Cadiz, Lenoir County, North Carolina
Sept. 30, 1898
J.D. Fordham
Dear Cousin:
Yours of September 20th to hand and contents noted. You did not say whether you were a son or daughter of Benjamin Fordham so I am at a loss to know how to address you. I am glad, however, to hear from one of Uncle Bill's family. This is the first letter I have ever read from any of his folks. I had a letter from Joel Fordham last spring and one from Cousin Benjamin Fordham. He is 80 years of age and son of old Uncle Benjamin. I appreciated his letter very much, indeed, and hope to hear from him again. I am a son of John Fordham. I have two brothers and three sisters living out of thirteen. We five constitute all except children and grandchildren which are right numerous. The Fordhams are very prolific stock as you are no doubt aware. My father married three times. His first wife had thirteen children, his next none, the third, my mother, had thirteen. I have thirteen living children myself and one of my living brothers C. C. Fordham, has had in all nineteen, several are dead. I have my third wife. My oldest brother has no children. He has his second wife.
Old Uncle Ben and Uncle Bill went to Georgia eighty or ninety years ago and a half brother Elias Fordham. He did not live long. He left two sons, Stephen and John. Stephen is yet living, John is dead. You no doubt know more about that than I do.
Excuse digression. Crops are poor in North Carolina, expecially cotton and the price shameful. Tobacco seems to be the coming crop, but it may be like cotton, boom a short time only.
My health is very poor, indeed. I am very nervous at times. I am sixty-seven years of age and can't live a great while at best. Hope to hear from you again at an early date. Tell me all about Old Uncle Bill's family and all others of the Fordham family that you know of. Accept my kindest regards to you and all the family or families.
Yours kindly,
A. J. Fordham, M.D.
This letter was written by Andrew Jackson Fordham (b. Jan 27, 1832 in Jones Co., NC d. May 19, 1906 in NC). The letter is obviously to his cousin, though I'm not sure what J.D. stands for. "Uncle Bill" I presume to be William Fordham (b. Apr 20,
1791). The Benjamin Fordham he refers to as being 80 years old would be Benjamin A. Fordham (b. Feb. 22, 1818 in Toomsboro, GA). There were at least six generations of sons named Benjamin Fordham. Andrew Jackson's brother C.C. that he refers to is Christopher Columbus Fordham. A.J. Fordham, as he said, was married three times. The first marriage was to Harriett Matilda Hammond, of which five kids resulted: Oscar, John Minnie, Frank, and Harriett. The second marriage was to Frances
Elizabeth Miller and resulted in 10 children: Walter, Albert, Montgomery, Ralph, Samuel, Beulah, Iola, Florence, Annie, and Hugh. The final marriage was to Carrie Pough and no children resulted.
Submitter: Jason McDaniel
jnmcda0@yahoo.com
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, May 25, 2008
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Elizabeth Richards-Busher Letter of 1837, Upper Canada
Captain William Richards (1)
Perth (2), Upper Canada
Quebec (3)
June 7th 1837
Dear Brother,
I embrace this opportunity of riting these few lines hoping to find you
in good health as it leaves me in dispaire. At present I am all most in
dispaire. Never had the happiness to receive a letter from you these
three years past to August, which give me totale of truble to think you
would be so ungrateful to me in a strignge country.
If you would only rite to me it would be consolation to hear from you. If
I never receive the smallest favor from you I would be happy to hear from
you. Me and my children joins in love to you and Mary (4) hoping to find
you in good helth as it leaves us at presssent thanks be to God for it.
This is a poor place at present. I am sorry to inform you Captain Elgee
(5) is gone home to Ireland (6). He was the best frind I had here.
If you write to me direct your letter to Elizabeth Busher, Hopes Street,
Number 6, Quebec.
Dear brother I wish it was in my power to get home to Ireland again. I
might find some frinds there as I find none here since Captain Elgee is
gone away.
This is my son Thomas (7) hand writing age 11 years next August. This is
4 letters I wrote since I had a letter from you. Dear brother I get very
bad health.
No more at presssent,
from you effecttionate sister,
Elizabeth Busher (8)
(1) William Richards Captain William Richards (c1790-1854). Born in
Wexford County, Ireland. Seems to have gone to sea around age 12, served
in the British Navy in the Napoleonic & American wars, and later became a
merchant ship captain. He married Mary Richardson in about 1815, in
Ireland. They moved to Nova Scotia Canada in about 1817 and to New
Brunswick about 1818. From the east coast of Canada he sailed a schooner
in the West Indies trade and later built and commanded his own brig, the
“William & Mary”, in the same trade until the brig and her cargo were
lost in a storm. He and wife Mary moved to Perth, Ontario sometime prior
to 1832. William built and commanded the Tay & Rideau Canal steamer
“Enterprise” until 1836 and then the steamer “George Buchanan” on Chats
Lake for a year or two.
(2) Perth Military Settlement of Perth, founded in the summer of 1816.
Captain William Richards & wife Mary moved to Perth sometime prior to
1834 and purchased a 14 acre plot and house on Concession-3/Lot-1 of
Drummond Township next door to Mary Richardson-Richards’ mother, Dorothea
Blake-Richardson-Greenley (????-1828). John Greenly (1775-1854) and wife
Dorothea Blake-Richardson-Greenly had settled on Conc-3/Lot-1, Drummond
Township, in 1816 and William and Mary Richards seem to have purchased
their Perth home at the same location.
(3) Quebec City Quebec City, Lower Canada, where Elizabeth Richardson-
Busher is apparently resident in 1837.
(4) Mary Mary Richardson-Richards (c1791-1861) who married sea Captain
William Richards (c1790-1854) in about 1815, in Ireland. She was the
daughter of Dorothea Blake-Richardson-Greenley (????-1828) by her first
marriage (father unidentified). After being widowed her mother married
John Greenley (1775-1854) in about 1801, at Ferns, Wexford County,
Ireland and moved to Perth, Ontario, Upper Canada in 1816.
(5) Captain Elgee(?) Spelling of the last name not clear. The name looks
like “Elgee” but this could be George Edge who married Dorothea Blake-
Richardson-Greenley’s sister Ann, the same man referred to as “uncle
Edge” in the Dorothea’s letter of 1818 to her daughter Mary. (See notated
Dorothea Greenley letter of 1818). This man seems to be another sea
captain.
(6) Ireland The Richards, Richardsons, Blakes & Greenleys were all
natives of Wexford and Wicklow Counties in Ireland.
(7) Thomas Thomas Busher (b.1826), son of Elizabeth Richards-Busher &
Patrick Busher. Patrick and Elizabeth Busher also had a younger daughter
Elizabeth.
(8) Elizabeth Busher Elizabeth Richards-Busher, sister of Captain
William Richards (c1790-1854), see # 1 above, and wife of Patrick Busher
who apparently died prior to the 1837 date of this letter. Elizabeth
Richards-Busher died at some date prior to 1853.
Submitter: Ron W. Shaw scdhrcda@perth.igs.net
Perth (2), Upper Canada
Quebec (3)
June 7th 1837
Dear Brother,
I embrace this opportunity of riting these few lines hoping to find you
in good health as it leaves me in dispaire. At present I am all most in
dispaire. Never had the happiness to receive a letter from you these
three years past to August, which give me totale of truble to think you
would be so ungrateful to me in a strignge country.
If you would only rite to me it would be consolation to hear from you. If
I never receive the smallest favor from you I would be happy to hear from
you. Me and my children joins in love to you and Mary (4) hoping to find
you in good helth as it leaves us at presssent thanks be to God for it.
This is a poor place at present. I am sorry to inform you Captain Elgee
(5) is gone home to Ireland (6). He was the best frind I had here.
If you write to me direct your letter to Elizabeth Busher, Hopes Street,
Number 6, Quebec.
Dear brother I wish it was in my power to get home to Ireland again. I
might find some frinds there as I find none here since Captain Elgee is
gone away.
This is my son Thomas (7) hand writing age 11 years next August. This is
4 letters I wrote since I had a letter from you. Dear brother I get very
bad health.
No more at presssent,
from you effecttionate sister,
Elizabeth Busher (8)
(1) William Richards Captain William Richards (c1790-1854). Born in
Wexford County, Ireland. Seems to have gone to sea around age 12, served
in the British Navy in the Napoleonic & American wars, and later became a
merchant ship captain. He married Mary Richardson in about 1815, in
Ireland. They moved to Nova Scotia Canada in about 1817 and to New
Brunswick about 1818. From the east coast of Canada he sailed a schooner
in the West Indies trade and later built and commanded his own brig, the
“William & Mary”, in the same trade until the brig and her cargo were
lost in a storm. He and wife Mary moved to Perth, Ontario sometime prior
to 1832. William built and commanded the Tay & Rideau Canal steamer
“Enterprise” until 1836 and then the steamer “George Buchanan” on Chats
Lake for a year or two.
(2) Perth Military Settlement of Perth, founded in the summer of 1816.
Captain William Richards & wife Mary moved to Perth sometime prior to
1834 and purchased a 14 acre plot and house on Concession-3/Lot-1 of
Drummond Township next door to Mary Richardson-Richards’ mother, Dorothea
Blake-Richardson-Greenley (????-1828). John Greenly (1775-1854) and wife
Dorothea Blake-Richardson-Greenly had settled on Conc-3/Lot-1, Drummond
Township, in 1816 and William and Mary Richards seem to have purchased
their Perth home at the same location.
(3) Quebec City Quebec City, Lower Canada, where Elizabeth Richardson-
Busher is apparently resident in 1837.
(4) Mary Mary Richardson-Richards (c1791-1861) who married sea Captain
William Richards (c1790-1854) in about 1815, in Ireland. She was the
daughter of Dorothea Blake-Richardson-Greenley (????-1828) by her first
marriage (father unidentified). After being widowed her mother married
John Greenley (1775-1854) in about 1801, at Ferns, Wexford County,
Ireland and moved to Perth, Ontario, Upper Canada in 1816.
(5) Captain Elgee(?) Spelling of the last name not clear. The name looks
like “Elgee” but this could be George Edge who married Dorothea Blake-
Richardson-Greenley’s sister Ann, the same man referred to as “uncle
Edge” in the Dorothea’s letter of 1818 to her daughter Mary. (See notated
Dorothea Greenley letter of 1818). This man seems to be another sea
captain.
(6) Ireland The Richards, Richardsons, Blakes & Greenleys were all
natives of Wexford and Wicklow Counties in Ireland.
(7) Thomas Thomas Busher (b.1826), son of Elizabeth Richards-Busher &
Patrick Busher. Patrick and Elizabeth Busher also had a younger daughter
Elizabeth.
(8) Elizabeth Busher Elizabeth Richards-Busher, sister of Captain
William Richards (c1790-1854), see # 1 above, and wife of Patrick Busher
who apparently died prior to the 1837 date of this letter. Elizabeth
Richards-Busher died at some date prior to 1853.
Submitter: Ron W. Shaw scdhrcda@perth.igs.net
Friday, May 23, 2008
WW 1 Letter Jamse Ritchie Martin, CEF
Dear Mother,
I arrived safe in Calgary this morning. Don’t worry about me I am OK. Give Jim my job. We are going right to Camp the seargeant (sic) is taking care of us and everything is all right. Hoping you have no ill feelings towards me when you now (sic) I have gone.
I remain
your everloving son John
XXXXX
Postcard from John Elder MARTIN to his mother, Mary Martin informing her that he joined the CEF (Canadian Expeditionary Force) Canadian military forces. The postcard has a picture of the Virgin Mary and Child with the words underneath “Mother of God”
Part of the postmark says: Field Post Office Calgary. No date is shown. Probable date is August 1915 when he enlisted.
In true sibling fashion,he gives his job to his brother Jim, aka James Ritchie MARTIN.
Card is addressed to: Mrs. David Martin, Box 729 P.O. (sic), Medicine Hat, Alberta
John Elder MARTIN was born in Dundee, Scotland on March 10, 1898 to David MARTIN and Mary Wighton ELDER. They immigrated to Canada about 1912. He was assigned to the 50th Battalion, CEF, #435516 soon to be joined by his brother, Thomas Elder MARTIN, #435847. Thankfully, both brothers survived the war. John immigrated in 1923 to Detroit, Michigan. He died in Detroit on June 21, 1962. We are very proud of his service.
Submitter Donna Cromwell Kinshipmatters@twmi.rr.com
I arrived safe in Calgary this morning. Don’t worry about me I am OK. Give Jim my job. We are going right to Camp the seargeant (sic) is taking care of us and everything is all right. Hoping you have no ill feelings towards me when you now (sic) I have gone.
I remain
your everloving son John
XXXXX
Postcard from John Elder MARTIN to his mother, Mary Martin informing her that he joined the CEF (Canadian Expeditionary Force) Canadian military forces. The postcard has a picture of the Virgin Mary and Child with the words underneath “Mother of God”
Part of the postmark says: Field Post Office Calgary. No date is shown. Probable date is August 1915 when he enlisted.
In true sibling fashion,he gives his job to his brother Jim, aka James Ritchie MARTIN.
Card is addressed to: Mrs. David Martin, Box 729 P.O. (sic), Medicine Hat, Alberta
John Elder MARTIN was born in Dundee, Scotland on March 10, 1898 to David MARTIN and Mary Wighton ELDER. They immigrated to Canada about 1912. He was assigned to the 50th Battalion, CEF, #435516 soon to be joined by his brother, Thomas Elder MARTIN, #435847. Thankfully, both brothers survived the war. John immigrated in 1923 to Detroit, Michigan. He died in Detroit on June 21, 1962. We are very proud of his service.
Submitter Donna Cromwell Kinshipmatters@twmi.rr.com
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Messrs Brown & Benson, Merchants, Providence 1786
Hewes & Anthony, Philadelphia, Aug. 9, 1786 - Two page handwritten merchant letter, postally sent to Messrs Brown & Benson, Merchants, Providence [Rhode Island]. The content pertains to the purchase of salt, and Menhadin [? ] which for lack of demand were put up in barrels and now "appear to have lost their pickle." Also mentions goods shipped to Providence on the Delaware in "a fine wind." The top of the third page lists the goods -- 12 Boxes Glass, flour, etc.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
1841 Major John H. Bills
Letter dated Feb. 4th 1841. This Letter is addressed to Major John H. Bills Postmaster, from Elijah M. Ringo. In short, it addresses the inheritance of land, 2 children(William & Elizabeth) and the "Negros" belonging to William & Elizabeth(obviously inherited as they are children). The author asks of John H Bills, advice concerning the certification of land papers and the best time for moving the Negros, so as they do not "suffer" due to the harsh winter travel. Item number: 160230951682
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
David Parker, Shaker Village 1866
This letter is signed by Canterbury Trustee David Parker and is on a rare Shaker letterhead with an engraved illustration.
A letter to Fellows and Davis of Albany, dated “Shaker Village, N. H.” September 17, 1866, signed “With Perfect Respect, David Parker”.
Brother David responds to what must have been an offer to sell land by stating (perhaps tongue in cheek) that he had not intended “my letter as an offer, but if he had named one dollar in greenbacks, I am inclined to think we might have taken it”.
He suggests that he have an opportunity to examine the land first and goes on to state that “we are inclined to believe the land is heap and would be willing myself to invest there…” He also suggests that the owners or agents of the land contact write Benjamin Gates at New Lebanon, N. Y.
A letter to Fellows and Davis of Albany, dated “Shaker Village, N. H.” September 17, 1866, signed “With Perfect Respect, David Parker”.
Brother David responds to what must have been an offer to sell land by stating (perhaps tongue in cheek) that he had not intended “my letter as an offer, but if he had named one dollar in greenbacks, I am inclined to think we might have taken it”.
He suggests that he have an opportunity to examine the land first and goes on to state that “we are inclined to believe the land is heap and would be willing myself to invest there…” He also suggests that the owners or agents of the land contact write Benjamin Gates at New Lebanon, N. Y.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
William J. Cheney of 1st Heavy Artillery Vermont
William J. Cheney of "D" Co. VT 1st Heavy Artillery writes on two pages of the letter, dated July 3,
then his Cousin Fannie writes the other two pages, dated July 4, 1865.
It appears he wrote "July 3, 1864" - but in keeping with the content and other date,
I'm sure he meant to write 1865. He writes of settling down to work, his discharge & Bounty pay and the obvious post-war effects of the fear of shells and bombs dropping around him.
Transcibed in part::
June 3rd 1864
Dear Cousins
Here I am once more at home in the long period of three years but not for good quite
I have got to Burlington & I get my discharge & pay I have not had any pay for six months & my Bounty which is $75.00. I have over $100.00 charged in the Regt. I could not get my pay till after the middle of next week or this week tis now so I thought I might as well come home for a week & spend the 4th as any way I thinking perhaps you would like to see some of my poor handwriting and once more I thought I would put a few words into Fannies letter...
...My health is good first rate...I am going to help Father Shewin at his haying this year...I expect to be what they call a light hand this year for it has been most three years since I have done any such work but it seems kind of good to get home & work some. Yesterday I hoed 1/2 day went first rate seemed much better than to hear a shell coming over Whicher Whicher Whicher Bumb - but then things have played us out I hope for they throw things rather careless.
Write me as soon as you get this...your own true cousin,
Wm J. Cheney
1st Vt. Arty
Bond mustered out.
Good Bye.
Cousin "Fannie" then writes:
Stowe, July 4, 1865
"..What gay times you are having keeping house by yourself. Well I am taking some comfort Will is at home again but not for good. Came last Thursday night & you may bet he was a welcome visitor. His Regiment arrived at Burlington at three O'Clock & he got a furlough & left that night. Charlie hardly knew his father & his father was about as bad off. The left George and Ed at Washington they are well. Chandler and Jane are at home.
...I am doing all sorts of work this summer have made a barrel of soap & white washed some and cleaned the the whole house now I am making Charlie some dresses will send you some pieces & when I get him rigged up I am going to quilt a bed quilt then weave my table linen just getting ready to be married...[more]
This letter is for sale on Ebay Item number: 290219681754. If you want to place a bid just follow one of the links to Ebay on this Blog.
then his Cousin Fannie writes the other two pages, dated July 4, 1865.
It appears he wrote "July 3, 1864" - but in keeping with the content and other date,
I'm sure he meant to write 1865. He writes of settling down to work, his discharge & Bounty pay and the obvious post-war effects of the fear of shells and bombs dropping around him.
Transcibed in part::
June 3rd 1864
Dear Cousins
Here I am once more at home in the long period of three years but not for good quite
I have got to Burlington & I get my discharge & pay I have not had any pay for six months & my Bounty which is $75.00. I have over $100.00 charged in the Regt. I could not get my pay till after the middle of next week or this week tis now so I thought I might as well come home for a week & spend the 4th as any way I thinking perhaps you would like to see some of my poor handwriting and once more I thought I would put a few words into Fannies letter...
...My health is good first rate...I am going to help Father Shewin at his haying this year...I expect to be what they call a light hand this year for it has been most three years since I have done any such work but it seems kind of good to get home & work some. Yesterday I hoed 1/2 day went first rate seemed much better than to hear a shell coming over Whicher Whicher Whicher Bumb - but then things have played us out I hope for they throw things rather careless.
Write me as soon as you get this...your own true cousin,
Wm J. Cheney
1st Vt. Arty
Bond mustered out.
Good Bye.
