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LETTERS: Correspondence between Elizabeth Blackwell and her family members, including 12 to her brothers Samuel and Henry.

Blackwell, Elizabeth (1821-1910), Significant Archive of Correspondence of Elizabeth Blackwell and other family members, 1837 – 1852, including 12 letters from Elizabeth to her brothers Henry and Samuel

29 letters, 101 pages, mainly quarto, in very good, clean and legible condition.

Rare and historically significant archive of correspondence of Elizabeth Blackwell1, the first woman of modern times to graduate in medicine and of her siblings, Henry Browne Blackwell2 (1825- 1909) - social reformer, editor, and entrepreneur, future husband of feminist Lucy Stone, and Anna Blackwell, (poet and journalist, the eldest of the Blackwell siblings), most of Elizabeth’s letters are written to her brother Samuel C. Blackwell, the future husband of Antoinette Brown, (the first American woman to be ordained a Protestant minister).

The correspondence is of great importance as letters of Elizabeth Blackwell, especially from her early years before she entered Medical School are very rare in the marketplace. The present archive includes a remarkable series of letters written from Asheville, North Carolina and Charleston, South Carolina, where she had gone to teach and earn the money necessary for her to proceed with her medical education. These letters discuss her plans while she was living first in the home of clergyman-physician John Dickson, with whom she lodged while in Asheville, and later with his brother, Samuel Dickson, a distinguished physician of Charleston, South Carolina. The Asheville episode did not last long. John Dickson became ill and Elizabeth accepted an invitation from the doctor’s brother, Dr. Samuel Dickson, to visit his family in Charleston, and she set off in January 1846 by stage for that city. In Charleston Dr. Dickson arranged for Elizabeth to teach music at a fashionable boarding school nearby. In her free hours he helped direct her medical reading but it appears that the extent to which Doctor Samuel Dickson assisted Elizabeth in obtaining medical training was previously unknown. Blackwell was intent upon pursuing her studies despite the derisive dismissal of her plans she mentions having received from a New York doctor. In a very important letter from Charleston dated March 8, 1846, Elizabeth writes to her brother Sam, relating how she worked up her courage to ask Dr. Samuel Dickson for his help and her astonished reaction at his generous and encouraging approval of her plans and his offer to assist her in any way possible, including instruction, the use of his extensive medical library, lettersof introduction, etc., after which conversation as Elizabeth wrote: “... Now my way is plain. He must respect me as a promising student, as well as an intelligent young lady, and then I know all his influence will be most kindly used for me...”
Elizabeth spent a year and a half in Charleston, with a summer interval when Elizabeth moved with the school to Aiken, a healthier and cooler spot than Charleston.

The collection also includes a letter written by Elizabeth from medical school at Geneva College, (now Hobart College) in Geneva, New York, from which she graduated January 23, 1849, at the head of her class. In this letter she describes her life and travails there as a female student.
The archive is also important for the information it provides on the family life of the very interesting Blackwell family. The Blackwell’s, after the death of their father Samuel Blackwell, took up residence at Walnut Hills, near Cincinnati, on the grounds of Lane Theological Seminary, founded by Lyman Beecher. There Henry Ward Beecher and Harriet Beecher Stowe were among their friends. The Blackwell family was associated with virtually all of the radical and social reform movements of the day: Antislavery, woman’s rights, moral reform, and Utopian colonies, etc., and were a part of the efforts which helped develop the climate which enabled these reforms to become reality. The multifarious interests and the lively personalities, passions, foibles and character flaws, of the family members are all revealed within the pages of the correspondence.
The new climate made possible such rebellious women as Lucy Stone, one of the earliest feminists, Antoinette Brown, the first ordained woman minister, and the five Blackwell sisters. Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman doctor with a bona fide medical degree, her sister Emily shortly followed her into the medical profession, and the other three, Anna, Marian and Ellen, were rebels and “new” women. That these seven women should have been found not only in the same group of reformers but, by birth or marriage, in the same family is certainly highly singular and curious.

In that family circle, they form, as it were, a microcosm of their time in the world of rebellion and the birth of a new era for women.
Transcriptions listed in chronological order:

Blackwell, Anna, Autograph Letter Signed, Burlington, Vermont, November 11, 1837, her brother Samuel Charles Blackwell, care of Mr. Harris, New York
Quarto, four pages, very good clean condition, third page cross-written. [In September 1837, Anna accepted a position as governess and music teacher in a Vermont seminary directed by Dr. Silas Crane; her family was then still living in New Jersey]
“My dear Sam,
As on Monday evening I shall have an opportunity of sending to my forgetful friends in Jersey
City a letter of scolding gratis, I am benevolent enough to embrace it, instead of adding the weight of postage to reproaches I intend to address to them, you see “that though on “anger” I am bent, I have a frugal mind”-
What is the reason that none of you write to me? I have been hoping & expecting day after day, to receive a letter at least some one of our numerous household – my journal &c, it seems I am never to see – If you knew how very very pleasant it is to have “good news from a far country” I really think you would some of you contrive to give the exile that pleasure a little oftener – It must be more than 3 weeks since I heard from home, and I do really long for a letter – I wrote to Bessie [Elizabeth] about a week ago, by a shoemaker, who I hope, has safely delivered the epistle. The evening after I wrote to her, we gave a little musical entertainment to which a good many of the musical inhabitants of this place were invited – all the young ladies were dressed in white, and seated in two long rows down the longest side of the parlour – About 9 of them played one after the other, in the beginning of the evening – they did pretty well, - their performances however, which were designed more for their own benefit, than our edification, were soon over, and I sang two duets with my best music pupil – we were both rather nervous, and it sent me into a perfect agony,
though of course, I felt it incumbent on me to preserve a dignified self-possession &c &c in the presence of my numerous scholars, and the discerning public of Burlington. I afterwards played the variations on Weber’s Waltz and two of my dances at Mrs C’s particular request – The flute player favoured us with his company and I had depended greatly on his assistance in making the evening go off properly, as the music was of course left in my hands to manage and never having played to people in such a manner before, I wanted all the musical aid I could get – to our great disappointment we found that the flute was a demitone lower than the piano and though its owner had exhausted all his skill & patience in attempting beforehand to raise its tone, he could not succeed, and the two instruments made of course a beautiful discord – but I was determined that play we would , and so sat down and transposed the piano part, and we got through very well – it is no very easy matter to transpose in a moment, especially when you are playing with another, and obliged to keep the most perfect time – after we had music’d them sufficiently, we had prayers and our audience departed a little before ten we had no refreshments which I hold to be an excellent plan. These concerts are to be given on the first Wednesday of every month & Mrs C will be happy to see any of you at any of them. I fear however you will not do us the honour to accept this “invite”. It is one of my schemes, I thought it would give us a little éclat, - help to accustom the young ladies to playing to visitors and perhaps by obliging me to perform before strangers, gradually drive away my nerves , which as far as music is concerned, still plague me terribly. The evening passed off very pleasantly – Mr & Mrs C seemed very much gratified and said they had had no idea that we should have succeeded so well. The girls looked very pretty, and the new piano is the most beautiful instrument I have seen in America – it cost $ 400, the case is perfectly plain, but of a rich rosewood – it was made at the factory here, of which I told you. How much I wish, my dear boy, that papa would send you to the University – you would enjoy very great educational advantages, as it is considered as one of the very best literary institutions in America, - as you might board here, where you would be within five minutes walk of the University, I should very gladly give you a corner by my Franklin you could study in my room, and I need not tell you how pleasant I should feel it. If you could hear the flute, I am sure you would be transported – you certainly never heard anything so sweet in your life. Every Wed. evening as seated at the new piano with the flute on one side, and a very pretty Canadienne, the young lady who sang with me the other night, on the other. One of the gents stayed after the concert to tell me that Mr. [James] Brney had been lecturing that evening & the two previous ones, on Anti-Slavery. I was very much disappointed that I had heard nothing of it in time to hear him – and had I known of his being in town, I should certainly have made him a visit; but he had left in the steamboat just before. This is a remarkably sober and orderly community, and I should think I was getting quietly and comfortably in among them. I was at a party last night with Mr. and Mrs. Crane and after talking with a lady a little while was agreeably surprised to find her a regular Abolitionist. We had quite a little battle with one of the gentlemen who was, however, very willing that Slavery should be abolished if it could be done peaceably – two or three others expressed the same opinions, adding that it was the universal feeling in Burlington – though the people like “to keep quiet.” My list of music pupils is constantly increasing. We had just had 5 or 6 more, and two more are coming in a day or two. It has occurred to me that if we go the West and it should seem probable that we may remain there 4 or 5 years, it might be worth while to get a school, as Cincinnati is in great repute for schools, and we should be able to teach all the required accomplishments (which are the lucrative branches) ourselves. I have gained some insight into schoolkeeping here, and am sure it would not be an expensive experiment. Let Marianne and Bessy [Elizabeth] and the higher powers give me their opinions on the matter when they write (if they ever write again) and if the Benedict be still there (i.e. in Jersey City) ask him about it. I like the place and the people here exceedingly, and do not think that I could possibly have a pleasanter situation, but, of course, I am not satisfied with the $ 300. The school scheme popped into my head while I was dressing two mornings ago – and I thought I would communicate it, though after all, if we could get in private families, 5 or 6 hundred, as I have no doubt of, perhaps that might be better still. We dress and breakfast and have prayers by candlelight. One morning I gave a lesson by it. Yesterday we had a heavy fall of snow, which however is all vanished by this evening. Miss Crane whom I like better than ever, has been sitting by me ever since prayers, busy sewing. We have prayers earlier on Saturday evenings, and I intend to devote the remainder of these evenings usually to writing to some of you, provided I get replies – not else, be sure. I was very unwilling to go to that party last night and indeed refused to go – but Mrs. Crane is something like Mamma –
her tears rise just as suddenly – and she cannot conceive why young ladies should hut themselves up a whole winter and refuse to visit, which I had told her I intended to do. She was so bent on my going last night, at last I consented and went – and I suppose she will hunt me out again if I get another invitation – but I read so diligently and make so much of my time, not that I have less of it, that it really seems too valuable to be sacrificed. I wrote a few days since to Dr. Schroeder, and I sent it by a lady who was going to N York. Tell Aunt Mary I hope she will not forget to let me have the recipe for Xmas pudding. We have the nicest apple pudding sometimes, that I ever tasted, and a kind of brown bread, and turkey-bone soup, which are so good that I am going to learn how to make them. I hope Uncle Charlie will not go to England without my seeing him. Give my love to Papa and Mamma and Aunts, Uncle, Marianne, etc. and the Phelps. Make them write soon. Ask Uncle to get me ‘Di Felice’ as soon as it comes out, also the cotillion duet & the other favorite duet that I used to play with dear Eliza (the one Miss Webbe played sometimes with her, I mean). I have forgotten the name, but I fancy it was something about factotums. Also if any very pretty song comes, I should be glad to have it – and if Arnot’s physics can be spared, I should be glad to have the books about Xmas I will send it back after reading it. (I am at present quite fascinated by Gibbon and De Stael. Give my love to Emily, Ellen, Howy and Washy – dear little rogues, I do long to see them. I dream of you all very often. Tell Mamma I have just written to the Mays – Goodbye believe me my dear Sam your affectionate sister
Anna Blackwell
Do you remember our pleasant rides?”
[Before immigrating to America, Samuel Blackwell, Sr. had sold his failing sugar business to an employee, Samuel Guppy. In New York, he found a position as clerk in a sugar refiner and convinced Guppy and Stephen Gower in London to partner with him in a new business, Congress Sugar Refinery. Blackwell hired Dennis Harris, another immigrant from England, an ordained Methodist Minister and bricklayer by profession, to build the factory and then retained him as the factory foreman. When Blackwell was unable to pay his debts, he sold his share of the refinery to Harris and moved to Cincinnati in the spring of 1838 to start another sugar refinery there, but he died of malaria on August 7th. Harris’s business thrived and he later hired Henry Blackwell as his assistant.]
Lane, Charles, Autograph Letter Signed, March 15, 1839, Myrtle Villa, Horsfield, near Bristol,
England, to Sam and the other children, 2 Symmes Street, Cincinnati
Folio, 4 pages, old folds, each page cross written, else very good. From “Uncle Charles” Lane Mrs. Blackwell’s brother.
“My dear Saml
The Great Western arrived here two days ago from New York, and by her she had a couple
of letters, one from Marian and one from Eliza’s father and I was almost in hopes that we might have heard from Cincinnati – for I assure you a letter from some one of you is very precious – and we are exceeding anxious about your movements & health of the family. We sent off a long letter the 28th of Feby and have scarcely anything to say now – but I do not like to let the Western go without a line. I paid Ann Blackwell the other day for a quarter of her piano. I wish my Sister may say something about the piano in her next. Wm. Harwood Junr called on us a few days ago and says he cannot think what Mr. Blackwell can mean about arrears of rent from the Lewis Mead Sugar House – that they took the house from Blackwell on a lease and that was paid for which they have the receipts and afterwards Mr. Blackwell failed – that even if anything had been due, the failing did it all away, so that my sister must be more explicit. I understand that Mr. Guppy told Harwood that he had agreed with Mr. Blackwell to take charge of the Congress Sugar House in New York – but that Mr. Blackwell paid more attention to his own to the neglect of the Congress, and if I see Mr. Guppy I shall soon set him to rights on that head. I wonder who could have told him such a lie. Mr. Gower must know it a falsehood. Ann Blackwell is expecting Lucy back daily. Don’t any of you direct letters to my agent – they are so very long reaching me and cost me more than double postage – not that I at all mind the postage, but the delay sometimes is weeks, but direct straight to Myrtle Villa. I thought of all of you yesterday while I was taking a solitary ramble over Redlands – through the fields sitting upon the stiles ... I was thinking how delighted Mama would be
looking at old spots and picking up daisies (for things are beginning to bud out now) and calling upon some of her old acquaintances – the Bridge Street Chapel has not changed she would find. I think my dear Samuel you are doing very well at present, and I like very much your beginning. I think Anna gave up a most excellent situation that of 1500, but I don’t see how she could well do otherwise as the school had so just begun not that I think the school will last very very long on account of the very peculiar cement – there is a partial eclipse of the sun today and this moment it seems as if it was taking place – it is getting so dark – so adieu my dear Sam and with sincere love to all – believe me your affectionate Uncle Charles Lane.
March 16th
My dear Harry,
I am sorry in the last letter I had from Cincin. That they served you such a trick as to send the
letter off without your writing in it, but accidents will happen – and ever did to the junior race. I hope you like the situation you have and if you would be wise my dear boy, you would improve yourself in all the routine of education as far as you can possibly assist yourself – and for the next 5 years, think of nothing else comparatively, it is so essential to your future fate – knowledge is power- and to take your rank among men – or exceed other men – you must possess knowledge, talent commands wealth all over the world – and even in such a dreadfully out of the way place as America , it gives you rank, be careful also my dear boy of your person in point of dress and in the usual language you utter, for in such a country as you are, you have to contend with everything that is low and vulgar – during the 4 years I was there it did me more injury than the very lowest society in our own land could possibly effect, indeed I still smell of America – and it will be two years before I can be again an English gentleman – so much am I stained and such caste have I lost, be therefore careful as you can of the common language you daily & hourly speak, you will then be in the habit of respecting yourself and all else will follow, hold your head up with your feet at an angle of 60 never put the handle of your knife in your mouth – the blade is nothing – you have much lively & poetical genius – and naturally mild & polite, tho crossed a little sometimes this is good groundwork exert manner towards your Mamma & sisters and if the ladies smile all be well and believe me my dear Harry your affectionate uncle, Charles Lane
17th March St. Patricks day –
My dear Emily,
I am very much obliged to you for your good wishes and I should have answered you in the last
letter if there had been room. It is a very good thing for you that Mama and sisters have got up a School, else I hardly know how you would have been able to have got on in the way of learning. I only wish I could put an old and experienced head on your young shoulders that you might see and be perfectly aware – as people that are grown up are – what a very great and important thing education is – and how many there are whose parents cannot afford it – for their little ones – strive to learn all you can and be as greedy as you possibly can to catch at everything in the way of Knowledge. Never say I can’t to anything but I’ll try – for you may never have the continuance of education as your sisters Anna & Marian & Elizabeth & Sam has had. How long the School now may keep on I don’t know but while it does it seems to me the only chance you have – and however trying & vexatious something may be yet do let duty be uppermost in your thoughts – the next thing is my dear Emily let your combs & other dressing materials be always in good order – your tooth powder good and never be afraid of the comb and brush for your hair, luckily for you, has marvelous strength. Then say your prayers and mind what you are about and you bid fair to be the sweetest tempered of any of the Blackwell family – and when I die, you shall come in for some of my landed property, and believe while living, I shall always be your very Uncle, Charles Lane
My dear little Ellen,
What I have said to Emily applies equally to yourself – to learn all you possibly can – and then
my dear little dumpy – you will be amiable as a woman – as you now are in my eyes- as a child – or little pickaninnee – don’t let that great big Howard vex you – nor Washy – but let me know if they do – and I’ll send something from England in the shape of a great black dog – that shall bark at them – and if that won’t do – I’ll borrow Mrs. Macgillycuddy’s large black and brown cat which will soon settle the business – theres 3 kisses for you XXX and believe me, my exquisite little dumpy, your affectionate Uncle Charles Lane
My dear Howard,
When you are able to write, I shall be very glad indeed to hear from you. Your memory appears
to me so excellent that I have no doubt you will make great and rapid improvement in your studies – and perhaps you will soon be able to teach Washington. Do you remember how fond your poor Aunt Mary used to be of you. You have lost a very great friend in her for she used to love you very much but you got your own Mama still with you – and you must love her as much as you possibly can – then Robin Hood’s bugle will merrily sound – “Shee times Shee” to you and everything in the world be very beautiful – and may it long continue so my dear Nephew – is the wish of your affectionate Uncle Charles
My dear little Washington,
Tho last on my list you are not the least and when you can write I shall be very rejoiced to hear
from you. You were papa’s adored little darling and may you live to be like him – respected and beloved. I don’t forget your birthday. It is on the 20th Nov. if I mistake not and I hope every birthday will find you improved in your reading and writing – and don’t fight with your brother Howard – but as you are strong – especially in the head – as some dents in the floor may testify – yet be merciful. Brother Howard is a great fat fellow too but your little hands were never made to tear each other’s eyes – save them therefore for the defence of your country- and your Queen – and don’t tease my friend dumpy – and mind what your Mama and sisters teach you. I suppose Mama is commencing syntax with you and she will soon make you parse – nothing like Grammer. Mama used to be perfect in the verbs and pronouns at Mrs. Hill’s school. She was tip top and was very near setting the Thames on fire one day if Mrs. Hill had not run after her and stopped her. And now adieu my dear little Washy and may God bless and protect you is the prayer of your affectionate Uncle Charles.
March 20
My dear Sam and Henry
Pardonnez moi for coupling you together but you can easily see your Uncle Charles had left me but little room. How are you all getting on? We are anxiously looking out for the postman daily, hoping to hear from you. Do write and tell us all the domestic intelligence. I suppose neither of you can find many spare hours for reading. We have been much amused with Mrs. Trollope’s Vienna, also Fraser’s Winter Journey to Persia. We have laid aside the exciting chess board – and your Uncle generally reads while I work. I am sure you will be all shocked to hear of the death of our old friend Mr, Beard, who died on his passage out to New South Wales, poor man, I have no doubt that trouble killed him, especially if he was aware of Mrs. Beard being confined in a prison by some of her relations. Do you remember her old servant I forget her name – she is respectably married and is residing a few miles from Bluestone and Mrs Beard lives with her – I believe she has £20 coming in annually. What a change a few years has made. I received a letter from my father by the Great Western who has been very ill with the ‘Lung’ fever, had both his eyes lanced &c and my mother unfortunately seriously afflicted at the same time with Influenza but I am happy to say they are recovering.
Your Uncle Blackwell has sent out money for your Aunt Lucy to return. Please to give my very best love and many kisses as you please to your dear Mama and sisters Anna, Marianne and Elizabeth and believe me ever to be yours very affectionately Eliza Lane
Your Uncle Lane talks of writing your Mama. He has had a very heavy cold ... much better When shall we three meet again?
Your Uncle Lane has recd a letter from Mrs. Palmer who speaks of her husband’s happy death and she fears your cousin Mr. Sam Lowell is going back in the world. I am just going to call on Miss Tully who was to arrive from Bath yesterday and then put his letter in the office March 22nd Love & Kisses to all.
