Personal Letters of George Shedd (1838-1844)

These letters were written to George Shedd while he was at school and later in Denmark, Iowa. There is also one he wrote to Miss A. L. Locke while he was at Dartmouth.

George Shedd was an abolitionist and in Denmark was part of the Underground Railroad. Many of the letters written to him expound upon the abolitionist views of the authors.

Addressed to Mr. George Shedd, Hanover, Dartmouth College, N.H.

Letter

Middlebury April 27^th 1838

Dear Friend

Yours of the 29^th ultimo was received two weeks since. Reasons too numerous to mention here have prevented a more speedy answer. The few short and swift passing days, that are allotted us in this world of changes, are fraught with cares which accumulate with age. I have indeed found that the "path through this wilderness world is rugged and thorny". Although not deprived as yourself of home, and the society of brothers, and sisters, yet I have felt the heavy rod of bereavement. At the tender age of thirteen, when I most needed a fathers protecting care, he was torn from me by the relentless hand of death. Many times since have I been led to explain when I recalled to mind the loss which I then sustained, in common with the rest of the family. What a mysterious providence. But it is good for us to be afflicted. God has declared that he designs our severe chastisements for our good. Yet how prone is the sinful heart to murmur, and repine at his dealings with us. Sometimes when I think of the long forbearance, and timeless mercy of God, exercised towards me in every period of my life, I cannot but adopt the language of another. "The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and plenteous in mercy."

I must sincerely thank you for the papers you have been so kind as to send me. From them I have been able to derive much valuable information. Indeed I have been utterly astonished in reading Mr. Lovejoy’s anti-slavery principles. I perused them with the mingled emotions of joy, and surprise. If these be the sentiments of the body of Abolitionists, I must bid them Good speed. I see nothing in them contrary to sound reasoning, and as science must, and will approve of them. I have many times pictured to myself plans, which I thought would be better than immediate emancipation. But have never felt so satisfied with any as those of Mr. L's, that "emancipation to be of any use to the slave, must be the free and voluntary act of the masters, performed from a condition of its prosperity." This is excellent. He also adds, this, and always has been, the cardinal principle of abolitionists. How different from what I supposed. Never did slavery appear more hateful, and wicked to me, than when I read the soul appaling fact that thousands hold as slaves their own sons and daughters, and brothers and sisters &c.

The abominations of slavery! Would to God that our boasted republic was clear of such a foul stain. Indeed I feel that God will visit the nation with speedy judgments for the wrongs, not only, of the oppressed and downtrodden African, but also for the unparalleled injustice, that they have shown to the Aborigenes of the South. In view of these things ought, we not, as Christians to humble ourselves, and cry mightily unto God, that he would withhold the deserved punishment. Already a threatening cloud seems to hang over our devoted country, and shall we sit and see it gathering darkness and just ready to burst forth upon us, without raising our united supplications for her speedy deliverance. What would be our nations destiny God only knows, were it not that we have some righteous Lots among us.

As it respects our correspondence, I can say with you I hope we shall do nothing wrong in this matter. Should it be continued, you urge the propriety at fixed times to exchange letter which I think would be very proper, in case it should be continued any length time, and in which, I would confide altogether in your superior judgment, and good sense.

Whatever may be the result of your decision, in this, will be satisfactory to me. Should you deem it proper and profitable to continue it, I should think to exchange once in three months would be as often as I could make it convenient. I hope you will not be hindered from what you may judge most conducive for our good, from fear that it may not meet my views, for I will again assure you that I have confidence to trust your opinion in preference to my own.

Mr. George Shedd

Yours with respect Caroline

Addressed to Miss A. L. Locke, Fitzwilliam, N.H.

Letter

Dartmouth College Oct 15, 1838

My dear dear Miss Locke,

Do not, I pray you, from my long neglect to answer your kind, very kind letter, judge me as using flattery, or vain, unmeaning formality in addressing you as dear. I am guilty, I feel guilty, I plead guilty in not writing sooner. Yours came to hand on the day of Com't & let me tell you, as is truth, I never was many times so highly pleased to get a letter. My good br. Rowell was with me at the time & fully, as I though, reciprocated my pleasure. He promised to visit you in my stead, if he could make it possible. I told br. R. that should I visit the South again, & had but three days to spend, I would spend one with you. You are aware, it is presumed, that I did not visit that section of the country. Perhaps it may not be improper to say one word in affirmation of my delinquency in writing. It is very easy, as you know, in the midst of the busy, changing scenes of a vacation to defer if possible letter writing to a more convenient season, to the commencement of another term. Thus did I, but have not found a very convenient season. Recitation or lecture or other meetings are occurring most every hour. But enough --

I want to charge you not to think it "intrusion upon my time" or appearing in too great "feedom" for you to write me frequently & I shall be happy to write as often, perhaps not always so speedily as desireable. I love to read your letters for their literary worth -- this is no vain flattery & you must know it. But I love to read them especially for the spirit of christianity & friendship they breathe. They are no ice burgs, borne along diffusing chills & death, no, no, they come like a balmy May, refreshing to the soul. They breathe a spirit subdued & purified in the furnace of affliction. Your affliction it is plain to me has not been in vain. My sister, God does not send affliction but for our good. We need affliction of some kind.

What should we, what would the world be shortly, were we allowed by providence to glide smoothly on upon the stream of worldly prosperity & pleasure & happiness, without one shoal or eddy of disappointment or affliction to impede our course? We should forget what we are & whither we are going. We should forget our God (Deut 8, 10-20) or think of him only to lift up our heal against him, & should destroy ourselves eternally. I formerly had a classmate & roommate, a dear friend, an unusually devoted Christian, but his health suffered by study & sedentary habits (he was always feeble) & engaged -- he left Coll & engaged in merchantile pursuits. He married another dear friend of mine distinguished for her active piety & benevolence. They settled down, they bought, they sold -- it seemed as if the very ? of heaven vied in bearing them to prosperity & happiness. Their voyage seemed safe -- the much desired haven certain. But during the hard times & storms of late like thousands of others. They stranded & were wrecked of all their prosperity & their many friends of all their hopes. I visited them last vacation, before & after he returned from the cruel jail & what suppose you was their state? unhappy? complaining, distrustful? oh no. They said the blow was from God, they confessed they deserved it all & I am sure they kissed the rod. They were humbled, their prayers were for grace & sanctification & that they might see their duty. They are happy, & by this failure they are laying up princely treasure in a safer, a surer world. I tell you I was astonished at the sight, was conscience smitten in their presence & almost prayed that God would send upon me some signal affliction to lead me nearer to himself, for this kindness & long suffering do seem to fail of their designed effect. But quickly the passage comes & comes again to my mind, "If they hear not Moses & the prophets neither will they be persuaded" &c.

