(Page 1)
I found the mail did not go out so soon as I expected
therefore have time to add I think it will be best to have
that misrepresentation rectified in the Standard for
Long Island for opposers have have [sic] been used
to say it the Standard was not good orthority [sic]
and not to prove it rather to bad Edmund
says he enquired how they come to make
such statements they say that Frederic gave
the information I do not believe he intended to
have it published from him that Long Islanders do
not know who is President or that the house
was filled from Celler [sic] to Garret. I certainly think
there is nothing gained by such standing by such
reprisentations [sic] but much lost for if one find
one thing they know is not stricktly [sic] true
they not do not how far other statements
Colour. I hope there will be some explanation [guess?]
Abby Theyer has gone to Peterborough I hope she
please the people she goes to nerse [sic] shall expect to
hear from you ere you get this I thought when I
finished before you would get it tomorrow morning but
now I think you will not be likely to untill [sic]
next day 4th
(Page 2)
[&] her attention was turned to Hannah or I called her to it asking
what noise I heard at the house after dinner I set down &
read awile [sic] I was thinking it was time to go to store when
I heard a noise it took my attention & then I heard something
as tho [sic] at the door but saw nothing & then a nother [sic] my im
pressin [sic] was it is time to go I asked what it was I heard
she said it was Hannah I asked what she wished to say
I think she said she wished to remind [guess?] me of her presense [sic] &
that it was time to go to the store. I then refered to her Sit-
uation just before she left us I told her it seems to us
that she was not sensible near the last on the last
day she lived she said her Spirit had gone to the
Spirit state and came back when she tried to
communicate to us she would tell us when Leah
awoke said she had the Children or with her Tilla
to [see?] there was much of that gentle rapping while
she was talking about Hannah she said it was her
when she awoke it seemed time to go almost
tea time I wish to know what it was that Hannah
endeavoured to say G l o r y was speled [sic] Geore [sic] had
the promise that brighter days were near
mark' my words The bright time for G. seems long
defered [sic] I dont like to send blank paper but
must or miss this Mail
(Page 1)
For Amy I was very much disappointed
in not seeing thee with the boys I thought
they staid [sic] as long as thee expected that I had
no expectation that thee wished to stay longer
than this. It is so cold that we do not go out
only when necessary altho [sic] we were to have the
Franklin Circle at our house this evening It is so
cold I doubt their coming Ann Willitts says
thee invited them to come to tea and the other
Circle Sarah [burris?] adjourned to meet to our
house this week 6th day Thee enquired after
Our First day evening meeting notwithstanding
the division and the Cold and Storm the house
was filled to excess the rules were not repo-
rted but a meeting appointed for their con-
sideration next first day afternoon the
meeting passed off very well. to be sure
not without our Friend [Pinkard?] shewing
his weakness but I felt quit grateful with
the meeting. It is thought that last night
was the coldest night or as cold as we ever
witnessed Abbigail [sic] Bush has not
improved much lately [Nancy?] came
for a prescription Yesterday today she
says she has confidence in it went to
taking it and felt better this morning I am
told that their place might be redemed [sic] tomo -
row [sic] or it will be gone Mr. Granger is looking
(Page 2)
for the money and I think he will succeed
I feel as tho [sic] I I had rather neglected Sarah
Burtis but have had no horse and now
we have one no one will will think of
turning out without necessity. I have
quite a task on hand for Marry [sic] Bush
Brought a paper from New York, coppied [sic]
from one said to be written by Spirits
in Fowlers room and signed by over
60 Spirits prominent individuals and
I am getting a short communication
from each of them the two last evenings
I have read from twenty of them. I have
to regret that the Boys did not go to Val-
entine Willets it seems as tho They
went there for nought that Edmund has
recevd [sic] a nother letter from Catherine and
she says she is in great hurry for Edmund
to come she feels concerned for Issac
[Uncle?] is pretty comfortable but
did not come home to dinner
but I suppose he was more intented [sic]
upon learning than eating. [Bruffs?]
house was burnt last first day night
William & [Bruff?] Frank escaped from
the second story window with the loss
of most of their cloths [sic] the family saved
but very little ther [sic] mother stopped to put
her shoes on for she had heard of a woman being
turned out barefooted and was frozen therefore
she put hers on nothing more at present thy Isaac
(Page 1)
My Dear Amy I think I will send of [sic] what
I have written but I have nothing to add of
interest I feel as tho George and Daughter
had rather a scanty visit I felt very glad
of their company but it seems to me I did
so entertain them as to make my comp-
any very interesting but I have this to
console me I acted as Davis said about
god about as well as I could under the circum-
stances under which I was placed and it may
be others filed [sic] my place with them I hope so
I hope the [sic] will be so interesting as to make
up for any deficiency if thee does any good
by being there perhaps a part of their
reward will be received by them for thy
(Page 2)
company it is not likely they would
have thee with them so much had
it not been for the visit to us. Is rainy
poor Clothes drying day. Recvd the enclosed
Letter from Harriet Jacobs this morning
Littles tryal is progressing suppose it will
be very tedious for the Jury - We have no
one to report about the buisness [sic] mens,
Prayer Meeting since George left _ I believe
Friend Dundas encouraged WR to attend
said he saw me there but he did not go
I think Mary & Sarah think rather slightly
of Richardson and I doubt whether their
friendship with Daniel & Nancy will be [ill
egible] on that account they are his firm sup-
porters we shall expect something from thee tomm [sic]
(Page 1)
After writing the foregoing I went to Williams sit
a while with Mary & Sarah soon Willie came with
Ally _ they called at Edmunds & I sat an hour
very pleasantly [Whatkies?] & [Blaskalls?] then called
at Edmunds and home to supper I was quite inter_
ested in Joseph & M [Javis?] management of the children
they were sleepy and while the Mther was undressing
the younger Ally worried to be taken Joseph in
vited her to come to him and be undressed she
disapproved of that arrangement and wished him
to take her sister that she might sit with her
I put in a word approving Joseph plan but
the Mother sided pleasantly with Ally saying
she would cry but Joseph took her in his
lap gently and sothed [sic] but she was not suited
her mMother was quit [sic] anxious to take Joseph
said not until she stops crying the Mother
was anxious to get her but he simply said
not until she stops crying continuing firm
say ing no more than was necessary to stick
to his purpose he then walked up stairs with
her undressed her and put her to bed and was
soon asleep she the Mother bore it with a prety [sic] good
grace and they left the children asleep and they
with Jacob & Jenny whent [sic] to Williams and have
not returned after 10 now coming - I went to
Lucy Coleman, thought I would return the
Fish letter ) She has been to those Friends we
met at P[illegible] she says that mediums is there
that there is no truth in her & Van going to the Fall
all false about there advising seperation [sic] but have
encoreged [sic[ him to remain and do the best he can
that the medium and her husband are in har-
mony but to [sic] poor to sustain themselves together &c &c
(Page 2)
First day afternoon suppose you are safely welcomed
by Cousin Ann & Charly ere this (for it is no use to [illegible]
open disenters [sic]) tired and worn but a kind reception
will soon cheer you I suppose we calculated for the cars
to leave sooner than then their real time for starting I left
you at 5 but met many hurrying and it must have
been 10 minutes before you left I went to the store [nor?]
left untill [sic] near 10 Jacob appeared to have taken cold coughd [sic] very
much we went home & to bed without thinking of supper
on my part. Willie had set up until our return went
up stairs soon came down with his hand full of change &
wondered if it had been left him said it was on his bed
I thought the [sic] must have forgotten it he wished me to
count it and save it untill [sic] we heard from thee I
told him we could use it to buy the necessaries for the
table which did not please him he retired I soon went
up & he was weeping he appeared to feel a hope thee des-
ired it for him I counted it $2.30 he soon fell a sleep &
he has not mentioned the subject to day he and Ally went
with I & J to her Fathers were not gone long his nose or
face looks more blue to day Jacob is more comfortable
I have read some thought and slept untill [sic] I feel quite
bright I think I shall walk out soon & do not know
where I shall go If it was not first day and I at leasure [sic]
I would go on the house and stop the leak was it not the holy
day thus I am really bound by the fear of what the people
may say. for my own part I had as line work on this
day as any if necessay [sic] but find I still feel I may
loose [sic] standing I suppose. or something
I have not yet found out that lingers about me
(Page 1)
Rochester May 7th 1849
Thine of 7th day is recvd [sic] feel very sorry
that the North Star affair was not carefully looked
to before you went away William & Edmund
wish me to say they think now it had better
be examined before there is any conclusion
to discontinue the N Star William & Edmund
are very willing to go in to an investigation
and would have doneso [sic] long ago had they
have know [sic] for a certainty they would not
have been thought officious. Edmund says
he thinks if it is only $400.00 behind it is not
best to give it up so. I dont see how F D
can tell how he stands without a regular
look over to see how things stand & E
thinks possibly there may be a saving in
the purchaseing [sic] department &c &c.
