Van Valkenburgh, Loty, fl. 1848 to Franklin Butler Van Valkenburgh

Written to Frank when he was 13 years old by his sister Loty who seems to be somewhere in the western part of the South. Frank is referred to as "Master" in the address. Frank is separated from his family (GLC00686.19 says he is at "the Academy") and Loty is writing him to alleviate his loneliness. Loty seems to have been married recently and writes of understanding about homesickness: she says "I have learned that contentment is the only true happiness." Goes into further reminisces about her old home. Mentions that the church is 6 miles away and that services are only every other week. Says the Sabbath is not as strict where she is than it was in New York. Tells him that "Last week the negroes all come down to the receive their winter clothing, which is all made up for them, and such a group you would have been amused to see - of every name you can imagine, prefixed by such adjectives as big, and little, white, and yellow to distinguish them - The quarters are but a little way off I have been there a number of times - They are framed houses with brick floors, a perfect little village." Goes on to further describe the slave quarters. Says a neighbor near her has raised 800 turkeys. Goes into crops on the farm. Reports that "They are all Whigs here" and await results from the election. Written from "Beverly," with no state listed.