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Find your roots and hear your ancestors' words across the generations. Discover your origins in old letters as ancestors tell their stories and reveal family relationships, past events, moments in time and details of family history. Add branches to your family tree as you search your ancestry and build your genealogy.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
New Bedford, Massachusetts 1844
Letter dated New Bedford, Massachusetts, September 1, 1844 and sent to Captain Isaac J. Sanford of the whaling ship "Champion", written by his wife Sylvia. This sad letter makes much about missing the husband, fearing for his safety and urging good health and a speedy return, sorry she did not go with him on the voyage, news about their little daughter Mary and family and friends. other local news including concern over a ship that has not been seen for some time, and comments he has not written about receiving her portrait sent to the Islands. She has noted this is her 20th letter.
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Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Charles W A Morton 1808
June 28 1808. Signed “Charles W A Morton” to Mr. Biggs:
“As Mr. Biggs has declined to act any longer in the capacity of second, Mr. Morton wishes to know, if Mr. Thompson has come to a definitive resolution upon the subject. Saturday was the day appointed for the encounter, and Mr. M is certainly entitled to the intermediate time for the purpose of providing his second, especially since the arrangements necessary to be made by a person acting in that relation, may be completed in a few hours. Mr. M. has been involved in a disagreeable predicament by the defection of him, who had originally undertaken his cause, and has hitherto been unsuccessful under the circumstances. Mr. M. relying on the honor and ability of Mr. B is willing, that he should act as the common friend on the occasion, and he conceived that his opponent cannot occur any possible disadvantage in consequence of the measure, and that his reputation requires an acquiescence in the proposal. If Mr. B absolutely declines, he is still ready to go out alone with Mr. T in the last resort, in pursuance of preliminary arrangements, written and agreed to between the parties. Charles W A Morton”.
“As Mr. Biggs has declined to act any longer in the capacity of second, Mr. Morton wishes to know, if Mr. Thompson has come to a definitive resolution upon the subject. Saturday was the day appointed for the encounter, and Mr. M is certainly entitled to the intermediate time for the purpose of providing his second, especially since the arrangements necessary to be made by a person acting in that relation, may be completed in a few hours. Mr. M. has been involved in a disagreeable predicament by the defection of him, who had originally undertaken his cause, and has hitherto been unsuccessful under the circumstances. Mr. M. relying on the honor and ability of Mr. B is willing, that he should act as the common friend on the occasion, and he conceived that his opponent cannot occur any possible disadvantage in consequence of the measure, and that his reputation requires an acquiescence in the proposal. If Mr. B absolutely declines, he is still ready to go out alone with Mr. T in the last resort, in pursuance of preliminary arrangements, written and agreed to between the parties. Charles W A Morton”.
Monday, October 25, 2010
EMILY E. GRIFFIN 1850
It is with pleasure I take my pen in hand to inform you that we are all well and hope that these will find you enjoying the same blessing. Yours I received it came the day I started for New York. I staid there over a year and did not see it till I came home. Since then I have neglected it. I hope you will pardon me for my negligence. We lived in New York five years, moved back and bought the corner house and land attached to it. Grandmother Griffin died a month after we returned. She was perfectly helpless with the palsey for two years before her death. In less than three years afterwards I was called to mourn the loss of a near and dear Father. He was confined to his bed only nine days. He died the 26th of January 1846 with the inflammation on the bowels. I hope our loss will be his eternal gain. He met with a change before his death. I cannot wish him back to suffer as he did. He had not enjoyed good health for the last twenty four years.
Uncle Philip Griffin commited suicide by hanging himself with a rope to a limb of a tree. He had the mumps about a year before he died and caught a cold with them. He was not crazy long before his death. He was with Father night and day while he was sick. No one knew he was crazy but his family till he hung himself. He was once heard to say he had no friend since his earthly friend was gone. He had nothing to live for. I expect he was crazy then. He died four months after Father.
Elisha works the farm. It is the talk he will be married between this and spring to Miss Mary Smith. Mr. Peter Bloom pay his ? to Anna. Aaron is the same Aaron yet Catharine Washburn is married to a Mr. Courbright from Plimmoth I believe. Mahala Hermans to Mr. Abram Duning one child. Martha Jane to Mr James Hays she has three children. Angaline to a A. Hendrick of Honesdale she has not done very well. Emma Hermans to Graham our school teacher they have two little boys. Polly to Mr Isaac Dean, Elisabeth Phiney to Mr Stone. Sarah Spencer to Isaac Depre. Sarah ‘s Mother died some three years ago. Her Father is married again to a young girl. Young enough to be his Daughter. Elisabeth Depre died about three years ago. Her father has gone to the west.
Mary Robinson is married to Doctor Pier one child. Catharine to Daniel Silkman two children. Holden to Sarah Shoemaker. Maria to William Shoemaker. Maria Snider not married yet nor Samuel Ward or Edward. This place is altered so you would hardly know it. Mr. Cottrell has built him a brick house. There is one Presbeterian Church and the Methodist has laid the foundation for their Church. It is a going to stand on a lot of our land and is a going to be built of brick. They calculate to finish it next summer. There is some seventy dwelling houses in the place, four stores, three parlor shops, two grocerys, two carriage shops, three Blacksmith, two carpenter shops and silversmith axe and sythe factory, one window sash, one sawmill, two gristmills, one district and two select school.
My cousin Miss Parsons has taught the select school for the last four years. Mrs Barlow the Presbeterian ministers wife the other Edmund lives in New York. He is Alderman of the first ward. Hiram lives there. He is engaged in taking the Census of the first ward. Not married yet. William is at home. I went out to New York last spring and staid four months. Edmund has two children a girl and boy since I have been home. I have been engaged painting and paparing our house. We moved our old house down opposite John Vaughn and just addition on it John Vaughn has four daughters, one son the youngest. The oldest girl is about seven good enough for the old bachelor. Lolly Stephens is most as large as Mother. I weigh one hundred and twenty six. Ann is larger then I am and taller. I presume you thought I had forgotten you. Never can I forget one that I have spent so many happy hours with when I have passed the old school house I have often thought of you. If I could recall those days how happy I should be when we sat side by side but those days are past and gone. Do you ever think of coming back once more to view this delightful valley and look on the faces of some of your old school mates. Anna was here yesterday. They were all well. Steward is about here. He is the same Steward yet. Give my love to Mrs Steward give my love to your mother and father and all the best of the children and except a share for yourself. Please excuse my scribbling for I wrote this at night and a poor pen. So good night write as soon as you get this.
No more at present.
I remain your affectionate friend,
EMILY E. GRIFFIN
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Uncle Philip Griffin commited suicide by hanging himself with a rope to a limb of a tree. He had the mumps about a year before he died and caught a cold with them. He was not crazy long before his death. He was with Father night and day while he was sick. No one knew he was crazy but his family till he hung himself. He was once heard to say he had no friend since his earthly friend was gone. He had nothing to live for. I expect he was crazy then. He died four months after Father.
Elisha works the farm. It is the talk he will be married between this and spring to Miss Mary Smith. Mr. Peter Bloom pay his ? to Anna. Aaron is the same Aaron yet Catharine Washburn is married to a Mr. Courbright from Plimmoth I believe. Mahala Hermans to Mr. Abram Duning one child. Martha Jane to Mr James Hays she has three children. Angaline to a A. Hendrick of Honesdale she has not done very well. Emma Hermans to Graham our school teacher they have two little boys. Polly to Mr Isaac Dean, Elisabeth Phiney to Mr Stone. Sarah Spencer to Isaac Depre. Sarah ‘s Mother died some three years ago. Her Father is married again to a young girl. Young enough to be his Daughter. Elisabeth Depre died about three years ago. Her father has gone to the west.
