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Lowell History: Mill Management Letters

James Ayer September 9, 1823

Lowell Historical Society

Letter from James Hasen Brickett Ayer1 to Fanny Ayer          

Chelmsford2 June 9th, 1823

My Dear Wife,

            This is the first [----] time I have had to write since receiving your last letter. I have looked for you here till I have almost given given up the idea of your coming & why you have not written again I am at a loss to know. I shall expect a half a dozen letters from you, for every one I write you, you mentioned in your last letter that you talked of going to Haverhill. I have not heard whether you have gone. rec’d a letter from your father a few days since, was glad to hear your mother went to Boston with him. Was sorry they did not come to Chelmsford. Mrs. Hoyt has removed here & has a number of boarders. I shall look a little longer for you to come here, but I fear in vain, as you have already talked about it so long. 

should you come wish you to bring such things as you think I may want. I am very well & so black you would hardly know me. Take good care of A. Elizabeth tell her I shall come home and see her as soon as I can, when that will be I dont know. I have so much lumber to measure & take care of that I cannot leave it at present. I have surveyed about 300,000 feet already & there is nearly 200,000 feet come down which is not yet surveyed & this is not one half that we shall have this season. Mr. Worthen’s House & barn are up & will soon be finished. Write by mail when you have not a convenient opportunity send your letter.

           Your affectionate, 
            J.H.B. Ayer

[On envelope]

Mrs. Fanny Ayer 
Salisbury, Mass.

1 James Hazen Brickett Ayer b: 1788, MA d: 1864, MA; employed: Paymaster for the Locks and Canals Company; political service: Alderman and later Mayor of Lowell. 
2 Chelmsford, Massachusetts – 1826 became Lowell, Massachusetts. 

James Ayer July 14, 1823

Lowell Historical Society

Letter from James Hasen Brickett Ayer1 to Fanny Ayer        

Chelmsford2 July 14 1823

My Dear Wife,

            I have only time to inform you that I arrived here safely on the evening of the day I left you at Haverhill found Mr. Worthen’s family well, entered on my usual course of business the next day, enjoy my usual good health, business plenty. You will see that the bearer, Mr. Boutelle has all necessary attention & [----] present afforded him while at fathers. Write by him if he returns that day.

            Remember me to Father Mother, sisters, Brothers & all Friends, in great haste.

           Affectionately yours’ 
            J.H.B. Ayer

[On envelope]

Mrs. Fanny Ayer 
Haverhill, 
Mass.

To the care of James Ayer, Jr. Esq.

1 James Hazen Brickett Ayer b: 1788, MA d: 1864, MA; employed: Paymaster for the Locks and Canals Company; political service: Alderman and later Mayor of Lowell. 
2 Chelmsford, Massachusetts – 1826 became Lowell, Massachusetts.