One
of the resolutions proposed by Henry Clay to appease the interests of the South
in the compromise measures of 1850, was the strengthening of the original
Fugitive Slave Act of 1793. In the
revised Act, adopted into law in September, 1850, the federal government was
empowered to levy heavy penalties upon anyone who was found guilty of
obstructing the return of runaway slaves to their Southern masters. Citizens found guilty of concealing slaves or aiding in their rescue,
were subject to a fine of $1000, imprisonment for up to six months, and civil
damages of $1000 for each fugitive. Needless
to say, Northern contempt for the Act resulted in organized and flagrant
resistance, much to the annoyance of the Southern slaveholders.
In
a letter from her Aunt Mary Goodrich in Hartford, Connecticut, Augusta received
news of the affairs in that vicinity. Her
Aunt Mary mentions the fear that the "colored people" were living
under, as the slaveholders, with the law on their side, began to infiltrate the
Northern cities looking for runaway slaves.
Hartford
[Connecticut]
April 20, 1851
My
very dear Augusta,
Since
the receipt of your last letter with one from your mother, we have passed from
our old abode to the new. Of course you remember how I used to say I hoped our
next move would be into a new house. How I should like to have you see that wish
accomplished. We are near the corner of Buckingham & Hudson Streets in a new
brick house, which was not commenced a year ago. We have two parlors, a small
but pleasant bedroom, dining room & kitchen below. Upstairs, chambers
accordingly -- but we have a good bathing room & a furnace in the cellar. We
have rather more yard in the rear than in Asylum Street, & a yard on each
side of the house as well as in the front.
We have 5 cherry, 7 peach trees, 1 apple, 1 pear, & 1 apricot tree.
Besides two grapevines, currants, & red Raspberry bushes. Now, dear
Cutie, if we could have left our wicked hearts up [the] street as we have many
other troublesome things, we should be perfectly happy. We try to acknowledge
our kind Heavenly Father's hand in all our success & to value them as coming
from Him, only undeserved.
While
talking of ourselves, I have forgotten to tell you the news. Sister Sarah's
little son, John Beach Knapp, was born on the 10th of March, and the weekly
intelligence from Hartford brings favorable tidings of her & the little one.
Mrs. Thatcher has a daughter. Mrs. ________ has a son.
May
12th. I resume my pen after this long delay as I know you will wonder why I do
not write. As this is Election week, the children are both at home. Frederic is
recovering from an ill turn & I think he shows some symptoms of the whooping
cough, though the Doctor does not encourage the idea. Before we moved, after I
had taken down the bedsteads, Aunt Lydia came & spent from Saturday to
Tuesday & she has called to see us here & promises to make us a long
visit. I saw Miss Webb not long since & she wished me to ask you if you had
joined the church yet. She sends much love & wishes to hear from you again.
Sarah Wright enquires after Cutie when I see her. She sent me some of her flower
roots, violets &c. for our bed around the walks.
Mary
[our housekeeper] has received $300 from her husband to pay her expenses to
California & she will go as soon as possible. [Her] child is very intelligent & quick to learn & her Father
will be surprised to see her so much improved as she was only a few months old
when he went away. Eliza & her
baby call to see me sometimes & they are both doing well.
The
colored people here are very much excited about the Fugitive Slave Law. And James, the colored man who used to shake our carpets, has
gone to Africa, leaving his wife & children here till he becomes settled
there. As [his family] were never
slaves, there is no danger of their being disturbed. James never would tell his real name -- he never told his
wife -- for fear of an arrest. He
told me that 1000 dollars had been offered for him by his southern master but
that he never would go there alive. He
preferred death to slavery.
Freddy [Goodrich] has long intended writing to
you but has put it off from time to time. His
letter is very much his own, as you [will] perceive. He composed it in great
haste as he does everything. I let him send it just as it is, for it will amuse
as well as gratify you while you will "not disfuse the day of small
things."
Your Uncle [Elizur] likes his new home so much
better than the other, [so much so] that he does not mind the walk down here at
all. He says it only requires 5 minutes to come from the store.
