These are letters that I have transcribed that are in the possession of Anne Krush, who gave me permission to copy these letters. The notes that are with most of the letters are those that Franklin T. Nevin wrote on the sheet that mounts the letters. For the most part, they identify who the various people are in the letter and what some of the background is. Sometimes he left blanks for information that it appears he was hoping to fill in later. Some of the underlines in the letters are my best guess at what was written, sometimes I was unable to guess and have left those areas bracketed "[ ]".

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Charleston 2d May 1801

Honored Father and Mother,

I make use of this opportunity, though perhaps I may see you before this reaches you, yet I beg of you not to be uneasy, if I should be a few weeks behind it. I intend to embrace the first passage that offers for Philadelphia or Baltimore, and should this happen in a weeke or Ten Days, I may be more than double that time after this reaches you, as some passages are made in 5 and some in twenty days - This is the finest month in the year for sailing, tho I expect to be seasick during the voyage. Stoney says it will be the cheapest method I can take, as I will not eat anything from I leave Charleston untill I arrive at Philadelphia. Uncle says I’ll be fine, but it is on a frolick. There has been a few days of excessive warm weather, tho there is no danger in being here at all this month, I spoke to [?] Williamson about going in this sloop, but he says I would not be ready, as we had but a few days notice of her sailing, you will wonder no doubt what I have to get ready, I think that I have notheing to do but step onto the [?]. It is not so! I have a number of acquaintances here, with whom I should, (was I not going home) be sorry to part with. And, in fact, I am not displeased at Uncle’s wishing me to much stay, I never wish, when leaving a place, to see my friends [?] whether I go or not. Tho I would not have liked you to forbid my coming to Charleston, yet I would not have been pleased to have seen my friends indifferent. I could fill a few sheets of paper with what I have seen and heard since I left home but I will refrain them till I can [?] them to you by word of mouth. Heaven has my prayers for you. Health and Happiness.

Your dutiful Son,

John Nevin

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9/5/1809

Note included with letter, "Grandfather Nevin to General Finley of the Revolutionary Army, then living in Chillicothe, Ohio.

Near Strasburgh 5th Sept. 1809

Dear Sir;

The politeness of Mrs. Finley put into my hands your favour of the [?] acknowledging the receipt of my only letter to you, some six years ago, and excepting to a sentiment contained therein. Regretting the allusion, as I most assuredly do not as indefensible but as unhallowed I had intended at first view to have only replied by desiring you to expunge the unguarded sentiment. But when I reflected that I had already suffered the punishment due to the offence, as against society, for ungrounded must be the assertion, exceptionable indeed the phrase, which should so long deprive me of the edification which I had promised myself, from a correspondence with you, and which but for this barrier, I had a right to expect, from your invitation, in the conclusion of your letter to her, who was afterwards the mother of the child whose birth was announced, thus reflecting I would endeavour not to justify, but palliate in some measure the expression by enquiring of it may not be supposed, without militating against the manhood and reputation of the Apostle Paul. A prudent general will concentrate his forces to maintain one position, rather than by attempting more, hazard the loss of the whole, and when St. Paul advises the unmarried Corinthians to abide, ‘even as he’, if the state, win which he was abiding, may not be construed to extend beyond the state of his conversion, I would also have the reference in the extract from my letter to be limited to that period and then though Paul a zealous Pharisee may have left Proofs of Manhood amongst the strict observers of Moses’ law it will not follow that legitimate children were begotten by the Apostle Paul.

The extract from my letter (I have not a copy) "I have done more than the Apostle Paul hath done" must read otherwise ere it may be called a "reflection of the Manhood of St. Paul." It would be uncharitable to suspect the valour of all Men who may not have shed blood, and as to the sentiment tending to wound his reputation I would only ask - Would the Pupil of Gamaliel have so deemed it?

But I regret the allusion, and was not your quotation before me, would have cherished a hope that it would read "I have" (received) "a legitimate child which is more &c" instead of "I have done more." This would have worn less the appearance of Vanity.

I regret the allusion. For had the simple statement "I have a son" been deemed too blunt and dull for a polite ear, it might have occurred that an endeavour to enliven it by a reference to the celibacy of the Apostle to the gentiles, would be offensive to a pious one. Be pleased to erase it, or notify my voluntary recantation and be assured that should I at any time announce to you the Birth of a fifth child, it shall be attempted in a manner more "humble, chaste, unassuming and without boasting."

Receive, Dear Sir, the assurance of my high esteem.

John Nevin

Samuel Finley Esq:

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8/10/1811

Notes with letter: Grandfather Nevin to General Finley

Near Strasburgh 10th Aug 1811

Dear Sir,

I received yours of 4th June. Your Journey homewards must have been an unpleasant one on account of the abundant rains, but your situation, when plunging over the tumbling logs of the creek near Cambridge was truly perilous. I was glad when I found you on the other side without further injury than a moistening. I have likewise to thank you for your favour by Mr. MclCintock. It will occur to you that between the dates of these we were engaged in a toilsome Harvest.

