10/21/1869
Mary Post to Isaac Post
Dearly beloved believe not I have at any
time during any long silence been forgetful
of any of my precious friends but rather that
anxiety (?) and much serving with considera
-ble of the infirmly incident to some has
been an excuse how often in spirit I
desired to hold such communion but felt
rest was more necessary looking ahead
for the good time coming But I find it
grows quite easy to omit now what might
be done, still I think there may have been
no loss on your part only my Js (?) letters were
so far between and you are all so ceremonious
that we may not hear from you at all unless
we send a full return of paper at least _ but
if you only knew how much good your
letters do us you would try to gladden
our spirits by their frequency quite an
oasis in our life which you may know
needs all the bright influences I try what
I can with my bird which sings beautifully
and a small collection of flowers to cheer
(Page 2)
our deserted home and fancy sometimes
I have succeeded until some kind friend
tells me how lonesome it seems and I real
-lise it after having a visit of some days from
the girls Our dear E went home on second day
gained considerably but quite unable to
attempt much I guess was on the bed nearly
half the time days The two last seemed really
better so I hope she will improve more J (?) has
had a lonesome time indeed I hardly realize
the time or season This week we have been
quite stired (?) up after Edward & E left came
Sojourner (almost tired out I think with
riding about to see the sights jolting she said
over the stones she could hardly move) she was
in good spirits and rested up nicely when
she left She wished Amy P had been with her
and we must write and tell of her visit
what a good time she had had it was shorter
that she wished as she had engaged to go to
Orange on 7 day On 3rd day she rested had some
company in the evening I and self went to
the reception at (?) Rushmores next day we
went to see Mary Cock then a meeting in the
Hall for her which was quite large on 5 day I and (?)
(Page 3)
were invited to the marriage of William M Valentine
and Emily Post Sojourner going to W P Titus. We took
her to E Posts to tea then a meeting at the Colored Church
?? 3 day have had a pleasant time at home she is
brighter than ever I see her I am astonished at the
depth and clearness of many of her views We have
a new teacher she had toothache and did not go
to the lecture in the hall I invited her to come and
dine with us Which she did the first time she had
been in A.'(?) diner I said I wish thee had been at
the church last night we had a grand lecture
on temperance Womans rights suffrage and
so forth Oh she said I don't believe in womans
rights -- I have all the rights I want and(?) Sojour^ner^
heard it and gave her such a lesson as will be
remembered I guess allways [sic] I thought faithful
are the wounds of a friend It seemed in a
very kind spirit but very sharp a kind of
overpowering argument which the poor girl
showed her ignorance in trying to refute
Sojourner said after poor child I don't believe
she will forget that I wanted to do her good
and give her something to think of I
think she is quite hopeful of getting some
considerable help At the church it was propo
-sed to take up a collection for her She rose
and in a very dignified way declined it No chil
-dren I cannot accept the offering you too are
poor and need it I must go to the rich I feel
grateful to you for your kindness in proposing
(Page 4)
to assist me and the recollection of my visit to
you is very pleasant perhaps I may come again
if so I hope to find you progressing if I do not
may we meet on Canans shore etc (?)
letter is and it is bed time too J (?) has gone to bed
but I will add a little so it may go soon
Have been very busy to day tried to get some one
to help us but failed been ironing salted 120# of
blue fish made tomatoe [sic] pickles 2 kinds with Mary
help and am nearly down tonight of course
Lydia Hicks was in awhile said she had been
trying to get some extra help too but failed said
she was almost discouraged work so plenty &
so few to do it In the country there are so many
things to be looked after that city people are
exempt from that I almost envy you in that
particular We were interested in the act of
your visit to the progressive meeting etc etc
but was sorry to hear you are not looking towar^d^
L.I. The L.I. friends are so attracted to Rochester though(?)
I hope you will return some of our visits to keep
us in countenance am quite disappointed
that Edmund Sarah & Catharine do not expect to
come we had been anticipating it with pleasure
expect we shall have fine weather yet tho.
just at present it is cloudy and threatens rain
William and Emily Valentine have gone to
Niagara and suppose they spent a night
in your city on their way out Their marr
-iage entertainment etc was altogether illegible character
pleasant & satisfactory I don't know the num
-ber present perhaps 60 or 70 They invited Mary
R E and L very unexpected that she would ever
go so far to a wedding She enjoyed it & looked
quite bright a large collection of gifts mostly
(Page 5)
of the useless kind gold & silver which
bring so many care's [sic] with them Solomon
Jackson & Esther gave a beautiful gift china
tea set & Rachel Post a pair of nice blank
ets which were exceptions The same evening
Saml & Sarah Willets NY gave a party for Robt
R Willets and bride and William Willets and
his bride The reception at Cousin R Rs was
the week before At I (?) Rushmores they had quite
a house full I should guess 100 many I was
unacquainted with Howards wife seems
affable and is quite interesting looking
have not become much acquainted with her
I fear she will have some hard lessons
to learn & her aunt told me she knew
nothing about work - Some manage
to glide along without care or labor &
are content with the management of
others I believe she expects to be at Stephens
this winter if so she may learn much that will
be of service to her Perhaps you may have
heard it mentioned that Amelia Post has
been poorly the past summer very nervous
some weeks ago we heard she was deranged
which continues but they think a little impro
-vement they have to watch her constantly as
(Page 6)
she is weary of life ^Fifth day morning^
yesterday was monthly meeting had
considerable company among the num
-ber was Henry Willets family and they
are feeling very much relieved Amelia
seems nearly well Cousin Mary said it
was hysterical hypochondria the Dr
told them all the time she would come
out of it that it was purely nervous that
the brain was not affected still she said
no one could know what she had passed
through in anxiety & watching the past
3 or 4 months Saml Catharine & children
were also here Mary not very well for some
days but better then some fever looking heavy
eyed Phebe P is a very fine baby requiring
good care then she is very happy crowing
& laughing but tires her mother very thoro-
-ughly every day weighs 18# which is no
excuse from the jumping inclinaton
Had a letter from Elisabeth since she
got home is improving now stood the ride
better I shall go in a few days to assist
a little before 2 M(?) I am trying to
fill a barrel or box to send to the
(Page 7)
freed people in VA had letter begging
for clothing or bedding the corn
crop nearly a failure Howard & wife
on their return said it would probably
be exhausted by Christmas and great suff
ering must ensue Catharine brought me
a nice large bundle I have often been
surprised how many garments a barrel
would hold and I am giving my time now
in trying to fill it got a woman too to
help me clean house I guess some of the
irons will burn and if they do it seems
from accounts I should not be alone Phebe
W Titus yesterday said I get no time to read now
illegible xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
illegiblexxxxxxxxxxx but I guess we shall
get through sometime it is so difficult
to find help is one reason but you have
enough too it may be an encouragem^ent^
to find others in the same fix The
report of the Phil Freedman Association of the
present year is a very interesting one such
desire for knowledge and the devotion
of the teachers to the work is beautiful
giving up home comforts ease & it may be
(Page 8)
health (?) to do them good -- I hope we may
not grow weary in aiding with our money
in the work tho the calls are quite frequent
to assist in building or paying teachers we
owe a great debt which money can never pay
Our flowers look quite bright though we have had
some frost several mornings I know this will
be quite stale Catharine will tell all that is worth
telling before this reaches you but will send it poor
as it is. (Mary Robbins Post)
(New writer)
This morning a very general ^white^ frost
and considerable ice cold most like winter
in going with milk next week shall not
have to go so early 1/2 past 8 which will
suit much better. We are repairing our
meeting house and sheds it will be prety [sic]
heavy tax for us somewhere from 500 to
1000 dollars but as our Friends seem to
feel so much more liberality(?) can help
them with much better feeling than a few
years ago. We have around us quite a pe-
-culiar feeling about the plains Stewart
has been buying some places that lay in
his way for large prices 250$ per acre
and more has offered William Valentine and
sons that but they want 275$. another party
have been around and offered about that
sum for the old plain lot I mean the
mowing plains that we used to own
they pay a little money and put off for
6 months to a year before taking a deed
and paying in full and proberly [sic] will forfit[sic]
by that time. farewell Joseph Post
John Q. Howe to Isaac Post
March 13, 1869
Written on woven gray paper letterhead
JOHN Q. HOWE,
DEALER IN FLOUR, MEAL, FEED & GRAIN
And Manufacturer of Barley, Wheat and Yeast Malt.
MALT CRUSHED IF DESIRED.
STONE MILL AND MALT HOUSE, PHELPS, Ontario Co., N.Y.
Phelps Mar 13/69
Dear Sir
Through the public print I observe
"Sojourner Truth" is laboring to get employment for
the idle population of the South,
We want a good girl to do House work
& you will do us a favor to record us as an
applicant for same & notify me when they
arrive & we will come up select for ourselves
Yours Truly
John Q. Howe
(Page 1)
[Toledo?] August
25/67
When I got home to Battlecreek [sic]
I asked Mrs Titus to write
to you and tell you I had
got safely home, but
whether she did or not I
cannot say.-
How is Aunt Mary and
the women I brought you
getting along, and the
rest of the women, I do
want very much to know
and how is the little
baby of Mrs. Willis’s, it
was so poorly when I
came away, did it live or
die?- I've bought me a
lot with a farm on it and
I’m going to fix the farm
into a house and think I
(Page 2)
shall be very comfortable &
then I shall want you to
come and see me.-
Have you heard any thing [sic]
about the money I paid
for those colored people
from Washington to
Baltimore- I wish I had
the money, do write to me
about it as soon as you
can and please don’t forget
my other questions and
direct it to the care of
Richard Merrit Battle Creek
I went to [Adrin?] to try and
raise a little money and
come down here to see what
I should do- I brought my
grandson Sammy hoping to
find a place for him tho’
I hope to have him with me
again by & by.-
(Page 3)
I want you to read this to
Aunt Mary, tell her I
would write to her, but I
have hard work to get
so manny [sic] letters written-
did her nephew come yet
I have had one sick,
time, trouble with my
bowels but am quite
well now and hope to
keep ^so^ - I hope you are
all well and want very
much to hear from you
With much love to you
all from
Sojourner Truth
Sojourner Truth, an abolitionist and former slave, is writing mostly likely to fellow activist, Amy Post. Battle Creek is a town in Michigan. The members of the Titus family were relatives of the Post family. Aunt Mary may refer to Post's step-daughter. Mrs. Willis could refer to Post's sister, Sarah Willis. Truth refers to her work with the Freedman's Bureau in Washington D.C. The Freedman's Bureau was founded after the Civil War to help former slaves find food and housing, education, health care, and employment.
(Page 1)
Youngstown NY
Apr 22nd 1867
Sojourner Truth
Madam, Having read
in a Rochester paper there was to be
a number of Freedmen & women
brought to that City desiring emp
loyment, I wish to inquire if they
if they are capable of doing housework of
all Kinds, can they supply the
place of our white girls? Can they
cook & I do not expect all can, but
do any of them understand it, Help
is very scarce here, I have talked to a
number about employing those
you speak of. The reply in every
case has been will they answer
our purpose. I know of no other
way to find out than to write
(Page 2)
If you will let me know I will
do all I can, to get some of them
good Christian homes. As
some of the people here take
a Rochester paper, it would
be necessary to let us know
when they arrive. A number of
us take the “Rural New Yorker”
printed in that City and
also a monthly periodical the
Earnest Christian, should it
be published in either of those
hundreds who are in need
of help would see it. If you
deem it worth while drop me
a line as to what you think
about their work, and oblige
Yours Truly
Direct Jennie Lewis
Ransomville
Niagara Co. N.Y.
(Page 1)
York April 10th/67
To Sojourner Truth
Dear friend having
had my attention called to
a notice in the Rochester
Evening Express regarding colored
servants I thought I would like
to try one I would ^like^ a good strong
young woman able and willing
to do any kind of house work
I would ^like^ to know about what
wages she would expect and
what is to be done if she proves
to be dishonest or lazy or for
any other reason we could not
keep her and also what time they
are expected in Rochester
I am a farmer have a wife and
six children and one hired man
if she should do well we would
probably keep her some years
There are two or three other farmers
who go to the same church
(Page 2)
that we do, so that the girls
could see one another occasionally
that I think would ^take^ some of
those if they thought they
could be relied on
Please write soon
James Milroy
York
Livingston Co.
N. Y.
(Page 1)
Leroy April 3rd/67
Miss or Mrs Truth:
I have seen
what has been published
in the Rochester Demo-
crat in regard to your
having a Freedmans
Beaura [sic] in Rochester. I
wish you might succeed
in your worthy attempt
here if you can. I wish
you might send several
to me. A number of
ladies have tryed [sic] to
get some of the colored
people to come here
from Washington but
(Page 2)
each endeavor has failed
and now are so anxious
to get them we are
going to give you our
encouragement.
If you will send me
any number of
women or girls. less
then ten I will
want them all good
home in [ones?] familys [sic].
as for my self [sic] I am
very anxious for a girl
that is willing to
learn. a good disposition
apt & cleanly. if I
should secure one
that I liked and one
that liked me I will
promise here [sic] a home
(Page 3)
as long as she shall live
our family is a small
one contsisting for ^of^ my
Mother a sister and
my self. If I could not
get a girl such as you
know I would want
I would be willing to
take a boy of sixteen
or so, such a one as I
could mannege [sic] and
would be of some help.
If you will please
answer me and let me
know if you can furnish
me and my friends.
and if any thing [sic]
more than I have
said will be required
of me you will greatly
(Page 4)
please your friend
and well wisher
Ruth Andrews
Leroy,
Wyoming Co N.Y.
(Page 1)
York March 22d/67
Madam,
I read in the Express
that a number of freed people
are about to be transported to
Rochester & as I have to hire a man
I have concluded to send for one.
I want a good strong honest fellow,
one that understands farming, age
from 25 to 35, We may probably take
a young girl if we can get a suitable
one, Mr Alex, Walker will take a
man of the above description.
Yours
Daniel J Walker
(Page 1)
Sojourner Truth
I have
just read in the Express that
there will be some Collered [sic]
people in Rochester wishing a
home I would like one to Come
and live with me- and my wife
we have no family and would
like to have one who is bright
smart and active Molatto girl
for a help if I could know
when they come I would come
and select one about twelve
years old
G.W. Weeks. Webster
Monroe Co N.Y
(Page 1)
So. Livonia Mar 20.1867
Mrs. [Storg?]
Sawing [sic] a notice in one of the
Rochester papers in regard to finding homes
for the freed people that are now in Wash
ington, I would say that I would take one
House servant, one that could learn to cook
Wash and iron. I am a farmers wife with
a small family and only two children. I
would give one a home as long as She would
be contented to stay. I would like one about
30 yrs of age or little older. I would say, that I
think I could find good homes for five or
six of these here
Yours &c
Mrs. C. M. Hitchcock
South Livonia. Livi. Co. N.Y.
(Page 1)
Canandaigua March 19. 1867
Sojourner Truth
Dr Madam
I saw
in a Rochester paper your proposition
to furnish families &c with labourers
I want a woman as cook & general house
worker in a family of three persons
If your time is not too much occupied
please answer stating whether you can
procure such an [sic] one and at what time
Very Respectfully Yours
B. Munger
(Page 1)
Mar 19t/67
Parma Center
Mr Sojourner Truth
Dear Sir having
Concluded to obtain a servant
through your agency I address
this communication I Want a Female
servant at the erliest [sic] opportunity
P.S. address Parma Center
Monroe Co NY
S K Odell
(Page 1)
Rochester March 19/
I see by ^the^ advertising Columns that
you are prepared to furnish these
washing, Servant girls with Colored help
if you can furnish me with a woman
twenty five or thirty years of age Send
me word as soon as possible A Smart Int
-elligent one to do general housework
there is [sic] Several about here wishing
help as above Stated and will be
glad to get help
Mrs N King
Address Mrs Nelson King
Riga Monroe Co
N.Y.
(Page 1)
Meacedon Mich 18th 1867
Isaac Post
Dear Sir
I want a
hired girl for the season
I thought perhaps through you
could secure one of the freed-
woman [sic]. our family is
small consisting of
self wife with small
House to take care of
and have been paying 12/
per week for the last year
want a girl that can wash
& Iron and do general
Housework. wife would
oversee the Cooking & [illegible]
would refer you to Elias Doty
Resp
G.S. Glen
(Page 1)
Scipioville Cayuga County
March 18” 1867.
We would like to get a man
& wife from your importation
of freed people when they ar-
rive, provided you have a
couple; say about thirty years
of age, suitable for general
farm work; the woman com-
petent for general house work, the
man for outside work. We
occupy the farm lately owned
by S.G. Pettitt brother in law
of Col E. M. Pope of Rochester,
to whom we would refer.
If we can learn from you
that you can supply our
wants as above, we will com [sic]
and see you.
To Sojourner Truth Your
Care Isaac Post C. A. Darling
Rochester
(Page 1)
Victor March 16th/67
Sojourner Truth
I see in the Rochester Express
that you are furnishing the
People with Freedmen and
women I will say to you
I want a girl to work in
a farmers house to do all
kinds of household affairs
such as washing ironing
baking cooking &c one that
has had some experience in
such affairs and I will try
one
Baldwin Green
Victor Ontario
Co
N.Y
(Page 1)
Jeddo Orleans co NY
March 16th 1867
Sojourner Truth
Madam
having noticed an article
in relation to your Endeavor
ing to find Homes for Freed
peoples would say- we are
in want of a girl- one that
is smart & Knows how to do
washing–Ironing & Baking & to
to such a one-would pay
liberal wages & give her a
good Home. if their is any
chance of getting such a
one would go to Rochester
for her, yours Truly
AK Smith
P.S. live in the country &
in the milling Bufs ^Business^
(Page 1)
Seneca Falls Mch. 15 ≈/67
Sojourner Truth
Madam
As we
are desirous of employing some of
the Freed people, we therefore apply
to you. We wish two, A man
who understands something of garden
ing if we can procure such. If not
one who can and will learn. We
also wish a young girl not
above eleven or twelve years old
to assist in taking Care of Children
We would like to be supplied
as early as possible, and will
start for Rochester, as soon as you
notify us their arrival
Truly yours
J.C. Thayer ^and^ Son
(Page 1)
15th
Lee Roy [sic], Genesee Co Mar
Sojourner,
On taking up the paper
night before last, I read the notice
addressed to the public in behalf
of the southern freed people. I thought
best to write immediately, as I shall
want help soon. You probably will
not remember me, by seeing my name
and perhaps can not atl all call
me to mind, I met you I think 17 yrs
ago in Boston. You used then to visit
Mrs Sterns family at the South part
of the city. I then lived in the house
with them. And had been married
but a year or so, with a babe. I was
interested in your cause, as I have
always been, and have frequently
called you to mind, and seeing your name
(Page 2)
mentioned in print. My family has in
creased since then till I number 6
children, the youngest nearly 6 years
I moved here little more than 15 years
ago, this being my husband’s native
town. The help I have had has been
Irish, my present girl has been with
me 10 years and now expects to be
married before a great while. This
I think a pretty good recommendation
on both sides. It is now most imposs-
ible to get help who are willing to be
with children. I should want a
strong woman, one who understands
washing and ironing, as that is a great
item with me. I should be willing
to teach her and have patience with her
,if she is willing, and disposed to learn.
I now expect to be in Rochester, on
Wednesday, and would like to see you
and could then give you more partic
ulars I think there are many here
who would like help. There are 6 or
(Page 3)
7 now in town that were sent here
some months ago, but they are not
sending any more from the same source
As I shall not know where to find
you or Mr Post, if you will drop
a line in the post office, so that I
can get it that day, or send word
here, I would like to see you, as I
have no particular stopping place
when in Rochester. It would oblige
me, direct to
(Page 1)
South Lima Feb. 22.” ^1867^
Miss Sojourner Truth
Having seen Your notice
in Rochester Democrat in regard [sic]
to the freed People wishing
Employment I take this
opportunity of informing
you that I am in want
of and will Employ a Woman
to do House Work [sic] on a farm
family small a young
woman 18 or 20 years old
prefered [sic]. I am willing
to benefit the freed People
as well as to accommodate
myself therefore will pay her
the same as white women
get for the same kind of
labor Should like to know
how soon they are expected
(Page 2)
to arrive in Rochester
if and whether I can
depend upon housing
one if it is not too
much trouble please
inform me, and I will
try and aid you in getting
Situations for others
in this section
I am Yours respectfully
Theodore Backus
South Lima
Livingston County
N York
(Page 1)
Washington Feb. 16th,18-1867
Dear Mrs Post,
We are in recpt [sic] of your kind
& interesting letter for which please accept
our warmest thanks. We had been hoping
for one many days & at last it came
like a white dove. laden with peaceful
breathings from your kind heart
We are exceedingly pained to learn that
Mr post has been so ill. I fear these severe
attacks will undermine his constitution ere
long _ do you know an idea flashed
across my mind While reading of his
illness that the odor of the drugs
& chemicals in the store is too power-
ful for his sensitive condition & that
much of his illness may be ascribed
to that cause We are rejoiced that
he is convalescent & hope the golden
link Which unites his spirit to this
world may be lengthened as far
as is possible & that When 'tis at
last severed it will be without
pain. Give him our best love &
tell him not to overtax his little
strength. _ _
(Page 2)
It is truly a happy event for Susie &
Holland that he has at last been at-
tracted to some buisness [sic] that promises [sic]
success _ & I do not wonder that they
are full of happiness in consequence
I have no doubt it will be the stepping
stone to an active business life
for Holland has good capacity:
Experience in part of years _ How
glad Susan must be _ she has been
patient & waited so long _ God spare
them _ I hope to hear from Susie
soon.