Cousin "Fannie" then writes:
Stowe, July 4, 1865
"..What gay times you are having keeping house by yourself. Well I am taking some comfort Will is at home again but not for good. Came last Thursday night & you may bet he was a welcome visitor. His Regiment arrived at Burlington at three O'Clock & he got a furlough & left that night. Charlie hardly knew his father & his father was about as bad off. The left George and Ed at Washington they are well. Chandler and Jane are at home.
...I am doing all sorts of work this summer have made a barrel of soap & white washed some and cleaned the the whole house now I am making Charlie some dresses will send you some pieces & when I get him rigged up I am going to quilt a bed quilt then weave my table linen just getting ready to be married...[more]
This letter is for sale on Ebay Item number: 290219681754. If you want to place a bid just follow one of the links to Ebay on this Blog.
Friday, April 04, 2008
Samuel Swett, Poland, Maine, 1796
Letter from Samuel Swett, a merchant, dated Poland, Maine, May 22, 1796, to Robert Boyd, a Portland, Maine wholesaler or importer. Swett is ordering brandy, rum, "good tea", cider and more.
This old letter from Samuel Swett is for sale on Ebay Item number: 200211010501.
This old letter from Samuel Swett is for sale on Ebay Item number: 200211010501.
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
1865 CARROLLTON, ILLINOIS,
THE LETTER WAS WRITTEN FROM CARROLLTON, ILLINOIS , DEC 26TH, 1865 AND STARTS. " DEAR FRIEND MOLLIE,"
THE LETTER STARTS BY ASKING MOLLIE WHY SHE HASN'T WRITTEN IN RESPONSE TO A PREVIOUS LETTER, WONDERING IF SHE HAD JUST BEEN SO BUSY THAT SHE HAD THOUGHT SHE HAD. IT SEEMS THAT SHE MAY HAVE BEEN AWAY VISITING BECAUSE HE WARNS HER TO STAY AWY FROM THE "YANKEE MEN" IN HER TRAVELS
HE THEN GOES ON TO STATE THAT HE HAS ALSO BEEN VERY BUSY DO TO THE CHRISTMAS SEASON GOING TO EVENTS AT SEVERAL CHURCHS. ONE OF WHICH WAS AN OYSTER DINNER AT WHICH HE ATE SO MUCH THAT HE WAS SICK FOR A WEEK. HE STATES THAT HE FAILED TO ATTEND THE CATHOLIC TIME BECAUSE HE WENT TO A CONCERT BY A NOTED VIOLINIST "ALF HOWARD" AND HOW AT ANOTHER HE SAT AS THE CHILDREN MET WITH SANTA CLAUS.
HE SIGNS THE LETTER "AS EVER, CHARLIE" AND THEN CONTINUES WITH THE FOLLOWING :
"GEORGE DAVIS HAS GONE TO KENTUCKY TO GET MARRIED, YOU SEE MARRYING IS ALL THE RAGE. YOU BETTER STAY WHERE YOU ARE FOR IF YOU SHOULD RETURN AMONG US THE DISEASE MIGHT FORM CONTAGIOUS AND AWAY WOULD GO MOLLIE AND LEAVE ME IN THE LIST OF OLD B-'S AND AWAY DOWN IN THE LIST."
This great old letter is for sale on Ebay. If you want to take a peek just follow one of the links on this blog.
THE LETTER STARTS BY ASKING MOLLIE WHY SHE HASN'T WRITTEN IN RESPONSE TO A PREVIOUS LETTER, WONDERING IF SHE HAD JUST BEEN SO BUSY THAT SHE HAD THOUGHT SHE HAD. IT SEEMS THAT SHE MAY HAVE BEEN AWAY VISITING BECAUSE HE WARNS HER TO STAY AWY FROM THE "YANKEE MEN" IN HER TRAVELS
HE THEN GOES ON TO STATE THAT HE HAS ALSO BEEN VERY BUSY DO TO THE CHRISTMAS SEASON GOING TO EVENTS AT SEVERAL CHURCHS. ONE OF WHICH WAS AN OYSTER DINNER AT WHICH HE ATE SO MUCH THAT HE WAS SICK FOR A WEEK. HE STATES THAT HE FAILED TO ATTEND THE CATHOLIC TIME BECAUSE HE WENT TO A CONCERT BY A NOTED VIOLINIST "ALF HOWARD" AND HOW AT ANOTHER HE SAT AS THE CHILDREN MET WITH SANTA CLAUS.
HE SIGNS THE LETTER "AS EVER, CHARLIE" AND THEN CONTINUES WITH THE FOLLOWING :
"GEORGE DAVIS HAS GONE TO KENTUCKY TO GET MARRIED, YOU SEE MARRYING IS ALL THE RAGE. YOU BETTER STAY WHERE YOU ARE FOR IF YOU SHOULD RETURN AMONG US THE DISEASE MIGHT FORM CONTAGIOUS AND AWAY WOULD GO MOLLIE AND LEAVE ME IN THE LIST OF OLD B-'S AND AWAY DOWN IN THE LIST."
This great old letter is for sale on Ebay. If you want to take a peek just follow one of the links on this blog.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Henry Wise Farley 1812
This letter home, from Harvard medical student HW [Henry Wise] Farley, contains a lengthy and detailed first-person account
Farley describes leaving Ipswich for his boarding house on Newbury St., Boston. He lugs his heavy trunk a quarter mile, has little sleep for a few days, and then attempts to bring the trunk up "three pair of stairs, high Boston stories."
"You might, perhaps, in a still time have heard my heart beat at their bottom. I was astonished, agonized; it seemed to be impatient of its narrow prison. In fact I had a serious fit of palpitation...I found next day that when I went up stairs I had pain or distress in my breast accompanied more or less with horrid forebodings. This distressed my mind exceedingly. It increased momently; I dreaded to go up a stair, my heart beat hard only at sight to them. By Saturday evening I was so violently affected that I with difficulty reached my room..."
"I was firmly persuaded I had an incurable disease of the heart. I had nothing but remorse for past excesses in exercise, excessive pain for the present, and gloomy apprehensions for the future."
Fortuitously, at this time Farley is visited by another boarding house student who had "a similar case". He advised Farley to "take no medicine, compared my own case with his own, called them both hysterics hyppo, told me he had recovered. In a moment I was nearly so, myself."
War of 1812 - AWOL Soldiers Executed at Fort
"As to going in a privateer or other vessel I have by no means given up the idea...yet as I am now considerably interested in the lectures I should like to get thro with them first."; "On Thursday last two unfortunate runaway rogues of soldiers were shot at one of the forts. This likely and will frequently happen...Two more I understand are sentenced for next Thursday."
Harvard Students
"About 60 attend the lectures among which are every sort of contour of countenance that ever happened, I believe, except handsome ones...proof positive that deep philosophic, thinking pates, seldom have the commonly much valued yet insignificant addition of a pleasing face. Among these heroes of science, your very humble servant cuts no very disrespectable figure."
Also mentions buying a five dollar half ticket in the Union Canal lottery.
Farley describes leaving Ipswich for his boarding house on Newbury St., Boston. He lugs his heavy trunk a quarter mile, has little sleep for a few days, and then attempts to bring the trunk up "three pair of stairs, high Boston stories."
"You might, perhaps, in a still time have heard my heart beat at their bottom. I was astonished, agonized; it seemed to be impatient of its narrow prison. In fact I had a serious fit of palpitation...I found next day that when I went up stairs I had pain or distress in my breast accompanied more or less with horrid forebodings. This distressed my mind exceedingly. It increased momently; I dreaded to go up a stair, my heart beat hard only at sight to them. By Saturday evening I was so violently affected that I with difficulty reached my room..."
"I was firmly persuaded I had an incurable disease of the heart. I had nothing but remorse for past excesses in exercise, excessive pain for the present, and gloomy apprehensions for the future."
Fortuitously, at this time Farley is visited by another boarding house student who had "a similar case". He advised Farley to "take no medicine, compared my own case with his own, called them both hysterics hyppo, told me he had recovered. In a moment I was nearly so, myself."
War of 1812 - AWOL Soldiers Executed at Fort
"As to going in a privateer or other vessel I have by no means given up the idea...yet as I am now considerably interested in the lectures I should like to get thro with them first."; "On Thursday last two unfortunate runaway rogues of soldiers were shot at one of the forts. This likely and will frequently happen...Two more I understand are sentenced for next Thursday."
Harvard Students
"About 60 attend the lectures among which are every sort of contour of countenance that ever happened, I believe, except handsome ones...proof positive that deep philosophic, thinking pates, seldom have the commonly much valued yet insignificant addition of a pleasing face. Among these heroes of science, your very humble servant cuts no very disrespectable figure."
Also mentions buying a five dollar half ticket in the Union Canal lottery.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
John Cushing Letters
Three letters addressed to JOHN CUSHING, ESQ. All letters are asking his help in their dire need for money and help.
The first letter., folded into a stampless cover, and hand carried to Cushing at Durham., portion of the red sealing wax still on the letter., written by an American patriot Jacob Rowell., [~~He was a Sgt in Capt. John Blunt's Company., defending the frontiers of Lincoln County.] His letter dated at Salesbury, March 1789 stating that he is nearly out of patience waiting for an answer to his last letter, stating too that he is in great straights.
The next letter dated at North Yarmouth, March 16, 1787 also saying he is in trouble and needs help., signed by William Buchnam.
The third letter is longer and from Jacob Boardman., dated Newburyport, Jan 20, 1800 also expressing need for help. .
The first letter., folded into a stampless cover, and hand carried to Cushing at Durham., portion of the red sealing wax still on the letter., written by an American patriot Jacob Rowell., [~~He was a Sgt in Capt. John Blunt's Company., defending the frontiers of Lincoln County.] His letter dated at Salesbury, March 1789 stating that he is nearly out of patience waiting for an answer to his last letter, stating too that he is in great straights.
The next letter dated at North Yarmouth, March 16, 1787 also saying he is in trouble and needs help., signed by William Buchnam.
The third letter is longer and from Jacob Boardman., dated Newburyport, Jan 20, 1800 also expressing need for help. .
Monday, March 17, 2008
Boston 1833, Mrs. Isham of Taunton
Autograph letter signed, "B B Wisner", Boston, April 11, 1833.
The letter, sent to an unknown recipient, regards an upcoming Convention of Congregational Ministers and reads in part:
"I wish, thro' you, to inform the Central Committee, & the Committee of the Congregational Charitable Society, that Mrs. Isham of Taunton deceased last fall. She has left one child, a daughter, 8 years old, with no means of support whatever; which has been taken by a maiden sister of Mrs. I., who supports herself by teaching school. An allowance is needed for this child.
This great old bosten letter is for sale on Ebay Item number: 170202111020.
The letter, sent to an unknown recipient, regards an upcoming Convention of Congregational Ministers and reads in part:
"I wish, thro' you, to inform the Central Committee, & the Committee of the Congregational Charitable Society, that Mrs. Isham of Taunton deceased last fall. She has left one child, a daughter, 8 years old, with no means of support whatever; which has been taken by a maiden sister of Mrs. I., who supports herself by teaching school. An allowance is needed for this child.
This great old bosten letter is for sale on Ebay Item number: 170202111020.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Seymore Connecticut, 1853
Seymore Connecticut, December 4 1853, from George B. Glendining to Charles W. Gillette.
[In part:]
"My Dear Charles,
The multiplicity of business must be my apology for not answering your kind letter
...the days pass so rapidly that everything appears a dream to me.
Every desk is occupied and more too as Paddy says continual applications are made by good fellows - old scholars - but there is not room -;
several take French, Spanish, Latin, Geometry, Surveying & Book Keeping in the evening, so that all my time is occupied. We have 13 Boarders, and all together a pretty large family.
George has not commenced yet, and were he anyone else, he could not come in, but I must accommodate him some way.
Charles Johnson is at home pursuing his studies on account of his eyes...
Did George or any of them give you an account of the very delightful time we had a little time ago? Such devastation and destruction must be seen to be realized for words would fail to characterize them. Out place had its share of troubles, but probably less than most others in the Naugatuck Valley.
I received the Catalogue...Now just exercise your Knowledge box and give me a nice long letter... George B. Glendining"
This Great old letter is to be found on Ebay Item number: 290213173741. If you want to see it or bid on it just follow one of the links on this Blog.
[In part:]
"My Dear Charles,
The multiplicity of business must be my apology for not answering your kind letter
...the days pass so rapidly that everything appears a dream to me.
Every desk is occupied and more too as Paddy says continual applications are made by good fellows - old scholars - but there is not room -;
several take French, Spanish, Latin, Geometry, Surveying & Book Keeping in the evening, so that all my time is occupied. We have 13 Boarders, and all together a pretty large family.
George has not commenced yet, and were he anyone else, he could not come in, but I must accommodate him some way.
Charles Johnson is at home pursuing his studies on account of his eyes...
Did George or any of them give you an account of the very delightful time we had a little time ago? Such devastation and destruction must be seen to be realized for words would fail to characterize them. Out place had its share of troubles, but probably less than most others in the Naugatuck Valley.
I received the Catalogue...Now just exercise your Knowledge box and give me a nice long letter... George B. Glendining"
This Great old letter is to be found on Ebay Item number: 290213173741. If you want to see it or bid on it just follow one of the links on this Blog.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Moses Jewett Burlington, Vermont Letter
18th Century letter from Moses Jewett, [of Burlington, Vermont], datelined New Ipswich, NH to his brother David Jewett of Jaffrey, NH.
Reads in part:
I tarryed to Peterboro three weeks after I left your house from thence I went to Fitchburg & tarryed there about the same time & have been at this place about a week...our journeywork is some lower than it has been...I am forced to exert myself the more
... with regard to my colt I have rested early thinking it was sold. I expect my mare is with fold now therefore you can get fourteen dollars for the red one, you may sell it...I will pay you for your trouble...
With regard to Sister Hannah's silk I have sent several times to Boston & have been a often disappointed there is not any in the country stores to be had & it cannot be obtained in Boston without the cash in hand. ...there is no cash to be obtained at present...I have engaged some hard ware for sisters saddles of Mr. Crosby...M. Jewett
Reads in part:
I tarryed to Peterboro three weeks after I left your house from thence I went to Fitchburg & tarryed there about the same time & have been at this place about a week...our journeywork is some lower than it has been...I am forced to exert myself the more
... with regard to my colt I have rested early thinking it was sold. I expect my mare is with fold now therefore you can get fourteen dollars for the red one, you may sell it...I will pay you for your trouble...
With regard to Sister Hannah's silk I have sent several times to Boston & have been a often disappointed there is not any in the country stores to be had & it cannot be obtained in Boston without the cash in hand. ...there is no cash to be obtained at present...I have engaged some hard ware for sisters saddles of Mr. Crosby...M. Jewett
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Nelson Linsley Letter, New Haven Connecticut 1860
Four page letter from New Haven, Connecticut, dated May 14, 1860,
from Nelson Linsley, a Melodeon Manufacture in New Haven operating under the firm of Treat & Linsley with rich political content discussing the upcoming election, the Charleston Convention, the "Negro" question pertaining to the Slavery, one that had divided the country at that point & would see the rise of Abraham Lincoln a few Months later to be the nominee and mark his landmark Presidency.
He writes to his friend Anderson. Transcribed in part:
"New Haven, May 14, 1860
Friend Anderson
It was with much pleasure that I received yours of the 25th of Apr I believe that I made out to get at the meaning generally & as regards the of the paper I concluded that it was some new fangled style some French of Spanish or some other fashion which had not reached this part of the world yet as I regard economy that I think is a good -- which prehaps (sic) it would do well for some to cultivate,
As regards your politics I am glad to hear that you are giving both sides your consideration & I think if you will carefully examine the merits & decide candidly that there yet some hopes for your salvation politically the Charleston Convention have broken up as you are probably aware without making a Nomination but it makes but little difference who the man is.
Principles are what we are after in reference to the Negro question
I for one do not think that they would trouble it at all if the Democratic party did not commence the agitation
I have watched the house & senate with considerable interest the present session & if you will observe whenever there has been anything said on the question it has been brought up by the Democrat Members in every instance
The Republican principle is not to extend, unless the new states want it, but let it remain where it is as long as its residents fit
then give it a fair chance to vote for or against it and not do as they did in Kansas.
I don't see how any candid man can find fault with this if they do
I cannot help it if that is all we must wait the result if the world was made up of men of Intelligence I should not fear for the result but there ar
for so many that vote who do not know their right hand from their left in politics that it is doubtful care to say the least
I shall have to stop for the present for I cannot see.
May 21...I am pretty tired we have packed and sent of 12 Melodeons today the largest number we ever sent in one day
but to the letter I told Mr. Treat what you said about his voting for you when you go up for Congress & he says that he will do it, if you are a Republican & I think he would, for he thinks you are about right otherwise & we have our hopes in this respect\
it is dark again so good bye
I am going to bring this epistle to a close this time Sartain...I have been to Branford...had a letter from Hough he intimated as if our Southern Friends might possibly come North this summer well if you do we have some grape wine of our own manufacture which if you get here before it is gone I will treat you so hurry up or you lose...
I have to go to Guilford to attend court tomorrow...One of my uncles the heirs are going to try and break the will...
Look for papers next mail...Nelson Lindsley."
This great old letter is up for sale on Ebay Item number: 290211312219. Just follow one of the links on this Blog if you want to take a look.
from Nelson Linsley, a Melodeon Manufacture in New Haven operating under the firm of Treat & Linsley with rich political content discussing the upcoming election, the Charleston Convention, the "Negro" question pertaining to the Slavery, one that had divided the country at that point & would see the rise of Abraham Lincoln a few Months later to be the nominee and mark his landmark Presidency.
He writes to his friend Anderson. Transcribed in part:
"New Haven, May 14, 1860
Friend Anderson
It was with much pleasure that I received yours of the 25th of Apr I believe that I made out to get at the meaning generally & as regards the of the paper I concluded that it was some new fangled style some French of Spanish or some other fashion which had not reached this part of the world yet as I regard economy that I think is a good -- which prehaps (sic) it would do well for some to cultivate,
As regards your politics I am glad to hear that you are giving both sides your consideration & I think if you will carefully examine the merits & decide candidly that there yet some hopes for your salvation politically the Charleston Convention have broken up as you are probably aware without making a Nomination but it makes but little difference who the man is.
Principles are what we are after in reference to the Negro question
I for one do not think that they would trouble it at all if the Democratic party did not commence the agitation
I have watched the house & senate with considerable interest the present session & if you will observe whenever there has been anything said on the question it has been brought up by the Democrat Members in every instance
The Republican principle is not to extend, unless the new states want it, but let it remain where it is as long as its residents fit
then give it a fair chance to vote for or against it and not do as they did in Kansas.
I don't see how any candid man can find fault with this if they do
I cannot help it if that is all we must wait the result if the world was made up of men of Intelligence I should not fear for the result but there ar
for so many that vote who do not know their right hand from their left in politics that it is doubtful care to say the least
I shall have to stop for the present for I cannot see.
May 21...I am pretty tired we have packed and sent of 12 Melodeons today the largest number we ever sent in one day
but to the letter I told Mr. Treat what you said about his voting for you when you go up for Congress & he says that he will do it, if you are a Republican & I think he would, for he thinks you are about right otherwise & we have our hopes in this respect\
it is dark again so good bye
I am going to bring this epistle to a close this time Sartain...I have been to Branford...had a letter from Hough he intimated as if our Southern Friends might possibly come North this summer well if you do we have some grape wine of our own manufacture which if you get here before it is gone I will treat you so hurry up or you lose...
