1849 Letter of Caroline Stuart Dickson

1849 Letter of Caroline L. Stuart Dickson

Honesdale [Pennsylvania]
March 6th 1849

Dear James,

It has been a long time since I received your letter, but I have not been well, and besides knew that you heard from me frequently through your aunts Eliza [1] and Martha [2]. Tom [3] gets no better although he takes claret everyday and Bella Donna [4] every night. Dr. Patterson [5] was in hopes that the Bella Donna would be of service to him, but as yet it has done him no good at all. I do not feel any better myself although I can get along tolerably with my sewing. I undertook to keep two girls on account of my being so miserable but the half grown one I got is a poor creature and I shall not keep her long. I have had her two weeks tomorrow and should not have kept her any longer only I think perhaps by another week I may succeed in having of a better one.

Brother Thomas Dickson [6] and Hugh [7] have been here for four or five weeks. Thomas is as fat and good humoured as ever, and dreadfully indulgent to Hugh, but fortunately the boy is not of a quarrelsome disposition, and gets along very comfortably with our children. We have had an extremely cold winter up here; sleighing for two weeks I think, and tonight it is either hailing or snowing I don’t know which. The walking has been very bad for some days and will be worse now than before; however one comfort is that we have not to climb up Beer’s hill [8] anymore, and we have good pavements part of the way to church. I presume we may make up our minds to walk through mud until May. I think that the bad walking great part of the year is one of the greatest drawbacks to the enjoyments of country life but I would rather put up with it than bring my family up in a City.

I heard from sister Kate [9] about a week ago. She was just getting well of the Dysintery. She had had an attack of Cholerine [10] and caught cold and took the Dysintery. She appears to be a great Homoepathist and thinks Homoepathy [11] would cure Tom. She takes Homoepathic Bella Donna for rushing of blood to the head [12] and finds great relief from it.

Mr. Boardman [13] seems to have made himself rather unpopular by his conduct in relation to the Irish Delegation. Brother Thomas seems to think that he is more unapproachable in his manners than ever since his return from Europe , and that his wife is as bad now as himself. Do you have any larger congregations at Dr. Cuyler’s [14] since Dr. Alexander [15] preaches for you than you had before? If the people still refuse to come it is not the fault of the preaching as he is certainly one of the finest preachers in the Presbyterian Church. How is dear old Dr. Cuyler? I was pleased to hear that he received a good large sum from John I. DeGraef’s [16] estate enough to make him very comfortable in his old age. I suppose you often see Casper Gregory [17] and Henry [18]. Has Casper any congregation in view?

Ask your Aunt Martha if she owns “Peep of day.” [19] Little Hugh Dickson has a copy of it and I have been much delighted with it as a means of interesting the children in Bible truths. There are several works all by the same author; “Line upon line” and “Precept upon precept” and “Here a little and there a little” all by the author of Peep of day. I want [my husband] James to buy them all next time he goes to the City. Peep of day is quite as interesting as Todd’s Truth made simple. [20]

James, I want you to tell Father that I have been thinking this winter how badly I behaved at home in taking things to eat out of the store without his knowledge. I beg his pardon for having done so and hope God will pardon me also. If I thought it would not offend him, I would send some money down to make restitution but I am afraid he would not like it. I do beg his pardon from the very bottom of my heart and hope he will forgive me.

Give my best love to him and to Cousin Mary [21] and write to me often.

Your affectionate Aunt,

Caroline L. S. Dickson

Notes:

Phineas G. Goodrich’s History of Wayne County, p.362, says, “The Honesdale Mill was completed in 1840, and was built by John Torrey, Richard L. Seely, and Jeremiah C. Gunn. Mr. Gunn came from or near the city of Geneva , N.Y. He was an experienced miller when he came into the county, and the business of the mill was conducted under his direction for many years. Afterwards the mill was run for some years by Chas. T. Weston and Jas. R. Dickson. It now belongs wholly to Hon. John Terry, and is rented by Peter J. Cole, an experienced miller.”

According to Gloria McCullough (works for Wayne County Historical Society), the Honesdale Mill was a grist mill and was also referred to as the Honesdale Flouring Mill. It was built about 1839 & was owned by J.C. Gunn with John Torrey & Richard Seely as silent partners. It was under the management of James R. Dickson. By 1849, John Torrey was the sole owner. It appears on an 1851 and an 1872 map of Honesdale. It was located on the west branch of the Lackawaxen River , on the north shore, along Park Street , to the west of the bridge. Nothing remains of the mill today.

