Letters from the Past

Date: [unknown] [unknown]
Location: North Carolina, United States
Surnames/tags: Lewis Rose Brinn

Family letters from the collection of Iva Mae Ross Lange and currently in the possession of her son – Paul David Lange. This profile contains photographs of the original letters in the author's hand and the transcriptions of those letters. The majority of the letters were written by Marcus Lawrence Lewis to his family members in 1873-1878 while he was the Assistant Light Housekeeper in Pamlico Sound, NC. Others were written by miscellaneous family members (Brinn, Rose, Eastwood) living nearby in Hyde County, North Carolina. The letters are priceless as they give insight into the daily life in late 1800's coastal North Carolina and valuable life facts and stories of our ancestors.

Contents 1 Transcription Notes 2 Light House Letters 2.1 April 1, 1873 - Marcus Lewis to Achalcedonia Chalcy Lewis 2.2 July 28, 1873 - Marcus Lewis to Hetty Rose Lewis 2.3 August 8, 1873 - Unicia Brinn to Hettie Rose 2.4 August 22, 1873 - Marcus Lewis to Achalcedonia Chalcy Lewis 2.5 December 19, 1873 - Marcus Lewis to Achalcedonia Chalcy Lewis 2.6 February 6, 1874 - Marcus Lewis to "Brother" 2.7 February 27, 1874 - Marcus Lewis to Reuben Benson Lewis 2.8 May 25, 1874 - Marcus Lewis to "Brother" 2.9 May 30, 1874 - Marcus Lewis to Reuben Benson Lewis 2.10 September 7, 1874 - Marcus Lewis to Hettie Rose Lewis 2.11 February 19, 1875 - Marcus Lewis to "Brother" 2.12 September 17, 1875 - Marcus Lewis to Achalcedonia "Chalcy" Lewis 2.13 November 12, 1875 - Marcus Lewis to Hettie Rose Lewis 2.14 July 10, 1876- Marcus Lewis to "Brother 3 Miscellaneous Family Letters 3.1 March 14, 1873 - Unicia Brinn to Hettie Rose Lewis 3.2 April 16, 1873 - Unicia Brinn to Hettie Rose Lewis 3.3 July 27, 1873 - Allie Rose to Hettie Rose Lewis 3.4 June 16, 1878 - Achacedonia "Chalcy" Lewis to Marcus Lewis 4 Old Cures and Medicines 4.1 Aremady for Cancer 4.2 Poltice for Warts 4.3 Dr. Pierce Golden Medical Discovery

Transcription Notes

Reading older documents takes patience and practice, as well as a bit of know-how that comes with practice. Gradually, I became familiar with the older handwriting and abbreviations of my ancestors. Eventually I could read the eighteenth-century records with some ease. Key word here is “some”.

I learned that spelling was not important to early Americans. Words were often written the way they sounded, phonetically, and often in the local accent. One Sunday afternoon, my Grand Daughter - Mattie Claire Spence (10 years old) took an interest in what I was doing and I was surprised at the ease with which she could read the letters. It occurred to me that phonetics that are currently the method of teaching children to read and write most likely gave her an advantage.

The biggest obstacle I had to overcome in transcribing the letters was the lack of punctuation. Apparently, punctuation was not important to early American writers and was seldom used. Most of the sentences just ramble on and on. In my transcriptions, I have adhered to the guidelines for transcribing documents and have typed them exactly as is - sans punctuation. To make it a little easier on the reader, I did leave two spaces between what I could decipher as sentences.

To further confuse the reader, the first word in a sentence may or may not begin with a capital letter. Likewise, words in the middle of a sentence may be capitalized. There may be an inconsistency in the use of capital letters. Sometimes personal names and place names (localities) are capitalized, while other times they are not. In addition, it is common to find proper names that begin with a lower-case letter. In keeping with transcribing guidelines, I did not correct capitalization as shown in the original record in my transcription.

Light House Letters

April 1, 1873 - Marcus Lewis to Achalcedonia Chalcy Lewis

1. From: Lewis, Marcus Lawrence (1842-1880)
2. To: Lewis, Achalcedonia “Chalcy or A.C.”(1856-1895)
3. Referenced: Lewis, Reuben Benson(1850-1905); Rose, Joseph Spencer(1848-1919); Rose, Bennet(1861-1923); Rose, Jeptha(1825-1883); Manly, William H.(LH Keeper)
4. WHEN: April 1, 1873

April 1, 1873 - Marcus Lewis letter to Achalcedonia Chalcy Lewis

Long Shoal Light House

April The 1 1873

Dear Brother I Seate myself again today to State you my health which is good and I hope these few lines will find you all well Brother Capt Manly leaves today for Newbern to close in this quarter and Joseph Rose will stay with me Bennet is Sick with the measles it is supposed he is very sick with Coulde and Soar Throate I am very well Satisfied yet I can eat my dinner and go out [illegible 2] and see uncle Jeptha where he is fishing and back again in surplus time enough to light the lamp by Sundown with a gentle sailing breese [breeze] Brother you and Rueben take charg[e] of your self and look oute for the family the best you can I Shall be home the [first] chance after the Capt get home

Nothing more now

Marquis L. Lewis Assart[Assistant?]

NOTE: Letter apparently written to Lewis, Achalcedonia “Chalcy or A.C.”(1856-1895) as he only had two brothers (He references Reuben within the letter) 

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July 28, 1873 - Marcus Lewis to Hetty Rose Lewis

1. From: Lewis, Marcus Lawrence (1842-1880)
2. To: Lewis, Hettie Rose(1815-1890)
3. Referenced: Manly, Willaim H.(LH Keeper); Lewis, Reuben Benson(1850-1905); Rose, Zion A.(1818-1873)
4. WHEN: July 28 1873
5. WHAT: Family health focus on Uncle Zion; travel
6. WHERE: Middleton Hyde County N.C.