May 19th. Mary has started for California
& I am relieved to think she will probably soon be under her husband's
protection. She has had a hard time since he left here & I hope has learned
some useful lessons, which perhaps she never would have done if her husband had
remained with her. I have just received a letter from sister Sarah who says that
her little Johnny looks like [my son] Jamie. Mrs. Shuck has another son, born
the latter part of April. Her health is very miserable. She has had a
distressing cough for several months & it has not abated since the birth of
her child. Her friends fear that she must leave her little boys to the care of
others. Your Uncle wishes me to say that he intends to send a package just as
soon as he has time to attend to it. He has had no opportunity as yet to send
anything & will probably send by Express. I wish I could make you something
but I do not feel able just now. The children's spring clothes take time &
strength & my little stock is soon consumed.
Remember us all with much affection to the
members of both families & remember to write as soon as convenient for we
are always glad to receive your letters. As ever, your affectionate Aunt, --
Mary C. Goodrich
In
June, 1851, another acquaintance from Connecticut wrote to Augusta:
Portland
[Connecticut]
June 6, 1851
My
Dear Augustie,
I
cannot let this opportunity [to send a letter back to Owego with your Cousin
Hancie [Abbey] pass by without sending a few lines, as a feeble impression of my
undiminished affection for you. Few [lines] they must necessarily be as my time
is fully occupied of late. Although I never have expressed any on paper, yet I
have had many thoughts of you since you left and [I] resolved many times that I
would write. My dear A., have you become so inured to a western life, that you
never think of making your home with us again! You will be received with a
heart-felt welcome. I little thought you would stay so long away from us. But I
see New York possesses more attractions than Connecticut.
There have been a few changes in Portland and
vicinity since you left. Rebekah has found a companion and flown away from us.
May she be very happy in her connection is my sincere wish. It seems to be a
general time of weddings and while so many are practically expressing their
opinion on this important subject, may I ask for yours? Have you made the
acquaintance of so many and yet remain heart-whole? I hoped you would so kindly
remember me as to tell me of your happiness in prospect. Will you not do so? Do
not think Augustie, by this nonsense that I am love-sick -- far from it. But it
seems the principal topic of conversation with us, occasioned doubtless by so
many strange weddings with us. Hancie doubtless will give you an account of them
all. I have some notes you wrote me which I often read and am carried back in
imagination to those hours we spent in Hartford together, never to be forgotten
-- never to return. But if those days have passed away, may I not hope that at
some future time we may meet again and renew that acquaintance which to me is so
pleasant. Your affectionate and sincere friend, -- Lucy
The following three letters were exchanged between James and Augusta before
his return to Wesleyan University in the fall of 1851.
At
the time, James had concluded his Select School
in King Ferry, New York, and was traveling in the Midwest, working as a map salesman.
Painted
Post, New York
Saturday, May 24 [1851]
Ever
Dear Augusta,
I
thought I would commence a letter to you here but when I shall finish, I cannot
at present divine. [Have written] four I’s already – guess that personage
must be of some consequence or he would not appear so prominent right at first
starting. Have had a very pleasant trip indeed thus far. And if judgment may be
pronounced upon the future from the past, shall not at all regret starting from
home. Nothing of importance has occurred along the way. Did not see Ruth
[Stratton] whilst
in Elmira [New York] although I staid there over night. Think certain by that
her husband has located himself in a very enterprising and fast increasing
place. Somewhat hope that she will not fall in with the spirit that seems to
characterize the entire mass of community there. If so, I am afraid she will
become so much absorbed in the cares of the world and the love of gain that she
will entirely forget how to be sociable and almost disremember that she has
friends.
Whilst
in Waverly [New York], saw the celebrated “soap man” who has traveled so
much in company with [Henry
B. Smith,] the “razor strop man” [from Rochester, New York] and has
obtained an independent fortune just in the sale of the “pearl soap.” He
manages to collect a crowd about him by relating some funny story in which his
soap will bear some very conspicuous part, after which he will get someone to
come up to him having on old greasy clothes, when he will exhibit the virtue of
his soap by removing some of the grease in which demonstration before the eyes
of the many gazers on general causes the sale of several cakes after which he
commences his stories again.