Goodrich, p368, “The streets of Honesdale [in 1880] are broad, and finely shadowed by maples and other trees. The sidewalks are paved with flag-stones. Main street is the principal business part of the town; Second and Third streets are mainly occupied by private residences. Second street might with propriety be called Church street , as the Baptist, Methodist Episcopal, Presbyterian, Episcopal, German Lutheran, and German Lutheran Catholic churches are situated upon it. [P.S., today 2nd Street is called Church Street .]

Caroline’s father, James Stuart, was a “merchant” in Philadelphia . Caroline’s letter makes reference to her taking things “to eat” from her father’s store.

[1] Eliza Stuart, born about 1800 in Philadelphia , PA.

[2] Martha Stuart, born 27 March 1806 in Philadelphia , PA.

[3] Thomas H. Dickson, born about 1841. Eldest child of James R. Dickson and Caroline L. Stuart.

[4] Belladonna is an herb belonging to the nightshade family. The effects of taking the drug vary depending upon the dilution of the mixture. In mild amounts, it causes a happy feeling (like intoxication). In increasing concentrations, it can cause sleep which is often accompanied by erotic dreams. A medium dose of deadly nightshade would produce a dry mouth, itching & irritation, followed by nausea and dizziness, followed by deep sleep. Severe poisoning can cause paroxysms of rage, blindlness, paralysis, coma, and then death. One can imagine that use of the drug in mild doses may not have cured the ailment, but put the patient in a state of mind such that they didn’t care about the ailment any longer.

[5] Possibly Dr. William Patterson (born 1804/5), a native of Ireland . In the 1850 Census, he appears in the Moyamensing Ward 2, Philadelphia , PA. ; Occupation: Physician.

[6] Thomas Dickson – presumably a brother of James R. Dickson.

[7] Hugh Dickson – presumably Thomas Dickson’s son.

[8] Beer’s Hill is the large hill to the northwest of the town, which is known today as Golf Hill because of the golf course that is located at the summit. The summit is reached by taking Golf Hill Road from High Street. It is speculated that the Dickson family lived intitially lived in the residential area northwest of the Honesdale Mill on the side of Beers Hill and sometime prior to the letter, moved down the hill toward the center of town.

[9] ‘Kate’ was Caroline’s sister Catherine Ann Stuart, born about 1810 in Philadelphia , PA.

[10] Cholerine – A mild form of diarrhea occurring during epidemics of cholera. (Due to contaminated water supplies.)

[11] Homeopathy – self-treatment of acute injuries and illnesses using home remedies.

[12] A “rush of blood to the head” most likely refers to “hot flashes” or a symptom of menopause. In a 1930 textbook, described hot flash symptoms include “fever and sweats; this consists in a rush of blood to the head, the body becomes very warm and then breaks out into profuse perspiration. This may occur at any time and place. When others think the room very cool she will think it exceedingly warm.” Caroline’s older sisters may have been of sufficient age to be undergoing menopause by 1849. Source: Menopause, Climacteric, the Turn or Change of Life, Edited by B. Frank Scholl, Ph.G, M.D.

[13] Henry Augustus Boardman, clergyman, born in Troy , New York , 9 January 1808, died in Philadelphia , Pennsylvania , 15 June 1880. He was graduated at Yale in 1829 with the highest class honors, and at Princeton theological seminary in 1830. He was a leading member in Presbyterian societies, and pastor of the 10th Presbyterian Church of Philadelphia from 1833 till 1876, when he became pastor emeritus. His published works include "The Scripture Doctrine of Original Sin" (Philadelphia, 1839) ; " Hints on Cultivating" the Christian Temper On High-Church Episcopacy "; " Correspondence with Bishop Doane on the Oxford Tracts" (1841) ; "The Prelatic Doctrine of the Apostolical Succession Examined" (1844)" "The Importance of Religion to the Legal Profession" (1849); "The Bible in the Family" (1851); "The Bible in the Counting-House" (1853); "Vanity of a Life of Fashionable Pleasure"; "Discourse on the Low Value set upon Human Life in the United States" (1853)" "The Great Question, Will you Consider the Subject of Personal Religion ?" which passed through many editions (1855)" "Discourse on the American Union" (1858)" "The Christian Ministry not a Priesthood The Book" (1861) ; and "Earthly Suffering and Heavenly Glory" (1875). Passages from his writings were published under the title "A Handful of Corn" (New York, 1884).