My dear Howard and Washington,
I have just been looking into the green house where there are a number of gold fishes in a large
glass globe and I thought how much amused you would be looking at them – but I dare say you have many things to amuse you in Cincinnati. I heard of James the other day who is dressed in
boys clothes. He is learning to dance and his sister says dances very prettily. I should like to see him and you. Good bye my dear little boys and believe me to be your loving Aunt Eliza”
[When this lengthy joint letter was written Anna was 23, Marian 21, Elizabeth 18, Sam 16, Henry 14, Emily 13, Ellen 11, Howard 8 and Washington 7 years old. Charles Lane lived with the Blackwell’s in Jersey City for a time, but, as is evidenced in this letter, was discontented with life in America and returned to England just before the Blackwell family moved to Cincinnati.]
Gower, Stephen [father’s business partner] Autograph Letter Signed, London, July 22, 1839, to Mrs. Blackwell, Cincinnati, care of Mr. Emery
Quarto, 4 pages, very good clean condition, includes an enclosed letter to Samuel Blackwell
“My dear Mrs. Blackwell,
Your long and much prized letter of the 26 Novr. last, after following me over a good part of the
continent reached me at length at Trieste. I had previously and quite accidentally learnt through a Bristol Paper the sudden and heavy bereavement you had sustained in the death of poor Mr. Blackwell and if I could place before you my Journal you would see by the memorandum mark on the sad occasion how sincerely I sympathize with you all in a loss which I who have had such frequent opportunities of witnessing the many estimable qualities that firstly endeared him to his family, was enabled to form a somewhat correct estimate of. I was not aware, however that you had been called upon so soon after to mourn the death of his two sisters also! Incomprehensible indeed to us short sighted mortals are the dispositions of Providence and happy are those who having been taught to know and believe that such severe blows are always dealt in wisdom – that not a sparrow is permitted to fall without the divine will – can bear such afflictions with Christian resignation and say “The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away, blessed be the name of the Lord”. This my dear Mrs. Blackwell I well know to be your case and moreover that all of you have add up your treasure in that place where you may hope to meet again hereafter and enjoy the society not only of each other but likewise that of saints and angels to all Eternity.
Most deeply do I lament to hear that you found Mr. B’s affairs in such a state of embarrassment. I was fearful he would be of the number of those who suffered during the dreadful crisis of 1837, but I was still very much surprised to learn it was to so great an extent. After I gave up to the parties interested in the Congress, the property I possessed in New York from the motives described in my letter you alluded to as found among Mr. B’s papers, I have never heard what took place between them – in fact from that time to the present our intercourse has been quite broken off with very little probability of its ever being renewed so that I am perfectly ignorant of the nature of the claims made from London, nor was I aware you had been dispossessed of the little spot in the back woods which formed the subject of so many an evening conversation and which in time was to have made the fortune of all the family. Alas for poor human speculations! But let me turn to a more pleasing part of your letter and congratulate you, and I do with all my heart, on the favorable commencement you have made in your new undertaking – on your acquisition of good and valuable friends and on the prospect you entertain of being soon again in comfortable and easy circumstances without the necessity of a separation. Miss Anna’s determination not to quit you bespeaks the goodness of her heart as much as the brilliant and tempting offer she received does honor to her talent. Nor can I refrain from expressing my admiration of the resolution of all to return to Old England as soon as the object of their exertions is attained, which Heaven grant may be speedily done. You cannot have called to remembrance more often than I have myself done the scenes you have so feelingly retraced of innocent & rational enjoyment in which I had the happiness of participating with you all and which I shall never forget. I too may say that the last happy Christmas I spent was in the great rambling house at Jersey City – for the first which occurred after my return from America was preceded by a few months only by the death of my Father and an Uncle and the last I passed quite alone literally, at a place on the Continent I had been sent to on a very unpleasant errand for account of a friend so that in this particular also I can sympathize with you. But I trust that brighter days are in store for us and that the time will come when we shall yet pass a merry Christmas together. There are few things would afford me greater satisfaction than such an event and now that the communications across the Atlantic has been made so rapid, if you do not fill your pockets with dollars and bring them
home soon, perhaps I may be stepping over to ask you how you do some fine morning. As you are aware, I saw very little of the interior though upwards of three years in the country, so that I have two great inducements, if by chance you should stand in need of an assistant in your establishment there might be a third. I have been brushing up my Italian of late and could lend you a hand in that branch. In the meantime pray let me have the pleasure of hearing from you again as early as you can find leisure to devote to such a purpose and be assured that it will always give me very great pleasure to hear of your well being. To each and all of your family I beg my best regards as also to Captain and Mrs Lane who I suppose are still near you as I have never heard of their arrival in this country. With the sincerest good wishes for your health, happiness and prosperity, believe me, my dear Mrs. Blackwell, ever most truly yours, Stephen Gower.
My dear Sam,’
You must not ascribe my want of punctuality in replying to your last letter (for I can only find one
unanswered) to anything but sheer idleness. I have not forgotten my quondam friend and Friday evening companion nor has anything transpired that could produce any change in my feelings toward him. I was very much gratified by the receipt of your few lines of the 26 Novr and let me assure you it will always delight me to hear from you and to render you any service in my power. Where and when we shall meet again is a question of rather difficult solution for beings of our limited vision but we will not despair. The Great Western has already lessened the distance between us by nearly one half and who knows that ere long something will start up to throw into the shade even that rapid mode of communication. We live in an age of improvement and wonder working inventions. For the last nine months I have been travelling about on the Continent with an invalid brother – chiefly in Italy and part of the time in France, Switzerland and Belgium, visiting the plain of Waterloo and other interesting places. We were however both very glad to jump upon the shores of our own little Fatherland again, exulting in our privilege to call it by that name – being thoroughly persuaded that we had met nothing in our rambling that would stand in comparison with it. I hope that you and Henry continue to like your situations and that by and by they will prove profitable ones to both of you. I have been leading a very idle life since I left New York and am growing ashamed & tired of it. I believe there is no real satisfaction except in being usefully employed and so I intend shortly to set to work again. Tim is still with me and the same odd, good tempered creature as ever. He often speaks of your family and remembers with gratitude the kindness he experienced at their hands during his residence in Jersey City. I shall be expecting to hear from you again. You can address me to the care of Messrs. Wolley Protheran & Co. 23 Mark Lane, London, not to Messrs A. H. Gower Nephews & Co.
Believe me my dear Sam Your Sincere friend, Stephen Gower
Do you know how our friends at Schuylerville are getting on? If your sisters are in correspondence with them I would beg them to make my respects when writing next”
Blackwell, Anna, Autograph Letter Signed, St. Anne’s Hall, New York, March 9, 1845, to her brother Samuel C. Blackwell, City Mills, Cincinnati, Ohio
Quarto, 4 pages, in very good clean and legible condition.
“My dear Brother,
We were delighted on Friday night, by receiving Henry’s very pleasant letter, having expected it, as
usual, long before it actually came. It is too bad that you have not received the parcel we sent to Harry by Mr. Davis, it was left for him as Harry directed, at the Alantic [sic] Hotel, on the fourth of last month, and certainly ought to have been received, one would think, before this. In this missing parcel, we sent at least half a dozen letters, full of all the small and quiet news we had to tell, and Harry will certainly see, when he gets it, that neither Emily nor I deserve the “wilent” reproaches he bestowed upon us. I do hope you have it by this time, for after having written so many epistles, and executed the “second part” of Henry’s commission with so much care, it will be very annoying to have all “love’s labour lost”.
Whenever we think of you all, we felicitate you on being so pleasantly situated. Such an agreeable and respectable house, such improved health so much more sociability, so many pleasant little plans, it was certainly a most benevolent wind that blew you out upon the Hills!
Emily has described so minutely and so often, every corner and cranny of your abode, has given me so many accounts of Howy’s school going, and of Washington’s guessing, such visible details of Sultan and the little yellow cat, and their gambols; of the young rooster and his new spurs, and the little
white hen, of Doctor, and the other horse, and of Ellen’s exploits on the old quiet mare, of Washy’s ingenious traps that didn’t catch the good for nothing weasel, of the clump of locust trees under whose shade Master Harry made Emily bring him his supper, before he would give up a letter from me, of Marian’s desperate attempt at ringing an unfortunate tallow candle, while the supposed robbers were invading her bedroom at midnight, and of the extraordinary pertinacity with which you others all slept through the clatter she made in her terror, of how Elizabeth looked to you all, and how you all looked to her, when she came back from Barbary; together with sundry other particulars concerning matters and things in general, not forgetting Ellen’s bright green dress, and brown apron, (in which she must have looked like a Katy-did with a withered leaf in its mouth!) and how Mr. Bradbury in a fit of contrariness went down to the Mills unusually early for a whole week just to vex Sam – that I really feel quite à la portée of all your doings!
How much pleasure your Shakespeare readings will give you! I wish we could join you now and then! Every evening one or other of us is sure to say, “Now, if we could only give a jump, and stay for about an hour and a half among them all at home, wouldn’t it be grand?” Or, “How cosy it looks here; I wish some of them would come in this evening”! – but, alas for wishes! Emily is doing admirably, and is acquiring a fortune. Her progress is really wonderful, in “two years” if she continues as at present, she will be a very different person from the young elephant you lost sight of last Fall; I only wish she were a little more graceful.
Is it not queer that Cousin Sam should have given up writing? Do you ever hear from him? What is Uncle B’s address? If you will send it to me I shall write to him to know what can be the matter; he owes me now five or six letters, and they cannot all have been lost.
I made a day’s visit at the [William H.] Channing’s two weeks ago. I went in on Saturday and returned on Monday, but Sunday was a soaking day and I had the disappointment of not being able to hear Miss C. He seemed better and brighter than when I saw him at Xmas and we had some delightful talks. Your annual was read through, aloud by Mr. C and me, alternately; they were very much interested and admired its contents greatly. “The tale of our neighborhood,” “Lyndhurst” and the “Cross of the Union,” Mr. C thinks he can dispose of for you, if you will let him have copies as soon as convenient. Emily and I had pleased ourselves with a scheme of writing them out, selling them, and then forwarding to their astonished authors, the forthcoming amount, in the shape of a cheque upon some Bank of the “Queen City”. But we have, with reluctance, given up this bright vision of making “a pleasant surprise” for you people at home, only cecause we really have not time to carry it out. If our lives depended on it, I do not think we could get it done in a year, so fully are we occupied. I want also a new Outside for the Annual, and beg Marian to gratify us by sending another, as soon as possible. When is Mrs. Lyle going to write me? And Mr. Greene? Give my love to them and to all friends. Mr. Channing is more than ever interested in Association; indeed his whole soul seems in it. I presume he will not rest until he has taken part in the Brook Farm, to convert which from its present uninviting, disorganized and most disheartening state, into a respectable thriving orderly Phalanstery, seems the central object of the Association. Their only obstacles are the want of men and money. I fear he will not remain long in N.Y.; this you had better not mention even to Mr. Greene, for Mr. C is by no means willing to have his affairs and views talked of, even by his friends. So, I beg of you, let it go no further. Tell Mr. G I wish he would write, for I want en excuse for writing him again.
Tell Harry not to forget to send a message of thanks to Dr. Schroeder for the kindness and promptitude with which he got his cloak for him when he next writes.
Love to Mother and all the chickabids, and believe me, your affectionate Sister, Anna”
Blackwell, Anna and Emily, Autograph Letter Signed, by both sisters, July 27, 1845, St. Anne’s Hall, New York, to brother Samuel C. Blackwell, Cincinnati
Folio, 4 pages, in very good clean condition, partially cross-written, but perfectly legible.
[According to one biographical source, Anna Blackwell, spent the “summer and fall of 1845” at Brook Farm. Elizabeth had just arrived in Asheville, North Carolina.]
“My dear Brother,
I received your entertaining letter with great pleasure, and congratulate you upon your safe
termination of a delightful but somewhat dangerous undertaking. I wish we could have shared your enjoyment of mountain scenery, running brooks and lovely flowers! You must have had a charming
time. And Henry must have grown a good many inches in importance on the strength of such an agreeable adventure.
I am much grieved that Mother’s health seems to be so unsettled. You often say “she has been sick”, but do not tell us of what. Do let us know when you next write, what it is that troubles her so.
Your account of domestic doings is very very pleasant. I do not wonder that your regard for the Queen City should be on the increase, when circumstances are so much more cheerful and pleasant than formerly – for it is as true as trite, that the state of the mind makes the attendant things of life agreeable or otherwise, and where one is surrounded by sunbeams of course the view brightens. We are delighted to hear that Marian’s health continues to improve, and hope that her worryances are set to rest by good servants! Is Washington improving? The Poor child is too good to left to grow up a Pariah! I fear you do not think as carefully for him as for his brother – it seems to me he ought to be at school and busy.
What a noble creature E.[Elizabeth] is; she wrote us two beautiful letters, on her arrival in her new home, but though the situation is a pleasant one, I fear the people are too simple, and the school too limited to give her a satisfactory salary.
With regard to Ellen, whose coming here has been a favorite idea with us, ever since Emily came on, I fear that my plans for her are destined to at least a temporary disappointment. It is so painful to be convinced that one whom one has loved and admired is really unworthy of confidence, that it is with great reluctance I have to tell you that for some time past I have been much astonished and grieved by the conduct of Dr. S. [John F. Schroeder] and my confidence in him has been greatly shaken. He has accused me repeatedly and under circumstances which have rendered the charge very insulting of being his enemy and the enemy of everyone in the house, yet you and all my friends know how warmly I have defended his character, entered into his plans, and aided him in every way in my power. The very letter in which Mr. Ellis informed me that his daughter would come on my recommendation was received at a time when Dr. S. had passed more than a week without speaking to me, because he had thought fit to get up a violent quarrel against me and had charged me [in] Emily’s presence with being his secret foe! It is really too absurd. He is universally detested and I, unable to believe what everybody assured me, viz. that he was not to be trusted, stood by him the more resolutely the more I heard him attacked and he has most strangely rewarded my friendship. All his kind professions of regard and earnest protestations of good will have been succeeded by a system of petty persecution, general annoyance, and unbearable insolence which have fairly mortified me. I am thin and nervous to a degree that I never was before – and though, for the sake of Emily’s improvement I have put up with all this and much more as long as I could, I really cannot endure it any longer. The day before yesterday, having been insulted by him in a most ungentlemanly manner I resigned my situation – he with a low bow of both hands down to the ground assuring me that he was “very happy indeed to hear it”! I went immediately into town and consulted my kind friends Mr. Dummer and Mr. Barrett (U.C. Minister) who both assured me that they had been too well aware of his untrustworthiness to be at all surprised – that they wondered how I had been able to get along so long with him. My plans are quite undecided. Emily will visit at the B’s and at Mr. D’s for a time. I am intending to go to Boston on a visit, also to the Crane’s in Rhode Island, who sent me a very cordial invitation two or three weeks ago. What the future may have in store I cannot yet even imagine but a change in my plans, brought about so entirely without my cooperation or wish is evidently an instruction that Providence intends me to work in some other field.
I shall write in a few days to Mr. Ellis informing him of my resignation; do not, at present at any rate, speak much of my change of plans. Dr. S. has proved himself to be utterly unworthy of my regard and has destroyed every particle of the confidence with which I have trusted him, but I do not wish to injure him; the school is probably extremely near its end, from a want of confidence in him and in his measures, which is all but unanimous & I do not wish, ill as he has treated me, to hasten the crisis.
Elise, the Coxes – (for whose opinion I have but little respect however) warned me not to trust too far. Mr. Channing told me he considered it his duty as a friend to tell me that for my sake he has taken great pains to ascertain his real character, and that in every instance he was spoken ill of. The Dummers also stated the same. But he is so agreeable, so lively, so intelligent, so well-informed, learned and entertaining, so polished and can seem so friendly, so kind, so good, that I turned a deaf ear to all warnings. May God give him repentance and forgiveness for he has sinned deeply against a kind confident and most useful friend. He professed to our French teacher in the evening after his shameful conduct to me, to be extremely grieved, extremely sorry, hoped I should not act rashly,
hoped I should not think of really leaving the Hall – and the next evening, after my return, preached such a sermon upon charity, forgiveness, forbearance etc., that I really thought he must be penitent – and though nothing would induce me to remain, yet I would willingly part in peace – yet, when Emily, directly after, went to bid him good-night, as a kind of little peace-offering, he refused to shake hands with her, and addressed the poor innocent child in such insulting terms, upbraiding her with want of respect to her superior and assuring her that she was extremely “hardened”, etc. so that very properly, she turned at once from him, and left the saloon! Such being his behavior I shall only remain to get my salary and am quite impatient to be in a better sphere.
I am extremely poor, for the music has lessened instead of increasing, and the $200 I have paid for Emily and her wardrobe have been more than I should have dared to undertake, had not Dr. S. so earnestly assured me that my class would be ample.
Of course you have heard of the terrible fire – such a scene of utter ruin is painful in the extreme. Cousin Sam has not yet sent the wedding cake I wrote for, or at least I have not yet received it. Mrs. Child is just as charming in private as in her books. I do, indeed esteem her friendship to be a
great privilege. The Dummers are unchangingly kind – and all speak of Marian constantly, and with the utmost affection.
I have renewed my acquaintance with the Haight family; they now live in N. York. They are very pleasant and extremely kind.
Do stir up dear Mrs. Lyle to write me soon. Give my love to her and hers and to the Greenes, to Miss Butler and Cornelia.
With love to all, believe me, ever yours affectionately, Anna
[Emily Blackwell to Sam]
My dear Sam,
As Anna has written you such a long letter, I could not let it go without putting in a letter scrap on my
own account. I should have written to Henry in the beginning of the month, but I spent mostly the first week in town, and have since been very busy owing to the review with which the year ends.
Anna has told you of her resigning her situation on account of Dr. Schroeder’s outrageous conduct toward her and I assure you that she has not spoken of it half as severely as it deserves. His conduct toward her, almost ever since I have been here has been very doubtful, but for the last three months it has been equally unworthy of a Christian and a gentleman; had he offered me in her place, one half the unkind and insulting treatment he has her, I would have left the Hall long ago.
I am sorry my studies should be thus suddenly interrupted, but am nevertheless only sorry that Anna has not taken this step before. I anticipate however a very pleasant visit both at Mr. Barrett’s and Mr. Dummer’s; where I shall be or what I shall do afterwards time only can decide.
I supposed you have had letters from Elizabeth long before this. I wish you could see those which she has sent us. We were very much amused by her descriptions of the simple way in which they live at Asheville, and especially by her recount of her first appearance at church, where the congregation were so struck by the elegance of her dress and the surprising splendor of her white bonnet, that they all remained standing in their pews until she had walked out.
Your letter was extremely welcome to us and is so excellent a traveler’s guide of the journey from Cincinnati to Lexington that I think if ever I should be desirous to pay a visit, I should feel pretty sure of my way. I think you and Howard must be almost tired of traveling. Give my love to the young gentleman and tell him that as I hear from Cory Ellis that he is not very industrious in the growing line, I should take it as a personal favour if he would commence at once, and if he do not, as I am still making moderate advances in that department, be able to catch a glimpse of my face when he next sees me.
As it is now almost midnight, I think it is about time to finish, therefore with [love] to Cornelia & all the folks, including Sultan and the yellow cat. I remain, my dear brother, Yours affectionately, Emily”
Blackwell, Elizabeth, Autograph Letter Signed, September 7, [1845] Asheville, North Carolina, to her brother Samuel, Cincinnati
Quarto, 4 pages, in very good, clean and legible condition.