We are anxious to hear that our dear Cousin Martha is restored to health, and sincerely hope that the Blue-lick waters may be made salutary to her, but are there not Springs in Pennsylvania - mineral and medicinal better than all the waters of Kentucky?

I believe with you that, had not the mind of the Ex-Secretary been highly irritated, and his views disappointed - his Pamphlet would not have appeared. I know not that pure disinterested Patriotism has such full possession of any one Breast at Washington as to cause the Man to act solely from love of Country to sacrifice his dearest Friend, and the warmest office, rather than be silent when the good of his country demanded of him to speak. The attempts, however which are made to vindicate the President - some by anonymous writers - and more especially one by Colvin cause me to believe that there is something "rotten in Denmark" I am displeased with Colvin. He tells us of the almost inseparable Barriers he has surmounted in coming before the publick. The many obligations he is under to Mr. Smith. The overwhelming Modesty of the Man, that nothing but a sense of Justice, and his oath to support the good of the United States could have induced to declare what? I was prepared for something that would forever crush Smith, and his Pamphlet, and his veracity when behold! "Parlurit Mos" It is only that "Egometipse" with my own pen, did write two letters inserted in the Pamphlet as Smiths. And he takes occasion, by way of an easy digression, to inform the public that he was always willing to lend to his country the aid of hi Genius. Let us condemn the plagiarism of the Author of the Pamphlet, if so. But Supposing that this same Colvin wrote his pen under the Eye of the United States President, if it is not uncharitable so to do, why were the out-posts of the Enemy only attacked unless the main body was invulnerable? Tis true he says if he is urged to speak again he will be understood. But if to defend the character of his Chief Magistrate was what dragg’d him so reluctant forth in the first place, was there not in the pamphlet matter sufficient to give him room to be explicit?

I rejoice, my esteemed Friend, that you feel interested in the welfare of my Family. I entreat for them and for myself am interest in your approaches to the Throne of Grace.

Brother Peebles and Macoy will not correspond with us. Remember us affectionately to them, assure Mrs. Finley how highly we esteem her, and accept of our best wishes for your prosperity.

I remain

Yours &c.

John Nevin

Samuel Finley Esq:

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2/20/1812

Notes with the letter: Grandfather Nevin to Gen. Finley

"Cousin Martha" Finley (married McCulla) daughter of Genl Finley and sister of Dr. John Knox Finley who married his cousin Margaret Williamson Nevin, fourth child of the writer of this letter. John Nevin our Grandfather.

("First cousin, once removed" His wife was our generation [?] him.)

F.T.N 3/98

Near Strasburg 20th Feby 1812

Dear Sir;

I have not seen Virgil for a number of years, but the introductory part of your letter by Mr McClintock has brought one of his Pastorals so forcibly to my recollection, that I must remind you of it, altho’ the quotation should be somewhat incorrect. Silenus, perhaps, was the name of a sweet singer who in all probability would rather have listened to "ten nay a hundred" less excellent Songs, than sing one himself. Two shepherds caught him as he lay under "the shade which beachen Boughs diffuse" and having bound him would not let him go untill he would sing a song which they had often requested of him in vain. We can almost excuse the rudeness of the Shepherds to Silenus, for it was at that time "he sang the secret seeds of Nature’s Birth." Was I in possession of means as efficacious as the Shepherd’s, though I would desire them less ligatory (a term perhaps obsolete) I would receive many more letters from Chilicothe.

Since writing the above we have read in a Newspaper of another Shock of Earthquake in Chilicothe on the 8th [inst] the account states that several bricks were tumbled from the tops of chimnies. The same paper gives an account of Shocks at Pittsburg and a number of other places. At Alexandria the steeple is said to have vibrated from eight to ten feet. These concussions are truly alarming, but by ys they are almost overlooked in our anxiety for Chilicothe which contains so many that are dear to us. Are not these latter days portentous? Our Attention is called home from the commotions of the old world to the convulsions of our own Terra fimra. Earthquake. War and direful rumours of War. And conflagratons are alternately sounding in our ears. The improvement of these subjects I hope to receive from you. We have likewise as we believe our false prophet. Nimrod Hughes of Virginia of whom you no doubt have heared. He predicts the destruction of the one third part of Mankind on the 4th June next, and has seriously pzzled the heads of many an honest Dutchman in our Neighborhood.

We hope that your next will inform us that Cousin Martha is restored to health - remind Mrs Finley and her and the rest of your dear children of the Love we bear them.

