m
UNIVERSITY
OF PITTSBURGH
CP.
^-m^m^
LIBRARY
COLLECTIONS OF
THE NEW- YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY
FOR THE YEAR 19S9
THE JOHN WATTS DePEYSTER
PUBLICATION FUND SERIES
LXXII
Ma 7
COMMITTEE ON PUBLICATIONS
ALEXANDER J. WALL
ARTHUR SUTHERLAND
HENRY PARISH
V
OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY
HONORAEY PRESIDENT
SAMUEL V. HOFFMAN ^
PRESIDENT
GEORGE A. ZABRISKIE
FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT
ROBERT E. DOWLLNG
SECOND VICE-PRESIDENT
FENWICK BEEKMAN, M. D.
THIRD VICE-PRESIDENT
HENRY PARISH
FOURTH VICE-PRESIDENT
JAMES LENOX BANKS
FOREIGN CORRESPONDING SECREI ARY
ARCHER MH.TON HUNTLNGTON
DOMESTIC CORRESPONDING SECRETARY
LUCIUS WILMERDING
RECORDING SECRETARY
DE WITT M. LOCKMAN
TREASURER
WILLIAM T. VAN ALSTYNE
DIRECTOR
ALEXANDER J. WALL
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
FIBST CLASS FOR ONE YEAE, ENDING 1942
LEONIDAS WESTERVELT W. WILLIS REESE
L. GORDON HAMERSLEY
SECOND CLASS FOR TWO YEARS, ENDING 1943
LE ROY E. KIMBALL LOUIS C. WILLS
ARTHUR SUTHERLAND
THIRD CLASS FOR THREE YEARS, ENDING 1944
ARTHUR DELANO WEEKES JOHN V. IRWIN
MILLARD L. ROBINSON, D.D.
FOURTH CLASS FOR FOUR YEARS, ENDING 1945
SAMUEL V. HOFFMAN LEWIS L. DELAFIELD
FORSYTH WICKES
JOHN PIXTARD (1759-1844)
EnlaigcMl from a miniature painted in 1787
By John Ram age (c. 1748-1802)
Presented to The New- York Historical Society in 1906
by George Hancock Ser\'oss, grandson of John Pintard
LETTERS FROM
JOHN PINTARD
TO HIS DAUGHTER
ELIZA NOEL PINTARD DAVIDSON
1816-1833
In Four Volumes
VOLUME III
1828-1831
NEW YORK
PRINTED FOR THE NEW- YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY
194 1
N TED I :
T. T. L
E UNITED S
T T I. E & I V E i
A T E S OF AMERICA
OMHANV, NEW YORK
LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
TO HIS DAUGHTER
1828
To Mrs. Richard Davidson (Eliza Noel Pintard)
of New Orleans
New York, Wed 2^ Jan^ 1828
All hail to the New Year. May it prove more auspi-
cious to the unfortunate than the past, and to all of us
afford peace prosperity & happiness. Yesf New Year's
day, was unusually mild & pleasant. The streets were
filled with gentlemen, who like myself were making their
annual visits of kind greetings. I could not but feel
grateful to my Maker, that my health permitted me to
make my friendly calls, some of which, sh*^ I be spared
to see another Year, may not be repeated. Our city
grows so extensive and old friends live scattered so wide
apart, that the exercise was overfatiguing, but thank God
no inconvenience or injury ensued. . . . The joyous
older fashion has declined gradually, the New Years
dram & Cookey are rarely touched, even hot punch,
scarcely tasted. It is well, for formerly New Years was
a riotous day. Kind greetings will I hope never go out
of fashion. It is right to lay the dram aside. Sisters
table was really the handsomest display, that I saw. . . .
Thur^ [January] 3*^. A melancholy suicide took place
yest-"", Oliver G. Kane, a very decent young man of good
family. Sec'' of the National Marine C" put a period to
his existence by blowing out his brains, in consequence
no doubt of breach of trust, to what extent is not yet
ascertained. It is said that he left a note for M"" Depey-
ster Pres* stating that the history of his life was pour-
trayed in the Tragedy of the Gamester. Awful avowal.
Friday [January] 4*^. The commencem* of the New
Year is always attended with accumulated duty. This
1
2 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
p. m. Bible So[ciety, tomorrow, Stand^ Committee,
Saturday, Fuel Saving Fund. Monday 12 o'clock. Sail-
ors' Snug Harbour, 5 p. m. S* Thomas Scholarship S".
Wed^ p. m. Savings Bank & their report. Thus you see
that a person willing to lend his time & talents will not
want for occupation. On Xmas day Mother sent a pres-
ent of a doz. Testaments for S^ Thomas Ch. Sunday
School. Not to be lacking in good works on New Years
day Father presented a doz. prayer Books to the same S"
under the Superintendance of M" Beverley Robinson,
who gives great & unremitted attention to the school
which prospers under the care of this excellent lady, . . .