“My dear Sam:
The Sororal gem sparked approvingly at the fraternal letter, & has now grown pale for want of another – so it turns into substantial flesh & blood and takes up the pen responsive, in order to call one forth. How goes it with the Brokers boy? I hope shaving answers all your expectations, but really it is a very doubtful problem to me whether you are still in the large Broker’s office, corner of Main & Third or not – for our family horse seems to have taken it into its queer head to cut a succession of little capers, a sort of St. Vitus’ dance, has seized on all the members except the right fore leg, which has got fixed in the mountains of N. Carolina, so that it is impossible to calculate on its standing still for a single moment, so that I shan’t be much surprised to hear that you’ve entered into partnership with D. Wilson, married Mr. West & adopted all the children of the orphan asylum. Ah well, preserve your memory at least, don’t forget the absent and do me the favour to spell clabber in the right way. I really feel insulted that you should suppose I eat claver, pray what may that be, some outlandish western dish I suppose, for I never met with it. Ah you Ohio people should come down here to learn the refinements of language and graces of oratory. I expect to become a real Demosthenes after listening to a few more such speeches , as one that was delivered last Wednesday in the Presbyterian church by Judge O’Neil of South Carolina, on the subject of temperance. Ladies & Gentleman, I feel myself pleased & gratified to address this audience on this subject in this place. Ladies, I turn to you, I have always said that one lady was worth nine men, I re peat it, one lady is worth nine men any day & no one can maintain the contrary - the men all follow where you lead & I will tell you a story to show your great influence. An old man & his wife were in the habit of crossing slipper creek & going to make purchases at a little village, where the Major kept a store – the ride was long & the Major a jolly soul used to make a bowl of punch for them all, which was pronounced first rate particularly by the old woman, who, on the ride home, grew loud in her praises of the Major and his punch, this made the old man a little uncomfortable. Old woman, says he, you like that Major of yours a little too much. This lasted sometime till one day as they were crossing the creek, the old woman was louder than ever in her declarations that the Major was a nice man and his punch first rate, “I say, old woman”, said her husband, giving his horse a whip, “you like that Major of yours a great deal too much,” and went on to scold and threaten, but hi wife didn’t answer a word all the way home. Oh, oh, so you’re mad hey! That’s right old woman be mad, yet I’d be mad wouldn’t I – here Jack, come and help the old woman down, she’s mad and won’t speak – by God, she isn’t here, she’s tumbled in the creek – back he went full speed – and there sat the old woman in the middle of the creek up to her neck in water, nodding her head and swallowing a mouthful every time, and stammering thank ye, thank ye, Major, you’re a nice man, the punch is first rate – but I’ve had enough – Such was one of the most delicate and pointed anecdotes of our eloquent Judge, and you may imagine how greatly I was edified by the discourse which lasted an hour, in a tone of voice that can only be described as a bellow.
I’ve just received a letter from Anna. She was on the visit to the New Church Society of Boston. She had been quite sick, but was recovering and had met with the greatest hospitality from the Swedenborgians. She expected to return shortly to N. York, and told me to direct to Mr. Dummer. I am truly sorry for her, for though with her talents, she will always be independent, yet she must suffer an immense amount of annoyance and her health seems to be very poor. I have proposed to her to come and rusticate & grow fat in Carolina, for I’ve no doubt I could procure her a better situation than my own – but I fear the east will have too much attraction for her to allow the acceptance of my offer. She says nothing about Emily. Where is our sturdy sister? If she has reached home, of course she will write to me. I should think it would be the better plan for her to renew home feelings for a while in Cincinnati, and then perhaps I can assist her in any future plans. I am impatient to begin my studies in real earnest. Sometimes a medical fit seizes me, and then the slow process of teaching seems intolerable to me, but two or three thousand dollars I must and will get before I begin. My last plan (you know I said I should form a thousand between July and January) is to get a school in Georgia – the northern parts are much more populous and wealthy than Carolina and perfectly healthy. Miss Cozens who has taught there says she got four times as much as in Asheville, but her object being to get a pleasant home, not make money, she prefers a residence here, where the people are much more religious, & the Doctor & family uncommonly intelligent. Though she says Asheville is about the poorest fortune making place I could find South. I have some thoughts too of teaching in Florida but will let you know before I set out. You remember Miss Cozens, Sam, would you ever have guessed that there was anything particularly attractive to gentlemen in here? She is very amiable, certainly, and steadfast in her character, and then – ah, I just remember, there is something very fascinating in plumpness – a lucky thought, for it will explain to me the rather surprising fact that she has made two
decided conquests within a month. The first was quite a wealthy gentleman in these parts who fell in love at sight, for he had never spoken to her; he came to Asheville for the purpose of looking at his lady love, but unfortunately, he was addicted to the be fooling strong drink and after proclaiming his strong attachment to Miss Maria, in every hotel in the village, after lying half the day with his head over the Court House steps, he capped the clim[?] by staggering into the Doctor’s study one evening, & offering him $ 50, if he would marry him immediately to Miss Maria Cozens. The Doctor turned him out of doors & the next day when he came to himself, he left the village in deep mortification. The next Smitee, was a very different personage, - even a young self-educated Presbyterian minister, with deep base voice and fine black eyes. He came here one Sunday (you remember perhaps how a minister annoyed me by singing hymns all day under my bedroom) fell desperately in love & sent all manner of affecting messages in a letter to the Doctor. A short time after, he paid us another visit, upon which Miss Maria immediately cleared out, without even seeing the unfortunate, and passed the night at a friend’s. He looked most disconsolate hardly said a word to anyone and suddenly disappeared without wishing even the Doctor good bye.
Tell mother that I passed a very edifying Sunday yesterday. First a long siege of prayers from the Doctor, then a tremendous Sermon with the usual accompaniments – Sunday school – another long service – and another siege of prayers – all the private exercises in my own room I leave to her imagination. I think she ought to be satisfied with my Asheville Sundays. The Minister in the evening interested me greatly by his pronunciation etc. “Now a days, my brethren, some people strip Christ of his divinity – oh, they say, he was a mighty good man, he went and done many remaarkable miracles – but my friends he was more than that the kettle on a thousand hills, could not atone for the sins of poor forlone sinners, but Christ bar our sins, whar by we may cry abba Father, & he is gone to prepar a place for us, that whar he is thar we may be also.” These are literal quotations, t’was very funny. The literary productions of you, Henry & Howard, I would like exceedingly to see, mind & have my Christmas Annual ready I suppose it can be sent by the stage, though I fear I must get my winter things from New York, the communications being so much more direct. I wish I could tell you something interesting, but unfortunately all that interests good people here, would fail to do so in Ohio. The death of a certain Mrs. Baring, a connexion of the English Bankers and the richest woman in Carolina, has caused quite a sensation here. From all accounts they must possess a regular English country seat, for it is visited by all strangers as a place of wonderful splendor. The old lady has always had a great taste for funeral ceremonies and finally arranged her own, in the minutest particular, bought up all the black crape and silk stockings in the country for her negroes, had the Bishop to preach the funeral sermon and was yesterday followed to the grave by fifty carriages full of mourning friends.
My health is exceedingly good, I am busy and happy – frequently longing to peep at you all and greedy of letters. I wish the Carolinians would send me as a delegate to the college of teachers- what news in the literary world? How do you employ your spare time? “How is she?” Love to all friend, and believe me yrs ever, Elizabeth
Love to Marian. I’ll write to her soon.”
Blackwell, Elizabeth, Autograph Letter Signed, Asheville, North Carolina, September 30, [1845] to her brother Samuel, Cincinnati
Quarto, 4 pages, very good, clean and legible condition.
“Samuel C. Blackwell, Punster,
Such certainly ought to be your address my dear brother and if I thought my letter would arrive
safely, I assuredly would so direct it, but as there is some doubt about the matter, I will spare your feelings, which I know are somewhat sensitive to the smiles of mennikin – your vivid descriptions, and Harry’s also did me a world of good, they are just such letters as I like. Squire Deacon and Doctor Maternal citizen and all, I heartily welcomed, and above all those four inimitable perpendiculars waving in the air, while waiting for breakfast. I am very glad too my dear Sam that you have such pleasant visits at Dr. W’s. I fully appreciate your candour, and thank you heartily for the frank confidence you exhibit to your absent sister – be very sure she will return it in like manner, should any little romance trouble her smooth life.
I had a charming drive yesterday afternoon. Some friends sent their coach for the use of Miss Cozens and myself. Twas quite a respectable affair, roomy and softly stuffed inside, with bright
varnish, brilliant brass, and black driver and footman outside. We rode to the top of a high hill beyond the Swarrinon, the most beautiful drive that I’ve taken as yet, a richly cultivated plain, with green hills and blue mountains, the little river and the forests just beginning to turn, made a lovely picture. Nothing pleased me more than several tall forest trees still covered with deep green, but the trunk and larger branches encased with a creeper of brilliant crimson. I anticipate a rich treat from the woods in October but after that, oh I shudder in anticipation. One comfort is that I never find winter so unbearable as I imagine. On our way, we met a poor white family, a specimen alas of a large class in these states, journeying from the South in search of health and food. I think I never met with a whole large family with such livid complexions and such an appearance of complete haggard misery – generally out of ten or twelve, you will see one bright eye, or little smiling face, but these, from the father who walked in front to the baby who was riding with its wretched Mother in an old wagon, looked thoroughly ghastly. The dearth which prevails through this district and farther South, is driving the poor white settlers in every direction, literally in search of food – and would you believe it our beautiful Tennessee has the reputation, and I fear with some justice, of being one of the unhealthiest states in the Union. I frequently hear of families who have visited it from the South in hopes of bettering their condition, returning in despair, with ruined health added to hopeless poverty – such a case is even now exciting a good deal of sympathy in the village – the distressed family had been had been glad to take up its abode in the old school house, that you perhaps remember standing on a pretty hill, a little way out of the village, we passed it during our ride with the Doctor. He was returning from a visit to a patient some days ago, when he met this family – they had just been turned out of doors by a poor woman with whom they had taken refuge. The father was trying to support his eldest daughter, who, sick with a violent fever, tumbled down, at every second step – the other children with wan weeping faces, surrounded him, carrying the iron pot, and dirty coverlid, their only property. They were wandering Heaven only knows where. The Doctor immediately got a wheel barrow from the nearest house and they gladly took refuge in the ruinous old school house, and their immediate wants were speedily supplied by the villagers, to whom he mentioned the case.
The next day, Mr. Patton’s family reinforced by their Charleston relatives determined to improve the opportunity for their own spiritual good. A few months ago they lost a relative and one of the young ladies being looked upon by herself and friends as a very proud Episcopalian and humble Christian, has set the example which all follow – the ladies to the number of eight have gone into very deep mourning – speak in low monotonous voice, attend all the funerals they hear of, and stop the negro children from playing marbles and gathering chinkaprins on Sunday (their only play time). Well this opportunity, of cultivating pious gratitude, was not to be lost, accordingly, the next day, the ladies, with the children, including a baby, to the number of eleven, rode out in the stage to see the poor family – and when Miss Amelia reached there in the course of the morning, she found the sick girl on the floor below an open window, raving in the delirium of fever, the other members of the family, hungry and dirty hiding in corners, while the ladies trying to hush their troublesome children looked on. Miss Amelia, in relating the scene to us, said in her little old maidish way and with her large charity that can’t think ill of any one, “I suggested to them the propriety of removing the children before I proceeded to wash the sick girl.” I could not blame Mrs. Patton for bringing so large a party as she said it was a sight they were unaccustomed to, and she thought it might do them good.
I received a letter from Anna yesterday, dated Brooke Farm – twas a little pencil scrawl on half a sheet of paper. I will copy a little for you. “If I can regain my health, my life may be worth something, if I do not, I do not think I can live much longer. Do you remember Miss Sherwood? She is now the wife of Dr. Cole and boarding here. Through her I have obtained some little insight into her Father’s discoveries, with regard to the human body, disease and cure. He seems to be one of those who, like Swedenborg and Fourier, throw a luminous glance upon the depths of the unknown, comprehending and revealing. I am just about commencing a course of electro-magnetic treatment under his advice. If this fail me I shall try to be resigned but useful or happy I cannot hope to be, for I am quite unfitted by my nervous susceptibility to do anything I undertake, while that very unhealthy stimulus prompts me to do too much. They cannot find room here for Emily at present and I will not stay without her, so I leave at once. My experience has shown me that Association is the true mode of life, and shall look forward to entering it when things are in better train. I leave with great regret. I shall write you soon when I get back to New York.”
Now how unsatisfactory this is. I cannot think that her life is in real danger or one of us ought at once to go to her. I should also not be at all surprised if magnetic treatment might cure her – but who is
this luminous doctor who has impressed her so extravagantly? Anna certainly is not in a fit state to judge for herself. I really fear that she may go deranged. How I do wish good Mr. Lyle, who really lves Anna, would pay Boston a visit and see after her. Emily is a perfect babe in such matters and certainly ought not to remain in the east. Where is she all this time – paying the Dummers a visit? I really blame her for not writing – when we are so uneasy – I cannot get a word from her by letter or message – but I shall make one more trial, by the next post, when I am going to send Anna a check for $ 50, which she greatly needs. I shall urge Emily strongly to go home – for she can be of no real service to Anna, and must not wear out her welcome with her friends. Surely Mr. Dummer or Channing could find her an escort.
How progresses the annual? I am going to send my contribution to Mr. Dummer’s as soon as I get it ready, and if it is too late for Emily to take on, surely some Cincinnatian may be found who will charge himself with the precious packet. I wrote to Mr. Kerr about my trunk the other day and he thought the shorter way would be to send it, by way of N. Orleans. The communication he said was direct enough between Baltimore and Charleston, but he rather doubted as to the route between Cincinnati and Baltimore. If it reach Charleston, he will have the great pleasure in forwarding it immediately to me.
By the way, that’s a grand idea about N. Orleans, when I’ve made my fortune, I shall come home that way, I’ve a great curiosity to see that western Babylon or, I don’t know, I believe I’ll go round Cape Horn, and the North west passage, if its discovered.
So you and Mr. Andrews have resumed the battledore. I could hardly believe I was twelve days removed when you spoke of it, it seems like last week only, that we sat in wondering admiration regarding your skill. Did he wear his embroidered slippers and a geranium leaf in the button hole? I am greatly edified by your gymnastic exertions, it amused me to think that just about the same time, I took an exercise fit, at about 1⁄4 past twelve, when we have intermission. I shut myself up in my bedroom and persevered for a whole fortnight in twisting my body into the most extraordinary contortions, and making the most violent demonstrations with a couple of wooden chairs. Sometimes forgetting myself, I would perform before the open window and after standing for a few minutes on the point of one toe, with arm outstretched a head thrown back, I would become suddenly conscious that three little black imps perched on the fence opposite, intently regarding me with white upturned wondering eyes, and a broad grin of pure amazement – or again after violently fighting a phantom in the air, with one of my heavy wooden chairs, I would “slope”, with amazing rapidity on seeing a stout countryman on horseback, his arms a kimbo and watching me with a countenance which plainly said, “I’m a thinking that ‘ere school teacher has altogether quit her seven senses.” But solitary gymnastics I can no more carry on than walking for exercise – so I conclude at the end of a fortnight, that I should perhaps grow too powerful, if I continued, nay I might even – for there was no knowing what such wonderful exertions together with the mountain breezes might do – I might even turn into a man, and as I decidedly prefer remaining a beautiful expression of the love principle, a charming recipient of the mighty central world-forming heat, particularly as winter is approaching, I thought it better decidedly to drop the chairs and take up a book.
I don’t approve of the name Dinah for our new dog, the most stupid brutish looking slave in this house is called Dinah, and that means Diana, a decidedly classical spirited and faultless title, quite worth of a Blackwell dog. Goodbye dear Sam, I’m just going to give French lessons. Love to all. Yours, E.”
Blackwell, Anna, Autograph Letter Signed, Jersey City, October 9, 1845 to brother Sam, Cincinnati
Quarto, one page, some light foxing, otherwise in good, legible condition.
[Anna had left Brook Farm for New York.]
“My dear Sam,
(What a hideous name!) I am in the very depths of the business of hunting a situation, or rather
situations, Emily being very serious to go to work “on her own hook.”
Whether she will succeed or not is uncertain, if she do not it would seem necessary that she
should return to Cincinnati, but as the teacher’s “doom is on her”, it seems a pity for her to take the long expensive journey, only to hunt up a situation out West.
Yet she cannot stay here any longer. I am quite nervous already at our protracted stay.
I can have plenty of places at little pitiful salaries but don’t like them. I am much urged to stay and take private pupils in the city.
I have also an opening to Alabama at 12,000 but dread the climate and the immense wild journey another at Charleston – quite undecided yet.
Three weeks must probably elapse before the Alabama concern comes to “a point” – in the interim, I am going to have some cards printed and make a desperate effort if enough offer to warrant my staying, I mean to stay – if not, I must go.
In our exchequer we have about 64 cent of borrowed money, but I trust to raise a small breeze of some 10 or 20 dollars by selling songs to the Columbian Magazine, who has offered me $ 10 a piece for original music for its pages.
In great haste, yours ever,
Anna”
Blackwell, Elizabeth, Autograph Letter Signed, Asheville, North Carolina, [October 28, 1845] to brother Samuel, Cincinnati
Quarto, 2 pages, in very good, clean and legible condition.
“Dear Sam,
Your racy epistles, so neatly written, so carefully folded, so delicately wafered, make me really
ashamed of my unladylike scrawls and contrast amusingly with Henry’s thick sprawling writing – by the bye, tell Harry not to put so much pounce in his letters unless he wish to blind me, for I tear open his letters so eagerly that I send a shower into my eyes, that closes them for some minutes. Last night, I made little Sarah hold her hand and poured about a thimbleful into it, but even with that precaution, I opening the letter, I received a salute that made me think of the time when Maria and I, nearly destroyed your optics with a shower of garden mould.
Your description of the rooms in the Seminary, amused me much, and that little curtain anecdote, unfortunately too characteristic of the hero – Mr. A. is a man of great power, and if he only had a dash of free generous enthusiasm, would be a fine fellow. But there’s a constant self consciousness, a cold calculation or something of that sort about him, that always repulsed me. I was aware of his opinions on Slavery. I think them a sad error, particularly in a young man.
We are placed in this world, in my opinion, to develop our natures, to grow, for this purpose freedom is an essential condition. As no one can grow for another, as each one by his own experience and the use of every opportunity that suits his individual nature, in this God-created earth, ought to advance ever to the noble ideal of perfect manhood – so I consider him as the greatest traitor to humanity, who dares in any way to interfere with this God-given freedom, for progress, or ventures to undertake a responsibility, that can only be fulfilled by each individual for himself. This deep sense of responsibility, that a human being must feel that he alone, of all beings in Heaven or Earth, must work out his own elevation under the eye of the great Father, seems to me to give a dignity, an energy, a hope, that makes life truly noble. All force destroys this sense of manliness, is ignobling, degrading. Love alone controls without rendering servile. It is this which justifies parental authority, for the obedience of love is ennobling and without it, control becomes tyranny, and the child unmanned, a slave. But I won’t lecture you, who feels this as strongly as I.
The stupid discussion that I saw in the papers, provoked me – in fact I never yet heard the subject clearly talked of; there is always a sad jumble of principles and accidents, and prejudices of both sides. I wish you could take a peep at our blushing forest, just now the oaks are all bright red, and look so pretty that a few trees have turned yellow from envy, and a fine group of poplars that seem to be
growing out of Mr. Patton’s chimney, are almost the only ones that retain their summer green.
You would pity my fingers if you could see them now. All through this month, they have been covered with chilblains. I never had them in such a state in all my life; tis a fact that the first joint of the middle finger of my right hand is the only one free from these great deformities. All the rest, thumbs included appear to be afflicted with a highly inflammatory gout, which obliges me in very shame to wear loose gloves the whole time. I was talking the other day with Dr. Dickson on school matters, and he wanted me to take the whole establishment into my hands at the end of this session, his own health being so poor that he is hardly able to carry it on. He said he is only retained, at the urgent request of the trustees, till they could find some suitable person to confide it to. I felt pleased at the confidence
implied in the offer, but laughed at the idea of wearing out soul and body for nothing. The charges for boarding and tuition are ridiculously low and the people cannot yet appreciate really good instruction.
How I do wish the telegraph post office was established, by every letter I receive from home, I find there must be two or three of mine on the road, that I particularly want to have answered, and I must wait a small eternity before that can be done. As to sending my Annual contribution by mail, I shall certainly my dear brothers, do no such thing. I have had for a week or two, a couple of neatly written copies, in regular annual paper, and compactly stitched together, one of which I destine for Cincinnati if I get the opportunity of sending it by way of N. York. But I write so slowly that the task of again copying 19 of those large pages, closely written is more than I can undertake – and if fate will that it should reach Cincin., I can comfort myself with the soothing reflection that I have fully done my duty. Yrs ever, E.”
Blackwell, Elizabeth, Autograph Letter Signed, [Asheville] November 14, 1845 to brother Samuel, Cincinnati
Quarto, 3 pages, in very good, clean condition.
“Mr. Blackwell,
Dear Sir, I am so little accustomed to address public characters, heads of firms and other similarly
responsible individuals, that you will I hope take pity on my embarrassment and attribute any etiquettical mistakes, or lack of due ceremonial formalities, to my simple ignorance, and not to any want of true respect to the substantial firm of Blackwell & Denning, for which I have in reality the profoundest anticipative veneration as the largest, most-flourishing, and altogether beat-all-others most highly-satisfactory-go-a-heading establishment in the Mississippi Valley – take breath. But seriously my dear brother, I am very glad that you have at last been able to get pleasantly into business, though the fact of a cent-less young gentleman buying a $ 7000 mill seems a sort of commercial romance, curiously characteristic of our society, and a kind of dealing in fictitious capital that I thought was altogether against Henry’s loco principles. I should think however that you would succeed well, from what you tell me, I only hope that Mr. Denning is an honorable man, for next to a marriage, partnership, a business one, must be of the most importance. I cannot yet ask you how you like the change, for a few weeks cannot test it, but I do hope the responsibility will not be too great, and that you will not have to stand, like poor Mr. West
I sent Marian a $ 20 check when I receive the box, I shall know how much I owe her and will immediately send on the remainder should it be more. I shall be delighted to receive the trunk, as the fates have decreed that I am to have it, it will be quite an event in my country life. The only reason that I countermanded the order was a twinge of prudent economy, and that as I had given myself the pleasure of assisting Anna, I ought not to indulge myself also in the vanities of dress. I thank M. beforehand, for all the trouble it must have cost her with the addition of new boarders and a new carpet I can’t tell how she has managed. I hope everybody will write to me.
