ST-DENIS/PRIDDLE:  The above extract illustrates the importance of being able to read cursive script, or the handwriting of our ancestors.  Written by Sarah Priddle (1829-1868) to her Johnson brothers in Hamilton, Ontario, it provides valuable insight into the family’s state of affairs in November of 1853.  It also reveals the limited degree of Sarah’s education, which she received in England.

A transcription of the entire letter follows below.

Port Burwell Nov 16 1853

My dear Brothers

I received your kind Letter quite safe with the money[,] which we are much [obliged] to you for[.]  [T]hat is all you are due [owe] us[.]  [I] think we shall be able to do a [favour] for you [someday.]  I am very [sorry] about your eye[.]  [I] hope you will [seek some medical] advice about it[,] as the eye is such a [critical] thing to be [trifled] with[.]  [I wish] you [were] near us as I [often] think how you [are able to] get along without poor Mother[.]  Give my Love to Henry[.]  John [gives] his Love to you [both] and he [hopes] you will keep your [promise] about coming to see us[.]  I have got a Letter from Lucy this Last week[.]  [S]he [has] been sick[.]  [S]he has had the dropsy[,] but she says [fortunately] for her their Landlady has an [excellent] [recipe?] and she [is quite] free [recovered] from it[.]  [H]er Legs [were dreadfully] swelled [swollen.]  [Y]ou did not say [whether] Nick was with you[.]  [Write] as soon as you can and Let me know how your eye is[,] or if you can’t write I hope Henry will[.]  [I] shall write again as soon as we can [secure] that Land as it will be quite a [fortune?] for us as Land is [rising in price] so much[.]  [H]aving no more to say at [present] as I wrote so [lately] with my Love to you and best wishes[,] I remain your

affectionate Sister S[arah] P[riddle]

Write soon