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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2/9/1829
Notes with letter: Grandfather to his second son, William, student at Dickinson College.
"Rev. Mr McCalla’s book" I don’t know, but the author was Genl Finley’s son-in-law, having married Martha Finely
"W’mson" is John Williamson Nevin William’s older brother.
F.T.N. 3/98
Near Shippensburg 9th. Feby 1829
Dear Son
Enclosed you have five Dollars. Pay Dr. John K. Finley $4.50. The amount of four copies of the Rev. Mr. McCalla’s Book. Write to us and give the am’t of your Bill at the Store, and if I cannot be down soon I will send it to you. W’mson’s health does not improve. Your Mother also has been somewhat unwell for a week past but we hop not seriously ill. Be careful to live as you will wish to have done when you come to die, and do remember that there are no neutral characters in this great but short experiment of life. Either you must, though Jesus Christ, be at peace with God and he an heir of Heaven and shudder at the alternative. ‘Tis high time that you should come out. If you refuse longer to answer, God may cease to call. Regard no the sneers of the World. "An atheists smile’s a poor exchange for Deity offended."
Your affectionate father
John Nevin
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3/25/1829
Notes with the letter: Grandfather to Gen. Samuel Finley, Philadelphia
"Cousin John Finley" is Dr F., the General’s son, Professor of Chemistry at Dickinson, where "William" was a student
"A small sorrel" is Prof. McClellan
The "arrival of Prussian" pedigree, Dr. Vethake and the "Ohio colt", Dr Finley. (Note by Mrs McCalla, see inside.)
"My Mother-in-Law", the General’s sister.
"Wmson" is John Williamson Nevin, eldest son, and afterwards President of Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster.
"Cousin Maccalla" - Martha Finley McC.
F.T.N. 3/98
Near Shippensburg 25th. March 1829
Honoured and dear Sir,
I was much gratified in recieving your favour of 27th Dec. ult. and in your own handwriting. Tis true, pain and pilfering time may have somewhat encroached on the symmetry and correct proportions of your penmanship, but the graces are still abundantly there lingering and both to leave the sheet which they have so frequently adorned. But the trembling hand, decayed vision and other numerous ills of this kind which old age is heir to, are surely not at all to be deprecated as imbecility of mind which is so frequently concomitant to that of body, and altho’ I will frankly confess that did I deem it otherwise, recollecting the blunder of Gils Blas, when he told the Bishop that his homilies began to smell of old age, I would be silent on that subject. Yet surely I may be permitted to say that the neat irony which you brought to bear on my visit to the Hermitage, and which by the way I take in very good part, convinces me that tho’ in your grand climacterique, your imagination and Judgment do not partake of the debility of the body.
I heard from Cousin John Finley this week by my son William. He is well. and I also heard some reports from our college lately of rather an unpleasant kind. Perhaps they may be exaggerated, as not having been in Carlisle for some time, I have only the rumour of the day. But I am sorry that a cause should have been given even for rumour. A college suffers much and often unfairly by reports, especially now in the midst of so many rival institutions. The character of a Seat of Learning, you know, must be like Caesars wife not only pure, but unsuspected. Some Students misbehaved and of those, some were dismissed. This was a matter of no great consequence. But next, ‘tis rumoured, the Faculty themselves do not move kindly and smoothly together in their harness. There is much champing of Bits and frisking of tails among them, portending some fearful plunges and causing the director of the old vehicle "Dickinson" to tremble lest its often repaired wheels be wrecked, and travellers to Mount Parnassus be henceforth deterred from taking a seat in this line. Much consultaton was had by that part of the owners of this establishment who reside in Carlisle, and much grief is expressed that the coursers, which had been selected with so much care and cautious scrutiny and at such great expense in order to give a passengers in the Dickinson line a safe and thorough coarse to the pinnacle of the Mount, could not be brought to match in uniform gait and progress. They were fully sensible of the power and force which was attached to the old vehicle, if properly united and directed, and that no other line pointing to the Seat of the [?] could boast of deeper chests or sounder bottoms. But alas they pull awry, get entangled in their gears and endanger the safety and success of the whole concern. One of those coursers a small Sorrel, of superiour blood and mettle and whom the directors valued dearly for the peculiar graces of his attitude and dignity of his movements, will not, so tis complained, keep the hack, but is ever and anon drawing off at right angles. Another admirable animal of Prussian pedigree highly prized for the correctness and precision of his eye and beauty and regularity of his curvetings has lately shewn some symptoms of Stud. I have not heard (to keep up the allusion which I have somehow unwittingly got into) that the Ohio bred Colt has given any tokens of restiveness unless the sparring of the others should cause him to break the coupling strap.
