Box 3, Folder 6: Typewritten Letters, 1849-1851

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From Sentinel & Gazette, Sept. 3rd, 1849.*

"An important question settled,----By a series of observations made every three hours during the month of August 1849, I have ascertained that there is a slight Lunar Tide on Lake Michigan".

[Meteorological Observations for August 1849 Table].

I.A. Lapham.

*-See tables with letter Feb. 13-1847 and letter of March 4-1861-with curves.

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Detroit, Sept. 4th, 1849. 4 p.m...........

Dear Wife,--

I have an hour or two to spare before I leave for Sandusky and conclude to spend it in writing to you to inform you of my safe arrival.***

Had Bishop Kemper for a seat companion last night and this morning in the cars from New Buffalo. Tomorrow with good luck I shall be at "home:" The "John Owen" leaves here shortly for Sandusky and will be there in time for the morning cars.***

***At Chicago I saw Lieut. Webster, who said that the Harbor report was satisfactory.***

Bishop Kemper went on immediately in the "MayFlower", will be in Buffalo tomorrow morning and Albany tomorrow evening. He attends a convention of Friday at Philadelphia and then he goes to Minnesota:***

I was kept awake last night by a lady next behind me who kept up the continual cry of "water, water" but no water could be found at any of the stations fit to drink::***

Don't forget to write me as agreed upon and to telegraph on or before Saturday to Rochester, if anything bad has occurred that requires it. I shall enquire at the Telegraph Office in Rochester with deep interest knowing that you were not well when I left.***

Your ever[y] loving husband,

I.A. Lapham.

Mrs. Ann M. Lapham.

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Sept. 5. Arrived in Sandusky 3 A.M. left in cars at 5 A.M.; at West Liberty at 1 p.m., where I was met by Darius, Lorana, and Harriet, my brother and sister and niece.

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Sept. 6. Left at 11 p.m. with Darius and my niece Caroline Stone for Sandusky.

Sept. 7. Saturday. Arrived in Sandusky 8 A.M.--left immediately on steamboat America for Buffalo--wind high--Darius sick, Caroline not.

Sept. 8. Took cars at Buffalo 5 1/2 A.M.--went to Rochester 74 miles in three hours, left Caroline. Drove to the landing below the Falls and went out to Uncle Fayette Lapham's at Egypt, Monroe Co, N.Y. to spend Sunday,--saw a water spout.

Sept. 10. Went to Auburn, spent afternoon with cousin I.S. Allen; visited the Penitentiary.

Sept. 11.. Went this morning to Syracuse, was admitted with brother Darius to the Fair Grounds and the privileges, through the politeness of Mr. Peters of Buffalo.

Sept. 12. Fair opened to the public, great crowd present.

Sept. 13. Left Syracuse at 8 A.M. stopped at Canastota and Oneida, went on at 3 P.M. Left Albany at 11 P.M. Had to sleep on the floor on my own hook.

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Syracuse, Sept. 12th, 1849...............

My dear Wife,--

After rambling about the Fair Grounds all the morning I now sit down to rest myself and enjoy a social chat with you, for, after all the pomp and show and parade, there is still something wanting to make me feel happy and contented in this world, something to entertain the heart as well as the head.

Floral Hall is beautiful and it is interesting to be jammed in between two persons, surrounded by a mass of others and to move along in the crowd entirely around the large oval platform

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surrounding the temple, the steps of which are loaded with the most beautiful of flowers and the most luscious fruits.

Manufacturer's Hall is full of the finest workmanship of all kinds, from rag carpets to the most highly wrought curtains and chair bottoms. Mechanic's Hall embraces all kinds of Agricultural implements ever invented from pinchers to cut the toe nails of a sheep to a Thrashing Machine. Dairy Hall is full of butter and cheese. The largest oxen, finest horses and hogs and the most beautiful sheep I ever saw are here and in the greatest number.

I got separated from Darius this morning so we are each on our own hook today. I know not where to find him.***

In Rochester I saw the "old house" you formerly occupied by the willow tree. After dinner at Congress Hall we met [went to] Mr. Bateman, editor of the Ohio Farmer, who put us in the way of finding Egypt.*** I was very glad to find no telegraph dispatch, as that was to be the sign that all was right.*** This afternoon I am to leave Darius and proceed on my journey. I wish you could be transported here by some telegraphic process this morning so that you could ramble over the fair ground and through the several Halls with me before I leave. Would not that be pleasant?

I must stay in New York a few days to get my large map regulated and then shall go on.*** I find nobody here that I am acquainted with except Mr. Joel Buttles of Columbus, who will go on with me to New York. We were apprehensive that we should be compelled to sleep on the floor last night, but were at last fortunate enough to secure beds at the Syracuse House.*** Henry Clay is here, he attracts about as much attention as the fair. When he passed the place where [dauguerrotypes?] are exhibited, some one handed

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him his own likeness to see whether he could recognize it: Then he opened his big mouth to laugh.*** There are a host of other distinguished men here, but Gen'l Taylor gave the Syracuse the slip. He went home some days ago.***

Your affectionate husband,

I.A. Lapham.

Ann M. Lapham.

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Thursday 9 P.M. Milwaukee,

Sept. 15th, 1849.....

Dear Increase,--

I have taken the observations and set down the expenses for the day and before retiring will devote a few minutes to you. I should like to know where you are at this time. I imagine we have your thoughts four times a day 6 and 9 A.M. and 3 and 9 P.M.; the observations have not been neglected.***

That you may continue well and happy through your journey is the prayer of your affectionate wife,

Ann M. Lapham.

I.A. Lapham.

Sept. 16. Arrived in New York 9 A.M. the 14th, stopped at Rathbone's, corrected proof of map, &c. &c. Left at 9 A.M. this morning for Philadelphia,--after dinner I walked about the city of Philadelphia, no carriages are allowed on Sunday. At 10 P.M. left for Baltimore. Had a night ride.

Sept. 17. At 6 1/2 A.M. left for Washington, arrived at 8 A.M. Stopped at Willard's.

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Washington D.C. Sept. 19th, 1849.

My dear wife,--

I did not write you from New York as I promised in my