I should feel very sory [sic] the Star should ^set^ it
may be if English friends I mean Freds
English Friends would rather do more
than they have than hear of its stopping
and we feel in hopes a few hundred
dollars may be realised from the Goods
that are on hand within one year I want
(Page 2)
all these things looked at & if after fully view-
ing every thing it shall then appear best to stop
then do so for I should be very sorry to
have F D saddled with a Debt that he can-
not easily get rid of I hope some way
will yet be made to avoid a wreck
H. Jacobs is in ^an^ extisy [sic] that her son has
again returned she red [sic] a letter today
saying he was in Boston and would be
hear [sic] in 2 weeks or near it she ran over
to the Store to tell the good news at
dinner she was not ther [sic] I met her
when I was comming [sic] back she said
she could not eat. Jacob has ret-
urned from his up river journey
it has been quite pleasent [sic] this afternoon
having ceased to rain & the sun has
been looking down upon us & withall
it is quite mild some Peach trees are
in Blossom Sarah [Owin?] & Abby
Bush were in here to day Sarah is
expecting to go when a certain boat
comes along so that she knows not
when the day will arrive that she will
take her departure I believe she is in no
hurry to leave us nor we ^to part with^ her Thy Isaac
(Page 1)
[Text in top margin, written downward]
It is first
day & the
Post Office
is closed
I can
not pay
the Postage
I hear
that Mary
has recd [sic]
a letter
from Sarah
some days
a go but
I have
not seen
and dont
know, when
it was
written
Love to
All do
try to get
Joseph & family
to come
hom [sic] with
you I dout [sic]
you could
have been
in there [sic]
company
[Continues downward in left margin]
but very unless at meeting I believe Edmund has been at work about when
at the store allmost [sic] all day supose has more enjoyment there [than?] elsewar [sic]
[Text normal]
Rochester 5 Mo 12 1849
Dear Amy
[Here?] it is Seventh day after-
noon and nothing from thee & Sarah since
last 2nd day. Have had only very short accounts
of the anual [sic] meeting in the dailys
Took leave of Giles & Catharine in the Canal
Packet last evening & Thomas ^Fish^ to [sic]. it seemed
quite a mournfull [sic] time to Catherine they she
hoped they should come again in the course
of the Season with Mary. I have not seen
Willie these two days tho he was home yes-
terday I expect he he [sic] has nice times now
the rains have stoped [sic] & the sun again shines
in its accustomed briliency [sic] and the mud
Disappears the River has been as high as a
spring thaw. We are very much taken up
with buisness [sic] go home to eat and sleep ^then straight to the store^ every
thing seemes [sic] to move on Smothly [sic] Johon [sic]
[Henn s?] wife came a few days ago looks
rather sickly pretty likely to have the ague
and fevor [sic] Sarah [sic] [Burtis?] has been quite
sick have not heard from her for two
days but as Lewis has returned & has got
a bottle of Hills Tonic Mixture I expect
she will soon be well Elias De [Garmo?]
I think must have gained as I learned he
was in Town yesterday but I did not see
him P Culver was in yesterday quite feeble
(Page 2)
I think Elias and Rhoda are expecting to go east
next month by Public convayence [sic] I suppose they
intend to attend the Junius meeting on there [sic] way
William Barker & Wife dined with us yesterday
William thinks if [Frederick?] should put the price of
the Star to $1.50 it would do better but I doubt
it very much. Edmund Says he expects
William Ketchum ere this has gone to Canada
to dwell with Thomas & Phebe very unexpected
to me & very pleasent [sic] to them no doubt to have
him with them how he will Content himself so
far one side of the world I do not yet see but perhaps
retirement will suit him best. H Bush and Co
do not yet leave home accounts from Panama
are so unsatisfactory they do not feel courage
yet to move Benjamin does not yet sell his
place & I think it by no means certain that
he will go. What mob times they have in NY
City it seems when others as mobbed & not
the Negros & their friends the mobers [sic] are
put down very soon even to shooting of them
down without mercy. Lewis Burtis has just
been in and invites me to go home with him and I
think I shall go therefore shall not send this to
night I suppose you both ^will^ be looking out
for tidings from home ere this reache [sic] you
but as I have written since I have [read?]
one I feel quite justified in not writing
sooner I thought this would be at Jericho by 2nd day
[Continues upward in right margin]
but now it cannot be will try to get it of [sic] first day in the mean time shall
[Continues leftward in top margin]
expect one farewell ^for^ this day
(Page 1)
Rochester 5 mo 15 1849
Dear Amy
I take pen to say something but
dont [sic] feel as tho I have any thing very pressing
F Douglas [sic] arrived home last evening but I
did not know it untill [sic] this Morning Abby
Mott came into the Store Said she accom-
panied them that F.D. and his English frends [sic]
& then stoped [sic] at the Irving House only think
of it when our house was so near she should go
to Tavern I gave her a talking but she said
she was to [sic] tired to go any were [sic] but to bed I told
that she could have at had at our house &c
F.D. came in a minute said they had quite
comfortable time 6 Day eve said he was much
pleased with Wards Powers & I aded [sic] & with his
own to [sic]. at which he grasped my hand and
laughed as nobody else can He seemed in
a hury [sic] but asked me to come to tea I hardly
know what I had best do. He says they or one
of them is very talented that they were very much
in love with thee & Sarah & I dont know what
all. I think I shall ^go^ probably can give some acco-
unt of my interview before this goes. I have
been thinking Father & Mother would almost
think hard of you for remaining so long in
N.Y. thee did not say how long Joseph & Mary &
their Daughters remaind [sic] I suppose the [sic] did
not attend either of the evening meetings fifth or
Sixth day. Elias & Rhoda are makeing [sic]
preperations [sic] for their Journey Elias has exch-
anged his Horses for a very nice Span of Bays
I told him they looked nice enough to keep a
man from being sick without cause he
thought so to [sic] I think they possibly may keep
some of the blues off if he ever harbours them
(Page 2)
I have been up Frederik [sic], they had been out
a long walk & I expect felt tired I found
the older Sister with the children arrangeing [sic]
their presents & as I stood I thought she
was a coloured woman but as she was
so intent to ^have^ matters arranged beetween [sic]
the children I took another look she had
her bonnet on & then I saw I was mis-
taken & about that Rosa introduced me
to her she continued on Rosa must
have such Lewis that Frederic [sic] these
two & Charles the remainder & giving them
the reasons why each should have the
ones picked out for them. that they saw
the reasonableness of her explinations [sic] I
was not sure however they submitted
with tolerable good grace. this one looked
older than I expected then the other round
faced one came in other told her how she
had desired the presents & reasons &c then
when Fredy [sic] came in she gave him the
story & he said it was admirable I
soon saw it was a poor time to set
they began to talk about there [sic] writings
Frederic [sic] had had no time ^to^ write and
as I saw no signs of setting table
I concluded it would be much
better to make a short call ---
I have been home to tea & now
am telling of my excurtion [sic]. I went to
williams about 12 oclock & Mary Set with
Willie in her lap trying to get him asleep
& appeared to be trying to cout [sic]sleep. he ap-
pears quite well I dont get much down
that is interesting I write just what
comes first & if has no other good effect
it will inform you that we ar [sic] well tho
mouth is some soar [sic] & Joseph has had the tooth
ach [sic] some. as it is about time for this to
go to the Office I must stop writing and will only
say as soon as you get though [sic] you will ^be^ very welcome home
(Page 1)
Rochester May 19th 1849
Deaar [sic] Amy thine from Glen Cove was
recived [sic] this morning it would be to [sic] tame to say it was
welcome so I will try to say something else in regard to
the sugar I think we can get that that Giles left at
less cost than to get at N.Y. and less trouble there-
fore I think thee had better leave it. The [sic] wished to know
about Greens Express. Greens Express No7 Wall-
Street near Broadway. I think it will be much
better to send baggage by Rail Express then quite
charge is light to us besure [sic] and send them to the
right Office Wells Office is across the Street from
Greens Office. F Douglas[sic] Came home last
2nd Day I now recollect now of having written about
it the other day. Last evening Frederik [sic] and the
Girls were to Williams they with John Dick had
been down to the Lower Falls on foot They ar [sic]
real ramblers and come to have a chance to find
them ^out^ the oldest is talented beyond common it was
quite interesting to hear her and F D. talk They
hapened [sic] to get talking about Adventism the Question
was asked if Geret [sic] Smith had become a convert F. would
be sorry if he had she did not see that should
be regretted for some of the best or many of the best
and learned of Episcopalians were of that view which
led to quite an argument I wish F.D. would
treat all that differ [sic] with him in bublic [sic] as
kindly as he did her it seemes [sic] to me he would
gain more They gave a very interesting acount [sic]
(Page 2)
of ther [sic] evening meeting in New York. It seems
they are going to set out for Philadelphia in
a few days previous to ther [sic] going to Boston
I dont see as he will have any time to have
his examination with William & Edmund
before he goes William feels well having
sold a large quantiy [sic] of wool lately I believe they
had 30 or 40,000 lb in hand as sheerring [sic] time was so
near they were very anxious to sell and
have for a very fair advance. Some man
I dont know his name says he was at Thomas Hallowell
yesterday that WIlliam Ketchum [sic] arrived there yesterday
in the forenoon I beleive [sic] all were well. I dont feel
but very little draft toward Boston I dont feel as tho
I should enjoy myself there as well as at home & I see
not that I should do others any good that is in a public
capacity [We?] had made calculation to have F
at our meeting tomorrow but understand he
has a meeting appointed out in West Walworth
tomorrow I believe the sisters are to accompany
him. fifth day evening William Mary & E
P Willis went to see them I believe it was 4
day eve & to day [sic] I think they have been
to Elias De Garmo I wish R Hicks could
some how [sic] beome [sic] regenerated and see things
as they really are and no longer act as an Angel
of Light (to some) while she is doing the works
of Darkness. how hapy [sic] she would be if
she would let in the pure light to shine in
her her [sic] heart what a burthen would fall
from her and then she would go in her way
rejoicing encouraging her fellow heirs to
immortality in every good word and work
and be prepared for a high montain [sic] in the
spiritual state for I bilieve [sic] she has fine talents
committed to her care and set out and run
well for a season & then like the apostle told the
Lord she saw other casting out Devels [sic] in They [sic] name and I forbid
[Continued upward in right margin]
them because they follow not with us how exactly her case
(Page 3)
First day afternoon I went as I expected home with
L Burtis Sarah is quite weak but moves around slowly
there [sic] trees show an abundance of blossoms it is won-
derfull [sic] how very much they have grown only
think 3 years ago the little whips of trees were set out
and now it looks as tho they may have hundreds of
bushels of Peaches. & cherries Plumbs [sic] Apricots
Apricots ^Quinces^ Nectrons [sic] currents [sic] Goosberries [sic] Rasberries [sic]
& Apple in considerable quantities & Grapes & an ab-
undance of Strawberries. and beside his grounds are
finely prepared for gardening operations has planted
his corn & potatoes. this morning came in & stoped
became rainy Lewis came on to our house be-
fore Meeting I of course rode with him--I called
at the store & Edmund handed thy letter I went
to the Room & as it continued rainy & but few
came I read it was very much interested in
its contents I was in hopes something would
have appeard [sic] to have made something look
encourageing [sic] in regard to the Star but did
not find find [sic] it I suppose [Ward?] feels very anxious
about the paper he is concernd [sic] in what work
Jealousy Sectarianism and Envy does make with
otherwise bright & Good Men as exibited [sic] in [their?]
