President's Address to the
Cranberry Isles Benevolent Sewing Circle

Date unknown,
Certainly after July 4, 1865,
Probably around Christmas, 1865.

Abigail C. Preble, President

It also indicates that the address was given around Christmas 1865.  The ladies had already paid the $5 -- it was subtracted from the "cash on hand" reported in the address -- and it certainly would have been unwise for them to order expensive and perishable oranges too much before Christmas, because of the likelihood of spoilage.

Address, To the members of the Cranberry Isles benevolent Sewing Circle. Fellow Members in accordance with the usual custom at the expiration of the year, you will expect a few remarks from me, and I can but congratulate you on the good understanding that has continued through the past year and the success that has followed our labors and the prospect that is before us of so soon realizing the object of our wishes which by far exceeds my most sanguine expectation, you are well aware under the present arrangments that the coming Season we may look forward and expect to see that Edifice raised to the worship of Almighty God unless some unforeseen act of the future presents and, as your Committe have made the requisite arrangments for the	left edge of original draft (page 1)
Completion and fullfillment of the same it would seem advisable for us to use all due diligence to assist in aiding them by every means in our power that the good work thus begun shall be fully and satisfactorally accom- plished the amount of funds belonging to the Circle to Date is $875.97               and you are aware that when the House is finished and accepted by the Committe the Contract is to receive                             1,200.00 and is six months from that time 1,000.00 and in one year the balance of     1,000.00 3,200.00 making the sum of three thousand and tow hundred dollars which your committe are bound to see paid at the expiration of the year hoping that our fellow citizens will come forward and lending the helping hand by purchasing pews and that past troubles may all be laid aside and that friendship and good will may prevail and the	left edge of original draft (page 2)
Cherished Edifice may prove a blessing to all from the Least to the greatest is the wishes of your Obedient Servant                    A C Preble President Amt of Cash on Settlement of July 4th. 1865 $792.92 Sest Report as per Book 27.11 Interest S. Bulger 7.51 Interest W.P. Preble 9.00 Premium on Gold 6.67 Left proceeds of Fair 37.76 --------- $880.97 Less for Oranges 5.00 --------- Cash on hand Total $875.97	left edge of original draft (page 3)

full views of original draft
page 1 (73KB)   page 2 (81KB)   page 3 (61KB)