It is a matter of rejoicing to me, as well as to yourself, that you find faithful & kind friends to administer to your wants & necessities & cheer the hours of your "solitude." Tell me, if you can, in sickness, what of earth so soft as the hand of friendship? What so soothing to the weary frame, the aching head? That is one of the excellent, the blessed features of the christian religion, that it inculcates love to our neighbor, to our enemy even, & you, so wise & so good to us is our God, that at the same time he has made it to be more blessed to give than to receive. You were better it seems by your letter, the past season than the previous one & have been moved to your father's house. You will find it now much more pleasant. A sick chamber among strangers, though cheered by a sister ever so kind, is a solitude still. But I am dwelling too much upon your ?ase --

You will ? & write me again soon, won't you. Our term close probably about the 20th of Nov. Can't you write before that time? I can't tell yet in what quarter I shall spend the winter. I suppose you can't have any fears of remarks by others from our correspondence, the most scrupulous will hardly imagine any danger from it, however much they may fear & think they see in letters interchanged between the sexes in ordinary circumstances. But however if it will not savor of egotism, I must beg leave to express an opinion differing materially from the general opinion on this subject. I don't believe, as so many seem to, that letters interchanged thus need prove in ordinary circumstances as quivers full of the barbed arrows of the blind archer boy. But I have not room to do any justice to the thought, & so I'll not enter upon it. Do you continue to write poetry still? Have you formed some acquaintance with the history of the W. I. emancipation? If so, & would undertake it, I should like a poem on that subject. Many pieces have been already written, but there is yet room. It affords one of the best themes for poets & orators the world has ever known -- it is one of the most glorious spectacles ever presented to the gaze & admiration of man. When?! When shall Republican America wash out her blood stained guilt of slavery? How long shall we as a people continue to subject ourselves to the hisses of tyrants, the reproaches of heathens & to the frown of an avenging God! My heart is full, my bosom swells on this subject but must stop.

Do you hear from your br. & sister at the S.I. frequently or of late? Do you hear from any of the various good friends who were at S.I. with us? I never can forget the pleasant scenes of that autumn. Some of the gentleman are no in Coll, such as Shattuck & Butterman good friends here also. It is now three years since we took such pleasure in Virgil -- it seems hardly possible, it all seems but as yesterday. In viewing long years of time in retrospect, it is like looking forward to highest mountains in the ethereal blue. They seem but as a speck! I will send you a catalogue soon that shall tell the story of my ? how she suffered by having a "nigger" within her halls!! I was prophesied that she would be forsaken, false prophesy! Justice & mercy will yet find friends. You will perceive that I have written in great haste. I am ashamed of the blunders I find in reading it over - you must throw a veil over them & the black marks I have made, & not notice them nor expose them. My kind regards to you sister & such other friends as my be with you.

Yours as ever,

George

Addressed to Mr. George Shedd, Rindge, N.H.

Letter

Dartmouth College, Sept. 4^th, 1839

Br. Shedd,

You have probably been to the P. Office many times with the hope of finding a letter from me, and perhaps you have often wondered where your Dartmouth friends all are and what they are doing. They are all here and doing well so far as I know, but unless some of them have been better correspondents than I have been so far, you know just about as much in relation to things here, as though there was no D. Coll. But without any apology or extenuation, I plead guilty and promise "to do better." Matters are going on here about as usual. Nothing unusually interesting has transpired, but all is quite and peaceful. The Freshman class has upwards of ninety names I liken, but will not, probably number one hundred. The class appears very will indeed - will bear comparison with any Freshman class, probably. The Sophomore class we hope will still afford 100 names for the catalogue. Several have left, some have been kindly recommended to remain away awhile by Pres Lord - whose kind parental feelings are probably without a parallel, and 6 or 7 have come in.

We have done nothing as yet about catalogues. Mr. Park's address will be published in pamphlet form for the use of the faculty & students, and is promised the first of Oct.

The Freshmen have been initiated into the U. Fraternity, and will be this evening into the S. Friends. They have not been initiated into the Theo. Soc. nor the Handel Soc. They will be initiated into the two latter next week, probably. Four members have been elected into the Glee Club. Geo. Chase, Danl. Dutton, a Mr. Furber, & a Mr. Mason of the Freshman Class - whether they will see fit to unite with us I do not yet know. We have not done much yet. We spent the time this morning mostly in business - admitting members, accepting some few by laws &c. We are about to send for the Orphean Lyre and shall have it here in little more than a week. The Handel Soc. is doing well, and although small goes on as usual. We shall find quite a number to admit, I think. Br. Lenny has a school, Br. Bunton one, & Br. H. Merrill one. Mr. Cook continues to instruct the private class. I have a class, viz. Jno., Ellen & Arabella Wood. I have spent three hours with them, but think I shall spend only one more. They have not a musical ear, and are unable yet, to rise from 1 to 2 correctly, and I think that Jno. & Ellen never will do anything with music. At any rate, I can't drill with them much longer. Tutor J. Bartlett is here and Chas. Lenny, who graduated two or three years ago is the tutor in the mathematics. There are only 2 tutors. Mr. Peaslee is attending the medical lectures. There are about 75 medical students I believe and the new professors are popular. I hear remarks frequently in relation to Dr. Holmes. Well what more is there here to tell about? I have sold your desk, bedstead, stove & "Joe." The other articles are unsold. I could not find your life insurance instrument, although I searched thoroughly. I found your herbarium under your papers and have laid it up to await your orders.

My health during vacation was not good, and I did little or nothing. I spent one week in Cornish in company with my sister, and should have had a very pleasant time had my health been better. As a matter of course my most pleasant visit was with Miss C__. I spent nearly two days there. We thought of going down to see that good girl who sometimes writes in Latin, Miss H__ but the weather was unfavourable. I made a good deal of ? upon seeing Harriet. You have heard from her no doubt. Miss C__ closed her school, I suppose, last Friday if she lost no time after I saw her, and will spend a part of the whole of the Fall at home. She is a good girl, isn't she? Br. Shedd: some of the Cornish girls regard her with rather a jealous eye of late, and why you know as well as I do. Why, because she goes to commencement. She expects to spend the winter at Albany, or hopes to. I shall hear from her probably in a little more than one week, and should like quite well to see her, as much as no doubt you would like to see H__. But I will not prolong my remarks in relation to her, but pray with you that "Heaven may ever bless her." I feel a solicitude in relation to her education, but think it will be brought round right, as her mother is deeply interested in that respect, and she has got a good mother indeed.

You wrote me that you had not found any business - one probably should not this fall, and in case you did not, should go to Andover. If you go there, it is possible that I shall be near you next winter. I think it most likely that I shall spend the winter in the vicinity of Reading again. I have written to Mr. Orcutt in Reading, but it is not time for a reply. I hope I shall get a place where I can earn #200, although I do not expect it. I need it to pay my debts &c. The student that has little or nothing to pay his expenses cannot but have hours and days that are dark and cheerless. But his motto should be onward, and the trials and difficulties that beset his path will by degrees give way to brighter hopes & fairer prospects. And when last in reverie he builds his airy palaces and dreams of blissful days and the constant society of that one whose voice, speaking in tones of love, can hush every tumultuous feeling to rest, he too, sometimes enjoys a short season of happiness. He can sometimes forget that thorny path which it is his lot to travel and dream of rosy ? and ? ever fair and green. Such feelings are no strangers in your bosom, I presume.

Now, Br. Shedd, do you feel - now the cable is severed that bound you to College and responsibilities thick around you? While in college, we have but few cares comparatively. I have often thought, how shall I feel when I bid adieu to "alma mater" and launch forth my frail back, to be tossed by every gale that fans, and every storm that beats. I know not, I cannot know the feelings which will then crowd upon me. But, Br. Shedd, will be sent to feel - though friends forsake - though fortune frown - though our path be strewed with thorns, that one heart is ours, that there is one for whom we could live - and brace all the trials and sorrows we might be called to endure. Such an one may it be your happy lot to find, and with her may your back glide gently and smoothly across the troubled sea of life, and anchor at last in the port of everlasting rest.