My Mother in law enjoys her usual health. She has taken several rides in the sleigh this winter. My Son Wmson’s health does not improve. He will set out on Tuesday next on a Journey of some weeks on horseback - to Pittsburg - Falls of Niagara Utica - Schenctady - New York - Call on you in Philadelphia & then home. He takes the Journey by the advice of his Physicians merely on account of his health. He had consented to accept their invitation and connect with the Theological Seminary at Pittsburg. But here again they are flying the course. Dr. Janeway, you have no doubt heard has resigned, and the difficulties which take place in the commencement of the history of that institution are rather ominous. He has several other invitations. One is to devote himself wholly to the press, and for which he is offered a better salary than at Pittsburg - but this would I fell persuaded, kill him outright. The Big Spring people are very desirous that he would take the charge of that congregation which the Rev. Mr. Williams is now about to surrender. Wmson thinks he has too many friends and connections therein to be useful.
Please to remember me and all our family in some friendly way, to Aunt Finley and Cousin Maccalla’s family and be assured that I remain
your affectionate nephew
John Nevin
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4/6/1829
Notes with the letter: Grandfather to Mrs Martha (Finley) McCalla Philadelphia
"Our aged Mother" is Grandfather’s mother-in-law, Mrs Rippey, Gen’l Finley’s sister, and aunt of Mrs McCalla.
"Dr Finley" is the General’s son. Brother to Mrs McCalla.
F.T.N. 3/98
Grandfather Nevin died in this same year i.e. Oct 1829
Near Shippensburg 6th. April 1829.
Dear Cousin
It now seems very strange to us that your letter of the 25th. last did not make that impression, nor give us such a view of the State of you dear Father’s health, as, on reverting to it, we can plainly see was intended and really ought to have given. We have been so long accustomed to hear Visitors and Friends speak of our aged Mother and to hear their remarks "How feeble she has become!" "How Altered!" "How frail &c." that it may be we neglect to couple as we ought, that feebleness and decay with the near approach of Death. We were therefore much startled when Dr. Finley sent us an extract from Mr. McCalla’s letter and the awful reality was forced upon us. Since then we have endeavoured to "be still" to wait and to pray that Heaven might own our good uncle even here and that his latter end might be peace. The State of Suspense in which we were held from Saturday untill this (monday) evening, was rather too much for our feeble mother. She has been confined to her bed. I went to the office last evening, but my paper had not come in due course of mail. Our kind postmaster opened and searched all the Philad. papers in the office, but there was no account of his death. "I dreamed" said our Mother this morning "that I kissed my Brother Sammy last night and that he said "Adieu Sister." This evening’s mail put an end to all uncertainty. I read to her a well written obituary in the U.S. Gazette and now she weeps freely and I trust will find relief.