I have to go to Guilford to attend court tomorrow...One of my uncles the heirs are going to try and break the will...
Look for papers next mail...Nelson Lindsley."
This great old letter is up for sale on Ebay Item number: 290211312219. Just follow one of the links on this Blog if you want to take a look.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Mr. Christopher W. Wilder Bridgeton ME
This great old letter is addressed to "Mr. Christopher W. Wilder Bridgeton ME" but you will also find the words "Haverhill Mass" written across the front but crossed out. It also says "To the care of Mr. Daviz Carriage Trimmer Please forward this." Then on the backside of the address is a handwritten note that says "I thought I would direct this so there might be no danger of it’s being miscarried."
As far as the letter is concerned it is a three page letter dated 1848 and written by his sister Elizabeth who is in Lancaster. I’ve quoted a small portion of it below to give you a better idea of the contents, as follows;
"Lancaster Feb.25th, 1848
Brother Christopher,
Nearly three months having elapsed since I wrote to you without receiving an answer to my epistle or any other tidings of your welfare. I can wait no longer, but again address you hoping to ascertain the cause of such delays. Has sickness debilitated your frame and prostrated your powers of mind? Or have you found one whose good fortune it may be to render the part a sister would wish to fulfill more pleasant and more faithfully performed. I have long feared that the former was the case of your neglect and thought how happy I should be if such were your misfortune if I could be so situated as to fulfill the office of that affectionate sister who was so early taken from you, but as misfortune of various kinds would have rendered that impossible, still I can assure you that you are not forgotten in any condition ……I know little of the society of Haverhill but suppose like all other large towns, it has it’s temptations as well as allurements to the path of virtue and happiness. But I am happy to find that you profess a turned up mind which is little calculated to relish the pleasures of that class who are ever looking to the scenes of gaiety for their happiness, for although I believe some amusements are necessary to refresh the worried mind at times and invigorate the physical nature of man, yet those who look for happiness from such a source are often lead to repent of their folly………Please favor me with a speedy answer as I shall wait with much anxiety to hear from you. This from your sister, Elizabeth B. Wilder."
This great old letter can be found on Ebay Item number: 170197656010. If you want to place a bid on the letter just follow one of the links to Ebay on this blog.
As far as the letter is concerned it is a three page letter dated 1848 and written by his sister Elizabeth who is in Lancaster. I’ve quoted a small portion of it below to give you a better idea of the contents, as follows;
"Lancaster Feb.25th, 1848
Brother Christopher,
Nearly three months having elapsed since I wrote to you without receiving an answer to my epistle or any other tidings of your welfare. I can wait no longer, but again address you hoping to ascertain the cause of such delays. Has sickness debilitated your frame and prostrated your powers of mind? Or have you found one whose good fortune it may be to render the part a sister would wish to fulfill more pleasant and more faithfully performed. I have long feared that the former was the case of your neglect and thought how happy I should be if such were your misfortune if I could be so situated as to fulfill the office of that affectionate sister who was so early taken from you, but as misfortune of various kinds would have rendered that impossible, still I can assure you that you are not forgotten in any condition ……I know little of the society of Haverhill but suppose like all other large towns, it has it’s temptations as well as allurements to the path of virtue and happiness. But I am happy to find that you profess a turned up mind which is little calculated to relish the pleasures of that class who are ever looking to the scenes of gaiety for their happiness, for although I believe some amusements are necessary to refresh the worried mind at times and invigorate the physical nature of man, yet those who look for happiness from such a source are often lead to repent of their folly………Please favor me with a speedy answer as I shall wait with much anxiety to hear from you. This from your sister, Elizabeth B. Wilder."
This great old letter can be found on Ebay Item number: 170197656010. If you want to place a bid on the letter just follow one of the links to Ebay on this blog.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Portland Oregon 1911 Letter
"Portland Oregon August 28th, 1911
Mr. Walter Beattie,
My Dear Brother,
I received your long looked for letter Friday so glad to hear once more from you and yours only so sorry to hear of Dear Mothers death, although I never remember her as my mother, yet I have still that daughter love in my heart that rightly belonged to her. I had a good cry when I read your letter because I had been thinking in my own mind so strongly that as soon as the girls had got a little larger, I should have tried so hard some way to have made the trip home to see Dear Mother and you folks, so it went pretty hard to think I shall never see her…..How is Anna now a days and all the dear little ones? We are all fine. Doctor is busy most of the time, he is real well, he weighs 196 pounds…..You all can remember her, but as for me you know just how it is better than I do…..Dear Brother tell me about mother’s sickness and death and tell me when she died, you know if you were away from all the home folks as I am your heart would ache as mine does many and many a times a week without any of the family knowing anything about what a heavy heart I have. You, nor anyone else can’t understand these things as I do. The only thing that keeps me up as I do, is the ever lasting arms of Jesus that are always ready to help us in our lonely moments……bye with any amount of kisses.xxxxxxxx"
Mr. Walter Beattie,
My Dear Brother,
I received your long looked for letter Friday so glad to hear once more from you and yours only so sorry to hear of Dear Mothers death, although I never remember her as my mother, yet I have still that daughter love in my heart that rightly belonged to her. I had a good cry when I read your letter because I had been thinking in my own mind so strongly that as soon as the girls had got a little larger, I should have tried so hard some way to have made the trip home to see Dear Mother and you folks, so it went pretty hard to think I shall never see her…..How is Anna now a days and all the dear little ones? We are all fine. Doctor is busy most of the time, he is real well, he weighs 196 pounds…..You all can remember her, but as for me you know just how it is better than I do…..Dear Brother tell me about mother’s sickness and death and tell me when she died, you know if you were away from all the home folks as I am your heart would ache as mine does many and many a times a week without any of the family knowing anything about what a heavy heart I have. You, nor anyone else can’t understand these things as I do. The only thing that keeps me up as I do, is the ever lasting arms of Jesus that are always ready to help us in our lonely moments……bye with any amount of kisses.xxxxxxxx"
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Kansas City 1903 Chas Renick Letter
Kansas City, MO. Renick, Charles V. Jackson County, Criminal court letterhead. In pencil dated 6/3/1903.
A personal letter with great content, by the Clerk of the Criminal court addressed to a friend: “My old friend Billie… you stick so close to Pony, [Missouri] now, don’t think that I don’t like Pony, and Pony people, infact I have wanted to come back to Pony ever since I left… why don’t you come to Butte once in a year, and call a fellow up and have a few more ‘bunches of rye’ together. One cant get lonsmn out here for there is an missalaneous croud dropping in here … as any Bohemian quarter in Paris.“ He then writes about his brother in law taking a “trip down the Mazoo” which will be a failure as “money making scheme.” “I will spend the late fall and all of winter in Southern California, Utah & New Mexico…I have seen some very bum prize fights… there has only been two good ones.” Etc… Signed “Chas Renick”.
This letter is for sale on Ebay Item number: 200201289929.
A personal letter with great content, by the Clerk of the Criminal court addressed to a friend: “My old friend Billie… you stick so close to Pony, [Missouri] now, don’t think that I don’t like Pony, and Pony people, infact I have wanted to come back to Pony ever since I left… why don’t you come to Butte once in a year, and call a fellow up and have a few more ‘bunches of rye’ together. One cant get lonsmn out here for there is an missalaneous croud dropping in here … as any Bohemian quarter in Paris.“ He then writes about his brother in law taking a “trip down the Mazoo” which will be a failure as “money making scheme.” “I will spend the late fall and all of winter in Southern California, Utah & New Mexico…I have seen some very bum prize fights… there has only been two good ones.” Etc… Signed “Chas Renick”.
This letter is for sale on Ebay Item number: 200201289929.
Monday, February 18, 2008
1819, Post Office in New York City
Feb. 3, 1819, Post Office New York City.
Fascinating handwritten letter from New York Postmaster Theodorus Bailey to R. J. Meigs, Esq., Post Master General.
Excerpt:
"I have the pleasure to inform you that two of the mail robbers mentioned in my letter of yesterday (their names, Maurice and Bertrand, both Frenchmen) were this morning apprehended by two of our Police Officers, and are now under examination before our City Police magistrates - they found upon them, secreted in their Clothes, about one thousand dollars - the search not yet compleated. The third robber is also a Frenchman of the name of Doctr Henvie who it is believed is making his way for Philada..."
This letter can be found on Ebay Item number: 170193543296
Fascinating handwritten letter from New York Postmaster Theodorus Bailey to R. J. Meigs, Esq., Post Master General.
Excerpt:
"I have the pleasure to inform you that two of the mail robbers mentioned in my letter of yesterday (their names, Maurice and Bertrand, both Frenchmen) were this morning apprehended by two of our Police Officers, and are now under examination before our City Police magistrates - they found upon them, secreted in their Clothes, about one thousand dollars - the search not yet compleated. The third robber is also a Frenchman of the name of Doctr Henvie who it is believed is making his way for Philada..."
This letter can be found on Ebay Item number: 170193543296
Sunday, February 17, 2008
David Coffin, Newburyport, Massachusetts 1807
Letter from David Coffin, Newburyport, Massachusetts, dated January 22, 1807, to Robert Boyd, a Portland, Maine merchant. Coffin is looking to buy 60,000 feet of pine boards, six thousand oak staves and "good American cordage".
Ebay Item number: 200198977016
Ebay Item number: 200198977016
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Thomas P. Wickes, Yale Letters
55 letters written to a man by the name of Thomas P. Wickes. They are personal and business letters received by Wickes who just graduated from Yale. Most of them are of a personal nature though. They start in June and go through October of 1874. Thomas spends his summer sketching and trying to sell the sketches to illustrated newspapers and tries in the fall to get employment as a bass singer in a church choir. His friends are off at employment in San Francisco or Chicago, or at graduate school in New Haven, or on Grand tours in Europe. There are wonderful letter heads and many of the letters are several pages long.
One letter that is not to him is actually from him. It is a 2 ½ page handwritten manuscript by Wickes himself. They are his own notes on Block Island’s geography and his appeal to the tourists which is to accompany sketches he is doing.
A most interesting thing about these letters is the fact that most of the writers were former graduates of Yale and also members of the Skull and Bones Organization. In fact many of the men sign their letters with the words “Bones” or “Fellow Bonesman” or even the number “322” which is very significant when it comes to the organization. There are several letters addressing the issue of a particular “Book” that was taken out of the Skull and Bones” Temple” and given to Wicke’s himself. The book, by the sounds of one of the letters, wasn’t supposed to be removed and very few members knew it was.
Some of the names in the letters are; Frank Spencer Witherbee, Fred Kernochan, H. G. Bixly, Henry H. Babcock, George Richmond, Watson Robertson Sperry and family (just their calling cards), Samuel Clark Bushnell, Henry W. Farnam, Thomas Williams Grover, J. D. Ball, Rockwell King, James Parkman, A. H. Messiter, W. D. Anderson, Whittemore, Horace Chittenden, Russell Walden, George Edmund Munroe and more. Some of the letters are also from his family members.
1) A note and a pharmacist’s envelope enclosing that says “I am in despair” It also has a hand drawn postage stamp.
2) “Newport June 22, My Dear Wickes, Yours of the 20th inst just recd. I am sorry of course to hear that any of your club have suffered from the panic or in any other way but surely no one of the pats? has any right to feel that you are not doing all your duty for three very good reasons. First the gift to the fund should be in every respect voluntary and not obligatory in any sense. Second, you have already spent so much on our dear old Temple………Yours always in Bones, I. Fred. Kernochan.” More to that letter.
3) One page letter on a “Nashua Lock Co.” letterhead. From H. G. Bixly. He wishes to meet him in New York and more.
4) Calling card of Mrs. Charles A. Fisher
5) E. H. W. author of this letter. New York June 24th, Message to their mother, Mr. Westen came to visit, and more.
6) E. H. W. from New York telegraphing June 26 that Mary left a cashmere sacque at hotel.
7) 4 pages letter; “Orleans June 28th, 1874. No. 2 ______Ave. My Dear Tom, This doubtless has been a very busy as well as a very agreeable month for you and ere these lines reach their destination, what remains of Yale 74’ will in all human probability have made it obeisance and in possession of the much desired “sheepskin” have made way for less worthy successors. Not however without some regrets, I presume, because that air of superiority. The three year acquisition, so inseparable upon the senior year cannot be so readily relinquished. If I ever regretted that my participation in your pleasures and troubles had not been of more active character, it is certainly now as the curtain falls upon the last act…….” He goes on to talk about his time spend abroad in Paris and says “Their religion over here would beat Goodyear’s patents out of sight as far as elasticity goes. But you could scarcely expect less where these damned Catholic priests have so strong a hold upon the nobility and the masses.” He signs his letter “The boy”.
8) Letter from Henry H. Babcock from New Haven June 29th. Wonders what he should do with the album ordered for Wickes.
9) Three calling cards. One from Miss Julia Henderson, One from Isaac Henderson and the last from Mr. and Mrs. Watson Robertson Sperry. On an additional note, Mr. Sperry was the U. S. Minister to Persia.
10) This is a 7 page letter from Frank Spencer Witherbee. I have some great information about Mr. Witherbee at the end of this description. He’s on a grand tour, exhausted by sight seeing….. “Morley’s Hotel, London. Saturday July 4th, 1874. My Dear Tom…….This time of the year the sun rises at 3:30 a.m. and sets at 8:30 p.m. Then a prolonged twilight prevails until 10 p.m. I have once or twice read a newspaper without candles at 9:30 p.m. I say without a candle for we have not struck a hotel yet where we have had gas in our rooms……I met old “Becky” in a book store last night. He was pouring over some rusty old books. At first he did not see me but knew me when I spoke to him. He is not in the least changed in looks, dress or manners. He is on his way from Germany to New Haven. I mistrust he is to have some position in the faculty…….Your aff. Friend in 322. Frank S. Witherbee.” More to this letter as he talks about a cricket match he attended with the “Elite” of London. Says the young ladies were dressed so beautiful but had very homely faces.
11) George Richmond Bookseller’s letterhead and letter.
12) Holden House Saratoga Springs Letter head. Letter from Sam Bushnell and in part reads….. “July 10th, 1874, My Dear Tom, for your sake I will play the part of the “sage” as you suggest. Don’t come to this “hole” of a Holden House. I meant nothing. This house is $2 per day. Two in a bed, six in a room, one towel for six, dish water for tea, chicken seed for coffee, no eggs, cold supper, “heavy pies” and thick headed female attendants. Go to the “Congress”, Yale’s headquarters. $3.00 per “dieue” where everything will be agreeable except, well, try it yourself. We can’t leave this……..Hence in “322” adieu to your friend, Sam C. Bushnell” Much more to this.
13) Telegram about the Columbia and Harvard game.
14) A photographer by the name of DeSilva is sending pictures to him by express. Wants to be paid right away because his wife is due with their baby
15) 2 ½ page letter from J.P R.W.? from San Francisco. “August 3rd, 1874, My Dear Tom, The photos are just received. They are splendid. You can’t realize the pleasure I am deriving from looking at them. Yours is “immense”. Do send me another that I may frame it. I want one for the Yale Album. Old “Rebald” looks as pious as an old wh—e at christening, as was his want in days and nights gone by. The hawk has his old look of swoop and the little fraud has “fixed” himself and tries to look 6 ft. What shall I say of Polonius……..Give my love to Polonius and all the Bloods. R. Walden” This letter has much more, especially concerning the photo and the nick names of the men in the photo. Great “Bones” letter.
16) From Sam Bushnell. Where should DeSilva send Grover’s pictures?
17) From DeSilva asking for his money again.
18) Mollie, I think his sister. Writing to thank him for the family wedding photo.
19) Uncle Robert Haskell in Lansingburgh. Writing with news about his mother. Tells him to have a good time at Block Island. Great “Floor Oil Cloths” letter head.
20) From an E.W.? A classmate of his called. Asking if he’s back in Block Island.
21) Letter from George Edmund Munroe.
22) Letter from Rockwell King in Chicago. Sorry to have missed him in N.Y.
23) Another from Sam Bushnell, tales of antics at Englewood with other classmates.
24) Short letter and the person, just signs it “E.W.”
25) Letter from Henry Farnam, Bar Harbor. August 19, 74’ Was on a cruise to Grand Manan Island with some Columbia men and got stuck in fog. Had a blow out with other Yale men and says….. “All the Yale men who are here at present are members of G.B. which is very pleasant. Last Sat. evening we had a blowout at Southworth’s room where raw oysters and Bass ale were consumed amid the familiar strains of the first anthem and of numerous secular songs. Those present on the occasion were P’s, Johnny Andrews, Howard Mansfield, J.S. Wood, T. Williams Grover, H. W. Farnam and K. Ed. Southworth….we are all sorry you are not here this summer…….Every yours in 322. Henry W. Farnam. B.S.C.”
26) Thomas Wickes notes on Block Island.
27) Daily Graphic New York Letterhead. Short note from J.D. Ball.
28) Eight page letter from his mother with family details.
29) Letter from Thomas Williams Glover, August 24th… “Dear Wickes, I returned from Mt. Desert last Thursday and write you a few lines……I had a most delightful time at Mt. Desert. Staid 5 weeks instead of 2 or 3. As I first intended. I only wish that you could have been there…..We had quite a bones crowd there. Andrews 70’, Mansfield, John Wood, Farnam, Southworth and myself and as we were there I suppose the impression was created that every Yale man, man’s a deities head. A wild and fantastic humor was spread abut the place at one time that the melancholy one, the great Polonius contemplated putting in an appearance…..Yours in 322, T. Williams Grover.”
30) Sam Bushnell. He is going to study Hebrew at Andover. Fuss between Harvard and Yale.
31) Letter from his father on a “Hudson River Oil Works” letter head.
32) Telegraph from Mary W. Rodman. “Come tomorrow without fail”
33) Another telegraph from Mollie “Come in the morning if possible”
34) Letter from Mary giving some general family news.
35) Letter from his brother, I believe, signs it E.W.
36) Another letter from Mollie. Details about home and more.
37) Letter from Sam Bushnell…… “September 6th, My Dear Tom, I cannot tell you how I have felt all this week about the book I sent you. I have not ceased to regret it. Have you received it? I sent it to your father’s address on Monday last and have not heard from you a single word. The pats (?) have been into to T---- everyday since the book was taken out. Our club book has been several times heavier and I have waited for the discovery of its absence with increasing uneasiness……..” There is so much more to this letter about the “book”. He says he also saw General Stapler and talked about the changes in Yale. He signs it “324 ½ Ever yours in S.B.I. Same C. Bushnell.”
38) Another great letter from Bushnell. Says they are having a meeting but without the book. He says that a man named “Gulliver” (I think that is the name) is writing his report and is asking where the book is. Signs it “Very Truly Yours nevertheless in 323.”