Sat^ [January] 5^^. The Report of the defalcation of
M' Kane is dreadful to the am* of $140,000, a fatal blow
to the National C° of w'' my friend Fred" Depeyster is
pres[iden]t & w^ has hitherto gone on very successfully.
He has destroyed the Cash Book Bill Book &c " & made
no entries since last July, w^ will reflect severely on the
Pres* for want of due care. It is said M"" K. has in the
succession of a few years drawn 132,000 in Lotteries, &
that he was a desperate gambler. He once addressed one
of the Miss Douglases, very rich & very proud, but
was rejected. He married a cousin of hers, with a fair
fortune w*" he has never touched being settled on her &
leaves her a most disconsolate young widow with an in-
fant. This catastrophe, owing to the heavy defalcation,
excites much attention.
1 o'clock. Your brother brought in, a little while
past, y"" letter of W Dec by the John & Elizabeth, w** I
c** not peruse till this minute. Most heartily do I con-
gratulate you on the Doctors appointment, a pretty
Xmas box, w*" as you say will enable him to educate his
children & leave the profits of his other business towards
liquidating the debt for your house. . . . With y'"self I
feel very grateful to your warm friend M"" Chew for his ex-
ertions & also to Senator [Josiah Stoddard] Johns[t]on.
This intelligence will be quite a treat at home. I hope
that Darlings health will be so restored as to permit her
to attend the great Jackson ball. The Doctor must do
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1828 6
as other courtiers, hold the Candle to the Devil, for in
my guess, J. will be Pres[iden]t. Formerly a German
Tinman, Baltus Dash of this city, supplied Gov"" Tryons
kitchen with his Ware. He did the same for Gen. Wash-
ington when in this city 1776. After the abandonment
by our Troops, & the British taking possession. Dash
met Gov' Tryon in the street & congratulated him on his
return. Well M"" D. so you supplied the Rebel General,
How did he treat you (Dash was a Tory). 0 very well
Governor, I always make it a rule "to hold the Candle
to the Devil" You are welcome back Governor I am
very happy to see you & hope you will not forget y"" old
friend Baltus Dash. The Governor used to tell this story
with a great deal of glee in Dashes broken English, who
was a German. . . .
[Addressed by:] Ship Frances.
[Stamped:] ship
27
New York. Monday 7"" Jan^, 1828
Tuesday 8*''. Huzza for Jackson is the order with all
who wish for a change a large portion, always, of the
community. I must learn from the papers the festivi-
ties in this city on the occasion. I tried to get into
Masonic Hall to take a peep at the decorations, but c''
not get admittance.
Friday 11"' ... I send her [Eliza Davidson] Cooper's
last Novel, the Red Rover, published this day at the
extravagant price of $2. Cooper receives $5000, for the
copyright. No such patronage c'^ be extended to works
of a higher order in this country, but Novels, esp^ since
Waverley, have been & are so much the order of the day,
that Booksellers can afford to pay well for works of
imagination. This is well spoken of. I know not its
4 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
merits. Indeed my very little spare time is so much
devoted to more important readings for my period, that
I can afford even to Scott, very little. A chapter of the
Canongate sufifices, w** I take as an olive to refresh me
like desert. . . .
New York, Tuesd^ IS'*" Jan^ 1828. Fine clear day
With my Church politics, happily, you have nothing
to do, But my mind is exceedingly agitated on the sub-
ject. S* Thomas Church vacancy has not yet been sup-
plied after two choices declined. P^ the Rev. M"" De-
lancey of Phil" a very High Churchman, who signalized
himself in the late election of an Assis* Bishop, D"" Henry
U. Onderdonck, for that Diocese. The latter is still
more the enemy of Bible Societies, prayer meetings &
associations with Xt°^ of other denominations, than Bp.
Hobart. It was to reverend M"" Delancey for his active
oppugnation to the Low Church party in Pennsylv" that
thro' the influence of Bp. H. he was elected Rector of
S* Thomas, w*" after deliberation, he declined. Another
election was held a few weeks past. Candidates Rev.
M' Eastburn & Ives. The latter is son in law of Bp.
H[obart] has recently returned from Lancaster to this
city & was chosen Assis* to D"" Lyell of X' Church. His
cheif merit is being son in law to the Bishop. The votes
were even, 5 & 5, between the Candidates, neither re-
ceding. A JVP Anthon of Utica was chosen, who has
also declined. The vacancy stil exists & the rival Candi-
dates, M"" E & I, The former is supported by the best
judges in the Vestry, Mess" John Duer, Morris Robin-
son, Isaac Lawrence &c*, the latter by the devoted par-
tisans of the Bishop. M'" Eastburn is a Divine of the
very first talents in our Church, a scholar & a man of
zeal & Piety. The outcry ag* him that he is unsound
in his Ch. politics, that is, that he is a member of the
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1828 5
Am. Bible Society, that he has attended some of the
Auxiliaries as a Delegate, & that he associates with Min-
isters of other denominations & does not turn them &
their people over, with Bp. H. to the uncovenanted
mercy of God, the cant of the day, & believes that the
Scriptures ought to be put in the hands of every body.