I have just rec'd a paper from you, and hope I shall occasionally receive papers, and I will return the favour. I received a specimen of trass rock of Ainsworth, and must say I think it very fine indeed. He let me have another mineral, the name of which I have not yet ascertained. I am collecting a small cabinet for Miss Pamilia Chapman, a sister of Miss E. and have got about 4 varieties. She is a young girl, but ? a taste ? mineralogy, and it affords me much pleasure to encourage it in her. I wish to present her with a ? cabinet of some 75 or 100 varieties, if can find them for her. We can exert some influence in this humble manner, and inspire a love for the natural sciences, which may give a colouring to the intellectual character that will never be effaced.

Another has joined the soph. class today, which makes our number 100, if I mistake not. I trust the class will ever sustain its present reputation, for scholarship and manly conduct. We are reading Livy and studying ? Surveying. Miss Roberts has moved to Mr. Comings, and is rather more comfortable just now. It is not to be expected, however, that she will ever enjoy fine health again.

I trust that you will write me a long letter as soon as you can, telling me of your adventures, what you are about and what your present expectations are. Glad should I be to see some of the last graduating class - they seemed different from the present senior class. The present Sophomore class is doing well - as steady as you please - no indication of pushing or calls for football - and in relation to the recitations in Latin Prep, Sanborn has made the remark that he has not heard a class since he has been here who do up recitations like this class.

I am aware, Br. Shedd, that this letter will be very uninteresting, as it a jumbled up concern, written without regard to arrangement, but you will please accept it with the assurance of sincere and affectionate remembrance by your friend. I shall write again ere long. Write me soon & at length.

Yours &c,

T. Rickard

Addressed to Mr. George Shedd, West Farms, N. York

This letter was written by Julia Ann Tracy and Phoebe P. Tracy Dutton regarding the death of their sister, Harriet.

Letter

Claremont NH Feb 12^th 1840

Your kind letter, My Dear Friend, was very gratefully received; it contained that sympathy which the afflicted alone know how to value, and the only consolation which can assist in wiping away the mourner's tear. It is indeed comforting to know that we have friends who feel for us, and feel likewise to share with us in some degree in our bereavement. Yes, Mr. Shed, I am bereft of a dear dear sister, you of a kind and affectionate friend, of one who thought and spoke of you as being possessed of a brother's feelings towards her. It would be useless for me to attempt to describe my feelings at present. You can better imagine them. You said in your letter that you knew we loved each other, true it was, and could it have been otherwise, that the I should love a sister, who cared for my welfare equal to that of her own, and who was studying to do me some good. I have indeed parted with such a sister for the last time, she has gone where I can never, never see her again in this world. Although three months have elapsed since I saw her laid in her last silent resting place, yet at times I cannot realize her death. I think of her as still living; when again I feel it in all its realities, and as I weep, I call her dear name, but receive no answer, no her sweet voice is hushed in death.

I was with her only the last week of her sickness, although she was very desirous of seeing me, and would frequently call for me in her wanderings, still not considering her dangerous, and knowing it would be very difficult for me to leave brother Edwin's at that time, they delayed sending for me until just one week before her death, when she became more anxious to see me, stating her fears that she never should unless they sent for me soon, which was immediately done. I arrived there quite late Saturday eve, went directly to her chambers, when she clapsed me in her arms, and exclaimed "O sister bless God for this O bless God!" Shurely I felt to do so.

But how changed! I could hardly believe that it was the same dear sister, who was, when we parted a few weeks before, in such perfect health. Those pale cheeks, parched lips, and emaciated features, were a strange contrast. It seemed hardly possible that so quite a change could have been produced in so short a time as two weeks.

I left her bedside but little after that time until she died. She was able to consume but very little after I was with her; when she did it was evidently with much pain. If she ever saw me shed tears, which I could not refrain from when I witnessed her extreme sufferings, she would beg of me not to weep, and would exert herself to the utmost to speak some words of colsolation. The progress of her disease was very rapid; we saw that she must die. Still I could not realize that it would indeed be so, and allowed myself to hope for a favourable termination of her disease until the last hour. That hour came, and brought with it its sad realities; it passed away, and with it passed the happy spirit of my dear sister to the realms of glory. I cannot say that I at that hour of its reconciled to the will of God.

Still I felt to recall the spirit flesh, but when serious reflection took the place of passionate grief, I could but see that our sense of affliction was mingled with no small share of mercy, and that the grandness of God followeth us continually. I was even happy, in thinking that my sister was happy, that she was with those whose spirits were congenial with her own, that sorrow would visit her tender bosom no more, and that she had fought a good fight, obtained the victory, and was at rest. And now what have I to do: This is a quick reply:

May God grant it, for his son's sake.

My health has been good as usual the past winter, with the exception of severe colds; am now living with Sister P and shall probably continue to for the present. My friends are all in good health. Brother E and wife with their little daughter paid us a visit last week, in good health and spirits. I promised to leave a little space for sister to write a word, therefore I will leave the rest for her to say. Shall be very happy to hear from you any time when you will please to write.

Your affectionate friend,

J. A. Tracy

Feb 14

Dear Brother,

The little space left, I gladly occupy. My mind has been often with you this winter, and would oft have made the enquiring as it respects your boarding society, &c. And it would have been a pleasure, had you been so near, that I could have exercised a little sisterly kindness and watch care over one to whom I shall ever feel under obligation, for acting the part of a brother to a dear now departed sister whose memory will ever be dear to my heart. Yes, all that once interested one so dear, is now doubly interesting to me, and to us all, even to my little children, for all that Aunt Harriet said or did, is now held sacred by them and repeated with solemnity. And when I reflect that three months have now passed since the last closing scene of dear H's life, I am led to exclaim with the Poets: "Time what an empty vapor ''tis! And days how swift they are! Yes, our life is ever on the wind. And death is ever nigh."

Your kind letter my dear brother was hailed as no unmeaning messenger. The Christian consolation it contained was indeed healing to my poor bleeding heart. And yours was not a solitary one neither for we have received many such, not only from our own dear friends but from others whom we have never seen - friends in Connecticut who were warmly attached to dear sister. O it is in affliction only that we can learn the value of Christian consolation. What a multitude of exceeding great and precious promises would be in vain to us in the word of God, if we were never thrown into circumstances where we could feel their value. In view of these things then, we have reason to receive affliction from the hand of God submissively, gratefully, and so as to receive profit.

Albert Chase, Mother & Sister Rebecca visited us last week. They inquired for you. You have perhaps heard of Newton's death. He died in Illinois - the family are quite afflicted. The great Connecticut Valley Whig Convention was held in this town on Wednesday of this week. The Great and I hope some of the good were assembled. It was judged that a thousand people were present. When I obtain the paper I will send you the proceedings. Husband wishes to be remembered.

The message I did not mention & to which you refer, was respecting your letters. Sisters request was that I should enclose them and return them to you, and I will have it with you to decide whether I shall forward them by mail, or retain them until you can make us a call. You will now favour us with another of your kind letters soon. Although my poor scrawls are worthless things, still such as they are, you shall have, if acceptable.

Yours with respect,

P.P. Dutton

Addressed to George Shedd, Theological Seminary, New York City

This letter was written by Calvin and Maria Rowell Tracy.