[14] Cornelius C. Cuyler, clergyman, born in Albany , New York , 15 February 1783; died 31 August 1850. His ancestors were among the early Dutch settlers of the neighborhood, and so common was the name Cornelius among them that those who bore it were obliged to adopt distinguishing initials to prevent mistakes. This accounted for the middle "C." of Dr. Cuyler's name. In 1806 he was graduated at Union , and began to study theology under Drs. Livingstone and Bassett. In 1809 he was ordained pastor of the Reformed Dutch Church in Poughkeepsie , New York , where he remained for twenty-five years, strengthening and uniting a congregation that he found in a weak and almost divided condition. As a preacher he was exceptionally successful, and several revivals occurred under his ministry. An invitation from the 2d Presbyterian Church of Philadelphia was accepted in 1834, and the pastoral relation then assumed continued during the remainder of his life. For many years he was president of the board of trustees of Jefferson medical College. In 1838 he received the degree of S. T. D. from Union . Besides a large number of sermons, published separately, he was the author of "A Narrative of a Revival of Religion in the Reformed Dutch Church, Poughkeepsie , 1815," and three tracts issued by the Presbyterian board of publication. Their titles are "The Parity of the Ministry," "Evidences of a Gracious State ," and " Who shall dwell in Heaven?" He also wrote for the religious press, notably a series of essays on the Atonement, published in the "Journal and Telegraph," of Albany .

[15] Alexander -- Possibly one of Archibald Alexander’s sons?

Archibald Alexander, educator, born in Rockbridge County , Virginia , 17 April 1772" died in Princeton , New Jersey , 22 October 1851. His grandfather, of Scottish descent, came from Ireland to Pennsylvania in 1736, and after a residence of two years removed to Virginia . William, father of Archibald, was a farmer and trader. At the age of ten Archibald was sent to the academy of Rev. William Graham at Timber Ridge meetinghouse (since developed into Washington and Lee University ), at Lexington . At the age of seventeen he became a tutor in the fatally of General John Posey, of The Wilderness, twelve miles west of Fredericksburg , but after a few months resumed his studies with his former teacher. At this time a remarkable movement, still spoken of as "the great revival," influenced his mind and he turned his attention to the study of divinity. He was licensed to preach 1 October 1791, ordained by the presbytery of Hanover 9 June 1794, and for seven years was an itinerant pastor in Charlotte and Prince Edward cos.

In 1796 he became president of Hampden Sydney College , Virginia , but in 1801 resigned, and visited New York and New England . During his tour he went to see the Rev. Dr. Waddel, the celebrated blind preacher mentioned by Wirt in his "British Spy." The result of this visit was his marriage to Dr. Waddel's daughter Janetta. Immediately after he resumed his presidency, but, owing to insubordination among the students, retired, and became in 1807 pastor of the Pine Street Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia . The degree of D. D. was conferred on him by the College of New Jersey in 1810, and in the same year he was elected president of Union College in Georgia , a fact which remained unknown even to his family until after his death. On the organization of the theological seminary at Princeton in 1812 Dr. Alexander was unanimously chosen as the leading professor. As the number of students increased and other professors were added to the faculty, he was enabled to direct his attention more particularly to the department of pastoral and polemic theology, in promoting which, with the general interests of the institution, he labored with zeal and success till his death, a period of nearly forty years. His powers both for pulpit oratory and polemic disquisition were extraordinary. He was always busy, and from 1829 to 1850 scarcely a number of the "Princeton Review" appeared without an article from his pen. His style was idiomatic and forcible. With the exception of occasional sermons and contributions to periodicals, he published nothing until he had entered his fifty-second year. His first work was "Outlines of the Evidences of Christianity" (1823), which has been translated into various foreign languages and is used as a textbook in Colleges. It was reprinted in London in 1828, and again with a new edition in 1833, accompanied with introductory notes by Rev. John Morison, D.D. This was followed by a "Treatise on the Canon of the Old and New Testaments" (1826); "Lives of the Patriarchs" (1835) ; "Essays on Religious Experiences" (1840) ; "History of African Colonization" (1846); "History of the Log College" (1846); "History of the Israelitish Nation" (1852), and other works. He also contributed largely to periodicals. He left several works in manuscript, of which the "Outlines of Moral Science" (1852) was pronounced by the "Westminster Review" to be a "calm, clear stream of abstract reasoning, flowing from a thoughtful, well-instructed mind, without any parade of logic, but with an intuitive simplicity and directness which• gives an almost axiomatic force." Other posthumous works were "Duties and Consolations of the Christian "; "Patriarchal Theology "; "History of the Presbyterian Church in Virginia "; "Biographical Sketches of Distinguished American Clergymen and Alumni of the College of New Jersey"; and "Church Polity and Discipline." He left five sons, of who three became ministers, and one daughter. The eldest son wrote the life of his father, and edited his posthumous works (New York, 1854).

