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1983.030.0114
Letters – Ranger Family
Green Port July 3d 1839
My Dear Sir
By your request I write to you touching the disposall of the Letter
enclosing ten Dollars to your Sister of which I was privileged to be the bearer. After my arrival
in Green Port I made a hasty visit to the Fire Place and returned to this place to await letters from
home, and in consequence of the shortness of my tarry on the South side did not repair to North
West. Since then I have made an excursion to the Fire-Place and purposed visiting your Sister,
but received intelligence from her that she would be at Uncle Williams in a few days. I did not
go over in consequence but waited for her arrival until Saturday last, but was disappointed of
seeing her. She was unable to come over but Sylvester came and I deposited the letter and money
in his hands.
From him I learned that your Sister does not live with Mrs Samuel Ranger but with
Alfred. She does not enjoy firm health but is better situated as to the comforts of life than she has
been for some years though she works hard, and Sylvester said needed assistance.
The rest of your friends are usually well. Two of Mr S.R's daughters the one who has
been so long sick and the next in age are gone to Plattesburgh on a visit. Perhaps they may call
upon you on their route.
Deacon Sherry of East Hampton died recently at the advanced age of 99. Judge Conklin for some
time a Senator of our State and quite a prominent man in Buffalo deceased last week. [Gun?]
Miller of East Hampton is also dead. I have heard of no other deaths in that town.
You were speaking the evening before my leaving Glens Falls of the distances of
different places on the Island and requested me to ascertain. Uncle Wm. assured me that is 8
miles from the Fire Place to your former residence the homestead –
and 5 from there to the
Harbor.
East Hampton of late years has been subjected to the spirit of innovation. Some new and
really handsome dwellings have been erected in Town Street – the piles of woods which were
formerly stationed as sentinels at the front of every dwelling have been thrown behind the
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premises and fences erected in front. But [?] this was not effected without much grumbling, and
the exhibiting of decided obstinacy from some. The burial ground at the south end of the street is
now very handsomely enclosed, but that in the Hook remains as of old a standing reproach upon
the good people who for the most part are contented to think and do as their fathers did before
them. The geese are still allowed to carpet the streets and so long as feathers are in good demand
at E.H will probably hold indisputable sway of the public road.
The character of Sag Harbor has not improved since I visited the place in comparison of the
influx of foreigners chiefly Portuguese attracted thither by the whaling business, which alone
gives life to the Town. Green Park is Stationary and will be until more ships are fitted out here,
which will probably be the case next season should those now in the business return with full
cargos.
I am expecting to sail hence for the South Atlantic the 15th inst. in the Roanoke, commanded by
Nathaniel Case. The vessel will probably be absent but one year, We sail from this port to the
Azores for provisioning and then repair to the ground of our destination. I am busily occupied in
my arrangements and hope to return to the circle of my friends in amended health. I am so far
from regretting my decision to [?] the efficacy of a voyage that it would be with extreme
reluctance that I could abandon it.
You will not fail to present me to all your family and assure them of the regards and affection
which I cherish for them individually. For yourself Dear sir accept the best wishes of my heart
that your future days on earth may be passed in tranquility and your last hour cheered by the
hope of a blessed immortality. In bidding you adieu, it may be the last, but may Heaven grant
that the sunset of life to us, may be the dawn of an endless morning, where ties are never
sundered.
Most Respectfully Yours
H.M Parsons