Mary Robinson is married to Doctor Pier one child. Catharine to Daniel Silkman two children. Holden to Sarah Shoemaker. Maria to William Shoemaker. Maria Snider not married yet nor Samuel Ward or Edward. This place is altered so you would hardly know it. Mr. Cottrell has built him a brick house. There is one Presbeterian Church and the Methodist has laid the foundation for their Church. It is a going to stand on a lot of our land and is a going to be built of brick. They calculate to finish it next summer. There is some seventy dwelling houses in the place, four stores, three parlor shops, two grocerys, two carriage shops, three Blacksmith, two carpenter shops and silversmith axe and sythe factory, one window sash, one sawmill, two gristmills, one district and two select school.
My cousin Miss Parsons has taught the select school for the last four years. Mrs Barlow the Presbeterian ministers wife the other Edmund lives in New York. He is Alderman of the first ward. Hiram lives there. He is engaged in taking the Census of the first ward. Not married yet. William is at home. I went out to New York last spring and staid four months. Edmund has two children a girl and boy since I have been home. I have been engaged painting and paparing our house. We moved our old house down opposite John Vaughn and just addition on it John Vaughn has four daughters, one son the youngest. The oldest girl is about seven good enough for the old bachelor. Lolly Stephens is most as large as Mother. I weigh one hundred and twenty six. Ann is larger then I am and taller. I presume you thought I had forgotten you. Never can I forget one that I have spent so many happy hours with when I have passed the old school house I have often thought of you. If I could recall those days how happy I should be when we sat side by side but those days are past and gone. Do you ever think of coming back once more to view this delightful valley and look on the faces of some of your old school mates. Anna was here yesterday. They were all well. Steward is about here. He is the same Steward yet. Give my love to Mrs Steward give my love to your mother and father and all the best of the children and except a share for yourself. Please excuse my scribbling for I wrote this at night and a poor pen. So good night write as soon as you get this.
No more at present.
I remain your affectionate friend,
EMILY E. GRIFFIN
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Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Selma, Alabama 1862
Civil War letter from Selma, Alabama from March 26, 1862. It is from A.L. Haden and is 3 pages long and is all handwritten. Here are some highlights of the letter:
Our people have not been fully aroused, they are now beginning to be and I hope ere long we shall be a unit, we are now fighting on the Mississippi River at Island #10 and if we hold that place and whip the enemy at Corinth I shall be very hopeful and if we fail there I will not despair for we shall then have to adopt a new policy which if vigorously carried would we will kill them off. I mean guerilla war. Ambush them and kill in every case where it is possible and this we can do when they undertake to march through the country as it seems they will do if they can, if we had built boats iron clad at the outset we would have whipped them long since…
The Merrimac is what we need at every place now and one such at each seaport would secure our safety it is late to begin but I am in favor of beginning now and moving as vigorously as possible. Mobile is threatened and if they take it we shall have their gun boats at this place, we have neither men nor arms here, but we have the torch, to burn everything they may want except our negroes, the cotton is what they mostly want now and that we do not intend they shall have, if fire will prevent them.
I have heard from Grey to the 12th Inst then near Fredericksburg. Willie I have not heard from so recently I suppose he is at or near Gordonsville, our army are getting much nearer home and the Yankees nearer to us, this seems to be hard I hope it is for the best, but I am inclined to fear that it exposes our weakness.
I intend to go to the mountains soon and take some hand up to plant corn for the poor soldiers wives who are left to make all they will have to live one. I feel very sad on account of that class of people. They have turned out and have gone to the war, until in many places none are left but the old men and women and children, and they are very poor, have no negroes and et the slave holders are not disposed to or send their negroes, fearing they may lose them, but their children have gone and many will never return, but they will not trust a few negroes to go when there is no dangers and this has caused the most of our troubles. We have been looking after money instead of our liberties until the enemy are all round us in immense force.
I have given up everything for the cause have lost sight of making money, ever since the commencement of this war, but have been giving until I have nearly given all for the cause of our country and still I am disposed to contribute and will be until the last is taken and if this will secure me life liberty and equality I am paid with interest for the sacrifice such I find to be my own case but not so much with many among whom I live and for whom I have no respect and will not have any thing to do with them.
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Our people have not been fully aroused, they are now beginning to be and I hope ere long we shall be a unit, we are now fighting on the Mississippi River at Island #10 and if we hold that place and whip the enemy at Corinth I shall be very hopeful and if we fail there I will not despair for we shall then have to adopt a new policy which if vigorously carried would we will kill them off. I mean guerilla war. Ambush them and kill in every case where it is possible and this we can do when they undertake to march through the country as it seems they will do if they can, if we had built boats iron clad at the outset we would have whipped them long since…
The Merrimac is what we need at every place now and one such at each seaport would secure our safety it is late to begin but I am in favor of beginning now and moving as vigorously as possible. Mobile is threatened and if they take it we shall have their gun boats at this place, we have neither men nor arms here, but we have the torch, to burn everything they may want except our negroes, the cotton is what they mostly want now and that we do not intend they shall have, if fire will prevent them.
I have heard from Grey to the 12th Inst then near Fredericksburg. Willie I have not heard from so recently I suppose he is at or near Gordonsville, our army are getting much nearer home and the Yankees nearer to us, this seems to be hard I hope it is for the best, but I am inclined to fear that it exposes our weakness.
I intend to go to the mountains soon and take some hand up to plant corn for the poor soldiers wives who are left to make all they will have to live one. I feel very sad on account of that class of people. They have turned out and have gone to the war, until in many places none are left but the old men and women and children, and they are very poor, have no negroes and et the slave holders are not disposed to or send their negroes, fearing they may lose them, but their children have gone and many will never return, but they will not trust a few negroes to go when there is no dangers and this has caused the most of our troubles. We have been looking after money instead of our liberties until the enemy are all round us in immense force.
I have given up everything for the cause have lost sight of making money, ever since the commencement of this war, but have been giving until I have nearly given all for the cause of our country and still I am disposed to contribute and will be until the last is taken and if this will secure me life liberty and equality I am paid with interest for the sacrifice such I find to be my own case but not so much with many among whom I live and for whom I have no respect and will not have any thing to do with them.
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Tuesday, October 12, 2010
T H Hough to Guy Hough 1837
Columbus Ohio green cds and 25 rate on 1837 stampless folded letter from Columbus to Ct., describing his trip to Ohio, via canal and railroad.
I arrived in NY the next morning and left immediately for Albany...and left the same evening for Utica, and arrived there before light the next morning-spent one day there, and then by canal went west 60 miles to Montizuma and then went south 10 miles to Seneca Falls to call on my friend Mr roberts...then continued on my journey to Rochester...then took passage on railroad to Batavia thirty two miles and stage from there to Buffalo about 40 miles- arrived at B-early next morning....we took a ride through some of the most pleasant streets
and enjoyed it extreemly well. In the afternoon Mr S and myself took passage on the rail road for the falls Niagara-distance 22 miles-arrived there in time to view the falls before ten.... I went under the falling sheet water to termination rock and was well compensated for all trouble and expense. Saturday I left Buffalo for Detroit-determined to see where and how the Hough settlement is situated... had a fine time crossing the lake-about 9 I was ready to mount my pony and go into the woods, and found our friends were about 50 miles north Detroit.