The "[Bus?] parking" will unquestion
ably prove a success - as soon as the
companies are organized _ & With
regard to the profits of the gentleman
Who discovered the process - you know
nothing could be done without him
or then he is one of the right stamp
a true Friend of humanity whom
the Angels ought to crown with
success _ , the only difficulty appre
hended is in the unsettled political
condition of that state (Texas) but
if Congress proceeds as rapidly with
Reconstruction as written the past
[wile?] we shall soon be able to
(Page 3)
live in any part of the south.
Nettie arrived here Tuesday morning
& remained until Thursday Eveing [sic].
a flying visit surely. but enough to
give us a glimpse of her. & to recieve [sic]
many messages from our friends in
Rochester & Buffalo of which she was
the bearer. We invited a few frieds [sic]
to meet her at our rooms Wedenesday [sic]
Evening. Mr Richmond (Hollands'
Father) & Mrs Townsened [sic] the speakers
were among the number. Nettie was
controlled very pleasantly & all
Were much delighted with her.
She goes to Charlestown Mass.
We have just recd [sic] a letter from her written
at New York _ she seemed well & in good
spirits. We hope she will return here
after her engagement Closes in C. _
The Friends in Rochester can spare her
for a while & there seems to be a purpose
on the part of the invisibles to Concntrate [sic]
all the influence here that is possible
We heard thro Nettie of the test
to Which you Lyceum has been subjected
on the question of human rights
We are glad it happened & that the
members were compelled to show
their true colors . If the Lyceum
(Page 4)
does not predicate its existence upon
the basis of entire right - & the equality
of all persons - the sooner it is broken
up the better. We have no fears however
When You - Mr & Mrs Hebard & Mrs
Watson are at the helm - They cannot
afford to lose the only workers they
have.
Dear old sojourner - give her our
love _ & tell me she cannot be [illegible] ^any^
nearer heaven on Earth _ than she
now is. safely resting under your
wing & roof _ We hope she will talk
plain truths to the people _ _ how
beautiful is the contemplation of what
her condition will be in the world of
souls. The starry crown outwrought
from her glorious life, [als?] tell
her we think & speak of her so often
- - - -
As for ourselves we are delightfully
located (for Washington) & our
lovely little "Etta" unfolds every day
in beauty & intelligence like the rose
as fresh and beautiful. she grows
so large & scolds so sweetly. We
have a nice little Colord [sic] girl Who
helps take care of her _ & instead
amuses her most of the time.
Baby loves her very much _
(Page 5)
There is much of interest politically
The last few days have brought Congress
to a definite policy - & the House
has already passed two measures
Which will settle the whole plan
of Reconstruction. but of these matters
I leave my husband to write. The
dear one grows joyous over the
prospect of seeing some definite
plan adopted that will enable
us to go south & engage in the
great work of reconstruction.
Spiritually the Elements here
are divided. The Scociety [sic] here
is Composed of Conservatives
Entirely - & we have no association
or afiliation [sic] with them whatever.
no speakers are engaged except
those who eschew politics entirely.
hence their Audiences are small &
their lectures weak. There is
a radical element here - however
& it reaches out in all reformatory
directions . & it is destined to do
a silent yet great work here in
influencing congress & briging [sic]
order out of Chaos. -
(Page 6)
But I am so much of a mother that
I am almost wholley [sic] absorbed in my
fate & so much of a wife that Husband
& Rosebud are ever uppermost in
my thoughts. still I am willing to
be the instrument of any good that
can be accomplished without injury
to those sacred duties which claim
everything. - Darling will finish
this & tell you somewhat of politics
baby is calling & I must close with
love to your entire household &
all friends - & blessings upon you
now & evermore
Cora L.V. Daniels
[Rest of letter is written by N W Daniels and transcribed as Letter 1601]
8 mo 23/63
Dearly Beloved
On the receipt of your truly
acceptable letter I felt just like answering it im
-mediately and should have done so had not my duty
to a sick and suffering sister come in the way
(Sally Ann Bond who was yesterday released from
her great suffering cancer and dropsy) I wanted
to prepare things for her and then to go there and
the next day I accompanied J who was at work
getting hay at Roslin [sic] to see Sarah Mott found
her pretty comfortable but been very poorly since
you were there had quite a pleasant visit and
was glad if I had contributed to her happiness
Then to James Motts Elizabeth at home and well
but I thought not feeling quite as cheerful
as sometimes I took all your letters received
since your return and read to her and we
recounted all the pleasant memories of your
visit she said it was unusually pleasant to
her and I tried to urge the necessity for
her happiness to mingle more with her friends
and neighbors Miss Crapon was there spending
(Page 2)
a few days and E said she was sorry to let her go alone
making calls but (she excused herself from going with her)
but really she felt but little inclination she has staid [sic]
at home so much that it is irksome to exert herself suff
-icently I told her I knew well the feeling but almost alw
ays I felt the better for going and mingling with my
neighbors and even that very afternoon I almost regretted
having spoken about going She was supprised [sic] to hear I ever
felt so I do not think she feels much better reconciled to
her present home than at first says it has increased
their cares and she would gladly lessen them and
live in a very small way James was at Great Neck moving
a building but I did not think of making so long a story
out of my reason for not replying immediately and when
the right time passes over we may not see the necessity as
much then M[onthly] M[eeting] at Matinecock and Jericho both of which we
attended at [ours?] R H was exercised on ac[coun]t of the growing sentime
-nt among friends of doubting & reasoning on parts of the scriptures
the miracles and other parts incomprehensible to us the Jewish
law was adapted to the state of the people at that time and
even now we saw ample illustration that there were those
who could only be controled [sic] by the force system that God was
able now to raise the dead &c &c that we had even considered
them as secondary quoting Barclay who she believed was a
standard work on all except original sin & the atonement
our part of society could not acknowledge she was quite leng
thy and it seemed to me she labored for very little profit
seldom has it seemed so clear the desired object was not
attained after all her exercise soon after she took her
seat Stimonson rose spoke of Jesus of his life of obedience
to all the requirements of his day that he often said it
(Page 3)
was often said by those of old times thus and so quoting
but I say onto you lose your enemies &c &c he imposed no
burdens on his followers but that they should come into the
childlike teachable state of obedience to the will of their heave
-nly father that it was not well to look back but to press forward
Edmund followed in quite a hopeful strain that he had felt
encouraged in meeting so large a number and so many young
people spoke of the evils wh[ich] were laying waste the community
intemperance & other evils abounded and we ought to be
[alive?] and in earnest to maintain a faithful testimony against
evil in all its many ramifications that we might leave the
world better for having lived in it &c went to Henry Titus to
dine 18 of us accepted of their hospitality at Jericho the meeting
was small our girls said there were only 9 females of that [P?] Meeting
and fewer from the other meetings I looked back to the time when Amy
and I were girls and how different then from the present [Ardon?]
spoke and we thought very well but he told us an elder told him
he was all wrong that day Mother not as well as usual I spent
the afternoon with her J and girls went to Henrys Today Rachel
spoke well as she has generally done lately shorter and in
a way to encourage obedience to duty Dorinda and children
are here they have gone to Uncle Jamess since tea and I am
the only occupant of home It is sadning [sic] to me to have the
dear children so misled as I think they are coming up in
all the formal observance of days [at home?] Minnie said
this afternoon why it dose [sic] not seem much like Sunday here
it seems most like other days I asked her what they done at
home why we go to church and then we sit down and mother
reads the bible to us – We had had reading but it had not
been the bible It reminded me of H C W joyless Sundays I
have known a long time she would not allow them to play
how different all would have been if their father had lived
The orthodox are zealous in their first day school and they
have a bible class meet at each others house weekly
met once at Phebe Titus Edward Rushmore is very much
interested in them and the school also Edward Hicks went
to P Titus but was not all suited told Phebe he should have
been much better satisfied had he remained at home [and?] enga
-ged in silent prayer so you see we are still earnest
some in one way and some in another we are trying
a little to get signatures to the womens petition but succeed
poorly some say slavery is virtually abolished some say congress
has no power some want to keep clear of all intermedling [sic]
that the subject is gaining and we have signed petition [so?]
(Page 4)
but what has it amounted to Fifth day here this is yet
scarcely a minutes time have I had since first day
we have had company steadily since second day we
were out making calls and some acquaintance from Oyster
Bay came they were just gone and I had doned [sic] by visiting rig
for my working dress when we were delighted by a new
arrival W. & Mary Third day Stephen & family & Uncle James girl and
yesterday quite a company mostly of N Yorkers and strangers to you
I presume who will come to day is not known as yet Dorinda
and girls want to go to see M K Underhill this afternoon We hope
W and Mary will come back soon I tried to convince them we
had quite as much claim on them as any other family Mother
is failing and I am feeling for Hannah fearing too much will
come on her Mothers woman is away now her child is deceased
There have been many accidents but as my paper is nearly full
and I think likely Elizabeth has mentioned them Henry Havi
-land has just lost their two oldest children only one little one
left and Valentine Seaman their youngest cousin P Haviland
is in a critical condition and they very much fear she will
not regain her health tho more comfortable just now
There [crossed out word] no epidemic but deaths are very frequent
around us Hicks Albertson had been sick but recovered
in degree so as to attend business was taken with spasms
and died in a few hours We have had extreme warm
weather for several weeks but night before last had a fine
rain and now the weather is delightfully cool too
cool to sit with open windows Joseph has gone to
take some things to send to the Hospital at Fort
Schuyler there are a great many there All supplys [sic] are
stoped [sic] being sent to Davids Island where the rebel prison
are in many instances people who had not contributed
any thing for the union wounded were anxious to give
to the rebel so it was easy to see where their sympathy was
The Draft is going on in N Y see some names that we know
among the number is Howard Wright [J?]DW son & J Wilids
R R Wilids son how our Nephews will fare is to be seen
Matilda is not al all well the root or [ilegible] [difficulty?]
in her mouth seems to be the cause Had a letter from
Lucretia lately she spoke of the remarkable character
of the col[ored] troops said they committed no depredations whatever
and were very superior every way to the white regiments so their officers
said E M Davis has been very much interested in them Thomas Mott has
gone to Europe again affectionately Mary
[Mary Robbins Post]
Roslyn, NY is a village in Nassau County on the north shore of Long Island
Great Neck, NY is a village in Nassau County on the north shore of Long Island
Matinecock,NY is a village located within the Town of Oyster Bay in Nassau County
Jericho, NY is a hamlet in Nassau County on the north shore of Long Island
Robert Barclay (1648-1690): Scottish Quaker; published Apology for the True Christian Divinity: Being an Explanation and Vindication of the Principles and Doctrines of the People called Quakers. (1676 ) which set forth the tenets of the Quaker religion in the form of fifteen theses; aruged that all true knowledge comes from divine revelation and is imparted directly to the individual
Perhaps refers to Stimonson Powell, a Quaker minister from Westbury Monthly Meeting
Women’s petition: On May 14, 1863, Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton called a meeting of the Women's National Loyal League. The League called for the immediate abolition of slavery and gathered signatures on petitions asking Congress to “pass at the earliest practicable day an act emancipating all persons of African descent held to involuntary service or labor in the United States."
Oyster Bay, NY: a hamlet on the north shore of Long Island in Nassau County
Fort Schuyler: located at the southeastern tip of the Bronx; includes McDougall Hospital a U.S. military hospital that treated wounded soliders during the war
Lucretia Mott(1793-1880): well-known Philadelphia Quakers; leader of the abolition and women’s rights movements
Edward Morris Davis (1818-1897): Abolitionist and Philadelphia merchant was married to James and Lucretia Mott’s daughter Maria Mott (1812-1897)
William and Mary (Post) Hallowell? daughter of Isaac and Hannah Post
Westbury 7/1st/ 63
Dear Brother & Sister
Ere brother’s letter came to hand we felt it
was quite time to hear from you and for many days
since I have been looking for a spare hour to devote to
you but here as elsewhere life has so many requirements
that it is easy to put off that which can be done tomorrow
and altho the spare hour has not come I will lay aside
my mending for a little and say it was very pleasant
to hear from you how you passed the time after leaving us
we heard of your going to Staten Island but did not know
when you left Since that J had business in NY I accomp
-anied him and we spent a night at the Dr on S.I. they
done what they could to make our visit very pleasant
next morning was quite rainy but they gave us quite a
ride saw a great many elegant & expensive establishments
& a great profusion of roses yards & yards of surface of the
house’s lattice was covered with white & red roses the view
was not as fine on ac[coun]t of the rain It cleared off before
we reached NY we went to the great strawberry show &
saw the finest specimens that we ever saw or dreamed
of but think we could have judged better as to [quality?]
if we had tasted them We then spent some money
for necessary wants which goes but little way in these
high times then to Mrs Lavin’s she and Mary Ann
(Page 2)
Johnson & children were preparing to leave for Providence
to spend some 2 weeks with Paulina Davis We found
Frances D Gage there and had a delightful visit of
a couple of hours with them they think their Long Wood
meeting was never better than this & very large
2nd I laid this aside to pick strawberries for tea then as Mary
was away and the girls had gone to tea to Valentine Hicks I
found in feeding chickens making fire and other necessary
preparations for the evening meal enough to take all my
thought and to day have been fully occupied among other
things in putting up strings for the morning glorys to
run on then in hunting up all the [embriyo?] catterpiller [sic]
nests around the house and finally in pitting cherries
for drying they were last year very acceptable to the hos
-pitals and we then dried a great many for that purpose
and contemplate doing what we can the men as so
busy that we have them to pick also They are hay
making the droughth [sic] has made the crop a light one
and also a fine time to get it. Wages are so high
that many find it difficult to obtain the necessary
assistance 2$ a day and raw Irishmen direct from
the ship are asking 25 and 30$ per month grain is nearly
ripe our folks hope to finish hay first The country begins
to look quite brown and parched had a nice shower all
(Page 3)
around us 2 weeks ago quite light here S R Hicks has been
out to Illinois says it is very dry in that section There are
some indications of rain now but have been disappointed so
oft by appearances that from the sound of the mowing machine
in the neighborhood it is not expected Since you were here
we made a visit to White Stone found Aunt Mary and 2 daughters
there Nehemiah Hallock & wife & Susan Valentine so that it was
quite a family gathering Aunt Mary stood it so well that she
thinks she shall come to Westbury she wants to make one
more visit and we desire it also the plan is to come in
the boat to Roslyn and J to meet them and bring them
to our house The girls are overflowing with their religion
but so sincere & childlike in their questions about other ideas
that it is not tiresome Jehiel Hoyt has arrived left Phebe
and is desirous for Matilda & Howard to return with him
I think she will not go but I doubt not she would enjoy
it very much she is interested in both nature & art and
is very nearly united in feeling to Jehiel and he says
she could never visit Europe under more favourable aus
-pices Hannah and I have had a great time changing
Mother’s & Aunt Lizzys things the woman she had [when?]
you were here got to drinking terribly got another but
she did not answer and it seemed absolutely necessary
she should give up house keeping and it was too inconvenient to be
(Page 4)
in the west part of the house The east front room up stairs
seemed the most suitable and is really the pleasantest one
in the house but it was no small affair to change both
the old women’s things clean the rooms and make each
look as home like & pleasant as we could Aunt Lizzy was
away at the time The woman we engaged at Jerusalem
was sorry she had not come so Hannah has her now hope
she will answer but she seems young & loves society
Mother nearly as when you were here Cousin P Haviland
was very ill last first day the Dr said her kidneys ceased
to act was swolen [sic] ^very much^ and they feared heart disease would
follow on 2nd day was relieved very much Thomas Faulk
has been attending the meetings on the Island Cousin R R
Willets family came up this week to remain Suppose the
rebel invasion of Penn causes a feeling ^with you^ that we too
may feel something of the horrors of war here in NY
and that the end is not seen only by the eye of faith
that the right will obtain [words crossed out] I still have
a firm belief but ^it^ is by greater suffering & loss ere we
a nation we will do right not so much from a love
of right but as the only means of saving the life of the
nation proclaim liberty & equality to all then shall
our prosperity begin to be established and in the end
peace & tranquility reign through out all the land
your visit seems almost like a dream a pleasant
reminiscence but it has disappointed very many of
[your] friends by its brevity they thought you would stay
and make a real good visit I felt great regret in not being
with you at Isaac’s but felt it was better to stay under the circumst
ances and believe it was but the sacrifice was not a willing one it
was [certainly?] in the [cross ?]When are W and Mary coming or any other of our
friends love to all and remember to write soon Mary W Post
[Mary Robbins Post]
Paulina Wright Davis (1813-1876): women’s rights advocate, suffragist, abolitionist
Frances Dana Barker Gage (1808-1884): abolitionist and author; in October 1862 she went to the Sea Islands of South Carolina to care for recently freed slaves; after November 1863 she began speaking to Northern audiences about the plight of the freedmen
Jerusalem, NY is a township located in Yates County. It was founded by the religious leader Jemima Wilkinson (1753-1819) and her followers in the Society of Universal Friends; the village was later named Penn Yan.
Confederate and Union forces fought a major battle of the Civil War in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania between July 1 and 3, 1863
[i] Reference to 36 North Sophia Street, the address of Isaac and Amy Post in Rochester, NY.
[ii] Original Quaker Meeting House established on North Fitzhugh Street in Rochester, NY in 1822. The split between Orthodox and Hicksite in 1829 left the Hicksite faction in charge of the Fitzhugh Meeting House where they remained, their numbers continuing to dwindle, until 1870 when they moved into smaller facilities on the north side of Hubbell Park. The congregation was finally disbanded around 1896.
[iii] Jacob’s wife Jennie (Curtis) Post (1840?-1871).
[iv] Village in Monroe County, NY. Longtime port on the Erie Canal.
[v] This is a reference to the infamous High Falls Murder at the eponymous site in Rochester, NY which garnered national attention in 1858. One Ira Stout, late of the Pennsylvania State Penitentiary where he served a 4½ year term for assisting in the passing of counterfeit money with his father Orange Stout, moved to Rochester to be close to his mother Margaret Stout and sister Sarah Littles. Sarah was married to Charles Littles and together with Mrs. Stout and Ira’s elder brother Eli and his wife Jane they resided at 75 Monroe Street (now Monroe Avenue). Widely read, fluent in Latin and French, and eminently likable, Ira made many friends, especially when he enrolled in a local mercantile college. However, Ira did not get along very well with his brother-in-law Charles Littles. Twenty-five years old, Charles Littles was a lawyer dealing in insurance claims. According to many, he was thought rather a disagreeable fellow known for his philandering and frequent brandishing of a dirk knife, especially when he suspected someone of flirting with his wife. As for Sarah, she too was widely suspected of being less than faithful to her husband.
Resentful of his brother-in-law’s treatment of his sister, and fearful that he might reveal his prison record, Ira decided to eliminate Charles. Possibly playing into to his motivations, was the rumor that Ira’s resentment of Charles had even deeper and darker motivations. Ira and his sister Sarah were reported to have often shared the same bed and to have possessed an unnatural affection for each other, implying that they were guilty of an incestuous relationship, and during the subsequent trial it was revealed that Charles had discovered them in bed together several days before the murder.
Hearing of a man who had slipped and fallen to his death near High Falls, Ira settled on a plan to lure Charles to High Falls late at night. Playing into Charles’ jealous nature, he told him that Sarah had an appointment there. The plan was that, once Charles arrived, Ira would deliver several blows to his head with a hammer and throw him into the gorge below the Falls in hopes that the current would sweep Charles’ body and all evidence of the crime downstream and into Lake Ontario. Even though it seemed an airtight plan, all would not go as intended.
Having lured Charles to the edge of the cliff, Ira gave him the deadly blow with his hammer and then threw the body over the edge of the gorge. But, even in death Charles proved an annoyance for Ira. Instead of falling directly into the river, Charles’ body landed on a small ledge some ways down the gorge. Fearing something had gone wrong, Ira headed down a narrow path that led along the side. Stumbling in the darkness, he fell headlong and broke his left arm and landed beside the corpse. Mustering what remained of his strength, he managed to give the corpse a final push into the water below as he sank in a dead faint. When he had recovered, he called to his sister who had been waiting above watching the crime unfold. She made her way down to attempt and help Ira, but she too stumbled and fell, breaking her wrist and landing beside her brother in the spot where her husband’s dead body had lain. Still, they had to make it back up from the cliffs, and, after a fruitless search for Ira’s lost spectacles, they made it back to Monroe Street.
The mangled body of Charles Littles was discovered on Sunday morning, December 20, 1857 by a group of young boys, and all members of the Stout family were immediately arrested and held in jail for questioning. The coroner's inquest began on Monday, December 21. In spite of the fact that Ira had confessed the murder to his family members before the arrest, all of them denied any involvement in the crime.
Ira's trial began in April and lasted only a week. On April 24, the jury rendered a unanimous verdict of guilty and sentenced him to hang on June 18. John Pomeroy, Ira's lawyer, felt Ira had not been given a fair trial. It had been leaked to the press that some of the jurors on the case had formed an opinion as to Stout's guilt before the trial had even begun. As a result, the judge granted a stay of execution. A motion for a new trial was scheduled to be argued in September. Temporarily relieved, Ira spent the next few months in jail maintaining his celebrity status. Daily, he entertained a multitude of visitors, many of them fawning women. They considered him an unjustly imprisoned hero who was a victim of his parent's bad influence. Charmed with his manner and dazzled by his intelligence, they felt Ira would be a valuable member of society if he were only given the chance.
The publishing of Ira’s letters in newspapers caused a public outcry to change his sentence from death by hanging to life imprisonment. Rochester's most prominent citizens, including Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass, petitioned Governor King to spare Ira's life. In October, Anthony and Douglass brought the nationally known foe of capital punishment, Aaron Powell, to Rochester to speak. Each of the three nights that he was to speak, however, ended in a mob scene. Other unsuccessful efforts were made by Margaret Stout. She was released from prison in July and made the journey to Albany to plead with the governor for clemency.
