A letter from 1848 describing a heartbreaking tragedy, presented Sally with questions she just had to get answers to. The deaths of three children in a week’s time, even then, would indeed be “deep waters of affliction.” Who were the three children and what was the relationship between them and the letter’s author? Who was “Jane”?
Sally found some missing pieces of the puzzle on a website called “Spared and Shared, a site created by William Griffing (Griff).
In this episode we discuss the letter, solve the mystery, and introduce you to Griff. You will hear Sally and Griff talk about researching historical manuscripts and learn about this remarkable man and his efforts to preserve history.
“Old letters are golden links in the mystic chain that binds us to the past; precious mementos serving to remind us of the scenes and associations of other days. Especially is this true when the writer sleeps in the quiet stillness of the churchyard, while the grassy hillock marks the place of his sweet repose. B.F. Brewington, 1862 Ladies Repository.”
William Griffing: Author of Spared and Shared Website.
Spared and Shared Web Site:
https://sparedandshared.wordpress.com/
Spared and Shared Web Site Showing the Beardslee/Gordon Letters:
https://sparedshared4.wordpress.com/letters/1844-jane-gordon-beardslee-to-jennette-gordon/
Spared and Shared Web Site, “Billy Yank & Johnny Reb Letters”:
https://billyyankjohnnyreb.wordpress.com/
To hear this episode:
https://www.sallysdiaries.com/podcast/episode/7e36a48e/43-in-the-deep-waters-of-afflictions
Diary Discoveries 
Re Episode 43– Interesting, to learn about all the reading, research and writing that goes into finding, transcribing and sharing of the diaries and letters. Obviously a labor of love.
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