Withal he is an Orthodox Christian & Episcopalian, &
preeminent as a writer & preacher. Notwithstanding
all this, He is opposed by the whole Host of Bp. H's
clergy, 9/lOths of this city. I am exert [ing] myself
to my utmost, because I love & esteem M"" E. conceive
that the choice will be for the best interests of the
Church, and moreover, because I was instrumental, some
years ago, in constituting him a member of the A. B. S.
But I am so office locked, that I have little time to run
about.
Thurs^ 17'''. Everything that is in my power to per-
form, by calling on the members of the Vestry, friendly
to M"" Eastburn, has been done, to explain away plausi-
ble objections raised by such as are hostile to him.
Friday, [January] 18'^ The Vestry meet this ev".
M"" E's friends will hand in an engagement to take pews
to the Amount of $5000, more than adequate to build
Galleries w'' will be wanted for their accommodation &
bring in additional revenue arising from the rents. I
hope that this will turn the scale in his favour, but the
oppugnation of a Bishop is all powerful here. After
very heavy Fogs it began to clear away yest-^. On
Wed^ W^, 6 p. m. a fine ship in the London line went
aground off Sandy Hook, the Columbia, a very great, if
not total loss is apprehended, w" will fall heavy on our
offices. My good friend M"" Depeyster has resigned as
pres* of the National Marine Co[mpany]. A case of
Forgery & felony ag* one Redmond has excited great
attention. The trial lasted 3 days & you will see it in
the Spectator. The plea of Alibi was supported & he
was acquitted by the Jury in 5 minutes at 12 last night.
He was a Boarding House keeper & is ruined. A very
hard case.
Monday [January] 2P^ Winter at last. Sat'' was
6 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
a muggy, warm, intense Foggy day, cleared off at N. W.
Yest^ morn* cold, today, very cold. We were all at
Church however, morn* & ev*. No decision had in my
Vestry, who like the Cardinals of Rome sit in conclave.
. . . Poor Uncle Lewis Wife, Ann, died of a short para-
lytic stroke on Sat^ ev* 19''' aged 44. She was the wild
daughter of a very respectable Quaker Ebenezer Burling.
They are both no more, the least said is the better,
Tuesd^' [January] 22^. An incident occurred last ev*
w*" for lack of other matter I recite. The Recorder,
M"" Riker, to whom was confided the distribution of a
volume printed by our Corporation of the circumstances
attending the celebration of the completion of the
Canals, having delayed furnishing the copy to w*" as
having had a considerably agency in getting up the
celebration, told me that he wished to inscribe the
presentation copy to me, in some oflBcial capacity. I
mentioned that I was secretary of the first public meet-
ing held in this city on the subject, & w'' was analagous.
To show that this was not a gratuitous assertion, I
hunted up the notice published in the Daily Advertiser,
"Canal. At a numerous & respectable meeting of the Citizens of
"N York held at the City Hotel, on Saturday evening 30th Dee. 1815 i
"for the purpose of taking into consideration the measures proper to be
"adopted to promote a Canal navigation between the great Western
"Lakes and Tide waters of the Hudson. Wm. Bayard Esq. in the Chair,
"John Pintard, Secretary."
Then follow the Resolutions. The substance of this,
M' Riker will have printed on the cover of the Book.
I mention this the rather, because at the epoch of the
celebration, the circumstance of the of the president &
Secretary of the first public meeting on the subject, were
both present. My late patriotic friend Thomas Eddy,
who had a very great agency in promoting this great
enterprize, & whose recollection was indistinct, felt some
sensation, presuming that he had acted as Secretary, &
that it was transferring an honour due to him to one not
entitled to it. He had forgotten. He was put on the
1 This correct date 1815 was wrongly written by Pintard 1817 in his
letter of September, 1825, vol. II, 175.
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1828 7
Committee to prepare a Memorial to the Legislature w''
was done & presented. Very great opposition was made
against the enterprize, politically, least it sh*^ give M""
Clinton, then entering on his Governors career, popu-
larity. He was called a visionary scoundrel who w^
ruin the State of N York with his Dry Ditch as Gen.
Root called it, to secure his popularity. Words can
feebly describe the oppugnation of his adversaries or the
persevering efforts of his friends. DeWitt Clinton is
immortalized by the greatest achievement of the age,
w" on its completion M"" Jefferson remarked ought to
be called the Eighth Wonder of the World. Altho only
a very humble agent, a mere Bellows Blower to the or-
gan, I feel gratified that from its incipient stages until
the final successful accomplishment of this wonderful
effort, that I tho't highly of the practicability & ex-
erted every effort in my feeble power to promote it.
