Letter: Margaret Currey to her brother William Currey, 1840

Margaret Currey¹ writes to her brother William and describes her work days at Carlisle’s Mansion House Hotel. She receives several letters from people in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania asking her to work for them, and she is contemplating the merits and drawbacks of each request.
Carlisle, July 12, 1840
Dear Brother,
“As I have not received a letter from you since I sent a few lines by Mr. Sterrett shortly before or after Mr. Ferree left, [I] thought I would spend this morning in writing to you. Mr. O’Brien a few days ago call to see me. He seemed like an old acquaintance. I have been very much engaged. We have had a full house for some days particularly from the 4th until after the commencement.² and have still some strangers. The car passengers³ breakfast here about half past 4 in the morning—nearly about 18 to 20 and the same number of boarders and strangers at the other breakfast at 7 o’clock, besides the family and hired ones—nearly 18. A tolerable family. I get up between 3 and 4 every morning and am on my feet until 8 or 9 at night. Some days I am almost worn off my feet but have some hart[sic] to work. I do feel at home so much more than I ever did in Mr. Ferree’s house.⁴

They are very friendly to me, and I never saw cleverer people in my life. I have to move about but not more than I always had to do and I have not as yet had a cross word or look from any of the family. I received two letters in one day from Marietta (Lancaster County, Pennsylvania) for me to come and live there. One from Mrs. Pedon [sic] where Mrs. Ferree’s mother lives. They wish me very much to come and be in a friends house. The other was from Mr. Boggs, pastor of Donegal. He would wish me very much to come and live with them as one of the family and he would give me a reasonable recompense for my assistance. They have only three in the family. I expect my rest would be more regular but would have to be at everything and all sort of drudgery. In a small family there are many things to be done and ladies often have company and cannot do much. I have not anything hard to do here.The only thing that makes me tired is being on my feet. Washing the cups in the morning takes me nearly till 10 o’clock. From (?) ankles get weak standing still.

We have Mr. Candich [sic] from Middletown. He is attending Barr. Mr. Wallis went with Terril to the Brandywine Springs.⁵ This has not been a very good time at the Springs. The weather has not been very warm until now. I was told that they have to pay $1,200 for the season. It is a risk to have a hotel at the Springs. I have had my health very well since I left you. We have great reason to be thankful for the blessing as well as every other we enjoy. I was…pleased to hear that you are doing well. I am well and nothing happens except to call to see you on my way to Maytown, (Lancaster County, Pennsylvania) next month but cannot say what day. I intend to leave here before the court for I fear I may be called as a witness, and if they want me they may hunt me. They brought Jacob Branamen last court but did not call on me. I must (give up) writing. The Lord bless you. I remain your affectionate sister. Margaret Currey.