Manuscripts
Typescript of letters written by Charles C. Rich and his first wife Sarah D. (Pea) Rich from August 1, 1853, to January 11, 1863. Rich's letters are addressed to his wives, primarily his second wife Eliza A. (Graves) Rich. He writes from his missions in San Bernardino, California (August 1, 1853 and June 1, 1856) of hot weather, poor crops, and his intentions to leave when the "Lord wills." His letter from a mission in Liverpool, England (January 11, 1863) focuses on a Church conference held at Birmingham from January 1-6, 1863. Two other letters from Rich were written from Nottinghamshire, England (November 22, 1861) and South Wales (January 31, 1861). The majority of Rich's letters focus on instructions and well wishes for his wives and children. Also included is a letter from Sarah Rich to Eliza Rich, and a letter from Sarah to Charles Rich, sent from Salt Lake City and dated August 25, 1853. In it, Sarah writes of the death of their daughter Henrietta from scarlet fever, that the Indians are "at open war with us as a people" and had killed several Mormons at Parley's Canyon, her belief that "Old Bridger [James Bridger, 1804-1881] is at the head of all the war," and her fears about lack of money and supplies for the coming winter. Bound.
mssHM 72836