I remain affectonately

yours

John Nevin

Samuel Finley Esq:

Dear Sir:

In your favor by Mr M’Cracken and thank you for it, and although at the same time, I cannot help observing the pains you have taken to remove the Stigma of Silenus on [Sloco] Singing from yourself to your Neighbor: this is taking as undue unexpected and and unthought of advantages, and iniquity exhibits a Singular way of exonorating you from the charge of these [?] which, if I [?] aright, I had exhibited against you. But this is not all you introduced a Subject, interesting & copious, which you have handed doctrinally in a very brief manner, and with you accustomed [?] that part, Viz the improvemen, whcih discusses caution - the most difficult upon me. This I think more glaring the author tke of your Shepherd Silenus. But as the Subject is al imporant It is a pity it should pass unobserved by us who appear to be the Subjects of it and perhaps none can be more impressive on to the purpose than the exhortaion of our Divine Master at the him be ustttered the prophecy to his disciples - "Watch therefore; you know not what hour your Lord doth come. Therefore be ye always ready: for in such an hour as ye think not, the son of man cometh." There is no doubyt with me that the times there predicted by our Lord, are with [?] for he say Jerusalem.

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6/13/1812

Notes with letter: Grandfather Nevin to Gen. Finley

By "Mrs McClintock" and "Aunt McClintock" he must refer to Martha Williamson, younger sister of our Grandmother, Margaret Williamson (Reynolds) Nevin.

Martha Williamson married a Mr McClintock and I believe they moved to Virginia.*

"Cousin Martha Finley" = Gen’l Finleys daughter. Married Mr McCulla.

"Hugh Williamson Esq., of New York" needs no comment. Look him up.

F.T.N. 3/98

1909 *Her name is given as Mary in Old Northwestern [?] ..logical Quarterly Vol VII (1904) pp 73-148. Married in [?] 1771 James (or John) McClintock. Family removed to Virginia and, later, to Chillicothe O.

Near Strasburg 13th June -[18]12

Dear Sir,

I am venturing to request that you would pay to Mrs. Mclintock the elder, Twenty Dollars, which I have recieved for her, and which I will deposit with Cousin Martha Finley - and also that you would enclose in your next, a reciept from Aunt Mclintock, that I may forward it to the Donor, Hugh Williamson Esq. Of New York.

Your last favour came to hand by Cousin Martha, who with her Brother James paid us a visit soon after her arrival at Shippensbg were there no other ties, gratitude must always endear to me our Chilicothean Guest. I had an important suit pending some ten years ago, and my heart must indeed be callous to every grateful sentiment if I had not a lively remembrance of the support, which she, a very young, but a very zealous advocate, volunteer’d in my cause. We triumph’d over any opposition and carried our point. This happen’d at the head of Big Spring, and I need not inform you that the suit was not at Law, but at Love.

I had for some time past determined not to meddle with Politics, much less to intrude on you any comments of mine [?]. But of the passing events at Washington I cannot be an inattentive and Silent Spectator, and tho I cannot Shake the Senate like Randolph, I can mourn and mix an honest indignation with my grief. "Quos Deus vult perdere, prius dementat." Never, in my humble opinion, was this old proverb more justly verified than in the present conduct of our Administration. You will have heard that the House of Representatives in Contempt of every symptom of the unpopularity of the measure, evidenced by Petitions, Remonstrances, dull recruiting, unwillingness to lend money &c have declared against England Bella horrida Bella! I err not much in supposing that this Declaration, if concurr’d by the Senate, will be dissonant to the sentiments of two thirds of the strength of the United States. Under this view I would suppose little or no strength deriveable from Virginia and the Slave-holding States south of her - The Whites of those States are not more than sufficient to keep in subjection those, whose true policy it would be to form an alliance with any power against the people who have them in Bondage. It is expected by some that the Senate will reject it - that the House of Representatives had gone on too far to retreat, and concerted this scheme with the Senate, viz. That the lower House should declare war, which should be negatived by the upper - Be this as it may - What right have we to escape? The Allies of Napoleon are in as dangerous a situation as he enemies, and beyond controversy he is the Scourge of Heaven at this time to chastise the Nations of Europe, who for many years have been sinking into perfect Infidelity. Shall we be exempted? But at such a time it will happen, that too many will be taken, some will be left. In the great degeneracy of the ten Tribes of Israel, in the days of Ahab, there were 7000 who had not bowed the knee to Baal, there are yet, as we hope, a greater number in the United States who have not kissed him. The projected War will probably end in a Solution of the Union, and in some tyrannic form of Government. Blessed are they who not being the Slaves of Sin, are afraid of no other Tyranny. Remember us affectionately to Mrs Finley and take to yourself a large portion of Respect and Esteem from Your humble Servt

John Nevin

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1/23/1815

Notes with letter: Grandfather Nevin to Gen. Finley

"Mr. Cook" = husband of Mary Nevin, younger sister of the writer. She married first a Mr Maclay and had two children. John and Margaret. John settled in Alabama and I can find nothing about his descendants.*

"Samuel Macracken" is the brother of Grandmother Nevin and brother-in-law of the writer, John Nevin.