39) DeSilva begging for his money
40) ***** Another great letter from Sam….. “79 New Divinity, Sept 13, 1874. My Dear Tom, Sitting at my left and looking over my ______ enlarging is our mutual friend William Beebe. The soft light of theological gas throws over us its kindly radiance; everything in these gratuitous apartments breaths a pleasant influence, etc. Now I will cork up. I spent a most delightful afternoon today with Cushing at his room in Elm St. We had the kind of bones talk which makes ones cheeks glow and ones stomach yearn for 324……The “general” is one of the salt of the earth and his visits will be oasis in my life as a bones man this year. But Tom I thought I used to value Bones. My appreciation of it then was insignificant compared with the value I see on it now…..Arthur Allen was here Thursday. He expressed great regret that Wickes had locked up that book he had heard so much about. Tillinghast was very much worried about it until I had slung a series of lies at him. All the club of D’73 know your story and I want you to come on and unearth the book yourself as this will be the only possible way to avoid detection…….” He goes on to tell him to sneak in the Temple and put the book back. Tells Wickes he is happy about the work he did on the book but regrets to have to lie about where it is. Signs it “I am ever yours in Bones, Same C. Bushnell.”
41) Letter from Grover who is staying at the 5th Ave. Hotel in N.Y.
42) A letter about a report that should be taken to Sam.
43) Same as above and I think these were written by Grover.
44) This letter is from George Munroe, I think as the signature is tough to read. At the end of his letter he writes…. “The book is safe and the boys are ______from my back. I was discovered by Gulliver reading it in the S.E.C.’s room with the gas light, having just discovered it on the top of the book shelf. Where I ascertained they have not looked, much admiration is expressed &c&c….Yours in 324 ½”
This great bunch of letters is for sale on Ebay Item number: 180215136468. Just follow the links on this page if you want to take a closer look.
One letter that is not to him is actually from him. It is a 2 ½ page handwritten manuscript by Wickes himself. They are his own notes on Block Island’s geography and his appeal to the tourists which is to accompany sketches he is doing.
A most interesting thing about these letters is the fact that most of the writers were former graduates of Yale and also members of the Skull and Bones Organization. In fact many of the men sign their letters with the words “Bones” or “Fellow Bonesman” or even the number “322” which is very significant when it comes to the organization. There are several letters addressing the issue of a particular “Book” that was taken out of the Skull and Bones” Temple” and given to Wicke’s himself. The book, by the sounds of one of the letters, wasn’t supposed to be removed and very few members knew it was.
Some of the names in the letters are; Frank Spencer Witherbee, Fred Kernochan, H. G. Bixly, Henry H. Babcock, George Richmond, Watson Robertson Sperry and family (just their calling cards), Samuel Clark Bushnell, Henry W. Farnam, Thomas Williams Grover, J. D. Ball, Rockwell King, James Parkman, A. H. Messiter, W. D. Anderson, Whittemore, Horace Chittenden, Russell Walden, George Edmund Munroe and more. Some of the letters are also from his family members.
1) A note and a pharmacist’s envelope enclosing that says “I am in despair” It also has a hand drawn postage stamp.
2) “Newport June 22, My Dear Wickes, Yours of the 20th inst just recd. I am sorry of course to hear that any of your club have suffered from the panic or in any other way but surely no one of the pats? has any right to feel that you are not doing all your duty for three very good reasons. First the gift to the fund should be in every respect voluntary and not obligatory in any sense. Second, you have already spent so much on our dear old Temple………Yours always in Bones, I. Fred. Kernochan.” More to that letter.
3) One page letter on a “Nashua Lock Co.” letterhead. From H. G. Bixly. He wishes to meet him in New York and more.
4) Calling card of Mrs. Charles A. Fisher
5) E. H. W. author of this letter. New York June 24th, Message to their mother, Mr. Westen came to visit, and more.
6) E. H. W. from New York telegraphing June 26 that Mary left a cashmere sacque at hotel.
7) 4 pages letter; “Orleans June 28th, 1874. No. 2 ______Ave. My Dear Tom, This doubtless has been a very busy as well as a very agreeable month for you and ere these lines reach their destination, what remains of Yale 74’ will in all human probability have made it obeisance and in possession of the much desired “sheepskin” have made way for less worthy successors. Not however without some regrets, I presume, because that air of superiority. The three year acquisition, so inseparable upon the senior year cannot be so readily relinquished. If I ever regretted that my participation in your pleasures and troubles had not been of more active character, it is certainly now as the curtain falls upon the last act…….” He goes on to talk about his time spend abroad in Paris and says “Their religion over here would beat Goodyear’s patents out of sight as far as elasticity goes. But you could scarcely expect less where these damned Catholic priests have so strong a hold upon the nobility and the masses.” He signs his letter “The boy”.
8) Letter from Henry H. Babcock from New Haven June 29th. Wonders what he should do with the album ordered for Wickes.
9) Three calling cards. One from Miss Julia Henderson, One from Isaac Henderson and the last from Mr. and Mrs. Watson Robertson Sperry. On an additional note, Mr. Sperry was the U. S. Minister to Persia.
10) This is a 7 page letter from Frank Spencer Witherbee. I have some great information about Mr. Witherbee at the end of this description. He’s on a grand tour, exhausted by sight seeing….. “Morley’s Hotel, London. Saturday July 4th, 1874. My Dear Tom…….This time of the year the sun rises at 3:30 a.m. and sets at 8:30 p.m. Then a prolonged twilight prevails until 10 p.m. I have once or twice read a newspaper without candles at 9:30 p.m. I say without a candle for we have not struck a hotel yet where we have had gas in our rooms……I met old “Becky” in a book store last night. He was pouring over some rusty old books. At first he did not see me but knew me when I spoke to him. He is not in the least changed in looks, dress or manners. He is on his way from Germany to New Haven. I mistrust he is to have some position in the faculty…….Your aff. Friend in 322. Frank S. Witherbee.” More to this letter as he talks about a cricket match he attended with the “Elite” of London. Says the young ladies were dressed so beautiful but had very homely faces.
11) George Richmond Bookseller’s letterhead and letter.
12) Holden House Saratoga Springs Letter head. Letter from Sam Bushnell and in part reads….. “July 10th, 1874, My Dear Tom, for your sake I will play the part of the “sage” as you suggest. Don’t come to this “hole” of a Holden House. I meant nothing. This house is $2 per day. Two in a bed, six in a room, one towel for six, dish water for tea, chicken seed for coffee, no eggs, cold supper, “heavy pies” and thick headed female attendants. Go to the “Congress”, Yale’s headquarters. $3.00 per “dieue” where everything will be agreeable except, well, try it yourself. We can’t leave this……..Hence in “322” adieu to your friend, Sam C. Bushnell” Much more to this.
13) Telegram about the Columbia and Harvard game.
14) A photographer by the name of DeSilva is sending pictures to him by express. Wants to be paid right away because his wife is due with their baby
15) 2 ½ page letter from J.P R.W.? from San Francisco. “August 3rd, 1874, My Dear Tom, The photos are just received. They are splendid. You can’t realize the pleasure I am deriving from looking at them. Yours is “immense”. Do send me another that I may frame it. I want one for the Yale Album. Old “Rebald” looks as pious as an old wh—e at christening, as was his want in days and nights gone by. The hawk has his old look of swoop and the little fraud has “fixed” himself and tries to look 6 ft. What shall I say of Polonius……..Give my love to Polonius and all the Bloods. R. Walden” This letter has much more, especially concerning the photo and the nick names of the men in the photo. Great “Bones” letter.
16) From Sam Bushnell. Where should DeSilva send Grover’s pictures?
17) From DeSilva asking for his money again.
18) Mollie, I think his sister. Writing to thank him for the family wedding photo.
19) Uncle Robert Haskell in Lansingburgh. Writing with news about his mother. Tells him to have a good time at Block Island. Great “Floor Oil Cloths” letter head.
20) From an E.W.? A classmate of his called. Asking if he’s back in Block Island.
21) Letter from George Edmund Munroe.
22) Letter from Rockwell King in Chicago. Sorry to have missed him in N.Y.
23) Another from Sam Bushnell, tales of antics at Englewood with other classmates.
24) Short letter and the person, just signs it “E.W.”
25) Letter from Henry Farnam, Bar Harbor. August 19, 74’ Was on a cruise to Grand Manan Island with some Columbia men and got stuck in fog. Had a blow out with other Yale men and says….. “All the Yale men who are here at present are members of G.B. which is very pleasant. Last Sat. evening we had a blowout at Southworth’s room where raw oysters and Bass ale were consumed amid the familiar strains of the first anthem and of numerous secular songs. Those present on the occasion were P’s, Johnny Andrews, Howard Mansfield, J.S. Wood, T. Williams Grover, H. W. Farnam and K. Ed. Southworth….we are all sorry you are not here this summer…….Every yours in 322. Henry W. Farnam. B.S.C.”
26) Thomas Wickes notes on Block Island.
27) Daily Graphic New York Letterhead. Short note from J.D. Ball.
28) Eight page letter from his mother with family details.
29) Letter from Thomas Williams Glover, August 24th… “Dear Wickes, I returned from Mt. Desert last Thursday and write you a few lines……I had a most delightful time at Mt. Desert. Staid 5 weeks instead of 2 or 3. As I first intended. I only wish that you could have been there…..We had quite a bones crowd there. Andrews 70’, Mansfield, John Wood, Farnam, Southworth and myself and as we were there I suppose the impression was created that every Yale man, man’s a deities head. A wild and fantastic humor was spread abut the place at one time that the melancholy one, the great Polonius contemplated putting in an appearance…..Yours in 322, T. Williams Grover.”
30) Sam Bushnell. He is going to study Hebrew at Andover. Fuss between Harvard and Yale.
31) Letter from his father on a “Hudson River Oil Works” letter head.
32) Telegraph from Mary W. Rodman. “Come tomorrow without fail”
33) Another telegraph from Mollie “Come in the morning if possible”
34) Letter from Mary giving some general family news.
35) Letter from his brother, I believe, signs it E.W.
36) Another letter from Mollie. Details about home and more.
37) Letter from Sam Bushnell…… “September 6th, My Dear Tom, I cannot tell you how I have felt all this week about the book I sent you. I have not ceased to regret it. Have you received it? I sent it to your father’s address on Monday last and have not heard from you a single word. The pats (?) have been into to T---- everyday since the book was taken out. Our club book has been several times heavier and I have waited for the discovery of its absence with increasing uneasiness……..” There is so much more to this letter about the “book”. He says he also saw General Stapler and talked about the changes in Yale. He signs it “324 ½ Ever yours in S.B.I. Same C. Bushnell.”
38) Another great letter from Bushnell. Says they are having a meeting but without the book. He says that a man named “Gulliver” (I think that is the name) is writing his report and is asking where the book is. Signs it “Very Truly Yours nevertheless in 323.”
39) DeSilva begging for his money
40) ***** Another great letter from Sam….. “79 New Divinity, Sept 13, 1874. My Dear Tom, Sitting at my left and looking over my ______ enlarging is our mutual friend William Beebe. The soft light of theological gas throws over us its kindly radiance; everything in these gratuitous apartments breaths a pleasant influence, etc. Now I will cork up. I spent a most delightful afternoon today with Cushing at his room in Elm St. We had the kind of bones talk which makes ones cheeks glow and ones stomach yearn for 324……The “general” is one of the salt of the earth and his visits will be oasis in my life as a bones man this year. But Tom I thought I used to value Bones. My appreciation of it then was insignificant compared with the value I see on it now…..Arthur Allen was here Thursday. He expressed great regret that Wickes had locked up that book he had heard so much about. Tillinghast was very much worried about it until I had slung a series of lies at him. All the club of D’73 know your story and I want you to come on and unearth the book yourself as this will be the only possible way to avoid detection…….” He goes on to tell him to sneak in the Temple and put the book back. Tells Wickes he is happy about the work he did on the book but regrets to have to lie about where it is. Signs it “I am ever yours in Bones, Same C. Bushnell.”
41) Letter from Grover who is staying at the 5th Ave. Hotel in N.Y.
42) A letter about a report that should be taken to Sam.
43) Same as above and I think these were written by Grover.
44) This letter is from George Munroe, I think as the signature is tough to read. At the end of his letter he writes…. “The book is safe and the boys are ______from my back. I was discovered by Gulliver reading it in the S.E.C.’s room with the gas light, having just discovered it on the top of the book shelf. Where I ascertained they have not looked, much admiration is expressed &c&c….Yours in 324 ½”
This great bunch of letters is for sale on Ebay Item number: 180215136468. Just follow the links on this page if you want to take a closer look.
Friday, February 08, 2008
Salt Family, Babcock Family, Platt Family.
Huge Family Archive of New York genealogy. 49 Handwritten Letters. Most To The Salt, Babcock and Platt Families. Most From: "Caddie" "Mollie" Your affectionate Son, Rev. William Salt" "Your affectionate Mother, Jane Salt" A few Friends Letters also. Most From Bath, Steuben Co. NY - Branchport New York, a few from Willink NY & a few from other locations. Letters 1872 - 1910. [30] 1800s - [19] 1900s. Letters Mention In Part: Train Travel - Domestic Life of cleaning house and clothing being sewn - "I bake the wedding cake" - Rochester for a flag, 5 ft by 10 cotton $2.50 - Rooms for .60 & I put the door in if we want it - I have a drive of a mile every morning to say mass at the Orphan Asylum - Farming - Mothers illness, give an injection, Dr won't say - Servant problems - Site seeing in Philadelphia - Quilting - Miss Van Valkenburg to the Sanitarium for broken down health - Roast Rooster for Thanksgiving - Dr. Pawling wouldn't go to see a dying woman unless the man payed him the three dollars he owned him, Dr. Grant went ..... - Bath NY in the spring described - The boys went to Russell's for an outing on their Wheels - Bukmans [?] factory partly burned - Had Typhoid Fever - House on Steward St. has Diphtheria - & Much More.
This fantastic group of letters is for sale on Ebay Item number: 330210198169.
This fantastic group of letters is for sale on Ebay Item number: 330210198169.
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Albert & Rachel Singer Civil War Letter from New York
Three page Civil War Era Letter from Van Hornesville, New York.
August 14, 1864. Albert & Rachel Singer write to their Brother & Sister.
Discuss family matters
"Albert did not make you a visit..."
other details, "you should come to Herkerman..."
Then turns to the draft and Abraham Lincoln. Signed: Albert & Rachel Singer.
This Albert & Rachel Singer letter is a great genealogy find. If you would like to see more of this letter it is on Ebay. Item number: 290204162880.
Monday, February 04, 2008
18TH VIRGINIA INFANTRY LETTER
THIS IS A GREAT LETTER WRITTEN ON FOUR PAGES WITH A DESCRIPTION IN SOME DETAIL OF THE BATTLE OF DRANESVILLE AND WRITTEN FROM CAMP CENTERVILLE, VA. ON DEC. 22ND 1861 BY ABNER McCABE OF THE 18TH VIRGINIA INFANTRY. THE PHOTOS ARE OF A TRANSCRIPTION NOT THE ORIGANAL LETTER. IF YOU WANT TO SEE THE LETTER, OR MAKE A BID, JUST FOLLOW ONE OF THE LINKS TO EBAY ON THIS PAGE.
Friday, January 25, 2008
John Burgess & Edward Rutledge Letter
The letter begins :This indenture made the fifteenth day December one thousand eight hundred twelve Whitnesses John Burgess & Edward Rutledge tow of the overseers of the ( ) of ( ) County hath put Ann a free girl of colour apprentice to John Burgess of the ( ) County him faithfully to serve from the day of date hereof until she come to the age of eighteen or seven years & three months All which ( ) she shares her Master faithfully serve his secrets keep & his lawful commands obey She shall not waste his goods nor see it done by others without giving notice Thereof she shall not buy sell nor lend his goods She shall not contract matrimony ( ) ( ) At cards dice or any unlawful game shall not play whereby her Master may be charged
She shall not absent herself day or night from her Masters Service without his leave but in all things behave as a faithful apprentice ought to do and the said Master shall use his utmost endevors to teach or cause her to be taught and instructed in the ( ) of housewifery and ( ) and provide for her the apprentice sufficient drink washing lodging and apparel fitting for an apprentice during term and have her taught ( ) (several words marked through) and at the expiration of her servitude to give her one suit of clothes ( ) and for the ( ) performance of these comments and agreements either of the parties themselves unto the other by these presents In whitness thereof we have here unto set our hands & seals in the day and the year above whitness.
This old letter Item number: 160200091887 is for sale on Ebay.
She shall not absent herself day or night from her Masters Service without his leave but in all things behave as a faithful apprentice ought to do and the said Master shall use his utmost endevors to teach or cause her to be taught and instructed in the ( ) of housewifery and ( ) and provide for her the apprentice sufficient drink washing lodging and apparel fitting for an apprentice during term and have her taught ( ) (several words marked through) and at the expiration of her servitude to give her one suit of clothes ( ) and for the ( ) performance of these comments and agreements either of the parties themselves unto the other by these presents In whitness thereof we have here unto set our hands & seals in the day and the year above whitness.
This old letter Item number: 160200091887 is for sale on Ebay.
Friday, January 18, 2008
NEW YORK LETTER 1861
Letter dated New York, April 30, 1861, from Nelson Cross to the law firm of Small and Cogswell regarding legal matters. Cross comments that Mr. [J.B.D.] Cogswell has been sent by the Administration to Wisconsin to prosecute the leader of the Anti-Constitutional Party of that state. Also notes war spirit in New York is high, troops mustering, leaving by the thousands for the war. "Damn the traitors!".
This Great New York Civil War letter Item number: 190189997129 is to be found on Ebay.
This Great New York Civil War letter Item number: 190189997129 is to be found on Ebay.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Dean Letter From New York 1808
“Respected Friend,
John Draper,
I received thy letter and have included a rough sketch of a plate intended not only to be inserted in my work but will answer also for title to the slips repeated. The first that is headed in German text. “Large text words” Thou may alter in any manner thy fancy may suggest. I think the word “Designer” with the flourishes would look very well under the words “Large Text Words” which would make it read in this manner.
An Alphabetical set of
Large Text Words
Designer
For the use of Schools & Academics
By
Henry Dean”
The letter goes on to talk about if there is any alterations that need to be made he gives Draper permission to do so and that he wishes them to done on a “respected piece of copper”. Then on the second page of the letter he talks about another book….
“The title of this will read thus,
A New Set of
Round Text
Copies
Designed for the use of Academics
By
Henry Dean
I shall be much obliged if thou will do this plate for me immediately as I want it for titles to ship that are now printing. I should like thee to do about three more plates. There is about an equal quantity of ______ on them that there is on the enclosed. Thou will be able to ascertain the value of the engraving by the others……..The present I should like next eve by the swiftest stage in a week or 10 days and the remaining three by the 20th of next month……”
There is a bit more about the expense of the work done. He signs it “H. Dean New York 8 mo 8 1808.”
John Draper,
I received thy letter and have included a rough sketch of a plate intended not only to be inserted in my work but will answer also for title to the slips repeated. The first that is headed in German text. “Large text words” Thou may alter in any manner thy fancy may suggest. I think the word “Designer” with the flourishes would look very well under the words “Large Text Words” which would make it read in this manner.
An Alphabetical set of
Large Text Words
Designer
For the use of Schools & Academics
By
Henry Dean”
The letter goes on to talk about if there is any alterations that need to be made he gives Draper permission to do so and that he wishes them to done on a “respected piece of copper”. Then on the second page of the letter he talks about another book….
“The title of this will read thus,
A New Set of
Round Text
Copies
Designed for the use of Academics
By
Henry Dean
I shall be much obliged if thou will do this plate for me immediately as I want it for titles to ship that are now printing. I should like thee to do about three more plates. There is about an equal quantity of ______ on them that there is on the enclosed. Thou will be able to ascertain the value of the engraving by the others……..The present I should like next eve by the swiftest stage in a week or 10 days and the remaining three by the 20th of next month……”
There is a bit more about the expense of the work done. He signs it “H. Dean New York 8 mo 8 1808.”