You have not described the new carpet, that signalizes this winter – is it for both rooms? I hope it is not red and blue or any such vulgar horror.
I don’t know whether I told you that the Dr. wanted me to take charge of the whole establishment. Mrs. Dickson was sick for a day or two and I stirred up Miss Maria and drove on household matters at such a rate that I impressibly amused our great black cook and impressed the Doctor profoundly with my capabilities in that line. He told me that he would gladly give up everything into my hands for his health was too poor for the occupation and he would prefer being engaged with his four boys so that he had only waited for some suitable person to tender his resignation to the trustees. I thanked him for his confidence in me, but told him that when I slaved myself in such an undertaking I would certainly be well-paid for it, that I considered the terms of tuition in Asheville, an insult to teachers, and that I would much sooner teach for nothing, and get the credit and authority of a benevolent action, than degrade education by allowing the people that the[y] compensate instructors with their paltry payment.
The Doctor’s two young collegians are returned. I find them very pleasant. Flinn is lively, kind and simple hearted, short, freckled, red-haired, with legs a la Lindsley. He is a musician, with a great deal of native talent in that way, sings with the guitar, and is practicing diligently my Schmidt’s exercises. John is a little exquisite, with black hair, blue eyes, and a deep bass voice. His father makes him doff his broad cloth and guide the plough, which he does with good sense. I call him Job, a name they gave him at college, from his impatient and some what volatile temperament. He is exceedingly polite,
has a good deal of smartness and humor, and I think we shall be very good friends, when he has overcome a sort of fear of me, with which feeling I most unaccountably seem to inspire everybody. I make them sing Westward Ho, and try to fancy them, certain other two boys, somewhat connected with that song.
A few mornings ago, I saw snow on the mountains for the first time in my life. It was a very pretty sight, though not covered all the hollows were powdered. I took it, at the first glance, in the great distance, for mist, but the next moment, I perceived my mistake, from the sparkling whiteness, and more regular form. We had a sprinkling at the same time over the whole country, which our bare trees made me realize that it really was the beginning of November and early winter. We have had a great deal of windy weather, which I enjoy highly to the amazement of everybody – indeed I believe they thought me half cracked, one blustering afternoon when I proposed a walk. The idea seemed to give the Doctor a violent fit of coughing, and the girls drew their chairs closer round the fire. However I wrapped up well and had a most delightful dance through the forest, the wind volunteering his company, roaring through the trees, whirling the dead leaves and driving the clouds in grand commotion through the sky. I had no need of another companion – but they would not believe me at home when I told them how much I had enjoyed my walk.
I’ve just ahd a real snug wadded bonnet made – black silk outside, and lined and piped with Kate’s blue silk handkerchief. It is the most comfortable thing I ever put on my head and is greatly admired. Tell Mother also that I have a stout wadded petticoat and a good store of flannel ones, so that I shall do very well till my trunk arrives, which heaven grant may be safely and speedily, for I want to see the outside of the Annual.
I got a letter from Emily, wonderful to relate, not long since. The uncertainty of her situation prevented her from writing before. She wants if possible to take a situation that will enable her to save enough for a visit home next [?] and will also give her time sufficient to pursue her mathematical studies and the languages, in both of which she says she has made a good beginning, but nothing, and Mr. Abbott (the young Christian) who has an immense school in N York, strongly advised her to do so. Her want of musical knowledge has been a great drawback in the way of procuring a situation. Her letter I was very glad to get, but it did not seem to tell me much – in fact, I would like very much to see them both. Tis so long since we’ve been together that I am quite forgetting them. I don’t at all like this total separation and when the blue distance begins to dim my vision of Walnut Hills, I shall certainly journey back, to see if you really are living beings, and not mere intellectual creations of my own. Give my love to all and tell Washy duly to ponder my letter to him. Don’t wear yourself to a shade, my respected brother, flour would be apt to choke thin people. Yrs ever, Elizabeth”
Blackwell, Elizabeth, Autograph Letter Signed, Charleston, South Carolina, March 8 [1846] to her brother Samuel, Cincinnati
Quarto, 4 pages, in very good, clean and legible condition.
[Elizabeth moved from Asheville to Charleston, January 13, 1846, and was living in the home of Dr. Dickson, a prominent physician.]
“Dear Sam,
This present 8th of March, I shall certainly remember, as a bright day, not only from a certain
occurrence of this morning, of which more anon, but from your delightful long letter, which I’ve just finished reading, a letter all the more welcome because every day of the past week, I’ve been disappointed in not receiving Marianne’s. You must not tell me of a prospective letter, again, unless I’m quite sure of getting it.
Every day after dinner, Mr. Bonnetheau produces the letters which he has brought from the post office in the morning. You may imagine every day at four o’clock (for that’s about the time we finish dinner), the twenty five eager faces, all turned towards Mr. B, as he slowly puts his hand into his pocket, before rising from table, and produces the various epistles. He loves to teaze the girls, and will sometimes show a letter before carving, and then refuse to put it into the outstretched hand lest he should spoil the appetite for dinner. I sit at his right hand, and though I don’t choose to show the slightest anxiety, and can remain some time with the letter, if I receive one, carelessly laid in my lap, yet I can assure you the disappointment is no small one, when a week has passed away and still no news from home.
The certain occurrence, to which I allude, was a conversation with Dr. Dickson, which occurred in this wise. Ever since I’ve been down here, I’ve wanted to find an opportunity of conversing about my plans, and have never been able to, so constantly is he engaged, with business or friends and yet I felt it very important, because if he would help me, he might so effectually, and if he would not, I felt as if Charleston could not be my home for long and I must in some degree waste precious time, that might with a little direction be so valuably employed. But the more I thought of the conversation, the more nervous I became. I remembered Dr. Cox’s severe speeches and professional jealousy and prejudice and that I might perhaps lose a friend without gaining a teacher. However, speak I must. So last night having agreed to visit the Doctor’s family, with Mr. and Mrs. Bonneatheau, I determined to ask the Dr. for 60 minutes conversation in his study and so ease my mind, but alas, company was there, and Mr. B had brought his flute, and I must play, and so it went, music, music all the evening, till the carriage was announced to convey us home, and home actually I went, my say unsaid, and more nervous than ever.
This morning all the girls but one invalid being gone to church, I was reading the Harbinger in my bedroom, when I heard Mrs. Bonnetheau tell Sophia Bratton that the Dr. wanted to see her. Now thought I, I’ll do it or die. I ran out into the hall, “Mrs. Bonnetheau, do you think I could speak to the Dr. for a few minutes? I do so want to have the talk I was telling you about”. “Certainly, this is the very time, give my love to him, say I am too busy to come down, take him into the library, and say all you want to”. “My courage almost gives out”. “It must not, go straight down and speak to him”. So down I went, captured the physician, and had the most satisfactory talk. He thinks my desire of obtaining a thorough scientific education quite feasible, that the plan of teaching hard all summer with preparatory reading, and studying hard all winter, a good one, as I’ve no money, will mark out a course of reading, lend me books, and do everything in his power to aid – asked me where I would practice? I told him in Cincinnati or Boston. He said that was right, it must not be in a city where everything was stereotyped such as Charleston or Philadelphia, and Boston he thinks the centre of civilization of the whole world, where he would have been long ago, if it were not for the climate.
When we finished the conversation, my head burned with pleasure, I felt it to be the first step gained, and an all important one, for his medical library is a remarkably fine one, his knowledge and experience great, his reputation high and he can give me valuable introductions in Boston, and I believe in Paris.
Now my way is plain. He must respect me as a promising student, as well as an intelligent young lady, and then I know all his influence will be most kindly used for me.
I have not yet matured my plans. You know I told you Mrs. Du Pré wanted me in Aiken. That is not absolutely settled but is almost certain, and of course I shall make enough for my winter education, which will either be in Charleston or Boston. Here, I think, the first winter, probably there afterwards. Ah, if it could only be in Cincinnati, how glad I should be. But I know, no such eligible teacher there, and that must be my first consideration. But some way or other must turn up, to enable me to pay you a visit in the fall. At any rate, I’ll live in hope – tis a little singular, that Mrs. DuPré should want me particularly for the summer, and yet glad to furnish me enough employment to pay my winter personal expenses. Doesn’t it seem just arranged on purpose for me?
My enquiry about the healthiness of Aiken was made at once, for nothing will induce me to risk my health, which I value more highly every year. But from trustworthy sources, I find it all that can be desired, and even the city I should not be afraid of, for the reports about it are in a great degree unfounded. But every body speaks well of Aiken and it is resorted to in Summer for its pleasant springs and great healthiness.
I cannot say I rejoice, at the location of our family mansion. It seems a little coming down, after Mrs. Vail’s large house. Still, beggars must not be choosers and I know any unpleasant association will vanish after the first visit. Any thing too seems better than moving back into your elegantly styled “filthy town” – but [what] about the new carpet, in which I took so much interest? Will the parlour [?] hold the piano? It seems to me almost impossible that our furniture and family can crowd into that funny little house. Tell Ellen, when moving, to keep a sisterly eye on the old wooden box filled with my things, that I left under her protection, let her tie it up firmly, suffer no one to peep in, and keep it safely for me against my return. You don’t tell me how your business promises in the money way. Anna learnt through Henry that you had cleared $ 1200 in a few months, is it so?
I’ve left the most surprising part of our letter unanswered till the conclusion of my letter. But I can hardly say surprising, for I know how strongly Henry is influenced by those he’s with, and told him in
one letter not to turn Presbyterian, hardly thinking though, that he would so soon. Do you mean that he has actually become communicant in the Presbyterian Church? If so, I am very sorry, thinking as I do, that that church is fundamentally erroneous, a remnant of the dark ages. (I fear we in them still) If he has not, but meditates doing so soon, I beg you earnestly to charge him not to do so, without first hearing from me, it need delay him but three weeks, and it will be a satisfaction to me to know that I’ve done all in my power to stop a wrong move on his part, and save him from future regret.
Now you see, brother mine, that I trust greatly to your liberality but you can hardly fear a small voice from a distance, when he is so closely surrounded by opposing sounds, and I do not now consider Henry a free agent. All I wish to urge is a length of consideration, corresponding to the importance of the subject. I hope Henry will write to me freely. I don’t wonder that he should hesitate, for some of his letters contain even coarse attacks on Christianity, that must cause him pain when he attains a truer view of the subject. But he need not fear, that I should laugh at him. Tis too deep a matter for that.
Tell Katie Vale that I received her letter the day before yesterday. It had been about seven weeks on the journey. I shall very soon answer A. Give my love to the Greene’s, tell them that I’ve discovered here quite a little mines of Beethoven music, that I’m working diligently. Love to Mrs. Vaughan, tell her, Mrs. Siples from Camden stayed with us some time, talked a good deal of her family and desired to be remembered. Tell Mr. Perkins I think a visit South would do his health good, and I wish he would try it while I’m here.
Who do you think is going to visit Mrs. Du Pre? No less a person than Mrs. Emma Willard, the famous Trojan. The girls, I do believe, teachers too, tremble in expectation.
Yrs ever, E.”
Blackwell, Elizabeth, Autograph Letter Signed, Charleston, South Carolina, April 5, 1846 to brother Samuel Cincinnati
Quarto, 4 pages, small hole running through text, affecting a few letters of text, else in very good, clean legible condition.
“My dear Sam,
I was deeply engaged in studying the formation of teeth from Papillary Pulp, when your pleasant
letter arrived, and it effectually drove away my studiousness for the afternoon and carried me home on a visit to our busy hills. I suppose you have actually moved by this time, what a business it must have been! I suppose I shall never come in for a share of house moving again, though I feel as if I were almost shirking my duty, not to be present and assisting in the hour of trial. My last remembrance of the kind, is shaking carpets from the house top, with you and Henry, my mouth fills with dust at the very thought. Did friend Snyder help you this time, or was coloured Williams considered sufficient aid. “Tell Ellen to look after the wooden box with broken top, that I left in her care, have it tightly corded and keep it safe for me.”
I am studying slowly and steadily according to my capacity, and begin to take a deeper interest in the subject than I thought possible. I have always hitherto glanced at the material world with slight superficial regard, and passing it by, as without interest to me, have turned to the spiritual world as alone worthy of deep study. I now begin to see the short sightedness of such a view, and realize that there are wonders enclosed in this visible world, peculiarly fitted to the engrossing objects of study to us, while we remain connected with it. It seems to me that there is nothing dead in this great universe, that the Mighty Power that is connected with the soul, enters equally into everything, wh we only trace the relationship. I want to find out the soul of matter, & I trace out the wonderful nervous fibres of the body, with the same interest that I once sought for the links that united the finite with the infinite. I have had visions of curious theories already twinkling at me from the darkness of my ignorance, and I am eager to advance with more rapid steps, in the boundless fields, that open before me. Teaching seems a sad waste of time, but there is no help for it.
I’ve just heard the famous De Meyer play. He gave one concert on his way to N Orleans, it was truly wonderful. I’ve never heard such extraordinary music. I do not wonder at Anna’s highly wrought description, in the Harbinger. When I heard Wallace play, I was astonished at his execution and thought what an immense amount of time and labour he must have given to acquire such power, but such a thought never occurred to me while hearing De Meyer, it did not seem the result of practice but a veritable gift from the gods. His piano too aided him greatly, it filled the Hall and when he ended
Yankee Doodle in a regular thunderstorm, I had to stop my ears, it was so powerful. I hope he may visit Cincinnati, it will give you an altogether new idea of the capabilities of the piano.
I mentioned Mrs. [Emma] Willard’s visit in one of my letters. I did not know till nearly the close of her short stay, that she was a pretender to medical knowledge. We had a very amusing scene one evening. A young physician called in who possesses considerable talent, but is a great scoffer at the idea of a lady attempting to study any scientific subject. He was no sooner seated than Mrs Willard placed her chair immediately before him, and said she wanted him to draw her a picture of the heart and lungs in a particular position, and proceeded to describe how it must be done. He looked a little astonished but said he would do it in a minute for her and took out his paper and pencil. But she had some particular idea in her head that he could not catch for no sketch would answer, and when after using a great many learned phrases, she began a regular lecture on the Motory powers of the circulation he laid down his pencil and regarded her with a ludicrous expression of astonished curiosity to see what was coming next. She said that for fourteen years the idea had haunted her night and day, she had conversed with physicians and attended dissections and made experiments and finally she thought that she had made a discovery, upon which she had written a book which was now in the hands of Wiley and Putnam, who would shortly lay it before the public. [A Treatise on the Motive Powers that Produce the Circulation of the Blood] She then proceeded in some measure to develop her idea, to the astonished youth, who as soon as he had recovered himself, began to raise objections, to which she was eager to reply, and as both were great talkers, the war of words became fast and furious, Unfortunately, just then Flinn came in to escort me to hear Fuller (Wayland & Fuller) preach, so I lost the chief part of the battle, the enemy having decamped, when I returned. I fear however that the book will not add to Mrs. Willard’s reputation for from my observation, I should judge her, not very profound though possessed of much varied information, and a grand discovery by her, is not very probable, on a subject to which intelligent men have devoted their whole lives.
Mr. Fuller did not please me, there is a great deal of action and much that is done for effect, in his style. His sermon was addressed to the feelings almost exclusively and I suppose a great deal would strike most people as very eloquent, for he draws crowded audiences whenever he preaches.
How have you passed your holiday time? Pleasantly I hope. Have you found any wild flowers yet in the woods? The weather here is exceedingly changeable. About a fortnight ago, we had a really hot misty day, it came so suddenly that when I put one had out of a broken pane in the drawing room door, and stretched out the other in the room, it reminded me of descriptions of the Mammoth cave, the difference was so great. The last few days, I’ve been turned out of my pleasant study, for [Mrs] Du Pré is holding an examination there. I have been in to a few of the recitations but they are by no means brilliant, and I think a comparison with the northern girls would be by no means favorable to their Southern sisters. I am really amused at the eating powers the girls sometimes display. They are allowed to go out on Saturday and always return laden. Then about ten o’clock they undress, set the light in the middle of the floor, bring out their stores and commence. I go to sleep and presently am roused by a groan and exclamation “Della I declare I can’t eat a mouthful more.” “You must Jinny, here’s half the pineapple left, and twill be spoiled by tomorrow.” “I can’t help it, I’m full up to here, I’ve eaten half a coconut, three bananas, half a dozen figs and quantities of cakes and candy”. “And I’ve eaten twice as much, I know I shan’t sleep a wink tonight, but what shall we do with this pineapple?” “Let’s give it to Miss Buell” (one of the English teachers) and so after executing the generous resolve they tumble in to bed and groan and toss half the night. This however does not often happen, they generally keep a supply and eat constantly and more moderately.
I am glad you find Mr. Andrews such an intelligent companion. I should like to see the execution of his historical idea though I do not think facts will bear him out. I don’t think it is Christ’s appearance in the world that is of much consequence, but the acting out of his ideas, the reception of his life into ours which has as yet hardly begun to take place. I think the Christian world as essentially heathen as the world Jesus so sternly rebuked, and though the Messiah may have come, his reign has yet to begin. So to me, the great central fact is yet wanting.
I received a pleasant letter from Anna and Emily the other day. They are boarding themselves in furnished lodgings and find it much pleasanter than any plan they have yet tried. Emily seems deep in Fourier, reading a work in five volumes of 500 pages each. Anna has just had a delightful visit from Mr. Channing who was well and happy, and had just been to comfort his friends for the sad burning of their Phalanx.
Any news from any of our relatives lately? You must keep me in information respecting them. Tell Washington that I have not forgotten that I am in his debt for a letter, but he must not mind that, but write whenever he feels disposed to. I shall write to him as soon as ever I am able to find time. Tell Howard I [want] to know how his studies progress and what things amuse and interest him most at present. Ask Henry whether I had better send any money I may get to him for Goodman or put in the hands of some one here. If the former, how I shall manage it. The Aiken plan is not yet decided, but it soon must be, when I shall of course let you know. My health is, and has been, very good though I seldom go out except on Saturday afternoons.
Yrs ever, E.
Tell Marian she sent her letter without wafer, seal or fastening of any kind !”
Blackwell, Elizabeth, Autograph Letter Signed, Charleston, South Carolina, May 24, 1846 to brother Samuel, Cincinnati
Quarto, 4 pages, in very good, clean and legible condition.
“My dear Sam,
I am always delighted to get your letters, but it is so much pleasanter to receive than to answer
them, that I expect you to write two or three to my one, so don’t be surprised at not receiving a reply to each of your communications but write on, all the quicker, till you get one. I only write on Sundays, and sometimes I feel lazy or stupid, or I get hold of an interesting novel, or divert myself with stocking mending and reflections, which prevents my performing my weekly part & so I have to wait for another week. I feel sometims too as if I did not know how to regard our family, in its present peculiar development, for if that very unpleasant Presbyterian church is going to enfold you all in its hard arms, I shall be left alone in the world for Calvinism is more replant to me every day and with those who sincerely adopt it, I cannot have much sympathy. How Marianne, Henry and Ellen can attend those very nauseous prayer meetings, I cannot tell; the very atmosphere is disagreeable in the extreme to me, and the deplorable errors, unworthy views of life, and sickly sentimentalism displayed by the brethren who engage, pricks every healthy nerve in one’s body. I could bear all this stuff in Mother and you, being in some measure accustomed to it, Mother being of a delicately sentimental turn naturally, and you having the good sense, never to obtrude your unfortunate feelings, but to think that the others, with whom I have sympathized so much, should so fall, is truly deplorable. It is not that I regret their being occupied with religious contemplations. Religion is the highest, the deepest part of our nature, the centre of all things, and profound research or feeling on any subject must enter that region, and claim kindred with the unseen spiritual world, but Presbyterianism, Calvinisim, orthodox Christianity, is totally opposed to religion, and I am deeply sorrow [sic] that they should be searching for jewels in the valley of the shadow of death, and under the guidance of those spectre like people (Drs. B., S. &c) who have grown pale and blind from long residence there.
