1859 East Boston Letter Sudden Deaths, Finger Amputation, Religious, Historical

This authentic 1859 handwritten letter from Sally Fletcher in East Boston offers a vivid glimpse into family life, sudden tragedy, and religious reflections in pre-Civil War America. Key highlights include:

• Accounts of sudden deaths in Boston, with several found dead in beds
• A vivid description of Sister Towle’s finger amputation after a fall, including medical details and recovery
• News of Nathaniel’s religious conversion and expressions of Christian faith and hope
• Mentions of local individuals, including Martha Robertson, Henry Knott, and Gitman, a lumberman called to preach the Gospel
• A poignant message from a mother hoping to visit Amherst in the summer, sharing news of family health and local events
• The doctor’s charge of $66 with $10 for the actual finger amputation is noted in the closing lines

This letter captures the blend of hardship, faith, and resilience typical of the era. Written in neat cursive and preserved in its original folded form, it’s a valuable piece for collectors of ephemera, genealogy enthusiasts, or history buffs interested in Boston’s past.

NOTE: This lot includes only the letter. No envelope is included. It will be shipped in its folded state.