I purchased this letter off eBay in late August, 2010 mostly as a curiosity. Here is the transcribed text – along with scans of both sides…

Sir

I arrived here Saturday & have been making efforts to raise the funds to take up that mortgage. I think I shall succeed. I shall be home Wednesday or Thursday.

For the second time if you can possibly raise the amount yourself to buy the mortgage we will pay the 25$ & your trouble beside so that I may use the funds elsewhere.

Yours truly
B.S. Seymour

O.S. Williams Esq.
Clinton, N.Y.