Letter

Norwich July 20th '40 - evening

Dear Brother,

We received your letter this morning, & though I am much fatigues with the cares of the day (having had a wedding here this afternoon), yet my thoughts revert to you & the contents of your epistle that I cannot return without chatting with you a little. As it regards your leaving West Farms, from what I have heard you say of the people, I am satisfied it is no place for you. It never would have been congenial to your feelings & habits of thinking & acting, & if so, seeing you were not accumulating thousands it was quite as well for you to leave when you did. But though you have not added to the weight of your purse, yet no doubt your experience there will be of lasting benefit to you, in many ways, & some of which you may never be sensible of in this world. It will doubtless lead you to distrust yourself, & to place less confidence in man (which, if not the more pleasant is the safer course), & is what we need to be constantly reminded of, will lead you to look to the hand that directs & governs the universe, for guidance & help. It is true you are "but a speck in God's vast dominions, but remember that not a sparrow falls to the ground without his notice, & that he has said, fear not, ye are of more value than many sparrows, & if he clothe so beautifully the flowers of the field, will he not much more clothe you?

I trust you will yet see cause to say even in this world, "It is good for me that I have been afflicted." But at any rate, tho' we do not know what God does now we shall know hereafter, & if troubles lead you to the true source of comfort, if they teach you to depend more upon God, & lead to closer communion with him while you endeavor to lie submissive at his feet, & say "they will be done," you may certainly have the sweet hope that "All things are working together for your good" & if so, the high & mighty ones of the earth might envy you, for an incorruptible crown, & without thorns is waiting for you in Heaven. Then do not despond, but look at things in their true light. You will doubtless be interested to know that husband's blind brother has recently visited us. He is spending a few months in Boston learning to work, and has succeeded in learning to make very nice mats & shoe brushes & designs to learn to make brooms. He feels that he has been highly favored in being able to learn so soon. And could you see the satisfaction that rests on his sightless countenance as he speaks of being able to support his family you would feel that you have yet much to be thankful for. I have not heard from N. Ipswich since you were here, and know not whether they are alive or dead. I do sincerely sympathise with you in the necessity which prevents you from paying that so much anticipated visit but never mind. It will be the sweeter when you do go. My "gude mon" was in the Jarseys two full years during which we did not see each other, & all from stern necessity. So cheer up man. Your case is none of the worst. Let us hear from you whenever you make a new movement. We thank you for your kind wishes, & pray they may be returned upon your own head a hundred fold.

In your letters you did not say anything of the little errand I requested you to do for me about the "Mentor & Fireside review". When you write again will you be so good as to tell me whether there were or were not any numbers of it to be had. I have rec'd none.

Yours truly

M. C. Tracy

Brother Shedd -- Maria has left me most of the sheet, but you will not require me to fill it, though I should be glad so to do, were I not so much driven by my school at present. We are preparing for examination, exhibition &c. and that you may perhaps be aware for a while, demands all my time. I regret that you should meet with disappointments and losses. We are however all liable to them, and perhaps it is well to anticipate them, and they are thereby somewhat lightened when they come to be endured. But with regard to a situation which you could fill provided you wish to teach -- I at present know of none though I have no doubt that should you wish you would be able to find one without difficulty. Should I hear of any I will immediately inform you should I know where a letter would find you. Your recommendation of the Auth. was all sufficient - I only wished to learn your views. It is of course gratifying to me to find that you are pleased with it. May I ask that if you hereafter be engaged in teaching that you would make whatever effort you may think proper for its introduction; or should you have opportunities to introduce it to the notice of other teachers, with whom you may meet, that you would refer them to the work. And also that you would show them in what the peculiarity of the work consists.

Brother N's school is not large yet. He is doomed to meet with disappointment as well as yourself -- indeed I do not believe he will stay here long. He talks very decidedly of leaving. The packet of books, money and all came safely to hand. They reached me the same morning the letter did. We shall ever be happy to hear from you, and trust that we shall have that pleasure, wherever your future residence may be.

Yours truly

C. Tracy

Brother N's health is by no means good, and he begs to be excused from filling a part of this sheet. He will remember you when more at leisure and in better health. His wife's health is also feeble and they are very much troubled about kitchen help. She consequently desire to be excused. They both desire a kind remembrance.

C. Tracy

Addressed to George Shedd, Cincinnati, Ohio

This letter was written by George Berkely Rowell - missionary to Hawaii from American Board (mentioned in letter); brother of Maria Rowell Tracy & Eliza Rowell Shedd (wife of George Shedd's brother Charles).

Letter

Andover Theol. Sem. Jan. 20, 1841

Dear Br. George,

I will now commence a reply to you very welcome favor of Sept. 6th, though it is uncertain whether I complete it in a month. I generally have to make the excuse that I am pressed business, but must now confess that I never knew before what it is to be driven. I can tell you this business of writing sermons is no trifling affair. I never thought so seriously of giving up the ministry as I have this winter, not because I wish to avoid the labor of it, but because I am not sufficient for it. I am almost overwhelmed when I think of the greatness and awful solemnity of the business of acting as ambassador from the court of Heaven to perishing immortal souls. When I make a ? of the difficulty of the work, & sit down [to pre]pare my message, I feel crushed to the earth. So far do my words come short of what I would say, so exceedingly puerile & weak in comparison with what the subject demands, the I am ready to despair of ever being able to affect anything by trying to preach the Gospel. It has recently been a serious question with me whether I have not mistaken my calling. Yet to give up the idea of carrying the news of salvation to the heathen will be like giving up the ghost. But I will not give it up yet. I will hold on a little longer. Perhaps the Lord will yet condescend to speak by me. I am not sure I do not wish to speak my own words, no to preach myself, but to proclaim Christ crucified. I confess I have been almost discouraged of late, but perhaps, or rather I know, I have been disposed to trust in my own strength, and it may be the Lord is trying to show me that my sufficiency is of him alone. I do wish to learn that lesson. I have been hard at work for three or four weeks, have written but a small part of one sermon as yet, & what I have written, I am almost ready to throw into the fire every time I take up my paper. Yet we have been ? licensed to preach in the chapel & I expect to be called on to preach there in a few weeks. You will say, this is being driven into finally ? ?, & so it is. Yet there is one thought that gives me some consolation, that is that I shall not be obliged to do more than I can. Writing is a more difficult business with me than with any one else, owing partly probably to the fact that I have not written half so much as most persons at my stage of progress in studies, not having been ? up to it in the academy & college as I ought to have been. However I intend now to make a desperate effort to remove this mountain.

I received your letter while teaching a select school in Holden, near Worcester, & it was quite a cordial to my spirit, for the school was not a very comforting one, & a word from an absent friend not & then was like an oasis in the desert. The difficulty was, the school was rather backward, & I worked like a dog all the time, & went home every night discouraged & despairing of ever being able to beat any thing into them. If the two schools I have taught in Mass. have afforded me a fair specimen of Massachusetts mind, especially the female portion, then I say give me the sons & daughters of the N.H. hills. Why, you know the girls we used to have up there among the granite rocks, would make almost nothing of swallowing an Algebra or Euclid whole, but down here, you have to drill a week before you can lodge a mathematical idea in the brain. But I hope I have not seen a fair specimen of Mass mind as shown in youth. However, to my ? of it I can report some honorable exceptions.

