strength that you may ??? by your example, the gospel to others + be a comfort to your children.
Margaret + I have often regretted the short time we had at your home. It was not for want of a will, but was prevented by circumstances over which we could not overcome. But the short time we had, was by us much enjoyed. I have no doubt but you are well cared for by Thomas + family, as you are surrounded by the second generation. Margaret joins in love to you + Thomas and family + Janet. And nor Dear Bro. praying that the Lord may be with y + bless you, and cause the light of his countenance to shine upon you + give you peace. Peace that floweth like river.
I remain your Brother
Alex Brown
Typed copy of an 1874 letter to GGGrandfather Peter Ralston in Illinois, written by John Fleming in Belfast to his Grandfather Peter Ralston in Harlem Township, Illinois.
When GGGF Peter and his family left for America, their oldest child, Elizabeth married William Fleming and remained behind, this is a letter from her son.)Belfast 29th May 1874
Dear Grandfather,
It is now a considerable time since I wrote you last, but as there was little news of any importance I still delayed- we are all in good health and getting along in the usual way Jeanie has got to be head Mistress of a School in town which increases her salary??. We were glad to hear by your last letter that yourself and all the rest of the friends are in good health.
My sisters are wondering that they had no letter from their cousins but I suppose they are something like ourselves not having much to speak about.
I was in Campbeltown for a short time this last Sumer. W Mitchell that is now in Belivain took me a jaunt for a day down by Trodigal and his fathers in Dalivadey
We went by Kilkenzie by the shore to Trodigal and saw Andrews young wife. She seems to be rather a genteel person. The people say that she is not what a farmer's wife should be however she seemed to me to be a smart decent woman although she is not acquainted with Farming. They have a fine steading of houses in their farm. I went from that to W Samuel Mitchels that used to be in his straw but now of Dalivadey. I got my diner there and was treated very kindly by him, he tells me that he remembers you quite well. He is a very manly man about Campbeltown as he attends the farmers society meetings and such like gatherings and gives occasionally little humorous speeches. He also has got a very fine steading of houses almost new. They are still better than Trodigal houses I see by the papers that trade in the States just now is very dull is not brisk hear either. The mills in this town are working on short time. Linen manufacture being the principle trade of Belfast- and as a great deal of it goes to America you will see how the panic in the States effects this market. Farmers produce hear just now is considered dear. Wheat is selling at about £13 per ton Oats from £9 to £10 hay is away about £6- Indian corn is about £10
- I think I have but little more news of any consequence. Give our best wishes to all our friends we will be glad to hear from any of them any time they might have the leisure- I hope this will find yourself in good health.
I remain
Dear Grandfather
Your Grandson
John Fleming
"Belfast 2nd Jany 1882
Dear Cousin
I received your letter with check and forms to be signed by us
which hase been done and in sent back. I am sure you are glad
that you have got the business wound up- all I can do is to thank
you for your trouble and attention
We are always glad to hear from the friends that they are keeping
in good health and was pleased to notice that is was so in your
last letter-
We are all in good health ourselves and getting along in our
usual way-
We are now in the midst of a very severe winter hardly any snow
or frost but plenty of wind and rain-
There hase been a very grate loss of life amongst shipping-
wrecks hase been very numerous-
Trade hear is improving fast and people are now in much better
health as prospects are much brighter-
Since I wrote you last we have had grate comotion amongst the
Farmers. Government last Sesion passed an act for the purpose of
improving the condition of Farmers- Comisioners are now getting
heavy complaints and are in at least the grate majority of
applications reducing the rents 1/4 and in some cases to 1/2 of
the former rent I do not know whether this procedure will pasify
the farmers or not for there is a class in this country who do
not wish to be satisfied
I do not know what the people about your district think of the
proceedings at the trial of President Lincoln's assasian in this
country it is thought that the proceedings is a scandel If he had
committed the same offence in England two days trial at most
would have settled the case he seems to be very impudent
scoundrel
Give our respects to your mother & sisters wishing you all a
very Happy new Year
I will be very glad to hear from you soon again
I am your Cousin,
John Fleming"