"Martha" = Grandmother Nevin.

F.T.N. 3/98

*Finally succeeded in rounding them up. John’s descendants live in Pensacola, Fla and Margarets in Eaton, Ohio.

[?] my Genealogical Blue Print F.T.N. 9/98

Near Strasburg 23d Jan. 1815

Dear Sir,

Have you not known some one in the course of your life, who has had an object in view pleasing, promising, fascinating, some Dulcinea for instance, the supposed paragon of excellence, and if in eager pursuit of this and just grasping the prize, he discovers his mistake, his charmer is not chaste, "not pure as the icicle that hangs from Diana’s Temple," did you not there observe that he would converse on any subject rather than that which had engrossed his attention?

Thus I had believed that Charlotte Hall held forth a spring retreat from the drudgery and at present unprofitable business of Farming - $700, thinks I to myself. With an elegant house and garden and priviledge of boarding as many as I would of the Students together with the proceeds of my own Farm, will surely be a comfortable exchange for Clodhopping, and then, what a prospect of educating my children! For there are four teachers besides the Principal. Two of the dead, and two of the living (French and English) language and then (still ruminating) might not even I, however circumscribed the sphere and inferior my endowments, be somewhat useful to my fellow creatures in my day and quarter? For although teachers were had in higher estimation among the [?] at present, yet who would not be pleased to have been the instrument of my letting ever the first principles of Literature into such minds as those of Thomas, Scott, Cowper or Addison, or of those eminent States but who, we trust, will come forward in our devoted Country at no great distance of time to study the Torrent of Democracy and save a sinking state. On the contrary the retrospect is joyless if arriving at old age, we look back on a life spent. I thought of the Labouring part of it in furnishing his Distillers with a few thousand Baskets of Rye & Corn?

"Totus in illis" I portent down to Georgetown having previously written a letter to Hugh Williamson Esq. Of New York somewhat similar to the one which I addressed to you. Arriving I discovered that Charlotte Hall is not in the vicinity of Georgetown, unless we give to the [?] an extent of fifty [?]. I learned also that the students were wild and ungovernable - that the Seminary is situate in St. Marys’ County Md. And in a neighbourhood composed chiefly of Roman catholicks - and that the Trustees were a dashing set of Fellows (to use the words of my old classmate and informant) and that their Finances were in a deranged situation. This completely overset all my Charlotte-Hall plans.

In this happened before the "sudden Incursion" I had not to exclaim "Tuit Tlium" but took a view of those magnificent Piles, over whose ruins and disgrace the Genius of our Country now weeps and shap’d my course homewards. There I had a letter from Dr. Williamson, dissuading me indeed from my intention, but informing that at my request he had written to the Trustees in my favour. The result was a letter from thier Secretary inviting me to apply for the office, and couched in such terms as to leave no doubt of its being at my refusal. They would dispense with a personal application from me - my salary should [?] with the number of Pupils - I need only to attend two or three times a week to examine the higher classes in the Languages &c. This was flattering, however I had determined to have nothing to do with it.

About four months after its date, (I know not in what Post-office it had lodged) I received your requested letter containing wholesome [?], and for which you had my sincere thanks, and I had fifty times a mind to tell you so, but the subject had passed away and became stale barren and uninteresting, yet to continue a correspondence, which truely I prize much it was thought necessary to impose on you this lectious narrative.

Mr Cook, you percieve, by a tour to our country, of which by the way he might almost exclaim in imitation of Caesar "Veni, Vidi, Vici, Dupsi" has added one, nay two more to the number of our dear Friends in Chilicothe. Not but that we would have consented to our Girls going to any other quarter of the Union with Mr. Cook of whom urbanily and Piety we had ample testimony and however deficient we may be in that respect we at least love those who are pious - yet we more cheerfully acquiesced, when Chilicothe was to be the place of her residence and where we hope she would find many Friends. Dr. Williamson, whom I have had occasion to mention, has lately published the History of North Carolina in five Vol. This is more interesting to the People of that State than to others, but he has since published what he calls an Introduction to that History or "an Essay on Climate" in which in my humble opinion, and unless I am partial to my Kinsman, he displays much lucid arguement & correct reasoning. It is in fact a Vindication of the truth of Mosaic History. I regret that I cannot send it to you having but one copy and that a present from the Author, but I mentioned it that you might advise Samuel Macracken to bring you the book from Philad. Should you procure the Book, you will recollect that it is the production of a man in his grand climacterique, the age of general imbecility and dotage - He is 80 years old.

Martha joins me in greeting adious Friends in Chilicothe.

Your affectionate nephew

John Nevin

Samuel Finley Esq.

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