However, having a little relieved my mind by this expiration, I will proceed to relieve your brotherly apprehensions by assuring you that my health is in no danger from a Carolina Summer, and though life is a matter of extreme indifference to me, I shall preserve it with the same care, as if it were of the utmost value. The low marshy lands extending through the extreme south of this State, are unhealthy in the extreme, and no white person can sleep there with safety at this season, but the city of Charleston, from its sandy soil and being almost surrounded by salt water, is exempt from the deadly atmosphere and judging from the bill of mortality, is the healthiest city in the Union. In one week, I noticed not a single death, and in another only one negro, facts which could hardly be matched elsewhere in a place of the same size. The scourge of yellow fever, with the unhealthy neighboring country, has given the city a bad reputation which it will not recover from, but the fever has not made its appearance for five or six years and the inhabitants hope that it has finally departed to the south west, and has left them, as it has Philadelphia, which it formerly scourged in the same way. The number of fat, rosy little children in the city has struck me, and I believe if the habits of the people were not so exceedingly irrational, as to exercise, &c, that the early pledge of health would be redeemed in after life. With regard to Aiken where I am about to journey, accounts are quite as satisfactory. It lies 120 miles from Charleston, entirely out of the unhealthy district, in a pretty slightly rolling country, and the Summers though hot are dry and bearable. I have spoken to a good many and without an exception they say no stranger need have the slightest fear in Aiken, that it is one of the healthiest spots in the world – so I think we can all, with reason, be perfectly satisfied. I do not think either that I
need fear the length of the summer. June, July and August, you know with us are very hot months and hitherto I have not been oppressed by the heat. I still keep on my winter clothes and sometimes shut my window at night. To be sure, I stay mostly in the house and never go out in the middle of the day, and having been here through the winter, the gradual change has not struck me. But I am agreeably disappointed in the weather and look forward to the coming months without apprehension.
I am glad Emily has safely arrived at home. She must be a brave substantial girl, but I rather wonder her talking powers have developed so greatly in Anna’s society. However, I think she never was deficient in that way, and we must set her down on the talkative side of the house, to which division you and I certainly do not belong. If I were her, I would not give too much time to music; one’s facility does not increase in proportion to the additional time given. This I know from experience, and I consider three hours daily well directed practice, a large allowance. Emily does not anticipate, I presume being more than a respectable musician. [She] must shine in other ways, and it will be a great pity if she neglect the studies for which she has particular capacity.
I wish I could join you in your moon light rambles for I can get no one to accompany me here, though I really long to walk on the Battery and see the ocean, illuminated by our bright satellite. One moonlight night, though I really enjoyed in a somewhat peculiar fashion. I had a long talk with Mrs. Du Pré and Mrs. Bonnethean about the Aiken plan and I laid before them the superior manner in which I mean to conduct the English and moral department, which would fall to my lot. I talked a little big, hinted at my own experience, criticized slightly the school here and education in general, and succeeded as I had intended in impressing them. Mrs. Bonnethean begged me to “aid them with my experience, in arranging matters, for they were novices and conscious that things did not always go on as they should”, and Mrs. Du Pré hoped I would assist in the Charleston school in the winter and not leave them as I thought of doing. I am so quiet and keep so much to myself in general that I think it necessary now and then to make a little display, in a deeply calculated accidental way.
When I went to bed, I found Misses Buell and Mason had put a plate of blackberries and larger Molasses cake for me on the bureau but seeing a vision of nightmare behind them, I concluded tempting as this looked, to leave them to morning – but sleep I could not. The conversation had excited me and that always makes me sleepless. Then too, a detestable unfortunate dog would howl incessantly, so after turning and tossing a long while, concluded to get up to read. But unfortunately, no light was to be procured. So then it occurred to me to eat a moonlight supper, and I looked at my watch. It was just one and not being liable at that hour to the interruption of ghosts, I threw open the shutters, drew a couple of chairs to the open window, spread my provisions, and ate, admired the moonlight water, and thought of all manner of things in truly delightful style and having sat till the last flavor of cake had vanished, I gave my hair a good brushing, and getting into bed again, soon fell into an uninterrupted sleep. You must allow that my plan, if not quite as romantic, was much more original than your strolling. You mention a Mr. Stanley as being Marianne’s companion. Pray introduce me to him in your next letter for I do not know him. Also, Mr. and Mrs. Newton, who are equally strangers, as I wish to be acquainted with all your friends, short descriptions of these worthies will be necessary.
I send this draft back to Henry, as I do not know how long it may keep good. I hope soon to send him 30 more when it will get him to deposit again with Goodman. It is not worth while, of course, to open an account till I make up the 50. I merely send it now from a sort of uneasy feeling that some bank may break or cashier abscond.
I received a circular of Mrs. Vail’s lately, for which thank her. I would willingly send her pupils if I could honorably do so, but I confess though I admire her letters in many respects, I do not think it calculated for general distribution. Is her school really gone into operation? I feel interested in her project and should like to know how she succeeds. Did Mrs. Lyle ever get a letter I wrote her some 2 or 3 moths ago? Give my best love to her when you see her. But to all at home give only My wishes, for I think they treat me abominably. If Mother did not stand in that relationship to me, I would wish that she might dream every night that old Moses was dosing her with calomel. But if the others don’t write to me, I will wish that Marian may be without help for a fortnight, that Henry may quarrel with Mr. Ellis, and Emily never get a letter from Anna or news of Mr. Brisbane, Ellen’s hair refuse to curl and a constant pimple take possession of the tip of her nose, Howy may be thrashed by every boy in the school, and Washy lose every argument he attempts ... So let all beware how they provoke me too far. Now remember, my dear brother, our arrangement about your three letters to my one, and believe me, yrs ever, E.”
Blackwell, Elizabeth, Autograph Letter Signed, Aiken, South Carolina, August 2, [1846] to her brother Henry, Cincinnati
Quarto, 6 pages, in very good, clean and legible condition.
“Dear Harry,
Your letter, when it really did arrive, was a great pleasure; you and Marian, when you actually do
perpetrate a letter to me, send one that excites my admiration and envy, with regard to its length, you must both have much more active minds and nimble fingers than I have, for generally a couple of pages tires me out and you write for ten, and then feel as if you were just beginning, but have no fear about crossing every page for I never find a home letter illegible.
I am sitting now by the open window, rejoicing like a flower in the prospect of rain. Last week we were shivering in winter clothes and blankets. This week we have been sitting motionless in the oven like heat, fearful lest the least exertion should render its intensity unbearable. This morning when I awoke and looked out of window, all was perfectly clear and still. The sun suddenly made his appearance just opposite me through an opening in the trees and sent such red but angry beams straight at me, that I closed the shutters in fear, and sighed in anticipation, but now this blessed Sunday morning, merciful black clouds are driving about, the wind is rushing through our pine and oak grove and while the church bells in the distance are calling the good people together, I take a much longer journey in imagination, and enter much more congenial society than that of the Rev. Mr. Cornish and his Episcopal congregation.
I am glad you have found a friend, who so perfectly satisfies you, true intimate friendship must, I am sure, be one of the most blissful feelings in the world, though one that I have never known. I think I appreciate the character of your friend with his strong enthusiasm and sensitive delicacy, I have not seen him often, but when we did meet, I found him particularly pleasant in conversation. [Elizabeth refers, possibly to A. Jones, a missionary who wrote to Samuel in 1847 and 1848, and hoped to become a missionary in India.] I hope sincerely he may meet with encouraging success, for though I think his path by no means the true one, his strong faith and noble aim cannot fail to do much good, indeed if I held the opinions of a really earnest evangelical, I should undoubtedly be a missionary as the trues means of attaining the great object of all religious souls, the raising fallen humanity, but to the association movement alone, I now look with hope, as the only method of affecting the race and making a grand religious faith the moving spring of actual life. The clearer glimpses I get of “Harmony”, the more grandly it seems to blend the individual to the universal, which is the true order of nature; I was struck today with a passage of De Wette, which I took up immediately on laying down the Harbinger, with its clear exposition of a true society. He (de Wette) says “Religion is the immediate consciousness of the existence of all finite, in and through the infinite, all temporal in and through the eternal. Every being contains two contending powers, the one striving to express individual existence to contract into the actual visible present, the other to expand into the universal, and lose the present in infinity; therefore the Deity sends here and there a true priest in whom the two desires harmoniously blend, the noble and infinite working in the present limited.”
This seems to be what is taught in the doctrine of Universal Unity and a society so constituted must be a true Millenium – would it not be wonderful and grand, if that introduction of Heaven into Earth for which the inspired and good of all ages have hoped with assured joy, should even now commence its accomplishment with the earnest aid of many who would mock at the word millennium. Ah Harry with your enthusiasm, and fluency which warmed by glorious truth might become inspiring eloquence, how delightedly should I hail you as an advocate of the new era, an apostle of the grand true Future! For myself, I long intensely to do something for this great work, and only wish I could see clearly in what way I may be most useful. If, by continuing in the South and gaining a little money, I should continue this living martyrdom with joy, but I sometimes doubt as to this being the wisest plan, however time will show.
Did you notice a manly little article on Woman’s function in the Harbinger of the 10th? It was in answer to a remonstrance of Anna’s at Women’s being excluded from the executive of the American Union. I was fearful they might publish her address, as she hoped, and so the vexed question of Women’s rights might through a stone of discord into the Association cause, so felt the greatest relief at this noble little piece which settles the matter so wisely. I am sure it must come from Mr. Channing’s pen, from its justice and delicacy; he is the only person I have ever heard speak on that subject, without grating my feelings and making me blush with mortification.
Anna intends to call a meeting of associative women in the fall; from her letter I understand it to be an opposition movement to the Union, and immediately wrote urging every argument I could think of to dissuade her, but I think the just and friendly tone of the brethren must disarm her, and then if she can form an auxiliary society, I shall be very glad, and willingly join.
Do think of her practicing Water Cure! I was quite astounded at her resolution to become a physician, of the hydropathic school, and fear greatly she has mistaken her vocation. I wish I knew more of Mrs. Gove*, for I very much fear she will prove a bad associate for Anna, from possessing a similar excitable and exaggerating temperament. Is imprisonment for debt allowed in N.Y.? Twill be quite a relief to me if such is not the case. The letter I last received from her, was a much more satisfactory one than usual on account of its minuteness, but she seems to have surrounded herself with strange influences. She gave me an account of a most valuable servant, addicted unfortunately to drunkenness, whom she and “Mary” lectured and bathed incessantly, but all in vain. She speaks of Mrs. Gove in the highest terms. I presume, however, that she has given you an account of her change of business and hopes for the future.
I have just received Emily’s letter, for which thank her and say I will answer soon. She tells me you expect to go into business shortly with Atkins and Blair. I am afraid they will not be very congenial partners. Would it not be well to wait a year and see how Sam’s commencement turns out? However, of course, I can give no advice, at this distance and by letter, so I will take it for granted that your determination will be wise and learn to hold my head higher from the fact of having two brothers business men. Of this I feel very sure, that if fortune smile upon them, her gifts will be nobly used, and make the world a shade brighter. How does Blackwell & Co. get on, the firm seems altogether too grand to address an insignificant school teacher, so I apply to you for information, particularly whether 4th of July eloquence &c ever wins a smile from bright eyes, or whether bright eyes have no longer any influence over the dusty heart of the wise flour merchant?
In your views of the Bible, I cannot sympathize. From an attentive perusal of it, I should not consider it to be the miraculous book which its zealous followers pronounce it. If the book simply does not impress me with this fact, I cannot take it on their word, and the cartload of dissertations, antiquities, &c constituting evidences, it is out of my power to go through with. A wise old physician says, “the science of Medicine has been more injured, by the multitude of false facts, than false theories”, and I believe false facts to be just as abundant, in explanations of the Bible, as in any other department. The labour requisite to prove or disprove all the evidence, and the satisfaction of a thinking being, would be immense, and out of the power of most, and yet this book is of vital importance, and fully inspired.
This is not the way in which the Almighty addresses Mankind. While thinking on this subject, the following thought struck me forcibly, which I send to you if you have patience to read it through.
Who doubts the splendor of the Sun? The life giving the grand, the wondrous Sun! Age after age, the majestic guardian of our world, with noiseless unceasing step, threads the encircling path, shedding abroad an atmosphere of glory, that animates alike, the tiny flower and the lofty mountains. Age after age, as he moves around, he looks down on the generation of men. – The rude savage, as in thoughtless freedom he chases the wild animals of the boundless forest, gazes in wondering reverence at the great spirit that smiles upon him, from the high blue arch above; and prostrates himself in speechless horror and despair, when for an instant he frowns in darkness. Ages roll on – where the savage worshipped and trembled, a mighty nation has arisen, where the light canoe danced on the blue sparkling wave, noble fleets bearing the riches of the earth proudly ride, in thoughtless freedom, man no longer glories in bodily strength, but the brightness of intellect, the beauty of art, the purifying soul inspiring affections, reign in triumph; man lives in the freedom of moral grandeur. But still as the wondrous Sun appears, all hearts welcome him. The child rejoices in his beauty, the laborer in his life giving power, the astronomer in his revelations of truth, of heavenly order. Age after age, by all the generations of men, the power, the splendor, the wondrous contours of the mighty orb, is known and blessed. No one doubts the Sun. The great Creator of the Sun, has so stamped his own attributes upon his works, that no question can possibly arise; in simple faith his creatures see and know. And is a higher revelation less possible to the Omipotent? Can he wish to give a light to our life, a comfort to our hearts, a sun to our souls, and fail in his wish! Is the simple grandeur of natural objects, the irresistible conviction they bring to the mind, unattainable in spiritual things, impossible to him who knows the most intimate working of the mind, who is the source and constant creator of the spiritual, as of the material life! And yet what a singular spectacle meets us, when we consider the existing
facts. The Almighty has made a book. The Infinite, the All-knowing, has used human speech. His discourse, lies here before us, in type and paper, a certain number of pages, to be seen and read by all men. The written speech of the Infinite wondrous all important! Yet who have heard of it, who believe it? As a leaf in the forest, a drop in the ocean, is the number of those who hold this to be true, and in that small number what doubts arise, what mental conflicts are waged, before the mind is compelled to a belief, so derogatory to the wisdom and power of the Almighty. The belief that he has spoken to his creatures and they have not heard his voice. When he formed the bright Sun in the primeval ages, and launched him on his glorious career, the Universe rejoiced, the sons of the morning shouted for joy, the divine works proclaimed its author. And so would it be, were the scripture of the old and new testament the spiritual light which some proclaim them to be. The soul of man is one, in every climate, in every age. The germ of every noble aspiration, of every degrading passion, developed in the child of civilization, exists in the uncultivated savage. The same spiritual nature must be aroused in the one, and aided in the other, and the speech of the great Author of the mind, would be as universal, as intelligible, as irresistible, as the souls he has created are one, in nature, and one in immortal destiny.
Have you heard from Cousin Sam lately? Give my love to all.
Yrs. E.”
[* Mary Gove Nichols, “one of the most infamous and influential women in America, a radical social reformer who preached equality in marriage, free love, spiritualism, the health risks of corsets and masturbation” and Socialism, was a close friend of Anna’s in New York; Elizabeth met or only brefly and detested her.]
Blackwell, Elizabeth, Autograph Letter Signed, Aiken, South Carolina, October 4, 1846, to her brother Samuel, Cincinnati
Quarto, 4 pages, in very good, clean condition.
“Dear Sam,
I’ve wondered and wondered why you were silent so long, when you used to be my best
correspondent. I concluded that business melancholy or disinclination was the cause, but I never suspected you of getting sick. I really beg you will not do so again, or you will entirely lose your character and certainly in this world of dyspeptic ailing morals, the reputation of enjoying strong health is too rare comforting and enviable to lose. But as perhaps you really could not help it this time, I assure you I have plenty of sympathy in store for you, particularly as your business seems to me a very disappointing one - to be sure I don’t [know?] much of the particulars of business transactions, but I should think, to close the year by losing a little was not the usual plan, by no means agreeable, and exceedingly mortifying but I suppose this hard struggle and disappointment is a necessary result of our beautiful competitive system and now behold another of its effects in raising malignant feelings in the human bosoms of philanthropic maidens. I look with unaccustomed interest at the papers to see what your chance of disposing of flour may be. I find the grain crop in England is very good and forthwith I give a sigh at your bad prospects, but then I read farther that the potattoe crop is an entire failure, not only in Britain, but on the continent and immediately I brighten up in thinking of the brisk business you may drive. Then again I cloud over when I learn that though the cotton of this State is almost ruined, the rice is remarkably flourishing. Now I do positively declare that do what I will, I cannot heartily rejoice in a prosperity which will be for the injury of brothers, who I know have suffered much, are working hard, and are most worthy of success and though if I had the power, I would instantly and gladly make the potatoe crop flourish, I cannot for the life of me prevent a flow of satisfaction when I hear of these misfortunes, in the thought that you will be benefitted thereby. Now if I, with strong religious feeling and heartfelt longing to do good to human beings, cannot reconcile these contradictions, what horrible and murderous feelings the majority of business men must entertain in their hidden consciousness and how hateful to the Almighty such a system must be, where the ruin of one is the prosperity of another.
You refer with a half sad delight to beautiful memories of our childish days. What a blessing such a happy childhood is, through life. My remembrance of Lizzie Harrie’s garden with its prospects and pleasures is perfection itself. The picture is so bright, that nothing is wanting and now I look at it frequently with the greatest delight. Yet these remembrances never make me sad. The present is dull enough to be sure, but I would not exchange it for the past. I never wish to be a child again. The consciousness of growth, of stronger powers and a more enlarged horizon is so pleasant and hope is so strong, that there is no moment of my life that I wish to live over again, and the bright scenes of childhood rise up like a gust of fresh wind, or a gleam of sunshine, cheering the present and animating me reach forward to still higher enjoyment. Many a merry Christmas I have no doubt is yet in store for us and I am glad you remember this year’s and our pleasant Annual. Have you all begun to beat your brains yet, though that I fancy is unnecessary, for they seem to me to have been stirred up almost too much lately. But tell Marianne and everybody that their contributions must be sacred to the Annual. I don’t like Anna’s plan of giving something that the stupid public may see just as well as we. I would much sooner have half a dozen lines to ourselves, than pages from a magazine. You need not fear a translation from me this year, I was too much annoyed by the result of my first effort (of whose fate I am still entirely ignorant) to try another, though twill be no gain to you, to listen to my yarns instead of Hoffman’s graceful imagination. But I am ready and can dispatch my contribution at three days notice, but the question of how to send it is one of no small difficulty, for I have a dread of depending on Anna again. Tell Howy and Wash that we must have some more reports. I am very glad to hear that Wash has taken a new start, you ought to set him copies, for Milly’s hand isn’t the best in the world. I hope Howard is not idle, tell him to write and let me know what books he’s reading and how he goes on. I was reading a little story of Miss Martineau’s last night, “The Crofton Boys”, which amused me much. It is full of admirable touches from nature and one of the school boys, “Phil”, is sketched off so admirably, reminded me so continually of Howard, that I thought I could hear his voice. Many times I laughed aloud and wanted to shake his little black crop and ask him when he sat to Miss Martineau for his picture.
I get hold of nothing new out here, and quite envy Harry and his Social destiny of man. The Harbinger is my link with the literary world. I ought however I suppose to congratulate myself on coming nearer to the spiritual world, for all the negroes declare this house is haunted and most of the children share the belief. The favorite resort of the ghosts is an old tree behind the outhouses, where every night they howl and shriek and cry in ethereal style, and what with the sight of a little garter snake, that was transformed by black imagination into a rattle snake and near relations of the boa constrictor, and the echo of idle negro voices from the valley, I believe any servant would sooner die than approach that old tree after dark. Last night about eleven, while I was laughing over my story, and every one lese was buried in sleep, a piercing shriek followed by a rushing up the back verandah, made me jump. Shriek after shriek continued, till the black girl Louisa rushed or rather tumbled into Mrs. Bonnethean’s room, startling her and her husband and sick baby out of their first nap; baby immediately joined his scream’s to Louisa’s; then I heard her voice panting for breath pouring out some stories, and Mr. B’s heartfelt exclamation, “You fool!” He presently descended, I heard a good deal of running and opening and shutting of doors, and then all was still again. I found at breakfast that the other servants being out, Louisa was left alone at night in the kitchen and suddenly she saw by the moonlight a woman’s figure in the next room, with waiting to examine or listen to the pathetic exclamation “Its only me, Aunty”, she rushed screaming across the garden into our slumbering household, fully convinced she had seen a ghost. It turned out to be one of the black washerwomen making a rather late visit, but I presume it will go abroad at once in confirmation of the haunted state of our domicile.