I cannot easily describe my own feeling on reading the account of your Father’s death. They are not those either of unmixed Sorrow or Joy. Since I first became acquainted with my venerated Kinsman, I have ever looked upon him as bound for Heaven. I have known him and "marked the man" in prosperity and adversity still walking near to God and neither turning aside to the right hand nor the left in his journey Heavenward. And shall I - will you - will even Aunt be so selfish as to grieve that after a pilgrimage of three score and ten and seven additional years his weariness and his pains are over, that he hath finished his course and shall henceforth be with Christ which is far better. For my part I rejoice that Gen. Finley has lived the life, and died the death of the righteous. Such a life is better than any Volume of Sermons and preaches more successfully than can be done from the pulpit, to those who have the opportunity of closely inspecting it - better even than those who have admirable Lectures of Mr. Jay (for which I thank you sincerely) and to which the Life of your deceased father could have added at least one interesting lecture Viz. "The Christian in the camp and in the field of Battle". We would like to hear from you and to be particularly informed of the last hours of our dearest Uncle. How our bereaved Aunt and how you all do. Be assured of the love of all our family
Your affectionate Cousin
John Nevin
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11/25/1833
Notes with letter: The writer - Alfred Nevin, was son of David and Mary (Pierce) Nevin and first cousin of Theodore H. Nevin. After the death of Grandfather (John Nevin 1776-1829) in 1829 his widow and her married children went to Pittsburgh, where the eldest son, John Williamson Nevin taught at the Western Theological Seminary
F.T.N. 1909
Aunt Martha" (McCracken/Nevin, widow of John Nevin (1776-1829)
Shippensburg Nov. 25. 1833.
Dear Cousin
This morning when I rose from my bed I found the ground covered with snow. One thing suggested another, untill memory recurred to the many agreeable hours I had spent at the stone house about 1 1/4 miles below our town. I thought over our hunting expeditions, our games at ball, &c. our sleigh-rides, and fire-side enjoyments. The reminiscence was delightful, but when I turn to what really is. oh! the feelings,- description is baffled. I have often wondered if Aunt Martha’s family would not be more contented, and healthful on Elmsworth, than jammed up in a city, to breathe the polluted atmosphere and be surrounded by disease on all sides. I don not with to convey the idea that your present location is disagreeable not at all: this is altogether foreign to my intention.
On last Sat. Eve. a mock court was held in the school Room of Mr. Sanderson. W. Gires Esq. presided and J. Sturgis Esq. and Dr. [?] Stewart acted as associates. The case of the commonwealth alias @. M. Strohm vs. William Barten, for the publication of a libel in August ult. was tried after the examination of the witnesses. The jury was addressed by myself in behalf of the defendent, and by G. J. Brandburry, as counsel for plaintiff.
The jury retired after a brief charge from the judge and in 1/2 hour returned a verdict acquitting Barter of the charges contained in the inditement. An appeal was made and a re-trial will take place next Sat. eve. W. Sturgis and myself will contend for Bartens acquittal. Brandon Esq. Gram. will contend for his conviction. Enough of that. Sarah Finly and I have had a fly-round. She accused me of revealing secrets. I considered the charge as insulting, and have taken it as such. Araby in the last "Free Pen" was slipped by me under Mr. Sturgeons door, Forsythe’s boy had his scull fractured by falling from a horse last week. It is very uncertain whether I shall go to Carlisle at all this winter. Father wishes me to read History. I think I shall do so.
Father bought Cessena’s place to day for 23 per acre. Old Crown sold his for 53. Land is selling very high - $60 and acre will take either or all of our places. John Galwyn will be married next week to Mary Mahon. Johnston Wmson has sold yet. John thinks of going next week to Carlisle to learn the Drug business. I expect to go a deer hunting some day soon. Richard Sturgeon is now in town. Sam McKinney had a splendid wedding. 10 carriages. I am going to study anatomy. I eat oyster occasionally - say twice a we[ek].
very respectfully
Alfred Nevin
P.S. Five my love to all your family. Uncle Andrew [?] To, Ed, and a few more.
Write very soon.
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8/23/1834
Notes with letter: Johnston Williamson married Margaret (Peggy) Graham, dau. of [Reynolds] Graham who was daughter of Margaret Williamson by her first husband, William Reynolds.
John D. Williamson, son of Johnston & Margt Wmson?
"Uncle Andrew" ?