Wed^ [January] 23*^. Light snow, w'' has tempered
the atmosphere. A special meeting of the Managers of
the A[merican] B[ible] S[ociety] was held yest^ to
grant the Binder, the temperary use of their Room, in
order to extend his work, to supply, as far as possible,
the demand for Bibles & Testaments, from all quarters.
It is really animating to hear read the letters from our
Auxiliaries. It is not a solitary Town or County, but
an extraord^ unprecedented excitement throughout, al-
most every State, to supply the destitute with the Scrip-
tures. Alas! Episcopalians are so taken up with in-
ternal Feuds & open hostility ag' the A. B, S. that we
are absolutely sleeping & doing nothing, while every
other Xt° denomination are awake & engaged in this
glorious cause. It makes me blush. Awful is the re-
sponsibility on those whose influence is opposed to this
work.
Thur'' [January] 24. The light snow was blown
away by a sharp N. Waster last ev^ & it is bitter cold
this day.
Friday 25. More moderate with appearance of snow.
. . . Reading an article in y' Mercantile Adv"" of 30*''
8 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
Dec. mentioning that on that day 24 years ago Lou-
isiana became part of the U. S. it speaks of the immense
progress of y' city, in population, Commerce (fee" since
that epoch. The whole character & circumstances being
changed since its emancipation from the Spanish yoke
"& the thraldom of a rapacious Clergy." This last re-
mark I consider extremely illiberal. However as Prot-
estants we may not approve the Roman Catholic sys-
tem, yet as far as my observations extended during my
visit in 1801 when I cultivated an acquaintance & some
intimacy with the Clergy of the day, I c*^ remark no
instance of rapacity. Their revenues arose from grants
of the Crown or benefactions of former times. The
Cathedral was erected by funds bequeathed by some
wealthy Lawyer, if not set up in his life time. The
Ursulines derive their large estate, by a grant from the
French Crown, of lands formerly given to the Jesuits
at the earliest settlem* of N[ew] 0[rleans] at whose
expulsion the estates reverted to those who gave them.
I heard no complaint whatever of exactions to support
the Clergy. Nor do I believe that the expenses attend-
ing their maintenance, considering their celibacy, any
way to be compared with our clergy. Bishop Dubois
in this city has only $800 a year with a house to live in
& has 2 Clergymen inmates with him & who eat at
his table. Bp. Hobart has a superb house & a salary
of $3500 a year, as much I believe as nearly all the
Roman Catholic clergymen together. There are sub-
jects enough of discordance, probably, between the old
French & the new American settlers without making
unnecessary reflections at this enlightened period on the
Rom. Cath. Religion, of all others the most odious. In
our highly favoured country no established Church,
thank God, exists. Let us confine our disputes & ani-
mosities to politics, an ample field, & leave the Clergy &
their flocks to seek their road to Heaven, according to
their respective Creeds, & live as far as possible, in peace
& harmony with each other.
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1828 9
3P^ Jan^, Thurs^ ... I have lost another friend &
playmate of my childhood, Martin Hoffman, late Auc-
tioneer, who died of apoplexy yest^ morn", aged 65, about
4 years younger than myself. He leaves a large family
of 11 Children, the youngest 2 years. His oldest son,
Murray Hoffman is a lawyer of credit & extensive prac-
tice. M"" H. married early, Beulah Murray daughter
of M' Robert Murray & sister of John Murray J' the
philanthropist. She died early, & he next married Miss
Seton, by whom he had this flock of 10 Children. He
was a kind hearted man, but always unfortunate, & I
believe leaves nothing. I may attend his funeral to-
morrow, weather permitting, & drop a tear over the re-
mains of my departed friend.
[Addressed by:] Ship Tennessee
New^ York, Sat^ 23^ Feb^ 1828
By the Azelia, to have sailed yest'^ my letter ^ of
22^ was despatched, as I tho't you w"* naturally feel
solicitous to hear some particulars concerning my late
dear friend Gov"" Clinton of whose sudden death I made
a mem° on the cover of y"" brothers letter of 14^^ inst.
by the Louisiana. Indeed I can scarcely yet realize this
severe dispensation to his family, friends & Nation. I
hope that it will be sanctified to me esp'' by calling my
tho'ts from this transitory world & fixing them more
intently on the future. It is gratifying to me to remark
the general feeling of sympathy & respect that appears
in all quarters. Former political differences had nearly
terminated & all appeared to be buried in his grave. A
universal expression of regret & esteem flows in from all
quarters & this city in particular pays every attention
to his memory. For my part, I have not attended any
of the So[ciety] or public meetings that have taken
2 Not among the Pintard MSS. owned by The New-York Historical
Society.