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Waterloo High School, Watertown, N.Y. 1888
Martha's Vineyard Summer Institute, Cottage City, Mass." It is dated August 6, 1888
To Whom It May concern,
I have known Mr. Willard J. Graves for some year as a student at the Waterloo High School and since he left us. I have found him an industrous and careful student, quick to grasp the important points of whatever work he had in hand, and clear in his explanations to others. I have also seen evidence in him of executive ability to a marked degree. I therefore heartily recommend him to any seeking the services of a good teacher. Respectfully,
Herbert M. Hill. A.M. Principal of Waterloo High School, Watertown, N.Y.
This great old Waterloo High School, Watertown, N.Y. Letter, Item number: 120207274184. Is for sale on Ebay. Just follow one of the links on this page if you want to take a look at it or place a bid.
To Whom It May concern,
I have known Mr. Willard J. Graves for some year as a student at the Waterloo High School and since he left us. I have found him an industrous and careful student, quick to grasp the important points of whatever work he had in hand, and clear in his explanations to others. I have also seen evidence in him of executive ability to a marked degree. I therefore heartily recommend him to any seeking the services of a good teacher. Respectfully,
Herbert M. Hill. A.M. Principal of Waterloo High School, Watertown, N.Y.
This great old Waterloo High School, Watertown, N.Y. Letter, Item number: 120207274184. Is for sale on Ebay. Just follow one of the links on this page if you want to take a look at it or place a bid.
Friday, January 04, 2008
1850's-80's New York Herrington family letters
GROUPING OF 15 LETTERS FROM THE 1850'S TO 1880'S. MOST BEING SENT TO MRS. OSCAR AND IDA HERRINGTON OF SOUTH HANNIBAL, MERIDIAN AND CICERO NEW YORK. ONE LETTER FROM APRIL 1865 MENTIONS LEE SURRENDERING TO GRANT AND THE PARADE DOWNTOWN WITH A THOUSAND SOLDIERS. THERE IS A LETTER BY MARY CONRAD ABOUT DEATH AND GREAT SICKNESS FOR THE FAMILY, SOME LETTERS TELL OF TRAVELING, ONE LETTER TALKS ABOUT A UNIVERSITY IN SYRACUSE AND MENTIONS BY NAME A FEW TEACHERS FROM 1871.
This great batch of Herrington family letters is for sale on Ebay, Item number: 360010959608. If you want to place a bid just follow one of the links to Ebay on this Page.
This great batch of Herrington family letters is for sale on Ebay, Item number: 360010959608. If you want to place a bid just follow one of the links to Ebay on this Page.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
J B F Russell, General Land Agency, Chicago, Feb. 24, 1842
Letter signed of J B F Russell, General Land Agency, Chicago, Feb. 24, 1842, with integral printed broadside, circular, 8" x 10", dated June 1, 1840, for his land agency business. It was postally sent to Joseph Roby Esq., Brockport, NY (forwarded to NYC). The letter contains information on paying taxes on Roby's land in Will and Cook Cos. "My sole business is in attending to the interest of non-resident land holders - and all such as are intrusted to my care will always be attended to promptly."
The printed portion gives information on Russell's land agency noting that he will pay taxes on Illinois, Wisonsan [sic] and Michigan land for residents and non-residents, in addition to title work and related business. The bottom contains a lists of (31) references, including military officers.
This letter is for sale on Ebay, Item number: 170180592924.
The printed portion gives information on Russell's land agency noting that he will pay taxes on Illinois, Wisonsan [sic] and Michigan land for residents and non-residents, in addition to title work and related business. The bottom contains a lists of (31) references, including military officers.
This letter is for sale on Ebay, Item number: 170180592924.
Friday, December 14, 2007
1843 Cork Ireland to Nantucket Letter.
1843 Ireland to Nantucket letter Item number: 250195696989
Mother of boy, Charles Fudger, who left home in Cork Ireland to go whaling writes to Charles and Henry Coffin of Nantucket Ma. Asking about her son Charles who left on the ship Charles and Henry three years ago. Pitiable out cry by a mother who very politely asks for help to locate her son.
This old letter is for sale on Ebay. Just follow the links on this page if you want to see more.
Mother of boy, Charles Fudger, who left home in Cork Ireland to go whaling writes to Charles and Henry Coffin of Nantucket Ma. Asking about her son Charles who left on the ship Charles and Henry three years ago. Pitiable out cry by a mother who very politely asks for help to locate her son.
This old letter is for sale on Ebay. Just follow the links on this page if you want to see more.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Elmira Prison Letter 1864
Civil War Elmira NYV Prison Guard Letter Jan 9 1864 Item number: 320185669996
Civil War Soldiers Letter from Jacob Larben (or Larfen) of the NYV Prison Regiment to his brother John. Jacob was a Guard at Elmira Prison. The letter is dated January 9, 1864. The three paragraphs are divided into a rathre formal greeting and take my pen in hand kind of relationship. He looks forward to the war ending in the Spring and states that Father Lincoln is attempting to bring to a close this terrible occasion. Do not fear. The Union will win and the Sessionist will repent. The second paragraph gives a few details about Prison Camp duty: it reads as written: Prison duty thu it be safe is much harder on the spirit than would be the wizzing of shell and ball. The rebels here are a sad lot, wounds and disease take many and our provost are less than gentel when dealing with them.
This great old Elmira Prison Letter is for sale on Ebay.
Civil War Soldiers Letter from Jacob Larben (or Larfen) of the NYV Prison Regiment to his brother John. Jacob was a Guard at Elmira Prison. The letter is dated January 9, 1864. The three paragraphs are divided into a rathre formal greeting and take my pen in hand kind of relationship. He looks forward to the war ending in the Spring and states that Father Lincoln is attempting to bring to a close this terrible occasion. Do not fear. The Union will win and the Sessionist will repent. The second paragraph gives a few details about Prison Camp duty: it reads as written: Prison duty thu it be safe is much harder on the spirit than would be the wizzing of shell and ball. The rebels here are a sad lot, wounds and disease take many and our provost are less than gentel when dealing with them.
This great old Elmira Prison Letter is for sale on Ebay.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
1749, Noddles Island.
1749,Noddles Island,Boston, Wm.Clarke letter, Item 170162458877
Letter dated December 1749, Noddles Island; where William Clarke has written to (Shute) Shrimpton Yeamans discussing the French amd Indian War, conditions of the buildings on Noddles Island, currency is unstable due to the war. He also talks about the land coming to Colonel Shrimpton from the old Indian land patent, the Million Acre purchase in New Hampshire.
This great old Noddles Island letter is on Ebay.
Letter dated December 1749, Noddles Island; where William Clarke has written to (Shute) Shrimpton Yeamans discussing the French amd Indian War, conditions of the buildings on Noddles Island, currency is unstable due to the war. He also talks about the land coming to Colonel Shrimpton from the old Indian land patent, the Million Acre purchase in New Hampshire.
This great old Noddles Island letter is on Ebay.
Monday, November 19, 2007
1806 Letter, Burlington Vermont
1806 Letter Burlington Vermont Item number: 300171869686
Dr Brother:
We arrived safe at home a few days a ago - I sipt (sic)at Middlebury several days, in order to affect something with regard to Banks -
When I got there - they had a bill before the house for a State Bank.
This Bill was brought forward by the opposition to the Banking interest and was carried one branch for this place, and another at Woodstock, before it passed the (worried (?) some of our friends left the house and they took that opportunity to propose an amendment and have one branch at Middlebury which was carried
- however we were glad to get rid of it the bill being one of the most inconsistent things ever brought before any Legislation
- It anticipates no capital as only five hundred dollars is appropriated to put it in ---and when the bills are issued if the State pleases they will pay them otherwise they will not as the State is not suitable and of course the holders of bills must loose them if they are not disposed to pay them
- When I get my business arranged I shall set for Boston / It will be uncertain whether I will come your way or not - If I should be in haste it will be better for me to go down the north turnpike....
...M Jewett."
Dr Brother:
We arrived safe at home a few days a ago - I sipt (sic)at Middlebury several days, in order to affect something with regard to Banks -
When I got there - they had a bill before the house for a State Bank.
This Bill was brought forward by the opposition to the Banking interest and was carried one branch for this place, and another at Woodstock, before it passed the (worried (?) some of our friends left the house and they took that opportunity to propose an amendment and have one branch at Middlebury which was carried
- however we were glad to get rid of it the bill being one of the most inconsistent things ever brought before any Legislation
- It anticipates no capital as only five hundred dollars is appropriated to put it in ---and when the bills are issued if the State pleases they will pay them otherwise they will not as the State is not suitable and of course the holders of bills must loose them if they are not disposed to pay them
- When I get my business arranged I shall set for Boston / It will be uncertain whether I will come your way or not - If I should be in haste it will be better for me to go down the north turnpike....
...M Jewett."
Friday, November 16, 2007
1903 Kansas City, Missouri Letter
1903 Kansas City, Missouri Letter Item number: 200172634566
A personal letter by the Clerk of the Criminal court addressed to “My old friend Billie… you stick so close to Pony, [Missouri] now, don’t think that I don’t like Pony, and Pony people, infact I have wanted to come back to Pony ever since I left… why don’t you come to Butte once in a year, and call a fellow up and have a few more ‘bunches of rye’ together. One cant get lonsmn out here for there is an missalaneous croud dropping in here … as any Bohemian quarter in Paris.“ He then writes about his brother in law taking a “trip down the Mazoo” which will be a failure as “money making scheme.” “I will spend the late fall and all of winter in Southern California, Utah & New Mexico…I have seen some very bum prize fights… there has only been two good ones.” Etc… Signed “Chas Renick”.
This great Kansas City, Missouri letter is for sale on Ebay. If you would like to place a bid just follow one of the links to Ebay on this page.
A personal letter by the Clerk of the Criminal court addressed to “My old friend Billie… you stick so close to Pony, [Missouri] now, don’t think that I don’t like Pony, and Pony people, infact I have wanted to come back to Pony ever since I left… why don’t you come to Butte once in a year, and call a fellow up and have a few more ‘bunches of rye’ together. One cant get lonsmn out here for there is an missalaneous croud dropping in here … as any Bohemian quarter in Paris.“ He then writes about his brother in law taking a “trip down the Mazoo” which will be a failure as “money making scheme.” “I will spend the late fall and all of winter in Southern California, Utah & New Mexico…I have seen some very bum prize fights… there has only been two good ones.” Etc… Signed “Chas Renick”.
This great Kansas City, Missouri letter is for sale on Ebay. If you would like to place a bid just follow one of the links to Ebay on this page.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
1857 Abner J. Lowell Letter
1857 Abner J. Lowell Letter Item number: 230189476815
A May 25th 1857 letter from Abner J. Lowell to his cousin that mentions fishing voyage where "The Schooner was rolling rales (sic) under." It was written in small Point, and mentions a place called "Oak Hill". Abner says that the fishing voyage was rough for 48 hours. He also makes mention of the stationary being used and of the vignette which decorates it being a likeness of Col. J.C. Fremont.
I went and had a look in the 1860 United States Federal Census for Abner J. Lowell. I found a few people of intrest.
Abner Lowell Westbrook, Cumberland, Maine, 12, 1848 Maine
Abner Lowell Portland, Cumberland, Maine, 48, 1812 Maine
Abner T Lowell Bucksport, Hancock, Maine, 6, 1854 Maine
Abner Lowell Bucksport, Hancock, Maine, 62, 1798 Maine
Abner Lowell Palermo, Waldo, Maine, 15, 1845 Maine
Abner W Lowell Barnstable, Barnstable, Massachusetts, 57, 1803 Massachusetts
Abner Lowell Newburyport Ward 6, Essex, Massachusetts, 60, 1800 Massachusetts
Abner Lowell Raymond, Rockingham, Massachusetts, 35, 1825 New Hampshire
This letter is for sale on Ebay. If you are interested just follow one of the links to Ebay on this website.
A May 25th 1857 letter from Abner J. Lowell to his cousin that mentions fishing voyage where "The Schooner was rolling rales (sic) under." It was written in small Point, and mentions a place called "Oak Hill". Abner says that the fishing voyage was rough for 48 hours. He also makes mention of the stationary being used and of the vignette which decorates it being a likeness of Col. J.C. Fremont.
I went and had a look in the 1860 United States Federal Census for Abner J. Lowell. I found a few people of intrest.
Abner Lowell Westbrook, Cumberland, Maine, 12, 1848 Maine
Abner Lowell Portland, Cumberland, Maine, 48, 1812 Maine
Abner T Lowell Bucksport, Hancock, Maine, 6, 1854 Maine
Abner Lowell Bucksport, Hancock, Maine, 62, 1798 Maine
Abner Lowell Palermo, Waldo, Maine, 15, 1845 Maine
Abner W Lowell Barnstable, Barnstable, Massachusetts, 57, 1803 Massachusetts
Abner Lowell Newburyport Ward 6, Essex, Massachusetts, 60, 1800 Massachusetts
Abner Lowell Raymond, Rockingham, Massachusetts, 35, 1825 New Hampshire
This letter is for sale on Ebay. If you are interested just follow one of the links to Ebay on this website.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Pittsford, Culpepper, Vermont, 1864
1864 Culpepper Vermont letter 10th Vermont Item number: 160176966468
1864 soldier's letter written camp near culpepper, Vermont. April 4th to MC Boyne, or Bogue in Pittsford, Vt. Written by John A Sheldon, Captain, 10th Vermont volunteers. Sheldon is answering the letter and says he is trying to secure a commission for Willie Peabody, and will notify of any incidents regarding the Pittsford boys.- I have recently promoted John Dike to a corporal.
This letter is on Ebay. Just follow one of the links on this page if you want to have a look.
1864 soldier's letter written camp near culpepper, Vermont. April 4th to MC Boyne, or Bogue in Pittsford, Vt. Written by John A Sheldon, Captain, 10th Vermont volunteers. Sheldon is answering the letter and says he is trying to secure a commission for Willie Peabody, and will notify of any incidents regarding the Pittsford boys.- I have recently promoted John Dike to a corporal.
This letter is on Ebay. Just follow one of the links on this page if you want to have a look.
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Spanish & Philippine American War Letter
Spanish & Philippine American War letter Item number: 160176735028
Bayambang, PI Company I, 17th Infantry April 19th, 1900
Mrs. E. C. Bates,
My dear sister,
Mr. Bates letter came a few days ago. I was glad to hear from you all. Glad to hear that you were improving and hope you will get completely well again. We thought we would get to come home this summer but the way things look now, we will be here at least another year. We’re having more men killed on this island now at the present this than any time since. We have been here ?? to your face is mucho mego. That means “your friend” and where they get behind your back. They would cut your throat. They captured three men on the 29th just not long ago. Then they tied them to a stake and burned them alive and then drug them through the town and then cut their head off with bolows and such things is that are happening every day.
Looking up and the ?? has formed small bands of 25-50 bolow men and they rob all the natives and kill all the soldiers they catch away from their command. So you see you can’t ??? at all. We thought after we broke up all the large bands of ?? that the army would be reduced and some of the troops would get to go to the states. But I don’t think many of them would be sent back before another year. Our ball of the 14th infantry has gone back to the states. The ball of the 18th and 20th infantry will go home in May. We have been one year and one month, nine days and I think we will be another year. While I can’t stand it if it’s like the rainy season that was the course of all the cause of men’s death. Five companies of us of some regiment had quite a scrap in the 8th of this month on Sunday. We left here at 1pm on the 5th of this month and marched all night that night without any supper and went to camp at 6 o’clock and stayed like that til night and started out on the 7th and went to camp that eve at 5 o’clock. Got up the next morn at 3 o’clock to march to the mountains about four miles where we stayed at night and got our position by daylight. And I wished you and Mr. Bates could have seen the mountains. We have had the fight. General McAbolous was on that mountain with a squadron men well entrenched. Against us, took out mountain in tenn. ?? Is not in it well over our company was to attract the enemy and I trust Bradford gave me orders to take my squad of 7 men and take in and over guard in front of the hill where the enemy was are the rest of the company went out as flankes on both sides. A company was sent out on the left flank. Me and L company was sent out under command of Lt. Col. Rober. On the extreme right to get in the rear of the enemy. They had to march (8) mile over the mountain to come behind the enemy. While company D and the scouts come up the ravine on the right flank and we had the front where company A got all on the mountains on the left flank. The ladrous went up, then A company captured our post and burned the stalk ?? thin into the main body. When company A got around all the main body, we opened up from the front. The scouts got in from the rear they didn’t know what to do. But they retreated as far as they could. If A company had waited 30 minutes longer before they flanked them, and the scouts to get behind them, we would have demolished all of them. We kill about 20, wounded a good many and captured about 18 prisoners. Nothing will ever go down in records as driving General McAbolous and General Antoinio Montenegro out of there positions and if we had there positions, all the troops on the island couldn’t have driven us out but they didn’t have the nerve to stand. We had our officeIf they had stayed in their position, they would have killed all of us very freely. The reason they left their position, they thought we had them surrounded.Our officer wounded through both thighs; 1st Lt. Morrow of company D. He is getting along very well. I will send you a map of the hill in this letter.
General Montenegro surrendered to me and my squad on our port on the 9th day after the fight. I will send you this paper when get it. I have the paper now that the piece about the infantry but it can’t come and want to send it. I will wait until get the right one. Will jaru is better really now than those. Health now is poor for some time. Weight 180 lbs. yesterday. Please tell Mr. Bates to tell Mr. Clay that I haven’t been able to hear from Dr. Lester in Manilla at the 3rd hospital yet. I wrote to him but haven’t received any answer. He will be your back to the states. He is only a contract doctor and as you hear from him, I will answer his letter. And tell Mr. Bates to give the members of company H to give best wishes and kindest regards. And tell them the regiment will never be forgotten by the troops in the Philippine Islands and we would all like them to return again in the near future. Well we’ll close for this time. Write soon. I hope when this letter reaches you it will find enjoying good health. As it leaves me well that by the time this letter reaches you it find Mr. Bates enjoying good health. Mr. Bates said time ago thank him to please send me some chewing tobacco. Has he gotten better this time. Well good bye for this time you Bates write to your brother Corporal H. ???
You will all you will see in this sketch of the battleground, you can’t see any infantry but A company on the left flank over the mountain. And the advance guard below, that is my squad that is shooting up straight at the enemy. The paper wasn’t large enough to give all the companies. You will see where General McAbolous went straight up and jumped through the hole on the other side. You will see him making his escape down the mountain and you will look at the picture I sent you of Aguinaldo Cabirsh. And you will see the mau that surrender to me last Wednesday a week ago (General Montenegro). We have been after him for a year and just got him to speak good English. He was in New York 3 years. All the grass marks X are the mountains kept the where we had to charge up. The mountains in the search. There aught to be a back trail but you can’t get per it. In the sketch I will put a checkmark where the trail is to the other mountain. Well I want to write our mom and will send you a paper that gave a letter about the scrap. I will send you another paper in a few days. Well goodbye for this time. Write soon to your brother. Show this picture to some of the home troops and you could give it to the rancher. I would think they should be glad to get it. We burned all his headquarters. If you don’t give it to the people, send it to Billy. I will send you some of things I captured from McAbolous after the fight.
