Do you have an elusive Smith in your family? We hope this helps someone with the "Smith Problem". This transcript of the original 1848 letter from Seth Smith of Lyons to his nephew in Onondaga County was made by Allyn Hess Perry. A copy of the original may be viewed at the Office of the County Historian. We would appreciate any information about who Seth, his nephew and other persons mentioned were to post on this page.

Mr. Sidney Smith
Borodino
Onondaga Co.
N.Y.
(Seth Smith)

Rec'd July 26, '48 - (Lyons, July 24, 1848)

Dear Nephew,

I received your letter of the 16 [Inst]. Bringing the sorrow full news of the death of my sister. This is another sad event to add to the many I have had of the same kind for many years past in my own family and in my Father's family, as well as amongst other relations and neighbors. Every death brings my sorrow to my mind and feelings, and fastens a gloom upon my life which is uncomfortable to bear. But it is consoling to hear that she has been exorcised with little or no pain and that she left this left with much [lep] agony than is common when [haping] out of the world..I have not heard from you very directly since last fall; But I have asked Mr. Miller every opportunity who hears from you more frequently, and he has usually mentioned that Betsey was rather poorly but not more so than was to be expected, so I was not alarmed, knowing that you would inform me if she should be any length of time seriously ill. I had not expected she would be carried off so suddenly. A sudden death is hard to bear, whether the person is old or young.
Concerning her property which you speak of, I will write to Cyrus and consult him on the subject. It would suit me but to be with him and you together on the ocation but I do not see how I can be at liberty until nex winter as I am this season engaged in the Collecton Office which keeps me confined every day, and every other night, all night. I think it best to have it done without the Expense of law; and I think there will be no difficulty in the way. You will please keep everything snug & safe as usual. The case I think needs no hurry, so as to put any one to inconvenience.
My family are as well as usual. Please remember me to all yours. I have intend to write for a long time past, but it is something of a task to me, which is the reason I have not done it.

I am affectionaly

Yours

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Created 11/3/99
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