10 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
place, being mostly in the evenings. The inclemency
of the weather & absolute impossibility of hearing, made
it best for me not to go, but I have not been wanting
in my suggestions to others, w** may possibly have pro-
duced more effect than any speech, were I capable of
delivering one in public, c'' have done. It is in con-
templation to erect a suitable edifice for the Mercantile
Library association to cost, ground & all $30,000. If
executed it is to be named Clinton Hall, no doubt at the
instigation of my benevolent friend W™ Wood, who you
have seen, the Founder of the Institution & who must
be gratified at this splendid success of his, once called
romantic, efforts. But the main tribute to the services
of Gov'' Clinton will not be paid. Our Legislature will
restore, simply, the am' of salary due him as Canal
Comm"" out of which he was shamefully turned thro'
the malice & venom of his Foes. This nefarious act
recoiled on his persecutors, for it excited public reproba-
tion at the time & raised his popularity. Now, however,
it is to be regretted, as diminishing the salary w'" w^
otherwise have been due. The most from this just debt,
may am' to about $20,000, better than nothing for his
destitute minor children. A grant of $100,000 certifi-
cate at 6 p' c' till the youngest child comes of age, w**
not be commensurate to the great boon that M'" Clinton
has left to the State & esp^ to this City, where landed
property has been enhanced a hundred fold & far be-
yond in the upper parts of the city. This act of justice
it is in vain to hope for. I feel grateful for what is
doing & have not dared to write in the papers, least by
suggesting too much, we might mar the whole. It is
singular that at the meeting of our Senators & repre-
sentatives in Congress to pass complimentary resolu-
tions, M"" Van Beuren of the former was Chairman, &
M' Verplanck, Sec^, M^ Clintons two most virulent po-
litical enemies in this State. The Resolutions were
unanimously adopted, a proof of the total oblivion of
all animosities thank God. As before remarked. Gov' C.
died full of popularity & fame & has left a monument
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1828 H
behind, the g^ western Canal, that will endure for ages.
It sh'' be called the Clinton Canal, but his name is iden-
tified with. There is I fear a lurking spirit of jealousy,
that will not do this act of Justice. I have done my
possible, so let it pass. Adieu my once highly esteemed
friend & benefactor.
I find that I am wrong about the Washington meet-
ing. Gen. Van Kenselaer M"" Clintons warmest friend
was Chairman & M"" Van Beuren Sec^.
Monday [February] 25'" ... I availed myself of a
leisure hour yest^ p. m. to discharge a duty that I owed
to the memory of my deceased friend, whose loss I shall
always deplore, by writing a letter of condolence to his
oldest son Ch[arle]s Clinton a very promising young
man, & who is happily married to one of M' John Hone's
daughters, an heiress. Charles was private Sec^ to his
father, Salary $500, and he is continued in the same
oflfice by 1} Gov' Pitcher, a sick inexperienced man, &
to whom the services of a sec-^', who is acquainted with
all his Fathers views & intentions must be highly im-
portant. I wrote with a very heavy heart, for I was
naturally muted, to recall the death of M" Clinton & of
my protege James Henry Clinton, whom you may recol-
lect & who was cut off in the very prime of youth, as
before intimated to you. Mother read of course my
letter, heartily written like all my letters to whomso-
ever. She did not think it one of my happiest, but
what c*^ a poor broken hearted friend say, more than
express his sincere & profound grief. I was not called
to write a panegyric, nor could I if inclined, do justice
to the merit of my late illustrious friend, the greatest
benefactor that our state ever had, Altho his uncle Gov'
George Clinton rendered most important services to our
State, during the Rev[olutionar]y War. . . .
Wed^ [February] 26*'^ [sic jor 27th] Dear Mother
has had an honour conferred on her, in her old days. At
a meeting of Ladies to aid the Greeks, she was nomi-
nated one of the Committee to solicit donations. She
has accepted, but it will be a diflScult task to get much,
12 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
as a Committee of Females have just swept the streets
in favour of the Orphan Assylum, very destitute of
Funds to support this important Institution. Mother
will do her best, however, & sh'^ [she] prove any way
successful as she has done among the good plain people
of New Utrecht, I shall rejoice. The nomination I at-
tribute to my friend Wood. I cannot say that I feel
obliged to him, for Mothers years & my long constant
services in the cause of humanity ought to excuse her.
She meant to have commenced this day, but it rains
again. On Monday ev^ Mother & Sister were to have
taken tea with M""^ Schencks musical family. A raw
boisterous ev^' prevented. D' Davizac was to have ac-
companied them. . . . Your brother expects another
consignment by the Illinois of 500 bales from his friend
M"" Franklin w" I hope will turn to better account than
the first adventure.
Thur^ [February] 28*\ The Illinois arrived last ev^
& before getting y"" letter, we saw by the morn^ paper,
M" Wederstrand among the passengers, child & servant.
When your brother came down about 10 o'clock, he in-
stantly went to the ship & placed Madame with her
retinue & baggage in a Hack, & despatched her to
Broome S*. This visit, short as it may be, materially
interferes with the poor Greeks. Mother & Sister were
going on their mendicant tour & possibly may have left
home before intelligence of M''^ W's visit was sent up.
