Letter: Sally and Augustus Jordan to Edward Stabler, 1843

[Printed heading] CIRCULAR

THE Subscriber respectfully announces to the Public of Norfolk, Portsmouth, and their vicinities, that he is prepared to execute every variety of work in the following branches of Mechanism: LEVER or SCREW PRESSES for Courts or Corporations, with or without Seals and Designs, to order.

Every description of SODA, CHEMICAL and PHILOSOPHICAL Apparatus.

All orders for the Repairing of SURVEYING, SURGICAL, NAUTICAL and DENTAL Instruments will be promptly attended to, and executed in the most accurate and efficient manner

AUGUSTUS JORDAN, On Union Street, over J. Spaldings

Norfolk, Va. [End of printed heading]

July 18th 1843

Dear Uncle Edward

We received your letter by the last week's mail together with grandmother's additions to it - to which Sally will make reply to=day. (to which Sally did Make reply last week)

I was glad to hear of an improvement in your business - the number of Seals argues much for the prospect of the times. It had been quite dull with me until lately I cannot much complain and do not know that I should complain at all, as I have a full show of employment.

In regard to the rifles, I think I could dispose of some of them, but I should rather attempt it on commission, if you will allow me sufficient profit. I think that if you will

send me two German Silver Mounted with hair triggers and about 36 ins length of Barrel one about 60 and the other ^about 150 balls to the pound, and price to suit the times - I may sell them. Money is not scarce with us, but economy generally seems to be the order of the day.

Please give my love to Aunt Nancy, Margaret and the children, and to Uncle Harry and family - Sally will speak for herself

Affectionately

Aug^s. Jordan

P.S. I should be much obliged for some impressions by next mail, my object is to exhibit them, and perhaps may be of some use to you

Affecty.

A Jordan

[Letter continues in a different hand]

Poor Augustus is in trouble because he had forgotten that Grand Mother was with you & did not send his love to her. I could not help laughing at his long face & serious manner about it - - We have all been sick Aunt Jordan included - She is now better - thought herself well enough yesterday to move to her new boarding house - which is not far from us - I went to see her this morning - She looks very feeble - Augustus has not yet got over the Influenza - & looks very badly - - I hope you all escaped it - It would go hard with thee

I have often thought since receiving thy last how pleasant it would be to us to see thee here - & maybe it would do thee good to come - I wish we could send you some ripe figs - they are the most delicious fruit I ever tasted - We now have Water Melons but no peaches yet - [Tomaltos] yesterday for the first time - - - -

I have not time to write more as I have not half finished my letter to them at home - Love to Grand Mother Aunt Nancy & All, & to Uncle Henry & Aunt Eliza - I am sorry to hear he is more poorly. Let us hear from y[ou] sometimes - they write very rarely from home & do not tell me half I want to hear - - Henry desires me to remember him to Grand Mother in return for her message - He is a fine boy - and will make a fine man I hope.

In haste Affectionately thy neice

Sally S Jordan

Edward Stabler Esqr Post Master Sandy Spring Md