*His son, James Waddel, clergyman, born near Gordonsville, Louisa County, Virginia, 13 March 1804; died at the Red Sweet Springs, Virginia, 31 July 1859. He received his academicals training at Philadelphia , was graduated at Princeton in 1820, and studied theology in Princeton seminary. In 1824 he was appointed a tutor, and during the same year he was licensed to preach by the Presbytery of New Brunswick, New Jersey During 1825-'28 he was in charge of a Church in Charlotte County, Virginia, and from 1828 to 1830 was pastor of the first Presbyterian Church in Trenton, New Jersey His health failing, he resigned this charge and became editor of "The Presbyterian," in Philadelphia. He was professor of rhetoric and belles lettres in Princeton College from 1833 till 1844, when he assumed charge of the Duane Street Church in New York City . From 1844 to 1851 he was professor of ecclesiastical history and Church government in Princeton theological seminary, and in 1851 he was called to the pastorate of the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church, where he remained until his death. Among his published works are "Consolation"; "Thoughts on Family Worship"; "Plain Words to a Young Communicant"; a series of essays entitled "The American Mechanic and Workingman "; "Discourses on Christian Faith and Practice" (New York, 1858); “Gift to the Afflicted"; a biography of Dr. Archibald Alexander (New York, 1854); and more than thirty volumes for the American Sunday-school ninon. He was also a frequent contributor to the "Princeton Review" and the "Biblical Repertory." "Forty Years' Familiar Letters of James W. Alexander," was published by the surviving correspondent, the Rev. John Hall, died D., of Trenton, New Jersey (2 vols., New York, 1880).

*His son, William Cowper, lawyer, born in Virginia in 1806; died in New York City , 23 August 1874, was graduated at Princeton in 1824. He was admitted to the bar in 1827 and soon gained a reputation for legal knowledge and eloquence and took part in political affairs. For several years he was president of the New Jersey state senate. He was nominated for governor, and lacked but a few votes of election. After being a member of the peace congress of 1861, over which he was frequently called to preside, he withdrew from polities and devoted himself entirely to the business of insurance, having been elected president of the Equitable Life Insurance Company when it was organized in 1859, of which he was president at the time of his death.

His son, Joseph Addison, clergyman, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 24 April 1809; died in Princeton, New Jersey, 28 January 1860, was graduated at Princeton, with the first honor in his class, in 1826, and associated himself with R. born Patton in the establishment of Edgehill seminary at Princeton. From 1830 to 1833 he was adjunct professor of ancient languages at Princeton , after which he spent some time abroad studying languages. In 1838 he was made professor of oriental literature in Princeton Theological Seminary, and in 1852 was transferred to the chair of biblical and ecclesiastical history, which he held until his death. He was master of almost all of the modern languages of Europe , and as an orientalist had few superiors. This great linguistic knowledge is shown in his numerous exegetical works, which include "The Earlier Prophecies of Isaiah" (1846), "The Later Prophecies of Isaiah" (1847), "Isaiah illustrated and explained" (1851), "The Psalms translated and explained" (1850), "Commentary on Acts" (1857), and "Commentary on Mark" (18,58). He also published a series of "Essays on the Primitive Church Offices" (1851), and numerous articles in the “Biblical Repertory" and "Princeton Review." Since his death his "Sermons" have been published (1860), and also a" Commentary on Matthew" (1861), and "Notes on New Testament Literature," prepared in conjunction with Dr. Charles Hodge (2 vols., 1861). His biography, by his nephew, Henry Carrington Alexander, was published in 1869. His son, Samuel Davies, clergyman, born in Princeton , New Jersey , in 1819, was graduated at Princeton in 1838, and studied theology in Princeton seminary. He preached in various places, and in 1855 was settled over the Phillips Presbyterian Church in New York City . He has contributed numerous papers to the "Princeton Review," and published " Princeton College during the Eighteenth Century" (1872); and a "History of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland ."

[16] John I. DeGraef – have not yet been able to identify this benefactor. Must have lived in Philadelphia & died in the 1840’s?

[17] Rev. Casper Robeau Gregory (born 1823, died 14 Feb 1882) was the second pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Oneida , New York . The records of that church record the following:

On the 21st day of May, 1851, the session resolved, That we invite the Rev. Caspar R. Gregory, who is a member of the presbytery of Philadelphia , having engaged to supply our pulpit for one year, to act as our moderator during his stay among us.