Carlisle 23d August. 1834
My dear Cousin
I have a bad pen and a worse knife, so that if the chirography should be below par. I hope you will attribute it to the proper cause. I admire neat handwriting, although it is a stubborn fact, that profound scholars, and men of extensive learning and information, are generally deficient in this particular and no doubt for the very simple and obvious reason, that a legible transcript of their thoughts is all that they deem necessary. It is not impossible for boobies to write a bad hand, although it must be admitted on all hands, that they benerally write well, perhaps because their ideas "are few and far between," and they wish to clothe in rich attire, that which is wanting in substance: just as it is with parents who have but one child, you know they are sure to bestow upon it great care and attention. If as I have said to be true, I have you gobbled in a woeful dilemna. You must either number yourself with the first class, admit that you write well, or confess that you a a b____y. But I must stop - as some people in the western country are so snappish that they seem to have forgotten that there is a mode of expression termed - Irony. Sometimes I can write tolerably well, at other times not so well, it depends very much upon my feelings at the time, and whether I have been using much of that poisonous weed - Tobacco. I have had the pleasure of Sam Henderson’s company for a few days - he is attending court. There are a considerable number of Shippensburg folk here now. S.D.H. appears to be much attached to S.H.C.. When he talked of her departure and of his father never expecting to see her again, I fancied that I could see the tear of sorrow gather in his eye; his countenance at all event indicated a felling of heart which is always produced by seperation from those for whom we cherish a warm affection. He speaks in the highest terms of her, and thinks that the change, will conduce much to her advantage. She is now in Baltimore, and I expect a letter from her daily. We have had a very interesting Session of court. A Black man who had only been excarcerated 15 days before, was resentenced last week to 10 years imprisonment for theft, malicious threats &c. He is a fool-hardy wretch as curr I saw.
A case in which Judge Reed prosecuted a man forperjury, resulted in the acquittal of the defendant, on account of not having, the legal number of witnesses. It created great excitement.The court-house was crowded on Saturday night, when the verdict was handed in, and it was received with deafening shouts and cheers from the rabble, who rejoiced at the sweep of their undoubtedly perjured companion. The Judge is to deliver his opinion when court convenes this afternoon, on a very intricate suit, in which George Clippinges - is plaff and Moose Mahon and Halerman dfdts. John Reynolds and Smith McKinney intend to visit the State of Ill. this fall, and if they are pleased with it, and can dispose of their property here, they in company with their Aunt Smith’s family will remove to it in the coming Spring. ‘Tis said the Blymire "ran down" 12 horses on last Sunday in endeavouring to excel in style and velocity, a man from the town, who went with his coach to carry people from Shippensburg to the camp-meeting near Crofts Mill. Dr. Finleys family are degraded, sunk to the lowest degree. While I was at home, she broke her silver spoons and gave them for Paregoric. She cut up her linen sheets and clothes and sold them for rags to the Printers, untill they refused to take them. Sarah is as bad as any of them, she is slovenly, dirt, and lazy - is not now a prostitute, although I think this remark will not be true very long. I took 3 hours while I wa at home, in endeavouring to reform her, but I think ‘tis all in vain. I do not, I cannot respect her, though I really pity her. Their former standing still secures them some little respect.
*the 4th no. to L H Graham Facilis descendus averni,
Carlisle Led revocare gradus,
Hic labor; hic opus es"
- Archibald Ranking is now on a visit to "his home, for his health, which is likely to be rather delicate. "Twould divert you to see the firemen muster in Shipp with their red tin buckets, labels for their hats &c. They are all readyfor action - and most probably before their services are needed again, they will exist only in name as a "Company". John Wmson is a queer geniuus. I could tell you a great deal about him, if we had a personal interview, but this exquisite pleasure it seem will be denied us for some time at least. I am much pleased with Mary Cochran. I had the pleasure of her company at R.McPhersons one day a few weeks ago, and she pleased me very much indeed. Be good eonugh to inquire why it is that the "Friend" d[], not arrive her regularly, also to have the 4th no. directed to L. H. nearer Carlisle, and the 2d, 4th, 6th nos. to me. * The Mifus Kellogs in S_____g are very fine young ladies, very plain, unassuming, and well-behaved.
