If so, the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) needs your help!
One of my most treasured items of ancestral history is a letter written to Aaron Ballard (my 3rd-great-grandfather) by his father, Amos Ballard, in the month and year July 1841.


There were several areas of the letter that were difficult to decipher, but, with time, I was able to transcribe the entire document. I often wonder what Aaron had written to Amos in "November last half" because Aaron's fourth child, also named Amos Ballard (my 2nd-great-grandfather), was born on 24 February 1840. Did Aaron send word of the newest Ballard boy, named after his father? As far as I know, that correspondence no longer exists.
My favorite part of this letter is the valediction: "I Remain yours with Love Amos Ballard."
Tangible history is the best! I have held this letter written by a man born in 1770 to his son born in 1796...what a fabulous connection to my ancestors.
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