Forrest, Ralston S. (fl. 1853) To James M. Maitland
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.10.003 Author/Creator: Forrest, Ralston S. (fl. 1853) Place Written: Parkesburg, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 3 May 1853 Pagination: 4 p. ; 25 x 39 cm. Order a Copy
Addresses note "Dear Sir," and gives a brief synopsis of his life for the past four years. Details that in the winter of 1841 "at the obligation of my Father" he attended the "Howard Academy" in Rockville, and after making great scholastic progress decided that he would like to take charge of a public school, so that he could teach and continue his studies. However, "my duties as a teacher began to increase to such an extent that the whole of my time was occupied with my classes consequently leaving me no time to study." He then decided that he should move to California, but instead, due to encouragement from friends, went into the mercantile business. Also reports to James that "there have been some changes in the family since you were arranged I presume," noting that "Brothers Grier & James and sister Sarah J. have been married, and also a Stepmother has been brought to the old domicil." Remarks that his family farm is doing well.
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