. . . You are pleased with the new School for y"* daugh-
ters. I hope that the favourable account you give of
Miss McLeod will prove lasting & why sh** it not, the
very organization of her Academy indicates her ta[s]te
& capacity & I am glad to hear that our Turtle Dove
[Louise Davidson] improves. But why wish to send
them as Boarders. Surely your own well regulated fam-
ily will not undo the lessons & instructions of Miss Mc.
. . . Really Miss Proctor is a prodigy & merits all the
care of a wealthy parent. . . .
Friday [February] 29"". You feel anxious to hear
the impressions made by your friend M""' W[eder-
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 182S 13
strandt]. It seldom happens that a Lady so much ex-
tolled as M" W. comes up to the expectations antici-
pated of her. But really this ext[raordinar]y &
accomplished Female exceeds your very flattering de-
scription of her power of mind, ease & elegance of
expression. Mother is charmed. For myself I c*^ hear
but little. Altho' just arrived from sea, with Sister she
went shopping in B'^way before & after dinner. In the
ev^' M"" Palmer called & she with Sister & brother waited
on M" Palmer. I admire her masculine energetic char-
acter, without any appearance of affectation or presump-
tion. The object of her visit she keeps to herself.
Brother supposes to raise a loan to stock her plantation
with slaves. As she does not communicate, of course
no enquiries are made. She rests to day, & sets off for
Balt[im]o[re] to morrow, & says if she can accomplish
her business, she w'^ endeavour to be back to return with
the Illinois on the 15*". . . .
[Addressed by:] Ship Kentucky
New York. Sat-^' V March, 1828
. . . Dear Sister got up a Tea party, for your friend
M" Wederstrandt, last ev*^, consisting of y' brothers &
her friends. Every preparation was genteel & even
profuse. . . . M' Davizac was with us. The Lectures
being concluded he leaves this next Tuesday to visit his
Mothers family in Virginia, after w'' he proposes em-
barking at Norfolk for N. 0. & attend the Infirmary next
summer. He is really a very genteel, modest, unob-
trusive young man. He cannot as he once intended visit
our Cadets, w" I regret.
Monday 3*^ March. It is with pain that my pen has
to record the unexpected death of M"' Furman the wife
of my president. On Thurs^ night she fell either getting
in or out of bed. She was very corpulent having been
long afflicted with dropsy, for w"" every experiment was
14 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
tried in vain. ... On Sat^ M" Wederstrandt set out
for Brunswick at 11, in the Steam Boat. . . . Severe as
the storm was and having prepared with more than
usual solemnity to participate, I attended the Com-
munion in my old French Church & received it at the
hands of my esteemed Rev. friend M"" Eastburn. My
feelings were quite overpowered, but I restrained them
until the solemn duties of the day were performed. . . .
(12 o'clock) M-- Boyd has just called in. M''^ B. has
rec** a letter from her brother jVP Bayard, who with my
dear Sister Patty set off on Thur^ last for Virginia to
attend the accouchment of Julia [Washington] to take
place this month. Distressing to add that Julia has lost
her little girl, without much previous indisposition I
presume, for the intelligence came all at once upon her
parents, to the great affliction of her tender hearted
Mother. They set off immediately . . .
Tuesday [March] 4*^. This day the Greek Ladies re-
port the am* of their subscriptions. With great personal
exertion Dear Mother had obtained $95, last aft.noon.
To round $100 M"" Servoss agreed to pay the balance, if
not rec'^ this morn'''. Sister after tea last ev^ ran to
some families & procured $8, in addition to 82 before
collected. 2 Rainy days & one devoted to y' friend M"
Wederstrandt left Mother only 3 days for operation. It
was too much for her to run up & down so many flights
of stone steps & she was over fatigued on Sat'' ev^ but
happily she has attained her mark & her name will not
be disgraced when published. The aim of the ladies was
to get $100 each. Some have done more who were
within reach of the wealthy. . . .
Wed^ [March] 5*^ I attended the Funeral, as pall
bearer, of M" Furman, in his vault in S' Pauls Church
Yard, penalty $250 by law for interments south of
Canal St. a barbarous act. My feelings were very sol-
emn. M" F. was 9 days older than myself. She died in
full possession of her mind & quite easy & resigned.
Afflicted with an incurable dropsy, she is happily re-
leased. I see in the morn^ paper that M' Boyd, who
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1828 15
you may recollect lived with us at Cap* Johnsons in
Newark. He & his sister lived together unmarried, at
Hackensack & in comfortable circumstances. Tired of
life, he put a period to his existence. Awful! The pre-
cepts of Xt-'' had no hold on him. . . .
Thur^ [March] 6"\ This day the Rev. M^ Upfold
is instituted Rector of S* Thomas. May he prove a
faithful serv* of his Lord Jesus Christ & acceptable to
his congregation. His talents are moderate, but he may
be not the less useful, if he be pious. High Church is
the cheif merit for promotion in this Diocese, & stern
opposition to the Am. Bible So[ciety]. God forgive
them. Oppugnation is harmless, if not useful, as it not
only stimulates its friends but teaches them circumspec".