Last week, I spent my spare days Saturday and Sunday in a trip to Charleston and back – 240 miles in two days is pretty good traveling. My object was to pay a visit of sympathy to Mrs. Dickson. Her sister wrote me in great distress, that after hearing of the Dr.’s slow recovery, they had that morning received a farewell letter from him, and had no doubt of his death. Since my visit I have heard nothing and know not if he be alive or dead, but it was certainly cruel to send that letter before his fate was settled, for she has suffered so much from anxiety, that I should not wonder if she became really ill. I found her very unwell, in the most distressed uncertainty, refusing to leave her room or receive company if the Dr. is still in a critical situation.
Do tell the boys that they must positively write every other day, if they don’t wish their Mother to be sick too for the silence of a week that they suffer to elapse is intolerable to her.
The weather we enjoy exceedingly, clear and beautiful though the mornings and evenings are quite chilly and fire is become quite a subject of conversation. My weekly bath I am sorry to say has stopped, the season ending with October. Every Saturday afternoon about five, throughout the Summer, I’ve descended the valley and had a delightful bath, at the very low sum of one dollar for the season. What a pity it is that provisions for bathing are not more common.
Give my love to all. Yrs truly, E.”
Blackwell, Elizabeth, Autograph Letter Signed, Charleston, South Carolina, November 22, 1846 to brother Samuel, Cincinnati
Quarto, 4 pages, in very good clean and legible condition.
“My dear Sam,
I did not think a month would slip away without my answering your kind letter – but so it is, and I’ve
said good bye for ever to the pleasant woods of Aiken without the slightest inclination to shed a tear and once more I’m established in my large upper rooms at Mrs. Du Pre’s, and am even now seated by the well known window, and only glance up occasionally from the paper to look straight out into the ocean, and dance in spirit on the little white waves that cover the bay. I believe I am fixed here until Spring – as I told Henry, I consider it a risk, I don’t know whether I shall ever get my money, but I stand more chance of obtaining what I’ve already earned by remaining, than going elsewhere. I’m waiting too, for letters which may lead to something, so I consider it my best plan, to spend this winter in Charleston, though I did hope for something better. I am trying to make my arrangements for domestic comfort a little more favorable than they were, during the last winter of hateful memory. I share the room with two teachers, pleasant friendly girls with whom I feel perfectly at home, so the screen has been banished. Mrs. Du Pre allows us the privilege of a fire theoretically, for as she means to take no measures respecting it herself, and we find with all our efforts that anthracite coal won’t burn on an open hearth, I doubt whether the theory be reduced to practice.
When I came down from Aiken, my few friends gave me such a warm welcome, the city looked so familiar and the water so free and inspiriting, that I really was warmed by a little home feeling, and felt it very different from entering a cold new place. I am really glad to find that I can locate myself more easily than I used to do. I can form pleasant acquaintances and take the world as it comes, with much greater readiness. Dr. John Dickson I’ve seen for five minutes only, he looked better than I expected and I had a little talk with Howard, he speaks with gratitude of the kindness they met with but has a most unfavorable impression of Cincinnati and its neighborhood.
Now I must tell you the contents of Mrs. Willard’s letter, which I received at last. It was a very friendly but singular epistle, the account of which was this – she had heard of a Philadelphia physician, whom she thought would aid me greatly, and advised me to confer with him personally or by letter. My plan had been communicated to him, he was much interested, and sent a long letter on the subject to a Miss Goddard, who was the agent of communication. The following paragraph Mrs. Willard copied with her letter –
‘I would be happy to make her acquaintance, and if she thinks she can make herself as happy as thee did, in making a short tarry in the bosom of my family, send her to me – we will treat her as we treated thee, plainly, but frankly and cheerfully.’
A kind invitation, is it not? And if Dr. Dickson could have told me anything encouraging about him, this letter would have been dated Philadelphia instead of Charleston – but he knew nothing about him, though he is acquainted with all the distinguished physicians there. From what Mrs. Willard told me too, ‘Dr. Joseph Warrington’ seems to desire the formation of a kind of Protestant sisters of Charity or highly educated nurse society, which would not meet my views at all, as the plans of doing good for which I labour are far more radical and extended. More over if I visited Philadelphia at this season it would interfere with a plan of mine for getting a few private music pupils in the city and as I could make the visit without additional expense in the Spring, I concluded to ‘confer by letter’ with the Dr. and Dr. Dickson wrote by the same post to Dr. Mitchell of Philadelphia to enquire the true standing of Dr. Warrington. I await the answers to these letters with curiosity and some hope. Though I think to live in a Quaker family in Philadelphia, would be the strictest kind of boarding school, but I will welcome it as the happiest home if it brings me nearer my end – you see I tell you all the chances I hear of, all my enquiries and expectations, because these hopes and fears constitute a great part of my life, and a
glimpse at that is what a letter should strive to convey, but I feel a little hesitation sometimes at sending you so many doubts and immature plans when you have so many cares and perplexities of your own to attend to. My life, however, is so secluded from all external subjects of interest that I can tell you nothing of the world.
I begin now to look forward to the Spring as the time when I may perhaps see you again, for if with all my enquiries I hear of no better opening elsewhere, I shall gladly accept the aid of Dr. Buchanan &c meanwhile remember the Christmas Annual! How is it progressing? Can I have a copy – though it would spoil my pleasure if you or Harry wrote it, for you are altogether too much engaged. So if the other pens are too lazy, let me know and I will give up the expectation. Already I look forward to the merry season, ‘tis a Blackwell habit which I always expect to retain, though I fancy the festivities of a boarding school will not be very cordial. Mrs. Sosnowska [?] talked of a Christmas tree, to be prepared in true German style, but I’m afraid it would not flourish out of the German atmosphere.
Some little time ago, I received the Chronotype you sent me, it was a very interesting paper. What a shrewd rough man Mr. Wright seems to be. Mrs. Child’s story was most touching with its too common picture of misery, so simply told. How can people remain selfishly idle, while one such tale remains to be told, and now they are acting everywhere. When I was in Aiken, cases of extreme misery came to our ears, indeed the condition of the poor whites, in the slave states is most wretched. I was amused with myself, just before I left Aiken. I who had been so quiet all summer, not having conversed the whole time with anyone but Mrs. Sosnowski, found myself engaged in two animated discussions, the last night I spent there. The first was on slavery, with the Rev. who succeeds me in the school; he feeds his slaves on dry hominy, which fact lost him all my respect, as soon as I knew it, for the half starving of those poor semi human beings is a piece of mean cruel economy which always rouses my utmost indignation. The other discussion was with a stranger, whom I met in the hotel parlour on association and pauperism. I really grew quite excited when I heard Horace Greeley called a crazy man, stark mad and associationists charged with being levelers who wanted every woman to have as many husbands as she chose. The gentleman was an intelligent but very prejudiced man, who had read the Courier side of the whole controversy, and was ignorant of the first principles of associationists. The bitter, unfeeling way, too, of which he spoke of the poor, displeased me greatly. So I did my best and fought bravely for the truth. There were some ladies present who took a little more interest in the poor, but the best help they could propose was to send the girls to the factories that are being established near Aiken. They looked upon these as the greatest blessing to the destitute whites, predicting that they would all get employment, as the masters were always glad to have white instead of black labour.
Please ask Harry if the discount on Charleston money is great, and if he can recommend any particular mode of drawing a check, as Mrs. Du Pre tried to get one in Cincinnati but was unable to. Yrs truly, E.
Send me particular accounts of business in your next.”
Jones, A., Autograph Letter Signed, Andover, Massachusetts, January 21, 1847 to Samuel C. Blackwell, Cincinnati
Quarto, 4 pages, in good clean condition, first two pages cross-written.
[A. Jones was a missionary preacher, a friend of Sam’s who had visited the Blackwell’s in New Jersey.]
“Friend Blackwell,
An archetype of a letter to you has long existed in my mind and actual fabrication thereof has
been anxiously awaiting some favored hours wh. No other duty might claim. Yesterday morning an event occurred wh. Orders my intention to an immediate fulfillment. A rap was heard at my door wh. Having been slightly opened, and there was thrust in a man’s arm at 1 extremity of wh. Between fingers I discovered a letter wh. Proved to be an emanation from yourself. So it seems these urging & ever changing scenes of last 4 mos. Have not banished me from your recollections. As for myself, not only every member but every incident connected in my mind with your family is among Memorabilia of my past history, quite unforgettable. There you are a world in yourselves apparently isolated from the rest of mankind. Were all races beside to migrate to some other planet some time might elapse before you wd discovered this startling fact. I wonder if it never entered Harry’s head to detach a portion from
this sublunary sphere & try some means to elevate it as a satellite for your own exclusive habitation. I suppose you have relatives in that favored Isle beyond the sea, but here in the land of your adoption, I know no one whom I am inclined to associate with your family. You must have had a joyous time on Xmas, that to you is the King of days. Had I been on the hills, I shd not have dared to be visible on that occasion, both because it restores to you all unfading associations in wh no foreigner can share & an interest – a delicate & tender interest wh I could not appreciate. Even to those who approach the line of isolation as closely as myself, I can imagine you wd say on that day ‘Procul, O Procul, este Profani’. That the sound of mirth was then heard in the mansions of Blackwells, I cannot doubt. Probably such was the intensity of your interest that you even imagined yourselves to be once more dwellers in the renowned Isle, above alluded to & perhaps you were next morning sadly disappointed on finding yourselves not on this Atlantic shore but far inland surrounded by scenery that has no history & by a people whom you are sometimes tempted to denominate vulgar, ignoble, etc. Speaking of your possible relatives, leads me to ask if your family and that of Whitefield are not in some way connected? His mother was a Miss Edwards of Bristol and a relative of the Blackwells there. I ask merely from my own curiosity for I take greatest interest in everything that pertains to Whitefield and shd. certainly think no less of you for knowing that in your veins is flowing kindred blood. Did you ever read his “life & times” by Philip? If not, I wish you would. In that volume you see “that seraphic man” that King of modern preachers, in my opinion, next to Paul, moving & acting before you. His voice you seem to hear thrilling your soul, as it thrilled his audiences of 20,000 in Moorfields. No it was not his voice, the results were too sublime, too overpowering for the prince of men to claim them for his own. Thirteen times did that soul kindled with fire from above, cross the broad Atlantic, that thro divine grace he might set fire to two continents. Now from North to South on this side the ocean he is enabled to kindle not individuals merely but masses of men whose souls, now translated to the church triumphant are glowing with intense love that will continue to increase forever. A few weeks or months at most and behold him in his native land, still burning with heavenly zeal and still causing new fires to appear. I worship no man, yet of Whitefield I wd say he was the Bible Soc., the Missionary Soc and the Evangel. Alliance all combined for once more thro him did God speak to two nations. I feel it is dangerous for me to contemplate such a man for while he was humble as a little child, he stirs up a feeling within me that is allied to an unholy ambition. But my Friend I can truly say it is my chief desire to pass thro this world so as to be the means of alluring many, not a few, but many to that world of peace and glory whither Whitefield and a host following the steps of their divine Master thro toil reproach and suffering. Oh! I feel chained here in New Eng. and I long to burst away. Some of my friends here are looking like an eagle for prey over this tiny field where preachers are far too numerous already. I mean in view of the condition of the world, I have selected India not because it is so far off as to wake up the romantic feeling, for it seems to me very near, nor do I choose that field because it will furnish a novelty and an interest that will more than compensate me for the loss of home and friends. I expect the work will be difficult and in some respects disgusting. But I have resolved to pitch my tent beyond the deep because on the whole I think it my duty. I only pray “God make me holy, my heart must be detached from this present evil world and freed from all its idols. At present, it seems to me that my purest thots would defile the atmosphere of Heaven. If with steady gaze we wd daily look at Jesus...” [ Most of the remaining page of this letter is heavily cross-written and hard to decipher]
Blackwell, Anna, Autograph Letter Signed, [N. A. Phalanx, Leedsville, Monmouth County, New Jersey] August 14, 1847, to her mother, Cincinnati, Ohio
Quarto, 4 pages, in good clean legible condition, partially cross written on last leaf.
“Dear Mother &c
I have been quite a wanderer since we parted in N. York and hardly know whether I can consider
myself fixed or not.
I left for Oyster Bay a few days after Mother and Sam set off for Niagra but it did not answer at all.
Shew’s place is a mere burlesque upon a water-cure house, and board in the village was very high. I staid only a few days to get a little fresh air, the city air having made me quite sick, and returned to N.Y. just in time to see Elizabeth. The girls left on Thursday and I should have gone to the N.A. Phalanx next day, but rain detained me until the following Tuesday, when I came hither.
At the Phalanx, where I intended to stay, they had no room, being crowded to overflowing and I took a room in a farm house somewhat over a mile away but though my room is pretty good and the people nice sort of folks, the food is so out of the way that I fear I can hardly remain. I am very anxious to do so however, for this going about in hot weather is dreadful. If I can hunt up some eggs I can get along.
The girls are only about 20 miles away and I must try and get down to see them, but it is so hot I hardly know how to manage it.
What a hateful business is boarding in other peoples houses, always something wrong – “but the destruction of the poor is their poverty” and I suppose I must put with the manifold discomforts of this way of living for a time longer. But just as soon as I can so contrive it, I shall do my utmost to put into operation my plan of getting a little mite of a house high up town and if I have to live on dry bread and eggs, I shall at least have quiet and know that things are clean.
The people of the N. A. Phalanx have a beautiful domain of about 235 acres, which they are farming as well as they can. But of course it is as yet rather a lame affair. They have about 50 members but quite a number of probationers and boarders. They have all sorts of discomforts and wants to struggle with but seem tolerably united and happy. Their food is mostly very coarse, like most farmers’ diet, and what little good material they have they spoil with grease & pepper, but they have a nice little bath house and there is quite a good feeling among several of the women about many things. They are an improving set, I think, but their attempt, like all the others, is merely a modification of guarantisim and has no sort of affinity with the ideal of a harmonized association. I walk over there every day or two and take a little chat with them. Otherwise my life is as utterly stupid as outward things can make it. I am getting my baths into some sort of shape and am going to try if I can read and write two or three hours a day without plaguing my head. If so my time will pass less heavily.
I am desirous to hear that Mother and Sam got home safe. I think they must have had a delightful time.
M & E have not yet answered my letter so I do not know how they critters are faring.
I thought I wd have answered Mily’s letter at length before this but I have now news to give her, either public or private, i.e. about my beloved self, or about the cause, so I keep waiting, hoping to pick up something or other for her. I shall certainly get her a long letter under weigh sometime this month, I think but I don’t see what I can put into it, unless I begin romancing. The good child must keep up her epistles among her little “brats”. We shall want her here some of these times, and she can come and live in my little house.
As to Ellen, Henry and Washy, I hardly think I shd. Recognize them & they must have nearly forgotten me. However, we shall doubtless renew our acquaintance some of these times. As to Harry, I should know the fellow in the dark anywhere, especially if I heard him speak. With love to Mrs. Lyle, Wilson and the Eames & the Ganors. I am your discontented daughter & sister, Anna.
I met Louisa just before I left town, she was to sail next day for certain without the people she meant to go with. She was well and seemed in good spirits (did not Mother say in sentimental tones “poor things!” when she came to this item!
My address is N. A. Phalanx, Leedsville, Monmouth County, N. Jersey. Shd I leave I will write again.”
Blackwell, Henry Browne, Autograph Letter Signed, Congress Sugar Refinery, New York, to brother Samuel, Firm of Blackwell & Denning, Millers, Cincinnati
Folio, 4 pages, some ink spots, otherwise in very good, clean and legible condition. Illustrated with small pen and ink sketch.
“Dear Sam,
God bless you! I have duly recd. Your three interesting little apologies for letter [?] which however
exhibited a marked improvement in quantity. My reason for not having written before this is that I have been very busy as you may well suppose. I am snugly ensconces with young Wm. Harris in the bed room formerly occupied by Marian. I am very comfortable indeed thanks to the great kindness of the whole family. At about 5 o’clock we are called by Mr. H.’s [Dennis Harris, see not above on the sugar business of Samuel Blackwell, Sr.] foreman who sleeps in the next room and as soon afterwards as may be, we go down to the sugar house which I do not leave till the boiling (commencing at 6 o’clock) ends about 4. Then I usually perambulate the diggings eating vast amounts of sugar, poking my nose
into all kinds of discernible pots and kettles – smelling, tasting, glaring into every description of sugar that meets my eye – getting down into cellars, creeping through hatchways and arches and in short making a general Paul Pry of myself. About 7 o’clock I go up home to supper (our dinner is sent down to us) and occasionally I go down town to put a letter into the post office – or aboard the Red Bank Steamboat. My evenings I spend in reading, talking with Mr. H. and the folks or occasionally assisting in some music. I have not found time to visit anyone but Miss Elise – tho I intend to see the Coxes this evening – haven’t seen a schoolfellow nor visited a single person except Booth & Edgar and one or two sugar merchants and Dwight Johnson whom I saw yesterday. I am exceedingly pleased with the sugar business and have now I think a pretty good general insight into it. My opportunity of learning it, being a most rare and [?] one. Mr. Harris treats me like a father and I feel as much attached [?] as tho I had known him for 10 years. He and I have been busily consulting together as to my best mode of proceeding. I find that by the expiration of this season, say 1st to 15th Nov. – I shall have a good general knowledge, a sufficient one in fact of all except the boiling of refined sugars which tho to me of the utmost importance, I shall not see much of as we shall make but little more of it. Mr. H. thinks however that with what I can pick up I could if necessary boil away on my own a/c and soon become thoroughly master of it. Now you are probably aware that the prospects in the sugar crop throughout the country, or rather countries producing it, are unusually favorable. In consequence, sugar has taken a tumble and excellent muscovade can be now bought here at 5 3⁄8 to 5 1⁄2 cents for which 6 1⁄2 cts was offered and refused a month to 6 weeks ago. Unless a frost or something unexpected occur to injure the new crop, there is now but little doubt but that Sugars (the raw kinds) will be unusually low, a state of things in which in Cincinnati where refined sugars are good and quick sale, the business of refining ought to flourish. Mr. H. therefore agrees with me in thinking that I had better so soon as this season ends come right on to Cin. and start my trap as soon as possible. We therefore went into minute calculation of the lowest actual cost of putting up a vacuum pan like one of his in a rented warehouse with the necessary machinery. We found that we could do it for fifteen thousand dollars and make a good job but for no less.This was rather a stumper. Where upon Mr. H. made me a very generous proposition. This was that I should take 2 Blow pans which with the engine and boilers etc. in short the complete apparatus which he formerly used, he took down when he put up the vacuum pans and which he now carries on. This things he would not on any account sell to any other person as sugar bakers don’t like competition, but he offers to let me have them to pay him when able and we find on calculation that with these and a further investment of five thousand dollars, I can start to make 1000 loaves in 12 hours which you know is by no means a small business and if it pays and I choose, by driving it day and night I can make 2000 loaves per day which would be a very large one. The machinery as we have planned it will be so economically arranged that I cannot lose much on it in case of the worst. We are looking out for a good boiler a (thing) hard to find but if I cannot find one (of which however, Mr. H. entertains little doubt) Mr. H. thinks I need not fear to venture alone. We intend to get some of the machinery required made here, the rest in Cincinnati, in order to determine where to procure the following items. I wish you to procure for me the lowest price of the following articles per lb.
How much pr. Lb for wrought iron cistern (circular, 10 gauge iron)
2.“
3.“
4. “
5. “
6. “
Also in case Mr. H. cannot get his son-in-law to give up his claim to the engines and boiler which are sold to him for a saw mill but which are excellent, nearly new and just the thing, found what I should have to give for
7. 2 steam boilers – 20 feet long – 2 feet diameter cylinder and
8. An engine 12 horse power – with pump to feed boilers. Also
9th. What is the lowest price at which I can get made 1000 sheet iron molds 14 1⁄2 galls. Wrought iron rims 1⁄4 inch iron – cast iron tops 20 gauge iron
10th. What must I pay for 1000 5 gallon earthen pots for same
11th. What can bone black be bought at per bbl. And what can it be re-burnt at.
12th Can you find for rent a 3 story or if possible 4 story building, 30 to 50 feet front and 50 to 100 deep, or 25 feet by 100 as near the steamboat landing as possible – with a yard if we could get a good
“ “ “ “
“ (square and oblong “ “) “ boiler plate (circular)
“ “ “ “ “ “
“ cast iron “ “ (say 4 feet broad, 3 feet long, 2 deep with circular)
“ for a force jump 2 1⁄2 inch plunger (2 inch diameter holes in bottom)
“ copper work (basins, coolers, ladles etc.)
cellar. It must be so that we could put up our little steam engine in it, either in yard or cellar. I should wish to lease it for 3 to 5 years and to obtain possession by middle of November to 1st of December or thereabouts. Of course the larger the building and the smaller the rent the better. If you can find such anywhere as I suppose you can do without difficulty, send me description of dimensions, situation and rent of such building or buildings and if possible get the refusal of such till you can hear from me.