July 28, 1873 - Marcus Lewis letter to Hetty Rose Lewis

Middleton Hyde County N.C.

July the 28 1873

Dear Mother I Seate my self to rite you a few lines to in form you that I am well and Hetty and Reuben we left home on Tuesday morning wente down to Pamlico Light Hous[e]. We stop[ped] their that day all day Wednesday till Thursday morning we lefte very soon the winde had come fare[fair] we got to Fare Creek about 4 OClock wente of[f] to the Light Hous[e] on friday morning we founde Mr Manly all alone as I lefte him The folks on fare Creek is all well except uncle Zion he is very low he got [?] down by [?] a turn but suopoes[supposes?] to be some better Nothing more at presente write soon

Marquis L. Lewis

Note by Iva Mae Ross: Letter to his mother, Hettie Rose Lewis who lived on Goose Creek Island, Beaufort County.

Written on the back of the letter written by Marquis Lewis to his mother Hettie Rose Lewis:

August 8, 1873 - Unicia Brinn to Hettie Rose

1. From: Brinn, Unicia(1842-1880)
2. To: Lewis, Hettie Rose(1815-1890);
3. WHEN: August 8, 1873
4. WHAT: General letter inquiring about health written on back of letter written by Marquis Lewis to his mother Hettie Rose Lewis
5. WHERE: Fairfield, Hyde County, N.C.

August 8, 1873 - Unicia Brinn Letter to Hettie Rose

Fairfield Hyde Co N.C.

August 8th 1873

My Dear Sister I seat my self in to drop you afew lines to let you no that we are all well hopeing when [scratched out] this reach you it may find you injoying the sam[e] I want you to send me word how you fared when you went over to Juniper Bay and I want to no if you got your wart courd[cured] or not I have not got eney[any] thing else to writ I will close fare[for?] this time no more at present write soon and give me the news I remain your true Sister until dethe[death] Unicia Brinn

Note by Iva Mae Ross: Letter to her Sister Hettie Rose Lewis who lived on Goose Creek Island in Beaufort County. At the time these letters were written Goose Creek Island was a part of Beaufort. It was later changed to Pamlico County.

Note by Cathy Ross Brewer: To date, I have not found documentation to prove Unicia Brinn is a biological sister of Hettie Rose Lewis. Unicy refers to her as ‘sister’ in other letters in this collection. In one letter dated December 3, 1874, she calls her “Cousin hetty” however she closes that letter reverting back to a close of ‘sister untell death’. Further research is needed. There is a death certificate for William P. Brinn* that list mother’s maiden name as Swindell (first name Nancy) and there are some family trees that list Nancy Swindell as the wife of William Brinn and mother of Denard Brinn who is referred to as cousin in many of other letters in my possession. Further research is required to prove this relation.

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August 22, 1873 - Marcus Lewis to Achalcedonia Chalcy Lewis

1. From: Lewis, Marcus Lawrence(1842-1880)
2. To: Brother Lewis, Achalcedonia “Chalcy or A.C.”(1856-1895)
3. Referenced: Brinn, Denard(1848-1918); Lewis, Reuben Benson(1850-1905); Brinn, William R.(1825-1910); Brinn, Mary “Pollie” Fodery(1827-1902); Rose, Zion A.(1818-1873)
4. WHEN: August 22, 1873
5. WHAT: Uncle Zion’s death and burial
6. WHERE: Middleton, Hyde County N.C.

August 22, 1873 - Marcus Lewis to Achalcedonia Chalcy Lewis - 1

August 22, 1873 - Marcus Lewis to Achalcedonia Chalcy Lewis - 2

Middleton Hyde County N.C.

August the 22 1873

Dear Brother I Seate my Self to answer your letter I have juse recived [?]ighten The 1 first of Auguste we are all well as we generally are I hope thoes few lines will finde you well and The family Reuben has been to The Lake on a Viset he did like his viset very much he ses it is A very Pirty[pretty] Plase[place] he got back to the Creek Late Friday and wente of to the House Sunday me and hetty Come A Shore we founde the People all well Except uncle Zion we found him very low and [never] got non better he departed life and bodey Thuesday morning Aboute 2 O Clock was bured Thurseday morning his complaints was diorohoea[diarrhea] the laste Parte of his Sickness he was the Powerste objet I ever Saw to Live as long as he did he oute of truble [truble repeated] of this wourled and we hope fare better off Aunte Polly and parte of the Children took on very much of his death I was at his hous when he died but never got theire befor he was out of his knowledge and Coulde not talk to me that went hard with me to think I did not See him in his Sencess[sences] Back of page: He was put Away tolerable nise me and Cousin Denard uncle Joe uncle William Brinn bore The Exspence of his burial Aunte Polly [will] Sell oute such as She wants to Sell and brake[break] up house Keeping She think to go to Cousin Denerds to live Aunte Polly [???de] on her visete[visit] to See him After his [?daughter] got hurte very bade by Hours[horse] running Away twice The firste time She Soon got over her her first hurte before She A half A mile one of the wheel run of[f] and that hurte her grate deal worste than the firste I have not her[heard] from her Sence She was not to the bur[y]ing Brother I Cante tell you when I can come home we ae Looking for them Enny[any] Day to come to painte the Light House and I wante to be their [with] them The Commd[Commander?] did not Like it about my Staying away So longe he reported me to the Custom Hous but I Shante be turn oute this time I have got to watch outr for my Self A little better donte Say nothing boute this as you now[know] how The People is Nothing more now Brother I have sot[?] [?] So much I cante right I doute now that you can reade it.

