Chapter 2
Print and Post
James POV
I stood at my new printing press, adding fresh paper and removing newspaper copies from it. Ink was smudged all over my face and sweat slid down my face. Writing a newspaper by myself was hard. It took me forever to find stories and when I did, the whole day was spent on putting the print together and making a number of 200 copies minimum. I honestly think that it was easier when I had the competition of Sarah on my back and Moses and Dr. Franklin were taking care of the print.
As I was stacking papers and tying them with twine a horseman rode up in front of my print shop. He looked exhausted but still came up to the door. I walked over to meet him.
"Hello?"
"Are you Mr. James Hiller?" he asked.
"Yes."
"Then this is for you," he said while handing me an envelope. I took it and read the front of the envelope. To Mr. James Hiller, From Miss Sarah Phillips. A letter from Sarah!
"Thank you," I said.
He nodded and then galloped of on his horse down the road. I walked back into the shop and read the letter at my desk.
Dear James,
I am writing to once again update on my life here in New York. Life has been fine yet quiet. Father has been sent on business to England so Mother and I have spent our time together sewing and discussing events on other friends. I tell Mother that what we talk about is gossip but Mrs. Radcliff has rubbed off on her.
Mrs. Radcliff has come down from Canada for a visit. She says that she misses sewing circles like the ones that Mother forces me to participate in. Alas I have been submerged in many activities and have not had the time to send you and Henri more letters. I did receive a letter from Henri in France. He says that France has been suffering and food supplies are low there. He says that the Marquis thinks of another revolution only this one will be in France. I pray that Henri shall stay safe in their hard times.
Has life been doing well for you? I have seen your newspaper and I can not help but think of the old memories when we worked under Dr. Franklin. I last heard that he was in bed with illness. I too pray for his health seeing as he has aged in the many years that I have been in America. How so much time as passed, I do not know. Send my regards to Sybil, seeing as you live closer to her than I do.
Please write back to me a soon as you see fit. I would also like another edition of your fine newspaper.
Sincerely Yours,
Sarah
Well I'm glad she is doing well. Unfortunately Ben has not been getting better. The last time I saw him, he was still in bed and was really pale. I hope Henri will be all right. I need to make a note to write to him and Moses. Why am I thinking these things? I need to write them down!
I pull out my pad of paper and a pen to write back to Sarah.
Friday, May 12, 1784
Sarah,
I was glad to receive your letter today. The newspaper is a lot of hard work but it is successful. Stories have been coming in slowly. One time I had to write the same story for three issues in a row.
I am sorry to say that Dr. Franklin is still ill and seems to be getting worse by the day. I saw Moses the other day when I was interviewing him about his school. He is doing well and says that he is going to invite Phyllis Wheatley to his class. He hopes that she accepts to teach his students about writing and poetry. If she does, I will make sure that the story is in my paper as soon as possible.
I too need to write to Henri about what is going on in France. If another revolution is taking place, I think the American public needs to know about it. I hope Henri is all right.
I am glad to know that life is fine at your house. I understand what boredom is and it sounds like you have a pretty bad case of it. If I were you, I would find a more exciting hobby to keep your mind occupied. Also Enclosed in this letter is the latest edition of the Sun. Send a letter of what you think about it and if I should do anything different. Where I am now, I need someone to nag me.
Your friend
James
I folded the letter and folded my newspaper over it. Soon it was in an envelope and on its way to the Phillip's Estate.
Now for a letter to Henri.
Friday, May 12, 1784
Bonjour Henri,
I hope you are doing well with Lafayette in France. Sarah has sent a letter about a new revolution brewing in France. I hope that it won't become anything too serious but if the events are exciting, please send me a letter to explain it all. I would be glad to print things that are happening in France in my paper.
Moses is fine and his school is prosperous. I fear for Dr. Franklin. His illness seems to be worsening. We can only wait.
Enclosed in this letter is the latest edition of the Sun. Please write back and don't be a stranger.
Your friend and brother
James
I once again folded the letter inside n edition of the Sun and put both in an envelope. I quickly walked down to the local post office and gave both letters to the clerk there. Hopefully it wouldn't take long for me to get a reply from either one of them.