I have for a long time wanted to turn up a good example of cross-writing, shown here on the first page of this letter, brilliantly (and beautifully!) used in the early-mid 19th century as a way of conserving space and paper. I just love to look at it! But happily this is a pretty wonderful and notable letter, too, written from Elias A Brown to his dear wife--Louisa Anna (Cady) Brown— in Minaville, Montgomery County, NY, 1840.

There is a good bit about Elias A. Brown (1811–1890) out there. Educated at Albany Academy then military school at Middletown, Conn, he first worked for his father's company, Dibblee & Brown in Albany, N. Y., who were merchants, and commission and forwarding agents, owning and chartering  sloops and steamboats to transport goods and commodities on the Hudson River and Erie Canal. In 1836 Brown joined the crew of the Hudson River steamer North America, and as I understand it was on board when it was sunk by ice in 1838. Happily he survived.  Sometime not very long before the writing of this letter, Brown married Louisa (daughter of General Jay Cady), subsequently becoming a partner in Minaville’s General Store. (And later also serving as postmaster, town clerk, and Justice of the Peace!) When the Civil War broke out, Brown used his store as a recruiting center, and took on the role of Brigade General, 13th Brigade, N.Y. Volunteers. 

Lots to dig into here, and it requires some patience to decipher the letter, but it is chock full of information and delights. What I especially love (in addition to the cross writing!) is the intimacy and familiarity with which he writes to his new wife. He writes of finding a present for her, and looking at watches for himself, and of meetings and visits and also of Daniel Webster (not a fan; "what silly things will sometimes emanate from great men's heads.") There is also humor and playfulness throughout: " I began the day darning and darned at noon and darned at night, when I shall cease darning darned if I know." 

Folded as shown in first photo - 11 1/2" x 7 7/8". Opens to 15 3/4" across. Completely filled as pictured, and will remnants of red wax seal. A few small tears/ holes along fold lines but in very good condition, and with ink strong and readable (with some effort) throughout. Black ink on wove.