Now as to operations, I shall order from you in Cincinnati such of these articles as can be bought there much cheaper, the rest and the other things I shall get here and have them made at once. I shall start with them via New Orleans where I shall carry letters from Booth & Edgar to first rate house with whom I hope to make an Agency for buying (and if possible to draw on me at 90 days for the purchases) which I can work up and sell again some time before the Bills become due. Now say I have in your hands with interest about 2300$ that I can get from C. & M. or others at 10%, 1500 on mortgage = 3800$. I think these things above mentioned I can get credit upon. For part of the amt. I wish you to get the lowest bid and most favorable terms as to payment you can, represent that I am a beginner and do the best you can. Perhaps it might suit you to make some of these things. If so I should have to draw less cash but tis my impression you can get longer time from old and rich houses. Keep my project as still as possible – consult Uncle West as to above items, perhaps he could get a better bid than you. I am in hopes that if I can get credit for the part and the engine and boiler from Mr. H. I may have a few hundred dollars left to buy stock. I suppose for awhile that in this I shall have to some extent to work from hand to mouth but Mr. H. thinks that I can do very well if my machinery is paid for.
Mr. H.’s engineer, an excellent and very ingenious fellow will come out to Cincin. To assist me in setting up my machinery and as it is simple, I think 2 weeks will get it up after we arrive. You must also write me how soon I can rely on having these things if I order them at once on receipt of your answer. Mr. H. advises me to make an arrangement with K. & F. for the sale of my sugar for awhile if I can do so on fair terms – perhaps I can then get some facilities from them, of that more anon. –
Tho. My machinery will not make quite so good a yield nor such fine sugar as the vacuum pan, it will do well for the present, it is much superior to the St. Louis concern and so long as I have no competition will do well for a few years, if I succeed, I can substitute the other if I feel so inclined.
I regret to trouble you with so much business but will do as much for you sometime. Get me if you can refusal of suitable house and information on the other points as soon as possible. It is important for me to know at the earliest period.
Also 13th. Can the sugar paper blue and white be bought in Cincinnati, you might ask at the proper warehouses. I suppose it could be made to order, find out at what price. And now I should like to devote half an hour to general talk with you had I the time but I cannot do so today. You must take the will for the deed and consider the paper as it would be, closely written and crossed.
I have not yet fallen in love. Jane Harris, a very nice and pretty girl, considerable of an heiress by the way she will be, is I fancy in love and & to a certain very good looking young man, whom her father dislikes, but is, I expect, a clever fellow – a mechanic (so my chances in the quarter is nil) The beautiful Miss Parmely, to whom I have been so long and ardently attached, is as yet known to me only in imagination. So you must even lead off – I have seen Eliz. & Anna – the one at Phil. The other at Red Bank – both noble sisters of whom I am proud, tho. very different.
Walked in Jersey City – saw Mrs. Alofsen* I am confident – she looked very hard at me – perhaps mistook me for you. She looked extremely ugly & familiar – but oh what a change in little Jersey !! – a change for the better certainly – but rather melancholy – to the returning wanderer. I hear Mr. [Rev. W. H.] Furness in Phil. with Eliz. We were both delighted, he pitched eloquent association doctrine into them but did not appear exactly to know himself, whither he was tending. Last Sunday Morn, I started to find out and hear Prof. Bush, but finding that those of whom I enquired were totally ignorant of the fact of his existence, to which they superadded a dreadful tho unexpressed horror of countenance when I told them he was a “Swedenborgian” – so I gave up the attempt and bent my steps up Broadway towards the lovely “Whited Sepulchre” of Grace Church, led thereto solely by my taste for architecture. On my way whom shd. I meet but Miss Smith and Cornele, who carried me off to hear Mr. [Henry] Bellows, who gave a more thorough Association than even Mr. Furness – denounced civilization in a way that did my soul good and roused us all up to fever heat. He is a grand fellow and tho he preaches in a beautiful and fashionable church with black silk gown on – he is a soul of fire – and gave his fashionable congregation some severe wishes. After church Misses S. & C. carried me off to the Howard House to dine where I swallowed vast amount of French things with dreadful names
and made of unknown materials – the only things I knew and after all the best were Oyster patties and Macaroni. Had a fine talk with Cornele whom I like.
Good-bye, love to all, H. B. Blackwell
P.S. See Cincinnati people wherever I go – on Broadway – it beats all!!
[With a sketch of moulds and pots with notations] Also what could similar moulds of smaller dimensions, say of 1 gallon, be bought at – perhaps I could buy the sheet iron, get the cast and make them myself cheaper by contracting for the whole. Don’t unnecessarily say a word about Sugar or house matters”
[Elizabeth must have returned to Philadelphia from New York in late August or early September after her vacation at the seaside with her family.]
[*Alofsen was a Dutch friend of Samuel Blackwell, Sr. who had persuaded him to move to Jersey City; after Alofsen’s death, Marian later kept house for his family and cared for their daughter; the Alofsens remained close friends of the Blackwells for many years.]
Blackwell, Henry Browne, Autograph Letter Signed, New York, October 1, 1847 to brother Samuel C. Blackwell, Cincinnati
Quarto, 4 pages, small tear on last leaf due to careless opening, affecting two words of text, first page and portion of second cross written, otherwise in very good, clean and legible condition.
“Dear Sam,
Two days ago, I troubled you with a hurried letter containing multifarious commissions which being
of great importance to me, I doubt not you will attend to at yr. earliest leisure. My fear of not having been sufficiently explicit is my only reason for scribbling a 2nd document, still more in a hurry than at first. I presume that you may now regard it as a settled thing that I shall be turning out loaf Sugar in your vicinity on, and as much before as possible, the 1st of February next, perhaps even before Christmas. Mr. Harris has seen his son in law (to whom the engines and boilers were sold) and done his best to dissuade him from his purchase. His son in law will give us an answer next Monday and as Mr. Harris has offered him if necessary to advance him the money to pay for another instead of it, we entertain little doubt of getting it, which will be a great advantage as the engine and boiler were made expressly for the other machinery and are the very thing I want. I think all the other machinery, moulds, cisterns, pipes etc. can be procured and put up in Cin. for $ 5,000. I hope that of this I can get 6 mos. Or 1/3 of it @ 12 mos on another 1/3. But even if I have to pay down $ 3,000, if I can get a loan on our house, I can manage it finely. If I can get going next spring, and prices range as I think they will, I think there is no doubt but I can get such a start that I can afford to compete with any other establishment that may afterwards come into operation. This machinery you know (the flow pans &c) are what Mr. H. used here till lately and were put up new when he built the Congress.
I want you to get the refusal till you can hear from me, of any eligible warehouse or houses that you can find for rent or lease of 3 to 5 years.In writing to me be particular to specify to me the length, breadth, number of stories, yard-room, cellar, height of cellar and each story position and number of windows &c. Also whether we can procure any amount of water requisite, day and night, from the waterworks. It would be advisable to get a house if I could with convenient location for putting up the engine on a level with the cellar and with good access to behind for coal, so as to use the cellar for filling the moulds, washing them, &c. If there was another warehouse next door which might afterwards be rented and a way opened through the wall into it, it would be well. If you can get a 4 story house, or at least a three and a half story one, so as to make the cellar included 5 floors in use. I suggest these matters not as strictly necessary, but as a guide to you. Nearness to the river and landing are as you know, provided we can get water, only important as saving drayage and being comeatable. If you can get the positive refusal and find one to suit, we will when we write back to you to take it, immediately make our arrangements to suit that building and if you describe it particularly Mr. H. can assist me in planning my arrangements, as well as tho he actually saw it. I should like a building too whre we should not be exposed to very close or inquisitive examination and where our “positively no admittance” could be effectively maintained. Could you find second hand iron cisterns by buying which we could economize? Isaac and Frank could tell you what our chance would be for that.
You speak of the business being very close this year. Are you so circumstanced as to be able without inconvenience to lie out of that money of mine? – If it is going seriously to embarrass or hamper your operations, say so at once, as I might possibly in that case make some arrangement here for it and I should think it poor policy to loosen the main prop of the family unduly for the sake of a business as yet a mere experiment – and above all, Sam, consult Uncle W. as to the possibility of making a raise (through E. & M. or otherwise) on our country seat.
I am very anxious by the way to know whether you have yet found time to straighten your books and how the last year’s business came out. As you request such strict confidence with me in all affairs, even that of the heart, you must merit it by a reciprocation of the same – and, you know, business possesses a certain interest [?] As to my heart by the way, I fear a certain complaint will never leave me – it is rather worse here under the stimulus of meat and good diet than it was in Cin. on the starvation principle. I consulted an old physician for it here a few days since with whom I became acquainted on my route hither. He says he has cured hundreds of such cases that in our instance of 6 years standing. I have not yet commenced his prescriptions (entirely local of course) but intend to do so, though without much faith.
Last night, I was invited to come up to Mrs. Gove’s – where was a nice assembly viz. Mrs. G., her daughter Elena (a very pretty girl), Mr. Brisbane, Anna, Dr. Lazarus, Mr. Allen (our lecturer), O. A. Bronson and his daughter (a very nice girl). I went down and asked Mr. Cornele and Mr. Smith who are in town, to come up and I suppose that they did so. I was myself unable to do so, as I was engaged at a wedding at Mr. Harris’ house. A young man, a kind of foreman of his, committing matrimony (Jane Harris and her brother Wm, bridesmaid and groomsman) a certain ugly little lady Miss Wood, being bride. Mr. Harris, with Church England prayer book, parson with candle in hand, his clerk, scene, his parlour, spectators some 6 or 7 in number, supper fine, grapes etc. Climax very satisfactory. Jane H. do you know is really beautiful when handsomely draped. I might fall in love there were I in marrying order & did not know that she is privately engaged (unbeknownst like to her parents who are opposed to it), to another individual. These things being so, however, there is of course no danger of any catastrophe either in that or any other quarter.
Anna retd. A day or two since from Red Bank – is at present at Mrs. Gove’s but with an Aunt of Miss Elize is about to take a house on Amity St. pleasant place & good neighborhood. Anna’s proportion of rent $ 100. Her income – an engagement to translate Fourier made with Mr. Brisbane. She is a great acquisition to e. It is with a very perceptible twinge of reluctance that I contemplate leaving this wicked subversive Babel which has notwithstanding a fascination that if Mr. Harris made me a proposition for remaining I shd be tempted to stay within smelling distance of Salt water. You see New York is so large that you can select friends and not feel as we do in Cincinnati – alone with only God and 5 or 6 other people to associate with. This is very shocking and we must get out of it.
How does your fancy for Miss Fanny come on? I would advise you (for in these cases, reason has much to do) to be careful of letting your fancy become strong enough to make you suffer in case you find the young lady inaccessible and I would keep both eyes then and try to enlist Ellen in this cause. Visiting there with a sister you know you could feel more at ease and perhaps Ellen could invite Fanny out. Cultivate the interesting friendship of the Wrights & Goodman also, then when Fanny is on the hills, you could accidentally call in together. I should recommend to you however to visit Jane Ross who is very beautiful and good and has an excellent physical organization – which is you know, an immense item. I wish you could find a nice wife. Lord! How I should like to marry somebody if I were well!! If I find anything here which will gratify you in that line will let you know. Love to all, particularly Mrs. Lyle. I will apologize to her for not saying good-bye when I return.
Yrs in confidence, H.B.B.”
Blackwell, Henry Browne, Autograph Letter Signed, Congress Refinery, New York, October 15, 1847 to brother Samuel, Cincinnati
Quarto, 4 pages, paper a bit tanned, some offsetting from ink, heavily cross-written, else good.
“Dear Sam,
On the morning of the 13th, feeling very anxious to hear from you in reply to certain queries, I
telegraphed you at the expense of your dollar – On the evening of same day, your letter reached me and I assure you that it was very welcome. The contents are on the whole satisfactory. They will induce me somewhat to alter my original plan. As it now stands it is as follows: About the 1st of
November, I leave here for Cincinnati direct – bringing with me an Engineer and maker of my machinery etc. a certain little Englishman, Mr. Parkinson, an excellent machinist and mechanic with whom I have by Mr. Harris’ advice made an arrangement at $ 40 per month and who will in the matter be my right hand man. Before I leave N.Y. I shall see that part of my machinery furnished by Mr. H. and purchased here shipped by way of New Orleans. On reaching Cincinnati I shall complete arrangements for House, set Parkinson at work to make the moulds &c which I can get up in this way cheaper, buying the sheet iron and making up myself. My castings of course I shall get from you. My sheet iron cisterns &c shall either contract for or make myself as seems advisable. As soon as I get matters so far under way as to know just when I shall be able to start, I shall go down to N. O. to seek an agent & return to start as soon as possible. I shall be my own boiler my competence to undertake which Mr. Harris & Mr. Brandt assure me I need not fear – I think that by a little caution and close attention I need not be afraid. For the past 3 weeks, I have stuck to the pans watching them as a cat does a mouse and sticking in my proof-stick so constantly as to drive Mr. Brandt to the very verge of madness. About 10 days of this three weeks, we have been boiling Sugar and most fortunately for me – a sudden decline of the price of raw Sugar has inclined Mr. Harris to purchase another large stock which we commence blowing up tomorrow and which will keep us busy till the close of the month. On the last day of our former Sugar boiling, I cooked a filling (about 200 gallons) without assistance and made very excellent sugar and as I am now perfectly familiar with the whole routine of the Refinery, Mr. Harris assures me that I have now everything which another year in the establishment would give me. My machinery, putting it up, etc, will cost me, exclusively of Mr. Harris’ from 5 to 6000 dollars, with which I shall then be prepared to make a very large amount of Sugar, as I have before written you.
In my determination of starting this Fall I am earnestly encouraged by Mr. Harris. I asked him last night what he considered I might expect to clear on my first year business (say 1000 loaves per day). He says that there is no doubt in his mind that I can establish my credit, obtain control of the market and make from Ten to Twenty Thousand dollars, according to the state of the markets. Now you can easily conceive, young man, that as to get started, I have to take the whole toil and responsibility and moreover to live a dog’s life for a year or two – having to boil, procure, superintend & sell – I am very desirous of starting without a partner if I can possibly do so. As you very properly state, my whole resources in Cincinnati amount to 3000 Dolls. Query arises: whence is the other $ 3,000 to come? I had hoped to have recd this as a loan from Mr. Brisbane who takes the warmest and most friendly interest in my plans and who would let me have it in a moment if he had it. He hopes to have procured it from his father and brother – but it seems that they have 2 or 3 large operations on hand at present (the establishment of a Bank in Buffalo is one) which will prevent their having funds to spare before next summer. I today applied to Mr. Booth of the firm of Booth & Edgar. He says he will look round and try to procure me a loan of the money which I shall receive by mortgaging the machinery worth nearly 3 times the money. He expresses however some doubt of being able to do so and suggested that Mr. Harris would be the man who could best assist me. I told him that Mr. H. knows how I was situated and that I did not like to ask him in express terms to lend it to me. Booth says he will speak to him and try to get him to do so. So I shall probably find out in a few days whether I can get anything in N.Y. In case I can do so, my way will be clear – in case I cannot, I shall come on to Cincin. with Mr. Parkinson and see what I can do. If necessary I shall make an arrangement with Mr. Blair who is a fair man and a good friend, but I hate to do so. If possible I wish to start alone. The bone black is cheaper than it is here, the copper work nearly the same, the wrought iron reasonable the cast iron dear, the building of Resor’s of which you speak of, the very thing if I had to build one purposely except in an additional story or two, I could hardly improve it. The stock will run me a large item of expense & the rent as rents go is reasonable. Get me the refusal of it by all means. The objections to it are – 1st the late time when they propose to give possession. If however they can give me the stack and building next it by 1st of December and the 2nd by 1st January, I could get along. I shall also want the lot and could not spare it at all and if possible should like the lease to have the privilege of buying out at the expiration of the time on fair specific terms. As by putting on 4 additional stories & building up the 30 feet Mr. H. says it could not be better as a permanent location. In a few days, so soon as I find out definitely what I can expect from Messrs. Booth and Harris, I shall write you again. In the meantime, consult old West as to my best course and tell him to write to me. He is the shrewdest business man and best friend we know.
So far as the permanent goodness of the business and my competence to conduct, I think you need have no fear. In the sum required to complete my arrangements, Mr. H. says I can depend that I
will not exceed it. I calculate [?] my whole time and energies to it, shall live on the spot, be at comparatively small expenses and my machinery costing 8000 dollars will be actually more effective than that which Beleker has costing $ 40,000 – So that on the whole, whilst I believe that discretion is the better part of valour, I think I am neither rash nor precipitate. I step into the business before any other competitor gets the start of me and have then an anticipated year to obtain a foothold.
In regard to remaining in New York, of which I spoke. Tho on many accounts it would be pleasant to me, on others, I do not think it adviasable. Mr. Harris’ state of health is such that any day may be his last and it would take me a year or two at least before I should feel justified in undertaking the sole control of his immense business. More particularly is this the case because he alone of all the New York refiners, sells on time. Woolsey & Woolsey, Stuart & all other makers having adopted the cash principle. Again – Mr. H. is a man of energy and carries this to extreme. He drives all about him a little too far and would regard any amount of time and effort as a little less than it ought to be. You can imagine this when I tell you that yesterday morning, having no one to wake me, I over slept myself and took my seat at the breakfast table at exactly 10 minutes before 6 A.M. Good Morning? Said I . Good Morning, said Mr. Harris laughing, you don’t call this morning do you. After 5 o’clock is not morning, Mr. Blackwell. As a general rule, you know, I go down to Sugar house before breakfast and take it there. Mr. H. has also many prejudices and peculiarities. While tho I like him extremely and can get along with for a month or two perfectly well. Would weary my patience were my residence further prolonged.
And now thank Emily for her letter and tell her that her old Abolitionist friends and others suit me so well that I dread leaving New York. I will answer her directly. Tell M. to write to Mrs. Gove who wrote to her, is a noble woman and ought to have an answer. Take particular care of yourself, give my love to all. God bless you – don’t work too hard & believe me Yrs ever H. B.
Keep this letter as to business, still show it only to West If you can hit on any plan for my starting alone – write me –
16th 10 o’clock – I have just recd yr. Telegraphic dispatch dated yesterday afternoon and my remarks as to Resor’s building will show you about what I want adding a story or two. But no less than 1⁄2 of the money requisite to build my house, purchase my machinery and get me doing. I don’t think it would be best to build at present. This morning I had a talk with Mr. Harris to whom I proposed to go in with me (giving him the privilege of eventually buying me out). He has not returned a direct answer, but says if it were not that he is on the eve of expending Fifteen Thousand in an additional building, he would let me have the money at once. I still think he may do so. He urges me to go right to Cincinnati and see what I can do there, so soon as I get through the boiling and I shall do so at any rate. Do you think I could scratch up the funds there? A mortgage on my machinery would make the lenders perfectly square.”
Blackwell, Anna, Autograph Letter Signed, Providence, Rhode Island, August 28, [1848?] to brother Sam, Cincinnati
Quarto, 2 1⁄4 pages, in very good, clean and legible condition.
“Dear Sam,
I wrote home some few weeks ago, telling you of my probable voyage to Europe in consequence
of Lord Wallscourts* invitation to finish the translation of Fourier there instead of here. After that, I wrote again, at Kenyon’s request, conveying his invitation to Howard and Emily – and various other matters. I am uneasy at not hearing from you, for I think you can hardly be so indifferent to my movements as this silence wd seem to indicate and therefore I fear Marian or someone else must be sick. I hope I shall hear from you shortly, in any event.
Kenyon staid here about ten days, he is a very intelligent, kind, excellent fellow – but I think his position blinds him to the tendencies of society in all Civilized Countries and that he has yet like all Civilizers to learn the alpha of humanitary science from our great friend & teacher Fourier.
I am blessed with such weak eyes that reading &c is impossible, writing is so painful, also, that I write as few letters and a short as possible. I shd die out of this “far niente” wh I find anything but “dolce”, if I had not half a dozen Canaries, lent to me for a time and which amuse me mightily. I had no idea the little creatures were so interesting – I am teaching them to eat from my finger, drink drops of water off the end of my finger &c.
Kenyon is now at Philadelphia and extremely desirous to learn your determination about Howard. I can not imagine that you can fail to see the great advantage of the arrangement proposed for him. Kenyon will be in N.Y. again in a day or two, I presume and will be here soon on his way to Boston, after wh, he sets out on his tour. He expected Henry to be here by this time.