M. L Lewis

Note by Iva Mae Ross: From In Memory OF, Hyde History, Inc. (Swindell and Spencer) Page 260; Zion Rose, father, Pollie Foderey, mother, reinforces Great /grandfather Marcus L. Lewis letters when he speaks of “Aunt Pollie and Uncle Zion.” Uncle Zion was Brother of Hettie Rose, Marcus L. Lewis wife and my (Iva) Great Grandmother.

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December 19, 1873 - Marcus Lewis to Achalcedonia Chalcy Lewis

1. From: Lewis, Marcus Lawrence(1842-1880)
2. To: Lewis, Achalcedonia “Chalcy or A.C.”(1856-1895)
3. Referenced: Lewis, Emmaline(1852-1888)
4. WHEN: December 19, 1873
5. WHAT: Health; weather; Bell installed at lighthouse
6. WHERE: Long Shoal Light House N.C.

December 19, 1873 - Marcus Lewis to Achalcedonia Chalcy Lewis

December 19, 1873 - Marcus Lewis to Achalcedonia Chalcy Lewis

Long Shoal Light House N.C.

December the 19 1873

Dear Brother I seate my Self Again to rite you Another Letter to let you now[know] that me and Emmaline[added] is as well General Health Emmaline pan[pain?]] has not [hurt?] her but twice very bad then She doctore it and now is well or Aboute that She donte Complain with it at all Brother we never got on bo[a]rd of the Light Hous[e] tell[until] the nexte tuesday aboute 3 o clock the next day after we got to fare Creek that was thursday it blowed a gale of wind from the South west then it Shisted[early derivative of shifted] to North Easte and fog of rain all the whole time tuesday morning the wind was to wested we got ready and Started but So fogey we oly[only] Coulde Se[e] the Land from pointe to pointe we run down to the beacon and Stoped theire and I was in ack[act] of going up the beacon to look out when I heard the Sound of A bell but though[t] that it was A Steam boate whistle but not Certain we waited A few minuts and the fog broke up and we had A pinty[meaning-just enough to not complain about, but not enough to be satisfied] time off abord[aboard] and when we arrived we founde the bell their[there] Capt Mitchell had been and put up A bell it Seams if there is more Company now we can walk Along by it and [thumpe?] it and it ring Aloud Sound it Station between the frounte doore and the Hatch do[o]r and the mechenno?m[mechanism?] is in the office and A [place?] cut out of the Sealing[ceiling] and weather bording for the hamer to Strike the bell the bell is hung on the oute Side [guste] cleeves A [?] [?] the bell weight six hundred bls[lbs] one thousand Pounde [Carry?] the mechean the hamer is a good turn for eney man it will run two ours[hours?] be fore winding we had to run the bell laste night it came fogey A boute Sun down we run it till 3 OClock this morning the fog cleard Away it no trouble to run it it Plain to eney man after Seeing it run I tell you more Aboute it when I See you it to teagous[tediouso] to rite We have not got no Suplyes no rashin[rations] Since you lefte nor the [Comineon?] has not be[e]n heare we donte what is the trubble There was A government Side wheel boate wente South laste Friday [scratchedout] call the Elitrope we hante[haven’t] hea[r]d nothing from her sence I stope for my han[d] is bad I donte no[know] that you can read it I bout[bought] Some pen[s] when I was home and lefte them in my black veste pocket home we have non heer that worth A pickaune[Picayune]

Write Soon

M.L. Lewis

Picayune

Note by Cathy Ross Brewer: While transcribing the letters, I had starting to think myself quite astute at it when the closing on this letter of December 19, 1873, threw me for a loop. So much so that I couldn’t sleep that night and finally got up at 4:30 am the next morning to try again to decipher it. It’s one of the more interesting ones as Marcus is telling his brother Chalcy all about a bell being installed on the Lighthouse and learning to operate it. You can literally feel his excitement in the words he puts on paper. As he comes to a close, Marcus apologizes for his handwriting and wonders if Chalcy will even be able to read what he has written. He explains that he purchased some pens when he was last home (but forgot them in the pocket of his black vest). And this brings us to the last sentence that had me spewing my iced tea; he writes that they have none aboard the lighthouse that are “worth a f#*k anyway.” Surely my first take was incorrect! There hasn’t been a single utterance of impropriety in any of the other letters. But there it was, or so I thought for my late night first pass. The next morning with a hot cup of coffee and fresh eyes, I recalled that Grandaddy Marcus’ “p’s” look like “f’s”. With that in mind I tackled it again and came up with ‘puckaune’. But that’s not a word, what in the world was he writing? When my husband Tom came down for his first cup, I explained my dilemma. He looked at it, smiled and suggested I try an “i” for pickaune. Desperate, I "Googled" it and wahlah – picayune meaning of little value or importance; paltry. Grandaddy Marcus’ virtue was reprieved, and I gained a new perspective of my husband's intellect. ___________________________________________________________

February 6, 1874 - Marcus Lewis to "Brother"

1. From: Lewis, Marcus Lawrence(1842-1880)
2. To: Brother
3. Referenced: Lewis, Dorcus Benson(1847-1910); Brinn, Denard(1848-1918); Polly Berry?; Christophen Lupton;
4. WHEN: February 6 1874
5. WHAT: Family health; death of Aunt Polly Berry
6. WHERE: Middleton Hyde County N.C

February 6, 1874 - Marcus Lewis to "Brother"

Middleton Hyde County N.C

Friday The 6 Feb 1874

Brother I Seate my Self to rite you a few line to let you now[know] That we have arrived at fare Creek yesterday we are both well as we was when we lefte Home we got to [mount pleasant??] To old man Christophen Lupton the firste day we fare [Swptons?] by well but it was Colde Sailing as I have don this winter we lefte his hous ovr by Sorn the [?] was hear we got to fare Creek About two O Clock we found the people not well grate deal of Complant of Colde Cousin [denard?] and his folke has measles are getting better Aunt dorcus is not well That complaint in her head as useal[usual] olde Aunte Polly Berry departed Life and bodey wes[was] burred yesterday eavening we Shal goe of[off] to the light Hous the firste Chance the wind is A head to day

Nothing more at present

I remann [your?] Brother untell death.

