Kiah Sewall to wife on child rearing, New York, 1838

Contributed by Maine Historical Society

Description

Kiah B. Sewall (1807-1865) wrote from New York to his wife, Lucretia Day Sewall, in Portland, offering child-rearing advice.

Sewall was in New York, trying to settle debts related to land speculation, conduct business, and study law. His wife was in Portland with her family and had been since the birth of their first child, Eunice Day. The child was now eight months old and her father had not yet seen her.

He advised his wife to be strict with the child, noting that he did not believe in severe treatment, but did agree with the phrase, "spare the rod, spoil the child." He wrote, "I desire to bring Little E up as near perfection as circumstances will permit."

The back of the letter was labeled "1837," but the content of the letter and the date and day of the week suggest it was written in 1838.

Transcription

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About This Item

Title: Kiah Sewall to wife on child rearing, New York, 1838
Creator: Kiah Bayley Sewall
Creation Date: 1838-04-19
Subject Date: 1938
Locations:
- Portland, Cumberland County, ME
- New York , NY
Media: Ink on paper
Dimensions: 25.3 cm x 20 cm
Local Code: Coll. 105, Box 1/4
Collection: Sewall family papers
Object Type: Text

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Maine Historical Society
485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
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