Sarah Bishop talks about the draft riots in New York and blames Gov. Seymour. Tom Thumb, his wife, and Commodore Nutt were in town and the children enjoyed seeing them.
Danbury
July 15th 1863
Dear Husband
I thought I [would] write to you as is my custom every week on Thursday, but whether you will get it very soon I cannot tell, for New York is blockaded by a mob, [Ed. New York draft riots] and we have had no news since Monday, neither any mail, the cars run to Norwalk as usual but the mob in New York will not allow the cars to leave there they threaten to burn Harleam Bridge if they attempt it- the Draw is up they attempted to draft on Monday but the people tore down the house and killed some of the men engaged they tore up the track and cut the Telegraph and chased all the Negroes that dared appear they hung one on a tree because he was quarrelling with a man and shot off a pistol killing a man. The soldiers were called out but the mob was so great they fired once then turned and ran. Brave. All the news came in Monday's paper or Tuesdays. We have heard that Gov. Seymour has recalled the Militia who have gone to Penn to quell it. I think the whole of it can be traced to his door. If you read his fourth of July speech which I sent you on Sunday you can judge for yourself. It is very dreadful, such work. I hear that the drafting for Danbury is done in Bridgeport. I am very glad of it, for I think there would be just such work here. Even the women turned out in New York it is principally because all poor men mechanics were drafted.
I received the 15$ you sent me by Mr. Davis all right--for which I thank you when are you coming home Darling. I have the question asked me every day we are all well now and hope your health continues good. We are anxious to see you Darling and have you at home again. We have not had any letters this week on account of the trouble in New York I suppose. It has put a stop to business and every thing. Well Darling we love you Dearly and hope you will start for home by the time you get this there is a rumour that Port Hudson is taken but we do not know if it is true I wish you could come home that way and be saved a sea voyage. Perhaps you may be permitted to do so.
Tom Thumb and his wife are here. I took the children to see them, they were delighted with them of course. Commodore Nutt is here too and the most comical little fellow I ever saw how I wish you could have heard him drum. Your folks are all well I believe the children are gone to Guildford Amos' wife is getting a little better- I have not heard of anything but the trouble in New York so cannot enlighten you any further. The Rebels were still on the Potomac awaiting a Battle. I hope we shall have news before long for the exitment is very great. I heard that Bounty is to be offered to Volunteers here. Whether it is true or not I cannot say
Well Dearest, I will take this and mail it and if possible I suppose it will be sent off. I hope it may be for you will not know what is make of it, if you do not get a letter. I am still your loving Devoted Wife
Sarah Bishop