He finds his friends, and writes about them. they had 5-6 acres about burnt over he cut about 6-7 tons of hay, and nearly 80 bushel of wheat, and in 1/2 hour 150 potatoes - not much corn... I left saturday morning and arrived in Detroit same evening-early the next morning left for Cleveland...left in pack for Hebron, about 30 miles from this place. letter is to Guy Hough in Ct from T H Hough.
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I arrived in NY the next morning and left immediately for Albany...and left the same evening for Utica, and arrived there before light the next morning-spent one day there, and then by canal went west 60 miles to Montizuma and then went south 10 miles to Seneca Falls to call on my friend Mr roberts...then continued on my journey to Rochester...then took passage on railroad to Batavia thirty two miles and stage from there to Buffalo about 40 miles- arrived at B-early next morning....we took a ride through some of the most pleasant streets
and enjoyed it extreemly well. In the afternoon Mr S and myself took passage on the rail road for the falls Niagara-distance 22 miles-arrived there in time to view the falls before ten.... I went under the falling sheet water to termination rock and was well compensated for all trouble and expense. Saturday I left Buffalo for Detroit-determined to see where and how the Hough settlement is situated... had a fine time crossing the lake-about 9 I was ready to mount my pony and go into the woods, and found our friends were about 50 miles north Detroit.
He finds his friends, and writes about them. they had 5-6 acres about burnt over he cut about 6-7 tons of hay, and nearly 80 bushel of wheat, and in 1/2 hour 150 potatoes - not much corn... I left saturday morning and arrived in Detroit same evening-early the next morning left for Cleveland...left in pack for Hebron, about 30 miles from this place. letter is to Guy Hough in Ct from T H Hough.
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Thursday, September 30, 2010
Pearce and Chappotin families of New England
Three handwritten letters, 1820, 1823 and 1829. They all originally belonged to the Pearce and Chappotin families of New England. One is written to ship Captain Nathaniel Pearce of Providence Rhode Island from his son Thomas, also a ship captain. The second one, also by Thomas, either to his father or father-in-law. The third is written by Mary Ann Chappotin, Thomas’s wife, to her mother, Mrs. Leon Chappotin, in Meadville Pennsylvania. This third letter actually has several different writers.
In Part......
“Bristol, February 19th, 1820
Dear Sir,
We arrived here Wednesday at 4 P.M. after a pleasant passage and at 5 were married in church by the Rev. Bishop Griswold in presence of a small collection of very respectable citizens in the evening and were called upon by Messieurs Wolery, Collins &c &c. Have received much attention and pass our time very agreeably. We should be very happy to see you here if you can make it convenient but am sorry to state that it would not be convenient for Mrs. Mosher to accommodate you. Sarah is well and will probably return Monday with Sophia and Capt. Jennings who desire their respects to you as does Mary Ann. Give my best respects to all the family and believe me to be your very obedient son, Thomas Pearce.” Composed C.”
“Lima, October 9th, 1823
Dear Father,
I am happy to inform you that I am on the point of sailing for Guayaquil to procure if possible a cargo of cocoa for the ship with which I shall proceed direct to Providence. In case a very high piece renders it unadvisable, I shall go immediately to China but I hope that will not be the case. From the accounts you must have got from this side of the waters you will probably conclude that our voyage is not going to prove so profitable as was expected……It is unnecessary for me to say anything about Mr. Ellis or George as they have written themselves. I received your letter by Capt. Bowers. He sailed 23rd last month for China. Capt. Jennings is still here. Was one of the purchasers of my cargo and I hope will make something handsome on it….The President of Columbia, General Bolivar, arrived here about 1st of September and has been made Dictator, commander in chief &c &c in fact he has the management of the affairs of Government and much good is expected to result to this country from his presence here as this period…
The Patriots have met with success latterly in upper Peru and have advanced far into the country but it is uncertain what the result of the campaign will be. To the north an unhappy difference exists. Riva Aguero the former President refusing to acknowledge the congress’s President, established him after the evacuation of Lima by the Royal forces, but it is now that as Bolivar has been invested with authority to settle the differences, it will soon be done by words or blows. We seem in some measures to be out of the world on this side of the water as we seldom hear much about what is going on with you. It seems there is a war in Europe and we feel anxious to know some particulars. Whether there is a prospect of it’s continuance and if the other powers of Europe will be involved in it and above all with what…….Brother Jonathan is looking on. Give my best love to all and believe me to be your obedient son, Thomas Pearce.”
The third and final letter consists of 3 ½ pages but it really needs some archival repair. It is also a stampless letter and it looks like not only Mary Ann wrote but S. P. Bullock, daughter Cole, S. B. Wheaton, and possible others who have just signed their initials. The reason I think everyone wrote and is also there at Mary Ann’s house is because Cole, Mary Ann’s sister, is getting married to a Mr. Wheaton and they are all planning the wedding. The letter is full of wedding talk and very charming and in part reads…..
“Providence December 27th, 1829
My Dear Mother,
I was very glad to hear through Miss Humphrey that miss Crosby was better and I hope ere this that she is still better……….Monday afternoon, December 28th, The child waked up last evening and I had to give up writing……Cole was published for the first time yesterday at Mr. Edes. I expect this will surprise you. She prefers being married by him as she never goes to church and says she does not like Mr. Crocker……Cole is to be married a fortnight from this evening. They expect to leave the next day for Norton……I shall write Mrs. Edes as we took tea with them at my father Pearce’s just before Thomas sailed…..I am going to have the cake made by a Mrs. Crandall who is a cake maker for all the Nobility. I would not undertake it for fear of an accident………Your ever Mary…….Dear Mother,….Mary Ann has written you all the news but I thought I would spare one moment to write you a few lines saying I have got all that is necessary. I shall finish my wedding dress this eve. It is a white cambric with two deep folds, each over a quarter of a yard. Long sleeves, sets beautifully. Miss Tyler assisted me. Mr. Wheaton got me an elegant pair of silk stockings in New York and a pair of black Denmark satin shoes and white gloves marked with blue. You must imagine me in a fortnight from tonight at 8 o’clock all equipped with my hair dressed very high with puffs, standing before Mr. Edes, trembling like an Aspen leaf. Oh Mama, I hope I shall be able to command my beating but I am afraid I shall give out. Mrs. Wheaton requested me to say for her when I wrote you that she claimed me as her child and anticipated much pleasure in your society…..Not forgetting your dear self I remain your affectionate daughter Cole.”
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In Part......
“Bristol, February 19th, 1820
Dear Sir,
We arrived here Wednesday at 4 P.M. after a pleasant passage and at 5 were married in church by the Rev. Bishop Griswold in presence of a small collection of very respectable citizens in the evening and were called upon by Messieurs Wolery, Collins &c &c. Have received much attention and pass our time very agreeably. We should be very happy to see you here if you can make it convenient but am sorry to state that it would not be convenient for Mrs. Mosher to accommodate you. Sarah is well and will probably return Monday with Sophia and Capt. Jennings who desire their respects to you as does Mary Ann. Give my best respects to all the family and believe me to be your very obedient son, Thomas Pearce.” Composed C.”