Still, Stout was not prepared to accept his fate. Relying on the sympathy of his female visitors, he twice tried to obtain lethal poisons from them and take his own life. The first time a woman smuggled poison into his cell. Somehow, she managed to take the fatal potion herself and was for several days at death's door. The second attempt was slightly more successful. Ira slashed his wrists with a lancet secretly passed to him by another sympathizer. A guard spotted him as he was bleeding and his wrists were soon bandaged. From then on, the prisoner was closely watched, as the guards were determined that it would be the gallows and not Ira that ended that took his life. He was hung at 2 pm on October 22, 1858.
[vi] Term given to a man summoned by a “Tales” or writ to appear for jury service. Often, a large pool of talesmen were sent for and from among them the final men of the jury would be selected.
[vii] William Hallock (1825-1886), wife Louisa (Root) Hallock. Quaker, and farmer who held anti-slavery views from Rush, Monroe County, NY. Friend of Frederick Douglass who frequently visited his residence.
[viii] Sarah Littles, wife of Charles Littles and sister to Ira Stout. See note v.
[ix] Most likely reference to Jacob’s niece Alice (1855-1948), the daughter of his brother Joseph Post and his wife Mary Jane. Married 1877 and name changed to Tabor.
[x] Jacob’s sister-in-law Mary Jane (Ashley) Post (. Wife to his brother Joseph Post (1832-1915).
[xi] Daniel Curtis, the father of Jacob’s wife Jennie.
[xii] Sarah Kirby Hallowell Willis (1818-1914). Sister to Amy (Kirby) Post. Married first to Jeffries Hallowell (1810-1844) in 1838, married Edmund P. Willis (1817-1882) in 1853. Along with her sister, she was active in the anti-slavery movement and was a member of the Western New York Anti-Slavery Society. Close friend of Susan B. Anthony (1820-1906) and worked with her various women’s campaigns.
(Page 1)
[Text in top margin, written upside down]
I have scribbled on until my sheet is full and my eyes admonish me
to say good night with love to all embraced in your household I am
your Mary
[Text normal]
Westbury 10 moth 26th
Dearly beloved
It is truly a long long time since
I have written to you and perhaps as long since you
have remembered us by letter but there have been very
many reasons which seem to me to be quite good excuses
but I will not take any time to prove to you that they
are sufficient but scribble on as fast as I can as I have
only a few minutes before I must leave to attend to dinner
after which I wish to spend the afternoon in making some
calls as the day is so surpassingly lovely I must improve it
Joseph and girls have gone to Flushing to Quarterly Meeting
and to make a visit at White Stone Joseph and self were there
some weeks ago found Edward quite feeble but a little better than
for some time before but laid on the sofa nearly half the time
so you may conclude he is not very well Aunt Rosetta quite lame
but with all these they have been as full of boarder’s and work as
ever and seems as anxious to accumulate as heretofore Mary is
also very poorly as you may have heard with a cancer or tumor I
do not know which in her breast and is suffering much from
pain and weakness in her back the cause of which the Dr’s do
not know It seemes [sic] to observers as though these various ailmen^ts^
were enough to damp the ardor of accumulation but I suppose
hope incites to exertion and it may be as formerly that where the
treasure is the heart will be also Many and varied changes
have transpired since I wrote some have gone home released
from life’s conflicts and care’s among the number is my dear and
honored aunt your beloved and venerated mother and althoug [sic]
(Page 2)
all especially dear uncle must feel bereaved by her removal I
trust all feel comforted in the assurance that the soul goeth not
home to an empty mansion and that she was prepared by a long
life on earth to receive the welcome from the home of the blest Enter
in weary soul enter into thy rest Mother feels deeply in her wea^k^
state the separation it was so unlooked for to her to be the survivor
she has improved in strength considerable since the first attack
but is still very feeble they are in constant want of a good
caretaker who it appears are very difficult to be found combining
the desirable qualifications necessary to make us all satisfied
They have made a part of Matthew’s family mostly since mother’s in a
oposition [sic] they now propose Harriotts should try to keep house for them
(she has done for mother) to commence next week I have but little
expectation of us being as agreeable but they can try it a little
while I am to go to assist them to arrange for the winter see to
clothes &c indeed I have scarcely ever been so much occupied bettween [sic]
the two home’s I feel as if I was rusting intellectually and wearing
physically but I think a better time is coming in the future
We have heard by William Titus I Rushmore & Lydia
Post a little of you and ^of^ your still having company as usual
but I must go for the present to attend to eccetras [sic] of life but S R we
have seen only a little while I wish he would come often we
used to xcuse [sic] him because Matilda could not go out much
I feel to congratulate you in having her a member of your
family circle we should feel ourselves sick if we were thus
favored hope health may be found in your vicinity as it can
not be on our bleak Island tho I feel lonely to think of
their removal from our midst we are so few perhaps
this evening I may add a word now
(Page 3)
Evening I have returned from my wandering and am now alone
xcept [sic] our girl and I feel somewhat lonely I may confess but how
different should I feel were it a sepparation [sic] of the dear one’s now
absent I saw Hannah Underhill widow of Jordan this afternoon at Mary
P Titus and felt much sympathy for her in her great bereavement she
is so far from friends and only her little children and girl for comp
- any there is much of sorrow in this beautiful world diming [sic] the
the [sic] pleasant pictures of life as I came home the sun was just sinking
below the horison [sic] but the reflection of his brightness was mirrored
in the clouds in resplendent beauty and thoughts in unison with
those of T Moore on a similar occasion “of how little he had done in
the world and how much he felt capable of doing &c but surely there
is some better sphere for those who have but begun their race in this”
where we may be permitted to work out our incomplete endeavours
I found Phebe Johnson with M P Titus E gone to Flushing the girls in N Y
Phebe was in fine spirits extoled [sic] the virtues of her remedy and contra
- sted her cure with others who had been treated by the first rate Dr’s who
almost invariably gave calomel and consequently were thrown into
some other form of desease [sic] I was really glad for Mary Ps benefit that
Phebe dwelt on the pernicious effects of calomel but fear Ms confidence
in Dr prescriptions will remain tho he might order calomel every night
for a week Abraham Hicks is very low I have not seen him lately only
those who wait on him and a few dear friends go in to see him now
he has appeared pleasantly cheerful and as is usual sorrow and
suffering rub off the asperity of feeling sometimes felt in health
towards the heretical Rachel will be very lonely I sympathise deeply
with her in this Abraham has been all she could desire as a son
Penna A S society now in session at Westchester are I doubt not having a
good time I very much wished to be with them again and also to be at
(Page 4)
Woman’s rights meeting the accounts from it indicate much of
interest and Lucy seems to be the favorite of all parties I began
to feel a little jealous that Lucretia was not named among the
first speakers but I am satisfied now in the beleif [sic] that she is one
of the greatest whether spoken of or not I fancy I see the smile when
she read Lucretia Mott in her not ^was motherly^ clear headed &c in her remarks
How cheering to W W Brown to receive such a welcome and so
many encomiums from the faithful for his course while abroad
I hope it may not be an injury to him I will remember the rece
-ption meeting in Phila to Frederick and the beautiful and touching
introduction by R Purvis accompanied with all the grateful eulogism^s^
of other speaker’s for his labors while abroad and now how sad the
present position he occupies in relation to the American Society
and its most prominent members The French are doing wonders
as you have probably seen in working for the Fair and with so little
information it really is astonishing Do you take the practical
Christian I forget? There is quite a controversy going on in it between
A Kent and Adin Ballou on Free Love It is too bad that spiritualists
should advocate such a revolting theory I have seen in some
other notices intimations of its gradual approach and could
hardly beleive [sic] I was not mistaken in the sentiments or meaning of the [sic]
so unwilling was I to beleive [sic] so hateful a doctrine
I do not hear of A J Davis having been in N Y lecturing the past
season or anything about him What a sad accident from carelessne [sic]
too that of the Arctic so many live’s sacrificed there have been many
sermons on the event ^several^ published in the Tribune among the number
two preachers in Orchard St and by Richard Mott good one from L Vining
from Fall River very poor placing all on God he might have prevented
it but in his inscrutable wisdom he so ordered it teaching man
to rely on him for when the judgments of the Lord are in the earth the
nations learn righteousness such doctrine I cannot endorse or approve
[Continues on top of page 1 with line beginning “I have scribbled”]
[written upside down along top margin Page 1]
Since I asked about the fair I have seen in the Star the proceeds are small indeed compa
red with the Boston but all things must have a beginning and hope they will not be dishe
-artened by it have often thought of you this eve imagining you were [listening?] to
Frederic’s lecture I have been reading his former one
as the best [substitute?] farewell ever yours Mary
Westbury 1st Moth 6
Our Dear Relatives
At home again and how many bright
and beautiful thoughts does that word awaken in the mind and
especially to those of us who are blesed [sic] with all to make it what
home should ever be the abode of confidence and peace where without
jar or collision each may fulfill their respective routine of duties
unmoved by the din and tumult of the world through which we are
passing probably you would be willing to know when we arrived at
this home we so praise well it was on the eve of the third day
of January 1851 found all well and apparently glad of our return
our domestics said “and sure you are welcom”[sic] It seems as though it
was the right time for us to make the visit and I rejoice in its
accomplishment -- it having been throughout (to us) very pleasant and
the recollection ^of it^ sweet We had no accident or detention scarcely on
our way but the night was wearisome enough but you all know that
We got ^up to^ [Willis’s?] before 10 and in the afternoon home Samuel Willis went
after Jacob seventh day in the afternoon they with Catharine (who had been
a few days at Townsend Rushmores) came to see us had many questions
to ask Samuel and Catharine do not seem to be prepared to believe on our
report any more than before which I do not wonder at knowing it is im
-possible to realise the manifestation unless witnessed have not read Mrs
Draper’s communication yet First day James and Elisabeth came they
too inquired relative to all these things Elisabeth would enjoy a visit to you
greatly, she enters heart and soul into many things she scarcely expresses
to all her home folks I told her of Aunt Phebe s communication she said
how pleasant if I could believe it fully I think she very nearly belives [sic]
Joseph had some talk with J P Hale he said some of his
friends thought the application ^in his lecture^ too [pointed?] he thinks there
is more antislavery feeling at the South than the North says the
North will submit to any thing however oppressive &c &c
It seemed quite strange on entering New York to see no snow but
there was ice in ^the^ streets but on the side walks day as in summer
the night we got home there was a little snow perhaps two inches
so that it looked a little white it is nearly gone now but
it is cloudy suppose you have an additional supply each day
[Page 2]
we hear there has been considerable since we left it may be a
mistake for I think you had quite enough
Uncle James would rejoice if in his power to visit you I should
be glad to be present when he first heard the rappings. it wou^ld^
furnish a theme for many an hours talk. But as we are to hear
the sounds here he may have a chance without going to Rochester
I really wish we could have the opportunity of hearing in the prese^nce^
of some of our wise ones Charles Post has had quite a turn of rheuma
-tism is better Elias been very lame and is still ran a pitch fork in
his foot Eddy Rushmore is quite po^o^rly with a cold earache and gath
-erings in his head been so two or three weeks have not seen Matilda
yet Neither have we been to Jericho so that I cannot speak of their
welfare Esther Titus has a son three weeks old call him Walter
Uncle Robert rather smarter (how queer that word looks written)
Joseph thought he would fill the ice house to day but the men
thought it would be rather wet and went away he is sorry as it would
have been a pretty nice day for it We have had a letter from Henry
C Wright it was directed to Cynthia but he said intended for the whole
family it is a treat to receive good letters and from loved friends far
away doubly so, he is in Indiana Suppose you have read George
Thompson’s speech at Fannel [sic] Hall at the time of the Bazar [sic] it is quite a
different one from some other of his but shows great versatility of talent
and eloquence of stile [sic] eaqual [sic] to any their Bazar seems to be success
-ful beyond their highest expectations -- Did Frederic get to Buffalo
or did the snow prevent the train from going through and how did
their Fair succeed? we shall want to hear all the particulars about
your meeting and Thompson the Fosters and all the eccetras [sic] which
occur at home and in public do write soon I will stop pretty
soon for there has been no happenings and I am two day in a
cold sore throat head ache &c but have applyed [sic] cold water pretty
freely and hope I shall soon conquer it how are Sarah Bridget and
the other invalids of your family hope they are better it colds are
very prevalent here our girls been most sick with them I wish
some one was here to add some to this as I do not like to send so
little that is worth sending with love to all the household and the
other dear friends with whome [sic] we have mingled so pleasantly I
hope Edmund will not fail to improve the
am yours affectionately Mary
opportunity s [sic] offered to investigate and he will oblige us if he will report to us his
progress.
(Page 1)
Seckond [sic] Mth third
first day eve
Dear Sarah[1] supose [sic] you think it is time to
hear from father[2] he is now very well has been so
for the last two weeks he said this morning he would
like to be weighed thinks he would weigh as
much as ever he did he has been sick since I last
wrote you was taken between Crismass [sic] and new
year with pain in his side and stommack [sic] I applied
a plaster to his side but it did not releive [sic] him he
was soon takn [sic] stommack [sic] sick deemed billious [sic] we
docterd [sic]him in our old fashion way with bitter
[teas?] and a dose of salts which had a good affect
although it took him some time to get over it
he has not been out doors since he was taken sick seldom
goes in the kitchen he reads a good deal in his large book
sacred history the print is so small in his new book
that dear sister Amy[3] sent him that I have to
read that and the news papers for him it is
astonishing how quick he hears and understands
what is read and said to him it has been hard work
to make him understand sometime back = wish he
had better glasses know not how to get them for him
or him who they are hope when the wether [sic] comes
warm Willet[4] can take him to hempstead[5] please
tell dear Amy that we recieved [sic] her packiege [sic] and are
much obliged fear she sent Mothers[6] memorandom [sic]
book before ^she^ was done with it as there was no nesesity [sic]
for her to send it yet
(Page 2)
farther [sic] is interested in his book remmembers [sic] well
of hearing grandmother[7] repeat some verces [sic] of
phillis wheatlys[8] poetry to him the day before her last
Sikness [sic] also remembers seing [sic] Paul Cuffe[9] at yearly
Meeting[10] in new york[11] we have had calls this
afternoon from john ketcham[12] hannah robbins[13] and
Carry Rebekah[14] is staying at broocklin[15][sic] since
the quarterly meeting with Margarette[16]
John says they loock [sic] for her home this week Willit
and myself attended the quaterly [sic] sixth day heard
or thought we heard a great sermon from John
hunt[17] but josef post[18] and Mary[19] came up in the
cars with us and joseph said he got mad/ as he
termed it/ at him fifth day and had not got
over it yet and John Reboham[20] said he felt very
much so it was ^in^ regard to something he said
in the mens metting [sic] about the antyslavery [sic]
sosiety[21] [sic] well our time was so short going fifth
day after noon and returning sixth day evening
that we had no time to shop except Wilet
a pair of specks so good that he said he could
almost see home with them I did not
get a cloak this winter saw no way to get
it made as nancy[22] has been so engaged
we could not have her think thee and
Mary must have very nice ones beautiful
cloth I should have wanted your patron
had I have got one ...forgot to tell you
where we staid [sic] in new york we parted with
(Page 3)
Mathew[23] and hannah at the south ferry new york
[illegible] each went our own way we trudge about
a great deal to find [atrny?] W and Edmond[24] could
not that [ink spill] they live in Eldrige street had
forgotten the number so we made trucks for
henry willises[25] there found quite a company
amongst the rest the bride[26] and her husband[27]
Ruth more as was now is Mrs Atkin Skidmore
sister to lidia Willis[28] we staid [sic] there next
morning set out again in search of our
neabours [sic] again hannah W with us well
we found them but not well anna had
very soar [sic] lips and Edmond sick with a
cold did not see Mary R though hannah
said they waited till most all the folks was
gone we met Phebe ^seamon^[29] liddia and Anna
havaland[30] in the street they gave us a
pleasant invite to take dinner at there house
which of course we accepted traveling in the cty [sic] is
pretty good some icy but hard for the poor
horsses [sic]... previous to our going to new york we had a
letter from Edmond saying they was much better
and hoped soon to return and settle down at
their old home yesterday james smith[31]
went to see them they told him they should
come back in march tooth a little more comfortable
Sarah thee will see that I have made our
awfull [sic] [illegible] bloat I want to put it in the
stove and father and W both said not do it but
send it if thee will eckuse [sic] it I will tell thee how I done
[marginalia, left margin]
done it I was hurrying to get it ready for the office to morrow
[Marginalia written along top margin]
willet said it was fathers bedtime so I started suddenly
[Marginalia written along right margin]
to wait on him and up set my ink stand
(Page 4)
I supose [sic] you will wonder what I have to do
so much that I do not take a little more time
and write better in the first place I cannot write
anny [sic] better in the next I have three pair of panta-
loons to make for farther and W and then am a trying
to spin a little wool storma [sic] days and mornings
and then more than all we are expecting Mrs Corden[32]
again if she is as much troubel [sic] as she was when
here before may the hand have mercy on us
the doctor[33] called yesterday to see if we would
have her I hessitated [sic] some in guiving [sic] him our
answer but when Willet came in he said let
her come doctor says if she stays there at Norwich[34]
in less than two weeks she will bee [sic] worse than
ever his plan is to take her away from home
untill [sic] the weather comes warm and then take
her out west and he returns and settle
up his business she has been verry [sic] smart and
rode out with him considerable they made us a
pleasant vissit [sic] a little before crismas [sic] perhaps
they will not come it is poorly worth while
to pay intrest [sic] on trouble before it comes
the weather is very cold farther [sic] says a real
old fashion winter if so I prefer the new fashion ones
we feel some troubled about Amy fear she
has too manny [sic] cares wish she was here
with us this winter cant she come
Edward[35] the boy says tell Amy post to come
again and Sarah too for he had rather see
them than all the rest except Sarah
he has been making Amy a bed [illegible]
but it is a quear [sic] looking thing
write soon dont forget
love to all Matilda[36]
[1] Sarah L Kirby Hallowell Willis (18180116-1914) Daughter of Quakers Jacob and Mary R. Seaman Kirby. Signer of the Declaration of Sentiments. Lived with Amy Kirby Post and Isaac Post in Rochester, NY. Source: "Sarah Hallowell Willis", Western New York Suffragists: Winning the Vote, accessed 27 October 2016, https://rrlc.org/winningthevote/biographies/sarah-hallowell-willis/
[2] Jacob Kirby (17650811-18591203) Father to Sarah L, Amy, and Willit Kirby, Source: Long Island Surnames Database, accessed 10 October 2016: http://longislandsurnames.com/familygroup.php?familyID=F1066&tree=Craft
[3] Amy Kirby Post (18021220-18290129) Sister to Sarah L Kirby Hallowell Willis and Willit Kirby, Quaker, abolitionist, feminist and spiritualist. Information provided by Post Family Papers Project. (PFPP)
[4] Willit Kirby (1806-18821203) - Brother to Sarah L Kirby Hallowell Willis and Amy Kirby Post, Source: "Willit Kirby", Find-A-Grave, accessed 10 October 2016: http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=kirby&GSiman=1&GScid=2154658&GRid=24592089&
[5] Hempstead, NY
[6] Mary Seaman Kirby (17740327-18540921) Mother of Sarah L, Amy, and Willit Kirby, Source: Long Island Surnames Database, accessed 10 October 2016: http://longislandsurnames.com/familygroup.php?familyID=F1066&tree=Craft
[7] Hannah Titus Kirby (17430912-17841003) - Jacob Kirby's mother, Source: Long Island Surnames Database, accessed 10 October 2016: http://www.longislandsurnames.com/familygroup.php?familyID=F01870&tree=Coe
[8] Phillis Wheatley (1753-17841205) - First published Black American poet, slave of John Wheatley of Boston, published Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral (London: 1773), Source: "Phillis Wheatley", Poets.org, accessed 30 October 2016, https://www.poets.org/poetsorg/poet/phillis-wheatley
[9] Paul Cuffe (1759-1817) Son of African slave and Indian mother, abolitionist, Quaker, ship captain. Helped establish "The Friendly Society of Sierra Leone". Source: "Paul Cuffe", BlackPast.org, accessed 30 October 2016: http://www.blackpast.org/aah/cuffe-paul-sr-1759-1817
[10] New York Yearly Meeting - Yearly Quaker Meeting
[11] New York, NY
[12] John Ketcham (1782-18650828) Quaker, Source: Long Island Surnames, accessed 30 October 2016, http://www.longislandsurnames.com/getperson.php?personID=I03972&tree=Whitman
[13] Hannah Robbins
[14] Carry Rebekah
[15] Brooklyn, NY
[16] Unknown
[17] John Hunt (1740-1824) Quaker Minister, Source: "An Inventory of the John Hunt Papers, 1770-1828", Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College, accessed 30 October 2016, http://www.swarthmore.edu/library/friends/ead/5240johu.xml
[18] Joseph Post (1803- ) Brother to Isaac Post, member of Westbury Monthly Meeting of Friends, abolitionist, Source: Hofstra University Library Special Collections Department, Post Family Collection 1796-1935, accessed 30 October 2016, http://www.hofstra.edu/pdf/lib_sc_post_family_collection_fa.pdf
[19] Mary Robbins Post ( ) Wife of Joseph Post, daughter of Willit and Esther (Seaman) Robbins, member of Westbury Monthly Meeting of Friends, abolitionist. Source: Hofstra University Library Special Collections Department, Post Family Collection 1796-1935, accessed 30 October 2016, http://www.hofstra.edu/pdf/lib_sc_post_family_collection_fa.pdf
[20] Unknown
[21] Anti-Slavery Society
[22] Unknown
[23] Unknown
[24] Unknown
[25] Henry Willis
[26] Ruth More
[27] Atkin Skidmore
[28] Lidia Willis
[29] Phebe Seaman
[30] Anna Havaland
[31] James Smith
[32] Unknown
[33] Unknown
[34] Norwich, NY
[35] Unknown
[36] Matilda Kirby (1807-18940209) Wife of Willit Kirby, Source: "Matilda Kirby", Find-A-Grave, accessed 30 October 2016: http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=24592082
<[1] Sarah L Kirby Hallowell Willis (18180116-1914) Daughter of Quakers Jacob and Mary R. Seaman Kirby. Signer of the Declaration of Sentiments. Lived with Amy Kirby Post and Isaac Post in Rochester, NY. Source: "Sarah Hallowell Willis", Western New York Suffragists: Winning the Vote, accessed 27 October 2016, https://rrlc.org/winningthevote/biographies/sarah-hallowell-willis/
[2] Jacob Kirby (17650811-18591203) Father to Sarah L, Amy, and Willit Kirby, Source: Long Island Surnames Database, accessed 10 October 2016: http://longislandsurnames.com/familygroup.php?familyID=F1066&tree=Craft
[3] Amy Kirby Post (18021220-18290129) Sister to Sarah L Kirby Hallowell Willis and Willit Kirby, Quaker, abolitionist, feminist and spiritualist. Information provided by Post Family Papers Project. (PFPP)
[4] Willit Kirby (1806-18821203) - Brother to Sarah L Kirby Hallowell Willis and Amy Kirby Post, Source: "Willit Kirby", Find-A-Grave, accessed 10 October 2016: http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=kirby&GSiman=1&GScid=2154658&GRid=24592089&
[5] Hempstead, NY
[6] Mary Seaman Kirby (17740327-18540921) Mother of Sarah L, Amy, and Willit Kirby, Source: Long Island Surnames Database, accessed 10 October 2016: http://longislandsurnames.com/familygroup.php?familyID=F1066&tree=Craft
[7] Hannah Titus Kirby (17430912-17841003) - Jacob Kirby's mother, Source: Long Island Surnames Database, accessed 10 October 2016: http://www.longislandsurnames.com/familygroup.php?familyID=F01870&tree=Coe
[8] Phillis Wheatley (1753-17841205) - First published Black American poet, slave of John Wheatley of Boston, published Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral (London: 1773), Source: "Phillis Wheatley", Poets.org, accessed 30 October 2016, https://www.poets.org/poetsorg/poet/phillis-wheatley
[9] Paul Cuffe (1759-1817) Son of African slave and Indian mother, abolitionist, Quaker, ship captain. Helped establish "The Friendly Society of Sierra Leone". Source: "Paul Cuffe", BlackPast.org, accessed 30 October 2016: http://www.blackpast.org/aah/cuffe-paul-sr-1759-1817
<[10] New York Yearly Meeting - Yearly Quaker Meeting
<[11] New York, NY
[12] John Ketcham (1782-18650828) Quaker, Source: Long Island Surnames, accessed 30 October 2016, http://www.longislandsurnames.com/getperson.php?personID=I03972&tree=Whitman
[13] Hannah Robbins
[14] Carry Rebekah
[15] Brooklyn, NY
[16] Unknown
[17] John Hunt (1740-1824) Quaker Minister, Source: "An Inventory of the John Hunt Papers, 1770-1828", Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College, accessed 30 October 2016, http://www.swarthmore.edu/library/friends/ead/5240johu.xml
[18] Joseph Post (1803- ) Brother to Isaac Post, member of Westbury Monthly Meeting of Friends, abolitionist, Source: Hofstra University Library Special Collections Department, Post Family Collection 1796-1935, accessed 30 October 2016, http://www.hofstra.edu/pdf/lib_sc_post_family_collection_fa.pdf