I have just read D"" Milnor's beautiful sermon on the
death of Gov"" Clinton of w*" I will send you a copy &
one for M" Foster. . . .
[Addressed:] Favoured by Doc"" Davizac
Ship Russell
New York. Sat^' S'"" March, 1828
On returning home yest' p. m. I found D"" Davizac,
who I thot had gone to Virginia. He concluded to take
passage in the Russell to sail this day. A letter rec*^
from Pintard vest-'' of 5"' is inclosed in my packet. My
wayward g'^son & namesake wishes to abandon the pur-
suit of physic for the roving life of a Mariner. . . . Let
us try to induce Marney, to take up his fathers profes-
sion & become a second Francis as his Uncle says. . . .
Monday [March] 10*'' . . . Having a cold in my
head I did not go to Church for fear of aggravating it,
w^ I regretted as it was the first appearance of our new
Rector M"" Upfold, having taken part with the friends
of the Rev. M' Eastburn, mistaken motives might have
been imputed, but not so. I rather rejoice that M"" E.
may be the founder of a new Church & the pastor of
a united warm hearted congregation w^ c*' not have been
16 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
the case at S' Thomas. . . . My friend George Rapelje
called to ask whether I had rec*^ any tidings about M'
[Richard] Stockton from Princeton who was ill, &
shortly announced his death, by apoplexy on Friday
ev°. M"" S. had attended Trenton court last week, &
happily had got home to meet his sudden sunmaons. He
had grown extremely corpulent, & the mode of his death
has been for some time anticipated. . . .
Tuesday [March] IV^. . . . M"" Bayard being from
home I can learn no particulars about M'' Stocktons
death, only that it was not so sudden as reported. His
son Richard had he existed was to have inherited the
Mansion & its ample domains. Robert, in the U. S.
Navy, is at the south, surveying the Florida coast. He
married a Georgia heiress. His 3 married daughters
have not been lucky. M" Harrisons husband a bank-
rupt & a sot, his next daughter the handsomest, married
a M^ Roach ^ a Wet Quaker of Bristol [County] Mass*'
whose father a most respectable Friend is extensively
concerned in the whale fishery, the son a partner, is a
bon vivant & debauchee. Thompson * son of the famous
Tea Thompson, thot to be a fortune is a beggar, in
consequence of his fathers failure. He went on with L*
Stockton to take charge, as agent & overseer of his father
in laws estate in Georgia. Thus these matrimoiiiaj
monied speculations have all failed. M' S. you know
was exceedingly proud & haughty w^ rendered him very
unpopular, tho' his high talents commanded respect, but
not esteem. Very selfish & not benevolent. He con-
demned his Uncle Boudinot for his munificence. I shall
not be surprized if, with his aristocratic notions, he sh''
have left Robert Lord of the Manor & principal heir,
with moderate legacies to his 2 other sons & 4 daughters.
Robert is a fine frank good hearted seaman, partaking
of his mothers side of the house. What I have s*^ is
3 Caroline Stockton married William R. Rotch, son of William Rotch
(Jr.). T. C. Stockton, The Stockton Family (1911), p. 128; L. B. Ellis,
History of New Bedford (1892), pt. II. p. 4.
4 John Renshaw Thomson (1800-1862) who married Annis Stockton,
sister of Robert Field Stockton. Stockton Family, p. 130.
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1828 17
mere conjecture. It is 4 years since I last saw M' S.
during w" time he had grown exceedingly corpulent, of
w*" he did not like to be told. At M' Boudinots funeral,
I inadvertently expressed my surprize at his obesity.
One of his daughters overheard me. I s*^ nothing rude.
She foolishly repeated, perhaps aggravated my innocent
remark, at w*" he expressed a sensation, w*" was weak in
him. I always resolved that he sh** not ever be offended
on that score again. D*" Romaine carried off the freedom
of such remarks with great good humour. My God
Doctor how fat you grow. Yes, more so than I c'* wish,
& there it ended. . . .
Thur-^ [March] IS'*' ... On Monday af.noon, I met
ray new Rector M'' Upfold, for the first time. It was
at the meeting of the Trustees of S^ Thomas Ch. Scholar-
ship. The Rector is president of the board ex officio,
as Senior V[ice] Pres' I presided since the decease of
M"" Duffy. We received him with all due form & re-
spect, & on introducing him to the chair by request, I
gave him a brief sketch of the rise & progress of the
Institution, w'' I did with such reference to the memory
of his predecessor as was just, & with such remarks as
might warm his heart & enlist his feelings to promote
the object, w'' I have so much at heart. You know my
zeal on the occasion, & altho' very backward in speak-
ing even before a very small audience, w" I can never
attempt without embarrasing diffidence, I believe that
I acquitted myself tolerably well. At least M"" U.