“Lima, October 9th, 1823
Dear Father,
I am happy to inform you that I am on the point of sailing for Guayaquil to procure if possible a cargo of cocoa for the ship with which I shall proceed direct to Providence. In case a very high piece renders it unadvisable, I shall go immediately to China but I hope that will not be the case. From the accounts you must have got from this side of the waters you will probably conclude that our voyage is not going to prove so profitable as was expected……It is unnecessary for me to say anything about Mr. Ellis or George as they have written themselves. I received your letter by Capt. Bowers. He sailed 23rd last month for China. Capt. Jennings is still here. Was one of the purchasers of my cargo and I hope will make something handsome on it….The President of Columbia, General Bolivar, arrived here about 1st of September and has been made Dictator, commander in chief &c &c in fact he has the management of the affairs of Government and much good is expected to result to this country from his presence here as this period…
The Patriots have met with success latterly in upper Peru and have advanced far into the country but it is uncertain what the result of the campaign will be. To the north an unhappy difference exists. Riva Aguero the former President refusing to acknowledge the congress’s President, established him after the evacuation of Lima by the Royal forces, but it is now that as Bolivar has been invested with authority to settle the differences, it will soon be done by words or blows. We seem in some measures to be out of the world on this side of the water as we seldom hear much about what is going on with you. It seems there is a war in Europe and we feel anxious to know some particulars. Whether there is a prospect of it’s continuance and if the other powers of Europe will be involved in it and above all with what…….Brother Jonathan is looking on. Give my best love to all and believe me to be your obedient son, Thomas Pearce.”
The third and final letter consists of 3 ½ pages but it really needs some archival repair. It is also a stampless letter and it looks like not only Mary Ann wrote but S. P. Bullock, daughter Cole, S. B. Wheaton, and possible others who have just signed their initials. The reason I think everyone wrote and is also there at Mary Ann’s house is because Cole, Mary Ann’s sister, is getting married to a Mr. Wheaton and they are all planning the wedding. The letter is full of wedding talk and very charming and in part reads…..
“Providence December 27th, 1829
My Dear Mother,
I was very glad to hear through Miss Humphrey that miss Crosby was better and I hope ere this that she is still better……….Monday afternoon, December 28th, The child waked up last evening and I had to give up writing……Cole was published for the first time yesterday at Mr. Edes. I expect this will surprise you. She prefers being married by him as she never goes to church and says she does not like Mr. Crocker……Cole is to be married a fortnight from this evening. They expect to leave the next day for Norton……I shall write Mrs. Edes as we took tea with them at my father Pearce’s just before Thomas sailed…..I am going to have the cake made by a Mrs. Crandall who is a cake maker for all the Nobility. I would not undertake it for fear of an accident………Your ever Mary…….Dear Mother,….Mary Ann has written you all the news but I thought I would spare one moment to write you a few lines saying I have got all that is necessary. I shall finish my wedding dress this eve. It is a white cambric with two deep folds, each over a quarter of a yard. Long sleeves, sets beautifully. Miss Tyler assisted me. Mr. Wheaton got me an elegant pair of silk stockings in New York and a pair of black Denmark satin shoes and white gloves marked with blue. You must imagine me in a fortnight from tonight at 8 o’clock all equipped with my hair dressed very high with puffs, standing before Mr. Edes, trembling like an Aspen leaf. Oh Mama, I hope I shall be able to command my beating but I am afraid I shall give out. Mrs. Wheaton requested me to say for her when I wrote you that she claimed me as her child and anticipated much pleasure in your society…..Not forgetting your dear self I remain your affectionate daughter Cole.”
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Wednesday, September 29, 2010
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA 1892
1892 SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA LETTER - ALASKA IMPROVEMENT CO -
Handwritten letter of James Eva, Aug. 31, 1892, SF, to daughter E. M. Eva at Mills Seminary, Alameda, CA with interesting commentary regarding the school head:
"Yours came to hand and was glad to know you were well and not sorry that Mrs. Mills sits on you sometimes as you may need all little correction sometimes and the old lady is not very heavy."
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Handwritten letter of James Eva, Aug. 31, 1892, SF, to daughter E. M. Eva at Mills Seminary, Alameda, CA with interesting commentary regarding the school head:
"Yours came to hand and was glad to know you were well and not sorry that Mrs. Mills sits on you sometimes as you may need all little correction sometimes and the old lady is not very heavy."
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Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Love Letters 1836
Two love letters written by John Cooley to his wife Lucina in 1836. John is on board the brig Sampson under the leadership of Captain Purkis. Lucina is staying at John H. Purkis’s house in Providence Rhode Island while John is away.
The first letter is two pages long and finds him at Brunswick in a frantic state because he has not received any letters from Lucina and is terribly worried because of it. The second letter, which is 3 pages long is written 3 months later, and shows that he has finally received a letter. In this one he recites poetry to her and in both letters you can see how much he loves and misses her and the children.
A few excerpts from each letter……
“Brig Sampson at Bruswick, 15 miles below Wilmington
January 19th, 1836
Dear Wife,
I with pleasure inform you that I enjoy very good health and hope that you and all of the family enjoy the same blessings. If you ever lived or died on suspense or ever knew anybody else to, consider my anxiety. 23 days ago I wrote a letter to you from this place and one from Havana on the 10th of last month and I have not received an answer from neither of them yet. What can be the reason of it I cannot imagine unless it is because you have not wrote to me. Capt. Purkis has received answers from his and our letters all were sent at the same time and by the same mail. You must suppose that it causes a great uneasiness and an anxiety that I cannot express. I cannot believe that you would neglect writing to me when you know how earnestly I entreated you before I left Providence and in my two last letters I made the request; and directed you how to proceed to get an answer to me in this place. Capt. Purkis went to Wilmington yesterday and as soon as he gets on board again (we expecting him every moment) we shall sail for Havana and if he does not bring me a letter from you------and if you did not write by Capt. Chambers, altho I have not seen him yet------what shall I do or what is to be done. I left a vessel last winter and came after a letter myself but I did not expect to do it this. If I accuse you wrongfully I humbly beg your forgiveness but I assure you that I am very uneasy about you all. I hear the winter is very severe in the North and I am anxious to know how you and the family fare…….Capt Purkis has come from Wilmington and he has not any letters for me. I am very sorry that it is so for it has disappointed me and increased my anxiety very much. We are under sail and shall leave the pilot in a few minutes. If you have an opportunity of writing to Havana as soon as the 8th of February write and you will unburden me of a load of uneasiness which is hard to carry…….Dear Lucina, I remain yours until death, John Cooley.”
“Havana, April 26th, 1836
Dear Wife,
I with pleasure sit down to inform you that we have commenced taking in cargo to sail for Boston on the first day of May. I received your kind letter of the 24th of March on the 23rd of this month and am very happy to hear that the family are all alive and well. It is a great disappointment to all that we cannot come to Providence with the Brig first as going to Boston deprives us of bringing home fruit and other necessaries which would be of some benefit…..I do assure you that there is no one in the family that wishes me at home half so much as I wish to be there myself for I might say with the poet, “How oft in the visions of night I desire thee, thy countenance attends thy form bent with grief with the fondest affections, endeavors to sooth thee but all my exertions trust fail of relief. Though for distant from thee perhaps at this moment, thy thoughts may arise with affections sincere and though cruel fortune so long keeps me distant, I still will be with thee and still will be dear.” For there is no telling how I long to see you all since I have heard the glad tidings that you wrote in your letter of our family and sister Mary. It is the greatest consolation message you could have ever sent me…..It is getting late and I have not time to say half so much as I wish to. Give my love to sisters Bowen and Mary and their children. Congratulate them for me on the happy changes that has taken place among you. I hope soon to be with you myself and then we can say more about it. Give the children all a father’s kiss for me. I hope they will not have long to look for papa……I remain your affectionate until death, John Cooley.”
