1890 Decorah Iowa to NY Cover + 10p Handwritten Family Letter, 2¢ Washington

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Item Specifics

Country

United States

Condition

Cover (Postal History)

Stamp Format

Single

Year of Issue

1890

Item Description

Key Features:

Postmark: Clear DECORAH, IOWA / SEP 5 / 1PM / 1890 circular datestamp

Destination: Yorkshire Corners, New York

Postage: 2¢ Washington carmine, 1890s issue, tied by cork cancel

Contents: Complete 10-page handwritten family letter, dated Sept 4th, 1890, Decorah

Sender: Mrs. Mattie E. Sweetland

Recipient: Mr. Fred Silliman

Condition: Cover with edge wear and upper right corner tear; all pages legible and intact

Historical Value: Detailed account of family life, travel, hardships, and emotional reflections

Letter Content Highlights:

This exceptionally preserved 10-page letter is a rich window into late 19th-century American domestic life, written in flowing cursive on period stationery. Key topics covered include:

Family disputes and tensions, possibly regarding inheritance or custody

Reflections on life changes, remarriage, and social expectations after widowhood

Description of a child's education, learning languages and studying music

Detailed travel recollections through England, France, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy

Emotional honesty, including mentions of shame, resilience, and moral defense

Introspective comments like “I fear to have the blame rest on me…” and “trusting you will believe me…”

Final Signature: "Yours, here I am — Mrs. Mattie E. Sweetland, Joplin, MO"

Why This Item Stands Out:

Rare combination of postal and epistolary history in a single lot

The letter is deeply personal and vivid, offering a voice of a woman navigating personal and societal challenges

Full cover with clear postmark and original stamp, plus the entirety of the correspondence

Excellent for Collectors of: postal history, social history, genealogy, or women’s studies

Condition:

Cover shows wear, top right torn edge, and general age toning

Stamp intact and clearly postmarked

All pages are complete and readable, with age-appropriate toning and folds

Shipping & Handling:

Secure archival packaging

Tracked worldwide shipping

Combined shipping available upon request

Collector’s Note:
This is more than just a postal item — it's a narrative capsule from 1890, rich in emotional depth, historical insight, and cultural reflection.

Seller Information

Seller

AdrianoCaulliraux (52)

Registered Since

11/18/2021

Feedback

100%

Store

Filatélica Amaral

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Item Location

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No