[19] Mary Robbins Post ( ) Wife of Joseph Post, daughter of Willit and Esther (Seaman) Robbins, member of Westbury Monthly Meeting of Friends, abolitionist. Source: Hofstra University Library Special Collections Department, Post Family Collection 1796-1935, accessed 30 October 2016, http://www.hofstra.edu/pdf/lib_sc_post_family_collection_fa.pdf
[20] Unknown
[21] Anti-Slavery Society
[22] Unknown
[23] Unknown
[24] Unknown
[25] Henry Willis
[26] Ruth More
[27] Atkin Skidmore
[28] Lidia Willis
[29] Phebe Seaman
[30] Anna Havaland
[31] James Smith
<[32] Unknown
[33] Unknown
[34] Norwich, NY
[35] Unknown
[36] Matilda Kirby (1807-18940209) Wife of Willit Kirby, Source: "Matilda Kirby", Find-A-Grave, accessed 30 October 2016: http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=24592082
(Page 1)
Dear Brother & Sister I have laid aside my work and pre-
vailed on Joseph to lay down his paper's [sic] and commune with you for
a brief period but Oh the poverty of my ideas I feel as though
there was so many things so much more interesting for you to read
and there are so many things which are more pleasureable [sic] to me
than writing that I am tempted to lay this aside and wait for a
more convenient season but as an example to Joseph I am almost
compeled [sic] to strive after an Idea I will give a little account
of ourselves J and self are alone our girls have by invitation accom
-panied Cynthia to the reading circle which meet at Joshua's this
Evening Our Irish people have gone down to their church it is their
Jubilee which is kept with fasting and walking down to the church
occasionally &c Ignorance and superstition are powerful and control their
lives and doings to an almost incredible degree Our girls have
been in New York on a visit came up this Eve went down on 7 day
seem highly pleased with all they saw and heard among others
they waited long in the street to see Kossuoth [sic] and like many
thousands were gratified with a look at him and the pageants
accompanying but you long ere this have seen account of all the
great fuss made and is it not passing strange they do not see the
inconsistency of their conduct in relation to his position and slavery
I have wished some "power the gift a gee us to see ourselves as others see ^us^"
The trial in Philadelphia has been of intense interest but the pro
-ceedings we have not got for the last two days [obliterated] The Tribune is so
taken up with Kossooth [sic] I fear they neglect the important proceedings
of a sister state and the great struggle of freedom with slavery now
going on in our own country the heros [sic] and martyrs of which are
deserving of ^the^ praise eulogy and high commendation now lavished
on the Hungarian patriot We have not been to Jericho since
I suppose Willet Matilda and Sarah left. have thought of them while
on their journey and since have pictured to myself the enjoyment on
each succeeding day something new to attract and please aside from
the home enjoyments which cluster around your fireside and encir
-cled by other loved one's [sic] would present to me the greatest attraction
The weather here for several days has been cool but delightful I have
now a beautiful rose bud nearly expanded plucked from a bush in
(Page 2)
the garden a day or two ago with several smaler [sic] ones and how
it withstood the frost and ice I know not but here it is with a good
degree of its summer fragrance I looked on it as truly the last Rose of
Summer its companions all scattered and dead" and feelings of a pensive
nature stole over me as I thought how emblematic of the aged was this
lone rose true there were many young buds which made the analogy more
complete Matilda strange to say has gone to Philad^a^ Mary Willis went
with her will if weather permits return tomorrow and able to do so She
has been loosing [sic] ever since you were here the accident affected her very
much and when she wrote to you I think she had no idea of going on
but being a little smarter and S very anxious to have her to see the Dr again
she has gone but I have not the slightest expectation he will cure
or benefit her much She has suffered from palpitation and nervo^us^
excitement and has found some releif [sic] at times from some one maki^ng^
passes over her She sometimes feels like trying the prescription sent
and give up all other remedies if she delays long fear there will be
no use in any prescription What remarkable developements [sic] C Partridge
is publishing in the Tribune of spirit power and giving names of such
men as Judge Edmunds makes some unbelievers almost think there must
be something in it after all We were very much interested in Amy's
account of spirit communication and hope that in relation to George
may prove true Mrs Wells told Joseph that the spirits use a
pen that it had been done several times and I beleive [sic] her brother
Edward Fowler had seen it moved or used but generally it was not
in the presence of any one Joseph has not become a medium I think
perhaps he has not confidence or faith which may be one cause in his hand
being used We saw some weeks ago the death of a person who had been
taken to Utica Asylum and was so unwilling ^to remain^ was returning home and
died in the cars Cynthia said she thought it was very likely Milo she
spoke of it to day so I will make the inquiry Amy spoke of
Henry Bush and the welcom [sic] given him by Frederic [sic] I could respond
to the wish that we might hear the good things which he says for I love
and respect him even though he has retreated from his high position
and hope he will one day come on to the platform of old organised
antislavery as was his wont in former days and do battle for the
right in the power and strength of morral [sic] suasion relying on princ
-iple only for the overthrow of tyranny and wrong Do give my love
to him and say that we should rejoice to see him at our home
and hope he will not come to N Y without making us a visit
Rachel spoke in meeting to day and well too if we could apply it for her on
[The following four-page fragment does not continue directly from the above text but seems likely to be part of the same letter. The order of the four “pages” is not marked, but this seems the most likely sequence.]
(Page 3)
First day afternoon very clear bright sunshine and muddy frost nearly
out of the ground. I found our ^out^ door affares [sic] apparantly [sic] in good order
when we got home think our man done the best he knew how. have been
to meeting to day Uncle Robert was their [sic] seemed very feeble I think he
will not make out to come much longer beleive [sic] it would be as well
if they did not tell him when meeting day come. what a difference between
him and Uncle Jacob who is 2 or 3 years oldest his faccultties [sic] bright tis pleasent [sic]
to be with him. Uncle James has just come in will lay this down
(Page 4)
Jacob ^evening^ 9 oclock Edmund Post has just gorn [sic] from here ^after dinner^ Jacob went down to
Marys, E. came back with him Jacob soon concluded to return to his
school home, Edmund took our horses and carried him a part of the way
^I forgot I had told about the mud before^
it is now very mudy [sic] frost nearly out of the ground plasent [sic] like
spring. Last evening we were at J Rushmores 2 days before their
smoke house or rather their meat got a fire and burnt very much
I beleive [sic] the house did not get a fire but the meat all fell and some
of burnt nearly up they discoverd [sic] it about sundown Stephen in
hurring [sic] with a pail of water fell and hurt his rist [sic] very much
(Page 5)
so that he cannot use his hand much. To day [sic] Rachel had much to say to
try to convince the young people not to be drawn away after the new
things that are now being advanced differing from what we were
educating [sic] in not so condemning as some times is. Edmund Post
say [sic] Rachel is much opposed to the North Sarr [sic] yet, thinks the
couloured [sic] people ought not to support it. ^ I believe [sic] Abram takes the Mercury^ so she continues by
practice to like the proslavery papers such as the Journal of
commerce better than a reform paper such as the starr [sic]
(Page 6)
Joseph Hicks had the mishap to get his fingers against a circular
saw some 2 weeks ago. little finger bone some broke under the
nail another much tore he does not use his hand much
Valintine Hicks has bought a house at the harbour ^and move into it^. They have
much trouble to or rather much anxiety on account of his way=
wardness. are in hopes to get him in some imployment [sic] in
in the sawmill to try to brake [sic] him off from his [illegible] old
company
(Page 1)
Jercho [sic] Nov 29
Dear Ammy [sic] Sarah and all
fith [sic] day thanksgiveing [sic] day…I feel thankfull [sic]
that I have a few minutes to spare to write to you
we received a letter from Sarah seckond [sic] ^day^ eve of wich [sic] we was glad
farther [sic] is as well as usual moved him in the large bedroom
soon after Sarah left he spent a day with aunt Ester
very pleasantly his side is well ankles and other joints
sometimes verry [sic] weak yesterday he missed his chair
and fell it did not hurt him much I had quite [sic] a
time to get him up…looked for Willet but could not
find him so I called the Docter [sic] and he was soon
on hand I supose [sic] you will wonder where the docter [sic]
came from but he was verry [sic] handdy [sic] only up stairs
Willet is prety [sic] well has been poorly took medison [sic]
twice and laid by from work several days
has day laborers and is getting allong [sic] with
his work verry [sic] well has got the Crib almost
full of Corn is not quit [sic] done husking yet
farther [sic] has been out to look around says a nice
crop indeed to Calfs [sic] looks so nice to him and
the hogs so fat that he seemed verry [sic] much
pleased.. John ketcham and rebeckah [sic] have been
home two weeks had a pleasant vissit [sic] though
rebeckah [sic] says she does not know how Phebe is
a going to get allong [sic] with her work and her
Children says she looks verry [sic] thin has had
poor help.. has now a good girl thinks it will be a
(Page 2)
memorable summer to Phebe Phebe sent Mary
ketcham and myself cash a preasent [sic] of a glass
goblet or spoone [sic] holder very nice..we have not seen
John and Rebekah much since their return only a
short Call from them think they will soon come and
make us a vissit [sic] Phebe feels some troubled about tommas [sic]
getting so much or so fast in buisness [sic]that they will
have to remain in Cannady for life wich [sic] would
not suit her...we have had a letter from Anna W
filled to overflowing with love and grattitude [sic] for our
kindness and help in their manny [sic] afflitshions [sic]
says that her health has improved verry [sic] much but
Edmonds [sic] not as much he has his low sinking turns
the dockter [sic] gives some encouragement but thinks
it a Case of much diffuculty [sic] and one that will
take a long time to alleviate [sic] he does not incline
to give much medicine they have had a letter
form Anny mixon saying they got home well
and expressed much love for their Jericho friends
says Amelia Smith seems better of her Cough
and they feel encouraged with her
Anna Ws girl Came up two weeks since jane oaks
her name has been with them two years or more
says she could not stay with them anny [sic] longer
it was so confinning [sic] to her to stay always in a
sick room she is our girl now and a good girl she
is but Anna W gave us to understand thata when
they came up they should expect to have her
of course they must...farther [sic] says he does not see
(Page 3)
what wright [sic] they have to her and Jane says she will
not go unles [sic] they get a housekeeper ... aunt Esther well
as usual Willet S no better has his poor turns
looks rather disscorrageing [sic] I think
well now coms [sic] annother [sic] chapter .. last sevetenth [sic] day
Dockter [sic] bowen called to let us know that he was going
to fetch Elisabeth as she would not consent to go
anny [sic] whare [sic] else and he wanted her to stay only
two or three days untill [sic] they could get the house clean^ed^
So pretty soon after dinner allong [sic] they came dockter [sic]
wife and servant he took her in his arms and
carried her up stairs in the front room whare [sic] was a
fire ready made they said everithing [sic] looked pleasan^t^
Elisabeth seemed fatiueged [sic] asked for a craker [sic] and some
warm tea complained of soreness of the lungs and akein^g^ [sic]
of the head back and limbs the docter [sic] fixed her as comfortable
as he could a warm bed and then took leave...though not
before she made him prommise [sic] to come again that night
as she could not feel comfortable unless he was constantly
with her..it seems theyd had a nother flare up and the Carrige [sic]
had arived [sic] to take her off to some boarding place and
her screams brought a neibour [sic] to her reskue [sic] .. by the name
waldrum who took her to his own house where she remained
two weeks..then she got so uneasey [sic] she sent for him .. he was
staying at James vernons he went and there they made a
solem [sic] covenant that the past should be forgoten [sic] and the
fure [sic] should be diffirent [sic] but [wel?] so how long it lasted
he came directly to let us know they were comming [sic] and when he
returned for her she had changed her mind
(Page 4)
however hey [sic] came he said she prommised [sic] everything
but he could see if she was opposed theiar [sic] was danger
of a tempest..poor man may he be preserved from anny [sic]
desparate [sic] act .. while here she seemed perfectly
ratishanal [sic] and Calmn [sic] untill [sic] fourth day then she said
the time had come for her to go but the docther [sic] thought
she had better stay as he termed it untill [sic] the
gossop [sic] had subsided at norwich wich [sic] is v[v]ery annoyein^g^ [sic]
to him indeed .. well she plad [sic] for her way
love to all libby in partickular [sic] please write soon
and he for his .. untill [sic] at tenth firebrands of the past began
to fly at each others heads and hearts untill [sic] I plead for them ^to^
stop and consider a little what they was doing for ^by^ what
I could learn they loved each other yet and if the doctor
was guilty of what she accused him he would soon destroy his good carracter [sic] ^without^
[Text sideways in left margin]
her help to pull him down
she then said ^of what she had accused him of^ she did not believe a word
of it ... i told her she out [sic] to be careful how she
provoked him he might leave her
yet and then she would be worse off
that jealloussy [sic] was cruel as the grave
and they had booth [sic] beter [sic] give up
hope they will
Seckond [sic] day mornging [sic]
here lays my letter yet ... meant
to have sent it east last week but will
add a little all well
the docter [sic] was here yesterday
says Elisabeth is better in every
respect thinks her visset [sic] here has
done her good she eats well
sleeps well and behaves well
he seems verry [sic] ,much cheered
up Willet says tell Jacob
come this winter
his horses is about right
this is a jumbled mes [sic] shurely [sic]
best after deading [sic] please
burn it amediately [sic] and
say nothing in regard to
the docter [sic] and his cousin
(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 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)
[Givynedo?] 8th moth 7th 1847
Dear sister
We receved [sic] thy leter [sic] it was very exceptable [sic]
to us for we had not heard from thee since we
heard thee went to Canada We should like thee
and Thomas and Phebe to come on hear [sic]) I think
Joshua would take us to Ohio mother said she
would like to see us all but she was geting [sic] too old
to think of crosing [sic] the mountains a gain
three of our Cousin visated [sic] Ohio this spring since
mother was ill but she had got quite well again
Lydia and Clark was in beter [sic] health than formely [sic] but
said nothing of an increase in the famely [sic] tha [sic] ware [sic]
All well and Jerffries is a interesting Child tha [sic] said [no]
nothing about comeing [sic] down – John and Jefe had sent
a leter [sic] tha [sic] exspected [sic] to return to Ohio this spring
but had not arived [sic] when tha [sic] left and we have not
heard cince [sic] Jesse beried [sic] three of his litle [sic] children in
[I O way?] we have heard nothing since we had a visit
in Chester County we went all round a mong^h^st [sic]
our relations we visated [sic] when thee was with us the [sic]
all enquired after thee said tha [sic] would like thee should
spend some time with ^them^ when the [sic] come here
we exspected [sic] we could perswade [sic] thee to stay with us
six months or a year those short visits appear more
like a dream than a visit after a week pases [sic] by all tho [sic]
Tha [sic] are very exceptable [sic] to us We are all well at this
time but Jeffries he is geting [sic] teeth and bin [sic] very cros [sic] for th^r^ee
(Page 2)
weeks I have had litle [sic] rest f^r^om him Sister Sarah is
hear [sic] now three weks [sic] all the help I have had this
summer except my litle [sic] girls and Joshua goes to marks
every week and we have made from sixty to sixty
five pounds of buter [sic] per week we get from 25 to 35 cents
per pound a farmers trade is a hard one I wish we
could live more retired that we may be able to lay up greater
store in heavven [sic] for I feel that thare [sic] is mutch [sic] more require
of me than I am able to perform situated as I am at
present we cant get a girl for love nor money to work
at a dairy in summer for tha [sic] can get 37½ cents per
day to make hay plant corn and all kind of out doors
work witch [sic] tha [sic] prefur [sic] to house work
Nathans are all well excepting the babe it has got the
sore mouth very bad it is ten months old
Tyson lives with mother he enjoyes [sic] his new home
very mutch [sic] Father Yokeam is aman [sic] of two hundred
and Mother has grow as large as Aunt Hannah look thee
remembers her William has arived [sic] from Noristown [sic]
he is well he exspreses [sic] a great desir [sic] to see Jane
he will pay her pasage [sic] if she will come here and
stay awhile. I must stop we have got company and
tha [sic] are hureing [sic] me
And hope to remane [sic] thy affectinate [sic]
Sister Susanna E Hallowell
pleas [sic] excus [sic] all mistakes for it is mother mother from all
quarters
[Text sideways in left margin]
please burn this immediately
(Page 3)
S L Hallowell
Rochester
(Page 1)
My dear brother and Sister I have taken up my pen to inquire into the
cause of your very long silence, are you in health? if so are you so engrossed
with the things of time as to wholly exclude your Island friends? I cannot
believe it possible - then why do you delay writing how I wish you were here
what a nice chat we might have together - Joseph has gone to meeting
the children to school - Powel and our girl are away keeping Christmas's
and I am alone on the premises - yesterday you were almost constantly
in my mind and I wished very much to take up my pen but other duties
demanded the sacrifice, and will again claim the same very soon, how
much of our time is consumed in toiling - toiling and how few learn to live
There is so much I wish to say that I know not where to begin but all ^ I can do^ [obliterated]
is to begin Mary P Titus a few weeks back received a letter from Michigan
giving account of Stephen's indisposition soon another of his increased
illness and in about 2 weeks one of his death and particulars of his
sickness he had been poorly 3 months had a constant fever and grew
weaker without much pain had several doctors one Thompsonian [sic] but
all their efforts were unavailing they discovered an abcess [sic] in his side 2 or
3 weeks before his death he probably had the hasty consumption he was
very patient and resigned through all - it was a great shock to them
and exceedingly triying [sic] but I think they bear it with much fortitude
At our last monthly meeting the proposition relative to holding it a part
of the time at Matinicock was united with by a few I thought it was
rather dull our side it was said that it would probably be a benefit to society
Rachel got a minute to visit some of the familys [sic] in the quarterly Meet
ing Elizabeth Leedon has been engaged in a similar visit and has not got through
Rachel intends joining her she ^Elisabith [sic]^ is in NY John Halloe has been around here some
time he too wishes to be preaching his minute does not give him liberty to appoint
meetings so he is brought into difficulty at monthly meeting he wished to
have a meeting appointed for him at Hempstead Harbor but way did not
open for it he said he had been waiting for John Plummer but he was
not ready yet - I think I wrote relative to Maria Farrington - well poor Maria
has had quite an ordeal to pass through the men's meeting decided her gift
insufficient and the information to be given to the select meeting that
way did not open - we hear she was eulogised excessively G.F. White said
he believed it originated in the truth and also thought the decision of the mon
(Page2)
[Text Normal]
meeting right (so we hear the same day he came and in the first meeting
terribly against every thing good was very personal in his remarks might
as well named J S Hopper - among other things said abolitionism was dead
and was working itself off in the sewers of the Fourrierism Isaac is now engag
ed in a society lately formed (the proon association) the first object of
which is to reform the prisoners by encouraging what is good in them
and when discharged to render which advice and assistance as well
be most likely to guide them into the paths of useful industry and
virtue this too is worthy to be censured by this notorious G F White
I am compelled to say farewell for the present 26th again I am seated to
hold a few minutes converse with you last 7 day evening while at the tea table
(uncle James's children and some others being with us) we were summoned by a
rap at the door and to our joy Oliver Johnson stood before it the evening
was spent very pleasantly our company appeared to enjoy it very much I
was glad of the opportunity hopeing [sic] it would remove the prejudice felt
towards them in an especial manner - on the morrow he accompanied
us to meeting - Timothy had much to say on slavery war &c after which Oliver rose
and spoke of Christianity it s effects and how beautifully portray'd [sic] in the parable
of the good Samaratan [sic] quoting from A certain lawyer asked what shall I do to
inherit eternal life Luke 10-25 to the 38 verse spoke of the priest Levite and
Samaratan [sic] most beautifully and of the brotherhood of the whole human
family - and although we were not the same communion yet he felt
while sitting together that your God is my God and your father my father
we thought him very much favored as friends say - but good as it was
it provoked the high displeasure of sectarian's – tho [sic] while he was
speaking it was as still as possible except a little uneasiness in
some of our high seat occupants uncle Robert particularly Rachel's
countenance changed and portrayed the feelings of her heart
We had concluded to hold a meeting in the afternoon in the school
house (orthodox) for a lecture on slavery we informed the people after meet
William I lack with much apparent feeling told Joseph he was sorry to hear
it for we have had trouble enough now - the meeting was held and
near 40 principly [sic] children and young people uncle James's girls expressed
then joy when I told them of the meeting and said we will come but grandm
other Willis was there and made opposition to it so they all except uncle James
who almost ran away staid at home she did not wish them to go and give them
any countenance for far he might give further trouble - however we
had quite a good meeting without them in his talk he said if you can
[Continues on Page 3 with line beginning “stand by my side”]
[Text at bottom of page, between normal lines, written upside down]
7 day evening we had a very busy day have got Elizabeth moved and
if Joseph and William Wood had not assisted in moving and arrangeing [sic]
things which was a great job, there seemed to be so little room for them we
have taken some things there - It is quite a relief that the vending movein [sic]
and all that is got through with - I am right glad cousin Samuil [sic] can
appreciate Joseph's service's Elizabeth said he felt much obliged to Joseph for
his assistance and believed it made 100 $ perhaps more difference his
bidding - but Robert W Titus we hear thought it was not very neighbourly [sic] for
Joseph Post to bid so much – Theres [sic] no pleasing all is there? I hope you will
get this in the day timly [sic] for it will be God to read and perhaps you may
wish for an abrigment [sic] - Mother's Finger is but little different yet
suffers much. Phebe and Catharine are making a visit in New York
Aunt Rachel has been pretty smart this winter will I am tired and sleepy
and will again say Farewell I must try to send it off pretty soon on your may
wish I had not begun First day afternoon we have all been to meeting and Joseph
has gone back to the meeting house Thomas [Everitpunin’s?] daughter is to be buried
she has been sick a long while with consumption - I feel sad and dispirited
this afternoon how often when I have felt that in times past have we gone
over to see cousin William and in the interchange of thought been releived [sic] from
many a gloomy hour but that is past and now there seems to be no one of conge
-nial spirit (near enough) to mingle with - true we have many kind friends
around us but not one to whome [sic] we can open the every feeling as we were wont to
do to William - some how I need such a friend perhaps more than most
which may account to you for the wish I have aft times expressed for your
return to Long Island Charles Post expects to do something more for himself than he
been doing I do not know what Samuel Persons son’s wished him to take his farm or
rather a part of the old Bowne farm Charles went to see him yesterday but thought it
would not answer at all I believe[sic] Do you know Leonard Scaring is an assembly
man he and wife were at meeting here a week ago he looked mighty nice
Rebecca expects to spend the winter here Richard and Phebe Albertson, have moved from
the place his father lived on to the one Richard Scaring used to own I believe it is that
one - I was glad they moved for I expect it was not very pleasant living with
Sarah from report We want to hear from you exceedingly we very much
fear you are sick or why don't you write to somebody and not a few lines but a
long letter telling about every thing we want to know
With much love to all our relatives and friends if there be any such I am
Affectionately your sister Mary W Post
(Page 3)
[Text continued from Page 3 with line ending “he said if you can”]
stand by my side and labor for the oppressed ^I should [illegible]^ but if you cannot stand
there stand by yourselves_ but I entreat you to stand firmly and placid
on behalf of crushed humanity - he commenced with quoting this very appropriate
scripture "But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest[sic]: far as concurring this
sect I we know that every where it is spoken against We hope a little good is
gained but as times almost despair believing there is not moral courage enough
when convinced to stand the opposition - Timothy made some remarks in
which he said it was evident parents did not consider it a bad cause if they
had any fear's on that hand he thought they would prefer coming themselves
to having the children exposed - but in regard to the preaching I believe there is
quite a hubbub about it - tho what he said is admitted by all to be good - it was
contrary to our order just say evening several days have elapsed and I have not been
able to add a sentence to my scrawl neither have we hard from you yet.
