PHILLY-ROOTS-L Archives

From: "Shelley Cardiel" <>
Subject: [PHLY-RTS] LITTLE Family Letter
Date: Wed, 3 Mar 2004 21:10:58 -0800

I've "rescued" an old letter written by Mrs. Sarah HARRIS of Brooklyn, New
York, addressed to Mr. William LITTLE of 62 Vine Street, Philadelphia. The
letter appears to have been written January 31, 1808 and notes that Mrs.
HARRIS is 74 years old at the time. The information contained in the letter
is as follows:

Dear Lady L-

I recd yours of the 25 which gave me great pleasure. I had long lookd for
a few lines from you, for I had almost began to think of the old proverb out
of sight out of mind, but when you appeard before me in a white sheet and
in so pittiful a strain conferd all. I gave you absolution in less time
then any Roman Pontiff you was ever confert by before that we was all very
glad to here from you and your other halfe. I need hardly tell you your
good Mother and kind Aunt likewise we was pleasd to here from you and pray
have the goodness to say we send our love to you all when I say we I mean
our group five in number. I waited on William BIRDSALL, he told me the
busness was not settled it had been misrepresented to you , the man was put
in confinment and to pay a certain sum monthly, but after staying there a
considerable time and months past and no pay it was thought best to release
him two months agoe tho she has not been hid away more then three three
months. Eliz FITUS was buried about ten days agoe all the rest of the
family is well and desires their love to you. Ann NILSON has been on a
visit to her Grandmothers for some time when the returng I will deliver
your message. The Miss COOPER is well and was glad to hear from you. Your
old acquaintance, or rather your empty house acquaintance was joind in the
holy banns of wedlock on Monday night last. On Wednesday night the brought
forth her first born son but it did not belong to the (hole in paper) yard,
the father is a William EARL from (hole in paper) very handsom young man and
of a good family he is a Limner so he made a likeness. I sincerely do I
hope he may have a premium from our generous congress for giting children in
such you will find a hearly welcome in the bargain if you should ever meet
with Mrs. LATTEMORE give our love to her and say Mrs. MILLER often talks of
other times. May God bless you and yours is the lone ear wish of your
esteemd friend Sarah HARRIS

Based on limited research I'm wondering if Mr. William LITTLE might be
William Coffin LITTLE b. 7 Apr 1771 in Amesbury, MA, the son of William
Coffin LITTLE & Mary Kendrick ROWELL, married to Charlotte PICKER, and d. 2
Aug 1836 in Philadelphia, PA. I'm hoping to locate someone from one of
these families so that this precious old letter can be returned to the care
of family.

If you are a member of the family or know someone who might be, please
contact me.

Thanks,
Shelley

This thread:

• [PHLY-RTS] LITTLE Family Letter by "Shelley Cardiel" <>