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While the first half of John Emery Fuller's letter to his brother, Aaron, instructs him in the proper way to care for a horse, the second half concerns family affairs. He reports that their father, "who Satan has bound a willing captive so many years" has been touched by a recent revival of religion in their town and plans to "unite with the Church." John is both pleased and hopeful that "it may prove true." 1838 marked a highpoint in religious revivals in both western frontier towns, as well as more established areas in the east. Among the factors inspiring a flurry of religious revivals in the second quarter of the 19th century, was the economic collapse of 1837, which undermined Americans' sense of security, causing many to turn to religion.

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