account of the Coloured Meeting I feel sorry that
it ended so tumultuously I dont know but NY
was filled with Mob or unruly spirits
(Page 4)
our numbers at meeting was quite small so
rainy Elias & Rhoda were ther [sic] as you may
suppose they have gained some still Elias looks
feeble I hope he will not take cold being out in
the rain to day. when we came home found Willie
he is quite well ate a hasty dinner & was soon ready
to go back biding [sic] us goodby [sic] &c you did not
say when you were going up on the Island
but I suppose yesterday nor any thing about
Aunt Phebe coming home with you how
is that I thought that was her fixed intention
did you frighten her with your talk about eating
with coloured persons so that she will not like to
come I think she would not be troubled long for
I wish our family all behaved as well ^as^ Harriet
for I dont believe she would object sleeping with
her after three days acquaintance it is now
half past [4?] Harriet has gone with Dorcas [Collins?]
to see Frances Bridget is Kindling fire Jacob
up stairs with Robert De Garmo Joseph siting [sic]
by me just been talking about going west
begins to feel quite like a journeyman --
[Printer?] sends his respects to you & other Friends
It has cleared away quite fine. John [Nurn?]
has not been here to do day I suppose he
is with his wife and it was so rainy that
no one was down from Asa Anthonys
I believe Griffin & wife expect to live at
Elias De Garmo while they are away ----
(Page 1)
Rochester April 25th [[there?] of day]
Dear Amy
Thine of the 24th yesterday is
received I was glad to hear from you and that
thee did not feel in Lucys way but I think
thee feels a little homesick amongst the fine
walks and extravegant [sic] buildings [see?] and
I am not sorry that home has its attractions
but I will not say much as thee did not
say whare [sic] I should direct hence I feel doub-
tfull [sic] about thy getting this I have seen Lucys
Father once since you left all as well as usual
I have receved [sic] a letter from Jackson & Mary
encourageing [sic] us to come to N.Y. and visit
them at 134 Spring Street where they board
If I should go to N.Y. the day previous to
the Anenersary [sic] by the southern route I shall
be likely to get to George Willets pretty late in
the evening. if the [sic] thinks best to meet me
there say so. or any other place tell that.
if I go down the river I suppose I shall arrive
early in the Morning but I think I shall [if]
go by the Erie route while [extrordinous [sic]
excepted?] land me in Hoboken in the
evening. late yesterday was rainy to day is
beautifull [sic] Susen is sticking upon ketchem
very much [Whiteworthy Paintry?] &c.
(Page 2)
since writing the foregoing I have been home
to dinner after which I took up Duglas [sic] paper
which detained me rather longer than usual
in the mene [sic] time the bell rung and Ann P
Emeline DeGormo and [Yomd?] Pounds wife &
the little boy Came quite dissppointed [sic] in not
finding they had heard Lucy & W had gone
and upon my telling thee had gone with Lucy
the first thought was thee had gone too
with them but they were again surprised
when they heard W had gone in an oppo-
site direction. I accompanied them to
Edmunds carrying the little boy
Sister Sarah met them cordially but
I doubt their being able to be as free as tho [sic]
the visit had been at our house I think they
said Mary Colman was to come soon I
think I will go there again since the charged
me to be so attentive to Emeline –
There was a fire last night or this morning
and the Novety [sic] works were burned I hear
Hiram Wright and Son & Son in law
were large owners I will direct this to Mr
Blackhall not knowing who else to address
and I do not know how his name is spelled
Sarah Burtis had a pleasent [sic] visit at Buffalo
saw Huldah Judah some thought her dying
but I believe she did not think her time had
come yet she thinks much of Fowler. Thy Isaac
(Page 1)
[Text in top margin]
For Amy Post I did not expect I was going
to write all abot [sic] spirits but I [will?]
[Continues into right margin, written downward]
I shall leave other matters for another time
[Text normal]
Rochester 6th of 11th mo 1852
Dearest Amy Altho I wrote in Sarah’s
letter to thee this morning I will write again and
direct to Joseph that was sent to Jericho and
there is no knowing where thee will be when
this gets to The its destination I will give the [sic] a
chance to hear from us at either place and
I will endeavor not to trouble the [sic] with the
same things twice I gave some account
of our meetings last first day but I left some
things untold that interested me in afternoon
there were somany [sic] gathered early that almost as
soon as I went in I was desired to offer what
I had and I think so much of what I read that
I love to have all present when I commence
but they kept coming that it was proposed that
I should read it again but I believe it was thought
it would stimulate an earlier attendance [sic] if
that desire was not gratified mine was from
our Old Friend [Lintrseneck?] I was told by one that
used to work with him that it seemed like him
Friend Pool read a most excelent [sic] communication
it was what if adhered to would set the world
right side up individuals Devils would be banished
a God of cruelty wud would hide his head amongst
the dark ages &c &c. Our Stranger the same
that I spok [sic] of in the morning was at home
again in this writing buisness [sic] some time
a go [sic] he found his hand to write contrary to his
(Page 2)
mind and it would yet write freely fill a sheet
in a hurry and want more and he began to think
it proceeded from his own brain and he thought
much other that was given forth for Spirits work
was only the individual production what
he said pleased our Infidel friends very much
and George to [sic] was so pleased with his morning
talk that he took him home to dinner with him
and I have no doubt that this matter of writing
came in for a share of their condemnation
well I suppose our Spirit writing looked rather doub-
tfull [sic] in the eyes of some however the discussion
was Carried on in good feelings. I told what I had
witnessed within the week. a girl of Sixteen seems
to be used remarkably for drawing and when
she had got the top of a large Weeping willow drawn
I held my hand before her eyes so as to hide
eyes or prevent her seeing what she was doing
she made thetr^u^nk [sic] of the tree with as much
regularity as she did the rest of the work and
went on with her work with the same
precission [sic] as before - she said that was good
evidence after meting [sic] anumber [sic] of us had
liberty to go to Browns beyond Benjamin [Fish’s?]
opposite Dr Moses house. This Brown has met
with us more or less for a long time I did not
know his name untill [sic] lately he is a large man
rather pale his wife seems a good woman and
their Daughter seems a medium for Spirits in
different manner beside Drawing there was a man
here by name Cary a Lawyer ^of NY^ one that bought one
of my books last spring who is very much in-
terested in these matters and who attended our meet-
ing in the morning but who was prevented -
from some cause being there in the afternoon
(Page 3)
wished to go in the evening I went with him and Ben-
net from Waterloo George Willets went with his
preaching Friend and a companion that was with
him quite an undertaking through a rain by
the way it proved a very raining evening when we
arrived we found our Preaching Friend very full
of giving his [experiences?] rather talkative for so
young a man I perceived Mr Draper thought in
about ½ an hour silenc [sic] was resorted to
but no manifestations then the girl and mrs
[Knox?] put each other in the magnetic state they
were not quite interesting or rather mrs Knox was
Miss Brown seemed rather to hinder and soon came
out of that state when she took her pencil and
went to [Drawing?] admirably without appearing
to have any idea of what was forming which
she said was the case untill [sic] the random
movements produced the picture of something
that told what was intended. I think it was
not untill [sic] about 9 oclock [sic] before we had
so far harmonised as to allow of [Physical?]]