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The first letter is two pages long and finds him at Brunswick in a frantic state because he has not received any letters from Lucina and is terribly worried because of it. The second letter, which is 3 pages long is written 3 months later, and shows that he has finally received a letter. In this one he recites poetry to her and in both letters you can see how much he loves and misses her and the children.
A few excerpts from each letter……
“Brig Sampson at Bruswick, 15 miles below Wilmington
January 19th, 1836
Dear Wife,
I with pleasure inform you that I enjoy very good health and hope that you and all of the family enjoy the same blessings. If you ever lived or died on suspense or ever knew anybody else to, consider my anxiety. 23 days ago I wrote a letter to you from this place and one from Havana on the 10th of last month and I have not received an answer from neither of them yet. What can be the reason of it I cannot imagine unless it is because you have not wrote to me. Capt. Purkis has received answers from his and our letters all were sent at the same time and by the same mail. You must suppose that it causes a great uneasiness and an anxiety that I cannot express. I cannot believe that you would neglect writing to me when you know how earnestly I entreated you before I left Providence and in my two last letters I made the request; and directed you how to proceed to get an answer to me in this place. Capt. Purkis went to Wilmington yesterday and as soon as he gets on board again (we expecting him every moment) we shall sail for Havana and if he does not bring me a letter from you------and if you did not write by Capt. Chambers, altho I have not seen him yet------what shall I do or what is to be done. I left a vessel last winter and came after a letter myself but I did not expect to do it this. If I accuse you wrongfully I humbly beg your forgiveness but I assure you that I am very uneasy about you all. I hear the winter is very severe in the North and I am anxious to know how you and the family fare…….Capt Purkis has come from Wilmington and he has not any letters for me. I am very sorry that it is so for it has disappointed me and increased my anxiety very much. We are under sail and shall leave the pilot in a few minutes. If you have an opportunity of writing to Havana as soon as the 8th of February write and you will unburden me of a load of uneasiness which is hard to carry…….Dear Lucina, I remain yours until death, John Cooley.”
“Havana, April 26th, 1836
Dear Wife,
I with pleasure sit down to inform you that we have commenced taking in cargo to sail for Boston on the first day of May. I received your kind letter of the 24th of March on the 23rd of this month and am very happy to hear that the family are all alive and well. It is a great disappointment to all that we cannot come to Providence with the Brig first as going to Boston deprives us of bringing home fruit and other necessaries which would be of some benefit…..I do assure you that there is no one in the family that wishes me at home half so much as I wish to be there myself for I might say with the poet, “How oft in the visions of night I desire thee, thy countenance attends thy form bent with grief with the fondest affections, endeavors to sooth thee but all my exertions trust fail of relief. Though for distant from thee perhaps at this moment, thy thoughts may arise with affections sincere and though cruel fortune so long keeps me distant, I still will be with thee and still will be dear.” For there is no telling how I long to see you all since I have heard the glad tidings that you wrote in your letter of our family and sister Mary. It is the greatest consolation message you could have ever sent me…..It is getting late and I have not time to say half so much as I wish to. Give my love to sisters Bowen and Mary and their children. Congratulate them for me on the happy changes that has taken place among you. I hope soon to be with you myself and then we can say more about it. Give the children all a father’s kiss for me. I hope they will not have long to look for papa……I remain your affectionate until death, John Cooley.”
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Monday, September 27, 2010
Warwick New York 1840
May 1840. Warwick [New York]. An unusual document signed by fifteen musicians, members of the Warwick Brass and Reed Band. The top portion states “We the subscribers members of ‘The Warwick Brass & Reed band,’ unwilling, that the time & money expended for instruction should be lost, (which must inevitably be the case unless instruction is continued) or that our Band should become inferior to any other in the Co. (of a like age). Therefore, resolve to hire Mr. J. Marsh to continue his instructions for six months from the termination of his present engagement, giving a lesson of two Evenings every four weeks for the payment of which we hereby bind ourselves collectively to Cornelius Henry Demorest, Benj. C. Burg & Gilbert W. Roe, who are hereby authorized to make the engagement with Mr. March. Dated Warwick May 1840.”
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Sunday, September 26, 2010
Sacramento California 1861
Letter dated Sacramento (California), Oct 9 1861, from "Nathan," a sheep rancher, to his brother, "Benjamin," with an excellent reference to slavery and the Civil War. It reads, in part, as follows.
"I have been in the City for a few days making a market for my wool. We sheared this fall about 6000 lbs., but the price is very low and it only amounts to $600, after deducting the amount paid for shearing. I hope by another spring we will get enough from our wool to pay the boys for herding the sheep and then the thing will begin to look like a paying business ... Emily [who had remained in the east with his son] is a real good wife (and here let me say I wish you had as good a one) and I am highly blessed in having her ... She is of a very happy disposition, not easily thrown off her ballance. Always disposed to make the best of everything and contribute to the happiness of those around ... I have not much to write about concerning the War. As you are much nearer the center of atrocities than I am, you must, of course, be better posted, but one thing I can claim an equal interest ... I am sure there is no one more loyal than I am and I would hang the last Rebel who resisted the laws of the U.S. I would wipe out the last Negro slave from the Sunny South [meaning actually that he would eliminate slavery) a year of jubilee [would] break any yoke and since the prejudice of this vile rebellion [is] so low in the estimation of the coming generation that Benedict Arnold's name would shine gloriously when compared with theirs. Of the final result I have no fears ... Think of me when you see the flag at the Elm Tree ... I would take off my hat and give it three cheers and perhaps I may do it when I get out to the Ranch ... [signed] Nathan."
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"I have been in the City for a few days making a market for my wool. We sheared this fall about 6000 lbs., but the price is very low and it only amounts to $600, after deducting the amount paid for shearing. I hope by another spring we will get enough from our wool to pay the boys for herding the sheep and then the thing will begin to look like a paying business ... Emily [who had remained in the east with his son] is a real good wife (and here let me say I wish you had as good a one) and I am highly blessed in having her ... She is of a very happy disposition, not easily thrown off her ballance. Always disposed to make the best of everything and contribute to the happiness of those around ... I have not much to write about concerning the War. As you are much nearer the center of atrocities than I am, you must, of course, be better posted, but one thing I can claim an equal interest ... I am sure there is no one more loyal than I am and I would hang the last Rebel who resisted the laws of the U.S. I would wipe out the last Negro slave from the Sunny South [meaning actually that he would eliminate slavery) a year of jubilee [would] break any yoke and since the prejudice of this vile rebellion [is] so low in the estimation of the coming generation that Benedict Arnold's name would shine gloriously when compared with theirs. Of the final result I have no fears ... Think of me when you see the flag at the Elm Tree ... I would take off my hat and give it three cheers and perhaps I may do it when I get out to the Ranch ... [signed] Nathan."
