Scope and content Two letters from Walter Failing in New York City to his sister Mary Jane in Watertown, New York, on June 5 and September 22, 1845, together with typewritten transcripts. Walter gives a detailed description of life in New York, including the varied inhabitants, charitable institutions, prominent buildings (including Trinity Church, at that time being built), fire districts, city government, street lights, food markets, cabs and omnibuses, street vendors, rag pickers, plays currently being...