demonstration upon a liberal scale the
table would lift up on our side three
times for yes and move sideways for no
our Preaching friend had by this time become
exceedingly interested in the manifestations
had quite a conversation with his gradfather [sic]
it was getting quite late and George wished
to know wether [sic] he could at some future time
have an opportunity to converse with his Father
his Father said he was present and was ready
(Page 4)
it convinse [sic] that is he apperd [sic] to be [^present^?] the company
thought him an elevated Spirit George wished
to know whether what purported to be Spirit
writing was really so a [sic] emphatic yes Came I
if what I had read that day really came from
[Lintrseneck?] the reply was yes Question
was it all his yes our Preacher wished to
know ^wheather [sic]^ what he wrot [sic] was Spirit writing
he was answered emphatically yes It seem [sic]
strange that many think something weak
or foolish is written it cannot be from Spirits
while I think the evidence is greater that
it comes from Spirits than if it manifests
wisdom for who of us would like to show
a foolish production of our own—George
seemed put back for every question he
asked he was disappointed except he referred
him to the bright Cloud G wished to know
wither [sic] the time had come that was promised
that reply was no. &c &c we had the Cooper
at work makeing [sic] barrels the [Farmer?] [ille
gible] to give the Identity of the person &c
we did not get home untill [sic] near 11 oclock
John [Clarkner?] says they have remarkable
demonstrations in N York I think it would
pay Joseph and Mary to go there and with
thee and witness some of the manifestations
he says [Stebbins?] soon has become a [me-
dium?] for writing &c he has convinced
his Sister of her husband real presence and
it all came upon him while he was in
a playfull [sic] mood he set down by mrs
[clainer?] and asked why the Spirits could
not manifest upon him when his Spirit
brother came to him [be?] there to him and
(Page 1)
[Text at top of left margin, written upwards]
Thee did not speak of attending
the [college?]
Meeting
at
Seneca
falls
had thee
done so
per haps
I should
have
met
[thee?]
there but
I supose [sic]
the [sic]
will not
have time
after rec=
ceiving [sic] this
I am [invited?]
to two
circles this
eveng [sic] at
[Olean?] and
at the [res?]
where our
[Friend?] will
be and I
shall go [there?]
I [think?]
Thy Isaac
[Text normal]
Rochester Oct 10th 1852
My Dear Amy
Thine without date was rec’d yesterday
but I supose [sic] fifth day last -I was glad the [sic] was enj-
oying [them?] so well I suppose thee has received
two ere this one from Sarah and myself sent
to Jericho and one same date to Brothr [sic] Joseph
My time is so taken up first days that I have
but little time to write especially when I ind-
ulge myself to remain late in bed but I am
thinking unless I send this to day or this evening
thee may be on thy return but I will direct
again to Joseph that it may find him
and family even if it misses thee not that it
will be of great consequence but we love
to be remembered Sarah went home with
Elias Doty and Jacob went for her this mor-
ning I expect they will not return untill [sic]
to morrow [sic]. The girls or women do nicely
Sarah atentend [sic] to substancials [sic] and Mary
fixes and does up the entries so that we are
as neat as need be Mary Ann moves on in
her usual manner -- It has been quite
rainy lately our grapes in ful [sic] ripeness
and as sweet as need be the leaves fall
very much haveing [sic] had frosts lately
I will skip some other things and state that
altho the evening was dark and clouds theatng [sic]
some of us assembled in our ^meeting^ room sucth [sic]
(Page 2)
[Olen?] and wife and children we did not here [sic]
much manifestation tho daughter became
Partially Clayvoint [sic]. Some Friend Wrote by my
hand “I will say a few words to my friends at this
time. I am convinced that it seems to some of
you that your progress is slow and that the pros-
pect sometimes look discourageing [sic] yet it is be-
cause you have not the vision of Spirits for to us
the progress seems great it is but as yesterday
compared to eternity and some of you were wadeing [sic]
in the deepest uncertainty and now behold
the [blazing?] light that shines before you
Certaintty [sic] has taken the place of uncertaintty [sic]
You perceive by what is manifested to your ext-
ernal senses even. that to leave the body is
but to exchange habitations and is this nothing?
It is enough to redeem the world provided all
had your experience for which of you feel disposed
to do a wrong and if there was no wrong doers
there would be no sinners. all would be
harmony. Love would fill the whole earth.
Joy would resound throughout the Spirit
world. And peace and plenty would abound.”
Last evening Lewis Burtis with his wife
and Daughter & Mr and Mrs [Kedzie?] Emeline
[Bills?] and Spirit medium from Cleaveland [sic]
called for me to go Browns on [Sixth?] Street
as he had his long [fruit?] waggon [sic] and room I
joined them and found a large company already
(Page 3)
collected our Cleveland Friend I do not recollect
her name very soon commenced her I do not know
wat [sic] to call it but to make almanner [sic] of motions
with her hand and [Ham^m^ond?] occationally [sic] seemed
to be controled [sic] by some Spirit and his Spirit
and hers seemed to answer out to hers and
then to his-- then she passed into a clayrvoyant [sic]
state when she when some Spirit through her
[said?] ^uttered^ some very sublime sentences perhaps
as full of substance as I suppose it possible to be
convayed [sic] in few words some of us regretted we did not
take minutes_ She soon seemed in conversation
with an Indian imitated his sounds as far as
we could discovour [sic] and then interpreted [showing?]
equality of Spirits the indian was as the white man
and the white man as the Indian &c and soon
he seemed so delighted that he was so recognized that
he made her Dance the Indian Dance the other
Mediums present. [females?] beat time I supose [sic]
I we had a real Indian Dance it was done very
neatly for she is a very interesting neat looking
and performs with perfect Grace and ease after
that the Spirits seemed to manifest a [desire?]
to hear singing when sober church music
was sung there was very little manifestation of
moving articles compared to what followed
when something more lively was sung then
it was that all seemed let loose the center table
began to dance if possible for it bounced
(Page 4)
about as tho life had been suddenly breathed
in to and it jumped for joy such motions
as it was in is beyound [sic] my powers of description
Lewis Burtis endeavored to hold it but he
had not power to stay it. Thus, we had
we had al [sic] kinds of entertainment from the
most grave to the most boisterous and again
our Friend was in the clayvoint [sic] state (which
she was not in when the table carried on so)
and the more sober predominated. the Table
moving seemed to depend upon our Mediums
as they were unknown to her she reminded me
of our Sister Phebe in her youthful days
As I returned home some Spirit told me he would
writ [sic] if I would allow it--and here is a coppy [sic]
I will give my views about this evenings entertain-
ment it was well to witness it--there was a mixture.
there were elevated minds present and there were less
developed ones--there were elevated Spirits present and
there were those not capaciated [sic] to instruct it is for
you to attend to your own calling and allow others
full liberty to work out their own advancement and
have no controversy with them but lead on to higher
and more elevated views and aspirations--Altho there
was some of the most exalted manifestations
there was some not calculated to elevate and it
remains to learn to distinguish between and
so conduct your circles as to retain the one order
of spirits and refrain from being controled [sic] by the other
-- I must now leave this and if I have opportuty [sic]
to add in the course of the day thee may depend upon
my doing so our Ohio frnd [sic] I believe expects
to be present at our meeting to day [sic] how we shall come
out I do not know But as Roda has been down to
Brown to see the Table manifest I suppose we may claim her ^now^
(Page 5)
After the afternoon meeting we have had quite
a full meeting in the morning our Cleveland frnd [sic]
went home with Lewis Burtis last night
as soon as she came in [almost?] her hand began
to shak [sic] or flap Mammond [sic] was near her
and he was requested to use magnetism to
see if he could throw off the influence he
said he did not understand the science
but he tried to do what he could she was
quite willing they should try and a [sic] Hammond
seemed to work so faithlessly Benjamin
Fish offered his services but insted [sic] of
quieting her Spirits used even more
earnest efforts to affect her. [conversation?]
from different ones were delivered Gregg the
principal speaker our [illegible] friends
were there in full force but very mild it was
observable that our Cleaveland [sic] Mrs Williamson
was inclined to go into a claryvoint [sic] state we
[illegible]15 minutes quiet to allow her time
when she arose and spoke some [esoteric?]]
things the believers looked very happy
while she was thus exercised and the
unbelievers looked very deeply pondering
what they saw and heard the meeting
ended our Friend, with L. Burtis and
[Hulda Antony?], and Browns wife went
with me to dinner. We had a good time
altho wife and sister were gone but
(Page 6)
how much better it would have been had
they been here to share I do not know
but I should very much love to have had
thee get acquainted with her she is Sister in
Law to Phebe [Morry?] - the afternoon
meeting was so filled that some failed to
find seats Hammond read one of his
shrewd reasoning pieces I read a Com-
munication from Aden T Cory an
excelent [sic] one to [sic] I think it was so hope-
full [sic] looking to the time when governments
will be carried on by love and not
by the sword. [Jines?] read a long one next
pretty good and L. A Burtis [one?]from
[Solomon?] Janney wife one that used
to be a fellow Teacher with her Gregg req-
uested them ^all^ preserved. I had another ready
in case it had been needed not much
discussion Hammond gave encouragemt [sic]
comming [sic] next first day and Rodgers
made no objections to what was com-
municated in either meeting. Our
Frnd [Lewis?] has been very sick I went
to see him yesterday but was not admitted
in ^to see him^ tho they think him better I believe
I will not take time to read my letter
over and where it lacks words ad [sic] them and
where there are to [sic] many erase them we wish
to learn rather to hear Elisbeth [sic] is well Isaac Post
Rochester Nov 28th 1863
Dear Amy
Thees of the 26th came
this morning was very glad to learn
thee had arrived safe and found a
welcome [and?] are getting on as
well as can be expected Mrs A[text missing]
misses thee very much Mrs [Nor?] [text missing]
came in while was home to dinner
and I perceived she sighed out that
she was not as well & when a little
while before she had been quite ani
mated on the subject of [An??]
shewing where she had marked
of parts approving &c she certainly
must of ^read^ more [than?] at one time but she
complains of lung [cold?] thinks her
room a cold one &c Mrs King does
not have to sit with her much I
think the Dr is here still waiting
for her [pictures?] he made a kind
of Feast at [Duesenbaums?] on Tha
nksgiving day They had [Widows?]