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Saturday, September 25, 2010
William H. Anderson 1887
February 10, 1887. Southern Part of New Mexico near Rincon. An autograph letter signed ”W.H.A.” to his daughter about his travels from New England to New Mexico; William H. Anderson wrote to her in pencil:
“Altho I have written mama a card every day reporting how I was getting along I think you would like to have a letter from me. Now you get a map of the United States and trace along on it the way I came. I left Boston which you can find and by dark that night only got as far as Greenfield Mass. I crossed the Hudson River at Troy N.Y. in the night and Sunday morning just after I got out of my berth crossed the Niagara River not far from Buffalo. Then went on through the lower part of Canada to Detroit Michigan. There we crossed the river in a bog boat that took cars and all & after we crossed Sunday afternoon I changed into another sleeping car and that afternoon & Sunday night passed thro the states of Michigan, Indiana and Illinois to the Mississippi River opposite St. Louis. We crossed that river Monday morning about 8 on a very high bridge. At St. Louis I changed cars and during Monday rode all day across the State of Missouri to the Missouri River opposite Kansas City. We crossed that river on another very high bridge about 8 Monday night. I had to stay in Kansas City over night. As the city stands on a high cliff or hill above the river where the depot is we went up the hill in a street car drawn not by horses but a rope or cable which runs under ground. The hill was as steep as the roof of our house and it seemed funny to ride up so steep a place. I stayed at a hotel that night and about eleven Thursday morning I took this car in which I now am and started west again. We went through Topeka, Emporia and about the time I got up Wednesday morning we were at the eastern line of the state of Colorado. We had breakfast at La Junta in Colorado. That word is pronounced as tho it was spelled La Hunta as it is a Spanish word and in that language it sounds like H. Then yesterday we kept on thro Colorado & New Mexico & got to Las Vegas about dark, that is our dark, at home it would be two hours later because that is farther to the east where the Sun rises. We passed Albuquerque in the night and when I looked out this morning we were near Socorro, New Mexico. Had breakfast at San Marcian and shall get to Rincon, New Mexico about noon. There I shall have to change cars and wait an hour or two. Don’t you think I have given you a great lesson in geography? There are a great many cattle and calves along here and as the road is not fenced we have to slack up sometimes & blow the engine whistle so as to frighten them off the track and then they scamper good. Derring, N.M. Friday morn – When we got here last night we found we must stay here till 2 o’clock today – so I will send this now and write you again this afternoon on the train.”
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“Altho I have written mama a card every day reporting how I was getting along I think you would like to have a letter from me. Now you get a map of the United States and trace along on it the way I came. I left Boston which you can find and by dark that night only got as far as Greenfield Mass. I crossed the Hudson River at Troy N.Y. in the night and Sunday morning just after I got out of my berth crossed the Niagara River not far from Buffalo. Then went on through the lower part of Canada to Detroit Michigan. There we crossed the river in a bog boat that took cars and all & after we crossed Sunday afternoon I changed into another sleeping car and that afternoon & Sunday night passed thro the states of Michigan, Indiana and Illinois to the Mississippi River opposite St. Louis. We crossed that river Monday morning about 8 on a very high bridge. At St. Louis I changed cars and during Monday rode all day across the State of Missouri to the Missouri River opposite Kansas City. We crossed that river on another very high bridge about 8 Monday night. I had to stay in Kansas City over night. As the city stands on a high cliff or hill above the river where the depot is we went up the hill in a street car drawn not by horses but a rope or cable which runs under ground. The hill was as steep as the roof of our house and it seemed funny to ride up so steep a place. I stayed at a hotel that night and about eleven Thursday morning I took this car in which I now am and started west again. We went through Topeka, Emporia and about the time I got up Wednesday morning we were at the eastern line of the state of Colorado. We had breakfast at La Junta in Colorado. That word is pronounced as tho it was spelled La Hunta as it is a Spanish word and in that language it sounds like H. Then yesterday we kept on thro Colorado & New Mexico & got to Las Vegas about dark, that is our dark, at home it would be two hours later because that is farther to the east where the Sun rises. We passed Albuquerque in the night and when I looked out this morning we were near Socorro, New Mexico. Had breakfast at San Marcian and shall get to Rincon, New Mexico about noon. There I shall have to change cars and wait an hour or two. Don’t you think I have given you a great lesson in geography? There are a great many cattle and calves along here and as the road is not fenced we have to slack up sometimes & blow the engine whistle so as to frighten them off the track and then they scamper good. Derring, N.M. Friday morn – When we got here last night we found we must stay here till 2 o’clock today – so I will send this now and write you again this afternoon on the train.”
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Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Johnston Colony 1854
Letter dated Johnston Colony, Jan 9 1854, from John R. Johnston to his daughter Mary, husband Stephen and sons John R. and Harry at Livingston, Crawford County, Ohio, with black Auburn CA, Apr 10 (1854) postmark, 10c stamped postal rate on address leaf. The content reads, in part, as follows, I wrote you the last mail, but I am not certain they were put in the office in time, we have to send our letters to Auburn by stage &c. to be mailed. We are all in usual health and living in a healthier part of the country and have a fair prospect of making money before another year goes 'round. We have 40 acres of barley sowed, which on the lowest calculation will yield fifty or sixty bushel to the acre. I will write you next mail. Your mother and all the family are in good health. Sam is yet in San Francisco, John is on the farm in Sacramento. He was up to see us and bought the boys each a new hat and fine blouse, and for myself he also sent us a fine lot of vegetables. David & his wife and the family are all living as one family and are prospering and fair ... [signed] Jno R. Johnston.
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Saturday, September 04, 2010
LIFE STORIES OF ELLIS ISLAND IMMIGRANTS NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE
Ancestry announced today it has launched a collection of more than 1,700 recorded oral histories from immigrants who arrived in the United States through Ellis Island. This is the first time this collection of poignant recordings has been available online. To celebrate the new addition, Ancestry is making its entire U.S. Immigration Collection free through Labor Day.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
1792 PHILA LETTER - SOLOMON [SALOMON] RAPHAEL
1792 PHILA LETTER - SOLOMON [SALOMON] RAPHAEL - JEWISH MERCHANT - Early Pennsylvania Judaica. Letter signed, "Salomon Raphael", Philadelphia, June 18, 1792. Hand carried cover to Daniel Clymer, Esqr in Reading. The signature is hard to decipher but docketing notes, "Solomon Raphael", and signature is known to be in his hand. Legal and business matter content. In part:
"I wrote you some time ago respecting my Business in your hands....have seen Mr. Zeanley since and he tells me he has settled with you which I am very happy as I know he is dificult to do Business with. I therefore would esteem it as a singular favour if you will...pay it to Mr. Coleman...the first time he passes with the Stage for Philadelphia..."
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"I wrote you some time ago respecting my Business in your hands....have seen Mr. Zeanley since and he tells me he has settled with you which I am very happy as I know he is dificult to do Business with. I therefore would esteem it as a singular favour if you will...pay it to Mr. Coleman...the first time he passes with the Stage for Philadelphia..."
