Treasure Between the Floorboards!

I have worked on many old homes over the years, including my own. The 'Holy Grail' of old home restorations is to find an artifact that reveals something about the early or original owners. Those who are lucky enough to find an artifact, solidify the link between our century and theirs and their families and ours. I have never found anything like that, but have been content with initials on beams and the well-worn marks in our floors.

During a recent site visit to the old home we are renovating, the owners and the rest of us were discussing some details when Paul, the lead carpenter, walked up with a small brown envelope in his hand. He had been hammering on a beam when he saw something drop from between the floorboards. It was a small brown envelope postmarked Litchfield, CT and was addressed to the original owner of the house, Colonel Nathan Beckwith. The excitement began to build, and when we pulled the letter out, to our delight, it was from the owners' son, Dr. Josiah Beckwith written February 15th, 1861.

One of the most amazing things about the letter was the fact that it was in perfect condition, and looked as though it were written yesterday. The current owner of the house found a photo of Dr. Beckwith (pictured above) in the historical archives of Litchfield Connecticut.

The letter sounded in many ways, like something a grown son might write to his father today. The following is the best transcription we could come up with.

Dear Father,
It is sometime since I have heard directly from you – I am aware that I am in your debt for one or two letters.
The truth is that I have been very closely occupied. Dr. Seymor's sickness in addition to all other matters. And finally his death on the 29th. I am (???) has thrown all the hardship on my
shoulders – The Doct. had been unwell since September but occasionally was well enough to bide sometime but he finally became so unwell that he could do no more – his funeral took place on Friday Feb 30 – was largely attended. All the churches in the village there (???) and there were more people present than could get into the large church – The day was pleasant He was laid out in Citizen dress a wreath of roses on his heart and he looked as if merely asleep. All mourned his untimely death. And paid to his remains with deep solemnity the last sad duties due to his eminent worth. He was always kind and gentlemanly in his deportment. And the poor as well as the rich fared alike in his sympathies – He often spoke of you and the family & always enquired about and seemed to feel a deep interest in your welfare –
I had hoped to have been able to have visited you (after?) this time but am now alone – Must work or lose my practice & family need all that I can earn –

All send love
(??????)
J Beckwith

You never know what you will find while renovating an old home, but I can't imagine it getting any better than this.