(Page 2)
^invited in^ he got osters [sic] &c Mrs Lunt was
one and I suppose they had a
good time generally as thee may
well suppose he was absent from
our house so much that he did
not hear of John P Hale or G W Curtis
lectures by the way J P Hale lectured
the evening previous to Curtis and the
committee gave notice that season
tickets would not answer as the
lecture was extra and as it was
meeting night and I suppose those
who had tickets thought it a little mean
to thus charge them hence the meeting
was small but he spoke well is
for the Union Peace and freedom
thinks altho it looks dark at pre
sent he sees light ahead when
there shall be no Aristocrat nor
slave in the country he believes
there can be no peace without Union
and freedom &c fifth day even
ing there was a very large meeting
to listen to Curtis and he spoke gr-
andly tho sometimes he soared so
high at time that I almost lost him but
when he came down he went on right
he quoted Shakespear [sic] and I suppose
applied it properly to his subject but I
failed to see the Points but the way he
(Page 3)
lashed the fault finders without mercy
and held up ______ in no favorable
light showed whene [sic] apologized to the
mob in N.Y. &c Said he to [sic] was
a peace man but [there were?] [ful?][sic]
of paths leading to it one was
to let the Rebbels [sic] have what they
want which which [sic] the West will
not allow they could not give
up the Misisippa [sic] River another
was to compromise which will
not afford peace – and the he thought
the only way was to have lasting
peace was to go on and subdue the
rebbels [sic] subdue the slave power
and let every one be on a level
then peace will be lasting &c
thus all the lectures have of the
most [ultry?] kind unless we
[except?], among the Pines,
I hardly know when to plan
him but he certainly is very
much opposed to the present aris
tocracy of the south. George is
again gone to Port [Plane?]
or some place away from
home so that sometimes
we find to [sic] much to do
we [think?] perhaps we must
look [on?] take sense others
(Page 4)
[illigible] but they [are?] [easily?] [found?]
Isaac Post [illegible] has offered he
appears a very modest boy
[Harry?] invites me with
others there tomorrow I suppose
our circle will all be invited
I do not think there has been
much rain until today since
thee left I told Charles [Trent?]
he might meet thee at Syracuse
but as you went right on I
suppose if he went to find
thee he missed as thee went
on to Albany today all [night?]
[instead?] of at Syracuse I saw
the [Eclipsed?] Moon and I thought
if you should leave Syracuse
at 4 oclock you would get
in NY in good time I
think would have brought you
in NY about from 2 to 3
oclock but perhaps it was
as well for you to do as you
did If thee has gone to Long
Island this will not get to
thee untill [sic] thee gets back to
Jersey City Thine Isaac
(written along left edge of paper and along top)
I thought thee ______ I would write _____ [text missing][illegible]him been on the go all
day
[illegible]
only
had been
to pay
this off
[Isaac Post]
John Parker Hale (1806-1873): Republican senator from New Hampshire in 1863; one of the first senators to oppose slavery
George William Curtis (1824-1892): author and lecturer; in 1863 political editor of Harper’s Weekly
There was a partial lunar eclipse on November 25, 1863
Rochester 14th 1863
Dear Amy I have written one letter which
I presume thee will not receive until thee receives
this still this will give accounts of us of
a later date We were very glad to receive
this morning thine of last seventh day were
glad of your enjoyment hope you have not
hurried to [sic] much as that will [regret?] it and
when thee arrives to our kind friends at
Jersey City and [?] this take our advice
an [sic] go and visit our relatives even if it
is a short visit as much as we want
to see thee we will try to give thee up
a little longer and do the best we can
Thee writes of seeing many soldiers &c
we hear the Drum and fife from
morning to late at night and we
have again many tents in the streets
tho not as many as last season I believe
there is a [fresh?] prospect of filling
up the complement of soldiers with
out drafting which will not doubt
doubt be a great relief to many
the county agrees to pay $300 beside
what the state and national government
(Page 2)
pays which proves a great [temptation?]
to many I have just received a letter
from our Friend Wheeler dated Patterson
it is a large sheet written full and fine
I conclude shall leave the reading of it
until thee comes to help study it out
I notice he dwels [sic] on evil Spirits yet
Mrs [Abbots?] Spirits still at times keep
her stired [sic] steryd up gnawing at her
stomach but becomes cheerfull [sic]
hence I endeavour to read as much
as polite and talk as little as I can
without being rude yesterday we had
accounts of the Philadelphia Meetings
which interests her it astonishing how
she understands the geography of the
country as well as Reformatory doings
Mr King come here today to enquire
of Mrs King what had become of his
thing she told him she took [counsel?]
before she acted she got a [coalman?] to
go and take them from the house and
I am glad she did not bring things to our house
and I told her not to tell me what she had
done &c may good Angels guard thee and
return thee to us in good time Love to all Isaac
[Isaac Post]
(Page 1)
[This letter may be missing pages.]
[Text normal]
[Privacy?] George Willetts came some days ago
saying Gorgianne was unwell wished me to go
and enquire of Leah what to do for her she has
been considerably complaining lately we went but
Leah was not at home. but as Margaretta was
I put her asleep & wished her to look at [Gen?]
she soon appeard [sic] to find the difficulty but the remedy
we wanted that she seemed at a loss to find I then asked
if she could see Aunt Amy George, Mother she said
she did I then requested her to ask her which she ap
peard [sic] to do & the answer was take a flannel wet with
salt & Vinegar apply it to the pain then drink Com
position tea & she would be better she showed
her how the sweat would be on her face. she
had a difficulty about the thoat [sic] she said Aunt
Amy held up a bottle to both that with said
we had it in our Store but she could not read it I
named over seven kind but she said no I then
mentioned Denton's Bolsom (which we sell but
little of) she said that is it sure enough the
medicine has the desired effect the sweat
& relief followed I asked after Margaretta awaked
of our unseen friend wither [sic] M. had directd [sic] aright
the answer was she has & she also told me to
tell thee Frederic [sic] would not dispose of his paper
before his return & I dont recollect how much
else she told me – I have seen Leah asleep
once since I E Robbinson was with me &
she told him much about his Rachael, being with
him and helping him about his writings telling
[Continues on page 2 with line beginning "him of things"]
[Text overlapping main body of letter, written upwards]
George Willetts has come in he has
Red [sic] a letter from that Woman that came here
the morning you left wishing some question
^answerd [sic]^ in relation to her grievous troubles and Leah
has been sleping [sic] to day and he wrote down
what she told him It is wonderfull [sic] what
Counsel she gave I dont know that
Jesus ever gave better to the afflicted in his
time but as it is of a confidential character [sic]
I must not write it. He shewed it to Leah she said
she never could have done that meaning
in her natural state.
(Page 2)
him of things that had transpired between them also searched
out Ann Smith that she was not as hapy [sic] as Rachael
and her sister that R was not hapily [sic] married that it
had a tendency to shorten her days that her husband
& his present wife were more congenial &c &c. GW.
was with us & he was again reassured &c I was up to
H Burtis one evening since you left I think it was
last 3 day evening. she Sarah was just falling asleep
as I went in she said it was that same man at Arcade
that put her asleep thought ^she^ would not let him controle [sic]
her any more but then she said he was a good man
& therefore thought it not very bad. Miss Draper was also
asleep they saw Miss Bushnell & described the con
nexion [sic] between them it seemd [sic] like an innumerable
number of fine Electrical wires leading from one to the
other the same that connects them to the Spirits of the
departed- after a very interesting time Sarah was awakend [sic]
by the same that put her asleep & then she had quite
a time talking with Miss Draper about Spirits tried
to make her say it was rong [sic] to ask questions but
she could not see it wrong I dont think I had
ever spoken to her but I asked her if I might
ask her a question she was very willing I then asked
what made the rapping Myself John [Nunn?] Joseph
& Bridget head while at dinner & conversing
wither [sic] it made by natural cause or was it Spirits
manifestationing she after looking a while said it was
Spiritual I told her I had forgotten what we were
talking about it took our attentions so much
she said it ^was^ in relation to business she thought
& that it would be made know [sic] to me I asked why
we could not then get answers she said that our
minds were to [sic] much frustrated. We did not
know what made the nois [sic] but we all
were sure we did not make it. it was repeated
several times Bridget started to run and said she would not
stay alone. but she soon came back quite comfortable
(Page 1)
Jericho 2nd day Morning
To all who feel interested we greet.
