Four-page letter from Maud Shutt to her children asking them to come home due to their father's severe illness. It also addresses a problem her son is having with his thumb. Osbourne Bridge is located in the middle of Great Sacandaga Lake in New York State. Doubt there is a lot of correspondence from this location.

The letter reads in part: "Your father is worse than he has ever been since I knew him. His leg is so helpless that he cant get off nor on the bed nor off his chair without help. So you may tell Dick and Phebe that you have made up your minds to come home and help take care of him." "I am sorry Miles that you have got a sore thumb. If it is bellon I am afraid you will have a bard time. Dont let it be to long before you have it cut open. If you dont (it) will affect the bone to much. Have it cut open as soon as it will worsen. Now if you are coming home you had better get ready and come as soon as you can. If you have any good tools, you had better fetch them along. Perhaps you may get some work here this winter if you want."

The letter continues telling the children to sell their store and most of their possessions, but pack up a set of dishes if they have them. The letter concludes: "I dont want to schare you but your father is growing worse all the time. He is very weak and feels bad. Our love to you..."

Excellent view into lifestyle and vernacular of the time.