M.L. Lewis

Note by Cathy Ross Brewer: Marcus Lewis had two brothers; Reuben BNote by Cathy Ross Brewer: enson Lewis (1850-1905) and Lewis, Achalcedonia “Chalcy or A.C.”(1856-1895). There is no indication within the text of this letter to indicate to which brother it was addressed.

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February 27, 1874 - Marcus Lewis to Reuben Benson Lewis

1. From: Lewis, Marcus Lawrence (1842-1880)
2. To: Lewis, Reuben Benson (1850-1905)
3. Referenced: Brinn, William R. (1825-1910); Brinn, Denard (1848-1918)
4. WHEN: February 27, 1874
5. WHAT: Family update; reprimanding Reuben for not writing to uncle
6. WHERE: Fare Creek, Hyde County, N.C.

February 27, 1874 - Marcus Lewis to Reuben Benson Lewis

February 27, 1874 - Marcus Lewis to Reuben Benson Lewis (page 2)

Fare Creek

Hyde County N.C.

February the 27 1874

Dear Brother I seate my self to rite you a few lines to inform you that I have arriven at Fare Creek. I have one hour of sun this eavening. I am well and I found the people all well at general health. I had a good time. I had the wind mostly weste till between two and three o’clock. The wind struck us from South east(e). We were ofte offset? from Middleton Creek a half a milde from land. We took it juste rite. We fetch our course with a strong brease (breeze). Uncle William has be (been) to Cousin Denard since I left the Lake laste Monday. Lefte on Thurseday morning for home.

Nothing More at presant(e), I remain a brother

Marquis L. Lewis

Back of Page: Brother theire is one thing I forgot when I were home. I wante you to rite to Uncle William and let him now if you have got eney (any) letters from him or eney (any) of his folks. They say they get none. Aneey (any) _____ and answere your letters as well often as you can.

Note by Cathy Ross Brewer: I believe “Uncle William” referenced is Brinn, William R. (1825-1910)

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May 25, 1874 - Marcus Lewis to "Brother"

1. From: Lewis, Marcus Lawrence (1842-1880)
2. To: Brother
3. Referenced: Brinn, William R. (1825-1910); Brinn, Unicia (1842-1880)
4. WHEN: May 25, 1874
5. WHAT: Informing family of arrival and health of family
6. WHERE: Fair Creek, Hyde County, N.C.

May 25, 1874 - Marcus Lewis to "Brother"

Fair Creek Hyde County N.C May the 25 1874

Dear Brother I seate my Self to write you a few lines to in form you that we arrived Safe at fare Creek Aboute Sun down all is well as when we lefte there we had the winde A heade tell we got round the Bluff Pointe then we had it fare I Shal go Aboard to morrow if [it?] good day uncle William unicy was at Fare Creek all is well at this Plase as general Health nothing more only I remain your Brother untell Death Marqus L. Lewis

Note by Cathy Ross Brewer: Marcus Lewis had two brothers; Lewis, Reuben Benson(1850-1905) and Lewis, Achalcedonia “Chalcy or A.C.”(1856-1895). There is no indication within the text of this letter to indicate to which brother it was addressed.

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May 30, 1874 - Marcus Lewis to Reuben Benson Lewis

1. From: Lewis, Marcus Lawrence(1842-1880)
2. To: Lewis, Reuben Benson(1850-1905)
3. Referenced: Lewis, Achalcedonia “Chalcy or A.C.”(1856-1895); Lewis, Hettie Rose(1815-1890)
4. WHEN: May 30, 1874
5. WHAT: Mother’s travel plans; requesting a forgotten pamphlet
6. WHERE: Long Shoal Light House, Dare County N.C.

May 30, 1874 - Marcus Lewis to Reuben Benson Lewis

Long Shoal Light House, Dare County N.C

May the 30 1874

Dear Brother I seat my today to inform you that we arrived at Fair Creek Saturday aboute sundown. I found the people all well as general health. Mother will go to the Lake Sunday week Sunday if nothing happens. I arrived on board of the Light House Tuesday aboute one o’clock. I found all well hear(e).

Brother tell A C. to sende that paplet (pamphlet) of the Raleigh Publishing Book Company. I came of(f) and forgot it. The steamer Raleigh is a coming in sight from Middleton bound north. We will through our letters on her if we can. You muste write soon. Nothing more at present(e). Write me all the news. I remain your Brother until death

M.L. Lewis

Note by Cathy Ross Brewer: Marcus Lewis had two brothers; Reuben and Lewis, Achalcedonia “Chalcy or A.C.”(1856-1895). Since he mentions A C. in the letter, it is naturally assumed that “Brother” in the salutation was Reuben.