I could deeply sympathise with you in your disappointment, & with the feelings you cherished towards her who was the cause of it, though it is doubtless all over with now. I must confess I was at a loss how to account for her conduct, & I have less regard for her than I did. I have not seen her for 2 or 3 years. She has not been to Andover & Mr. Rockwood tells me she does not expect to come. Her father's house was burned down in autumn which makes him feel pretty poor. I hope your loss in this matter has already been made up, for they say the west is a wondrous place for the business of getting married. Indeed I am not sure in receiving your letter, that you told me all that occurred on that "famous 10th," to which your minister at the wedding was "willing to defer it." I shall wait to be enlightened on that point. Meanwhile I will state to you my own experience of a disappointment similar to yours, though not exactly similar. Since I wrote you I have made proposals to a young lady, & have been disappointed in that I hoped, not however because she was not willing, but because her father would not consent. His plea was that she is too young. She is indeed rather young, between 19 & 20, yet I promised to wait for her till she was nearly 21, but he "couldn't come it quite." This was as severe a trial as any that I ever felt, but it did not kill me & I trust that there is no earthly trial than can. She is an excellent girl & one that I love dearly, but I most lose her. I do not feel at liberty to stay away from the heather longer than I proposed. You would be none the wiser if I should tell her name & whereabouts, for you have never seen nor heard of her nor any of her friends. I have told no one of it as yet & I think I had better not at present. So I am yet without a nail to hang on & am likely to be for some time. But doubtless Providence will arrange matters right with me & I will not trouble myself about it. -- Had a delightful visit from my best sister Maria a week or two since. Was attending a meeting of the Porter Rhetorical Society one evening, when a card was sent in to me, saying that Mr. Tracy & lady were at the Hanson House. I had not dreamed of it, & I can tell you my feet had wings. He had come into this region on business & she took it into her mind to come & stay with me in the time. Having friends in Haverell, 14 miles from here, we took the cars & went to ? & spent a few very pleasant days, while Mr. T. went to Lowell & Nashua. She inquired particularly for you, had not heard that you were gone to the West, expressed a good deal of sympathy for your trials & disappointments in connection with your residence at W. F. It was hard to part with her again, to see her, perhaps but once or twice more in this life, if at all. Had not seen her for two years & a half. By the way, br. said that while in Nashua he called on a friend in the evening who proposed having a little sing, & said there was a young lady, a very good singer, a few doors from him & he would call her in. He did so, & lo, Miss Betsey Abbot made her appearance. She had been a scholar of br. when he taught singing school in ?. She sent her respects to me. Is teaching school in N.

But I will now go a little farther back in history, say about anniversary time, as I believe I have not written you since then. We had a splendid anniversary. The graduating class did themselves much honor as all confessed. Many of them I thought outdid themselves. Pro? you saw in the papers ? of Dr. Norris address & Dr. Cox's sermon. But a thing that enhanced the agreeableness of the occasion to me was a visit from Miss Hannah Shattuck. I went down to Hampton the week before, to attend the meeting of the General Assocn of NH, where I found her & her father. I invited her to come with me to the anniversary & she accepted the invitn & spent nearly a week here in the family of Mrs. Johnson. Had a very pleasant visit with her. It was, of course, reported here that I was engaged to her. However, I knew better & so did she, & I presume we shall not either of us be troubled much about other people's suspicions. She is quite a good girl, in my opinion, & not to be despised for a wife. If she had a constitution & health sufficient for the missionary work, I do not know what I might do. But she has not & therefore that question is settled. She went home from here under the protection of Mr. Ald? Walker, who was going to Lebanon to his depot. I presume you have heard that he is to marry (if he has not already) Col. Baker's eldest daughter, Mary Ann. He has recently been ordained & settled in West Rutland Vt. -- We have quite a lot of Dartmouth students here this year. I believe all your old classmates who were here last year are here still, except Wells, who is at Canandagua N.Y. & Baldwin, who is at Meriden. Your classmates Adams, Hall & Rockwood have entered the junior class. Also of the class after you, Badger, Bowman, Benton, Merrill, Porter -- But excuse my stupidity, it just occurred to me that you have already read these names from the catalogue I sent you. I forgot there was such a thing as a catalogue in the world. But there is one thing I presume you don't find in it, viz Benton is president of the Lockhart soc. Swift served as prest a few weeks & then resigned, & Sanderson, Hosford & me were successively chosen in his stead. But we K. K. K, Kouldnt Kome it Kwite, & then Benton was elected & he accepted. He is a good fellow, but not an extraordinary singer, yet does better for us than any other would. I suppose Merrill is a better singer than B. but his is so large, the office wouldn't hold him, so it was thought best not to elect him. Hosford is head & shoulders above all the rest as a musician, but he has not a good voice for leading, & on that account declined the office. We do not sing so well this year as last. Wells & Baldwin have left quite a chasm in our society.

I have offered myself to the Am. Board within a few days, but have not heard whether I am accepted or not. Probably the committee have not yet met to consider my case. I think it quite probable I shall be rejected as unqualified for the work, for I am deeply conscious of my utter insufficiency for the business of breaking to dying souls the bread of life. If I should not be accepted, I think it not very unlikely that I shall relinquish the design of preaching for that of teaching, or perhaps for the farm. I do not know where I shall be located if I should be accepted by the Board. I suggested to them that my feelings were enlisted in the Syrian & Persian missions as much as in any, though I wished to be entirely at the disposal of the com. to be sent to where I should be most needed. They like to have the candidates express their preferences if they have any in respect to their location.

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Have heard nothing from N. Ipswich recently, except indirectly that Charles was entering the academy this winter, but I know not how large the school. Reason you hear more frequently than I do.

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Abolition is "going down" here, and up too, all over the country. The Liberty Party is strengthening every day. I think abolitionists are finding out that Whigs are Whigs, Democrats, Democrats still & not abolitionists.

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We are now on the tiptoe of suspense waiting for news from Supreme Court. Probably the case will be decided before this reaches you. My principal hope for the ? is in the prayers that are going up for them, rather than in the disposition of judges uninfluenced by power from above to give an equitable decision.

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I suppose I can tell you no news respecting friends either yours or mine. I think I hear from my friends as often as if I were in China. Br. Dwight wrote me not long since. He will be through at Oxford next month, when he expects to go to Boston or N. York. He wishes to become acquainted with the city trade. I heard from home while I was in Holden, but no particular news. Br. Joseph is at Meriden. They named E's little one George, & something else which they had not concluded upon. But I must close of course. Let me hear again ? of course. George

Addressed to George Shedd, Cincinnati

Letter

Friend George

Enclosed I send five dollars to Dr. ? & held for the small truss which, as usual, I have let go on credit where it is uncertain whether I shall ever get any thing for it. That however is my work not his.

I also owed some instruments which I wish you would get an instrument maker to put in order. The enclosed cash above $5 for this purpose. Uncertain whether there has been an edition of the United States Dispensatory in 1840 or since embracing the improvements of the last edition of the US Pharmacopoeia - if there has what it costs. Thus far the summer has proved unusually healthy -- much more so than it was in the Spring. Of course I am doing very little and brother Adams has quite as much leisure as he desires. As you are to be here so soon there is no use in telling you a long story so will close by assuring you that I will do all I can to enable you to earn your salt.

