Cross-written letters mentioning the Fenian raid, 1866-67

Abstract

Two cross-written letters dated 1866 and 1867, Stratford, Ontario. Both letters contain handwritten transcriptions.

The first letter is dated June 18, 1866. The letter begins with news of the birth of a baby boy and asks that the recipient come for a visit. After this mention is made of the Fenian raids and the billeting of the “Queen’s Own” with local families. It is written that “We have been in quite a state of excitement here, the ‘Queeen’s Own’ we have two billeted & would have had six but for ‘Dots’ illness. Our neighbor had 13…some 6-10…I think the Fenian excitement is over and that the Land of our adoption will be quiet again. We were not thankful enough for peace, you may fancy what my anxiety was when I thought my son had joined the Volunteers but thank God he is safe. What a sad thing, the death of all those fine young men…” The recipient of the letter wrote a reply cross-written over the original letter. The letter is signed Kate Arthurton.

The second letter is dated November 4, 1867. The first page has a black border and is addressed to Fanny. The letter opens with thanks for the kind expression of sympathy after “my darlings death”. This letter also contains cross-writing and is signed Kate Arthurton.