Dear Parents,
What shall I say or how shall I excuse myself for not writing to you before this time. But I know you will excuse me this time if I don't do so again. Little did I think the last time I wrote you that I should winter in New York this winter. But a man cannot always do as he would like to do. I never knew what hard times were till this winter. When this panic fist came on there were hundreds thrown out of employment and what did get work their wages were cut down so they can but just live. You want to know if I find friends and employment. I have work so that I get a living. But friends, how I would like to see one it would be a curiosity. I tell you what it is a man has to look out for number one here in this city if he don't know body will look out for him. I thought I knew what trouble was but I did not till I came here. If we had a winter like we have North some times I tell you there would have been some suffering here this winter. But it has be a very mild warm weather so far. We have had no snow here yet. I suppose you have had plenty up North. I see by your letter that you are living in the village this winter. Well I am glad the girls have so good a chance for school tell them to improve their time time well now while they have so good an opportunity. I can look back now and see hours and hours I have spent foolishly, yes and ays. But I could not see where I was miss it then.
So Aunt Mary got disappointed in her marriage di she. Well I am sorry for her but I don't know as I can help her any. Have you heard from her since she went back west. By the way Mother, I have something private I would like to say. Do you ever hear anything said or anything about one Amy Taweg that used to live in P___ I never have heard a word from her since I left home. Has she returned to P___ yet.
I suppose Frank is going to stay at home next summer is he not. If I could get into some good business up there I think I would manage to get home this summer. Other ways I shall stay here till another fall and then go west. There is a great many going west from here this spring and if I had the funds I think I should go too. But as I have not I shall have to wait till some future time. I see my sheet is getting pretty near full so I must close for this time. Hoping you will write soon again. With much love to Father Mother Brothers and Sisters and all who may enquire for me.
L E Baldwin [Luman E]
Envelope addressed to
Mr Nathaniel Baldwin
Potsdam
St Lawrence Co
New York