Martha Schofield letter to Sadie Brouwer Bartram

Erminridge- [Underlined:[February] 1st] 1864

My own wife-

I have a little time and
will begin a letter to thee on this the anniversary
of my birth-day. Thoughts have crowded upon
me and the unanswered question has been, what has
all this time been worth? what [underlined:is] the [underlined:record] in that
imperishable book upon which every thought and
deed has left some trace- I cannot channge the past,
but I trust I may so live in the future, that the
[underlined:opportunities] for doing good may not be passed by,
and no duty unfulfilled.

I was [underlined: very glad] to get thy
letter, so nice & long that I am quite ashamed to send
my poor serials, but my darling knows I will write
[underlined: whenever I can], that I would do so a great deal, only
there are so many things to see to-; and I quite
neglected some of my correspondents, I have not
written to Edward since my return-;and have not
sent that long talked of letter to Ellie Satterthwaite.
Besides, these my step grandmother has been

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sick, and Ma says I ought to write to her.
Then I have a dear friend-(Maggie Youlke)
who lost a sister a few weeks ago, and I
must send her my sympathy_.

I think perhaps it might
be a benefit to Emily if thee was to tell her how
[underlined:much] her example could be to her brother, perhaps
she has not [underlined:seen] it, & does not think that she can
influence him more now than in coming years_.
I do [underlined: think of] you a great deal the evening of the
[underlined: Sociables] and would be very glad to meet you
again_ Give my kindest remembrances to Steve when
thee sees him, and oh! Sadie do be a friend to him,
I have much interest in his welfare because I see
so plainly what he [underlined:needs], and I know what there
is to work on_.I am in hopes John & Nellie will
both overlook and forgive little unpleasant occurrences
that begin the breach in separation, so
often causing unkind feelings_. I suppose she
has gone home; & for Louisa's sake I hope
they parted as [underlined:friends]. I am sincerely glad
that Jim and Em have come together pleasantly
again, poor child, she often gets in trouble-
What use was there I dont know?

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I quite want to know how your surprise
party came off_. I think such social companies
so long as they are kept within bounds
are very nice, they will help keep your young
men from going to worse places, and no harm
will be the result if conducted properly_.
I was surprised to hear that thy cousin
"Jordie" had kept his promise, did thee mean he
had not smoked since? I thought he made it
in fun, but if he [underlined:does] keep it if he resists the
temptation and keeps from his bad habit, I know
the time [underlined:will] come, when he will be glad of it.
It was not for my sake I asked it, for I am nothing
to him, but for [underlined: his own]. Young men begin the
habit with eyes blinded so they do not see, till
[underlined:too late], that it effects their physical and
mental powers, of course those who use it argue
differently, but he or I never saw the man of
sense that advised any one to begin it, and
nearly all wish they were free from it_ If gentleman
can become more refined, more elevated,
more truly a [underlined:man], when he meets the temptation
with a strong moral courage, and
resists it with pure and firm principles.

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When he made that promise I wondered if
he meant it to be sincere_ Lightly, gayly
was it spoken, [underlined: I hoped] it would be in
earnest, and I [underlined: honor, I respect] him for keeping
it, more than all I am thankful that he
has had [underlined:strength] to be true to his word- I
admire and reverence that quality in man
which will lead him straight onward in the
path he believes right, uninfluenced by the
motley throng that would turn him aside-
He certainly deserves the new cent, and I
will keep my part of the contract as soon as I
can get one, it will be but a slight reward,
and if it were in my power I would do much
more to repay him_. His greatest recompense
will be in his own heart, knowing he has kept
his word, and in the pleasure his beloved Father
will feel when he knows his precious son is
trying to break from a habit, which might
be injurious to him_. I am almost certain
the parents of such a son would be proud to
know he was not addicted to the practice
so common among all young men_.
Well really how I have seen on, thee will