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September 7, 1874 - Marcus Lewis to Hettie Rose Lewis

1. From: Lewis, Marcus Lawrence(1842-1880)
2. To: Lewis, Hettie Rose(1815-1890)
3. Referenced: Lewis, Reuben Benson(1850-1905); Lewis, Achalcedonia “Chalcy or A.C.”(1856-1895); Lewis Sr, Reuben Benson(1815-1900)
4. WHEN: September 7, 1874
5. WHAT: health; getting wheat ground; visiting at end of quarter
6. WHERE: Long Shoal Light Station, Pamlico, North Carolina

September 7, 1874 - Marcus Lewis to Hettie Rose Lewis

Long Shoal Light Station, NC

September the 7 1874

Dear Mother I Seat my Self to answer your letter wich is to hand nd was glade to hear rom you and the famly that you are getting better the family well Engoying health this Leaves me and Reuben [are] well as geneal health Mother I donte recon that I Shall come home tell the Ende of this quarter the time will be Short to Sta at home Reuben thinks it not worth while to come tell the ende of the quarter if father and chalcedony is well they can [San?] the [foder?] I will try to get the wheat and bring you when I come ground as fine as I can mills are sorrow[sorry?] hear Nothen more at Presant

I remain your Son

M.L Lewis

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February 19, 1875 - Marcus Lewis to "Brother"

1. From: Lewis, Marcus Lawrence(1842-1880)
2. To: Brother
3. Referenced: Brinn, Denard(1848-1918); Manly, William H.(LH Keeper); Mr. Funks, Capt. Baker (Lighthouse Inspectors);
4. WHEN: February 19, 1875
5. WHAT: A report of the light and bell not being attended by a passenger on a steamer in the Newbernian (Newbern N.C. newspaper) and an inspection of the Lighthouse.
6. WHERE: Long Shoal Light Station N.C.

February 19, 1875 - Marcus Lewis to "Brother"

February 19, 1875 - Marcus Lewis to "Brother (page 2)

Long Shoal Light Station, NC

Long Shoal Light Station N.C.

February the 19 1875

Dear Brother I take my pen in hand to wright you a line to inform you of my health. I am well as common except a colde I taken laste week while I was a shore at Fare Creek but I am getting better as faste as I could exspect. It was very bade at firste with a little cough. I hope these few lines will reach you and find you all well Enjoying yourselves well.

Brother we see a quote _____ publish in the Newbernian (local newspaper) from a passenger on the Steimer ____ that he could not see our light nor hear our bell. He stated that the steamer ____ in about a mile of the house in abundence thick fog and a half a gale from North East(e). We though(t) ourselves that the subject condemned itself. Today Capt. Baker and Mr. Funks inspecttors arrived at our station. The firste thing they exam was the bell machine. There is one of the ribets worn so that it come oute . Mr. Manly tolde him that had some trouble with it and all. So he sead some man on the _____ had publish a grate noise and wish he had hold of him he would chock(choke) him and Capt Baker & Funks laugh hearty at his expression

Back of Page: and then they went on through the examination of the house and found every thing good condition. Then Mr. Manly goes and gets the paper with the quote exsploring report(e) and hand it to Capt Baker. He read it. He ses he got started hear(e) to mile of the house. He ses that he ankerd in about(e) a mile of the house. He ses to Mr Manly how did he (k)now he was in a mile of the house and it a thick fog. He ___ the paper down and sead such as that wasent worth noticing, and he told(e) Manly that (scratched out) he would not notice an(e)y such for there was somebody allways re(a)dey to make some report. I left this station on Sunday the 10 of January for Newbern. It was very could€. Cousin Denard was with me. We arrived at Fare Creek little after dark Monday. The wind was light from south west€ Monday night the(n) shifted to North East. Tuesday & Wednesday the wind blew hard & a thick fog. This was the time the Steamer pas along and the report made in the newspaper. Think it all amo(u)nts to nothing. You must write soon. Let me hear from you all

I remain your brother until death

M.L. Lewis

Keep this letter privitly. Let nobody no nothing about what I write concerning the government afares but your own folks.

Note by Cathy Ross Brewer: Marcus Lewis had two brothers; Lewis, Reuben Benson(1850-1905) and Lewis, Achalcedonia “Chalcy or A.C.”(1856-1895). There is no indication within the text of this letter to indicate to which brother it was addressed. ___________________________________________________________

September 17, 1875 - Marcus Lewis to Achalcedonia "Chalcy" Lewis

1. From: Lewis, Marcus Lawrence(1842-1880)
2. To: Lewis, Achalcedonia “Chalcy or A.C.”(1856-1895)
3. Referenced: Manly, William H.(LH Keeper); Lewis, Reuben Benson(1850-1905); Rose, Joseph Spencer(1848-1919); Stow, Patsy M.(1848-1927); Eastwood, Mary Best(1850-unk)
4. WHEN: September 17, 1875
5. WHAT: Health, travels, leaving school
6. WHERE: Long Shoal Light House N.C.

September 17, 1875 - Marcus Lewis to Achalcedonia "Chalcy" Lewis

September 17, 1875 - Marcus Lewis to Achalcedonia "Chalcy" Lewis (page 2)

Long Shoal Light House N.C.

September the 17 1875

Dear Brother I seate myself to right to answer your letter received yesterday 16. I was on shore to Fare Creek. I left their this Evening about one o’clock. We got on boarde the Light House about sundown. Joe & Patsy (Palsey) wente of (off) on bord with us. Expect to goe ashore tomorrow. Mr Manly expect to get abo(a)rd of the Pamlico tonight for Slads Creek. Miss Manly is going to stay with me till he gets back. Then me & Miss Manly is going to Newbern. She expect to go home with me at the same time. I saw Warren Stow at Fare Creek. He Sead he left Goose Creek late Monday. So I heard from you all again. Since the 8 your letter was written he was waiting for Mr/Ms Abbert Cartwright to go to Eaten. He was to be down this Evening or in the Morning. I am sorry to hear you ware(were) going to quite[quit] school. You don’t say nothing about Reuben. Did he go to school eney(any)? I am glad you got my letters. Miss Mary exspect a letter from Hetty. I hope Fathers ______ will soon get well. I am glade to hear from you all.