We are at the Kirby Mansion Amy
talking with Father just as natural
as 20 years ago Matilda is not well
has a very sore finger but is around.
Willet is as well as usual we
came to Josephs 6th day evening
went to Isaac Rushmores seventh
day Stephen & Edmund both from
home Matilda was moving about
gracefully attending to her duties
but complained of sore throat
Joseph wife & Daughters were at the
meetings in N.Y. also Catharine Willis
It was rainy or damp nearly all
the time we were in New York but
for all ^that^ the meetings were unusually
large and interesting the concluding
speach [sic] was by Garrison the audience
were very attentive and applauded his
most [witty?] sentences without any
signs of disapprobation how different
from former years his speach [sic] was grand
sublime clear and convincing in
highest degree George Willets was there
and we thought we should be obliged
to leave before the meeting ended
(Page 2)
on account of the distance to his
house but as he was with us we
felt easy to stay his motion and he
said afterwards he could not get
away untill [sic] the end he felt his
Garrisons greatness more than ever
it was 11 oclock [sic] I believe when we
arrived at his house we were
at George every night while in
N.Y. We went to Aunt Mary
Posts sixth day had a very fine
time saw all the Daughters
conversation did not flagg [sic]
while we staid [sic] they expressed
gladness for our visit &c
Joseph & Mary & daughters came
with us to Jericho yesterday
we found James & Elisebeth
here. None of us went to
Meeting except to Joseph
said when asked what me-
eting we had attended a free
meeting I suppose alluding
to our pleasent [sic] free conversation
it is very pleasent [sic] being
here But I think vegetation
is not more forward than
with you it has been quite cold
since we have been here
(Page 3)
I doubt whither [sic] we shall get
home before next third day
we find Isaac Hicks and
wife are about going to Rochester
& may get there before we
do they expect to stop at Ska-
neatles [sic] on their way and James
& Elisebeth talk of making
us a visit quite soon
If Joseph thinks it will be to [sic]
long for him to wait for us
and his friends think best for
him to go perhaps he had
better go but I wish him to
have his accounts drawn off
so that they can be readily
understood I think he had
better settle Arthur Burtis
account or leave the account
of all he has done for him with
the dates and all Arthur & Warren
paid as well as what he receved [sic]
from me on there [sic] accounts let
Roberts account also be made
clear the same with Dr. T[rimbly?]
(Page 4)
if it is thought best for Joseph
to go before our return on account
of his things getting throught
before our return I would like
$10000 be furnished him which
I can replace on my return
I wish him to look well to his
prospects and not engage to pay
such rents as will ruin him
before he gets started it may
be by enquiring he will find some
much more favorable location
at some other point where rents
will not be so extravigantly [sic] high
as at Chicago I want him to feel
that he must depend upon his
own exertions for sucess I
shall feel very sorry to hear his
establishment must be sold to
satisfy creditors but I sup-
pose the best way to prove
Josephs abilities to manage
buisness [sic] will be to let him
try. it is to be hoped he will
bring those faculties into use which
will plan wisely execute promptly &
the result will be success. Love to All
I Post
(Page 1)
Philadelphia 12 mo 25 1822
Dear Sister
I had been contemplating about writing ^last evening^
to some of you when I receivd [sic] thine & Amey’s [sic] letter &
also one from Lydia. We are now on the brink of leaving
this place, we have visited the families in Green Street M M
^consisting of upwards 130 families^
except three or four greatly to our satisfaction as also
to those visited which was abundantly expresst [sic] in the Monthly
Meetg there was frequently applications for permission for
those who were not members to vit [visit?] with us, as also some friendly
persons requested their families might be favour’d with a visit, which
was in a few instances granted. I do not know when we should have
got through, if all had been visited where it had appeard [sic] to be
desirable But after getting through this Meetg [sic] C felt himself
releast [sic] from attending the other at present which many appeard [sic]
to regret we attended their Monthly Meetg yesterday in which C
was drawn out largely in testimony, & likewise in the Mg for
dicipline [sic] in which he very feelingly addresst [sic] the youth as the
concerns of society must shortly fall on them, he drew a very hand-
some comparrison [sic] respecting Israel, being ^invaded^ by an enemy as mentiond [sic]
in the case of Deaborough [sic] in which the young men were to go fourth [sic]
to drive off the enemy, under the command of the King, & it was necess
ary they should wear the livery of the King otherwise they could not be
known from the enemy. But the Midianitish spirit had enterd [sic]
amongst us & stript [sic] our youth of their ornaments and in treating
on this subject he said Ruben [sic] the eldest who ought to be first
did not turn out to battle, which afterward occasiond [sic] great
searching of heart in Ruben [sic]. We likewise had a Mg last
evening for the colored people of which we have had divers [sic]
since we have been out The Meetings in this City ^have^ been very
large there would be great inquiry where C would be, the houses would
be filld [sic] before the times so that it was dificut [sic] to get in, tho the
people would endeavour to make way for us & evenings our friend
(Page 2)
C is here there would be a great collection last 2 day night
it was thought there was about 100 they appear to manifest
the greatest affection, among others came a priest that had
been at one of our Meetgs, it appear’d he had become uneasy with
their doctrines & practices & as he could not concientously [sic] comply
is now leaving the episcopal Church, & as he expresst [sic] had sacrificed
his means for a living and exposed himself to the scorn and sensure [sic]
of the people, he however said he felt great ^peace^ of mind C spoke
very encouraging to him & told him if he kept to that which
had begun the work he would be favoured to see more & more
It appeard [sic] he had been preaching in one of the churches in this
City about 4 years & from his own account he had been rather a
seeking man his parents were R Catholics he is about 29 years
of age Another a Merchant has been here twice to see C But
was so broken into tenderness could say hardly any thing for a
considerable time I conclude you have heard of
Thomas Eddy’s letter and of the opposition met with in endeav-
ouring to defeat C service in this City they are those who con-
sider themselves leaders in Society. But they appear to have
lost their influence, which I conclude is a mortification to
them we have heard nothing from them for several days
a great Interest is manifest for C support some say he has
nearly a 100 to 1 The Meetings are all laid out for
this week to day [sic] at Frankford [sic] tomorrow at Germantown next
at Abington and so on & first day at Roxbury, we have been
favourd [sic] with the company of John Coneley & others from the
country very agreeably we are [obliterated] seting [sic] our faces home-
ward & shall probably be there in two or three weeks I wish
you to show this to my family as it will save me from writing
to them as I am short of time C Bach got much better I
cannot omit to mention the kindness of S K Fisher in devoting his
carriage horses and man wholly at our service as it has been difficult
for C to walk Elias [?] desires his love to you in [which?] I join
yours &c David Seaman
if our next letters are directed
to Burlington perhaps we may be there in about 8 or 10 day [sic]
(Page 3 blank)
(Page 4)
[Address, etc. center of page, running upward]
Letter from David Seaman
Mary Kirby
Jericho Queens County
Long Island New York State
Care of Charles
Hubbs
[M. B. 10/18/2017]
(Page 1)
Rochester June 3[rd?] 1849
Dear Sister
Recvd [sic] a Letter from Amy day before
yesterday Dated Boston & as she does not make
her appearance which she might have done had she
have come home soon after the Boston Meetings
I am apprehensive she returend with Willett & Matilda
to Long Island or possibly she may have stoped [sic] at Waterloo
tho she said nothing about it in her letter she had written
in great haste evidently. Shall be glad to welco-
me thee & Aunt Phebe as soon as you can
feel ready to come was quite disappointed to find
Amy had left thee indeed I had no expe-
ctation that Amy would feel such a wish
to go to Boston as must have been the case
I hope thee has had a good visit with Elisabeth
and your dear Father & Mother I wish they
could feel like coming with you and spend
6 Months or a year with us we would gladly
give up our bedroom to them. Bridget has
been quite unwell for two or three day past but
has gone out this afternoon Willie has been
to our house to day to dinner seemed as well
and as hapy [sic] as ever. Joseph Dugdale & wife
were at our house fifth day night they seem
as good as ever had Samanthy Wight
the same time & Harriet felt quite talkative
I presume ther [sic] visit was at least satisfactory to
(Page 2)
them & to us interesting they went in to Junious [sic]
Meeting I expect we shall have a visit from
them on there [sic] return when I hope thee & Aunt
Phebe will be hear [sic] to enjoy ther [sic] company _
Last evening we had one of the most terific [sic]
Thunder storms that I ever witnessed the
lightning streamed almost incesently [sic] & the
Thunder roared so that I believe every one
felt thrills of horror run through them
two houses were somewhat shattered on our
Street a little south of Hubbells -- the inmates
much frightened but not Injured. I hear ano-
ther fared the same fate on hill street and
it is said Judge Buells house about one
mile west is very much torn to pieces
but I have heard of no one Injured To
day it is mild a very growing time for vegi-
tation. [sic] I omited [sic] to say at the proper place the