"The Razor Strop Man"
Have
you had much rain there? There have been some fine showers in this section. It
does appear as if vegetation here was several days ahead of Owego. The cherries
and plums begin to exhibit themselves in large quantities on nearly all the
trees. Should think the prospect flattering for a large quantity of fruit in
this region. We had a severe frost last evening which would have done much
damage had it not been that the earth was very moist which caused an early heavy
fog to arise and destroy the effect of the frost. I am almost afraid to hear
from home, fearful of the great mischief it may have done there.
Were
you ever at Painted Post [New York]? If not, it might afford you some pleasure
to visit it sometime when you are traveling about to look at the country. It
takes its name from a tall red post placed near the centre of the village on the
summit of which is a huge Indian carved from wood. It is situated at the
junction of the Chemung with the Canisteo and Conhocton rivers. Settled
principally by Yankees and, of course, possesses real Yankee enterprise, Yankee
genius, and Yankee customs, and you almost fancy yourself whilst jostling among
the busy crowd [to be] right in the center of Yankeedom. Rap! Rap! Rap! Tunk!
Tunk! Tunk! Co Thump! Co Thump! Co Thump! Rickity tack! Rickity tack! Rickity
tack! Rattle! Rattle! Rattle! [These sounds greet] your ears from every quarter. It
disgraces itself how much supporting right amidst its thrift two liquor stalls
[entice] the toil worn and weary after the hard days labor, depriving their
family’s support of their representation and everything else life holds dear
and plunges them prematurely into a drunkard’s grave where they are to await
the drunkard’s doom. Oh inconsistency! Where is thy blush! Shut a man in
prison for years for stealing only enough to meet the wants of a suffering
family and ever stamp his name with perpetual disgrace. But allow to roam at
large, and even consider him respectable, the man engaged in whole sale murder
[by selling liquor], peopling the earth with more wretchedness and sending
deeper sorrow into the breast of those almost unknown and anxious ones that
gather around the lonely hearthstone, than almost all other influences combined.
Oh could I but once have my wish. I’de wish!! But it will take up too much
room to tell you all. Make me think to tell you next time I see you.
Sabbath,
May 25, 1851. A lovelier day seldom dawns… Have had the pleasure of listening
to two discourses – one Rev. Mr. Gardiner, Methodist Minister, from these
words, “For God commended His love to us insomuch that when we were sinners,
Christ was for us.” [Romans 5:8] This theme was the love of God for fallen man. The text is
a sermon without note or comment and should call forth the gratitude of every
one upon whom the sentence of death has been pronounced that such a blessed
substitute has been provided, and the sentence averted if men will only avail
themselves of its benefits. In the afternoon, listened to Rev. Mr. Young,
Presbyterian Minister, from these words, “Give ear, oh yea Heavens, and be
astonished Oh Earth, for my people have committed two evils. They have forsaken
me the fountain of living waters and have hewn out to themselves cisterns –
broken cisterns that will hold no water.” [Jeremiah 2:13] Is it not strange that God should
call upon inanimate nature to witness such folly in His intelligent reasoning
offspring? Ought it not to shame…
[page
missing]
…In
the history of one of these [young men], I have taken considerable interest. He
was my scholar whilst teaching in Canewana and a very indecent, disagreeable,
ugly scholar [named John Young] – the associate of Wes Tappan, ________ Sweet, and a very few
others – the essence of all that is bad. Shortly after I closed my school his
Father, who had broken his constitution working in _______'s sawmill, moved to
this section, purchased a loom, and commenced weaving. He bound out his son to
learn the tinner’s trade. By attention to his business, and faithfully
applying himself for the good of his master, he secured his entire confidence,
patiently worked his entire time out, after which he received from his employer
regular wages, has done much towards supporting the family, has attained the
confidence and respect of community and last winter during the protracted
meeting here, he experienced religion, and is now a professed follower of the
Blessed Savior. The family live about a mile and a half from town and I was in
hopes I should have the privilege of meeting him at church today, but did not.