Back of Page: This lives(leaves) me well as general health only I feal some _____ But hope to feal better tomorrow. So I will close by saying fare well Brother fare well for a while. Write soon.

M.L. Lewis

__________ Poste Office Englewood

Note by Cathy Ross Brewer: Marcus Lewis had two brothers; Reuben and Chalcy (A C.). Since he mentions Reuben in the body of the letter it is naturally assumed that “Brother” in the salutation was Lewis, Achalcedonia “Chalcy or A.C.” (1856-1895). It is also assumed that the reference to “Miss Mary exspect a letter from Hetty” be to Eastwood, Mary Best(1850-unk) who Marcus marries?

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November 12, 1875 - Marcus Lewis to Hettie Rose Lewis

1. From: Lewis, Marcus Lawrence(1842-1880)
2. To: Lewis, Hettie Rose(1815-1890)
3. Referenced: Brinn, Denard(1848-1918); Brinn, William John(1875-1905); Manly, William H.(LH Keeper)
4. WHEN: November 12, 1875
5. WHAT: Getting married, health, family members, Dr. Pierce’s Golden Medical Discovery
6. WHERE: Engehand Hyde County, NC

November 12, 1875 - Marcus Lewis to Hettie Rose Lewis

November 12, 1875 - Marcus Lewis to Hettie Rose Lewis (page 2)

Engehand Hyde Co N.C.

November 12 1875

Dear Mother

I seat(e) my self this morning to write you few lines to inform you on my health wich is verry good at presant considering I took such a cold(e) wile over to Newbern. While I was to Newbern I saw that I had to have something to take the cold(e) from my head(e) and lungs. I bought two bottles of Dr Pierce's Golden Medical Discovery wich don the work speadelly and Shure it must(e) be the best(e) medicine I ever took or cold(e) and strengthen the lungs, I epspectted to of ben home by now but I cant tell you when I can come for Mr. Manly has made applycation for the new Light on Whaleheades and it to be lite the first of December. He is looking for his appointment or disapointment. So it imposible for me to go home tell that is decided. So make you selves contented and write me. I _____ got a letter from Hetty last male ___ Mother I exspected to get marred the last of the month after my visit home but I am disapointed in going home so I shal not have the chance to talk(e) with you about it. It no use to mention any names for you have seen her when you saw me last. You write and tell me what you have to say.

Back of Page: Tell the family of my departure of a single life if they will keep it a secret for I don’t want it spread out of the family. I understood while I was to Newbern I was married but I am not and I _____ ___ ____ it tell I come home and that wont be tell after Christmas. I dont(e) exspect that I am comin before if I cn) I am at Cousin Denard this morning. They are all well this morning but Cousin Denard he has a berry bad(e) cetch(catch) in his back. William John is big fat boy born the 3rd day of October. He has been wih[with] [Eeck\?] the thrash. I have answered all the childrens letters Since I receved eney. You must write soon Nothing more now as I _____ _____ only I remain your affectionate son untill death

M.L. Lewis

Dr. Pierce's Golden Medical Discovery

Note by Cathy Ross Brewer: It is assumed that the ‘her’ referred to in “for you have seen her when you saw me last” is Eastwood, Mary Best (1850-unk) whom Marcas married on November 24, 1875 While transcribing, I searched to validate my transcription of the medicine mentioned and found Dr. Pierce's Golden Medical Discovery was a popular rem edy in the 19th century.

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July 10, 1876- Marcus Lewis to "Brother

1. From: Lewis, Marcus Lawrence(1842-1880)
2. To: Lewis, Reuben Benson(1850-1905)
3. Referenced: Manly, William H.(LH Keeper); Lewis, Benjamin Thomas(1838-1909)
4. WHEN: July 10, 1876
5. WHAT: Potential discharged from the light house; loan repayment.
6. WHERE: Long Shoal Light House, Pamlico, North Carolina

July 10, 1876- Marcus Lewis to "Brother"

Long Shoal Light House N.C.

July the 10 1876

Dear Brother I seat(e) myself to answer your letter received last mail and was glad(e) to hear from you all. We are all rit(e) well mopley is getting better slowly. Brother me and Mr Manly has got our discharges from the Light House. We don’t now [know] the charges for our removal. Mr Manly has be(e)n to Norfolk but he could not find out nothing from the inspecttor. We have suspecine that the engineer found(e) some fault(e) and reported to the Light House Board? We got our discharges be for we (k)new a word(e) about it. I am going to _______ as I talking to you when I was home. I shall move to Ms Easwod Molleys brother for a while till I get fix(e) for business. I shal come home as soon my successor arrives without(e) I can get a chance to send Er____home nothing now. I remain your brother until(e) death

M.L. Lewis

Tell Thom that I will make arrangements for the tow/ten dollars if I can, I nead all now.

Note by Cathy Ross Brewer: The Thom referred to in the postscript may be his cousin - Lewis, Benjamin Thomas (1838-1909).