rain fell in such torents [sic] that the streets
were more ponded than I ever saw
them Our friends a number of them have
gone to Junious [sic] I have had several Invi-
tations [sic] to accompany them that is ^a^ seat offerd [sic]
but I did not think best to go — We are expecting Green
of Greens Express here to morrow [sic] shall like to see
him. & we are thinking of hiring an adjoining
Store the one that fronts next to Irving ent-
rance the back end of our store butts against
it by makeing [sic] a door we can have room
enough for all our things & perhaps for more
I think we shall put the Sign of Greens Express
at the North door it will be one door West of
the Irving Entrance I am saying this to appologise [sic] for not going
(Page 1)
Rochester June 3[rd?] 1849
Dear Sister
Recvd [sic] a Letter from Amy day before
yesterday Dated Boston & as she does not make
her appearance which she might have done had she
have come home soon after the Boston Meetings
I am apprehensive she returend with Willett & Matilda
to Long Island or possibly she may have stoped [sic] at Waterloo
tho she said nothing about it in her letter she had written
in great haste evidently. Shall be glad to welco-
me thee & Aunt Phebe as soon as you can
feel ready to come was quite disappointed to find
Amy had left thee indeed I had no expe-
ctation that Amy would feel such a wish
to go to Boston as must have been the case
I hope thee has had a good visit with Elisabeth
and your dear Father & Mother I wish they
could feel like coming with you and spend
6 Months or a year with us we would gladly
give up our bedroom to them. Bridget has
been quite unwell for two or three day past but
has gone out this afternoon Willie has been
to our house to day to dinner seemed as well
and as hapy [sic] as ever. Joseph Dugdale & wife
were at our house fifth day night they seem
as good as ever had Samanthy Wight
the same time & Harriet felt quite talkative
I presume ther [sic] visit was at least satisfactory to
(Page 2)
them & to us interesting they went in to Junious [sic]
Meeting I expect we shall have a visit from
them on there [sic] return when I hope thee & Aunt
Phebe will be hear [sic] to enjoy ther [sic] company _
Last evening we had one of the most terific [sic]
Thunder storms that I ever witnessed the
lightning streamed almost incesently [sic] & the
Thunder roared so that I believe every one
felt thrills of horror run through them
two houses were somewhat shattered on our
Street a little south of Hubbells -- the inmates
much frightened but not Injured. I hear ano-
ther fared the same fate on hill street and
it is said Judge Buells house about one
mile west is very much torn to pieces
but I have heard of no one Injured To
day it is mild a very growing time for vegi-
tation. [sic] I omited [sic] to say at the proper place the
rain fell in such torents [sic] that the streets
were more ponded than I ever saw
them Our friends a number of them have
gone to Junious [sic] I have had several Invi-
tations [sic] to accompany them that is ^a^ seat offerd [sic]
but I did not think best to go — We are expecting Green
of Greens Express here to morrow [sic] shall like to see
him. & we are thinking of hiring an adjoining
Store the one that fronts next to Irving ent-
rance the back end of our store butts against
it by makeing [sic] a door we can have room
enough for all our things & perhaps for more
I think we shall put the Sign of Greens Express
at the North door it will be one door West of
the Irving Entrance I am saying this to appologise [sic] for not going
(Page 1)
The mind should be kept free from
every thing in the past. it shouts be
free to examine every thing in the
present and be ready to adopt that which
promises good in the future. This progress will
as natural to man as vegetation [to] in the
natural world all should feel this all
should realize that they are as much fav
ored as any have been in the worlds history
that the Deity favors them as individuals
as much as he has any of the children of
men and that all are subect to laws
uncha^ge^able [sic] altho [sic] some may suppose
new laws may be discovered yet that
is not the case the law is old but its
effects are new to the [enquiring?] mind
but natures laws will continually unfold
to the studious mind in many ways and this
intercourse is one of the channels through which much may be ^accomplished^
(Page 2)
Let me say to thee that we consider this
communion of Spirits with earth [inhabitant?]
as the most promising Sign of the times
that the world ever saw as we become
familiar truths will be unfolded of every vanity
such minute truths as are at present unthought
of and which in their effect upon coming
generations will be of the greatest importance
Then let none supose [sic] they have found all truth
let none feel that they have arrived to a stop-
ing [sic] place and turn there [sic] efforts bringing
others to their standard for if they do they will
not be in a condition to advance themselves
and then loose [sic] doing the good that it is
their privelage [sic] nay, there [sic] duty to do, and
they instead of leading in the ranks of
progression will become repulsers a sad
reflection certainly but by no means
a unlikely [condition] ^position^ to occupy
(Page 1)
[some?] Spirit that claims him as her husband
and what was remarkable none of us knew
but what he had a wife when [Mrs?] [Knost?]
was in the clayvoint [sic] state she discribed [sic] a
female as being interested for him he wished
to know in what relation she stood to him
she said, she says wife then he wished her
described which answered to the description
of the person he had before been told - she
was one that he had not seen in many
years and who tels [sic] him she has been an
inhabitant of the Spirit world 11 years
(Page 2)
and remained with him untill [sic] himself and
sister was convinced of the reality of these
things I think I am so much in [J?] N
Stebbing favor that he will receive my
Brother and wife with my wife very
cordially and his wife to [sic] she manifested
quite a desire to become acquainted
with thee I would be glad if thee could
meet my Friend Cory it seems he
has been one of the Circle that used
to meet at Leah with Stebbins and
wife at the he is a B[illegible] [Qr] [friends?]
(Page 1)
[Text in top margin, written upward]
Isaac
is to
write
some to go with
this &
I am in
hopes he
has done
much
better
than
I how
he likes
living
here I
do not
know
I do
not see
much
of him
Julia
has a cold I
tell E
it does not
look well
for a doct-
ors wife
to have her
cold last so
Rochester 15th 1845
Dear Sister
I have been asking I. if he is not
expecting to write home soon if so I would
like to write add something but he says
if I will write he will add & as he with
Edmund & Julia are gone to [Stittsen?]
I will commence. To begin seventh day
morning left Amy & Sarah at James
Havalands & I went to N.Y about my buisness [sic]
and returned in the afternoon found they had
been to dinner I had heard they dined late
but James did not come to dinner but Lydia
soon had something set for me Aunt Phebe
seemed rejoiced to see us. we with Lydia
went out & called on Ester she has 3 little
children so near of an age that it seems
they may be very equal play mates called
on William Renouf, 3 sisters they seem to live
very nicely. went to see J H new house it seems
very large 5 stories in the rear. Spent the
evening very pleasenty [sic] James & Phebe both
being at home she returned from Jericho at
night -- Amy & self thought best to
go to Stephen Willetts [obliterated] to lodge ar-
rived at 9. they gave us a kind welcome
their child is quite unwell with cold
first day morning went to Rose Street
meeting Carriages stood very thick in
Pearl street I could not ^tell^ why but learned
their occupants were gone to Friends meeting
on arriving found the house very much
filled Stephen took me around to the side
door were [sic] we found room near the Galery [sic]
G F Wright soon arose and said send
by whom thou will ^send^ even by me
& went on to say that the hireling mi
nisters are the greatest curse that the
Lord suffers to live that 999 out of every
1000 are Base Hipocrits [sic] &c and ^[illegible]^ felt
it it wright to turn to faith (said to
the pure all things are pure) and who
are the pure ask the Transendentalists [sic]
and they would say some of their number
and the abolitionists ^would refer^ to themselves some
of whom are fit only for scape Goats
fit only for the States Prison or the halter
(Page 2)
(of course he must be in favor of hanging)
after saying much more he turned to
the slave holder and did not leave him un-
till [sic] had he had raised him unto the
highest state of happiness singing hallu
luyas [sic] &c he being pure in heart
& then John Plummer arose & I dont
know but pretty well except he ad-
verted to what his brother had said rather
approvingly of course when one says
as much as G. did there must be some
good. but I did not see any good reason to
approve it in Public. We went to S Willetts
market Street had a very pleasant chat &
Amy staid [sic] with Sarah while we men went
to meeting G. preached again very path
etically telling some mistirous [sic] story
about ^the^ Lords bowing the heavens &
comeing [sic] down provided the tried one
will remain with his lips in the dust
&c &c went back to Cousin Samuels &
set an hour very pleasantly then went
to doctor Seamans were [sic] Sarah & Phebe
Haveland met us & James & Lydia came
in the evening at 9 we returned to Stepens [sic]
seven day morning Stephen took us
to see the wonders of the Island to the high
bridge it is a wonder full [sic] undertaking it
does seem like a great pitty [sic] to lay out
so much just to let vessels pass a very
short distance probably $500 per year wood would
more than make up all losses that can
occur by obstructing the navigation we
returned after a 4 hours ride very much
gratified spent the evening very pleasanty [sic] at Cousin
Edmunds some other of our Cousins were there next
morning to Roberts to breakfast I then went
down town town [sic] to have our things put
and met Amy & Sarah at M. Collins -- Amy
& Self went to the Antislavery Office but [Guy?]