Yours

H Jewett

Addressed to George Shedd, Denmark, Iowa

Letter

Keosauqua Van Buren Co, Iowa

June 6, 1843

Dear Brother

Yours was received by the last mail and though I somewhat expected to hear that you had come to the conclusion that you have yet I must confess that I felt "least sorrow" to learn that it was even so. I have collected together your effects as follows to wit:

Sprage (?)
Coat
Library of Practical Medicine Vols. 2, 3, 4, 5
Surgery Illustrated
Midwifery Illustrated*
Eberle on Children
Stoke's & Bell's Practise
Dewees on Females*
Pancoast's Wistan Vols. 1 & 2
Dunglison's Human Physiology Vols. 1 & 2*
Listons Elements of Surgery
Ripley's System of Midwifery

*John's pet squirrel being very desirous of displaying some of his mischievous tricks of which he is full so he mounted the bookcase and tried the sharpness (?) of him on the back of Dewees on Females. I am sorry but cannot help it.

* I send you the Physiology as I have no time at present to read. You can keep it if you can pay for it. If not send it to me and I will keep it and pay for it.

Is the above list all? I send them by Mr. Bussel ? of the Post Master of Fort Madison. You will find them there.

When I told Mrs. Hadden's family of your determination Mrs. H. exclaimed "O the naughty Boy". The girls said "Give him our good bye." Mr. H. said he was sorry and as you would not stay his bill is $5.00.

Dr. B? has just returned from St. Louis. He is very sorry that you do not come to our City. Dr. Ball has purchased that office that you first though of taking and this for $250 down. Where did Drs get so much money I would like to know? Brother and I have purchased a farm two miles from this city. You pass through it in going by the way of Utica to Fort Madison. We are now digging a well upon it. I made this purchase because if I find that I cannot discharge the duties of a minister on account of Mrs. R. health I can retire to a home with the prospect of a support from cultivation of a farm. Mrs. R's health is about as same you left. Nancy had the ague. I also a batch of it also am now in tolerable health.

The news from England is truly cheering. I have one to relate which will at least amuse you and which I have just received from head quarter at Ripley O. Some time ago some 7 or 8 slaves ran away from Ky. and colonized themselves without their masters consent to the Britannic Majesty's Dominion in Canada. As usual for the Ohio in and about Ripley County those who "could not be persuaded to leave their masters if liberty was offered. They thought it best to lay around the houses of certain noted Abolitionists in the vicinity of Ripley, thus they hoped to catch them assisting them to get away. It happened that Mr. John McCoy's house was watched among the rest. (Mr. McCoy is a very noted abolitionist a fearless man and lived some six or eight miles from town). One night as they were watching his house, it so happened as it often does with mankind that Mr. McCoy had occasion to get up and go out and as he opened the door they ran and hid behind the ash hopper and walked up to it as if nothing was the matter and leaned against it and pissed away in their faces and then walked back into the house and into bed. They had to lie and take it patiently for they were afraid to stir for fear of getting a sound ? and being known. What do you think of that? Nothing new. My respects to all the friends. I must close this without looking over it or not get it in the mail. Write soon.

Yours as ever

A. L. Rankin

N.B. I rolled the castor oil and spray in the coat therefore be careful when you unroll it. You will find the oil in two small bottles instead of one for the other day Nancy in her carelessness broke your bottle and I succeeded in saving the contents of it two small bottles I send.

Yours

A. L. Rankin

Young Mr. Russell is meeting the mail therefore as he is going up to Fort Madison with a buggy I send the books &c by him.

Letter

This letter refers to a possible relationship between George Shedd and the author's sister. From the contents, this was possibly a misperception by the author. At any rate, George Shedd married Abigail Houston later that year.

Wednesday Feb 21st, 1844

Doct Shedd,

So I was glad to receive a communication from you a few weeks since. I am happy to find that we understand each other better than we have done. There has always been so much kindess & good feeling between us, (do I say more than the truth) that I should feel unwilling to have any unpleasant feelings arise now. I am sorry that we have not understood each other better in months past. It would not be telling the truth to say that I ever had any hard feelings towards you but there was a time when I felt exceedingly perplexed to know what you meant.

I often asked myself, why you should say so much about my sister when at the same time you were seeking acquaintance with Miss T. Had it not been for the confidence I always felt in you I should have thought you did it to trifle with my feelings. But it was impossible to indulge such an idea, & I never have found a satisfactory reason. After you showed me a note you received & I found the acquaintance with that individual was at an end I supposed you would renew the conversation we had on a certain occasion last winter. Your silence at the time was inexplicable. After a long time had elapsed & I had given up thinking about it, you remarked that "you were coming in to talk with me about my sister." Soon after I received a letter & took pains that you should know it & also that I was about returning & answer. But nothing was said I was again perplexed. I had an abundance of time for reflection, & conjured up many & various reasons for your silence. The most plausible one that presented itself was that you had become interested in another individual & was it any thing strange? what other conclusion would I arrive at?

This opinion was confirmed by hearing "busy bodies" speaking of your attentions to that individual, & acting upon the principle that "what every body says must be true," I settled down into a firm conviction that your affections were placed upon her, & supposed that you would never mention sister's name again. But I thought it not quite fair that you should leave me in such an unpleasant state of suspense, when there was apparently so much confidence between us.

These remarks are made in consequence of a remark in your communication to this effect, "& yet I can't but think you must regret it is so," referring to a pledge on your part & meaning I suppose that you think I would like one. I never thought that to be expected of you. But I did want as much as this, to know that your affections were not given to another. I would have been folly for me to expect or even wish you to transfer them upon sister should she see fit to accept my invitation.

I finally concur with you in the opinion that this subject better be dropped. I would not like to be censured with wishing to pull down anyone for the sake of building up my sister on the ruins. I think she is worthy of a better foundation. I regret what has transpired for two reasons. The first is, I am disappointed in my hopes. When you first named the subject to me I thought our meeting together in this western country was providential. I thought it was to bring about such an event, & although every circumstance seemed unfavourable to such a result I thought it would somehow be brought about, & I find it almost impossible even now to divest myself of such an idea. But my anticipation of having a sister for a neighbor is cut short.

My second reason it that I should now be reluctant to send for her to come here even should the prospect for school-teaching be ever as flattering. I should feel an unwillingness to have her here after so much has been said. But my husband says that I should undoubtedly see that it has all been for the best. I hope so. At least I will try & think so. I hope you will get as good a wife as you want & see no reason why you do not deserve such an one. Finally I hope the same good feelings which now exist between us, will always exist & that our friendship may never be sullied by the poisonous breath of this slanderer.

H. T.

Addressed to George Shedd, Denmark, Iowa

Letter

Cincinnati 19 Aug 1844

My Old Friend Shedd,

How are ye by this time? Located, married, making pills & rolling in western clover I suppose. Very well, go ahead while you are yourself. Have not heard from you since we parted 3 yrs ago, until a line for your bro. this morn told your whereabouts -- Did not suppose you were out west, but think you wise in going there. I love that glorious prairie country. It's fine for doctors. There is much to praise in the spirit of the people, where the hunting gentry have retired.