Amanda, his sister – who was also one of my scholars – narrated to me some
account of the [Jacob Young] family [1]. Oh what a striking contrast between the position of this
young man and his associates, whilst two of them, Wes Tappan [2]
and George Freeman [3],
have stamped themselves with eternal disgrace and shame. He rejoices in all the
dignity of manhood and in the prospect of forever participating in man’s
highest honors [&] eternal happiness. Such is the power of association. Had
he remained at Canewana, he might have been the first enrolled in the
criminal’s calendar. Oh I do believe the power that one individual can exert
over another of kindred spirit is almost omnipotent and if we would rescue a
fellow from lasting ignominy and shame, we must bid him beware, and endeavor to
rescue him from the power of his associates.
Now,
dear Augusta, soon as you receive this, please favor me with a good long letter.
Tell me just how you are; whether you have any troubles and what they are. And
if you have received a letter from [your cousin] Hancie, Oh send it on with your
letter and let me read it. It has been almost a fortnight since I wrote, and
there will soon be a letter for me which I will let you read when I come home if
… But what if she comes whilst I am gone? I certainly must know it, and I will
endeavor to come home before she leaves. If you write her, please bear my
regards and mention my absence as she may appoint a time for me to write during
my absence and wonder at my faithfulness.
When
you write, please direct to Dunkirk, Chautauqua County, New York. If you do not
write within three or four days after receiving this, it will be in time for me
to get the letter. But I should prefer that you would write the very earliest
opportunity in order that I may be sure. Now don’t fail, for if you do, you
know how much I will be disappointed. I will write you again shortly after
receiving yours. I called at Father Nisbet's [4] just before coming away to bid them
goodbye. Could not help but feel very bad to have them leave. In my estimation
they are such fine people, yet I suppose John and Ebby [5] will be very glad to have
them at Rochester. I hope to see and meet them many times yet. But I must close
by subscribing myself yours.
Most
affectionately, -- James
How
do you do today? And how have you enjoyed its privileges? And how does time pass
along with you? It has seemed like a long week to me, and the few coming weeks
will appear longer still away from stationary home and friends, greeted only by
the icy expression of strangers. yet at times I am happy to find happy
exceptions. There are about a dozen individuals here at the post whom I have
known formerly.
Owego
[New York]
July 21, 1851
Dearest
James
,
I
received your letter this morning (Monday) and will try and scribble a few lines
in answer to it. I am very tired having walked to my school this morning and
back again at noon to attend the funeral of Francis Catlin [6],
who was buried this
afternoon at three o'clock. I cannot realize that she is indeed dead. She died
quite suddenly. She went into the water about two weeks ago and was taken with
chills soon after, but was not dangerously sick until a few days before she
died, which took place Sabbath morning at four o'clock after a great deal of
suffering. She was not rational, only at short intervals, for the last
twenty-four hours of her life. Her poor father is nearly distracted, groaning
and wringing his hands. He will never be Jacob Catlin of old, even if he lives
through this. Perhaps it may be a blessing to him -- she was his idol. [Rev.]
Mr. [Thomas Hall] Pearne [7], who is to leave for good tonight, preached an excellent sermon from
Psalms 36, part of the sixth verse, "Thy judgments are a great deep."
He said that before she died, she was repentant and prayed for pardon,
and said that they might hope that she was accepted by God. She looked mature
but older than she was. I do not know that I ever attended a larger funeral in
my life. I did not know that she was dangerously sick until the night before she
died, but I could not then go and see her and so did not see her [before she
died]. Hancie [Abbey] and I called there after she had been in the water and she
was not well at all, but in good spirits.
