Hello List, I've enjoyed following the series of letters that have been posted recently. Even though they're not my family, it is interesting to get a first-hand account of life in a particular family, time, and place. This inspired me to post some of the Hall family letters, written in the 1860s-1881. The Hall family lived on a farm at Stowell's Corners in Hounsfield, Jefferson County, NY. The letters are also posted with more Hall information on my web site at http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~khokkanen/hall/ (1) Letter from Ira Hall, Sr., Stowell's Corners, Jefferson County, NY, to his son Ira Hall, Jr., Gloucester, MA, June 30th, 1863. Envelope addressed to: "Ira Hall Jun., Gloucester, Mass." A note scribbled at the bottom of the original envelope says "Ira Hall Jun has gone out on a fishing cruise P.M. will return it till the craft can"... [paper torn]. Stowel's Corners, Jeffs Co. NY June 30th 1863 My Dear Son Ira, I would inform you that we received your letters and were much gratified to hear from you. We hope that your health will improve, but we have been some afraid that your vessel will be taken and burned by the rebel [privateers?] but we hope not, we have heard of several being taken and burned since you left the port of Gloucester. I would inform you that we are all able to attend to our business concerns although my health for a fortnight past has not been as good as usual. There is not any especial news in this section except war news. Rufus Maxon got very badly hurt about the time you set sail, he was at M.L. Ward's to assist in raising his new house, one of the beams in the second floor broke and let him down with five or six others as I understood, hurt the others some but not so bad as Rufus was, it was a great wonder that it did not kill some. Rufus is improving some but it will be considerable time before he will entirely recover from his injury if he ever does. The weather here is now very warm and the crops are growing very finely, we have had rains plenty since you left. --Your aunt Susan [___?] and Frankie are here from Cleveland, Ohio. They have been in Potsdam. We expect Edwin [ed. note: Ira Sr.'s son] home in a few days, probably he will be at home before the first of July. The [35th] Reg of N.Y.V. have got their discharge from the [Army] and have come home, and some have already enlisted again. John Haddock for one, [Borbee?] formerly of the 94th Reg. They have gone to the war, which is now nearer than when you left home. Tell Reuben that cheese is up to $11 and 11 1/2 dolls per [--?]. Joel [ed. note: Ira Sr.'s oldest son] has agreed with [--?] Morrisson to make up his milk and has been delivering it for some time past. Tell Reuben [ed. note: Ira Sr.'s nephew] that I will write him soon if I am well enough my health is not very good just now. Reynolds that belonged to the 35th Reg has got back from the war and is about establishing a law office in the Village of Watertown again. There is now exciting war news, the Rebels are in Pennsylvania now ravaging the country taking all the horses and cattle that they can get. There has been One hundred thousand militia recently called for, there has been a great gone from this State. 50000 called in State of Pa. [R--?] has had another fight with Bragg's army and has driven I suppose like chaff before the wind. Vicksburgh has not fallen or surrendered yet that we have heard, but Grant is besieging it severely, it must soon give up. Gen. Banks is still besieging Port Hudson, but enough of this at present. Write soon after receiving this. Yours with Paternal regard, Ira Hall --------- Posted by Kelly Hokkanen.