Letter from John Boyd to his brother - dated St. Louis, June 17, 1853
as transcribed by Bob Palme 1978
Dear Brother:
We arrived at this place on last evening after a very pleasant passage down the Ohio and up the Mississippi. We found the Ohio very low and at times it seemed almost impossible for us to get along. We were extremely fortunate in our selection of a boat. Although a small boat, we had very good fare and kind treatment from those in charge of the boat. We passed a number of boats almost on dry land. If this dry weather should continue, the Ohio will be almost impassible. After leaving Cincinnati we had better water and got along with less difficulty. In Louisville where we took an omnibus for a point below the falls we took passage on board the Telegraph No. 2 for St Louis. When we were leaving the Ohio for the Mississippi our boat struck a sand bar which unshipped our rudder and obliged the pilot to have the boat managed entirely by the engine. The Mississippi is very high--- they say 25 feet above the low water mark and the current is running like a small fall. They say after leaving the mouth of the Mississippi we will find the river not so high. We have taken passage on board of the Goddess Eva and will start this afternoon for Keithsburg at which place we will arrive on Sunday morning next if nothing should occur to prevent. I think upon the whole we have great cause to be thankful for our safe and speedy arrival so far. So many persons perhaps more deserving than we have been left sticking by the wayside that started before us.
We have been delighted with our trip so far meeting a great many most estimable people and several of them from Philadelphia seeking homes as we are in the west and among them a young man by the name of John Lee, lately a clerk in the employ of Wise, Perry & Wise. He takes his wife and two children with him and some household goods. His place of destination is Muscatine, Ioway. I believe I told you that our goods had been forwarded from Pittsburg and when I next got scent of them by a boat coming up the river that she was aground about 200 miles below so you may think I was a little anxious until we arrived there. But we found she had been got off and was on her way down the river. When we arrived at the mouth of the Ohio we found that she had gone up the Mississippi and, of course, had plenty of water. This morning I went out and found the consignment and was told that the goods had been shipped on on board of the Bruisiette and will start this day for Keithsburg and will arrive about the time that we will. The consignee said they arrived in good order at St. Louis. Expenses so far $47.30 and will be increased about $7.50 more which will make the whole $52.80. The consignee says he thinks they have been shipped as cheap as any lot of goods he ever had anything to do with. Frate must go up very much after this as long as the Ohio continues so low. I would like when you get to Phila you would call on Cabeen & Co. Tell them you have heard from us and that we are all well and like our trip so far very much and hope we will continue to do so and be favored with our usual good health and then I think we all will have cause to be well satisfied.
The Captain of this boat is well acquainted with Cyrus and Mary A. He says he went up with him a few weeks ago. I hope you are all well. How is Mary Ann? Tell her we often think of her and hope she is better and will continue to improve. All the family joins in sending their love to her. Tell her how much we all love her and how deeply we sympathize with her and all of you in her suffering and do hope and most sincerely pray that she will soon be restored again to herself and friends is our most heartfelt desire and prayer. How is little Lilly; Kate and Anna? How often I think of them. How much I love the little things. They feel near and dear to me as do you one and all. How we would, after we once get settled, like to see you one and all out here. Do write and tell me all the news. Remember us most affectionately to all of friend Warner's family. How much we have sympathized with them in their affliction. I hope dear Mary will be sustained in her most trying affliction. Remember us to David Swan's and family. Tell Joseph Robinson how we are getting along and would recommend him to come out to this country if he thinks he and his wife would be likely to be satisfied after they get out to the west. And to never think of coming without his better half would be well satisfied after she would arrive. Give our love to all of our relation and receive a full share to yourself and in conclusion I remain as ever your affectionate Brother,
John Boyd
If you should write to Lib tell her you have heard from us and all send our love to her and hope she will try and improve every opportunity that she has.
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