did you know how grateful it would be to us surely you not delay so long ag ^ain^
I said that J S Happen was engaged in the prison dicipline association - he came to be
one of the associates before the public without seeking for it - he some time since
went with Oliver Johnson to Sing Sing (Mary Ann is an assistant matron there) and the
prisoners were assembled for meeting Isaac spoke to them feelingly and appropriately
[obliterated] many being affected to tears - about this time the association was formed
some of whome [sic] were acquainted with Isaac's visit and also with his persuasive
eloquence thought who is there that would do better to press [upon?] the comm ^unity^
the wants of such a rejoin than he - the [obliterated] committee of arrangement for the mili ^tary^
announced the speakers Isaac was to be one of well some of the friends heard that
they were very kindly volunteered to inform against Isaac and so far prevailed as to have
Isaac's name struck from the list Oliver who by the way is head man next to Greely
in the Tribune after sound what was going on - went to see some of the commute
and explained to them and notice was given out that he would be one of the
speakers - what a malignant wicked spirit thine friends manifest I am really
at times [obliterated] ^[illegible]^ of my connection with them – dont you get disgusted sometimes
too with the hypocrisy in high places - I feel that the bonds are growing weaker in
witnessing the selfrighteousness [sic] of some who are looked up to as leader's – We
want to hear what you have done with B Fish and how the community gets along
from what we hear the Skaneatelas [sic] one looks something like a farline [sic] ----
we also want to hear about E P Willis whether he is really visiting a certain lady
as report say's - for it is very unpleasant to be behind the times therefore please inform
report says too that W Post is visiting E Lawrence - we fear it is not correct but
"hope on hope ever" there is some talk of Rachel Post and Benj Underhill how true I do
not know also that Daniel Underhill visits Thomas Underhills - Mary R Post has gone
to Henrys to stay some weeks - In all my letters lately I have told of the trials
difficulties &c of poor E P Willits she has for some time been anxious to break up and
go 5 her grandmothers - uncle Robert not willing to have a vendue and
it was concluded to favo [sic] Robert Titus to take all except what Elizabeth wan
for her use at the inventory Robert however because so uneasy that has
have concluded to have a vendue next 6 day E looked sad to day and
asked if it would not be too react a tax for my company I expect to be
there as much as I can this week she needs all the sympathy and help too
which I have to sustain her ^it is^ New Year ^today^ and I wish you a happy new year - and in
the language of our favorite Lck Child a year of brave conflict with evil within and
without - a year of sinless victorys [sic] - how many reflections come pressing on the heart
the past present and the future all crowded together in reviewing the past I feel that
truly I am not what I should have been had I lived up to the law of love “But hail to the
New Year” and I fondly hope to live more in accordance therewith during this week I
have been very much [obliterated] ^occupied^ and I did not know but Joseph would finish this but as
he has not I will proceed with my story - we went to Jericho yesterday to see mother
she has a very had hand or finger probably a felon has not slept scarcely for a week fever
and much pain in her head and extreme pain in the finger with fainting turn's – tried
many things yesterday I wanted them to apply soft soap and chalk to it - there was a
very little opening where it discharged a very little we put it on and I thought run more
than at any time but a very little - it looked so bad I could scarcely see it at all
Have you heard any thing of the difficulties Eastward - we hear they have separated
in the monthly and quarterly meeting and expect them will be a separation in the
yearly meeting Phebe Gifford has written particulars but we hear very little but
from what we do hear I conclude she is very much opposed to the Wilborites
(and they are opposed to J J Quincy) in her letter speaking of the separation she says it
seemed like children's play to see half a dozen men and 3 or 4 women separate and
she thought if the Philadelphia friends knew how it was they would be ashamed of
encouraging them __ has Phebe forgotten the remnant which separated in 1828 or
is this a more childish affair she spoke of Johnathon Wilbors coming to their meeting
took his seat head preached - and broke up the meeting too - she and Isaac were not at
meeting being from home - we miss mother very much in very many way's too – the
back room looks very desolate the things are all here yet Henry's folks have been
here only once since the funeral Henry had mothers will with him by which it
appears every thing is given to Phebe except Pliphin and Edmund Rushmore have 250 a
(Page 4)
peice [sic] - she gave our girls a few things several years ago Catharine Willis is
better again we have been looking daily for she and Phebe to spend some days here
Dont you feel sorry there is such a muss about the Herald I expected better things of
Rodgers he is so clearly in the wrong ^in my opinion in my opinion^ how nobly J J Foster acted dont you admire
Garrison in this affair so firm so unwavering even when the task is exceedingly
painful to him they have loved and labored in this work through good and through evil
report and now to be compelled by circumstances to censure such an one must
be a great trial to his feeling heart - Oliver told us Rodgers and wife were at
Frances Jacksons and he hoped all would come around right - he said too that
J R French is courting Rodjers daughter which accounted to my mind for the
influence French has with Rodjers- I sometimes fear for myself I so love and reverence
Garrison - that if he should possibly get in the wrong I should not see it and his
closing remarks in the last Liberator relative to the Herald of Freedom
^were very impressive^ Is this maxim “that the king can do no wrong" to be received by abolitionists
in relation to any one of their number? If so the reign of idolatry has begun
among us and we are cursed with a curse. Perhaps no one else has ever
felt a similar feeling to this - and this likeness as I look at it almost allway's [sic]
calms and tranquilizers and nerves to new conflicts you will smile at this
but never mind - I suppose John Ketchams family are preparing for William's mariage [sic]
there will be quite a change when all three of them children go off. What do you
think of Phebes prospect - We hear you have been moving on a farm how does it
happen have you sold or let the old home or do you prefer the country in the winter ^sea^ son
I must again say farewell 3rd of 1st month well this has been a day of great stir and commotion and
we have just returned to our quiet home but the evening is nearly spent and I can hold
but a few minutes converse with you for I must rise early to bake and do my 7 days
work in order to go over for the last time to assist Elizabeth she wants to get moved
tomorrow. Joseph and self have been there this week much of the time - It brings all
the feeling of bereavement fresh to mind - it look desolate indeed to see things [sea
taid?]
[Text middle, written upwards]
Jericho N.Y. 184
Jan 7th
Isaac Post
Rochester
NY
[Text in Bottom Margin, Normal]
how little worth our while it seemed to endeavors to accumulate nice things
cousins Samuel and Edmund Daniel were up from NY uncle and Aunt Mary will commence
housekeeping tomorrow after Elizabeth leaves they will feel very lonely indeed as they
have no help either man or woman yet - but likely Robert and Esther will get there
pretty soon how Esther will get along is yet to be seen - but from recent occurrences
I fear she has yet to learn to bear little crosses without a frown at best our cousins
Stephen and Maria have had a valuable New Year's present a fine boy little Stephen
I suppose - Edmund and Martha talk more of moving in the country they had nearly given
out until lately - We have heard with Richard [Hunt?] and Elisabeth [Mcclintoc?] being in N York
we should have been very glad if they could have visited us - do when you see any of [Thom?]
family remember us very affectionately to them and assume them we should
rejoice in welcoming them here - cant they come to attend the anniversary in the
spring and make us a visit - What have you done for the fair has it been sent to Boston
again farewell for to night
(Page 1)
Jericho 3 mo 1838
Dear Brother Sister and Edmond
What a privilage [sic] we have yes what an unspeak-
able privilag [sic] it is when far separated to be able to commune with
with [sic] each other, it is indeed next to the enjoyment of mingling together
personally I do not remember whether Catharine was gone to J Rushmore
when we wrote before but she has been there more than two weeks
she is paying some attention to drawing under Matild’s [sic] tuition
and by her express invitation we went some days since in order
to take her home but as it seemed rather a pitty [sic] to brake [sic] her off so soon
she concluded to stay another week they were all pretty well except Edm^ond^
who was rather better of his cold does not go out of his room looked
and seemed pretty comfortabe [sic] sleeps well nights but his hands still
look sick and he is otherwise thin except his face which you know
is his best appearance his mother said she did not feel like leaving him
much untill [sic] he could walk about the house. Father has quite brightend [sic]
up but his sore increases. Henry went Yesterday and cleaned his clock being
no longer able to do it himself. Mary F has spent several weeks at her
father’s has now returned to Westbury. it is a little more than a
week since we were invited to attend the funeral of John Jones’s
wife meet [sic] at the house at ½ past 12 and at the Church at ½ past 1
O clock and a real formal time it was even the man that ministered
Oh how dry to us there was indeed a darkness that was [feelt [sic]] so percept-
-able [sic] that I believe it might truely [sic] be said it was felt all seemed
to tend to draw from the solemn occation [sic] on which we had met
had the rellatives [sic] been unacquainted with the principles professed by friend
I have no doubt [it] the performance would have appeared less exception-
able to me I cold [sic] not but compare that occation [sic] with the funera [sic] of
Sally Carle where divested of unnecessary form the opportunity seemed
peculiarly calculated to introduce the mind to a train of serious reflection
First day and 11th of the month [when] I wrote the above when our
family were all absent and when they came home put it quickly out
of sight and have now resumed my pen while Henry and Isaac are in bed
and Samuel at the barn this secrecy is observed in order that they may
have no excuse for not writing but whether I shall effect any thing by it do
not yet know. Your acceptable letter reached us some days since and in it
Edmund has made his pittyful [sic] mone [sic] in relation to his clothes for the first time
it is just as I had feared he would feel knowing he went from home so unprepared
I expected he would feel as if his clothes cost so much but I hope sister Amy will
not feel as if there has been any care lacking on her part for I think its [sic] very
probable more has been bestowed than if under my charge – it may be necessary
to tell him [what] what it is necessary for him to procure or for him to con-
sult Uncle and Aunt which he probably does gladly would I this day send some
bosomes [sic] if it were practicable – – it seems brother Isaac has had an invitation
for Edmund at L Mores well since they are so queer and do not call on
and invite you all I should advise aunt Amy and Edmund to call on
them and also at S Cornells after tea or at some time when it is not
meal time, how do they treat Uncle Henrys family do they call on them
cousin [Anson?] Mott when here expressed great affection for Aunt Mary
and said she wanted to call and see her but her being from home
prevented; as much as you admired [Darbert?] brother Isaac does not say how he
appeared on personal acquaintance or why he did not visit you or whether he
invited him to call on his sister Rushmore and family when he gets to
Long Island as they seem to be in the neighbourhood of Henstead [sic] harbour
and need a little [christianising?] all but Matilda we have succeeding geting [sic]
them to take the Liberater [sic] by subscribing for them and advancing the
mony [sic] but Matilda sais [sic] she cant make them take much interest in it
howeve [sic] I hope they will and I think their interest has increased already
The Jerich [sic] Library seems to have given quite a new energy to the intellectual
powers within the bounds of its circulation, in reply to [I?] in relation to his
fathers tooth we might have said before it had got well. rellative [sic] to the
road out [sic] to the turnpike we are not able yet to inform what will be the re-
sult of present negosiation [sic] it appears Jacob askes [sic] more for the land than
was expected Henry feels like being pretty deliberate but as John will by
the change take up considerable fence and land he is more anxious to expedite
(Page 1)
My dear Amy the 2 of 4 Month 1837
Procrastination – how true it is the theif [sic] of time
Could I have believed it, no, that I should have let one Month
pa^s^ed [sic] away and ^not^ let the [sic] know that My Dear Mother was no more
I may now give thee an account that my Mother after this year came
in I think she never walked one step with out assistance, otherways [sic] perty [sic]
comfortable, many days sat up all day, many times when her friends came in to
see her, she would say she was a poor old creature knew very little, which
after was manifest to be very reverse, she would brighten up and be very
enteresting [sic], & pertinant [sic] in her remarks, & I often thought, brought fourth [sic]
out of her treasury, things both new & old, - On the 6th day of 3mo the
second of the week, she mentioned some pain in her side & bowels, something was
administered, it was not hard, she did ^not^ inclin [sic] to lay down, it gradualy [sic] subsided and
went to bed, rested well, in the morng [sic] as usual, and to several of our friends
who happened [sic] to come in that day, which was third day she told them how she was the
day before, but to day I am as well as comon [sic], so that Sarah went to stay a week
with Elizabeth, I waited on her to bed, & herd [sic] no thing th’o [sic] the night our doore [sic]
was set open, abought [sic] 8 o clock, as usual, I went in to get her up found her,
speachless [sic] eyes shut, but much to the relief of my mind I felt satisfied it
had not been the case long from some it apeared [sic] like a perty [sic] general attac [sic]
of the same ^complaint^ the well side was parilized [sic] so that we scarsely ever saw her to
move it but the left she did a little, throate [sic] and loungs [sic] much affected
never swalowed [sic] nor apeared [sic] to take any notice of us, thus she lay from
4th day morng [sic] till [sic] 6 day with very little varyation [sic] except turns of sickness
and passed away gentle as a lamb falling asleep, and we trust at rest.
Sister Esther came [obliterated] and stad [sic] with us S Hanah came on 5 day &
Brother David often here some times 3 time a day then came & staid [sic] the night so we were
sorounded [sic] with our best frends, [sic] the funeral was on first day the 12th of 3 month
Sister H said [sic] up, till [sic] 6 day when the things were all devided [sic] & business seled [sic]
to satisfaction, is [sic] seamed [sic] hasty but may be it was for the best
I mentioned Sarah’s going to stay with Elizabeth, we fetcht [sic] her home the next
day, now she has just returnd [sic] from finishing that visit, I presume Elizabeth
is abought as smart as common, but Ill leave for Sarah to tell
I think when we wrote last W had not introduced his Wife to us which he did
in a few days after. She did not seame [sic] as ^a^ stranger came in with a pleasant
countenance and a hearty shake of the hand, appears like a smart girle [sic]
and pleasant disposition, we dont [sic] see but she is the right one, Our frends [soc] have paid
(Page 2)
more attention than could be any ways [look?] for I think they all admire
her – she seams [sic] to incline to go to meeting, both first and 5 days. Mother
was quite pleased with her, as was Matilda with Mother last 5 day Willets
comitee [sic] paid him a visit, Whitehed Hicks & Williams [sic] Willets, I asked W
if he had a satisfactory opportunity, he said, they said they had, I hope the
right things will be done, Whitehead dined with us after meeting, where
Robert Seaman had something to communicate, Whited [sic] said to us I think
you are going to have a p^r^eacher here. Robert has frequently had something
to say as far as I know to general satisfaction, Mathew F Robbins
continues to visit their [sic] yet, I know of no time fixt [sic] for its accomplishment
Cousin Elizabeth Hicks seams [sic] to have rather an alarming lump on her
chin, Dr Seaman recmmended [sic] the use of [frost?] weed to her, he fears it may
come to some thing serious, she weres [sic] a plaster on it, and is generaly [sic] at Mg
Nicoles Brown & Wife have nearly compleated [sic] their family visit in NY
Mo Meet, now gone on to attend Phidelphia [sic] Y Meet after that we
here [sic] they expect to visit our Mo Mg & I believe friends generaly [sic] on the Is
land Jacob Cronk, & Wife their company, Sally Hicks Rachel Hicks.
both had minuts [sic] and gone ^on^ to the Y Mg also Henery [sic] & Phebe P Willis and a
number from NY Phebe Merrit &c – – David [and] Ketcham, Martha going
to take Abigail Jones’s third of the place, as she has concluded to take
her third’s of the property Edmund here last night runing [sic] his [sloop?]
again, I think he will likely sell it before long ^may be this sumer [sic]^ they have hired in NY
two rooms, so Mary will be there mostly, Mary Ws little Lucretia is a
very lovely little babe the children are much delighted with her
Mary is generaly [sic] out to meetings, now for several weeks she looks
perty [sic] thin, their [sic] are quite a number of babes Richard Hubbs a sone [sic]
William Willets Westby a girle [sic] Joseph Hickses a sone [sic] Lydia Hicks is but
poorly inflimation [sic] on the lungs Elizabeth staid [sic] a week with us after
Mother removeal [sic], which was a pleasant time as we miss her much let
who would be gone. their Mother was in her corner, now no more to be seen
Sarah L said she was the handsomest Corps [sic] she ever saw, & I think she was
for her age, Sister Sarah Seaman & we three Sisters did the last for her, with
Charites [sic] help, We as Brother D latly [sic] had a letter from Sister Phebe she seams [sic]
very much fixt [sic] to let Samuel have all her property, but how it will
go I dont [sic] know, the one that holds [writing?] continues perty [sic] firm that it is
not best, was we mistaken in our conjecture, that it was Ansel Frost she
aluded [sic] to, that Isaac Post thought would be a safe place, if so I think her
friends here, feels a fear, perhaps Isaac had better encourage her to let it
remain as it is I dont want to have Isaac blam d [sic], I dont no [sic] that he is att [sic] all
they say Samuel is and [sic] old miser
(Page 3)
She rites [sic] very desided [sic] to have it. I think likely she will come and see us
as she said she wanted it the middle of 4 month we have not received a
line from her – – – – Alas how Solemn the enternal [sic] sense the 2 of this ^mo^
when my letter was begun^ no less than the removal by death of my beloved Sister Hannah after the
short illness of 10 days, she was taken with an ague fever followed pain in her side
and bowels, and head at times it efected [sic] her scense [sic] was restless, [a] very unusual
for her as she was always one of the very partient [sic] suffuferers [sic], remarked she wisht [sic]
to compose herself, she wanted to be still ^but^ it seamd [sic] she could not, on her first
being taken she remarked she thought it doubtfull [sic] wether [sic] she recovered, I dont [sic] find
that any apprehentions [sic] of it by the Dr Seamans till [sic] 6 day the 14 another Dr was cald [sic]
he said no danger be not discouraged, so little or no confidence is worth placing in
man, we were not fully apprised of her situation, not a Brother or Sister saw
her till [sic] she was gone, first day the 16 Brother Sister & myself went down but she was no
more she expired a few hours ere we arived [sic], it was truly affecting thus to behold
my dear Sister a lifeless corps [sic], so lately parted with her in perty [sic] good health
yet we ^are^ comforted with a hope her change is a hapy [sic] one, we followd [sic] the
dear remains up the next day, and laid her beside our Mother only 5 weeks
after, the same day in the afternoon also the Blooming youth Mari Have
avalan ^was^ consigned to the silent grave, taken ill abought the same time, with
a similar complaint. the Dr cald [sic] it disease of the brane [sic], her sufferings were grea^t^
deprived of her reason, thou can easily imagin [sic] the keanness [sic] of the seperation [sic]
tho [sic] no doubt is felt of her hapiness [sic], John Plumer attendid [sic] my Sisters [sic] funeral
appeared in a short lively testimony, Nicolas & Margarett Brown Phebe Merrit on the
afternoon at Maria’s N had much to say M in supplication, next day ^they were^ at Westbry [sic] Mo Mg
yesterday at ours at Bethpa [sic] where they obtaind [sic] the approbation of [friends?] to visit the farm^s^
of friends on the Island, I understand the comittee [sic] in W case reported favourably
but its [defered] . W and Matilda attended the Mg [tho?] over to Bethpague [sic] we took little
Jacob with us he is an amusing little traveler he has now just commenced
going to school at Jericho to Eliza Duel from N [Porter?} I expect you will
be disappointed in his improvement, we have tried to keep him to his [books?]
but he is of such an active nature its [sic] hard work to do him justis [sic] We went to
see Elizabeth a day a go [sic] found her comfortable which will not be long ere
I think the last of this month, she has a good nurse engaged, that Lidia [sic] Hicks
has, who is now on the gain but has been very poorly, we here [sic] that the [sic] & Isaac
think of visiting us which will be very acceptabl [sic] to us. Jacob is as well contented
as with you, but always says when father & Mother comes he us going home
felt very sorry to here [sic] henry had a tumor, Henery [sic] & Phebe got home just in time to
attend the funerals, on third day the 18 of 4 month Lydia Seaman has been quite
unwell at James is now better tho [sic] not out yet.
