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JOHN WHEELER RUTLEDGE [to Julia Ann Ward Rutledge] : 1835 HANDWRITTEN LETTER FROM A DOTING HUSBAND IN BALTIMORE TO HIS WIFE, TOUCHING ON FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND THE GROWTH AND LOVE OF THEIR CHILDREN TOGETHER

Folio - over 12" - 15" tall. On offer is a letter, written from Baltimore in 1835, by John Wheeler Rutledge, to his loving wife and friend, Julia Ann Rutledge in Virginia. The letter is sweet and obviously shows a deep devotion to his wife. As to why they are apart, it does not say, but it seems that Julia is with her family in Virginia. They’re home seems to be in Baltimore, as John speaks of their children and of his work, most probably as a farmer. The letter touches on a number of subjects, but mostly family, friends, and some gossip. It was written in Baltimore on October 20th, 1834. It begins, “My Dear Julia Ann” and after some words about receiving her last letter, he writes about his “great satisfaction to hear of your safe arrival, and good health, and of Martha Ganes being so much pleased with her board. It also gives me great pleasure, to inform you that my health is much better than it was when you left home.” He believes “the main cause is that preacher is gone...which I now think was a great drain back on my health.” He lets her know that his children are doing well, in good health, and very fond of her and often “asking me question about going to Virginia for you and about Grand Ma, and sister.” He mentions that his son Randolph has “fattened like a little pig” and “become very fond of me.” His son Randolph was born in 1834 and is one year old. He then tells her of their cousin Jane, who is visiting and “seems quite low spirited at times, complains very much of being so lonesome.” John may be a farmer in Baltimore, as he tells Julia that he has got a “lot of corn by the Spring House, pulled, shucked and lofted” and of the “pumpkins gathered.” John says he is “very sorry to hear D. Rutledge’s health is likely to be so delicated, tell John to write me soon and let me know if he has seen a John Lynch” and as well that “he is very sorry to hear that you did not get in soon enough for Martha Dollard’s wedding, as I have no doubt you would have enjoyed yourself very much.” He then informs her that “Abraham Amos’ negro woman Easter and her husband, Wm. Bosley had Runaway last saturday night.” He makes no further comment on this. Finally, he finishes with pleasantries and implores her to “give my love to Mother, and all inquirious friends, tell Martha Jane to behave pretty and be good girl, and believe me to be your affectionate Husband. John W. Rutledge.” The letter is 4 pages in length (one long sheet folded in half and written on both sides). The front cover has the letter address written: Ms. Julia Ann Rutledge, Moormans Campbell, County Virginia It is in a very legible handwriting, black ink, with minimal smudging. The letter shows a good bit of wear from aging and folding, and there is a good deal of discoloration of the paper, but this does not impede any legibility of the handwriting. There are also a few small holes in the paper, but only one hole is in the place of a word, and that word can easily be assumed. This is a lovely document. (Background: John Wheeler Rutledge was born May 7, 1800 in Harford, Maryland and his wife Julia Ann Rutledge (née Ward) was born May 2, 1808 in Campbell, Virginia. They were married September 30, 1826. John died in 1873 and Julia in 1889. They had six children together born between 1828 and 1843.). Manuscript. Book Condition: Good

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