The following letter was initiated by 13 year-old Charles (“Charley”) H. Morrison (1848-1868), the son of Calvin Morrison (1812-Aft1880) and Ann Maria Dodge (1822-1903) of Charlestown, Middlesex county, Massachusetts. It was concluded by Charley’s mother, Ann. Also mentioned in the letter is Charley’s older brother, James “Roscoe” Morrison (b. 1842). Charley’s father was employed as a teamster in Charlestown in 1860. According to Massachusetts Death Records, Charley died of consumption in 1868.

Charley wrote the letter to his friend, Timothy Chase.

Transcription

Charlestown [Massachusetts]
April 11th [1862]

Dear Timmie,

It has been a long time since I wrote you last and the only reason was that I have had no time. Rosco has just gone into trade and I have to stay with him all the time. I got out of school. It is a fine day here. There has been a man just throwed out of his wagon. They have carried him into the Apothecary’s Shop.

How does Freddie get along with his school? Has he taken his Father’s razor since he cut his chin? Have you been a gunning since you wrote me? I went out last Saturday but did not shoot much. It was so cold we built a fire and warmed ourselves and fired at a target. I was so hungry that I almost died. You wrote me in your last letter that you wanted me to write about my company. We drill often. You come up and see how fine we drill.

April 16, 1862

Dear Timmie,

It has been so long since Charley wrote you. I will finish this as he has met with a sad accident and can’t write. He commenced this last Friday and in the evening he went out on a horseback ride. The horse took fright and run away, threw him off, struck the back of his head on the pavements, cut a gash an inch and a half, when the horse went over him, cut his face badly across the eyebrow and cheek. He has no pain but it obliged to keep still (so much for disobedience).

I see by your letters you are a good smart boy and quite a help in the office—a good trade for you. We are all glad to hear you talk of coming up this summer. Hope you won’t take it out in talk as usual. Write soon. If Charley can’t answer more prompletly, I will. Affectionately yours, — A. Morrison

Mrs. Chase, what are you doing cleaning house? So am I. There is nothing in place in this house. I have got the painters, paper man and white washer, but never mind. I shall soon get settled again and be ready to receive you at any moment. Mr. and Mrs. Cary have been here two weeks. Returned home Saturday. I should feel lonesome if I had time to. Tell Fred to come in Mors house, drink tea and coffee. I shall expect you for there is nothing to prevent you. Let me know when you will come and what way so I can meet you. It is dinner time. I must close hoping to see you soon. Love to all. Yours truly, — A. Morrison