The 1836 letter was found in a box of letters sold at a garage sale. The box had a label from the Smythe Books & Stationery store in Columbus, Ohio.

Albany, Dec. 15, 1836

Dear Brother,

Your safe arrival was announced to us by your very brief note, which we received yesterday. We will relay (?) the information by another item, which we know will be interesting to you.

On the morning after your departure, you became an uncle; and that you may not be in the predicament of the Hibernian, who when asked the sex of his sister's infant replied that he was ignorant, as yet, whether he was an uncle or an aunt, we must add that your new relation is a boy.

Caroline is now, I hope, doing well, though she has hitherto been quite feeble. The child also bids fair to live and thrive, and will, I trust, one day form your acquaintance ...

I know not that I have anything further of interest to add, respecting ourselves, or our friends in this quarter, and as my hand trembles from the affects of a bilious attack, which keeps me in the house today, I will do no more than subscribe myself

Your brother

Philo Cole

P.S. Let us hear from you again soon.