Hark! the bell rings for cour, but writing letters to friends, is far more interesting to me than court proceedings, and so I will not go untill I have finished. In answer to your interrogatory, why I did not apprise you of my intention to join the church. My answer is, that it would in my estimation, have discoursed a weakness of mind. It is a matter which is not to be treated of lightly and I thought it best to say nothing of it, I supposed however that you would hear it from some other source. I desired it my duty and don it without boastfullness - and let me propose the simple question to you. "Wilt thou do likewise?"
Mrs. Johnson Wmson was quite unwell, while I was at home. I shall say nothing about the negroes, for I think, it of very little importance what my sentiments on that subject are - one thing I know, that I still am a Colonisitionist, and I hope you are too. I am sorry to hear of the riotous spirit, which pr[?] in the cost, I am afraid it will become an experience. If we will have something of the kind here. The doctrine of Abor[?]on’s very unpopular hee. Our church is spendidly decorated - it resembles Mr Halseys something in its construction if my memory serves me. I understand that David Mahon has come home, on account of the prevalences of the cholera in Washington. If you see a narrative in the next Expositor signed "Abbot" I wish you would forgive the errors in it, as indeed I did not transcribe the 1/2 of it. What means the 2d editorial remark in the last "Prep"? Can you tell me? The Temperance convention will meet on next Tuesday. I have been reading but very little since the session of the court. I shall take a new start on Monday. Could you not possibly make it suit to come down with Edwin? Remember me to all your family - to E H. N. and uncle Andrews family - and write very soon.
Your Cousin
A. Nevin
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6/13/1837
Addressed to: Miss Martha Mary Nevin (Care of Rev. A. B. Brown), Niles, Berrien County, Michigan
Shippensburg June 13th. 1837.
My dear Sister;
Your kind letter date "Allegheny town Oct." and directed to
"Miss Mary Nevin Ir
(Care of David Nevin
Shippensburg, Pennsylvania
favoured by Dr Rankin"
has been duly received and the young lady to whom it was directed together with myself think we can now answer it as we have a great deal of news. The only difficulty is that we have so many and various things to tell we fear we cannot put them in proper order - but we have no time or room for prefaces. We must be telling you the news without any round-a-bout complements or courtesies. Jane is at Litiz. Edwin will be married on the 7th of next month and Alfred is in Pittsburg studying divinity. Uncle David is in Harrisburg helping to make a new constitution for this state. He will not be at home for a month. I have visited the old place. I saw Billy Devor and John and Betsyann and ol Mrs. Devor and Thomas’ son. They are now the whole of the family, and they were all glad to see me. The two dumb boys who are now both of a size, followed me as I was departing down to the old walnut tree over the pump, talking to me by signs, but I could not understand the half of them. How high the Italian Willow has grown over the top of the little summer house in the front yard of the old place! Why, Martha Mary, without joking, it is almost as tall as the blue gage plumb tree beside it! It should be trimmed. I wish I had as flourishing a top myself. It grows up as strait as those of Dr. Finley’s and Mr. Brown’s, only it is far taller and bushier. The quince tree at the lower end of the garden is gone. I am on the look out for quince trees, for you know I came down to this country on purpose to find out the shape of a quince. I will perhaps not discover their real shape until Fall at which time these sort of apples ripen, but I shall not return to Michigan without knowing all about them. The Emsworth place looks as well as ever it did. The tenant keeps it in first rate order. It will not be sold this summer on account the derangement in the money market. What a derangement that is! Every village in Pennsylvania I believe is giving little notes from three dollars down to five cents. The council of Shippensburg is at present deliberating on the subject. The railroad is nearly finished through Shippensburg. It runs along the cross street past the ends of uncle David’s and uncle Henderson’s houses. It runs directly past Mr. Wallace’s tanyard being raised twenty or thirty feet high across the meadow and over the run, and the old road from Emsworth to Middlespring passes under it beneath a bridge. It affords a fine view of Mr Wallaces old house and Elijah’s new brick house on one side and Billy Mahon’s new brick house and clearing on the other. This spot