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[Underlined: [Number] 2.]
think I am going [underlined: most too far about]
the young man_. But thee knows darling
whatever [underlined:thee] loves, [underlined:I] love, whatever [underlined:]thee is
interested in, [underlined:I am], and I know those three
young men are subject of many an anxious
thought in thy pure heart, thee [underlined: dotes on them]
"and so do I," or rather I am interested in their
welfare and happiness- Jim and George equaly
as well, but I stand in kind of [underlined:awe] before
them, while I veryily believe I could say almost
anything to "Jordie", He is younger, and must
know I have no other object than to be his
friend-, a true friend I would be [inserted:to] all-. They
were always kind to me and I am greatly indebted
to them- If I paid too much, [crossed out: keep]
please tell me so, [underlined: do not let them think] I
am devoid of womanly modesty-. Tell Jordie
I fully appreciate, and think him very [underlined: deserving]
of the slight reward in my power to give-
Was there any stated time at which I was
to give it? if so please inform me and
I will keep my promise_. I wish they made
[underlined:gold] ones, the most [underlined: precious metal would not be (inserted:too) good].

[crosshatched writing on the left]
Buches sermon was
splendid

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I was astonished and very sorry that
Marianna allows herself to become a
subject of remark_. and sorry for George's
sake that she does not know that at
her door may be laid, evil influences
that she has exerted over others, perhaps
she does not feel the great responsibility
resting upon her, but such as she, that
move much in society and have the
power to facinate young hearts, should
mark well their course, and always
endeavor to bring her conduct under the
rules of right and principle_ After all
perhaps she does not know [underlined:better]
so many will not learn from the lessons
that are all around their paths, they
will not see the many warnings that
are given by others turning from
the strict walks of propriety & truth_.
I guess too this will wear off in time &
both will laugh at the folly- perhaps
there will be no harm done in either side.

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[underlined:3rd] day evening-
Yesterday morning Parent went to Concord
to Quartley [Meeting]_. Lide & I had a quiet
cozy, lazy day to ourselves, reading talking
etc. Aunt Jane is very anxious to see me &
sends word I [underlined:must] go up-, but I have no
prospect at present as they cannot spare me
from home-, our girl is getting well again
it was a slight case-. Thy but have
not troubled me so much during the lively
weather, & the other day a young gent I know
that has a drug store sent me one of his
liniments which [underlined: he thinks] will help me,
I am trying it today but have ay little hope,
take medicine all the time from [Doctor?] Jones_.
It is very strange your Intelligence
did not come I sent word to the Publisher
& you will certainly get soon- too bad-.
George Heacock and Lizzie were out
first day, we had a real nice visit
from them_. They are such a loving
happy couple I love to see them.

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Tell Jordie I have not yet heard from
"Attie" yet expect to soon-
Parents came home to-night and all
have gone to bed it is nearly 11 and I
am tired & cannot write much more_.
Do not be discouraged about thy Father
dear child, tell me all thy troubles-let
me help thee hear them_.
I am very sorry we did not get to see
Anna Barnes again, I love her very
much: poor & [?] how sad it would
be if she was taken_. We have just heard
that Hector [Lorn's?] sister has lost her
husband, three children & oldest only [underlined:4].
their are way out in Minesota, away
from relatives-. Well precious one I
must close this hasty serial, remember
I am [underlined: always glad to hear] from thee-
Do give much love to thy Mother & thank
her for the many acts of kindness
shown me_. I send two puzzles
which may interest you, read
them if you can & report the answers.
Excuse haste, love to all and write
soon yet do not look too much for a
letter from thy own true one Mart.

[Crosshatched writing on the left side]

[underlined: don't be enchanted] with the [underlined:drawing] on [underlined:the puzzle]

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[Envelope Writing]

Dary [PA]
[?] [?] 3

[underlined: [February] 1st 1864

Miss Sadie M. Brouwer
[Number] 67 Carrot [Street]
Brooklyn
[Underlined: New York]