I have one more short letter from second great grandfather Dr. James Gordon to his brother William and sister Jane in New Zealand, provided by our distant cousin Claire. The images below are followed by a transcription. James announces his engagement to Nettie Johnston of New Jersey, although I don’t have the “enclosed” card which would have the details.
Newburgh, November 28th 1872
Dear brother,
How do you get along? It is quite a while since I have heard from any of you. You will see by the enclosed card that I am about to get married on the 4th of next month. The young lady that I am going to marry I have been engaged to for the past five years or more. I am boarding yet but expect to go to housekeeping about the 1st of May. I have been in good health since I last heard from you and hope that you are all enjoying the same blessing. How are you all getting along?
Write me soon and let me know all the particulars. I have never received James’ picture nor any of the children’s—Can you have them taken and send me. I would like to have them very much—all of their pictures (and yours also). I will send you mine with my wife’s as soon as I get some taken. I intend to remain at Newburgh so that you can address me as usual.
James Gordon M.D.
Newburgh, Orange Co, New York, U.S.A.
P.S. This one card will do you both. I would send John and Jane one, but have run short. I only get 75— and thought that would be enough as we are going to be married at their home and not in the church. I would like to have John and Jane write me. With kind love to all, I am as ever your affectionate brother.
James Gordon
To William Gordon and John and Jane Hawthorn and family,
Auckland, New Zealand
James Gordon letter to his brother and sister in New Zealand, November 28, 1872
James and Nettie were married in Washington, New Jersey on December 4, 1872 and lived in Newburgh, NY shortly thereafter.
Bridging the Silences 