TEST Bigelow Letters Content Block

Colonel Timothy Bigelow wrote multiple letters to his wife, Anna Bigelow, during his time stationed away from his family. Bigelow’s letters provide a glimpse into how colonial women managed their families and households during wartime. The original letters are shown at the left, with the modern transcriptions shown at the right.

June 26, 1775.  To Mrs. Anna Bigelow in Worcester, per favor of Mr. Bigelow. Camp at Cambridge, June 26, 1775. Dear Anna, I am very much surprised that Doct Church should keep my horse so long without letting me know it. The first I know of it was when I received your letter. The next time any one person come with a pretended right to take my horse I would not have you consent by no means, for by that means we shall have the mare intirely ruined. I understand she has been a journey or two since she has been down here. As to the pay it is very just. There should pay both for keeping and the journey of the mare.
27th I sent to Watertown yesterday for the mare and doctor Church says he has sent her to Worcester. You mention my coming home. I have not the least expectation of seeing Worcester so long as there is frequent [skirmishes] every day and every day expecting a general battle. I hope you will write frequently to me that I may know how you all do from time and how matters are conducted. As to the use of the filing room and the tools there never was no intention on my part to have them [illegible] of, nor was there one word said about it, and I am surprised that the farrier should tell you that it was my desire. I would not have you on no account give the key to no person nor let nothing be taken out and observe that it is not [broken] open.

June 26, 1775 (continued).  As to my things I did not expect my brother would have carried them farther than Watertown. I want every one again and especially my books and papers. I also want my [clothes] for we soon expect to receive General Washington from Virginia who is appointed our Chief. I should be glad to have them put into a chest and sent down. [There] must be great care taken who you send them by not only on account of the [clothes] being valuable, but the money that is with them, that belong to the company that I want immediately. I think of nothing at present I hope you are all well, your good wishes together with the satisfaction of being engaged in my country’s cause makes my time agreeable, give my love to our children, from your affectionate husband, Timothy Bigelow.