I feel this to be a very poor letter but must let it go as it is
we are engaged in hous [sic] cleaner nearly thr’o [sic] Matilda quite affected
with soar [sic] fingers [& surrounds?] but she is one that takes hold of the busi[ne]
ness and appears capable of it we here [sic] Parcila is at Rotchester [sic]
I said to Matida [sic] has the [sic] anything to sa[r]y the [sic], Oh she says she is a stranger
to me, but I love her well enuff [sic] to send my love, [Amy] ^Sarah^ unites in love
I asked Jacob what he had to say, he nothing only I am going to school he
says to here henry has a humor, Jericho 21 of 4 month 1837 affectionately thy Mother M Kirby
(Page 4)
Isaac Hicks & Mary F fixt [sic] to live with his Mother this year
he & his brother Samuel take her plase [sic] Mary W left her babe
and attende [sic] Mo Mg yesterday Phevelord attended and acted as Clk
she bears it with becoming fortitude farewell we here [sic] now
and ^then^ a little from you by our frnds [sic] letters, which is very pleasant
to us believe I must say that Cousin Tomy attended my
Sisters funeral went in the mg house and stood a round the
grave with us, a pleasant sight [to] farewel again
M Kirby
[Text in center of page, written upward]
Jericho NY 18 ¾
April 21
Isaac Post
Rochester
Monroe County NY
for Amy Post
[Text upside-down on bottom of page]
Dear sister I have been expecting a letter from thee
some time hope thee will write soon PP Willis says
you think of visiting us after Yearly Meeting which we were
pleased to hear you had said so little about it we were
most ready to conclude you had given up coming. I
should think thee would feel a great desire to come
and see our new sister I do not wish to give thee too
good an opinion of her but she is so different from what
we feared she was that we think her verry [sic] nice SLK
Is Mary or her brothers coming with you
(Page 1)
first day evening 24th of 7mo
My very dear sister
As I was sitting all alone my thoughts
were turned toards[sic] you I believe every individual of your household
with a flow of love and tender feelings for all, I take my
pen to write a little since that is the only way that we
can converse Altho [sic] I did not know that I should before
I saw you Oh if I had but the wings of a dove how soon
would I visit [you] ^you and^ that dear native Isle of mine but when
I shall I know not yet I cherish a hope that I shall ere
long (for never did I want to visit you more since I have
resided in this western country) than I do at this time, yes
my thoughts are most constantly with you, and how often have
I strewed my tears in secret for thee my precious sister my bosom is
not yet void of feeling, there seems to be such a damp shade oversp=
read ore [sic] all our prospects that I seem not to take much delight
in any worldly enjoyment, altho [sic] I have made a few visits, home
is the moste [sic] desirable place for me to be, I often think what
is there here worth living for, let us dear sister [close?] in with the
visitations of divine love, then our time will pass pleasantly
^and^ swe^e^atly [sic] away, and be ready to lay dow [sic] our heads in peace, Oh let
us improve by the past trials that hath been meeted [sic] out to us
but don’t let it pray [sic] upon nature no it will not be wright [sic]
for us to give way to [sic] much, but let us take the example ^of one who has gone before us^ and
follow on with cheerfulness –-- Mary Frost has spent two days
with us very pleasantly she seems so pleasant cheerfull [sic] and
sweet that one who did not know would not think of her
being so unwell as she is, her comfort depends very much
on what she partakes of such if she is carefull [sic] to take such as
suits her weake [sic] stomach she is pretty comfortable –----
7th of 8th mo
several days has [sic] elapsed since the above was
written and now I resume my pen to give you a little
further information respecting ourselves my IP has
spent one week on Humphryes [sic] Island assisting him in
stacking his wheat, which has been a laborious and expensive
job to H. I suppose there is 200 or more stacks to be seen
in one field – at present we are in usual health for
my own part I have gained very much appetite good
(Page 2)
and increased in strengh [sic] and flesh, our babe (which
we call Edmund), has had somthing [sic] of the summer com=
plaint a few days but is better, am in hopes it will
not return R Searing arrived here 6th day last with your
kind letters which was very pleasant to peruse as I had been
almost impatient to here [sic] from you tho [sic] I knew that I
was in depted [sic] to you, but you must know my time is
much taken up with the cares of a family wich [sic] has laid
pretty heavily on me some of the time this summer
at present I have a good girl considering she was
brought up in this country very fond and good to
the children which I care more about than any one
thing else I consider it a blessing to go to meeting and
feel easy, the babe has got to be verry [sic] quiet sits in the
cradle most of the time I often take him up out of com
=passion thinking he must be tired, this morning when
I got out of bed he awoke I left him, he laid some time
and then went asleep without making any noise to cry
R S gave us some account of the quartily [sic] Meeting &c.
which was truly affecting what are we cuming [sic] two [sic] I do
not see but it must certainly end in division which is
painfull [sic] to think off [sic] that we who have so long dwelled
together in love and harmony must now split assunder [sic]
---- well I think you will be surprized [sic] when I tell
thee that we think of paying you a visit ere long but
as yet rather uncertain onaccount [sic] of business crouding [sic]
on my IP if we do we shall probably set out in one
week or two, taking all things into consideration I do not
see when I can leave home better than now though
it feels like a great undertaking to go with a child I
think you can^n^ot think strange that I want to see you
we think to take the canal for conveyance Mary
we shall leave behind with Abigal [sic] Fin who has lived
with us a number of weeks I think I shall feel pretty
easy about her – she went with her this morning
on a visit to Isaac [Heights?], the babe and I are alone
wilst [sic] the rest of our family are at meeting and I am
to have this ready for Lazarus to take on his return
from meeting to put in the office Abigal [sic] Green
has been very feeble for some weeks past not able
to sit up much the Brothertons have both [had?]
(Page 3)
the feaver [sic] and ague very severly [sic] John has miss
-ed his fits a few times but continues with Enoc
yet they are afflicted indeed I do not look for their
continuing long. Jethro Wood has also been very
sick with the same complaint but the fits have
left him Jordan Wrights wife 5 children and 2
neices [sic] are boarding their [sic] they often ride past here
I do not like to send blank paper but time will
fail me to fill it – a fine shower this morning
has not been so dry with us as you, pleas [sic] to excuse
bad writing as I write with the babe in my lap
our love to brother and sister Willis tell them by
cuming [sic] (if we do) we dont expect to prevent any
of our friends visiting this country and us – them
we have calculated upon – my love to [Elacum?]
and Lew I feel much for them in this state we have
trials and hard things to meet with
in love to all of your I subscribe myself thy
family attatched [sic] sister
H Post
(Page 4)
[Text in center of page, written upwards]
18¾
10
Aug
Amy Kirby
Jericho
Long Island
Queens County
(Page 1)
Ledyard 14th of 11th mo 1824
Dear Sister
As I feel rather lonely this afternoon
I thought I would take my pen a little while
to pass away the time more pleasantly (my Isaac
being gone from home to accompany P Field to the
southward of us, expected to have a meeting to day at
or near Samuel Willets s and some others but I think it
will be a short tour this time – –
We received thy very acceptable letter pretty soon after
date which gave us an account of our dear parents
safe arrival at home which we were anxiously waiting
to here [sic] but thou did not say [so] ^home^ looked pleasanter than
ever to them [than ever] (as Phebe Searing said it did to her)
but how came father and mother to be so stiff as to take
P. Searing down all the way a different road from what she
wished. --- Joseph Frost met with E Robbinson at Utica
where she expected to wait to meet her brother and we su=
ppose did meet him their [sic], he attended several of her meetings
which were satisfactory –-- we have seen A Bs letter and
answer which aunt P brought from Skaneatlas [sic] which
Isaac read in the presence of J S Willets and wife but
not a word did they say untill [sic] E had retired, and then
it appeared that Jacob felt liberty to express his sentim=
ents respecting it, (which accorded with us) I think maters [sic]
have got into a very crooked path amongst you which
ought to be straightened by some means ---
After Elijah and Caty left us I did without help near
2 weeks and got along better than I expected --- we have at
present a girl by name Catherine Forster whose parents
live near us do not see (as yet) but that she will suit
us very well, appears to be an affectionate kind disposit=
=ion and fond of Mary she thinks of learning the weaver
traid [sic] in the spring but I suppose we can keep her untill [sic]
the 5 month provided we do not get tired of each other
have not heard any thing from E and Caty since they
left us we feel anxious to here [sic] how they got along
and how C patience held out --- we miss them very
much it seems very still and quiet in the kitchen
James a better boy don’t know that we can complain of
him frequently talks of thee want to see thee very
much ---
Several days have elapsed since the above was
written and now I will try to fill up my paper
(Page 2)
Isaac returned home on 2d day with PF who
staid [sic] home untill [sic] the next 1st day then John and
aunt P went with her to Genoa where they had a
very large meeting appointed ^held^ in the Presbyterian
meeting House which felt rather trying to Phebe
when she understood where it was to be held as
she expected it to be in the school house but it
was thought it would not have held one quarter
of the people, they had a favoured time and the
people appeared to be well suited with the meeting
she expects to go to Homer soon Aron Baber and
wife with her, after that is accomplished she
expects to go to the west and then I believe John
Searing is to go with her, pretty likely be from
home some time –-- Sarah Howland has been
traveling about considerably since the Quartily [sic]
Meeting been to Rochester an [sic] Owego they think
it better for her to be from home considerably as
she does not seem to enjoy herself nor take much
delight in any thing around her, her mother thinks
she is not herself any of the time, she has been
to meeting once, looks fleshy and I did not
observe but that she is herself entirely –--
the little babe has no name yet believe it
is to be Barckly or Elwood which of the two
they will result upon dont [sic] know John Woods
wife has a young son a fine affair amongst
them, Helen Ann has been at Bath at her fathers [sic]
most of the summer dont [sic] here [sic] that she gets home
yet –-- their [sic] does not seem to be much news stirring
here at present this time, I have heard more about
[obliterated] Election Govenor [sic] &c. this fall than I have ever
before, this Town is very strouong [sic] in favour
of Clint on [sic] –-- matrimony it is said flourishes
but none within my knowledge ecept [sic] Caroline Burling
and Benjamine Goold wither [sic] any foundation for that
I do not know --- Abigail Green much as she has been
for some time does not get out any I have not been
to see her since father and mother were here --- Mary gains
in talking considerably she with the rest of our family
in usual health I remain thy affectionate sister
H Post
(Page 1)
[Text in top margin]
10 O clock I open Sarahs letter to say we are
just off for Queens Co Fair guess wont rain
any more today wind north L Island
looks wonderfully greene [sic] grass looks
finely & so does the
[stock room?]
[Text normal]
half past four
Syosset Fourth day afternoon
Dear all at home
Here we are sitting
with Samuel and Catharine M in the
setting [sic] room while it rains fast without
We arrived near one O’clock having
left Hunters Point three quarters of an hour
behind time. Edmund and I have both
had a sleep since arriving and I guess
both feel refreshed Edmund was
very tired having had good deal of
pain during the night and refraining
from food all day till we arrived
here. He and Samuel are now busily
talking and Kate sewing till just
now gone out. Harriet is here came
Secon [sic]day. Julie left seventh day
why Kate does not know as she gave
no reason. It seems very pleasant
here though it is so rainy. Now it lightens
and thunders perhaps a clearing shower
rain commenced this morning early
(Page 2)
soon after Samuel was up I suppose
about same time it did on the Hudson
We had beautiful moon light most
all night and I slept partly well
each end of it. was awake a long
time after twelve – after that time
Edmund slept better – It is a [mussy?]
way of sleeping but better than sitting
up. There was no difficulty in
getting a section at Syracuse – before
that we rode in a beautiful car I
think rather the nicest I ever rode
in – and so comfortable Edmund was
almost ready to think it preferable to
sleeping car – but I was sure he would
be less tired laying down and no doubt
he is – has no pain yet today is
“very easy’ he says. We arrived at
Hunters Point about eight – disposed
of baggage and started in horse
car in quest of Mary Gibbs – found
Mr Gibbs at office and Mary at
home very pleasant and polite to
us, the visit was short perhaps
twenty minutes it takes so long
(Page 3)
to get about saw E Rushmore
and as the train was so long after
time had quite a visit with him
and a hard shower while waiting
but not much rain while we were
out except on our arrival in N Y
had carriage from Depot to Ferry
through thirty-fourth street which we
found a pleasant and rather fine
street. Samuel reports Edwards family
living up stairs yet – tea ready –
Later Samuel suggests the commencement
of equinoctial storm wind north east
It is warm and has been all the way here
I forgot to say Cales man brought us
over from depot and we found Samuel
just reading Catharines letter telling of
our coming – his man having been over
and taken the letter from Edmunds hand
without learning who he was E supposing
we should get here first. Harriet is
pleasant and enquires after Catharine
Mary and baby – Edmund had sage
tea for supper and is enjoying the sofa
and talking steadily I write talk and –
(Page 4)
listen by turns – Have commenced here
you see and talked backward and
all ways – Edmund says “ask Isaac
where he set the two grape vines he
brought down or set out last
winter or spring” Fifth day ^seven O’clock^ morning
Cloudy and perhaps rainy night but
cleared off about sun rise and high
north wind now blowing. Samuel
says it has been a great rain and he expect^ed^
corn would be down but it is not. We have
been up a long time – (slept refreshingly)
arranging packages for delivery and
littering the room with our clothes beside
doing up the chamber work to prevent
any one else doing it. Edmund seems
smart this morning and my head
is free from pain I [feel?] quiet
enough to answer the question Isaac
asked so many times if I knew
what it was. I am afraid you all
are very tired from canning tomatoes
yesterday but cant see that you
did it perhaps today is the time
[Fair?] is being talked of for today but
[continues upward into right margin]
not yet decided and I shall stop somewhere
(Page 1)
Locus Grove Sep 19
Dear Sister
Contrary to my expectation
the day we arrived after writing
that I should spend the afternoon with
sister Mary and Catherine, I came down
here with brother Willet who happened
to be up that way soon after our notes
were off to the office. I found father quite
improved seemed much more comfortable
than I expected to find him, was setting
here in the back room by a fire which
he has every day, his eyes are quite sore
yet, look very red this morning, and are
painful so that we have just bound
them up wet with an eye water prepared
by Dr. Bowen. He look thin for him, talks
much as we have been accustomed to hear
him, only at times it seems more difficult
for him to recall names or part of circum
stances. also says he is turned about thinks
the fire place is on the north side of the room
(Page 2)
and imagines they are living away up
the north river, does wish he could
get back to Long Island again, he
tells me this himself knows perfectly that
it is not so but says it seems so to me
I asked him if he felt so in the other room
he said he had not been in there much
but it was about the same in his bed
room. He laid on the loung [sic] to sleep an
hour yesterday afternoon and at night
walked with his crutches to his bed room
I came down about or nearly six o’clock
this morning, found him setting by the
fire said he did not know that he
slept any last night and that he got
up between up two and three o’clock says
his foot pained him some but does not
think that the reason he could not sleep
he takes a preparation of some kind to
induce sleep but he seems to sleep
poorly complains of dreaming so much
both asleep and awake. His appetite is
much better seems to enjoy his food now
(Page 3)
has wanted clams, now they have
excellent ones, he enjoys the plums and
Edmund bought him some bartlet [sic]
and sekel [sic] pears. I spent fourth day at
Syosset the afternoon at brother Johns, came
here again yesterday morning and expect
to stay untill [sic] tomorrow night or first
day, yesterday was monthly meeting.
We found Matilda looking rather poorly
has a gathering on her stomach which
looked very red and just ready to
discharge, yesterday and today she looks
better and moves about much as usual
says her sore look a little better once
discharges some, Brother Willet is sowing
wheat this morning, went to south for
a load of hay yesterday morning and got
back before meeting time was asleep on
the couch when we came, says he is pretty
well and wants to see thee very much
Matilda says she had a letter partly
written to thee but she wont send it now
It looks very pleasant about here and I
am enjoying the visit hope fathers eyes will
(Page 4)
improve again if we do not neglect them
his foot I have scarcely seen, it looked
swelled the whole foot but M says it
has gone down some and father says it,
is slowly getting better Matilda is going
to dress it soon with some of your salve
then I shall see it more distinctly, there
is a little running sore on the little
toe I believe father says tell Amy her
plums tasted ve^r^y good. Matilda comes in
with a basket of very fine grapes they picked
some last night to send to market today
the vine is very full. Father asks if thee and
I always live friendly. I said yes, never fall out ^s^.
he says, no, I replied, well thy mother and ^I^
never fell out; all ask if thee is coming this
fall. I say that I think not if father continues
as comfortable as now.
[Text in pencil]
Seconday (sic) near [illegible]
Samuel just going to the office I came up here
last evening instead of seventh day felt like liv
-ing there then E and C came after me yesterday father
had a number of calls J C Haviland, his two daughters
Sarah & Lydia and Edward Merrit and cousin Lydia
Dr. Bowen Rebecca K. E Mott and Cornell came from
Westbury meeting. Sister C looks thin but says she
is much better. Father was quite bright com
fortable yesterday, seventh day he was very sleepy
I think for three days he has not been troubled
as much with dreams. Matilda says her gathering
is most well and she seems bright and will has a
[Continues upward into right margin]
pretty good girl
(Page 1)
North Hempstead 3 mo 10”_
Dear Uncle Isaac & Aunt A
Truly it is due, to those whose
fostering care was so liberally dispersed to the pilgrim
and sojourner, while among you – now that she
has been long away from [away?], you, to let you
know ^how^ it [fareth [sic]?] with her_ And indeed in justice
to her own feelings, so often enlivened by the
pleasantest of memories, she would fain offer
to you the salutation of love. In her onward
journey _ she path hath been laid thro sunshine
and shadow; and when in darker moments
her spirit hath yearned toward you, she has
still feared to sport with your sympathies, and
impact the sombre tinge of a decaying hope. But
ever and anon, as hope brightens the desire to see you,
to speak to you revives and strengthens – Ah would
that I might this moment grasp your friendly
hands, as in other days – those hands that have
often dispersed the warm charities of ^love^ hope to the
toil worn and weary in the march of life.