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Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Ralph Mozart Whitehead, Yukon Terrritory 1898
1898 Klondike Gold Rush Letters about the trip of Ralph Mozart Whitehead to the Yukon Terrritory in search of a gold strike during the heat of the Klondike Gold Rush. Whitehead writes to his mother in these letters. THE FIRST LETTER- Dated February, 9 1898 on "Hotel Northern-S.S. Bailey Proprietor" (117 First Ave. South) stationary finds Whitehead, a New York City doctor, just arrived in Seattle with intentions of starting a practice there. In this letter he describes Seattle (" the only trouble with the place is that it rains almost every day") and his plans for his Washington physcian liscensing. The foreshadowing begins in this first letter however as he writes "There is only one subject of conversation in the town and that is Klondike." He goes on to describe what he's been hearing and the gold fever in town. Then he writes "I met an old New York friend of mine here....he's with a small party.....they will leave... this week....he..immediately wanted me to go....I told him of course that, I couldn't go, even if I wanted to....I didn't have the price...he said.. I would stand a very good chance to make a fortune and would not much need to practice (medicine) unless I wanted" The New York friend comes back later in the day and offers $500.00 towards the $800.00 it costs to be outfitted for the Yukon. Whitehead proceeds to tell his friend he can't come up with the $300.00 either. SECOND LETTER- Dated February, 12 1898. On "The Occidental hotel" stationary (corner Whart and Johnson streets-Walter Porter, Proprietor) This letter begins with "It is the unexpected that always happens...". Whitehead is going yet he seems to be tempering his expectations of making a strike. He states their plan to prospect up the Stewart River as they are currently getting their licensces in Victoria. From Victoria they plan to go to Juneau, then D'yea, and "up over the Chilcoot [sic] Pass." THIRD LETTER- Dated February 18, 1898. Written on "The Juneau Hotel" stationary In excellent detail and language Whitehead describes the scenery seen on their trip from Victoria to Juneau, the ship whistle's echo within the mountains, a blinding snow storm, and seeing the aurora borealis. He goes on to lay out their plan after they reach the summit of the Chilkoot. He writes "Once at the summit the rest is easy. For it is all down hill. We get down to Lake Lindeman, and sled across the lake to Lake Bennett,. There we wait for a favorable wind and sail the sleds across on the ice which is very smooth. Then we pull over Caribou Crossing to Tagish Lake. Where we pass the Canadian Custom House.....they permit no one to pass, who has not at least 1100 lbs. of provisions....we each have about 1800 lbs. ..from Tagish lake we sail the sleds to the foot of Lake Marsh.....we will take the Mulchatna River...then over the Indian trail to the telin river. There we will camp and build two boats, while waiting for the ice....then to the Lewis, to the Yukon, and up the Stewart.....By this route we avoid the dangerous White Horse Rapids." FOURTH AND FIFTH LETTERS- Both Dated February 25, 1898. On "Lynn Canal Commercial Company..D'yea Alaska" stationary and one on "The Burkhard House...Skaguay, Alaska" stationary. He describes the weather and describes Skaguay writing "the town is a large collection of Bunkhouses, Restaurants, Bar Rooms, dance and gambling houses...it costs you a dollar to turn around and breath...dogs, that is Eskimos dogs, sell here for more than horses, they average about $300-$500 apiece!" From D'yea he writes "little shantes rent for $100 a month and lots sell for fabulous prices, all running on the boom. The hotels here are peaches, they have more draughts to the square inch than any other place..." and writes in detail concerning the costs involved in shipping freight. FIFTH LETTER-from Lake Bennett. He discusses how they are going to store most of their goods here and it will come down on barge later. He discusses, as he often does, there plans to stay ahead of the throngs of people on their way. He goes into interesting detail about their upcoming route and their plan to make claims. SIXTH LETTER-Dated March 28, 1898. From Lake Marsh. The majority of the letter discusses in detail the scenery and their plan for the coming thawing. SEVENTH LETTER-Dated April 13, 1898. From White Horse Rapids. In this and the last letter the "rumors' from returning prospectors has not been favorable. He discusses the how many "characters" are along the trail and how much "capital" humor Mark Twain would make of the trail. EIGHTH LETTER-Dated May 8, 1898. From White Horse Rapids. A beautifully crafted description of the aurora borealis, description of the strengthing rapids, and the thousands of boats that are beginning to travel the river.
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Friday, August 20, 2010
OE Kenny From West Newbury 1843
“West Newbury
April the 12 1843
Absent Friend,
It is indeed natural to us to wish and to plan, and it is merciful in the Lord to disappoint our plans and cross our wishes. I confess I have been negligent in writing, I have set time after time to write you but something would happen to disappoint me. Do not think I have forgotten you, believe me. There is scarcely a day passes but what I think of you as well as my other Hampshire friends. The many acts of kindness you all have conferred upon me which I hope ever to be grateful.
I am at the present quite ill, have the Douloureux in my teeth and head, also pain in my side and stomach. Have not been able to finish (?) for 3 weeks, am bloated considerable. Am taking a new kind of medicine for the dropsy, which the paper stated would cure the dropsy. The ingredients are these: 1 half pound of white mustard seed, 1 handful of horseradish root, and two small garlic’s steeped in one gallon of Holland gin. Take one tablespoonful three times a day before eating. My mode of living is quite simple. I EAT NO KIND OF FOOD WHATEVER, NOR FRUIT, BUT LIVE ENTIRELY ON MILK. Can drink as much new milk with nothing in it as I wish. Although I have not been taking this about a week I feel as though I wanted salting, this method of living has cured the dropsy when all kinds of medicine has failed. I am determined to give it a fair trial. I verily believe it will not hurt me like the poisoned calomel if it does no good.
I suppose you have heard that I have changed my name. Mr. Kenny is well; we board with Miss Pillsbury: she is very kind and obliging, she is a real mother to me. Perhaps you will not thank me for writing about one that is an entire stranger. I merely wish to let you know that I find real friends among strangers.
I want to see you more than pen can express. I wish to know how you do where you are and how you enjoy your mind. I have heard there has been a revival recently in Pittsfield and Barnstead, dear H. are you not enjoying it, also? Oh, I trust you are. How many times I have thought of the happy meetings we have had together, the many hours we have spent in each other’s society. Can those days all be forgotten? No, methinks your heart will respond with mine and say there is reality in religion although I do not enjoy my mind so well as it is, my privilege to my mind is unstable; am too much allured with the vain things of earth. Could I see my own heart as God sees it and realize how fast time passes, how I must give an account for every moment, I should shrink beneath the burden and cry ‘Lord have mercy on me.’
I may not long have a place in this world; the messenger of pain and disease are daily sent to inform me that I am mortal. Experience is the best school: if we did not suffer with pain we should not know how to prize our health and the use of our limbs. It is by our sufferings we learn to pity and sympathize with others. Afflictions do us good as they make us more acquainted with what is in our own hearts and thereby promote humiliation and self-abasement. Yes dear friend, you have been deeply afflicted by being bereaved of a kind and valuable friend. In his last days life must almost have been burdensome; he is now freed from all suffering. I hope and trust [he] is now possessing all happiness. Dear friend I trust the Lord has favored you with an habitual sense of the wisdom and propriety of all his appointments, that when his will is manifested by the event, you are enabled to say all is well. I fear your patience will be exhausted in reading such an epistle, barren of ideas. I therefore forbear writing more on this subject.
THERE HAS BEEN SOME EXCITEMENT ABOUT MILLERISM AND THE COMET HERE but not so much as the cause of slavery. There has been one or two FUGITIVE SLAVES LECTURING in the place. They have SET FORTH SLAVERY AND THE AWFUL ABOMINATIONS OF IT IN ITS TRUE LIGHT, AND MANY OF THE PEOPLE HERE BEGIN TO SEE AND FEEL THAT IT IS AN AWFUL SIN TO HAVE PARENTS TORN FROM THEIR CHILDREN, HUSBANDS SEPARATED FROM THEIR WIVES(?) AND SOLD IN BONDAGE AND MANACLED IN CHAINS, BEAT AND BRUISED BY THE WICKED SLAVEHOLDER. THIS IS NOT THE RULE OUR SAVIOR LAID DOWN. WHEN WILL SLAVERY BE ABOLISHED?