Hancie [Abbey] and Maria [Wright] have been here and made a
visit of three weeks, but started for [Connecticut] last Thursday morning
between twelve and one o'clock because they did not wish to get into [New York
City] in the night. The day they started, we had a great blow that laid a number
of trees on the ground around here. I came from my school early and who should I
find here but Uncle [Elizur Goodrich] and [his son] Freddie from Hartford. I was quite
surprised as you may imagine, but rejoiced to see them. They will return
sometime this week if Freddy does not stay a few months. You miss[ed] seeing the
whole of them. Hancie and Maria felt very bad to think you were not here and
went away disappointed. We watched and looked for a letter from you and began to
think you were sick. I wrote you as you requested and directed to Cincinnati
immediately after receiving yours and wonder why you did not write. And finally
[I] got out of patience (nearly). Hancie used the expression, "It is too
bad" very often, but it cannot be helped now. I am very sorry and should
have written, but no one knew where to direct [your letters]. Hancie and I
called at your mother's shortly after [your brother] Daniel came home. She
wanted to see your people for she felt acquainted with them. Your Mother told Ma
today that she had heard her sister [Margery Redfield Munson] in Cazenovia [New York] was very low and that perhaps
she and [your brother] Daniel should go there [8].
[Your
sister] Permelia is home now. [Her husband,] Mr. [Asa] Brooks preached last
Sabbath afternoon. [Your other sister,] Mrs. Giddings is expected home tonight.
Almerin S. Warring and Harriet J. Hall are at last
married and started west nearly two weeks ago. They were married at [Rev.] Mr.
[Thomas Hall] Pearne's [7] . I forgot what I wrote in my last letter but soon after I
sent that pa was taken very sick with Erysipelas in the head. We were afraid he
could not live, but he is getting better and is able to walk about now. But [he]
will not be able to do anything this summer. I have not time (for it is nearly
11 o'clock) nor space here to write about our visits around, but will say we
went to Elmira, Towanda, Athens, and Newfield for a short visit. We drove for
ourselves to the latter place and had a delightful time. Wish you had been here
to have gone with us. I should think that your [trip of] four or five weeks had
lengthened quite a considerable, but I must say goodnight. May God protect and
bless you is the wish of your, -- Augusta.
A
few weeks later,
James wrote the following from Dresden, Yates County, New York. It
contains an interesting description of an attempted balloon ascension.
Dresden,
Yates County [Washington County, New York]
Monday noon, August 11, 1851
Beloved
Augusta,
I have not yet
arrived at Bath [New York], but hope to by the last of this week and as I am
obliged to wait here a few hours for a package from New York [City], I have
concluded to occupy a part of the time in writing. I find that the time is fast
– very fast – whirling around when I shall, Providence permitting, leave off
my migratory life and engage in that which to me will prove far more agreeable.
Just ten days and I shall be at my home [in Owego, New York] preparatory to a
return to my New England home [in Middletown, Connecticut]. [My] brother Daniel will
accompany me to New York [City]. I am glad that [my] sister Permelia this year is
located so much nearer home. It will be so much more convenient for her to visit
home, and our people to see her occasionally.
Oh friend A!
Did you ever see a person ascend in a balloon high in the upper air until like a
distant note in a sunbeam he appeared to the astonishment of all the gazers
below? If you have not, Oh how I wish you were with me last Wednesday at Penn
Yan [New York]. You remember what a fine day it was. Well the news was
circulated for more than a score of miles around. Young and old, rich and poor,
homely and handsome, high and low, all came right upon the tiptop of
expectation. The balloon was truly huge extending thirty feet from the ground,
shaped ovally, goose egg-like. At precisely four o’clock P.M., two small
balloons were sent up to ascertain the direction and strength of the wind. Soon
appeared Mr. [Ira] Thurston, the Aeronaut, dressed for the occasion with thick
clothing to resist the exceeding cold temperature far above the region of the
clouds. After bidding his friends goodbye, and seating himself in a small car
for his reception, the ropes were cut, but ah, there was no go. There was not
sufficient gas to buoy him away. Oh how disappointment began to crowd upon the
vast thousands assembled. All had paid their quarter entering the arena and now
they wanted their expectations met. But it was destined to be a failure.