But you must know what I have been doing since we met. Studied dentistry - practiced 20 months in Miss. - fond of my profession - up here to spend 7 or 8 wks. of sickly season. Staid there last summer - had lots of chill & fever that sickly season - like the climate all 3 mos. in year - but not the society - am somewhat southernized, but as much as ever opposed to slavery and a little more so -- it is a monstrosity, the more seen the more ugly. Came here & spend 3 wks. last Dec. at an A.S. sewing soc. meeting one eve, introduced by friends Drs. Knowlton & Newton as Dr. B. P. Chist (?) - acted the southerner in the most unfeeling manner imaginable, defending sl. in discussion with them an hour, all the while relating stories of the cruel treatment &c. I had seen or heard there, its workings, &c. Such feelings of indignation you can't begin to conceive of. One lady said to another "He's a real southerner, he looks like a slaveholder, I can't bear to look at him." At length one lady unable to stand it longer left the room and nearly all the others had big tears in their eyes. Mr. Smith, at whose house we were, just giving me over as an incorrigible slavite, was about as I perceived, to order me to quit his house, and having carried it as far as I wished, stopped it by telling them that I was as good an abolitionist as any of them - the affair understood was followed by such a fuss & laughter as you never did hear - one of the richest scenes I have every enjoyed - laugh every time I think of it - soon the lady mentioned above said to her neighbor "I've taken another look at him, he looks a good deal better now" - some of them kept their husbands awake half the night with the relation of it, stories &c. To make amends sent one of the $3 to aid the soc. for the relief of destitute emigrants to Vic'y land of liberty.

The liberty party here are getting along swimmingly. I'm a non-resistant & Faurierite in the abstract - intend to visit the phalanx at Clermont soon. Parson Miller is holding an 8 days meeting at the 100 ft. square tabernacle here.

It is often said that A. S. movements have made the conditions of the slaves worse - not true - they are better fed, clothed, & less harshly treated generally, then they were 10 yrs. ago - they have more preaching such as it is. I have several planters, who care no more for the gospel than the Turks, who this year pay a pretended preacher $50 to preach to slaves on their plantations - the gospel they give servants, be obedient &c. is beneficial to the master, operating on the fears of the ignorant slave who is sold if he disobey his master. God will punish him with eternal scorching. Although a strong believer in good old high toned Calvinism, I am somewhat disposed to think that the slaved should be saved, any how, not because they are so good but for being no worse - exposed as they are to double concentration of everything to make men bad.

The state of society is improving at the south. A debating society in the country had for a question lately that of the worth, "Which is the greatest evil, slavery or the use of ardent spirits," and became so interested in it that they deferred it for continuation at another meeting. You can't imagine the contempt I fell for those northern scoundrels, who go to the south pretending to preach the gospel - they usually are the worst advocates for slavery - lately heard one of those infamous gentry say in a crowd that all the sin of slavery was in the abuse of it. I have several nigger catchers with dogs who are infinitely honorable men compared with these clerical renegades. They'll get their reward, that's some consolation. Most of intelligent planters freely admit that all men are created with equal rights, that slaveholding in itself is sinful, &c. but excuse themselves as best they can. I know men owning hundreds of slaves or nearly that number, who say that Johnny Q. is perfectly right in all he has said & done on this subject in congress.

A dental convention was held here last week, & the Mississippi Valley Association of Dental Surgeons formed, of which I had the pleasure & honor to become a member. It took high ground and will do much to elevate dental science & practice in the south & west. Only about half of the dentists of this city were invited to attend the convention - there are some quacks & humbugs here as elsewhere. Dr. Cooke pres. of the soc. Rogers, Taylor, Allen &c. officers. No member rec. who can't stand an examination by a committee, and get 2/3 the votes of members present. A City Dental soc. was formed 9 mos. ago.

I like Cin. Its good eating &c. - no Goshen epicure - but the stuff I've eaten at southern hotels, horribile dictu!!! When bacon is scarce or dear in the summer, they gather large quantities of animal vegetables of different kinds & sizes with the cabbage greens, & boil them as a substitute for bacon. I have seen two of the fine plump fellows 1 1/2 inches long in a small quantity of cabbage intended for my own stomach, but not according with my notions (Graham), did not take it. Well the next mess I tried there another of the anti-vegetables was conspicuous on the top of the pile, and I don't know how many under it. When grease is plenty in winter they mix the corn bread with it shines like a cat's eyes in the dark & won't hold together to break in pieces - in summer a weevil 1/4 inch long very numerous ground with the corn is a good substitute for the grease, imparting to the bread a peculiar flavor - I have seen the bug (weevil) on the table alive & kicking. When they have none of these the corn dodgers are brick bat things, and with the India-rubber biscuit make one feel as tho' he had dined on pebbles mixed with iron filings.

Do you know where any of our college friends are - Eaton, Thayer, Wolcott, &c. &c. Some of them I suppose are west. Downer is practicing law at Milwaukie. Where is Rickard?

Now Friend Shedd, as I have filled a big sheet, please pay me in kind, soon as convenient. Shall stay here 5 or 6 wks. My P.O. south is Raymond, Hinds Co. Miss. I would rejoice very much to see you but this can't be at present. Let me know your sea port on the river, and in what parts of the Ter. you are &c.-- how you like there - how A.H. is getting along, &c. &c.

Your bro. supposes you were married 2 mos. ago. If so, success to you. May honeymoon last half a century, and you raise a fine lot of Hawk-eye brats to rejoice your hearts and luxuriate on the prairie. Please make my compliments to Mrs. Shedd, and tell her an old friend of yours says she might have married many worse Yankees than yourself.

I have engaged a French gentleman, Lamotte, & commence the study of French tomorrow. I'll get a right smart smattering of it in 5 weeks, as I have but little to do except to make half a dozen plate jobs. Perhaps a knowledge of Fr. may do me no good, but if I go to New Orleans or travel abroad it may come in good use. By the way, I have met with several very fine young ladies here, and last night (eve.) called with Dr. Knowlton on Miss Looker, a teacher.

Aug 21 - Liberty meeting at Court House last night - The way Lewis rowed Clay up salt river on the tariff, compromise, slavery, Missouri question, Texas &c. was a caution.

Now, friend Shedd, just write me a tall letter soon and direct to this goodly city. If you meet with a Yankee of the right stripe who wishes to visit South America 2 or 3 years hence (western coast) please inform me. I'll not stay south many years - a man had better live here 5 yrs. and die; than to spend a long life at the south.

Sincerely your friend,

A Berry

This letter was written to George Shedd by A. G. Sparhawk, postmarked Cincinnati in October (year unreadable). This is likely Arthur G. Sparhawk, who was a publisher of several Whig & Abolitionist newspapers, as well as books, etc. The first pages of the letter are missing. It was sent to Denmark, so was written sometime after 1843.

Addressed to George Shedd, Denmark, Iowa

Letter

2nd Sheet

been guided by the Spirit of true greatness hinted at in the above remarks, I cannot but think he would have so disarmed his adversaries (without the use of steel or gun powder) that the result, to him, and to the cause of Freedom, would have been far different. I am not at all confident, that ? would have long suffered the free discussions of the Sacred Subject among them -- had it been done "never so wisely", temperately, and kindly; but of one thing I am confident -- that the defiance and fierce denunciation with which Mr. Clay met the demands of the mobocrats, hastened the catastrophe, and made it what it was -- it settled the question at once -- in a measure shut up the avenues by which the truth might have been made to reach their hearts, and placed it beyond his power to do them any good in future.