has been more metamorphosed than any other I have seen. The friends here all think that Mother looks better than when she left but me worse. Cousin Joseph told Billy White in the store as I was standing by that I was a son of her uncle John’s - "Good Gracious" cried he, after he had shook hands with me, "what a black-a-vise you are to what your father was!" "By my soul Joseph," said he aside to Joseph "It is really alarming! He looks like a spaniard. I would be afraid to meet him in the woods." The two misses Fulwilers, sisters of Juliann Pomroy, are the reigning belles of this village. A large fishing party of seven or eight carriages of young gentlemen and ladies rode out last week to the Big Pond to catch trout. They caught no trout, but two little chubs and several of the fishermen were caught themselves. The Misses Fulwiler caught two or three beaus at least. Of course I was not along. I have called once at Mr. Mclays and seen Hannah Jane and Ellen. Abigail is on a visit to some place in Newyork. Sarah Findlay is dead. She died of a fever. Mrs. Findlay is at present in Cubbertson’s row. The Dr. was down here a few days ago drinking hard. One of his sons is a rider of one of the horses that tows one of the canal boats between Harrisburg some where and Pittsburg. Two of the children are in this place, almost without a home. Unfortunate family! I wonder if the moths are enjoying my cloak. Amid all my pleasures in this land of old acquaintances the thought sometimes strikes across me that the mother may be eating up my cloak. Now I must drop the pen for cousin Mary. I have a thousand things more to say but I will write soon again. Your affectionate brother William.
Dear Cousin
I now think is my duty to answer your letter that you wrote to me some time ago. As cousin William was going to writ to you I thought I might as not write a few lines as I think very long to see you. In your letter you wrote to me you asked me if Jane was in love. She is not as I know of. If she is I do not with whom to go to school to Miss Russell and Jane is now at Litiz and expects to be at home in two weeks, Edwin expects to be at home in fall if he can and his wifes name is Ruth Channing Little, Elizabeth is very sick and has taken a great deal of medicine. She has been bled once. But I hope she will be better in a short time, Sister Maranda is well as so is sister Carolines family. Aunt Martha and aunt Reynolds and mother is over at uncle Henderson this afternoon, I will now close give my love to all my cousins your affectionate cousin Mary P Nevin
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8/2/1837
Addressed to: Theodore H. Nevin Esq.
Niles Berrien County, Michigan
Allegheny, August 2nd, 1837
My dear brother;
Though you urged me to answer your letter right away I could not help reflecting a day or two. The step you advised was so important it required some consideration. At length, however, I have concluded it would be best for us to depart to your village the Fall - meaning by us, my wife, mother and myself. Not that I am married yet but I expect to be about the first of October. Not that the day is actually set, but I suppose it will be sometime thereabouts. You can, therefore, if you please, go on to finish off the house, and Doctor Finley who is my banker will furnish you with the two hundred dollars that you need. I suppose we shall arrive in your village about the last of October. I shall do as you advise about a carpet and some other articles that I can purchase cheap, though I hardly know how I shall get them out to your country. As it will be absolutely necessary that I should fall into business immediately on my arrival I wish you would make enquiries about a school. I wish even that you or the Doctor would issue proposals and procure me some pupils before I come out. You can see what sort of a school will best succeed at this time, and I am willing to fall in with any plan you may adopt. I wish you would mention my intention of opening a school, or taking a private class in the Languages, immeadiately - I mean let the fact be told abroad or let measures be adopted that no other teacher may step in before me. Not that I intend to follow this business altogether, but I must insure it through the winter - though this need not be told to the public as they would not be so likely then to encourage me. My health always suffers from teaching and as soon as I can, I intend to get on a farm. I am glad you are pleased with the partnership proposal - and it is not even now too soon to be looking out for a place to suit us - a Lake or Prairie farm, should you be fully by any one he asks him still more to oblige him. How deeply do I feel the kindness you have done me in making arrangements for my settling! You have