Early 1860s – A letter from “N. M. G.”. to a friend, Clarissa, describing Yalesville, Connecticut social life including an emotional but non-sexual sleeping relationship with a friend, Ollie
Yalesville, Connecticut: Early 1860s. This three-page letter is datelined “Yalesville, August.” It was written in a female hand by “N.M.G.” and the content also suggests the writer was a young woman. It is enclosed in an enveloped franked with a 3-cent Washington stamp that bears a circular Wallingford, Connecticut post mark dated August 9. This stamp’s use was ubiquitous during the Civil War, between 1861 and 1865. In nice shape.
The letter reads in part:
“Ant Min has gone to West Haven to stay 4 days. Narrissa Dixon is staying with me last night all the boys and girls came down and we had quite a little party had a bully time you know what that is.
“Mary Dixon has gone to Mass, so poor George may never see her again she has gone with James to work in the shop in Shelbern (Shelburne) Falls. . ..
“I have got some bully poetry to show you when you come I come home it is not fit for a hog to read but never mind we like poetry . . .
“Have you got work in the shop now I hired out to Isaac Geralds in the spoon shop . . .
“You ask me if I had a good time sleeping with Ollie’s shirt – I finely did not sleep with it for it would be nothing but an aggravation, don’t you think so, I had rather sleep with him a darn sight for he is as gentle and harmless as a lamb I know he is by sad experience he is purity in my eye you know what that is well I guess I have written enough of this foolish nonsense & will tell you the rest when I come. . ..
“I went out to Bethany after berries [with] Ellen Geralds, and Mrs J. & Lenay Allen and Ella Andres Alic A & Ollie and Topsy Garrie we had a first rate time. . ..
“I have a good will to say s—t for it has commence to rain and I want to go off hooking apples to night. . .. I will send some when I hook them and Ollie’s a good boy he bringed me his pocketful of peaches last night don’t you wish you was me.”. Item #010658
It’s possible that N.M.G. might have been a young man, but that would only serve to make a loving, but unconsummated relationship with Ollie more interesting.
Regardless, this letter provides a fascinating description of the social life of young New Englanders who could not have cared less about the Civil War that was tearing the country apart.
Price: $150.00