Mr. Clay (in conversation, & business transactions) calculates very calmly upon sacrificing his life in the struggle. But I am sorry to say, I can see nothing in this, which goes beyond mere physical courage -- such, for instance as the lion manifests in self defence. I see nothing in his acts, or language which indicates the high-souled patriot, who makes his God the disposer of all counts -- who in this name does battle for the cause of truth, and, if need be, lays down his life in its defence.

Mr. Clay rather -- it appears to me -- occupies the position of a champion who had sternly resolved, by the prowess of his single arm [wielding the Press, or some other powerful weapon] to achieve a victory over that foulest emanation from the pit of darkness -- Slavery -- and establish free discussion in the midst, and in despite of, rank and rampant despotism. In these views, I may do Mr. Clay great injustices -- but I give them merely as my own individual impressions, and they go for just what they are worth. I said he had taken a noble stand. To advocate the cause of truth and human freedom, is noble. To advocate it unwisely, and fail in establishing it -- makes the cause none the less noble, or worthy of being sustained -- but only retards its progress for a time.

I believe when you was here last we belonged to the M. E. Church -- I presume you have heard ere this, that we left is some 2 1/2 years since, on account of Slavery &c. Wife & I then became thorough going Abolitionists, joined the Wesleyans at the first organization of a ch. in this city, & have so remained since. Having never yet begun to repent of this act, we shall probably never return. The cause is advancing decidedly, here -- the old Ch., I think, has reached the highest pinnacle of its greatness. You are, I presume, aware that the subject of Slavery, spite of all efforts to keep it down, is rending it in pieces throughout the country. This, I rejoice to say is more or less the case with all the other large denominations. God grant that every pro-slavery Ch in the land may be rent and sifted, and turned upside down until slavery shall be all spilled out of them.

The Wesleyans here are not ?, being of course very unpopular. ? ? 2 Ch's and are steadily ?

Dr. Olney who you will remember was our family physician finally died of rheumatism from which he had suffered so much -- last spring. Mr. Chalis' family are here yet, and well. Two of her brothers have removed to this city -- one a physician.

I intended to have confined my ideas to one sheet, but got so interested about Parkersburg & Lexington that I just let them run -- and now see where I am! However, postage is cheap. Wife sends a great deal of respects to you and wife and we both hope to hear from you soon.

Yours as ever

A. G. Sparhawk

This letter was written to George & Abigail Shedd by Charles & Susan Adams, parents of Charles K. Adams who later wrote letters to Mary Shedd Scott. Although the letter states Denmark, it was postmarked from Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Addressed to George Shedd, Denmark, Iowa

Letter

Denmark Jun 30 1868

Dear Br. and Sister,

Your very welcome & highly interesting letters of late date were duly received. Next to the well being of our personal friends at Denmark, it gives us great joy to know of the prosperity of the church, the good feeling there prevailing, the union, the harmony, & the increased attendance on public worship, with a much better attendance at the Thursday evening prayer meeting. We are also glad to learn that the Academy is so full, & that every thing seems to be so prosperous in your midst. The fortunate occurrence of obtaining so good a man as the nice Mr. Swift for your pastor, is among those good gifts which cometh down from the Father of Lights. It must be a damper upon your fond hopes, that the projected railroad is turned by way of Fort Madison. This I learn by the Hawk Eye as well as by your letters.

Our health is quite good, & every thing around us is of a pleasant nature, Mrs. Adams, as perhaps you know has been able to walk but little for many years, but here on very even side walks (all of plank or cement) she is able to walk to church, & generally to the Thursday evening prayer meetings which is a full three fourths of a mile without fatigue or injury. Our prayer meetings are held in the vestibule of the church. By the aid of the street lamps a dark night brings with it but few objections. These meetings, held for only one hour are conducted by the pastor with spirit. The members of the church are prompt to the work so no time seems to waste. It gives me pleasure to state that Charles is much more certain in the church than I have ever known him to be. Our minister is a good man, of fair ability, but evidently not in the right place. We are loosing ground so long as we have a man that is not decidedly ? in this place. At least three of the clergy here are eminent preachers bearing the D.D. at the end of their names.

I send you a paper containing a common sermon from the Methodist preacher here. One is published every week in our local paper the week after it is delivered. Mr. ? the author, is an Englishman by birth, his early history, similar to that of J. G. Gaugh. It is wonderful how deep he thinks. In your next let me know what you think of it. We have two local papers, one Rep one Dem also an interesting weekly by the Univ students & a monthly magazine edited by members of the senior class -- with ? articles from some members of the faculty. Charles will furnish us every book from the Univ Library, or from his own which contains something more than 1000 volumes, so it will be seen we have abundance of reading. But so far, I have had no more time here for that purpose than I had in Iowa. A corner of my land, one mile distant, I have cleared of wood, affording me twenty large loads, & ten loads for Charles. My pile, a year & a half stack is already fitted for the stove, am now to work on my son's pile. By this you will say I shall not lie down with the goat for the present. Previously I have had but little idea of the laborious life of a Professor. Charles studies hard & generally to a late hour at night.

While Prof. Watson flat on his back with out fire in these crispy nights is peering anxiously through his long telescope for some new discovery in the movements of the heavenly bodies. How true, "In all things there is labor." My sheet is full, please excuse my many blunders. Mrs A ? in much love to yourselves, & to your family.

As ever yours

Charles Adams

Dear Sister Abie

Mr. Adams has just wrote the Doct and I will add a few lines not that it will be much interest, but I do like to hear so much from D friends. How I wish you could step in and see us, we are just as quiet as two can be, Charles makes it a point to come in and see us every day, and we go in their as often as we please. Ada is better than when we came here, but she is not very strong, they have no boarders, do their own work, and I think it is enough, they have a great many callers, and Ada went out so little last year, she was in debt to many. The prof have once in two weeks, a ? meeting, around at their houses, and one of the Prof read a piece of their production. They gather at half past seven commence reading at eight, and lasts an hour or more, and than they a ? with tea and coffe biscuit and butter and cold chicken or meat, and two kinds of cake, usually about forty attend. They had one at Charles' the four part of Jan. It took him the most of the two weeks of the vacation in the holidays to write his and worked very hard, they are frequently invited to large parties, and as they do not go, before eight o'clock it is at a late hour before they get home (a poor fashion that, as I think).

You would like to know of my neighbors, I cannot say very much, several have called, and I have returned, many of our church, which I think I should like very much. Our newest neighbors, about two rods from our door, are members of our church, she had the misfortune, to step off the steps at her back door and broke her ankle and consequently has been confined to her bed nearly a month. They are very pleasant people and I very frequently go in and set with her. But we can hardly expect to know all, that are quite near us. I have no wish to have a large acquaintance. We received a letter from Brother Fleming a short time ago. He had been quite sick for three weeks but was then better. His wife slipt on ice on the stone walk, and hurt her badly, but could get about some by the help of a cane and taking hold of things. We meant to go and see them, but, probably shall not another years. I wish you would tell Mrs White I wrote her a long time ago and have not heard a word from her. I want all my poor letters answered with interest.

Is Elitherbeth Brown married? Has Mr. Day come to Denmark?

Give my love to your girls, and I wish they would write us, and remember me to everyone. I love and think of them all and do write again. I know mine are hardly worth answering but you don't know how much good they do me. We had a most delightful winter so far I ever knew. For more than a month fine and some dust. Aunt Carrie speaks of Mr. Swift as liking him very much.

Write soon, from your friend

S M Adams