How is Marian’s health? And what are your plans?
Write at once, you sinners, some of you, or I shall be out of all patience.
Love to Mother and all
Yours Affectionately, Anna
[Edgar Allan Poe allegedly wrote Anna in Providence, June 14, 1848; Mrs. Whitman says Anna spent summer of 1848 in Providence; Sarah Whitman and Poe called on her in September, but didn’t see her because she was unwell; came to Providence for “magnetic therapy”, one source says Anna traveled to England in 1848, having been offered large salary to translate Fourier – but in this letter she mentions the same proposition to Samuel.]
[*Joseph Henry Blake, 3rd Baron Wallscourt (1797-1849) was an Irish nobleman and pioneering socialist, who tried to implement Fourier’s theories on his own estate – with mixed results.]
Jones, A., Autograph Letter Signed, Lunenburg, [Massachusetts] October 9, 1848 to Samuel Blackwell, Cincinnati
Quarto, 4 pages, in very good, clean and legible condition.
“Bro Blackwell,
How often within two years have I purposed to write you a letter, and as often have I failed to carry
out my intentions; for a few lean thoughts are the most I have forwarded you at any one time. Your letters copious and warm hearted, have always administered a severe rebuke and around the determination to give you something better than brass for gold, but whether even now after this long delay I have any better than the first named metal is quite uncertain. For a few weeks I have been in a perfect vortex, into wh. I threw myself that I might have the felicity of whirling. Or to speak without figure, I have been visiting various places in N. England, meeting old acquaintances and forming new ones, until weary of society I feel almost willing to enter a monastery. And yet how little society I have seen or known. I have grasped the hands of thousands of my brethren, but seldom has any ray from their spirits darted into the depths of my own, revealing new wonders in the dark, silent caverns of my heart. And I have reason to fear that I am not sufficiently luminous to disclose to others the crown that, in the oppressive night of unbelief, lies undiscovered before them. This I judge to be my mission. What have I to do on this earth, enveloped in clouds but to shine, that is to let Him “in whom is no darkness at all” shine thro’ me. This it seems to me is an age in wh. A little virtue (true light) is making a recent deal of noise. There is not so wide a difference between being good and doing good as some imagine. Dr. Beecher says that the world is moving ahead 10 times faster than it did 50 years ago, and if the church does not quicken its movements, it will soon be unable to discover the world even without a telescope. There is truth in this, and yet it makes no very good impression. For it seems to me the man whose faith is most perfect does most for the race whether he be found in the field, the mill, or the pulpit. Merely human eloquence can at most do but little to revive the dead, but the man who lives in constant alliance with God, tho’ unknown, must be the means of electrifying many hearts. Probably when the poor widow commended by the Saviour threw in her powerful mites, there went up from her secret heart of faith and love a prayer wh. Working the great spring of all events and sent new life into the angels, new strength into the souls of the good on earth. But I must not tire you with a sermon. Tomorrow I intend to leave this place for N. York where I shall probably see Henry; thence I expect to proceed via Cinti. To Ind. For some while I have been balancing between the solicitations of friends in Mi & Ind. Had I not sent a substitute to the formers tale I should have decided at once to return thither and as it is it may be my duty to minister to a people upon whom the Lord evidently enabled me to make a deep impression. If my health were good, I should choose N. Orleans or some other Sodom in the South for my scene of action. The summit of human privileges must be that wh. gives one access to the greatest evils. While in the South I strove to bring every slave owner into the very focus of
gospel light. [?] prevented unbosomed myself with the utmost freedom & I think not in vain. Indeed I long to return, but it is likely a location in a free state may better favor my weak health. At present however I feel equal to any work. You will probably see an old friend within two weeks on his way westward. Then we can talk more at length on Slavery and other subjects that occupy our minds. M. may be expecting a line but I am still in haste (a very comprehensive expression by the way) and must forego the pleasure of writing to her now. I heard from Henry a month ago. So far as circumstances overpower him, I fear they are fast depriving him of all sympathy with myself. He probably thinks I cannot understand him; true, I cannot. If I may ever comprehend myself – all the sinuosities & complexities of my own nature I shall think myself a successful student. Much less can I survey the sudden springs of another’s conduct. I know however that among the treasures of this life, I shall ever reckon your own friendship and that of your family.
Adieu, ever your friend, A. Jones”
Blackwell, Henry, Autograph Letter Signed, New York, December 19, 1848 to brother Sam, Cincinnati
Quarto, 4 pages, in very good clean condition.
[Gold was discovered in California on January 24, 1848, but it was not until December 5th that President Polk confirmed the discovery in a message to Congress; Henery’s sugar scheme having failed, he was now pursuing another, wilder speculation involving machines he hoped to sell in Gold Rush California.]
“Dear Sam,
I recd. This morning your telegraphic dispatch stating recpt. of letter – possession of scrip and
nolle prosequi till I heard further. This was about what I expected – when you receive my subsequent letter to Cousin K. I think it will probably modify your views of the matter and it will inform you that my arrangement being definitely made only very cogent arguments will endure me to give up the idea. This being the case and the complexion of matters being in some respects a little arguments now on their way to me in advance – and to explain my reasons for desiring you, as per dispatch sent you by Telegraph this morning on receipt of yours, to dispose of scrip for what it will bring and forward proceeds. And my position is now as follows. On the test of machine in a day or two I have to pay Mr. H. as per agreement for my share of the patent and to furnish in some way the facilities for an immediate prosecution of the manufacture of others.
In addition to this we are now engaged in getting up a common cheap machine (costing about $ 20) which we shall advertise and sell per at $ 50, holding our superior patent ones at a much higher price but offering both for sale here on the spot and for this purpose have associated with us a gentleman who will take charge of that branch of it – receiving 1⁄4 of the net profits. He has already recd. Orders for about 12 of them and there is no doubt that with these we can make a profitable operation here – however our California project which will still go on independently, may eventuate. Now the necessary cost of materials, shop, rent &c has to be incurred immediately – for we calculate to fill orders the latter end of this week – for the common machines and expect to be able for a couple of months to sell all that 10 or 15 workmen can get up at least 100 percent over cost. Now I do not want to call on Mr. Harris any sooner than I can help nor to any larger extent than is unavoidable and therefore must have the little proceeds of this scrip without a moments delay. Whatever may be your disapprobation of the ultimate California project itself. I am still inclined however to the belief that upon a more mature consideration of that matter you will give it your hearty approval and shall still cherish a hope of Cousin K.’s company in my expedition, if not as a partner, pecuniarily interested, as least as a traveler investigating the geological and mineralogical phenomena of the wonderful region of Alta California and a scientific reporter to English merchants of the actual state of facts therein.
Now as to anticipated objections – first, the danger of detention at Panama or the alternative of a long tedious voyage round the Cape. There is neither the danger nor the alternative at all. Howland & Aspinwall sell tickets through from Panama unconditionally and these may still be obtained for the 15th Feby. – a steamer already known to have arrived safely in the Pacific and consequently not likely to be detained. The climate of the Isthmus tho deadly in the summer season at which time you remember Lord Nelson lost a great number of men in his attack on Porto Bello is not unhealthy at present – and the whole trip may reasonably be included in an estimate of 6 weeks. – 60 days all contingencies
included. By leaving here, say 15th to 20th Jany. We shall arrive in California at just the right season – viz. immediately after the rains, which last till the latter end of February and 5 months before the excessive heats which make the mines unhealthy in August. We then shall get there at the very most favorable time of the whole year. If we find it inexpedient to remain for any reason, there can be no doubt of our being able to dispose of our machines at a handsome profit and if inducements are sufficient and make us remain, we shall of course do so because it presents a fair field for the accumulation of more money than anything that offers at home. I think there is no fear of law and order being enforced in California, for it is so obviously every man’s interest to sustain it – that there is no doubt that if Uncle Sam is unable to enforce it – a rough substitute entitled Lynch law will be temporarily but peremptorily enforced.
As to the existence of the gold and the certainty of its being worked henceforward, there can be no doubt and such being the case, I see no reasonable ground of fear but that a good machine will command a ready sale at high prices in the hitherto easily acquired gold dust. As for the manufacturing operations here in N. Yk it will require but a trifling outlay of capital and if not immediately profitable will of course be at once discontinued. I write in great haste for Mail to have time so have time to add no more but will merely subscribe myself, in haste, Yrs truly, Harry.
P.S. Merry Xmas and Happy New Year all round.”
Blackwell, Henry Browne, Autograph Letter Signed, New York, December 20, 1848 to brother Samuel Blackwell, Cincinnati
Quarto, 2 1⁄4 pages, in very good clean and legible condition.
“Dear Sam,
Yesterday morning, I recd. A dispatch evidently sent off immediately on receipt of mine, stating
California project. I responded by telegraph immediately as I had previously written to Cousin K. stating that I had purchased an interest in the patent. In the afternoon, however, a message No. 2 arrived bearing such a laconic agony in its small volume that I immediately discovered I had raised a regular row in the family. Not wishing therefore to spoil the Xmas festivities or to appear insensible to the interest which you manifest (unwisely as I must think, however, in its exhibition on this matter) I went into consultation with MacSamuel who felt very uncomfortable at it being supposed at home that he was leading me astray into any wild or visionary Scheme and on reflection we concluded to postpone the California scheme for the present till we hear from you, see our way clearly and find it altogether advisable to proceed thereon. To postpone and consider mind, not to give up – for even in this we who are on the spot & in possession of better means of judging than you at a distance & who have been for nearly a month looking into it very carefully – feel that we are sacrificing very precious time and a very fine prospect for the sake of a prudence which is at best but problematical & if we finally go, very inimical to our chances of success. However, I thought this due to you at home and we have done so. In meantime, we have commenced the manufacture of machines of a cheaper description and different principle for sale here and shall have out 20 in course of a week. Of these, 10 are engaged at 50 to 75 $ each, they will cost us about 25$ and we hope to do well in this way at home and if we leave to do so with something going on here independently. I have got things straightened out at Mr. H.’s pretty much having worked on the books tonight till late and got things pretty well fixed up. I have borrowed from Mr. H. $ 400 and shall need the 300$ which I suppose is on its way before this to meet my expenses in the new undertaking here which, at any rate, is one that is without risk and profitable so far as it goes. I have no doubt in six weeks we shall be able to dispose of 100 of them on which the profit will be not less than 2000$ which will pay for my interest in the patent at any rate.
I am writing in haste in the office as the clock has struck 9 sometime and I have to take it to the post office before I go home. I have only time to add that I hope to spend Xmas with Eliz. & trust you will all enjoy yours at home. I write this in haste in order to relieve your minds from any uneasiness as regards precipitation on my part.
You perceive that I must be doing something as I leave Mr. H.’s in day or two and must pay expenses if possible and push ahead.
I will write you further in a day or two when I get a little time. In meantime, with love to all, believe me dear Sam, yours truly H. B. B.
P.S. You of course will sell at once the scrip and send on proceeds as I have made calculation upon it to pay wages &c on work already under way. I should be seriously inconvenienced if it do not arrive next week.
P.S. Don’t say California out of the family. ‘Mum’s the word.’”
[Henry did not arrive at Geneva to spend Christmas with Elizabeth, who was about to graduate from Medical School; see her next letter about her view of “our crazy brother’s proceedings” and her hope “to bring him to his senses.”]
Blackwell, Elizabeth, Autograph Letter Signed, Geneva, New York, December 27, 1848, to her brother Samuel C. Blackwell, Cincinnati
Quarto, 4 pages in very good clean condition. [Written less than a month before her graduation from Medical School on January 23, 1849.]
“Dear Brother mine,
Christmas has come and gone, it seems to have slipped by this year without my knowing, just like
the sun Bettina tells of that roze [sic] behind the party who were eagerly looking for it in the wrong direction.
I was fully expecting Harry, who had promised to keep Christmas with me. I was determined to give him the most home-like welcome possible, so I had cleaned and burnished up my room, and hung it round so richly with the graceful hemlock pine that it was a perfect bower. I stuck candles into four turnips covered with evergreens, provided a store of almonds and raisins, laid the Annualsurrounded by a wreath, ostentatiously on the table, told every body my brother was coming, and then sat down, dressed in best bib and tucker, to await his arrival. I assure you, all looked very bright and pretty, notwithstanding the gloomy weather – then came a knock at the door, I peeped out of the window, and lo and behold, to my astonishment, there stood Kenyon! He soon explained his errand and the lucky chance which timed his arrival on Christmas morning. Of course I had taken the same view of our crazy brother’s proceedings, and having dispatched him a week before, the very strongest letter I could frame, was awaiting his arrival, determined to bring him to his senses. Right glad to have such a powerful auxiliary as Kenyon, we sat down, talked the matter over, and prepared a most powerful battery for the enemy, but still he came not – we deferred reading the Annual till his arrival and talked on the past, present and to come, but at last, night arrived, the last train came in, and no Harry – then we sent to the post office and there was his Annual piece and a letter, stating that he waited to meet Kenyon, who he supposed would come by the Wheeling route, and also Mr. Harris’ cessation of aid and his very uncomfortable position. This of course gave us another theme for discussion. I wrote a few lines to Harry while K peeped into the Annual which he was almost afraid to do, having learned to consider it such a profound secret. Then he must go, so off he went – certainly a kinderhearted cousin, never lived. I cannot therefore give my opinion of the Annual, as I have not read it, for there is a possibility that they may spend New Years with me, in which case, we will have it then in its freshness and beauty, but I just peeped in, and somehow without intending it, I read a very beautiful poem, “Mary Erle”, and a capital one “Onward” and a graceful “Cloud Fantasy” & a mournful “Jeremiad” & Mother’s good introduction & a quiz on the cousin – but the great part still remains untouched and will be respected religiously till Monday. We certainly never had such a poetical inspiration before, we really will have to publish and let the world know what a remarkable family we are.
I am very glad that Kenyon was able to spend the day with me, as the family Christmas was destroyed, poor Harry, how much mischief he has done by his imprudent proceedings. He has disarranged my plans as well as his own and now it seems really difficult to give advice. K however will write you fully, so I need not discuss his affairs.
Matters are proceeding quietly here. People still gossip freely, report my intended marriage, if an unlucky student happen to walk home with me, and still consider me a sort of eccentric monster. The students are very friendly though we have very little personal intercourse. There is one however that I really love like a younger brother – George Field. I don’t know whether I’ve mentioned him to you. He dissected with me last winter and again this year. I’ve never met with a young friend who lets my life flow out so freely as he – most people have a styptic effect upon me – as Mr. Elder says, my inner life “shuts up as tight as a clam shell” – but to George I can talk as it is a pleasure to talk and he has proved himself a true friend – my champion everywhere – of course, all manner of stories have gone
abroad about us, which oblige me now to see scarcely anything of him, but there is a spiritual affinity between us, which will keep our friendship alive, if we never speak to each other again.
The 23rd of January is Commencement Day. I think I shall bear my part respectably, though without much show, which is not in my nature. The Professors, intend to publish my thesis in the February number of the Buffalo Medical Journal, partly to give a little notoriety the College, partly to be an introduction to me abroad. I disliked the notoriety of the thing, as the thesis is quite an ordinary student’s composition (on Ship Fever) but they said it would do me credit and pressed the matter, so I complied.
How much I would like to come and visit you after graduation, for I suppose we shall not leave till April or May, but if I can spend those three months with very great profit in Philadelphia as it is possible I may through our Professor of Surgery, who resides in that city, I shall consider it my duty to do so and I feel as if I had no right to incur the expense of the journey for a selfish gratification.
I hope you all contrived to spend a merry Christmas, notwithstanding the sudden break in the circle.
Kenyon regretted the separation exceedingly. He seems much attached to you all and I think must spend his time very pleasantly with you. I made him describe each member and I assure you we had a good many hearty laughs.
Goodbye, a happy New Year to you all.
E.
I’ve intended many times and always forgotten it when writing, to beg Mother to look after Washie’s studies. The family should settle what is best for him to learn and then call on Dr. Ray frequently to know how he is getting on. The teachers would take much more interest in him and it is ridiculous to let a school boy direct his own studies. Howard regrets very much that he was left to himself and so will W sometimes. Mother should go sometimes and hear him recite pieces – of course he would be very angry at first but that would soon pass off.”
Blackwell, Henry Brown, Autograph Letter Signed, Cincinnati, June 15, 1852 to Elizabeth, and Elizabeth, 44 University Place, New York, June 21st to brother Sam, Cincinnati
Quarto, 2 pages and 1 page, respectively, in very good clean and legible condition.
“Dear Elizabeth,
We have not heard from Sam since he first N.Y. and sent us a hurried sketch of his journey, but
presume he has left you before this, for the various New England visits which he intended to make. I now write partly to him and partly to you and as I have nothing to say to either I supposed you will both be thoroughly edified. And first (lest I forget it) tell Sam that Mr. Kimball who owes Emily the $ 109 upon whom I sent him Emily’s bill a few days since was keeping eatinghouse at Osego when Mother saw him & his mother in law was doing the same at Deposit. It is therefore at one of these two places in all probability that he is now living. I have no doubt but that Sam can learn from the conductors of the Erie R. R. Cars whether they are still there and if not where they are now living.
Folks are all well. Weather warm, mosquitoes plenty. Business dull, so dull in fact that if I had not our society 4th of July celebration to look after as chairman of committee of Arrangements, I should be quite out of employment. Tell Sam that our sales for the first fifteen days of this month are Aenh nh [sic] against monh nh [sic] for the same number of days last month being a falling off Ienh, nh [sic] in fourteen days as compared with same time last year. I have been making some enquiry for George being desirous of getting him a salesman’s situation in some wholesale grocery house where he can travel with me and make acquaintances in the Country. His present position tho in an excellent house, not offering him much prospect of advancement. In this I have not yet succeeded so I suppose I shall not have his company with me this summer as I hoped.
I see you have written a letter to the Woman Convention which is published by the Tribune – short, sensible, and eminently non-committal, in which last, I think you are right. Altho I am fully imbued with their doctrine, bloomers not excepted, you cannot safely identify yourself with them, as the want of good common sense gumption which often marks their proceedings would render you liable to be placed in false position. In fact they have almost succeeded in getting you into one, in this instance, owing to Miss Hunt’s [Harriott Hunt] following up the reading of your letter and her own remarks by a string of unwise resolutions reflecting upon Harvard, Geneva and Cleveland Schools, thereby as it
were doing what they can to put the passive resistance of those schools to the new idea, into an active and antagonistical position, in mere self defense. I think Miss Hunt must lack judgment.
Mother has received a note from her friend Miss Hemings, speaking very warmly of you and Marian with whom she says she took supper and was very cordially recd by you. I am glad you showed her some attention as she is quite an estimable person and has had a very dull time of it in the West.
Tell Sam I have at last got a good title to my lots on Walnut Hills and have put up boards offering those for sale. I find that to move out the frame house on 9th St. would cost more all things considered than would make it a desireable operation to undertake – so I am now negociating with Hinkle for a portable Cottage by way of experiment but think it quite probable I shall not improve at all, but sell when I can make a fair advance on cost. I am scheming and laying plans for myself in business as usual but have nothing particular in view at present. Give my love to Marian. Tell Sam to take his time and believe me. Yours truly H. B. Blackwell”
“Dear Sam,
The enclosed came two or three days ago. I thought at first it would not be worth while to forward
them, but not seeing you and not knowing how strong the attraction of N. E. ladies may be, I send them now with a word of greeting – particularly as Marian has just informed me that there is a Miss Gilson junior to be visited, of whose existence I was ignorant.
All is well. I have made a charming little visit to the Phalanx as my party could not wait longer. I have just seen Miss Harriot K. Hunt who will be in Boston on Sat. so if you have time to stop in at 32 Green St. you will see quite an original character. Frank Washburn called in but you will have heard of his visit from himself. Marian seems better and joins heartily in good wishes. She hopes you will be careful of your heart which she considers should have a superior keeper. We are going tonight to hear Kossuth speak, God bless him!
We shall welcome you back most cordially and mind if I can help you in any way, command my services to the utmost. If I can make any visit to any place, or play the amiable to any strangers in N.Y. I give you carte blanche to employ my sisterly services.
When you come back I want to visit the Ramapo Mountains.
Adieu – success to you ... Elizabeth
Monday June 21st 44 University Place”

1. American National Biography, volume 2., 892-894; Dictionary of American Biography, volume 1,
part two, pp., 320-321; Notable American Women, volume 1, pp., 161-165
2. American National Biography, volume 2, pp., 895-897; Dictionary of American Biography, vol., 1, part two, p. 321

Item ID#: 4656137

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