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Miscellaneous Family Letters

March 14, 1873 - Unicia Brinn to Hettie Rose Lewis

1. From: Brinn, Unicia(1842-1880)
2. To: Lewis, Hettie Rose(1815-1890);
3. Referenced: Brinn, Denard (1848-1918 ); Sarah Caravan
4. WHEN: March 14, 1873
5. WHAT: Health, Doctor visit,
6. WHERE: Fairfield, Hyde County, North Carolina

March 14, 1873 - Unicia Brinn to Hettie Rose Lewis

Fairfield Hyde Co. NC

March 14 1873

Dear Sister I Seat my Self to drop you a few lines to let you [inserted no] that I am not well but I am so that I can be up but I hope when this reaches you it may find you well and all the rest o the folks I received your letter on the 8th of March and was very glad to hear from you All the rest of the family is in tolable good health you wanted to know how my neck is it is not half as larg as it was you tell Sarah Caravan she will have to come and let the doctor look at her neck the Dr[doctor] has come back and he sese[says] he cannot do eny thing unles he can See it Marcus wanted to no what had become of Denard[?] tel him that he has moved to fare creek if he wans to writ to him he will have to direct his letter to Middletown Hyde Co he and his family is all well except his brother in law he has got the measles I will clos by Saying good by

I remain your Sister untell deth

Unicia Brinn

Note by Cathy Ross Brewer: Unicia Brinn is not a biological sister of Hettie Rose Lewis. Unicy refers to Hetty as ‘sister’ in other letters in this collection however, in one letter dated December 3, 1874, she calls her “Cousin hetty” but that letter reverting back to a close of ‘sister untell death’. Unicy Brinn is the mother to Denard Brinn who is married to Hettie Rose Lewis' daughter Hettie Delver Lewis.

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April 16, 1873 - Unicia Brinn to Hettie Rose Lewis

1. From: Brinn, Unicia(1842-1880); Brinn, William R.(1825-1910 )
2. To: Lewis, Hettie Rose(1815-1890)
3. Referenced: Lewis, Marcus Lawrence(1842-1880); Lewis, Polly(1841-?); Lewis, Dorcus Benson(1847-1910); Wallace Corvan(caravan)
4. WHEN: April 16, 1873
5. WHAT: Letter regarding family, friends and general health
6. WHERE: Fairfield Hyde County N.C.

April 16, 1873 - Unicia Brinn to Hettie Rose Lewis

Fairfield Hyde Co NC

April 16th 1873

Dear Sister I seat my Self to drop you a few lins to let you no[know] that I well and the family hoping when this reach you it may find you the same I received your letter on the 12 twelveth and was glad to hear from you Markus has bine[been] over to the creek and the children has bine to see him I want you to let me no how Polly is geating[getting] and dorcus and her famley and I want you to give me the news on the peple round in the nebarhood[neighborhood] I Shal [crossed out] have to bring my letter to a close I want you to come over to see uss if you [can] and if you cant come your self send the children to come visit soon and give me the news nothing at presant only I remain as ever your kind and affectionate Sister untell death Unicia Brinn

I want you to inquire why walis Corvain has not answered my letter or whether he has ever got them or not I have wrot to him twise and have not received eny answer yet William R Brinn

Note by Cathy Ross Brewer: Unicy Brinn is the mother to Denard Brinn who is married to Hettie Rose Lewis' daughter Hettie Delver Lewis.

The bulk of this letter is written by Unicia but there appears to be a postscript from her husband William R. Brinn to Hettie; however the handwriting does not change; not even for the signature suggesting that Hettie wrote the entire letter.

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July 27, 1873 - Allie Rose to Hettie Rose Lewis

1. From: Rose, Allie(1828-1906 )
2. To: Lewis, Hettie Rose(1815-1890)
3. Referenced: Rose, Jeptha(1825-1883); Lewis, Reuben Benson(1850-1905); Respres, John B.( )
4. WHEN: July 27, 1873
5. WHAT: Family health; travel update; obscure business with John Respres
6. WHERE: Goose Creek Island

July 27, 1873 - Allie Rose to Hettie Rose Lewis"

Gose Crek Island July 27th 1873

Sister hettie I seat mi[my] self this eving[evening] to drope you a few lins to inform you of mi helth whitch is very good at present we is all well and I hope this few lins ma[may] find you in[and?] family the same good blessing sister hettie we had a good time home we got home a bout 10 o Clock that night sister hettie give mi love to all of the brething[brethren] and sisters and in [?] frends if eny[[any] so I will come to a Cloas[close] bi[byi saying I I hope to remane your sister in tel[until] death

Allie Rose

Jeptha Rose seas[says] tel Ruebin that John. B. Respres has canvas[canvased] the county all over and I think thar is no dou[b]t he has told them opn[open?] and boaly[boadly?] what it is and what it aunt[aught] to bee No more at present only wregth[write] soon

Note by Iva Mae Ross: Allie Rose was sister to my Great Grandmother Hettie Rose. Allie Rose born 11 Feb 1828 Engle Hand Hyde Co NC Died August 1906. Hyde Remember – Hyde Co Historical Society – R.S. Spencer; page 12   ___________________________________________________________

1. From: Brinn, Unicia (1842-1880)
2. To: Lewis, Hettie Rose (1815-1890)
3. Referenced: Lewis, Dorcus Benson (1847-1910); Lewis, Marcus Lawrence( 1842-1880); Eastwood, Martha B. (1834-unk)
4. WHEN: December 3, 1874
5. WHAT: Family health; travel; invitation to a quilting
6. WHERE: Fairfield, Hyde County, N.C.