showed yourself to be more than a brother to me and nothing would please me better than that double relationship to which you alluded should take place. I know not how your own feeling are on the subject, but I fancy it you wished the matter might be brought about. I would be a proper person now for your confident - a sort of intercessor between you - It would be too long to tell you all about my own courtship by letter. I must defer it till I see you. I do not intend going to Sewickley this summer, except on a visit. Owing to the pressure of the times and the smallness of her school Mrs Olver became afraid to engage me. Being in debt already in building she could not afford the expense of another teacher. Mr. MacAboy will start from this city next week, with his wife and her two sisters on a grand tour of pleasure to the East. He will go as far as Boston, and perhaps farther - He has proccured for the occasion five hundred dollars in gold and silver. He will return about the last of september. Mr. Marshal from Laporte is down in this country now. He is suspected to have returned for a wife. Have you heard yet of the death of Dr. Findlay? You were told at any rate of the death of his daughter. He took her departure very hard and it caused him to drink more than usual, and after that he was partially deranged. Annetta Galbraith was the only person in the house with him (in Chambersburg) one evening. It was about midnight and she was watching him. Suddenly he started up from his bed, said he must go, and threw himself from the window three stories high, on the pavement, and lived only a few hours afterwards! Daniel has gone on a visit to Erie, with Mrs. Irwin and Eliza. He will return this week. He intends preaching for the time and perhaps settling at Fairmount Congregation near Se- . . . .
Here comes Alfred who wishes to make a proclamation also I suppose, - so I must draw to a close. I thank the Dr. very much for his kind offer to board us & which ever plan is best we will adopt. As he says it may be determined after we get out. For a private class as you say I would need the house. At all events go on to finish it. It will be no loss to you; Indeed we shall come prepared for either way. Tell Elisabeth I will answer her letter soon. We have not yet received Martha Mary’s long expected letter to her Mother. Robert writes to nobody. Margaret answers not my letters. Love to all. Your affectionate brother - William M. Nevin.
Pittsburgh August 2, 1837
Know all Men and Women by these presents, that on the first day of this same month an infant daughter was born into my family, in good condition and with promising parts; Mother and babe both doing as well ... the occasion as could be desired. Given under my hand, for the benefit of all concerned as uncles or aunts, in the borough of Niles & Nats of Michigan.
A. Nevin Private Secretary Governor of the State
My dear Cousin
I take it for granted that you are over head and ears in business: I may well judge so, for I believe three long months have gone by since you took it in head to suspend or discontinue our correspondence, which, previously, was conducted with so much faithfulness. What a pity it is, that time and distance and business, destroy those finer - holier feelings of our nature, which, to me, are all that make this life desirable! Cut me off from my friends, their tender regards, their sympathies, their affection, and I will be left a stranger in a weary cheerless would. I design this tow work on your feelings, by the effect, you may judge of its truth. Edwin married a sweat little lady - name - Ruth Channing Little, a teacher in Portsmouth, from Hollis, N. Hampshire. I . . . most about it. I tell my aunt, and your mother, that my impression is, that you and I will have two of the finest wives in the bunch, when we get them, but as I stand advised at present, I cannot tell when that will be you may be able to do so. William & I, by way of brag, rose this morning, at 5 1/2 o’clock, and went to market. William opines that the "early mists" are bad for the health. Taking all things into the account, I feel inclined to concur with him in this, as well as in, the estimate he has formed of "the eldest sister" on the hill. If Wm is’nt happy after his marriage to one so estimable, I would recommend to him, a voyage ‘round the world, and a steamboat explosion or tow, to try his spunk. Theodore, I should like to have a private interview with you, on the subject of wedlock. This I suppose I will be denied, until you visit us again, when my counsel may be unnecessary. In the mean time, believe me to be your affectionate cousin, and remember me to my cousins there, with much affection (rather awkward sentence.)
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