Faithfully and freely they mingled their acids and caused the evolutions of gas,
but to the astonishment of all, instead of the balloon enlarging, it began to
grow smaller. Oh how deeply chagrin settled upon the operators until near night
they labored faithfully, but yet not enough gas. I was afraid there would be an
excess, but here there was a failure. Oh how I was disappointed. Upon examining
the balloon near the top, an aperture was discovered through which the gas
escaped. It was then too late to repair as it was near night. Soon a crier
mounted a housetop nearby with the following announcement, "Gentlemen!
Gentlemen!! Gentlemen!!! Hear! Hear! By circumstances unavoidable by us,
we find we are about to disappoint you today. We have got your money and you
shall not be disappointed. The thing is perfectly feasible, has been done, and
shall be done, here at Penn Yan [New York]. If you will only be present two
weeks from today, everyone of you shall be permitted to witness it free.
Come one, come all." Thus ended the balloon ascension and the assembled
thousands, each with his head under his wing, made tracks for home. I think I
shall remember it for a long time – a sight so uncommon, so full of interest,
and gas. Well I hope to be home by the next ascension.
Article
& Illustration appearing in Harper's Weekly, October 2, 1858
about Aeronaut Ira Thurston
See "A Man Lost in the Clouds"
The Genesee
Conference opened on Wednesday at Penn Yan [New York]. Already the preachers
begin to come in. Several were on the boat today, especially the young brethren
who are to undergo the examinations preparatory to entering. I was at the house
of Rev. Samuel C. Adams, the great revivalist last Saturday. I sold him a map of
the state. Ask your mother if she remembers him. He held a protracted meeting
once in Owego. He is very pleasantly located at Milo [Center], Yates County, New
York. He is very kind to his family and provides for them and is very highly
respected at home, if people do say such about him elsewhere.
1850 Census Record for Rev. Samuel C. Adams
of Milo, Yates County, New York
Samuel's occupation is "Clergy M. E. C" (Methodist Episcopal Church)
Have
you heard from Hancie [Abbey] of late, or Cousin Mary? I shall be glad when I
shall be again permanently located so that I can have a sure place for my
friends to address me. If you could only give me an answer to this with the
latest news and direct to Painted Post, Steuben County, [New York], it would be
very gratefully received. I have written this in a shoe shop [9]
with sugar ink and
if it does not all blot so as to prevent an interpretation, I shall be glad. I
would like much to see you. I very often think of you and sometimes allow my
mind to glance into the future when I shall be permitted to settle down in some
pleasant permanent space with my life’s choice, and try the pleasures flowing
from domestic happiness. Well, well. Why talk thus. Perhaps ere that time comes,
a kind Providence may release from the cares of earth and take us to that better
home where sorrows never enter but happiness perpetual shall fully satisfy the
aspirations of the immortal nature. Although absent, can I feel the assurance
that I am yet remembered by you – not only in meditations, but when in silence
you bow before our Common Father to breathe your daily thanksgiving. Forget, Oh
forget not the one who will ever desire your present and future happiness. –
James
[1]
The name of the "disagreeable, ugly scholar" was not revealed due to
the missing page but was identified by searching the 1850 Painted Post, Steuben
County, New York census records looking for a head of household with an
occupation of "weaver," a son with an occupation of "tinner"
and a daughter named Amanda. In 1850, 47 year-old weaver Jacob Young and his
wife Esther, age 40, were found living in Painted Post. Living in the household
was their 21 year-old daughter Amanda, their 18 year-old son John Young, a
tinner, their 16 year-old son Sylvester, and their 2 year-old daughter Amelia.
The 1840 Owego, Tioga County, New York census confirmed that Jacob Young and his
family resided in Owego prior to moving to Painted Post, as described in James'
letter.
[2]
Wes Tappan, nothing further found.
[3]
George Freeman (born March 1825) and Patience Hall (born February 1828), both of
Owego, NY, were married on 11 December, 1847, by the Rev. William H. Pearne of
the M.E. Church. Rev. William H. Pearne was the brother of Rev. Thomas H. Pearne
(see footnote 7). In 1850, George and Patience Freeman lived in Owego where
George was a "laborer." By 1860, George and Patience Freeman
and their three children, Charlotte, James and Charles, were living in the
town of Clarksville, Allegany County, New York where George worked as a
"farm laborer." In 1870, George and Patience Freeman were living in
Portville, Cattaraugus, New York, with children James, George, and Charles. By
1880, the family had moved to Otto Township, McKean County, Pennsylvania where
they continue to appear in 1900. George Freeman reportedly died in 1906; his
wife presumably dying prior to the 1910 census.