had gone home we took seats in an Omnibus &
rode to Uncle Henry found Aunt Mary
alone Lydia & Sarrah [sic] were gone to Aunt
Rosettas at Wright store Mary to Catharines
& [Minterns?] Wife has a young son. However
we set down and had a pleasent [sic] chat with
aunt Mary. Mary [Jun?] soon came &
dinner to at 1/2 past 3 but neigh^ther^er [sic] of the
men we soon after Mintern came & at dusk
(Page 3)
Uncle Henry I think he feels better now that
he is in buisness [sic]. early in the evening we de-
parted took seats for the south fery [sic] then
seats for West ^east^ Broudway [sic] for we thought
by going to the starting place we should be
sure to get the right carriage for in the evening
it is very difficult to read what is in the side
Amy stoped [sic] at Uncle Samuel Willetts & she & Sarah
with [C R?] & wife spent the evening at Andrew Willetts
& I invited Stephen Willetts to go to [Amos?] & Joseph
Willetts we sat awhile pleasantly at [Amos’s?] and
then to Joseph, but they were gone so we went
home & I dont know who could have enjoy-
ed our company better that Maria for she &
the baby were alone. next morning that is [illegible] day
morning Joseph Willetts Maria Farrington &
soon after Joseph, wife came to call on us
J & wife went to see the exibition [sic] of [Coulered?]
orphens [sic] he was very much interested about
them & I believe our other Cousins have done much
for them & I suppose they see nothing improper
in this & yet how they blame others for doing even
less than they are doing themselves and are ready
to cast them off as being under delusion &c
I feel glad yes it ^is^ a peculiar satisfaction that
they are thus disposed to do good. is it not won-
derful to think how much can be brought
about by small individual faithfulness
it seems [20?] years ago two females commenced
with 4 or 5 little orphans in a small room &
now they have a very ^large^ house where comfort
& learning are communicated to 130 poor children
& were [sic] it is to be hoped the ground work
is laid for a life of usefullness [sic]. Cousin Joseph
said his sisterin [sic] law wished us to meet there [sic]
other cousins at ther [sic] house that eveng [sic] but
we thought it would not do to stay longer
I went down town & had our things put on
board then to Stephens Roberts to dinner &
then took leave of our Clinton Street Cousins Amy
& Sarah haveing [sic] done so before & went to [C. N.?]
Stephen came in time with his carriage to take
us to the steam boat. thus ended our very
agreeable visit in New York I think we never
made a more pleasent [sic] one & (Since I have been
home I have rembered [sic] thy [tooth man?] please
excuse me) we left N Y at five arrived at [Kingston?] at
12 found stage [slays?] in readiness to take us to Albany our
loads were very heavy but the [riding?] was good and the slays
were good & covoured [sic] we took breakfast at [Katskill?] about 6
(Page 4)
at Albany at 2 went to the Motts & made a
very good visit they read a letter from F Douglass
he writes very easy it was a good letter tells of incidents
that were not in his published letters among other things
he says if he writes or receves [sic] many letters it will bankrupt
him as all that he sends or receives [sic] he has to pay 50 cents
each. nex^t^morning [sic] very cold Thermometer 3 degrees
below Zero. we left at 1/2 past 7 and at Auburn
we had to tarry all night is it not interesting the
Cars going onely [sic] once a day & then stop all night
by the way it makes fine picking for the Taverns
we were superbly entertained at Auburn it
was very cold but we had the parlour to ourselves
& adjoining it our bedroom & adjoining that Sarahs
Room could not asked for better accomodations [sic]
& had only $2.00 to pay for all breakfast included
it was at the Auburn House. thence at 1/2 past
7 left for home & arrived at 2 met Isaac at the
car hous [sic] found all well but were a little disturbed
our Bag that contained a number ^of^ articles of some
value having been left on the way I made some
stir about it gave a discription [sic] &c and 2 day
it came on safe it having been left at Auburn
we met an abundance of Hogs that is Pork hu-
rrying on to an eastern market. Lewis [Burtis?]
is disowned by the Monthly Meeting tho he says
he is not yet disowned for he means to appeal
&c he sat alone on the high seat first day
and gave quite an exortation [sic] afternoon
anumber [sic] of our friends came and set with
us very agreeably. Sledding is good we found
a light snow but good sleding [sic] all the way
found it warmer here & I believe it has not
been so cold as further east Cousin Benjamin did
not take any pains to speak to me first day
he was silent what they will do with Lewis
I don’t [sic] know I saw B in close conversation
with our overseer and Elder [Ewer?] Sylvester
being to [sic] unwell to attend meetings & what
they have concluded upon I dont know
but I expect it provokes them very much
to have Lewis go in the Galory [sic] they seem to
wish no one to sit there and that will bring
B at the head of the meeting and when that
is settled why B will have gained his point
and there of course he will take his seat above
they now render Lewis poweless [sic] by leting [sic] no one
set with him B Coleman is unwell & therefore he can
not come we went to see him he seemed very glad
to see us. It seems to me I have written a very worth-
less letter but rest assured I should like to written a
more interesting one if it had been in my power I. Post
(Page 1)
I am willing to ask whether it is common to
receive communications from any we may desire to
and if so I will mention whom I have heard was very
desirous to have one from her departed husband_ It is Sarah
Hallock widdow [sic] of the late Edward Hallock_ She knows nothing
of my making this sugestion [sic], but having heard that she
was desirous of seeing thee when here and had talked of
writing to thee on the account I venture to mention it
hoping it will do no harm J
She has, I understand, been rather disconsolate since his death
(Page 1)
[Privite?] ) I went up to see Leah put her sleep to see Elias Hicks
but without saying what I wished to enquire about of course
she soon asked me ^after I spoke of him^ wither [sic] he was tall with a long neck &
She talked about him very freely and apparently with him
I told her some of ^us^ thought him almost equal to Jesus Christ
she said she was almost the^re^ she felt of her head & shewed [sic]
where Jesus head was different from Elias. thought him
Jesus in two points before him one error of E Hicks
was he put the scriptures to [sic] much in the place of God
signified his Ideas in regard to the Jewish wars was
incorrect as tho he excused the Jews for saying
god commanded wars that he never did. & he ^Elias^ was to [sic]
much of a Sectarian to [sic] exclusive he now says
the right way would be to meet perfectly free-
each old & yong [sic] feel free to speak of the gods they feel
without instruction & recommend living in Love &c
it was truly instructing to hear her. said in these
two particulars Jesus was before Elias but the
latter to [sic] would have given up his life for his prin-
cipals [sic]. Said she saw thee talking with some large
man it looked like my brother and Elias Hicks
was with thee helping thee talk with ^him^ said thy spi-
rituality was large & by using it would increase
I wish I could have written out what she said but
I could not. On asking if he had any thing more
to communicate she seemed to hesitate then asked
if his name was Kirby I said Jacob Kirby. oh yes
she said he says he will soon be with me & that she
did not mean a few days. I should think. but that
at the end he would be admitted in his man-
tion [sic] or company or whatever we may call it. I talked
of other things some but as she had so much to do it seemed
time to awake hr [sic] I ask her if it was ^time^ to awake her she
said after thee comes come it would be well for her to
come to our house and then about 3 times a week &
then write down what may be communicated
I turned her attention to the comming [sic] meeting at
Waterloo wither [sic] it would be best for me to go she said
there were those that would be glad to see me there she
thought some Good would grow out of the
meeting but not much at present
(Page 2)
^present^ but it looked to her that my attention would be required
at home. or that I should ^be^ needed I then requested to her to awake
feeling well she seemed to feel quite rested now I must go
to tea She said she saw it very bright about George Willet
thought things would soon be right with him & I went
over to George, some day [sic] ago he had not been to
the store as much as usual I went to see if he was
sick he was not at home & poor Ann felt bad
enough I asked if George was sick she said no
only his mind but she thought he had [gon?]
to our store I think he has felt better ever
since he attends to the Cars every time they
come in quite a relief to me but from what
Leah says it would see he will not stay
long with us What I mean by Such is I went [thr?]
to read first and see wither [sic] certain parts or pieces had
best be read to others I hear is thee what to do with my
scralls after reading of course they are to be free to
Sarah Edmund though by staying in N York Sixth
day night he could not do buisness [sic] in Albany first
therefore if he did not come from N York when he did
he would have to remain untill [sic] First day night or
2nd day he therfor [sic] concluded to do or he did rather than
wait as long however I think I should have reasoned
differently Henry Cook was buried yesterday he had been
failing for some time past Jacob one of the bearers
This is now first day & a delightfull [sic] day summer
like I went to Lewis Burtis this morning Sarah
has very much recruited meeting quite full had
very wordy preacher exortation [sic] from professer [sic]
Lewis he adverted to his tryals [sic] and to some, adm
inistering comforts to him in friendless situations
he longed to have sectarian disunities done
away and Love to fill their places &c E D [Grummond?]
seems recruiting they have a nice team of boys
and a snow covered wagon to go their Journey
it [sic] there [sic] healths are good it looks as tho they may
have a comfortable time I
hope they will