I had almost forgotten to mention Abby’s name: she and her family are well. Her baby grows nicely; his name is Albert. She has got a very pretty house. I should think she might enjoy herself as to this world’s goods and even to meetings, for they are very near and (?) have her choice.
Asenath and family are well. If you can read this you will do well. If you cannot, just run down and I will read it for you. Please answer this if you think it worthy of your notice. Nothing would please me more than to have you and Dolly Lougee jump into the stage and come and make me a good visit. Give my respects to all inquiring friends.
Yours with respect,
OE Kenny”
April the 12 1843
Absent Friend,
It is indeed natural to us to wish and to plan, and it is merciful in the Lord to disappoint our plans and cross our wishes. I confess I have been negligent in writing, I have set time after time to write you but something would happen to disappoint me. Do not think I have forgotten you, believe me. There is scarcely a day passes but what I think of you as well as my other Hampshire friends. The many acts of kindness you all have conferred upon me which I hope ever to be grateful.
I am at the present quite ill, have the Douloureux in my teeth and head, also pain in my side and stomach. Have not been able to finish (?) for 3 weeks, am bloated considerable. Am taking a new kind of medicine for the dropsy, which the paper stated would cure the dropsy. The ingredients are these: 1 half pound of white mustard seed, 1 handful of horseradish root, and two small garlic’s steeped in one gallon of Holland gin. Take one tablespoonful three times a day before eating. My mode of living is quite simple. I EAT NO KIND OF FOOD WHATEVER, NOR FRUIT, BUT LIVE ENTIRELY ON MILK. Can drink as much new milk with nothing in it as I wish. Although I have not been taking this about a week I feel as though I wanted salting, this method of living has cured the dropsy when all kinds of medicine has failed. I am determined to give it a fair trial. I verily believe it will not hurt me like the poisoned calomel if it does no good.
I suppose you have heard that I have changed my name. Mr. Kenny is well; we board with Miss Pillsbury: she is very kind and obliging, she is a real mother to me. Perhaps you will not thank me for writing about one that is an entire stranger. I merely wish to let you know that I find real friends among strangers.
I want to see you more than pen can express. I wish to know how you do where you are and how you enjoy your mind. I have heard there has been a revival recently in Pittsfield and Barnstead, dear H. are you not enjoying it, also? Oh, I trust you are. How many times I have thought of the happy meetings we have had together, the many hours we have spent in each other’s society. Can those days all be forgotten? No, methinks your heart will respond with mine and say there is reality in religion although I do not enjoy my mind so well as it is, my privilege to my mind is unstable; am too much allured with the vain things of earth. Could I see my own heart as God sees it and realize how fast time passes, how I must give an account for every moment, I should shrink beneath the burden and cry ‘Lord have mercy on me.’
I may not long have a place in this world; the messenger of pain and disease are daily sent to inform me that I am mortal. Experience is the best school: if we did not suffer with pain we should not know how to prize our health and the use of our limbs. It is by our sufferings we learn to pity and sympathize with others. Afflictions do us good as they make us more acquainted with what is in our own hearts and thereby promote humiliation and self-abasement. Yes dear friend, you have been deeply afflicted by being bereaved of a kind and valuable friend. In his last days life must almost have been burdensome; he is now freed from all suffering. I hope and trust [he] is now possessing all happiness. Dear friend I trust the Lord has favored you with an habitual sense of the wisdom and propriety of all his appointments, that when his will is manifested by the event, you are enabled to say all is well. I fear your patience will be exhausted in reading such an epistle, barren of ideas. I therefore forbear writing more on this subject.
THERE HAS BEEN SOME EXCITEMENT ABOUT MILLERISM AND THE COMET HERE but not so much as the cause of slavery. There has been one or two FUGITIVE SLAVES LECTURING in the place. They have SET FORTH SLAVERY AND THE AWFUL ABOMINATIONS OF IT IN ITS TRUE LIGHT, AND MANY OF THE PEOPLE HERE BEGIN TO SEE AND FEEL THAT IT IS AN AWFUL SIN TO HAVE PARENTS TORN FROM THEIR CHILDREN, HUSBANDS SEPARATED FROM THEIR WIVES(?) AND SOLD IN BONDAGE AND MANACLED IN CHAINS, BEAT AND BRUISED BY THE WICKED SLAVEHOLDER. THIS IS NOT THE RULE OUR SAVIOR LAID DOWN. WHEN WILL SLAVERY BE ABOLISHED?
I had almost forgotten to mention Abby’s name: she and her family are well. Her baby grows nicely; his name is Albert. She has got a very pretty house. I should think she might enjoy herself as to this world’s goods and even to meetings, for they are very near and (?) have her choice.
Asenath and family are well. If you can read this you will do well. If you cannot, just run down and I will read it for you. Please answer this if you think it worthy of your notice. Nothing would please me more than to have you and Dolly Lougee jump into the stage and come and make me a good visit. Give my respects to all inquiring friends.
Yours with respect,
OE Kenny”
Monday, June 21, 2010
Civil War soldier's letter
Civil War soldier's letter dated Concord [Camp Berry], New Hampshire, August 25, 1861. From George W. Felch to his friend Adeline Jones of West Wilton, New Hampshire. He writes about how good things are in camp, the food, no women cooks yet, leaving for Washington soon.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
James Dalaney 1825
Letter dated 1825, where James Dalaney has written to P.R.Fendale at Alexandria, D.C; asking to borrow $100.00 as he is barely 100 miles from home, traveling with his dear old mother, a hack, two horses and a servant, with barely $5 in his pocket......signed James Dalaney
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Thursday, June 10, 2010
Rockaway Long Island, New York 1806
Rockaway (Long Island, New York), Sep 4 (1806), from William M. Pree, to James Clapp, No. 2 Upper Chambers Street, New York City. Hand carried, no postal markings. The content reads, in part, as follows, "This will be handed you by a domestic, at present in the pay of Mr. Jones and myself. I will be very much obliged to you if you would go with my servant (whose name is Gilbert) to Chesterman and give him a pr. of pantaloons and vest, which I ordered to be made for me yesterday. They will certainly be done ...[He} is a stranger in town and may get lost. I would also thank you to purchase 2 lbs. of almonds, 2 lbs. of raisins and 8 good oranges, together with one lb. of sugar plumbs, which send with him out of town as soon as bought. I would think you to be particular as to going to Chesterman's, as I am in sadly in want of things above mentioned. If they should not be done, make Gilbert wait in town until they are. I expect him back, however, tomorrow morning. He was sent express with a letter to PLT, which you will have. Miss Claypoole arrived here yesterday, which circumstances will alter my determination of going to town on Monday. I shall not be down until the following Thursday. Write me by the bearer and mention what articles are sent with him, as you know what servants are ... [signed] M. Pree.
Saturday, June 05, 2010
Civil War Soldier's Letter
Civil War soldier's letter dated Cairo, Illinois, February 21, 1862 and written by Thomas Call, Company A, "Yates Sharpshooters", 64th Illinois Infantry, to "Friend Katie". .....He comments about family matters, and friends in the service, how much he hates Cairo but enjoys watching the rebel prisoners pouring in every day. About five thousand have come through, being sent to Alton and Camp Butler for the duration of the war. Steamboats going up the river to St. Louis.
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