Bayambang, PI Company I, 17th Infantry April 19th, 1900
Mrs. E. C. Bates,
My dear sister,
Mr. Bates letter came a few days ago. I was glad to hear from you all. Glad to hear that you were improving and hope you will get completely well again. We thought we would get to come home this summer but the way things look now, we will be here at least another year. We’re having more men killed on this island now at the present this than any time since. We have been here ?? to your face is mucho mego. That means “your friend” and where they get behind your back. They would cut your throat. They captured three men on the 29th just not long ago. Then they tied them to a stake and burned them alive and then drug them through the town and then cut their head off with bolows and such things is that are happening every day.
Looking up and the ?? has formed small bands of 25-50 bolow men and they rob all the natives and kill all the soldiers they catch away from their command. So you see you can’t ??? at all. We thought after we broke up all the large bands of ?? that the army would be reduced and some of the troops would get to go to the states. But I don’t think many of them would be sent back before another year. Our ball of the 14th infantry has gone back to the states. The ball of the 18th and 20th infantry will go home in May. We have been one year and one month, nine days and I think we will be another year. While I can’t stand it if it’s like the rainy season that was the course of all the cause of men’s death. Five companies of us of some regiment had quite a scrap in the 8th of this month on Sunday. We left here at 1pm on the 5th of this month and marched all night that night without any supper and went to camp at 6 o’clock and stayed like that til night and started out on the 7th and went to camp that eve at 5 o’clock. Got up the next morn at 3 o’clock to march to the mountains about four miles where we stayed at night and got our position by daylight. And I wished you and Mr. Bates could have seen the mountains. We have had the fight. General McAbolous was on that mountain with a squadron men well entrenched. Against us, took out mountain in tenn. ?? Is not in it well over our company was to attract the enemy and I trust Bradford gave me orders to take my squad of 7 men and take in and over guard in front of the hill where the enemy was are the rest of the company went out as flankes on both sides. A company was sent out on the left flank. Me and L company was sent out under command of Lt. Col. Rober. On the extreme right to get in the rear of the enemy. They had to march (8) mile over the mountain to come behind the enemy. While company D and the scouts come up the ravine on the right flank and we had the front where company A got all on the mountains on the left flank. The ladrous went up, then A company captured our post and burned the stalk ?? thin into the main body. When company A got around all the main body, we opened up from the front. The scouts got in from the rear they didn’t know what to do. But they retreated as far as they could. If A company had waited 30 minutes longer before they flanked them, and the scouts to get behind them, we would have demolished all of them. We kill about 20, wounded a good many and captured about 18 prisoners. Nothing will ever go down in records as driving General McAbolous and General Antoinio Montenegro out of there positions and if we had there positions, all the troops on the island couldn’t have driven us out but they didn’t have the nerve to stand. We had our officeIf they had stayed in their position, they would have killed all of us very freely. The reason they left their position, they thought we had them surrounded.Our officer wounded through both thighs; 1st Lt. Morrow of company D. He is getting along very well. I will send you a map of the hill in this letter.
General Montenegro surrendered to me and my squad on our port on the 9th day after the fight. I will send you this paper when get it. I have the paper now that the piece about the infantry but it can’t come and want to send it. I will wait until get the right one. Will jaru is better really now than those. Health now is poor for some time. Weight 180 lbs. yesterday. Please tell Mr. Bates to tell Mr. Clay that I haven’t been able to hear from Dr. Lester in Manilla at the 3rd hospital yet. I wrote to him but haven’t received any answer. He will be your back to the states. He is only a contract doctor and as you hear from him, I will answer his letter. And tell Mr. Bates to give the members of company H to give best wishes and kindest regards. And tell them the regiment will never be forgotten by the troops in the Philippine Islands and we would all like them to return again in the near future. Well we’ll close for this time. Write soon. I hope when this letter reaches you it will find enjoying good health. As it leaves me well that by the time this letter reaches you it find Mr. Bates enjoying good health. Mr. Bates said time ago thank him to please send me some chewing tobacco. Has he gotten better this time. Well good bye for this time you Bates write to your brother Corporal H. ???
You will all you will see in this sketch of the battleground, you can’t see any infantry but A company on the left flank over the mountain. And the advance guard below, that is my squad that is shooting up straight at the enemy. The paper wasn’t large enough to give all the companies. You will see where General McAbolous went straight up and jumped through the hole on the other side. You will see him making his escape down the mountain and you will look at the picture I sent you of Aguinaldo Cabirsh. And you will see the mau that surrender to me last Wednesday a week ago (General Montenegro). We have been after him for a year and just got him to speak good English. He was in New York 3 years. All the grass marks X are the mountains kept the where we had to charge up. The mountains in the search. There aught to be a back trail but you can’t get per it. In the sketch I will put a checkmark where the trail is to the other mountain. Well I want to write our mom and will send you a paper that gave a letter about the scrap. I will send you another paper in a few days. Well goodbye for this time. Write soon to your brother. Show this picture to some of the home troops and you could give it to the rancher. I would think they should be glad to get it. We burned all his headquarters. If you don’t give it to the people, send it to Billy. I will send you some of things I captured from McAbolous after the fight.
Monday, November 05, 2007
1796 Moses Jewett New Salem, Massachusetts
Autograph Letter Signed from Moses Jewett, dated New Salem, Massachusetts, May 10, 1796. Addressed to Mr. David Joseph Mallibran. It reads, in full:
Dear Friend:
You formerly observed to me, in one of your letters that nothing made a more ridiculous figure in a man's life than the disparity we often find in him, sick and well; thus one of an unfortunate constitution is perpetually exhibiting a miserable example of weakness both of body and mind. Sickness is a kind of early old age, it teaches us a diffidence in our early state, and inspires us with the thoughts of a future; it gives so warning a concussion to those props of our vanity, our strength and youth that we then think of fortifying ourselves within, when there is so little dependence on external. Youth at the best is but a betrayer of human life in a gentler and smoother way than old age; it is like a stream that nourishes a plant on a bank and causes it to flourish and blossom in the sight and at the same time, it is undermining at the root. Happy are they, my friend who learn not to despair, but shall remember that though the day is past and their strength is wasted there yet remains one effort more to be made. Reformation is never hopeless, nor sincere endeavors ever unassisted, he who implores strength from above will find danger and difficulty give way before him.
...Moses Jewett."
This New Salem, Massachusetts letter is for sale on Ebay. Item number: 300167189841
Dear Friend:
You formerly observed to me, in one of your letters that nothing made a more ridiculous figure in a man's life than the disparity we often find in him, sick and well; thus one of an unfortunate constitution is perpetually exhibiting a miserable example of weakness both of body and mind. Sickness is a kind of early old age, it teaches us a diffidence in our early state, and inspires us with the thoughts of a future; it gives so warning a concussion to those props of our vanity, our strength and youth that we then think of fortifying ourselves within, when there is so little dependence on external. Youth at the best is but a betrayer of human life in a gentler and smoother way than old age; it is like a stream that nourishes a plant on a bank and causes it to flourish and blossom in the sight and at the same time, it is undermining at the root. Happy are they, my friend who learn not to despair, but shall remember that though the day is past and their strength is wasted there yet remains one effort more to be made. Reformation is never hopeless, nor sincere endeavors ever unassisted, he who implores strength from above will find danger and difficulty give way before him.
...Moses Jewett."
This New Salem, Massachusetts letter is for sale on Ebay. Item number: 300167189841
Saturday, November 03, 2007
John Prince Knight. San Francisco California Letters
1850s San Francisco California Letters Item number: 330180082954
38 Pre Civil War Handwritten Letters. Most to: John Prince Knight. San Francisco California. And a few to other family members in Massachusetts. From: Most from Family Members & a few friends. Most from Boston & a few from other cities like Brighton, Germantown and one from Burlington College. & few other cities 1850 - 1866. Most later 1850s to early 1860s. [ 18 with year dates either on postmarks or letterheads & 20 without year dates] Mentions In Part: Visiting & Visitors - Wine bottle broke in Franks hand quite badly across the palm while drawing the cork - Sarahs wedding anf who attended - Henry Baldwin out in Brighton is engaged to a Sheep Killers daughter - Sleighing has been good - There is to be an ? immense cast at the Foundry and we expect several friends over to see the sight - The Brother Cup is perfect both in shape & color I can't imagine how it could have come such a distance - Daisy and Anna are playing and shaking the table so I can't write - Baby Daisy has Lung Fever, Dr. Channing - Trips to Brighton Massachusetts and New York City - Lydia talks of having a Ambrotype taken soon - Mr. Hooker took his dinner to the Mill to be ready for the train - Social at the House, all you will need is plenty of Light, you have lamps enough for the whole house but we have no oil, the can is at the Mill, got the Church cookery - Gift of a rocking chair - Goat attacked by dogs, men to the rescue - Their old friend Capt. Thomson died of cancer - Sick in bed for a number of weeks - Lovely Easter & Easter Sunday with flowers - New family dog named Dash, followed our old potato man came to see us - We had the house illuminated one night. A splendid procession formed on this street just in front of the house. The firing of the Cannon shook the house and caused one of the little ? lamp to fall from a bar on one of the front windows in my room ....., I threw a clock and shawl over the flames without sucess..... - It is prudent for you to be on the Wharf all night alone? - Writer updates John on all of the trees. The English Walnut you planted is eight feet high, Devils Walking Stick is about seven feet high ..... - Mr. Alger took us all over to the Foundry to see a large boiler for a Steam Ship cast - Mother died, I arrived the second day after the funeral - Mr. Bray has been making me a pair of skates from a mismatched old pair he found in the house. He took off the runners, fixed them onto a pair of Mahogany soles which he cut out very nicely .... & More.
This batch of John Prince Knight. San Francisco California Letters is for sale on Ebay. If you want to have a look or place a bid just follow the links to Ebay.
38 Pre Civil War Handwritten Letters. Most to: John Prince Knight. San Francisco California. And a few to other family members in Massachusetts. From: Most from Family Members & a few friends. Most from Boston & a few from other cities like Brighton, Germantown and one from Burlington College. & few other cities 1850 - 1866. Most later 1850s to early 1860s. [ 18 with year dates either on postmarks or letterheads & 20 without year dates] Mentions In Part: Visiting & Visitors - Wine bottle broke in Franks hand quite badly across the palm while drawing the cork - Sarahs wedding anf who attended - Henry Baldwin out in Brighton is engaged to a Sheep Killers daughter - Sleighing has been good - There is to be an ? immense cast at the Foundry and we expect several friends over to see the sight - The Brother Cup is perfect both in shape & color I can't imagine how it could have come such a distance - Daisy and Anna are playing and shaking the table so I can't write - Baby Daisy has Lung Fever, Dr. Channing - Trips to Brighton Massachusetts and New York City - Lydia talks of having a Ambrotype taken soon - Mr. Hooker took his dinner to the Mill to be ready for the train - Social at the House, all you will need is plenty of Light, you have lamps enough for the whole house but we have no oil, the can is at the Mill, got the Church cookery - Gift of a rocking chair - Goat attacked by dogs, men to the rescue - Their old friend Capt. Thomson died of cancer - Sick in bed for a number of weeks - Lovely Easter & Easter Sunday with flowers - New family dog named Dash, followed our old potato man came to see us - We had the house illuminated one night. A splendid procession formed on this street just in front of the house. The firing of the Cannon shook the house and caused one of the little ? lamp to fall from a bar on one of the front windows in my room ....., I threw a clock and shawl over the flames without sucess..... - It is prudent for you to be on the Wharf all night alone? - Writer updates John on all of the trees. The English Walnut you planted is eight feet high, Devils Walking Stick is about seven feet high ..... - Mr. Alger took us all over to the Foundry to see a large boiler for a Steam Ship cast - Mother died, I arrived the second day after the funeral - Mr. Bray has been making me a pair of skates from a mismatched old pair he found in the house. He took off the runners, fixed them onto a pair of Mahogany soles which he cut out very nicely .... & More.
This batch of John Prince Knight. San Francisco California Letters is for sale on Ebay. If you want to have a look or place a bid just follow the links to Ebay.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Moses Jewett to David Jewett Massachusetts Letter
1799 WWeston Massachusetts Letter JEWETT Jaffrey NH MANN's TAVERN Item number: 300164522801
letter dated June 24, 1799 Weston, MA to David Jewett, Jaffrey, NH
Hand carried and in manuscript on the delivery side
"To be left at Mann's Tavern"
Letter is from Moses Jewett to David Jewett, his brother. He mentions wishing to send his Horse to New Ipswitch within three or four weeks when he'll be arriving there and to ride to David's house. He desires to have Mr. Crosby informed and have the horse sent there and "take care of her."
This Massachusetts letter is for sale on Ebay. If you want to bid just follow one of the links on this page.
letter dated June 24, 1799 Weston, MA to David Jewett, Jaffrey, NH
Hand carried and in manuscript on the delivery side
"To be left at Mann's Tavern"
Letter is from Moses Jewett to David Jewett, his brother. He mentions wishing to send his Horse to New Ipswitch within three or four weeks when he'll be arriving there and to ride to David's house. He desires to have Mr. Crosby informed and have the horse sent there and "take care of her."
This Massachusetts letter is for sale on Ebay. If you want to bid just follow one of the links on this page.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
John H Greider Civil War Letter
1862 Manchester Tenn illustrated soldiers letter Ebay Item number: 280165030665
Manchester August 3rd from
John H Greider- no unit designation, to his sister.
I am no at Manchester Tennessee near the mountains-the rebels are with in 15 miles of us-we expect an...every day we have to stand ready for them-all the time we have a line of battle formed all the time day and night we have but very little rest now and besides that we have to go on picket duty every other night and besides that only half rashens-we have the hard times since we were in service-we are now detach to general smith devishen...to previde for his man like Negly did but I hope we will soon get to him again. but smith is a better general than negly is....the resen we got only half rashens was that battle at muffortsborro and the rebels burnd that bridge... you need not look for me insight a year. captured 1100 barrels of flower from the rebels at this town.
This John H Greider Civil War Letter is for sale on Ebay. Just follow the links if you are interested.
Manchester August 3rd from
John H Greider- no unit designation, to his sister.
I am no at Manchester Tennessee near the mountains-the rebels are with in 15 miles of us-we expect an...every day we have to stand ready for them-all the time we have a line of battle formed all the time day and night we have but very little rest now and besides that we have to go on picket duty every other night and besides that only half rashens-we have the hard times since we were in service-we are now detach to general smith devishen...to previde for his man like Negly did but I hope we will soon get to him again. but smith is a better general than negly is....the resen we got only half rashens was that battle at muffortsborro and the rebels burnd that bridge... you need not look for me insight a year. captured 1100 barrels of flower from the rebels at this town.
This John H Greider Civil War Letter is for sale on Ebay. Just follow the links if you are interested.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Hannah Osborne in Keene, NH to David Jewett, Jaffrey, NH
Letter from From Hannah Osborne in Keene, NH to David Jewett, Jaffrey, NH. The letter, though with a Keene postal, is datemarked Paris, NY,
JULY 4TH 1803!
In Part:
From Hannah Osborne writing her brother and send her regards, tells him she intends to see him and Hannah asks David to "make me seventy or eighty dollars" They have an extraordinary chance to by a farm home if we can make out a first payment. "If not we shall go to into black river cuntry (sic) as we have taken up land there."
This interesting old letter is for sale on Ebay. If you want to bid just follow one of the links on this page.
JULY 4TH 1803!
In Part:
From Hannah Osborne writing her brother and send her regards, tells him she intends to see him and Hannah asks David to "make me seventy or eighty dollars" They have an extraordinary chance to by a farm home if we can make out a first payment. "If not we shall go to into black river cuntry (sic) as we have taken up land there."
This interesting old letter is for sale on Ebay. If you want to bid just follow one of the links on this page.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Morriss family Letters of Lynchburg, Va
Spanning a time period beginning 1920 thru 1930, 5 envelopes addressed to various Morriss family members of Lynchburg, Va. There is family gossip and much talk of investing and financial dealings. Some of the letters are handwritten and some typed.
One sample letter reads: Jan. 26, 1926. Dear Sisters, I have been intending to write you a few lines since my return, but have been putting it off from day to day as I have had no news of interest to write. I found everybody pretty well on my return and went to Va. Beach last Friday and ate New Years dinner with the family. All of them were there and they had a nice turkey for dinner. Emerson and Meyer came that morning. We had a joint note from Louise this A.M. saying they were all well. They left here last Sunday for Baltimore. Don't ever refer to what I told you in regard to the history of Louis's case to Etta or any one as it was told me as a secret, and it will do no good now to stir it up, just let it be a thing of the past and don't let Louis know that you know it. I guess she suffered enough over the matter. There will be a big banquet at Monticello Hotel Friday night which will be $5.00 a plate. We will have some distinguished speakers such as Gov. Trinkle, Gov. elect Byrd, some of the Admirals and others as well as good music and I judge good eats. I have applied for a reservation. I suppose you have seen in the papers about the fire in the Governors mansion in Richmond from a Christmas tree, they are dangerous things after they have been in a heated house a few days, if they should catch on fire they will burn as fast as any thing saturated with kerosene Oil, and there is no way to put them out without great damage to your building by flooding with water, so you had better get yours out as quick as possible. We have had rain here for several days. It is not raining today but is very warm and bad weather for colds and Pneumonia. Montie has had a bad cold but think he is getting better. I am glad to say I have been free of one so far and am feeling fine. Love to Preston and all. Aff. Your brother, E.W. Morriss
The Morriss family Letters of Lynchburg, Va Item number: 170160262330 are for sale on Ebay. If you would like to bid just follow one of the links on this page.
One sample letter reads: Jan. 26, 1926. Dear Sisters, I have been intending to write you a few lines since my return, but have been putting it off from day to day as I have had no news of interest to write. I found everybody pretty well on my return and went to Va. Beach last Friday and ate New Years dinner with the family. All of them were there and they had a nice turkey for dinner. Emerson and Meyer came that morning. We had a joint note from Louise this A.M. saying they were all well. They left here last Sunday for Baltimore. Don't ever refer to what I told you in regard to the history of Louis's case to Etta or any one as it was told me as a secret, and it will do no good now to stir it up, just let it be a thing of the past and don't let Louis know that you know it. I guess she suffered enough over the matter. There will be a big banquet at Monticello Hotel Friday night which will be $5.00 a plate. We will have some distinguished speakers such as Gov. Trinkle, Gov. elect Byrd, some of the Admirals and others as well as good music and I judge good eats. I have applied for a reservation. I suppose you have seen in the papers about the fire in the Governors mansion in Richmond from a Christmas tree, they are dangerous things after they have been in a heated house a few days, if they should catch on fire they will burn as fast as any thing saturated with kerosene Oil, and there is no way to put them out without great damage to your building by flooding with water, so you had better get yours out as quick as possible. We have had rain here for several days. It is not raining today but is very warm and bad weather for colds and Pneumonia. Montie has had a bad cold but think he is getting better. I am glad to say I have been free of one so far and am feeling fine. Love to Preston and all. Aff. Your brother, E.W. Morriss
The Morriss family Letters of Lynchburg, Va Item number: 170160262330 are for sale on Ebay. If you would like to bid just follow one of the links on this page.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Rockbridge County Virginia, Mary T. Miller
ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY VA LETTER PLEA FOR WELFARE Item number: 190163133213
A woman named Mary T. Miller writes a poignant plea to a Rockbridge County board—probably for welfare assistance. Her writing is quite illiterate with many words misspelled.