I would again sit beside you - and recounting
all my little experience since we parted seek
to give you she assurance that the time spent
among you has been to me the seed time of
good things _ the harvest of which has been
(Page 2)
joy, and not sorrow _ I have gained enough
in physical power and mental resources to
repay a thousand fold. The Increase of life
power or vitality is conspicuous throughout this
long and severe season _ in the few clothes which
I require to produce comfort - no woolens nor
under vests – no enveloping of the throat at night
- no sleeping cap – and the canton flannels of
last winter supplanted by, simple muslin
and what renders the triumph complete is
this, that I am at all times warmer than for
12 yrs previous – all the cold spots gone
to say that my throat has at times been very
sore this winter, would I trust, be no more
than you would expect from this climate -
Still until a month past, it has been better
than ever before. The keen winds of ^from^ the ocean
have been unusually scarce - or I presume
it would be far worse – this suffering much
from that difficulty of late, yet the [illegible]
of exemption having been so entire, gives
me a ground of hope, which tho’ it may
not promise perfect recovery on L.I. _
suggest to me the flattering prospect- of being in
a curable condition. During an absence in NY
of three weeks the ulceration of throat quite
disappeared, but on return came again with
great inflammation _ I sent for Dr. Treadwell
to apply the Iodine again – while at the same
time I feared I was doing violence to my better
nature. But the do-nothing state seems of all
conditions the hardest for me. Yet that
(Page 3)
state, is regarded on L I. as the only one for
the true Christian – any thing which aspires
to life, contrary to the will of Providence is
surely an alien to the commonwealth’, a stranger
to the benign influences of resignation, and
an outrage upon propriety generally!
I can no longer marvel at the love you cherish
for the country of your adoption – I can fully
understand now, that it is possible to love another
place as well as LI. _ and even to breathe a
purer atmosphere – where love & charity—
unfold the radiant wing. - And dear
Aunt A, pardon me the necessity of stooping to
tattle and small talk’ _ but I must repeat to thee
what Rachel Rushmore has just said of a report
which she heard from cousin Mary W. Willis _
where it originated I know not. It is this, “that
Dr Ingersolls house in Rochester was a genteel
house of ill fame”!!! Now perhaps the best wisdom
would be silence at such calumny – but to me
in my present state of feeling – it does appear
as a duty which those who have been his patients
owe to themselves & each other- to vindicate them-
-selves- to speak boldly in the defense of the
right – especially to those so nearly related
as thy own sister. Had I no personal show of- ^interest^
in this contemptible slander – I could not keep
silent knowing as I do the purity of the Dr’s
life & intentions- without doing violence to
the best promptings of my highest nature-
Will thou not say to thy sister that the many
Friends who have at different times been his
patients, are able to testify of what they know—
(Page 4)
know And will they not with one
accord utter their convictions that there
never lived a man more [far?] from
sensuality- with more honesty of purpose
I believe they will- who are they? name
them please to cousin M- if thou will-
Brother Jehiel would be proud to place his
wife again under the Dr’s care and Setphen
too would be eager to secure to me his
services- were he near enough to go and
get a pack once in a week or two. I take a
pack now & then_ but no one has the hand
to restore, what the warm sheet takes from me
of vitality – I mean there is no soft hand
that is strong and warm enough. Phebe
wants the Dr to come nearer NY- why cant
he? So many sick people want curing
Phebe’s thirst has never returned with more
force- but she wants to get quite well.
Elizabeth’s daughter Annie is in very delicate
health _ and she would so gladly place her
under his care_ He must resume business
in some place- cant you contrive for
him_ I [illegible] is willing to help him_ and
Stephen feels so kindly towards him- I think
he would do something too. I have received [sic]
3 letters from Rebecca, the daughter of Jonathan
Magill _ Bucks Co - She has suffered
much for years – now almost helpless-
she is confident that the Dr’s theory of
disease & cure is correct – and very
(Page 5)
desirous to place herself under his care
Is it not a pity that one who can do so
much for the sick- and who has but little
talent for any other pursuit – should not
be in constant practice. I doubt not
that my recovery would have been more
rapid had the circumstances been different
Altho of so many years standing, the dif-
-ficulties might have yielded sooner
had my family been near me- and the Dr’s
wife been healthy & happy – I trust he has
learned ere this, better to meet the trials
of his position. I hope & trust that he is
more the enlightened Christian, as well
as the sage philosopher- I think thee
would smile sometimes, could thee hear
me trying to impart to my young friends
something of the little which as given
up within my soul of those sweet
lessons of life- It is but little I can do-
but I feel certain of that little – for my
heart reaches forth so to the young- that
cannot repress what I know to be truth
and tho I do ^may^ not speak the Dr’s name – still
he stands forth the to their minds as the person-
-ification of the ideas and the invariable
exclaimation [sic] is this – How I should like
to hear the Dr. talk. – I yesterday recieved [sic]
a letter from M Anthony – she alludes to
some little circumstances in relation to
(Page 6)
Hannah last summer, now, they seem
to me to trivial to be remembered. I know
that Hannah’s care over me was truly kind
and motherly – more than my heart could
ask or willingly receive – until the time
when th you were at her house- what
then occurred seemed a temporary delirium
we I don’t think it was any thing more than
this – that she had observed me to be dissatisfied
with the fare – in consequence of my wanting
the strawberries washed- or else the falsehood
of the domestic – or else from over hearing
our conservation, and misapprehending that
conversation. She did not wish, she said
to continue in such a difficult business
I tried to convince her of her mistake-
assured her of my privilege, I should ever
regard it, to cherish the memory of her many
tender attentions – and to this moment I
feel so grateful – and shall never have
a hard thought towards her. This is all
I can call to mind of this affair except
this, that she said she was sorry to be obliged
to doubt my word, in regard to being satis-
-fied – and that in the conversation between
us I recollect saying – that I had felt so
much sympathy with her – what it was enough
to hinder my progress – that during the
winter I gained so little might as well have
thrown my money away – but still I could
not help feeling sympathy with her.
(Page 7)
what seemed perfectly insane, was changing
Phebe with trying to make the [hired?] women
dissatisfied, when the poor, dear child
was never known to open her lips to that
effect. I thought thee might possibly be
under the impression that it was hasty
or unwise in Phebe to leave – but we
were obliged to- for the Dr. would close
his business – so the result was forced upon
Phebe. Please excuse this tedious prating.
And now my dear friends – how are
you in health, write me do – and also
say when you will visit LI. How delightfully
could we pass the hours with you, how
would our hearts bid you welcome
Stephen is not quite well at present – tho
his health has been good thro’ the winter
We are a couple of toothless old folks, just
now- cannot be ready for others until 5”mo
Will not cousin Jacob come down this spring-
The little boys, with myself often talk of
the rides with him – and remember grate-
-fully his kindness – they are well –
Father has been sick for some days-
a heavy cold – is better today – His mother
mother seems losing flesh – rather failing-
Cousin Catharine spend 2 days with
us recently – how severly she writes – you
know her signature in the Liberator, Kate.
(Page 8)
Please present my grateful remembrance
to William Hallowell’s family – Also Edmund
& Sarah _& cousin Isaac _ I wish it were
in my power to say more of our mutual
friends around about here _ but I do not
go out at all _ or scarcely once a month _
and live almost shut in from the world _
The wind today is bitter cold & searching
& tedious as any this winter_
Has Mr Hitchcock ever presented a bill
on my account _ or did he turn the
borrowed money to account against me?
If so I will ^endeavor^ make it up to you when
we meet. I must conclude _
in sincere affection
Your grateful neise [sic]
Matilda
I & A P.
P S. Altho I trust we are both sensible of the Dr’s
faults and failings – I will just tell thee what Dr
Wilsey of NY_ said of him – when I was in the
city recently he said that “it would cure him of all
“his disturbances to stay one month in his society _
“He was the object for which he had been searching”
his life-long- and told him wonders concerning himself
but that he could not be appreciated for he was
100 years ahead of the age”. Dr Wilsey is a New Church –
-man – and an apostle of Hahnemann. an upright man.
(Page 1)
First day - 28th
Dear Aunt A.
I returned from N York little
more than a week ago - and found thy kind
letter awaiting me. Every moment has seemed
so filled with cares, that I have found myself
reluctantly compelled to wait until this time
to acknowledge its reception. My mind loves
to dwell upon recollections of Rochester - -
I sometimes think that, notwithstanding the
bitterness of separation, there is no other equal portion
of my life, so little chequered by regrets, as the months
spent in your city. The earnest and steady pursuit
of health and those benign and mental gifts, which
the fair Goddess dispenses - were to my interion nature
ennobling objects - She kindly influences of hope
were a solace to my spirits - hope, that so often
decieves [sic] us - Still, I will bless the sweet singer
altho' I have perhaps drank too eagerly the honey
dew of her flattery. I am better now, than I have
been at any time since the severe attack of inflame-
-mation. The visit of N Y, changed me entirely –
and I came home with tenfold strength. Indeed
I am sanguine enough to believe that under some
circumstances, I might attain pretty good health.
Stephen feels ancious [sic] to try all that can be done
(Page 2)
to render LI. tolerable, and I too think it is best
to make the trial at least. We have made arrange-
-ments for a hall stove - and we have a house-
-keeper - and two girls beside. With all these
advantages, would it not be a crime to be sick?
Surely, I have gained much of physical power
within the last year - have experienced a radical
change in regard to ^the^ chronic difficulties which so long
afflicted me - oh, I will try to gain more - I will try
to walk in the same path where our good Doctor
introduced us - and profit yet more by his coun
-sels. Can I live out those teachings - can I make
those beautiful precepts mine, now in this stern
hour of trial? I will try. It is not an easy thing
to grow in knowledge. It is not the work of a
moment. The instantaneous thrill of pleasure, which
penetrates the inner being at the perception of a new
and grand idea, may fade away like rainbow
tints, from our mental vision - or remain only
as a cherished memory of the pictured pasts. But
it is quite another thing ^to^ realize a growth within
us of that which the mind recognizes as truth. Dear
Aunt Amy, may we not liken our experience to the
steady, tho unseen silent changes which are ever
working in nature's great laboratory? -the cir-
cumstances which surround us, to the genial
influence of shower & sunshine, darkness &
(Page 3)
dewy morning? What tho the storm cloud may
darken the sky, and burst above the earth, the
little plant in the hedge-row heeds it ^not^ - or only
bends her head lovingly beneath its weight; for
that tempest brings to her a blessing - And
so, after many changes - there is a growth
attained which no other conditions could have
furnished. For this cause, came we unto this
hour - Surely life's mysteries are full of meaning!
How much do we with that it ^were^ possible often to drop
in and make one of your pleasant circle - I feel
that I could take your hands in mine, and glad
-den my spirit with the reflection of your kindly
countenances. Please accept our heartfelt
thanks for thy letter of friendship - as also for
many a word of cheer from thy lips.
We are all well as usual, the children attending
school and Stephen taking the benefit of plank
road improvements. Sister Phebe remains greatly
improved in health. with a careful diet, and an
occasional pack - her thirst seems nearly gone,
She comes up here to be packed it is so difficult
to have it done in N Y. She was greatly in hopes
that our respected Doctor, would establish himself
in N Y, this winter. We have heard nothing
from him for some time. He paid us a short
visit, which we all enjoyed. It is sad to me to
(Page 4)
reflect that in such a sick world as this, capacities
like his for usefulness, should fail to find an appro
-priate field of labour. May success attend his
efforts. It is ^a^ lovely Autumn day - would that
my own heart could chime in more lovingly
with the sweet voices of nature! I trust it will
not long be thus - that a gentler spirit will sweep
all misanthropy from my bosom - During my
long absence from L I all that I could feel as a
wife & mother was touched in the tenderest ^part^ and
it seems as tho that very suffering, in the eyes
of those who judge me - has been my offence.
"Life (they tell me) 'loses all its value when pur-
-chased with such deviations from duty, as
I have committed - and sickness and death
they would fain array in attractive guise, as an
expedient, and alternative. I suppose that health in
Rochester, to the wise, seems but another name for
a long list of spiritual maladies, quite incurable –
Well, when I have become somewhat used to the crushing
weight which has fallen upon me - I shall realize
something more harmonious than at present - and
then dear Aunt A - I hope to be able to converse with thee
in this manner, without being so egotistical. Pardon
me - we have used so much freedom hitherto - that I
could keep back no thought from thee, Please remember
me to inquiring friends - to the branches, of your own
family especially - We think it a long time since brother
Edmund left us - shall look for him soon I think
Lovingly – Matilda -
(Page 1)
Dear Brother & Sister
Your long expected letter came duly to hand and
I should have hasted to answer it were it not that I waited for an oppor
=tunity by E P Willis therefore I put off writing and now I know not whether
I shall make out to write much for I feel almost too much fatigued now
to attempt it being to day [sic] without help we concluded to make a change
but the woman we engaged has disappointed us we went for her last evening
she had gone away on a visit for two weeks whether we shall try to wait in
the patience that long is doubtful Oh this toiling how burdensome it is how
pleasant it would be could we live with less care ^and^ work how they fetter
and bind to the earth all our energies but I will leave this and proceed to
tell you of other matters and things first of all our great disappointment
in not seeing Julia here with Edmund it was most too bad to disappoint so
many but we will hope she will be her in the Spring Sarah too has failed to
come we should have been very glad to have given her a welcom [sic] may we not look
for her before Spring. The mention of Mary Underwood s being in Rochester
and her intention of accompanying Matthew and Elizabeth to Soway [sic] was quite
astonishing what does it mean? I cannot understand it why she should leave her
mother’s comfortable home in her present tried situation I feel great sympa
-thy for her , how did she seem to be ? was she cheerful ? or sad I fear they may ^all^
regret there [sic] understanding when too late DO give us some information relative to
Mary all that you know __ It is now beautiful weather Indian summer but
very dry last evening we felt quite a shock of an earthquake a loud rumbling noi
se and windows rattled considerably the tremor was very perceptible
We went last 7 day to Richard Albertson’s to see Elizabeth Prior she seems to be
enjoying herself her every much expects to set out for home next week she
read us some of her letter’s from John by which it appeared he thought the time
very long he really seemed to be quite impatient for her to return ___ poor fellow
I was quite sorry for him __ but never mind the doctrine now if troubles and trials
are all for our good he gave quite an interesting account of Lucretia’s visit
or rather of her communications at several meetings in their vicinity
I am glad for you that you have got moved it must ^have^ been quite a job it will be
more convenient f or your friends to find you now as well as more handy to the
store William & Mary Edmund & Julia will all rejoice I think to have you so near
them I wish it was near enough for us to step in once and a while and chat away she
twilight hour as Amy and self have done so oft in by gone days
(Page 2)
I laid this down to fold clothe’s [sic] after which I made a neighbourly call at u
John’s then came supper to be got and cleared and now Joseph is sitting here talking
so that I shall make but slow progress Ann [Siters?] has gone to her father’s was poorly
before she went and does not get well yet but is gaining Stephen Willets Sarah
is in Philadelphia attending school Edmund’s family have nearly all been
sick with chills and fever _ are better now Uncle Robert has had 3 poor
turns kind of fits the 2 last no doctor being on hand was not bled
and has got about quite soon Aunt Phebe Post has also had a fainting
or some other kind of fit in meeting fell off her seat was some time or
we got her out she pretty soon came to __ in now as well as usual __
Mother has been exceedingly feeble this Fall she seemed a little better
so that we brought her here last week she staid with us several days
we hope she gained some __ sufferd [sic] very much with pain in her side
breast and shoulder and sickness at the stomach Ann Lewis s canc^er^
is increasing is becoming quite offensive and so extremely sore she can
scarcely bear any thing [sic] to touch it however she has not suffered so much
as is often the lot of those who have this ever to be dreaded disease
Well here is quite a catalogue of infirmities our Catharine has had
a severe turn of ear ache last week several of us have been indisposed
with cold’s we find the wet sheet very useful have applied it to
nearly all the family with excellent results Do you apply it?
Joseph has got sleepy he is very tired been gathering corn all day
so I will lay this away for the night and retire to our chamber
hoping to add some more tomorrow this is a gloomy concern so far
but you much excuse it for life is made up of change and I sometimes
think the painful exceeds the joyous but farewell for to night
Instead of resuming my pen in the morning as I hoped
it is again evening and I feel too dull to hold much converse with
you to night [sic] Phebe Catharine and Edmund have been with us to day
very pleasantly Do you know Paulina Wright is to spend the
winter at Sing Sing she will be near enough to our prison friends
to mingle much with them and ^will^ contribute doubtless very much
to their enjoyment I suppose you are not working for the Boston
Fair I am really ashamed not to labor in this way but to work all
alone and ignorantly too discourages me from the attempt I fear
I shall allways [sic] be a slothful servant in antislavery effort __ would
not you like to be in Boston during the Fair I think it ^might^ incite
even me to try to help the cause along Joseph has commenced readin [sic]
aloud so I will lay this aside again
(Page 3)
[Separate Page]
It is now fourth day afternoon and a most lovely one it is oh that we
^could^ spend it together instead of the way I am about to our late visit
seems almost like a dream there is so much unsaid which we
should have said and now I will not attempt to on paper
it is ever thus when with dearly loved ones, I seem to forget
in the joy their presence affords every thing [sic] else after our
return home Joseph remarked “I want to see them now more
than ever” __ you hold so many visitor’s we had very little quiet com =
=munion such as I love when are you coming? while Edward Hicks
was at the quarterly meeting held forth each day 6 day he quoted
this passage for his text Blessed are ye when men shall revile you and
persecute you and say all manner of evil against you falsely &c __ spoke
on it very feelingly (Joseph said (I was not there) but mingled there
=with the good was considerable which was objectionable ___ but
I suppose some could swallow all let it be as it might
for gospel truth’s ___ Joseph is one appointed to get
money subscribed for the Boarding School he and William T Cook
Joseph has been to his part and not one cent has he got
subscribed I conclude some will think he is the wrong
one but I am right glad if they do not succeed in building
up this sectarian scheme __ there are many good schools
now which need patronage and individuals can manage .
such an institution better than a yearly meeting I was
really disgusted last spring when this subject was before the
meeting with the sectarian seal manifested by some they
seemed to think a school under the care of thair [sic] august body
might almost make the society what it had been __ for the
declension was traced by many mothers to their having
sent their children to other schools where they had lost their
love for the society and its important testimonies __ but
the cause lay’s deeper still and all the schools ill not alone
effect the work home education is needed thus should be instructed
in their duty to their fellow creatures and &c I will not now go on
to enumerate all the particulars in which they should be instructed
(Page 4)
[First paragraph written by Joseph Post to Isaac Post and is transcribed as 230_nd]
You will have a real patchwork letter and I fear you
will find it uninteresting as it will necessarily be from
us but one good thing it will not cost much you inquired
about Joseph and Ruth we have no very late account from them
they were attending some of the meetings I think in Bucks Joseph
was so unwell he had to lay by after which they went to the shore
where they staid [sic] a week they then turned their faces homeward
but had to return and attend some meeting in Pennsylvania
had to give up getting to the yearly meetings as they hoped when
we parted from them We expect they are at home a little before
this we have been hopeing [sic] to hear from them but suppose it is not
probable we shall Joseph met with a woman at Flushing from
Trenton an intimate friend of Rush and Rebecca Plumbly he
took a seat by her and commenced conversation relative to
them and made some inquiries about Joseph and Ruth ment
-ioned having been with them out in Western New York she
(Page 5)
said is it possible this is Joseph Post said she had read all
Rebecca’s letters and ^she^ felt quite acquainted after this
Timothy and Isaac have been up the
river as far as Hudson had a number and attended a number
of meetings were gone two weeks come home before Quarterly
meeting they have gone again over to Purchase they had
a satisfactory time Isaac said there seemed to be considerable
prejudice against Timothy in some minds he has spoken excellen
=tly since he got back Rachel has been up to Cornwall Qr Meet
=ing she is faithful in settling the diffrently [sic] or rather triing [sic] to do
it her way ___ we have listened to several remarkable communicat ^ions^
but it is now some weeks since I will just let it go but in the
time of it they were worthy to ^be^ questioned and examined
Phebe Johnson is at Isaac’s generally silent Matilda
babe grows finely they fail anxious William Titus little
Mary is quite sick tho better to day Amy is quite a bell has
considerable company among the number are Benj Albertson
Valentine Hicks Daniel Underhill &c some of whome [sic] are rather
burdensome sometimes I guess Don’t you want to hear what
great things the English deputation have accomplished I rather
guess it will not amount to much I hope I may be mistaken
We as well as yourselves are exceedingly interested
in all which relates to Frederick Douglass and others in England
also in the English [corresponder?]. how cheering to Garrison
to receive such tokens of approval from tried friends distant
tho they be I think this generation unworthy of him I often
find myself breathing the desire that his future course may cont
=inue to be “upward and onward untrameled [sic] and free”
Have you noticed Sydney, remarks are getting up an
Antislavery society in New York the very few they are and
the great amount of proslavery by which they are surrounded
well they commencd [sic] and altho it is said as thy day is so
shall thy strength be yet I greatly fear they will grow weary
but I will not dwell on this “but hope on hope ever” that it may
not be The Third party have been in and ^commenced a^ discussion ^on^ the constitu
tion this will sure to interest some minds
(Page 6)
Sydney will be married soon I expect ___ We better get acquainted
with him the better we like him
I have been up to see Elizabeth Mott quite lately they seem to get along
a great deal better than once she calles [sic] herself very well now ____
affectionately your sister Mary
Love to all dont forget to write
[Text in center of page, written upward]
Issac Post
Attention of Rochester
EP Willis
[Text in bottom left corner, written upwards]
Indelible Ink
Looking Glasses
Black Braid
(Page 1)
Dearly Beloved Westbury 6 month 15th
I have retired for a few moments from
the business and care's of the morning to hold a few min-
utes converse with you not that any thing presents which
is interesting to note down but simply to commence a sheet
and as my last was written in such a hurry not time to
look over it and not even to sign it I do not remember
much what I wrote so if I chance to write the same you
must attribute it to this cause and not to any importance of the
subject Brother's love token was duly received [sic] and appreciated and
many thanks to thim for it as it was a long time since we had rece-
ived [sic] a line from his pen _ he says he was disappointed in not viewing
an account of our Aniversary [sic] meeting which I as [was] fully expected to
do but it was deferred from time to time then a brief report of it
in the paper's and the fact of Henry Bush's being there and the prob
ability was he had filled up the deficiency of the reports you had
had made me feel like not saying much in that hastily written
scrawl suffice it to say it was the most deeply interesting one we
ever attended there as great unanimity of feeling and a solemn
-ity pervaded every mind (except some rowdies might not) in contempl
-ating the present state of the country and the position the society
was bound to adapt to carry out their convictions of the right altho
it probably would lead to much suffering yet in view of all this
there was a spirit of self sacrifice and devotion worthy the cause
yes a willingness to suffer all things if need be for the Truth
I felt truly it was good to be there and I think it left an im-
pression on many minds which cannot be effaced I mean not abolition^ists^
the cause is onward for truth is mighty and will prevail The notice
of the yearly meeting of orthodox Friends in the last week's standard is char
acteristic and might with as much force be applied to our side friends
It occurred to me very forcibly the little while I was at the yearly M
what great good is done by coming so great distance; to be sure the quri^es^ [sic]
were read and answered as also Epistles yet in the replys [sic] not one word on
the great and crying sin's of the age war, intemperance and slavery
_ much was said on our being the favoured people of the Highest
(Page 2)
whether we really deserve as much as is said the title of the
chosen I leave but it seems to me we are weighed in the balan^c^e
and found wanting in the weightier matters justice, money, and
truth. There is a short sentence in the notes which pleased me
"Let them ask themselves whether God requires a people of high professions
a people favoured of Heaven literally to keep in the quest"
We too have been very much pleased win reading George Thompsons
^of our English and American friends in Britain^
speeches and in all the doings, and my heart responded to the
tribute He bore to the noble and uncompromising Garrison
that a few begin to appreciate him is cheering and so long as he
remains true to principle and is faithful in rebuking sin
in high places I think there is little danger of his being "elated"
even tho he is eulogized by a few, for the majority are prepared
to condemn and hiss him and probably will do it but [positively?]