Early in 1852 Rev. Mr. Gregory was unanimously chosen the pastor of this church, at a salary of five hundred dollars. He was installed by the presbytery of Mohawk on Tuesday evening, March 9, 1852. During his pastorate of thirteen years the following persons served as elders : James Stewart, Jeremiah Cooper, Garret L. Van Brocklin, Robert J. Stewart, Earl Loomis, Johnson Harvey, Josiah Simons, Alonzo Randall, Seymour E. Douglass, Charles H. Eames, Goodwin P. Soper.

When Mr. Gregory resigned the whole number of communicants was 116. While he was here 95 were received on profession of their faith and 59 by letter, a total of 154, while 116 were dismissed.

Dr. Gregory's relation with us was dissolved in March, 1864, that he might accept a call from the First Presbyterian Church at Bridgeton , N. J. The following is from a sermon of Dr. Jessup's delivered July 2, 1876:

" Dr. Gregory was therefore pastor of this church for thirteen years, nearly twice as long as his predecessor, the honored and beloved first pastor, and more than three times as long as either of his successors. It is not too much to say, therefore, that more than any other he has made his mark upon the church. He ministered in times of agitation, when almost every church in the land was more or less disturbed, and doubtless this church did not escape. But throughout his pastorate the church grew steadily in numbers and influence, and not a few of those among us hold in grateful remembrance his pastoral fidelity and watchfulness. In a short sketch from his pen he speaks with warm interest of many of his co-laborers, both in the church and society, among whom, since they are no longer with us, I may mention the names of James Stewart, Mr. and Mrs. N. B. Wilbur, Mr. Sands Higinbotham, Mrs. Sands Higinbotham, now living in Schenectady, Mr. Samuel Breese, and Air. Romain T. Fiske, for several years superintendent of Sunday School. In reference to the church life in the earlier clays he says, ' They were not forgetful to entertain strangers, and while every family had its own intimate friends and associates, it acted on the principle that every member of the congregation was welcome to the house of every other. And the ladies of the congregation made it a part of the service of the Lord Jesus to call upon every family who entered our church more than once, and at inexpensive gatherings in their own homes to introduce those who would worship with us. It was a custom to look after the young, and if a young man would but make it1ossiyle for them to do so, the church would introduce him to their own society and homes.' Undoubtedly this greatly contributed to the prosperity of the church in those early days, and I am sure we have not outgrown the need and importance, even if we have outgrown the habit of doing likewise.

" Our terrible Civil War occurred during Dr. Gregory's pastorate, and he says of those trying times, `The Lord was very good to this church. On the day after the firing upon Sumter, at the suggestion of the pastor, two ladies, both of whom are now with us, made a flag (for none could be bought), and the dawn of the Sabbath saw it floating from the top of the steeple, where it stayed until whipped into shreds. The text of that morning was Psalm xx. 5-7, " We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners; the Lord fulfill all thy petitions. Now know I that the Lord saveth his annointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand. Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the Lord our God."

"`The church never wavered in its loyalty, the pulpit gave no uncertain sound, and yet such was the goodness of God that, while the congregation was made up of men whose opinions were of all shades, even to the most opposite extremes, yet there was no interruption of harmony and not a single man forsook the service. The church contributed constantly to the wants of the army, and gave to it the young men whom she felt least able to spare; but she followed them with her prayers, and in His good mercy He who hears prayer brought nearly all of them back, honored, safe, beloved.' Two brave boys from the Sunday School, Barton Harvey and John R. Stewart, did not return."

From Bridgeton , N. J., Dr. Gregory was called to a professorship in Lincoln University at Oxford , Pa. , where he remained until his death, which occurred February 26, 1882. He was fifty-eight years of age. His last visit to Oneida was in November, 1879.

Dr. Gregory’s wife’s maiden name was Mary Letitia Montgomery, born 15 Apr 1825, and died 21 Apr 1898 in Beverly , Burlington , New Jersey . They were married 21 May 1849 in Philadelphia .

Casper R. Gregory’s father was Casper Ramsey Gregory, born 4 Mar 1787 of San-Dominque , Haiti . He died 4 Aug 1832 in Philadelphia . He is buried at Laurel Hill Cemetery . (Parents were Rene Gregoire and Agnes Robiou).

[18] Henry Gregory; There is a Henry D. Gregory (born 1818/9) listed in the 1860 Census (14th Ward, Div. 2). His occupation is given as schoolteacher. He has a 14-year old son named Casper R. Gregory (born 1845/6). Perhaps Henry was the older brother of Casper ?

[19] The Peep of Day – a children’s book written by English woman named Mortimer. Still in publication today.

[20] Todd’s Truth – appears to also be a biblical guide book of some sort.

[21] Cousin Mary – not sure who this is.

Caroline L. Stuart Dickson's letter to her brother James Henry Stuart
[Click on images to enlarge]