“GENTLE MEN OF ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY WHO ATTEND TO THE POOR OF GOD’S EARTH: as I am one of that number, I hope you will do what is just and right by me as I am in bad health and can’t appear myself before you.
Please think of me one minute I waited on that sick(?) man that had known him whom was as helpless as an infant babe. If it was your mother or wife that lost her (?) 5 weeks and could not get rid of her burden, what would not you think this a just cause?
I am a mother of 4 little helpless children and a crippled husband. Please, I will be thankful for whatever you think right for me.
From Mary T. Miller
In care of my mother Margaret Thompson.
I hope you will accept her to tend to this for me.”
Written on reverse is “Mrs. Miller’s petition to board of O. D(?).
This Rockbridge County Virginia letter is for sale on Ebay if you want to take a look just follow one of the links to Ebay on this page.
A woman named Mary T. Miller writes a poignant plea to a Rockbridge County board—probably for welfare assistance. Her writing is quite illiterate with many words misspelled.
“GENTLE MEN OF ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY WHO ATTEND TO THE POOR OF GOD’S EARTH: as I am one of that number, I hope you will do what is just and right by me as I am in bad health and can’t appear myself before you.
Please think of me one minute I waited on that sick(?) man that had known him whom was as helpless as an infant babe. If it was your mother or wife that lost her (?) 5 weeks and could not get rid of her burden, what would not you think this a just cause?
I am a mother of 4 little helpless children and a crippled husband. Please, I will be thankful for whatever you think right for me.
From Mary T. Miller
In care of my mother Margaret Thompson.
I hope you will accept her to tend to this for me.”
Written on reverse is “Mrs. Miller’s petition to board of O. D(?).
This Rockbridge County Virginia letter is for sale on Ebay if you want to take a look just follow one of the links to Ebay on this page.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Letter G. Barrington Richmond Pitkin
I found this interesting letter on Ebay. You can bid on it by following one of the links on this page.
“Great Barrington April 2, 183-
My Dear Budd,
In your last some three or four______ you said something very clever about a “brisk Correspondence” good! but the bad is you are so subject to changes…….As to Pegasus, he had done grandly without blanket or oats. One hundred lines more will make me four thousand, which work I tell you is grand or would be with a good sitting. You will hardly credit my judgment firstly on account of natural partiality, secondly writers of good judgment are known to be ill judges of their own works, and thirdly because I thought so well of my old poem. As to the former poem, I now see it but poor poetry but it has been an ample aid, a treasury where I had deposited many valuable and grand ideas and some as near original or will generally be found at the present day…….Well I say the poem is in a fine way, before it’s completion, I shall probably add a thousand lines more. 5,000 that will make a pretty volume. The subjects, as a work, are far from being trite, and it is connected in a chain something like Child Harold, which you pointed out for my imitation in plan. The Indian is the predominant character. I have added sixty more lines to the piece I sent you, which I think more lyric than the other stanzas. When you write make some remarks on these things that will aid me. I want much to know what your calculations are about coming home this summer, you must come here or I must go to you and fix the poem. I must have it prepared and out this year. I need the avails of it and I have no doubt it will win it’s way in the world and amount to something; though I am as still as a mouse. _______are impatient to have it out……..I am very sorry to inform you that Nash B. has not been home yet. Since he left here he has found bad associates and his “natural tastes” as you call it has got the ruins, and he has become in some measures intemperate, though he had persevered in abstinence for two years……..Summer’s have just lost a beautiful boy sixteen months old. I never saw any person so completely cut down at the loss of a little child as he is and I think the effect will be lastingly beneficial. The night before the funeral there were two watchers to watch with the corpse there. Summer called his family together with the watchers, knelt down and made a very fervent prayer with them, as one of the watchers stated. Should Summer be a Christian he would be one with all is might, he is an Episcopalian…….I don’t know what you do to these Northerners down there for they all tell one story and that is a mighty fine one. Tis monstrous queer to blind so many eyes! Nor fairy gold could bury so many lies……(More on Nash)……I have not once attended meetings since you left here nor has there been much meeting to attend…..Our villagers are making their move today. John Russet takes the tavern and Beebe’s move opposite Mr. Burts. Mrs. House keeps a boarding house in the brick building south of the tavern. She has been very dangerously sick but is getting better…….Doctor Rogers inquired the other day whether you were publishing a paper and said you promised to send him some numbers. Your ever affectionate mother M.B. Pitkin…..162 lines remember!”
“Great Barrington April 2, 183-
My Dear Budd,
In your last some three or four______ you said something very clever about a “brisk Correspondence” good! but the bad is you are so subject to changes…….As to Pegasus, he had done grandly without blanket or oats. One hundred lines more will make me four thousand, which work I tell you is grand or would be with a good sitting. You will hardly credit my judgment firstly on account of natural partiality, secondly writers of good judgment are known to be ill judges of their own works, and thirdly because I thought so well of my old poem. As to the former poem, I now see it but poor poetry but it has been an ample aid, a treasury where I had deposited many valuable and grand ideas and some as near original or will generally be found at the present day…….Well I say the poem is in a fine way, before it’s completion, I shall probably add a thousand lines more. 5,000 that will make a pretty volume. The subjects, as a work, are far from being trite, and it is connected in a chain something like Child Harold, which you pointed out for my imitation in plan. The Indian is the predominant character. I have added sixty more lines to the piece I sent you, which I think more lyric than the other stanzas. When you write make some remarks on these things that will aid me. I want much to know what your calculations are about coming home this summer, you must come here or I must go to you and fix the poem. I must have it prepared and out this year. I need the avails of it and I have no doubt it will win it’s way in the world and amount to something; though I am as still as a mouse. _______are impatient to have it out……..I am very sorry to inform you that Nash B. has not been home yet. Since he left here he has found bad associates and his “natural tastes” as you call it has got the ruins, and he has become in some measures intemperate, though he had persevered in abstinence for two years……..Summer’s have just lost a beautiful boy sixteen months old. I never saw any person so completely cut down at the loss of a little child as he is and I think the effect will be lastingly beneficial. The night before the funeral there were two watchers to watch with the corpse there. Summer called his family together with the watchers, knelt down and made a very fervent prayer with them, as one of the watchers stated. Should Summer be a Christian he would be one with all is might, he is an Episcopalian…….I don’t know what you do to these Northerners down there for they all tell one story and that is a mighty fine one. Tis monstrous queer to blind so many eyes! Nor fairy gold could bury so many lies……(More on Nash)……I have not once attended meetings since you left here nor has there been much meeting to attend…..Our villagers are making their move today. John Russet takes the tavern and Beebe’s move opposite Mr. Burts. Mrs. House keeps a boarding house in the brick building south of the tavern. She has been very dangerously sick but is getting better…….Doctor Rogers inquired the other day whether you were publishing a paper and said you promised to send him some numbers. Your ever affectionate mother M.B. Pitkin…..162 lines remember!”
Sunday, October 14, 2007
David Jewett of Jaffrey, New Hampshire 1802
Burlington Vermont dated June 17, 1802. Addressed to David Jewett of Jaffrey, NH from Moses Jewett, his Brother. Letter regards enclosing a twenty dollar bank note, thinks the money was stolen in the mail – he just returned from Canada – Talks of supplying leather and a “load of harness and some bridle leather…and shall trade with then for the usual credit…” He sold his horse for sixty dollars…”
This letter is for sale on Ebay, Item number: 300159529184. If it is of intrest to you for your genealogy, you can bid on it. Just follow one of the links to Ebay on this page.
This letter is for sale on Ebay, Item number: 300159529184. If it is of intrest to you for your genealogy, you can bid on it. Just follow one of the links to Ebay on this page.
Monday, October 08, 2007
HENRY WALLER LETTERS 1840s
HENRY WALLER SURVEYOR - 5 LETTERS - 1840S Item number: 260168648165
LETTERS PERTAINING TO HENRY WALLER - CIVIL ENGINEER IN NEW ORLEANS, ETC. - 1. Four Page Letter Dated July 7, 1843 New York - From Joseph Waller to Henry Waller at Donaldsonville, Paris of Ascension, La. - Regarding Family Matters - 2. Four Page Letter from Mother in New Orleans to Henry Waller at Land Office Donaldsonville, Dated March 16, 1845 - Family Matters - Caring for very sick daughter, etc. - 3. Letter Postmarked "Steam 5" - Addressed to Henry Waller - State Engineers Office - New Orleans, Dated March 9, 1846 - On Steamer Clinton From Brother William - Regarding Survey Business & Prospects for work - 4. Letter Addressed to Henry Waller, Asst. State Engineer, New Orleans - Baton Rouge - Dated March 20.1846 with "Steam 5" Cancellation Postmark - Regarding Family Matters & Surveying Business - 5. Draft of a Letter to Hon. Henry Johnson, Washington City - from Henry Waller for appointment of Survey General of Louisiana - Mentions references of General Taylor and his experiences of three and half years etc.
The letters are for sale on Ebay. If you are interested just follow one of the links on this page.
LETTERS PERTAINING TO HENRY WALLER - CIVIL ENGINEER IN NEW ORLEANS, ETC. - 1. Four Page Letter Dated July 7, 1843 New York - From Joseph Waller to Henry Waller at Donaldsonville, Paris of Ascension, La. - Regarding Family Matters - 2. Four Page Letter from Mother in New Orleans to Henry Waller at Land Office Donaldsonville, Dated March 16, 1845 - Family Matters - Caring for very sick daughter, etc. - 3. Letter Postmarked "Steam 5" - Addressed to Henry Waller - State Engineers Office - New Orleans, Dated March 9, 1846 - On Steamer Clinton From Brother William - Regarding Survey Business & Prospects for work - 4. Letter Addressed to Henry Waller, Asst. State Engineer, New Orleans - Baton Rouge - Dated March 20.1846 with "Steam 5" Cancellation Postmark - Regarding Family Matters & Surveying Business - 5. Draft of a Letter to Hon. Henry Johnson, Washington City - from Henry Waller for appointment of Survey General of Louisiana - Mentions references of General Taylor and his experiences of three and half years etc.
The letters are for sale on Ebay. If you are interested just follow one of the links on this page.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
BAILEY & CHANDLER FAMILY LETTERS FROM MAINE
1861+ ANTIQUE MAINE FAMILY LETTER LETTERS COLLECTION
PRAYER MEETINGS - AMPUTATION - BAILEY & CHANDLER FAMILY Item number: 330171237595
Handwritten Maine Family Letters - Correspondence. Most To: "Dear Sister" Janette Bailey Chandler. Most from: "Sister Nancy" Bailey. Some from Sands Bailey, Daggett & Others. Most from Cambridge Maine. a few from Amesbury, Green Corners and other Maine locations. 1861 - 1889. Most in 1870s. Mentions In Part: Anne did not come with us. She did not wish to leave Maine, therefore stopped at Lewis Woods in Winthrop giving lessons on the Melodrum - Headstones - Prayer Meetings - Wm Collins suicide - Making over our old dresses - It seems to bad when so near and you have a good team that you can not come - Sends you the little bottle of Preserves to remember her - Issiah has two singing schools besides his daily labor in the store - Louista impending Amputation - My left arm cannot do anything hard because it pulls hard on the kidney - P.M.B. from Boston & two of this place had her limb Amputated just a little above the knee& you can better imagine than I can tell how ? tending the scene. She took ether but still a disturbing moan was heard all over the house, it did seem to me I could not endure it. Writer goes on to write about the following days after the amputation...... she was suddenly taken of violent coughing and vomiting ......all exhausted grew cold, all the extremities arms and leg, death ......the physicians all night working with all their power resides all the rest of us warming cloths and rubbing applying a battery and all was cold as death and like it ? her fingers turned stiff & pale as death & the most disturbing scene I have ever witnessed - [the next day] Levista seems better & her physician thinks she is as well as can be expected, like raising the dead - Influenza which prevails in this place - The doctors are the greatest Humbugery of the age, they didn't know enough to know their ignorance - Sleighing - Made pudding and gingerbread - They are attending yearly meeting at New Port RI - I sent some silk to have a bonnet made by Levesta, I don't care if tis a Quaker - Minister C.R. Daggett [Duggett?] with us now and boarding - Fathers Death - Bottle of Medicine duly received - Mothers Death and description.
This bunch of Bailey family letters is for sale on Ebay. If you want to bid on it you can follow one of the links on this page.
PRAYER MEETINGS - AMPUTATION - BAILEY & CHANDLER FAMILY Item number: 330171237595
Handwritten Maine Family Letters - Correspondence. Most To: "Dear Sister" Janette Bailey Chandler. Most from: "Sister Nancy" Bailey. Some from Sands Bailey, Daggett & Others. Most from Cambridge Maine. a few from Amesbury, Green Corners and other Maine locations. 1861 - 1889. Most in 1870s. Mentions In Part: Anne did not come with us. She did not wish to leave Maine, therefore stopped at Lewis Woods in Winthrop giving lessons on the Melodrum - Headstones - Prayer Meetings - Wm Collins suicide - Making over our old dresses - It seems to bad when so near and you have a good team that you can not come - Sends you the little bottle of Preserves to remember her - Issiah has two singing schools besides his daily labor in the store - Louista impending Amputation - My left arm cannot do anything hard because it pulls hard on the kidney - P.M.B. from Boston & two of this place had her limb Amputated just a little above the knee& you can better imagine than I can tell how ? tending the scene. She took ether but still a disturbing moan was heard all over the house, it did seem to me I could not endure it. Writer goes on to write about the following days after the amputation...... she was suddenly taken of violent coughing and vomiting ......all exhausted grew cold, all the extremities arms and leg, death ......the physicians all night working with all their power resides all the rest of us warming cloths and rubbing applying a battery and all was cold as death and like it ? her fingers turned stiff & pale as death & the most disturbing scene I have ever witnessed - [the next day] Levista seems better & her physician thinks she is as well as can be expected, like raising the dead - Influenza which prevails in this place - The doctors are the greatest Humbugery of the age, they didn't know enough to know their ignorance - Sleighing - Made pudding and gingerbread - They are attending yearly meeting at New Port RI - I sent some silk to have a bonnet made by Levesta, I don't care if tis a Quaker - Minister C.R. Daggett [Duggett?] with us now and boarding - Fathers Death - Bottle of Medicine duly received - Mothers Death and description.
This bunch of Bailey family letters is for sale on Ebay. If you want to bid on it you can follow one of the links on this page.
Monday, October 01, 2007
Letters To Doctor John S. Barret is in Aylett Virginia
2 Handwritten Stampless Letters Aylett Virginia Barret
1835 Wagon Trip w Slaves/Indian Springs/Alabama/DETAILS Item number: 180163133110
“Monday Nov. 9th, 1835 Pitsylvania Woods
Dear Father,
By this time I presume you are forming conjectures as to how we are proceeding, where being, how faring &c. In few words, I’ll give a history of our journey. We left Ampthill (Virginia I’m assuming) on Tuesday the 3rd and traveled about 18 miles that day. I was soon aware of the extravagant estimate I had found of that rate at which we would proceed. Instead of thirty, I will gladly compromise with 20 miles average per day. We sometimes go over and sometimes under 20. I suppose on average thus far is a little over the 20 miles as we are now encamped about 9 miles from Danville being 7 days from Ampthill.
http://www.visitdanville.com/page.asp?menuid=3341&sub1menuid=4441 But we have had no interruption. The weather pleasant and the roads fine. Until last night we have passed the sights pleasantly, all things considered. The first rain we have encountered commenced last night just as we had pitched our tent and continued through the night. Most of the time in torrents. Our tent resisted tolerably and the little wagon better than I expected. We got a sprinkling but are doing well. Just preparing to devour our boiled middling and bread……(He goes on talking about hunting squirrels to eat, what food they do have and how they prepare it, then….) By the by, you have no idea what a cook I have in the mess. William astonishes me by his dexterity in the art. From souping killdeers down to baking bread. He is perfectly at home. I shall take him to Orleans and hire him to some Frenchman as one deeper in the mysteries. The boys all stand the journey well and continue cheerful. Indeed their only thought seems to be a belly full of vitals. Mason and William send their love to mother and father and all say they are healthy and want to see all but wouldn’t turn back. Corbin and Robert send the same message to their parents and friends. Peter sends his love to mammy and daddy, master and mistress and says good bye! I had no idea of the futility and improved state of this section of the country until I reached Charlotte, the ridge on which I traveled presumed but a barren spectacle. But thence southward, the lands seem better and better. The tobacco lots large, the wheat fields green. I passed some today which entirely covered the ground. Tobacco is the principal, wheat the second staple of the country……..Perhaps you’d like to trace me as I go. If so I’ll give you the route. By Amelia, C.H. Jennings, Barks, Moore, Keysville, Moseley’s Ferry, Danville Va, Salisbury, Charlotte, N. Carolina, Yorkville, Pinckneyville, Union C.H., Lawrence C.H. Abberville C.H., S. Carolina, Washington, Greensborough, Monticello, Indian Springs, Columbus Ga., Montgomery,_______, Claiborne Ala…..Tell my mother that my next shall be to her but till I write she may take half of this to herself. I am writing by firelight, seated on a knapsack, the paper upon my knee. Therefore you must make allowances……Farewell! B.T. Barret.”
“Indian Springs Geo. Nov. 30th, 1835
Dear Father,
I again make an effort to convey to you tidings of our progress. Another week has elapsed since communicating with my friends. That communication was directed to Edward Mosby with a request that he would inform you of its receipt and report progress. I take for granted he has done so. But for a rule laid down at starting via to write at least once a week. I think it now than probable that I should suffer at last a couple to pass without taking pen in hand and pen upon knee. I think during the day of many things of which I wish to write and determine to do so at night but when night comes so weary am I that writing then becomes a task indeed……..My last letter I think was dated from a place some forty miles back in S. Carolina. Since then we have measured upwards of 120 of Georgia miles. My letter was dated Tuesday, but you will perceive from my journal (a continuation of which I shall sojourn) that we did not get fairly under way till Wednesday, so that in six days we have accomplished the above named distances. We have had however, no interruption from bad weather or other causes. Nothing keeps pace with us except such as are lightly equipped and furnished for riding altogether. We have left behind several traders with their gangs and moving families westward bound. An old gentleman and his wife living in a light carryall, accompanied by a gentleman on horseback, have kept pace with us now three days and without accident. We shall arrive at Montgomery about the same time. I am happy to say that all hands of us (with one honorable acceptance) keep perfectly well. Mr. Meyo has burnt his foot or perhaps worn it out and in consequence makes but a lame hand at traveling. He refused positive to ride though a seat in the coach has been offered him. I fear father Hersey has been giving him a lecture and the sole of his foot is to be the price of his soul’s salvation. I shall have him tied in tomorrow; the sin be upon my head!!!..... (He then goes on to talk about the villages they pass and how expensive the price of provisions are. He said they are “Perfect buzzard’s roosts” )…..Besides the necessary and usual expenses of a journey, I find a pretty smart sum occurring on the score of ferriages and tolls. Every little rocky stream forty feet wide has its catch penny continuance and that on the dearest scale. These things are very fatiguing to a weak purse that opens every time with more and more reluctance. But it is to be hoped that this will not last always. Though three hundred and more long miles lie before us, yet, the weather favoring and no accident, we shall accomplish it in fifteen days more. We have progressed into the cotton region and I begin to have a better opinion of the crops than the one formed in North and South Carolina…..(more on the cotton and sugar cane crops)…..I should have had another surprise last evening on visiting the Indian Springs to find so pitiful a fountain, just in the back of two small rocky creeks. Much resembling that at Bakers ford in Louisa. At the foot of a large rock and through a small cleft, issues with almost imperceptible flow, this little spring. The cavity or reservoir into which it is received is triangular and well contained at most, 3 pints. I found handsome buildings for the temporary accommodation of visitors in the summer months which of course are now shut up. http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Village/1954/ Upon enquiry I learnt that the latest proprietor who broke and had deserted the place, or rather absconded, whether in consequence of bad management or not receiving sufficient patronage to support the expense of the establishment, my informant could not say. I was tempted to put my bill into the clear little basin and take a suck but soon drew it out again. The water departed an oily feeling to the mouth and smelt much like the washing of a dirty gown. I cold only swallow it as medicine…….My love to mother, to Mavey, Colby, Jack, June and my little Morey. To all friends black and white. The boys continue well and in good spirits and are much cheered by the Negroes telling them how much they make from their own cotton. They are more impatient to be employed than I ever have seen them so. They send a heap of love to mammies and daddies and to the white family…..Farewell, Yours affectionately B.T. Barret. The pedestrian Methodist preacher.”
