Mrs. Alexander Ross (M. J. Ross) wrote this undated letter from Kingston to her cousin. She mentions her family and their health. The top portion of this letter is missing.
The community of St. Peter was initially, and for a very brief time, known as Rock Bend, a name taken because of the presence of a sharp bend in the course of the Minnesota River on the east side of the settlement. The name was used probably from late in 1853 until sometime in 1854. The envelope shown here, addressed to Charles E. Flandrau (1828-1903), who was living in the area at the time, is one of only a few objects that survived with the name "Rock Bend" on it. Flandrau, himself, became a very prominent resident of the State of Minnesota. Among many other duties during his lifetime, he commanded the defenders of New Ulm in August of 1862 and later served on the Minnesota Supreme Court.
This is a letter and contract to W.B. Sloan for ads in the "Falls Evening News" and the "Minnesota Republican" newspapers of W.A. Croffut and Edwin Clark. It is written on "Falls Evening News" letterhead.
James George wrote this letter from Mantorville to his daughter, Helen on December 11, 1859. He writes about the value of education and warns her against associating with Mr. Wescotts, Blaisdelle or Sid Miller.
Rhoda George wrote this letter from Lebanon Junction, Kentucky to her children. She describes the trip from Fort Snelling to Lebanon, Kentucky and life with her son, George. A mortgage, property and James George's military duties are mentioned. She expresses concern over the state of the nation. On the last page, James George sends greetings and tells his family how to find the location of Lebanon on a map.
This undated letter is signed by James George, and includes a small greeting from Rhoda George written on the back They are starting for Lebanon, Kentucky and it was expected that Rhoda George would remain in Lebanon while James George went with his regiment. James George mentions meeting old friends from the Mexican War.