[4]
Father Nisbet was 69-year-old Alexander Nisbet, a native of Haddington, East
Lothian, Scotland who came to Sanford, Broome County, New York in 1834 with his wife
Margaret Rae, and their several children. One son, John R. Nisbet, became
affiliated with the American Baptist Foreign Missionary Society and would be
sent briefly to Burma as a missionary in 1853-54. Another son, James Nisbet
(born 1828) became a lawyer and is mentioned elsewhere in these letters. The
following character reference document for Alexander Nisbet was prepared in 1840
by associates living in Sanford upon hearing that Mr. Nisbet intended to
relocate to Owego in Tioga County [where he appears in the 1840 US Census]. One
of the character references is William McClure, who was an original settler of
Sanford in 1787. It is represented to be a "true copy" -- probably
written in Alexander Nisbet's own hand. It was retained by Silas Goodrich of
Tioga, Tioga County, New York and was found among the papers in his home.
Apparently by 1851, Mr. Nisbet intended to relocate again, this time to
Rochester, New York, where two of his sons were living.
Character reference document for Alexander Nisbet
dated, "Sandford January 4th, 1840"
[double-click
on image for enlargement]
[5]
"John & Ebby" probably refers to John R. Nisbet (born 1815) and
his brother Ebenezer Nisbet (born 1828), two of the sons of Alexander Nisbet
(see footnote 1 above). John and Ebenezer were both living in Rochester, New
York in 1851.
[6]
Francis Catlin was the daughter of Jacob Catlin, age 58, and his
wife Elizabeth, age 57, of Tioga, New York. According to the 1850 census record,
she was the eldest of seven children still living at home. She died July 20,
1851 at 4:00 a.m., according to Augusta Goodrich.
The
Owego Advertiser carried the following obituary for Francis Catlin: "Died.
At the residence of her father, Mr. Jacob Catlin, in the town of Tioga, on
Sunday morning, July 20th, Miss Francis A. Catlin, aged 31 years. Possessed of
elegant and fascinating person accomplishments, and admirable disposition, and a
fine and well developed mind, she attracted to herself that love and affection,
the purest elements of which were so fully diffused in her own benevolent heart.
Her unexpected demise has cast a gloom of sadness not alone over a devoted
family and loving relatives, but over a widely extend Owego, preached an
eloquently appropriate sermon from the word of the Psalmist, "Thy judgments
are a great deep."
[7]
Rev. Thomas
Hall Pearne (1820-1910), a Methodist minister. According to the Maritime
Heritage records, "Rev. T. Pearne and lady" arrived in San Francisco
as passengers aboard the steamship, S.S. California, on October 6, 1851,
after a voyage of 17 days and 8 hours from Panama. The couple had apparently
taken a steamer from New York City to Panama and made the overland crossing of
the Isthmus. They journeyed on to Oregon where Rev. Pearne served as presiding elder from 1851 to 1855. While in
Oregon he was editor of the Pacific Christian Advocate and lobbied for the
abolition of slavery. For those interested in ships, the S.S. California
was the first steamship to arrive in San Francisco Bay. She was built to carry
cargo, not passengers, but the gold rush resulted in her being pressed into duty
as a passenger ship shuttling forty-niners between Panama and San Francisco
until about 1854 when she was overtaken by larger vessels.
[8]
Lydia Redfield Griffing's sister, Margery Redfield Munson,
born on 5 December 1777, did indeed pass away on 19 August 1851-- less than a
month after this letter was written.
[9]
There was only one shoemaker recorded in the town of Dresden when the census
taker canvassed the village in September 1850. Perhaps James wrote this letter
in the "shoe shop" of 38 year-old Levi Cadwell.