will do him justice Suppose John and Mary will make you
a good visit I was glad to hear they had gone I hope they will en-
joy it a much as we did a year a ago Ah one short year how
little we thought would number the most gifted one ^of our number^ with the silent
dead her removal has left a great blank which cannot be filled we feel
lonely in the fullest sense of the word and how often do we feel the
need of her sympathy and council in the various trials and dif-
-ficulties by which we are surrounded in five years how many of
our loved one's have gone home [four?] ^I^ have missed mother this summer
very much, more than I could think so long time has elapsed since
her removal from us and dear cousin William too and our beloved
sister Lydia all have left a vacum [sic] which cannot again be filled
but they have each gone to their reward which is I doubt not perfec^t^
in happiness 7 month 6 thus far I wrote some weeks since little
thinking when I was called off so long time would pass ever it
was on its way and still less of the tidings it is destined to
bear you afflictive indeed and painful as it even is to my feel
-ings to be the first to communicate such inteligence [sic] yet in
complyance [sic] to the request of Aunt Mary I resume my pen
James and Elizabeth Mott are suddenly bereft of their little dar-
-ling Amy Ann which has fallen havily [sic] indeed upon them
(Page 3)
still they are sustained in a remarkable degree and bear with chr-
-istian fortitude the blow which has fallen so heavily upon them
on the 4 she went to the factory with one of the boys (they liked to
have her there) after being out a little while Elizabeth saw her stand
ing on the steps of the dove and soon took her bonnet and went
^and not seeing her^
out for her inquired for her they said she had just gone out they
all ran out to look for her E looked in the pond but did not see her
ran to the dye house some in other places Elizabeth and a man
went to the pond again and then they discovered her near the
middle of it but the vital spark had flew they tried what they
could to reanimate her little form but all their efforts were una
vailing they sent for the doctor and he tried with all his skill Jamie
had gone to Carle Place for Ann and met the messenger with the sad#
[Continues below with line beginning “#news Elizabeth thinks]
[Text in middle third of the page, vertical, upwards]
and he thinks Margaret will not be more
poorly and hopes Marthas fever will
be broke soon they were more comfortable
yesterday— Mother too is very feeble more
so this summer than ever and the want
of suitable help adds thereto they have
tried to get so[me?]one but it really seems
impossible to [get?] any thingWilliam
Ketcham rode much to find some one to
assist them but did not succeed in getting
any body - When I left this little space
I thought it was the outside and wrote
accordingly and I did not see any better
way than to do as I have May Lewis
is an invalid too she is under the care
of Dr Vandevere of Flat Bush go once a
week to see him she has been very mis-
-erable a long time he thinks he can help
her and she is some better so bettween [sic]
all the invalids I felnd I have as much
as I can get along with to take some
care of my family and a little of my
self (I have not been well this summer)
and a little of them to fill all my
time I thought I would take this
to the store and see Mary this evening
it is now 3rd day and the mail for tomor
row goes to the rail road to night so
I must leave much unsaid for two
reasons want of time and paper
why is the world do not Sarah W
and Mary and Edmund and Julia write
us a letter now and then I am aware
they would get very little in return
therefor [sic] but the consciousness of giving
pleasure to Friends who love them might
be almost enough [in?] itself – our love to
all our relative[s a?]nd friends who
care to have it[ from?]us and Rhoda too
[Text normal]
#news Elisabeth thinks she had probably gone down when she first
looked in the pond—she had gone with the boys sometimes to see them
sail their little boats and they think likely she went near the edge
and slipped in as the ground was wet there having been much wet wea
ther for several days we did not hear of it until morning it occured [sic]
about 6 in the afternoon I went up and spent the forepart of
the day with them and felt then as well as at many other
times the truth of that passage of scripture "It is better to go to the
house of mourning than to that of feasting &c" and also that I was more
in the way of my duty than to have gone with others to our accosto-
med [sic] place of worship the funeral took place this afternoon
at 3 oclock had a long meeting Rachel broke the silence and
(Page 4)
[Text in top margin, written vertically upwards]
Lydia
Willets
has a son
Amelia
Willets
is engaged
to Edward
Merrit son
of Nathaniel
very pleasing
they are
coming to
Westbury
soon
Samuel
Catharine
and Isaac
spent the
4th with
us are
well as
usual
Catharine
and Isaac
have been
to N Y a
few days
[Hygram?]
pills have
made I
was well
as he was
last fall
they ap
-pear to
be the
pancea [sic]
for him
Farewell Mary
[Text normal]
this passage Think not in your heart the men on whom the
tower of Siloam fell were sinners alone others I tell you may
but on the contrary if there was any partiality in the Divine Being
which she did not believe there was it was those who were most
deeply afflicted and had the greatest share of bereavements and
spoke of Job's many trials and provings and his acknowledgeme [sic]
that it was good for him that he was so proved wished them
to improve thereby and to remember there was a an Omnicient [sic]
omnipresent God that he had permitted this sore trial to come up
on them that they could not reflect on themselves for want of care
and &c &c and desired they might in sincerity adopt this language
the Lord has given and the Lord has taken away blessed be his name
I do not know how it felt to them but I am not a believer that
[Text aligned vertically across center of Page 4]
5th North Hempsted
Isaac Post
Rochester
NY
[Text normal]
trials and afflictions are the necessary attendants upon sanctified spirit
or are the medium by and through which souls are purified and brought
nearer to Divine communion They may be instrumentalities but are
not necessarily so John Plummer followed in a long doctrinal service
explaining his Belief also his views of the old testament among other
things of Abraham and of his offering his son that once he could
not believe it was ever required of him but he had by much reflec
tion and the light made manifest became convinced he said many
truths and considerable I could not approve then Rachel Wain-
wright in a short communication I intend going over in a day or
two to see them if you were here to sympathise [sic] with them it
would be grateful indeed uncle and aunt Kirby came first day and
returned ^home^ after the funeral they are all well - - -
Margaret and Martha are quite sick and been so Margaret a week
Martha not as long probably in part caused by own exertion Lucretia
Sherman who is in very poor health and very nervous had been there a
week also her child and her sister Lucretia required nursing and she
liked to have Margaret do for her which she did faithfully as long as
she could she was taken with a child followed by fever in a few
days Martha S was attacked similarly John went for a Thompsonian Dr
[Continues on Page 3 with line beginning “and he thinks”]
(Page 1)
[Text in top margin around date line, written upside down]
write when you can for we are more glad
to recive [sic] than to give and I doubt not you
would get the blessing promised to those who
give
[Text normal]
Westbury 7 mo 22
Dearly Beloved Thy ever welcome token
was duly received and its sentiments met
a responsive throb in my heart especially
that portion in reference to the occupancy
of our time so fully in the cares and pursu^its^
of the things of thise present state as almost
to make us neglect our absent friends I
have ever looked forward to a time when
leisure would take the place of much of
the active labor which has been generally
a pleasure but which I would now willingly
lessen but as I have got my hand in I find
it somewhat difficult to lay them aside I am
feeling real lonely this afternoon in the little
leisure of the hour for more than two weeks I
have been engaged in waiting on Father & mot^her^
one week there then we brought them home with
us but getting a new girl for them and father
was having lightning rods put up made him
anxious to go home else they would have
remained longer he was a little smarter than
he had been but looks pale mother was better
(Page 2)
some said she thought it had done her good
and I have no doubt of it to look at some new
objects must do good to sit week after week in
the same place the same round of thought and
care is enough to weary any one and so entirel^y^
dependant [sic] on others for every thing it seems to
me that life must be burdensome but she
keeps the patience remarkably they are an
hinfirm couple to try to keep house Matthew
has a felon ^it has broke^ Did I ever tell you the remedy for
felon’s they are so frequent here that I want every
body to know it and apply it for I think it
is certainly the best thing I ever knew Take
rock salt wrap it in a cabbage leaf and roast
it in the ashes 20 minutes then pulverize the
salt and mix it with common yellow soap
making a kind of salve adding a few drops
of spirits turpentine it will either scatter
or make it break very quick we have used
it very many times and always with the
most favorable results it is severe but the
end crowns all It was M M yesterday
and also the funeral of Phebe Cromwell wh
made our meeting large she has been very
poorly all summer inflamation [sic] of the lungs and
(Page 3)
her cancer increased too a happy release
Rachel got liberty to attend Ohio & Indiana
Y M apt some and visit the families of White
Water M M Stimoson also to attend Purchace [sic]
& Nine Partners Q M and the meetings and apt some
and Cornwall Edmund goes with him he
told the meeting he had a prospect of going
with I and they have him a miracle too Luc
retia fashion he did not ask liberty
This morning our girls went to N Y to see
the great Eastern Willet Robbins was going
with them it looked very cloudy and they
hesitated about going but it resulted in
a very little shower and is now very warm
& dry we are suffering on act of drought our
beautiful little lake presents a large margi^n^
and our gardens are suffering greatly
a little distance from us in several direc
-tions there has been rain a heavy rain on
second day night at N Willis’s very light hue
but through all the buds have almost out done
themselves in their constant song apparenty [sic]
unceasing I think I never enjoyed it more
what a beautiful arrangement when one ^blessing^
(Page 4)
is withdrawn or lessened we appreciate what
remains Our men folks have got through
hay and are now in their oats a fine
time to get hay so dry and not so
dreadful hot as sometimes nights and
mornings quite cool so that frequently
it is pleasant to close all windows & doors
Our colored friends are expecting to
hold a meeting on the first day of august
in the woods dear Spragues they have en
gaged a speaker but I do not know who
whether they will make out to raise money
enough on the ground I dont know think
it rather doubtful Phebe Searman Elijahs
widow was burned last week Thomas Mott
two weeks ago had the Eresipelas [sic] in his head
Cousins Saml and Katy will miss him very
much as they are now needing a caretaker
Cousin I was up to meeting yesterday and
pretty smart We called at S J Underhills
lately and they are fixed up with all the
nice things as tho they might be counting
on “long years of pleasure here” and they
feel that they are rich or I am mistaken
I believe it is very well I am at the bottom
of my sheet as I am really not in the
spirit of writing as this too plainly testifies
with love to all branches of our dear circle
of relatives I am as ever your Mary
(Page 1)
Westbury 7 moth 28
My dear Sister Amy has been very
present with me or rather my sym
-pathy and thought has been ^with her^ and
have felt the promptings of express
-ing it but I have been so weary
and at times so unable as to make
it easy to defer hoping that another
day I should feel more like it and
knowing thee would excuse if thee
knew how it was I have however
little lof interest as I have been very
steadily at home except going to N Y
with Catharine (she goes generally twice
a week) I do not always go now and
am hoping I can omit it sometime
but we are a pretty poor set dear
Catharine is really better we beleive [sic]
E has been complaning [sic] too and
Phebe has quite frequent turns of
being poorly she and Mary are
both to day but hope it is not serious
I have had a severe turn of
inflamation [sic] of bowels and have
(Page 2)
not got entirely over it The labor
difficulty we have felt have got one ^girl^
right from Ireland young and inexprnc [sic]
and one nurse girl is gone and have
a quite young girl in her place and
then harvest time brings additional
labor so that I think lifes cares have
never been more burdensome but the
harvest helpers are done or nearly so
that I trust with a continuance of
the beautiful weather which we are
now having strength will return
We hear Matilda has returned una
=nnounced and of course no one to
meet her with all the comforts a
home carriage and necessary fixtures
required by a great rain but W
Hawxhurst was at the depot and took
her home have not heard since but
the impression we got from Stephen d &
family befor [sic] she came that there is not
much improvement Stephen expected to
go for her in a few days Our Q M
is just past we rather looked for our
Truman friends but suppose their visit
at Waterloo is not out Saml J Levie and
James Birdsale were the only preachers
(Page 3)
from a distance on sixth day
an orthodox preacher came and preach^ed^
I believe they asked Rachel for liberty
but very many are not willing for them
to come taking the time of the Q M in
holding up sentiments which are not in
accord with our doctrines and moreover
they would not tolerate the practice
^of our preachers going to theirs^
I am perfectly willing they should apt
as many meetings as they choose
in their own house and invite all
they please but as to having them
^come on this way^
I think it is an imposition
The meeting was very small on act
of the great rain only then men
from Matinecock and 2 from Man
-hasset and very few from Jericho
even around the neighborhood many
were absent I did not go staid [sic]
with Phebe Catharine went when
meeting was out it was clear and
we had 10 friends to dine had
considerable company Aunt
Mary Post and daughters came
up to [Ellwoods?] a few weeks ago and
aunt they thought quite as smart as
(Page 4)
last summer but last third day
was taken poorly and passed on
to the higher life yesterday morning
the funeral to take place on second
-day from the church comes of 6
avenue & 20th St Our neighbor Ann
Titus has just returned from Chicago
heard just before leaving Johnny was
some poorly concluded to go immedi
-ately he has come back with her
whether to remain or to replenish I
do not know I am very glad to [sic]
hear Edmunds eyes are comfortab
-le and better the Dr we go to says
it is very injurious to use cold water
to wash or bathe the eyes in but warm
he has been so long suffering with
them it must be exceedingly delig
-htful to be able to use them again
The hot period we have passed thoug^h^
has I suppose had its effect on you
too we had much less south wind
than usual and our nights were
unusually warm
(Page 5) [Separate piece of paper]
Elisabeth [Mott?] and Edmund were
at meeting on fifth day and I so
wanted them to come home with us
and urged it but she thought there
would be so many others she would
rather come some other time but
concluded as I thought to come
but disappointed us I was very
sorry as I think she would have
enjoyed the company we enquired
of each other about thee and both
wanted to hear how thee is and
how thee gets along through all
the lonely days and nights Oh
there is a blank which cannot
be filled by any other dear one
but I would be so glad to be
able to sit with thee often and
in sympathy talk over the beauty
-ful trails and loving deeds of
him we all miss so much I
(Page 6)
wish thee could come and
stay with us a while it would
do us all good to see thee
The fine rains have made every
thing very beautiful in the flower
department we have a great abu
ndance I wish I could send
you each a nice boquet [sic] with my
love how is Catharine I am
in a hurry to see Matilda
to hear from you all it is
so very long scarcely since
Joseph came home
Isaac Hicks folks have had or
have a very difficult time no
help for a long time except day
and cant get that much Emma has
been quite poorly for a week not
able to be about but all better &
have a little girl with some hope
of a woman We have never know^n^
so much differently before in this
(Page 7)
section it seems almost impossibl [sic]
they want in many instances very
high wages and not willing to do
all kinds of work I am in hopes the
question or one of the great questions
of the present as to capital & labor
will be solved ere long but so long
as women prefer starving in the city
garrits [sic] to going into the country
either to sew or in other employme^nt^
I see no way to remove the suffering
and degradation resulting
therefrom
First day evening Got an early
tea and Joseph and self went
to see Matild and was very
glad to find her so improved
she really looks and seems so
bright that I hope it may
be more lasting but when
the joy and excitement of
(Page 8)
home and friends subside into
every day affairs I fear there
will be a reaction but will hope
for the best she tells us thee is
not quite in usual health now
think if it will not be best for
thee to come when thee feels as
tho [sic] thee could and stay awhile
What an interesting paper the
last Standard is I am very
glad for Aaron to have this
opportunity of going and he
greatly needed the rest but
he will find work wherever he
goes Joseph and girls send
their most loving remembrance
to thee and all hope thee will
feel like letting us hear from thee
soon and in near Sisterly affec-
-tion I am thine truly Mary
(Page 1)
Locust Grove at the Paternal
Mansion where we arived [sic]
on 6 day in season to dine, with good health and apetites [sic]
Isaac stoped [sic] at Carl place, we came on to Hicks Ville
and took pasage [sic] in Smith Town Stage, came very unex
pectedly to our friends, Mother not very well got over
done going to Bethpage Mo Meeting, and then fifth day
was up to Johns when theat poor child was burned
and took some cold so, that she looks poorly, but is
up and about mary Dale seems to be at home helping
around – has been very useful so far – we left our
line boat at Palmyra and waited two hours in the
Edictors [sic] office for the packet, when it came it was so
full that Isaac got no mattrass [sic] to lay on but the floor
and hardly space enough of that without encroaching
upon his neighbours [sic] but, he however got sleep enough
to feel prety [sic] well the next day, matilda and I mounted
the top shelf, she slept well and I some, we arived [sic] at
Utica in season for the evening cars, but Nicholas
Hallock and Lewis met us there and gave us so kind an
invitation to stay the night there that we accepted it
we all think Nicholas has got a nice wife and seems
suitable to [sic], she is so large that it gives her an appearance
of more age, his daughters seem like nice girls and
treat her very familiarly as for [us?] we saw I wish Mary
U Post and Sisters would stop and see how nicely, they
seem to live, when they pass through, she enquired
after them, in the morning after a good nights [sic] sleep
and a good breakfast we took the cars and arived [sic] in
(Page 2)
Albany after the usual hour for the steam boats
but found on hurrying down that they lay there wait
ing for us, I suppose we may thank competition
for that good luck, the cause of our detention was
the cars turning out, to try a race in the field, but
they silicted [sic] so muddy a spot that their race was
short, it happened after the Locomotion was detached
near Albany, where the horses are put on, four bagg
-age cars run out our side, right through a board
fence on the inside of which there was a little ditch
dug which the first car stuck fast in and prevented
others from going, one car with pasengers [sic] got partly trim
ed off, but they soon lifted all on again except the
one that was in the mudd [sic], that was broken, wheels
stoor ^up^ through the bottom of the car, they unloaded it
and left it there, we were brought to a stand prety [sic]
sudinely [sic], but no one was hurt - - Lewis and company
were not with us, they had left at Schenectady to take
stage to Troy, made no stop in New York saw no one
we recognized. - - Thus for first day morning
now we are at Henry Willis’s – expecting to go north
John and Mary to Westbury to day, Joseph Post was here
yesterday but we were not quite ready to go home
with him Sister Mary & Phebe are going to Philidelphia [sic]
set out fifth day Isaac will probably go with them
but as trying as it is, I see no way but for me to give
it up & Mother and Sister mary are so compasionate [sic]
to matilda that I should not dare leave her with them
we saw Samuel Hicks at John’s and I like him better
than I expected Elizabeth’s little Sarah is a nice
baby and I believe as heavy as Matilda – all four of us
have colds taken first day, which was ^a^ stormy day but
I hope they will not be very tedious Matilda seems so happy
(Page 3)
as if she was at home rather shy but not affraid [sic] of any
one Rachel says she is quite as pretty as she expected to see her
tell Martha and Fanny she looks very well in her white aprons
and I think every day about what they said about cleen [sic] ones
tell Fanny to not be frightened if the pills give her some
considerable pain, Sister Mary says it is of favourable simp
tom [sic], shews [sic] it is rooting out disease- I hope she will feel enco
uraged to try them – Sister M – tells of several extraordin
ary cures of persons who took them, and our case very semil
ar [sic] to Fannys [sic], of Irisipelus [sic] in the head, and after suffering
extremely a long time, was cured by the Hygean [sic] – we
have not seen Sister Elizabeth yet, mother expects they have
commenced housekeeping by this time. Edmund and
his father are going down this afternoon but he will tell
you all about that – how is Jacobs [sic] car, try to doctor [obliterated]
up , hope the boys will be good, we undist[obliterated]
Lewis and company stayed in New York to meet [obliterated]
first day- what they said or heard said have not heard
Rachel Hicks wished a [minute?] so that if it seemed right
when Philidelphia [sic] Y-M- came, that she could attend it
probably she will attend, Understand George FW- intends
returning his English minute – his communication
at J M last week was about as usual we understand-
Edmund can tell you – I do not think of any thing
worth writing they consider Silas Carl in a
critical situation yet
affectionately [sic]
Amy Post
(Page 4)
Mary H Post
Rochester
(Page 1)
94 Calidonia [sic] Av.
Friday PM
Dear Friend Mrs Post,
I am going up to
Scranton street to spend the night
with a friend will come back through
Andrew tomorrow and see if that lady
has yet obtained a little girl to take
care of her babe, or if the place is still
open for the little girl with you and
will call at your house on my return
tomorrow afternoon and let you know
the results of my inquires.
Truly Your Friend,
A.O. Briggs .