On the outside of this last letter he also writes “The tin rubs off and causes the dirty appearance of my letter.”
Doctor John S. Barret is in Aylett Virginia
You can bid on this item on Ebay. Just follow one of the links on this page.
1835 Wagon Trip w Slaves/Indian Springs/Alabama/DETAILS Item number: 180163133110
“Monday Nov. 9th, 1835 Pitsylvania Woods
Dear Father,
By this time I presume you are forming conjectures as to how we are proceeding, where being, how faring &c. In few words, I’ll give a history of our journey. We left Ampthill (Virginia I’m assuming) on Tuesday the 3rd and traveled about 18 miles that day. I was soon aware of the extravagant estimate I had found of that rate at which we would proceed. Instead of thirty, I will gladly compromise with 20 miles average per day. We sometimes go over and sometimes under 20. I suppose on average thus far is a little over the 20 miles as we are now encamped about 9 miles from Danville being 7 days from Ampthill.
http://www.visitdanville.com/page.asp?menuid=3341&sub1menuid=4441 But we have had no interruption. The weather pleasant and the roads fine. Until last night we have passed the sights pleasantly, all things considered. The first rain we have encountered commenced last night just as we had pitched our tent and continued through the night. Most of the time in torrents. Our tent resisted tolerably and the little wagon better than I expected. We got a sprinkling but are doing well. Just preparing to devour our boiled middling and bread……(He goes on talking about hunting squirrels to eat, what food they do have and how they prepare it, then….) By the by, you have no idea what a cook I have in the mess. William astonishes me by his dexterity in the art. From souping killdeers down to baking bread. He is perfectly at home. I shall take him to Orleans and hire him to some Frenchman as one deeper in the mysteries. The boys all stand the journey well and continue cheerful. Indeed their only thought seems to be a belly full of vitals. Mason and William send their love to mother and father and all say they are healthy and want to see all but wouldn’t turn back. Corbin and Robert send the same message to their parents and friends. Peter sends his love to mammy and daddy, master and mistress and says good bye! I had no idea of the futility and improved state of this section of the country until I reached Charlotte, the ridge on which I traveled presumed but a barren spectacle. But thence southward, the lands seem better and better. The tobacco lots large, the wheat fields green. I passed some today which entirely covered the ground. Tobacco is the principal, wheat the second staple of the country……..Perhaps you’d like to trace me as I go. If so I’ll give you the route. By Amelia, C.H. Jennings, Barks, Moore, Keysville, Moseley’s Ferry, Danville Va, Salisbury, Charlotte, N. Carolina, Yorkville, Pinckneyville, Union C.H., Lawrence C.H. Abberville C.H., S. Carolina, Washington, Greensborough, Monticello, Indian Springs, Columbus Ga., Montgomery,_______, Claiborne Ala…..Tell my mother that my next shall be to her but till I write she may take half of this to herself. I am writing by firelight, seated on a knapsack, the paper upon my knee. Therefore you must make allowances……Farewell! B.T. Barret.”
“Indian Springs Geo. Nov. 30th, 1835
Dear Father,
I again make an effort to convey to you tidings of our progress. Another week has elapsed since communicating with my friends. That communication was directed to Edward Mosby with a request that he would inform you of its receipt and report progress. I take for granted he has done so. But for a rule laid down at starting via to write at least once a week. I think it now than probable that I should suffer at last a couple to pass without taking pen in hand and pen upon knee. I think during the day of many things of which I wish to write and determine to do so at night but when night comes so weary am I that writing then becomes a task indeed……..My last letter I think was dated from a place some forty miles back in S. Carolina. Since then we have measured upwards of 120 of Georgia miles. My letter was dated Tuesday, but you will perceive from my journal (a continuation of which I shall sojourn) that we did not get fairly under way till Wednesday, so that in six days we have accomplished the above named distances. We have had however, no interruption from bad weather or other causes. Nothing keeps pace with us except such as are lightly equipped and furnished for riding altogether. We have left behind several traders with their gangs and moving families westward bound. An old gentleman and his wife living in a light carryall, accompanied by a gentleman on horseback, have kept pace with us now three days and without accident. We shall arrive at Montgomery about the same time. I am happy to say that all hands of us (with one honorable acceptance) keep perfectly well. Mr. Meyo has burnt his foot or perhaps worn it out and in consequence makes but a lame hand at traveling. He refused positive to ride though a seat in the coach has been offered him. I fear father Hersey has been giving him a lecture and the sole of his foot is to be the price of his soul’s salvation. I shall have him tied in tomorrow; the sin be upon my head!!!..... (He then goes on to talk about the villages they pass and how expensive the price of provisions are. He said they are “Perfect buzzard’s roosts” )…..Besides the necessary and usual expenses of a journey, I find a pretty smart sum occurring on the score of ferriages and tolls. Every little rocky stream forty feet wide has its catch penny continuance and that on the dearest scale. These things are very fatiguing to a weak purse that opens every time with more and more reluctance. But it is to be hoped that this will not last always. Though three hundred and more long miles lie before us, yet, the weather favoring and no accident, we shall accomplish it in fifteen days more. We have progressed into the cotton region and I begin to have a better opinion of the crops than the one formed in North and South Carolina…..(more on the cotton and sugar cane crops)…..I should have had another surprise last evening on visiting the Indian Springs to find so pitiful a fountain, just in the back of two small rocky creeks. Much resembling that at Bakers ford in Louisa. At the foot of a large rock and through a small cleft, issues with almost imperceptible flow, this little spring. The cavity or reservoir into which it is received is triangular and well contained at most, 3 pints. I found handsome buildings for the temporary accommodation of visitors in the summer months which of course are now shut up. http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Village/1954/ Upon enquiry I learnt that the latest proprietor who broke and had deserted the place, or rather absconded, whether in consequence of bad management or not receiving sufficient patronage to support the expense of the establishment, my informant could not say. I was tempted to put my bill into the clear little basin and take a suck but soon drew it out again. The water departed an oily feeling to the mouth and smelt much like the washing of a dirty gown. I cold only swallow it as medicine…….My love to mother, to Mavey, Colby, Jack, June and my little Morey. To all friends black and white. The boys continue well and in good spirits and are much cheered by the Negroes telling them how much they make from their own cotton. They are more impatient to be employed than I ever have seen them so. They send a heap of love to mammies and daddies and to the white family…..Farewell, Yours affectionately B.T. Barret. The pedestrian Methodist preacher.”
On the outside of this last letter he also writes “The tin rubs off and causes the dirty appearance of my letter.”
Doctor John S. Barret is in Aylett Virginia
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Tuesday, September 18, 2007
John Wesley Bristol England 1788 Letter
John Wesley letter dated Aug. 31, 1788 Item number: 260159987249
This letter is from John Wesley, co founder of the methodist church to Mr. Atlay. Dated Aug. 31. 1788, written in Bristol and sent to West Chapel London. Wesley is begging Mr Atlay to help Geo Whitfield instead of fighting him and mentions that Welsey's death is nothing to the purpose.
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This letter is from John Wesley, co founder of the methodist church to Mr. Atlay. Dated Aug. 31. 1788, written in Bristol and sent to West Chapel London. Wesley is begging Mr Atlay to help Geo Whitfield instead of fighting him and mentions that Welsey's death is nothing to the purpose.
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Sunday, September 16, 2007
Old documents dated 1907 New York, Albany Letters
old letters to and from Judge John Brady, founder of the childrens court in New York State. Most dated 1907. Two pictured from the New York Training school for girls in New York State from the superintendent. Also from an Attorney in New York State Frank E Wade, from Buffulo, New York
Item number: 200151251318
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Item number: 200151251318
To bid on this or another genealogy item, click on E-Bay link on this blog
Sunday, September 09, 2007
American Red Cross Letter 1919 to Bertha Gilkeson, Pennsylvania
American Red Cross Letter 1919 to Miss Bertha V. Gilkeson, Pennsylvania about knitting for refugees
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Item number: 320154178058
If you want to bid on this genealogy item or any other, just use the E-Bay links on this blog
Item number: 320154178058
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
George Webb, Richmond Virginia in 1788
COLONIAL DOCUMENTS & LETTERS 1791-1817, Virginia, Washington DC
2 Original Letters to James Pleasants, 58 Slave Names Item number: 190148199134
These very old documents and letters concern a matter 900 pounds (plus) that went missing from monies collected a a George Webb, esq, in Richmond Virginia in 1788. He held the position as Continential Receiver of Taxes for the the city, and he was required to send certain monies due on to the Treasry of the US (Alexander Hamilton, Secty of the Treasury). 3 of the Letters are originals and the rest are attested copies made and withnessed and signed with dates in the early 1800's This missing money became a problem for Webb and his family and for the US Treasury and suits and Indentures were innitiated.
The first two longer document deal with Webbs claim to have this missing money reimbursed. Evidently the claim has gone to the Federal Govt. and these two document are copies made in the House of Representataive on August 8, l811. They are identical copies (different handwriting?) They cover several important documents on file, one of which gives Alexander Hamilton's opinion of the matter of reimbusement. He thinks the petition was filed too late from the time the moneies went missing and he has signed his opinion in l791. At the end a petition is copied and dated l798, for the matter to be submitted to a Congressional Committee
There is also reference to the fact that the monies collected from Va were kept in a iron chest of some sort. One of these documents seems older, with a fancier calligraphy, more crossouts, and more fragile than the other, but both are attested as copies made on August 8, 1822. Many signatures are contained and need research. Of the three original letters, two are addressed to James Pleasants and are dated 1815 and 1817 .
One is from George Webb's son Thomas Webb Lt. US Navy pleading his fathers case to Senator Pleasants and writing of the Webb families depleted circumstances. The 1817 one is from a David Ross. he refers to the "old business of Webbs" and suggests the claims of the US against Webb be settled by Congress. Ross is mintioned in the other material and reasearch of these documents will spell out exactly where he fits in. Note the postmark of Richmond and red seal of wax on the Webb letter. These two letters are dated and signed originals, written to a Senator Pleasants who served as a Congressman from 1811 to 1819 and then as Senator from 1819 to 1822. He was also Governor of Virginia from 1822-1825, after which he retired to his estate in Goochland County.
The third original letter is to a Mr. S. Burch from a William Kerr, Jr. and dated April 13th l824. this is about some 630 copies of the "Georgia Claim Documents" for the House of Respresentatives from a Senate copy." Although each member of the House was furnished with a copy, but a table was missing ad it will be sent up in the morning. Burch is mentioned in some of the other documents so again research has to tell the tale.
The 7 remaining documents are copies of other depositions, letters, affidavits, sworn statements etc. that were all needed in the suit by Webb for the missing money and also the suits against Webb by the US Government for the money that should have come to A. Hamilton as Treasurer.
Number 1 is Mr. Webbs Deposition written from NY Çity and signed Peyton Drew, 1811; (5 written pages)
2. "Mr Ronalds Deposition, a copy:" Ronalds talks about the fact that George Webb told him of the loss (robbery of the money about 800 pounds) and mentions a kinsman Foster Webb and a Major Damure, who probably took the money from the chest. He doesn't receommend that Webb have Damure apprehended because there is not enough proof.
3. & 4. The ink on this small docebb if they be found within your balliwick" and keep them safe to be brought before the county seat of Henrica the first Sunday in July to satisfy of suit of a David Ross and dated May 1788 and signed Adam Craif. It is reutrned to him a copy attested to. There is another doument just like it but with different money numbers in it
5. "Mr Morriss Certificate". This letter is a testament to the fact that George Webb was the receiver of Taxes for the state of Virginia appointed by Mr. Morris superintendent of Finances for the US and that he served until Nov. 1784 and possibly after. He support Webbs request for more compensation. Written from NY, Feb l9th, l789. It was copied by Peyton Drew in Feb l811.
6. "Foster Webb's Deposition A copy". It starts out "Virginia New Kent County Seat". Very interesting depositon about the stolen 900 + pounds. Apparently Foster Webb was employed by George Webb and the monies from Va. passed through his hands and was kept in the room where he slept. At the time of the robbery a Frederick de Demar resided at this house and was in poor health, a British Major, and likely the robber of the monies. Foster Webb signs it and Jos Forter and William H. Macon sign as takers of the deposition. Edmund Randolph the Gov. of Virginia also signs it. The copy was made and signed by Peyton Drew, DGD, the 12th fo July 1811. This deposition sets up the robbery by Demar.
7. "Webb to Webb, Deed Trust". This indenture was made on June 2, 1787, between George Webb, John Harvie, George Thompson and Foster WEbb. In short the doument states that the missing monies have not been paid to the US Treas. and shortly a suilt will be instituted for a bond signed by the above John Harrie. The amount at this point is 1500lbs and several other names are mentioned as tied up with George Webb. The document goes on to list Webb's assets in land where Geo WEbb Jr. now lives and his ownership of "58 Negro Slaves" all of which are listed by name The slaves live on two plantations on the listed acreage. It also lists cattle, hogs, tools etc. this goes on two more pages in legalese and is signed by George Webb and witness by Marshall McGraw Fucher and Price, 12th day of December l787, the copy made and signed by Peyton Drew
2 Original Letters to James Pleasants, 58 Slave Names Item number: 190148199134
These very old documents and letters concern a matter 900 pounds (plus) that went missing from monies collected a a George Webb, esq, in Richmond Virginia in 1788. He held the position as Continential Receiver of Taxes for the the city, and he was required to send certain monies due on to the Treasry of the US (Alexander Hamilton, Secty of the Treasury). 3 of the Letters are originals and the rest are attested copies made and withnessed and signed with dates in the early 1800's This missing money became a problem for Webb and his family and for the US Treasury and suits and Indentures were innitiated.
The first two longer document deal with Webbs claim to have this missing money reimbursed. Evidently the claim has gone to the Federal Govt. and these two document are copies made in the House of Representataive on August 8, l811. They are identical copies (different handwriting?) They cover several important documents on file, one of which gives Alexander Hamilton's opinion of the matter of reimbusement. He thinks the petition was filed too late from the time the moneies went missing and he has signed his opinion in l791. At the end a petition is copied and dated l798, for the matter to be submitted to a Congressional Committee
There is also reference to the fact that the monies collected from Va were kept in a iron chest of some sort. One of these documents seems older, with a fancier calligraphy, more crossouts, and more fragile than the other, but both are attested as copies made on August 8, 1822. Many signatures are contained and need research. Of the three original letters, two are addressed to James Pleasants and are dated 1815 and 1817 .
One is from George Webb's son Thomas Webb Lt. US Navy pleading his fathers case to Senator Pleasants and writing of the Webb families depleted circumstances. The 1817 one is from a David Ross. he refers to the "old business of Webbs" and suggests the claims of the US against Webb be settled by Congress. Ross is mintioned in the other material and reasearch of these documents will spell out exactly where he fits in. Note the postmark of Richmond and red seal of wax on the Webb letter. These two letters are dated and signed originals, written to a Senator Pleasants who served as a Congressman from 1811 to 1819 and then as Senator from 1819 to 1822. He was also Governor of Virginia from 1822-1825, after which he retired to his estate in Goochland County.
The third original letter is to a Mr. S. Burch from a William Kerr, Jr. and dated April 13th l824. this is about some 630 copies of the "Georgia Claim Documents" for the House of Respresentatives from a Senate copy." Although each member of the House was furnished with a copy, but a table was missing ad it will be sent up in the morning. Burch is mentioned in some of the other documents so again research has to tell the tale.
The 7 remaining documents are copies of other depositions, letters, affidavits, sworn statements etc. that were all needed in the suit by Webb for the missing money and also the suits against Webb by the US Government for the money that should have come to A. Hamilton as Treasurer.
Number 1 is Mr. Webbs Deposition written from NY Çity and signed Peyton Drew, 1811; (5 written pages)
2. "Mr Ronalds Deposition, a copy:" Ronalds talks about the fact that George Webb told him of the loss (robbery of the money about 800 pounds) and mentions a kinsman Foster Webb and a Major Damure, who probably took the money from the chest. He doesn't receommend that Webb have Damure apprehended because there is not enough proof.
3. & 4. The ink on this small docebb if they be found within your balliwick" and keep them safe to be brought before the county seat of Henrica the first Sunday in July to satisfy of suit of a David Ross and dated May 1788 and signed Adam Craif. It is reutrned to him a copy attested to. There is another doument just like it but with different money numbers in it
5. "Mr Morriss Certificate". This letter is a testament to the fact that George Webb was the receiver of Taxes for the state of Virginia appointed by Mr. Morris superintendent of Finances for the US and that he served until Nov. 1784 and possibly after. He support Webbs request for more compensation. Written from NY, Feb l9th, l789. It was copied by Peyton Drew in Feb l811.
6. "Foster Webb's Deposition A copy". It starts out "Virginia New Kent County Seat". Very interesting depositon about the stolen 900 + pounds. Apparently Foster Webb was employed by George Webb and the monies from Va. passed through his hands and was kept in the room where he slept. At the time of the robbery a Frederick de Demar resided at this house and was in poor health, a British Major, and likely the robber of the monies. Foster Webb signs it and Jos Forter and William H. Macon sign as takers of the deposition. Edmund Randolph the Gov. of Virginia also signs it. The copy was made and signed by Peyton Drew, DGD, the 12th fo July 1811. This deposition sets up the robbery by Demar.
7. "Webb to Webb, Deed Trust". This indenture was made on June 2, 1787, between George Webb, John Harvie, George Thompson and Foster WEbb. In short the doument states that the missing monies have not been paid to the US Treas. and shortly a suilt will be instituted for a bond signed by the above John Harrie. The amount at this point is 1500lbs and several other names are mentioned as tied up with George Webb. The document goes on to list Webb's assets in land where Geo WEbb Jr. now lives and his ownership of "58 Negro Slaves" all of which are listed by name The slaves live on two plantations on the listed acreage. It also lists cattle, hogs, tools etc. this goes on two more pages in legalese and is signed by George Webb and witness by Marshall McGraw Fucher and Price, 12th day of December l787, the copy made and signed by Peyton Drew
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