December 3, 1874 - Unicia Brinn to Hettie Rose Lewis

Fairfield, Hyde County NC

December the 3 1874

Dear Sister I seat my Self drop you a few lins to let you no that I reseaved your kind wellcom letter [?] the 26 I was glad to hear from you and to hear that your [?] a getting better we are all well as common health and I hope that those few lins will will reach and find you and family well I was down to the fair Creek the last Sunday in November all was well except Sister dorcus She is Some times up and Some times down Marcus left fair Creek Friday befor he was well Martha sais[says] that She is a going to hav a quilting on the 18 of December if nothing happen Cousin hetty Martha wants you to come if you can I will come to a Close write soon and let us hear from you your [effect houahd?] Sister untell death

Unicy Brinn

[?] Hetty Lewis

Note by Cathy Ross Brewer: Unicia Brinn is not a biological sister of Hettie Rose Lewis. Unicy refers to Hetty as ‘sister’ in other letters in this collection however, in one letter dated December 3, 1874, she calls her “Cousin hetty” but that letter reverting back to a close of ‘sister untell death’. Unicy Brinn is the mother to Denard Brinn who is married to Hettie Rose Lewis' daughter Hettie Delver Lewis.

Also, mention of 'Martha having a quilting.' it is likely that reference is made to Martha B. Eastwood (1834-unk) who is sister to Eastwood, Mary Best (1850-unk) who married Hettie Rose Lewis’ son - Lewis, Marcus Lawrence (1842-1880). The marriage was November 1875 so at the time of this letter, they were not yet married.

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June 16, 1878 - Achacedonia "Chalcy" Lewis to Marcus Lewis

1. From: Lewis, Achalcedonia “Chalcy or A.C.”(1856-1895)
2. To: Lewis, Marcus Lawrence(1842-1880)
3. Referenced: Frederick Spain; George Spain
4. WHEN: June 16, 1878
5. WHAT: Attending school; seeking a teaching position
6. WHERE: Vandemere, Pamlico, North Carolina

June 16, 1878 - Achacedonia "Chalcy" Lewis to Marcus Lewis

June 16, 1878 - Achacedonia "Chalcy" Lewis to Marcus Lewis (page 2)

Vandemere N.C.

Pamlico Co

June 16th, 1878 Dear Brother, I seat my Self this evening to write you A few lines. I arrived here yesterday evening all right, the School is going on in good order but it is quit[quite] small – 10 or 12 Scholars. People are generally well, I am well as usual.

Dear Brother I want you to tell Father to go and See Frederick Spain for me, tell him I want the School to teach at that place. I have seen George Spain about it twice. I thought he was Clerk of the Committee but he is not, Frederick is clerk. Be sure and get Father off to see him soon, before Some body else get it They know and understand that I am competent to teach the School I certainly want a School this fall or Summer as I have spent nearly everything I owned for learning. Please keep this still and you will get clear of a great deal of [glab?] for nothing. Write me when you get an answer. Nothing more at present only I remain your affectionate brother until death.

A.C. Lewis

Note by Iva Mae Ross: After Marcus died, his wife, Eastwood, Mary Best Lewis, married Nathaniel McKinney. Mr. McKinney was not nice to Papa (David Marcus Lewis 1878-1960) and Papa’s Uncle Chalcey (Lewis, Achalcedonia “Chalcy or A.C.” 1856-1895) spent a lot of time with him; Papa loved him dearly and I can remember Papa talking about him. Chalcey was an educated man and Papa could not even write his name. Chalcey became what is now called a “mentor” for him. I remember Papa telling me that once he was told the land his house was on was not legally his; His Uncle Chalcy heard about it and came to Lowland and got everything cleared up for him and his house remained on his land.

Note by Cathy Ross Brewer: In the course of transcribing letters from several of the family members, it is evident that Uncle Chalcey was educated when you compare the spelling and punctuation used in the letters. In this letter, he refers to a school in Vandemere (unable to establish if he was teaching or attending), mentions spending everything he owned for learning and asking for his Father’s assistance in acquiring a school teaching position.

Old Cures and Medicines

Aremady for Cancer

1. From: Lewis, Marcus Lawrence(1842-1880)
2. To: n/a
3. Referenced: Manly, William H.(LH Keeper);
4. WHEN: July 30, 1878
5. WHAT: Aremady for cancer
6. WHERE: Long Shoal Light House

July 30, 1878 - Aremady for Cancer

July 30, 1878 - Aremady for Cancer (page 2)

Turkey Figs - Aremady for Cancer

Boil five Turkey figs in new milk which they will thickin when they are tender. Splite (split) and apply them as warm as can be borne to the part(e)affected whether broken or not. The part(e)must be washed every time the poultice is change with some of the milk. Use a fresh poultice night and morning and at least(e) once during the day and drink a quarter of a pint(e) of the milk the figs are boiled in twice in the twenty four hours if the stomach will beare it. This must be finished in for three or four months at least(e).

Back of Page: Thaire (There) has been applied to a person 105 years old and proved a cure.

L.S.L.H. July 30th 1878

W.H. Manly and M.L. Lewis

Note by Cathy Ross Brewer: In my research to find out what a Turkey Fig was, I found the following which appears to be the same "remedy" and assisted in transcribing the original written from the Long Shore Light House (L.S.L.H.) with a quill pen. The note dated July 30, 1878, is written in the hand of my Great/Great Grandfather Marcus L. Lewis (Assistant Keeper) and signed by both he William H. Manly (Keeper)

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Poltice for Warts

1. From: Rebecca Swindell
2. To: N/A
3. Referenced: N/A
4. WHEN: September 1, 1874
5. WHAT: Poltice for Warts
6. WHERE: N/A

September 1, 1874 - Poltice for Warts

Make a poltice of fine grou[ground] ging[ginger] & vinegar & cooket[cook it] don juste as large as the wart ceep it on 24 hour take a four Squar rom brown pape wet in vinegar from Sun ris tell Sun down Then use A lining[linen] rage[rag] the balance of the time if the tallow Smartes take of[f] and use Linceedede oil.

Ms Rebecor Swindell

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Dr. Pierce Golden Medical Discovery

See the letter: November 12, 1875 - Marcus Lewis to Hettie Rose Lewis