Letter from Phebe Whittemore Carter Woodruff, 6 December 1840
N. Y. Citty
Dear Willford
I presume you will be somewhat surprised
when you learn where this letter was written but perhapse not more
than I was when I went to my door in Iowa and saw brother
J. F. Carter and L. Scammans ride up to the door I could hard think
it possible that they could be there but truly strange things happen in
these last days, they came on to see the country and stoped with me about
6 days and insisted on my accompanying them home and spending the
winter at home and then if I wished I could return with you in
the spring so we left Montrose on the 16 of Nov. and arrived here yester-
day we have had a good and safe passage thus far and tolerable good health.
our dear little babe was some unwell two or thre days with the chills and
fever but I procured some of the tonic mixture and gave him and it helped
him so he is quite smart now. My health is good accepting some cold occasioned
by traveling. I hope to be comfortably situated in my fathers house before you re-
ceive this as we expect to leave here tomorrow for Maine. We are now at
brother Iluse’s he has got a verry pleasent girl for a wife about 18 years old.
You told me in your last communication that you was going to send me
some money and wished me to spend it in some ^the^ way that would make me
the most comfortable so I thought that way would be to go home and spend
the winter with my relatives hope to see you in Maine in the spring
I packed up my things and left them at father Clarks where I have been living
and left them in their care with my heifer the cow I let a widow woman have
for her milk she is to keep her for her milk untill my return. I have not heard
from you since last july or your letter was dated th 6th of July where in you
mentioned brother Turley’s return home and mentioned writing and sending
me some things by him he had not arrived when when we left but was
expected daily as we heard he had left N.Y. with his company for Montrose
but it was getting so late in the season that we dared not wait any longer
so I borrowed 15 dolls. of sister Taylor and told I saw and engaged sister
Kimbal to take charge of the things you sent until our return and to pay
