Letter from Levan Merritt in Medina, NY, to his father Abijah Merritt in Newtown, Connecticut

April 21, 1845 –

Herewith is a draft for one hundred dollars [value in 2013 is $3180] which I want endorsed on the Bond and Mortgage you hold against me – I will keep the interest up promptly and in the course of another year can make some payment on the principle if you wish it.  I have just paid up the balance in full ($369) [value in 2013 is $11,700] revd my bond cancelled and a discharge in full, for record, on the Mill.  My house and mill are now entirely free from incumbrance – I now owe the apigness (?) of Evans about $500 [value in 2013 is $15,900] which when paid will clear me of debt here, I could pay that now if it was necessary as I have grains now that are sufficient to need it but I need some funds ______business to advantageand had better pay the interest on that ____ next Spring – Last fall I bought 1000 bushels wheat at 6/p bu. And paid for it which I have sold this spring at 7/p and the rise (?) above that if there is any to the first of July (The avails of this wheat are included in the statement above) – I also get the grinding of wheat which will amount to between $40 & $50.  It is going to a house in Boston, which will hereafter employ me to pack what flour I can for them in addition to my custom work & furnish the money in advance to do it with, they have had some flour for three years past of my mark and tell me frankly that they get 50 ct [%] to 75 ct now p/bu. for it than any other flour they have – One of the firm have called on me yearly during the time mentioned and will be here again next fall.  They now give me unlimited discretion to do for them as I think fit in buying wheat and grinding and will cash my # draft at sight when ever presented --- I can always manage to have a balance in my hands in their favor which will make the business safe, if it should not be otherwise, There will be no risk.  My custom work is increasing a little and the mill with the present low price of grain will need – mm $1000 p/year. I keep an exact acct. of Debt and credit with the mill so that I shall know when the year is up.  Wheat is now 89 ½ and I think will not exceed it, corn 3/ to 4/ & oats 2/.

The balance now due me on the land I have sold is $300 & some interest due next fall – I have also sold about 13 ½ acres more (which will leave me just 20 acres) to be deeded when the sd $300 is paid – I have stipulated in the last two deeds to clear the Land from the B & Mortage which you hold like a discharge on them, for record, to fulfill the condition of conveyances on my part & supercede the necessity of a like condition in the next – I will give you another obligation for them, either with or without a mortgage to secure it as you may direct.  I will send you a copy of discharge so that you will have no trouble with it, after the new postage laws take effect which will be soon enough – I have 14 acres of wheat on my land, put in at halves & looks the bill of-any- in town.;  My part (before it is hatched) will be from 150 to 200 Bu.

Our oldest boy, Charles, is about 4 years and 3 months old will commence going to school in a few days, his mother has learnt him at home so that he is an extra scholar already – Julia will be three years old in June and has learnt about equal to Charles, but we will not send her to school till next summer.  We have another Boy nearly 3 months old, they are firm bouncing fellows in the estimation of their father.  – I think of bringing the family down for exhibition before long, perhaps not till next summer.  I want Charles should send me a paper on recpt. of this so that I shall be sure that you got him or would do so – All well.

Regards to all.  L. W. Merritt      [Letter in possession of Newtown, Conn. Historical Society]