avowed, that the foundation of a scholarship was a
favourite object with him & that he w*^ promote it to
the best of his power. He was presented with a certifi-
cate of Life Membership, subscribed ($25) by some
ladies of his congregation, for w^ he expressed his grate-
ful thanks. Mama & Sister led the subscription, as
usual, $1. each, a mere trifle when all combine. I in-
close for you a copy & one for M"" Gordon of the 9^^
Report of our Savings Bank, by w*" j^ou will see its won-
18 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
derful progress & prosperity. By the way the scholar-
ship Fund of $2500 am*« to 1049 at In* at 6 p' C*. I con-
sidered it as founded, if only the Interest be added to
the principal annually, it will require by this slow proc-
ess 15 years 8 m" & 19 days to accumulate to $2500.
I have said all I could to excite zeal, but we Episco-
palians are at best a torpid set. The Presbyterians w''
accomplish it in a single year, & painful to add, from
Trinity down, not a single Episcopal Church in the city
or state follows our example. The avenue to the purse
is thro' the heart, & we must change our hearts of stone
to hearts of flesh before much can be expected or hoped
for.
New York. 15*-* March, Sat-^ 1828
. . . My gratification on always hearing y'' good
brother expressing himself in such high terms of my
beloved daughter & the Doctor. As I was taking my
breakfast, alone, at 8 to come down early to my office,
we discoursed about y' sons, that as Pintard seems bent
on the Navy, the propriety of bringing up Marney as
a physician. ... It was discoursing on this subject that
led me to enquire the estimation in which the Doctor
was held. He told me that M"" Linton, particularly, re-
garded him as a person of powerful mind & talents, &
that his character as a physician stood very high in y""
city. That he was temperate in his habits, & a favour-
ite with his female patients. Above all, that you had
a mutual respect for each others counsels, a proof of
my beloved daughters discretion & of the judgment of
her good man. . . .
Wed^ [March] 19'\ This is our Thomas' Birthday,
now 15 years, the first he ever spent with his parents.
He is a kind hearted youth & very attentive to me. He
is reserved with his Father, who probably justly, thinks
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1828 19
that boys ought to be kept under the strictest discipline
& thinks me but a poor manager. . . .
Friday [March] 2V\ I have been just thanking my
friend M' Depeyster for communicating to me a letter
from the Rev. D"" Jarvis, who was in London last Jan^',
sojourning at present in France educating his children.
He draws a most flattering picture of the friendship &
hospitality of the English gentry & ecclesiastics to whom
he was introduced. . . . The independent fortunes, high
education, refined minds & polished manners of the No-
bility & gentry of Eng'' must have rendered the inter-
course of such a person, as the Rev. D'' Jarvis most
delightful. He is himself an accomplished esp^ Theo-
logical, Scholar, a gentleman in manners & competent
to sustain his part & character in the most intellectual
circles. In my estimation D"" J. is the highest scholar
of the Epis. Church in the U. States, & not very inferior
to the eminent Divines of the countries he visits. . . .
I congratulate y"" good friend M" Chew on the honour-
able election of M"" C. as president of the Branch B"" w*"
I hope will add to his comfort & happiness of a family so
associated with yours as to be very dear to me, also
M""^ Smith & family, not forgetting Miss Frances. . . .
[Addressed by:] Ship Frances
New York, Monday 24'" March, 1828
. . . The papers will have imparted the scandalous
conduct of our Legislature respect^ the family of Gov*"
Clinton, $10,000 being the extent of their mean bounty,
& numbers opposed even to that. Indeed we may well
say that Republics are ungrateful. Congress likewise
are passing by the claims of the old Rev[olutionar]y
oflBcers, of whom, had I been one I sh** have ranked
among the youngest. Almost all, in this State, have
turned 70, & the last hope of several to comfort & sup-
20 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
port their short remaining years, depended on this act of
Justice to their toils & sufferings. It is impossible to
estimate what they endured, esp^ during the 3 first years
of the Rev^ War, almost without necessary clothing,
blankets, shoes or linen, & often living on the shortest
allowance. Their pay, depreciated money, a whole year
of w*" was inadequate to puT^chase a new suit of plain
regimentals. When I recur to facts, within my personal
knowledge, I execrate the cold blooded statesmen who
can look with indifference on the claims of these war
worn veterans, & turn a deaf ear to their supplica-
tions. . . . G. Britain, at the close of our Revolution
remunerated all those whose estates were confiscated for
their loyalty, & gave all the Refugee officers half pay
for life w*" they are receiving to this day. Whilst America,
w^ won the day, & acquire [d] such immense resources
in land, refuse a loaf of bread to those who began &
served thro' the whole course of the war. ... I do not
repine at the due generosity of Congress to Gen. La
Fayette, but this act of national justice ought not to
swallow up our poor fellow citizens claims. The shame-
ful ingratitude of our State, to the destitute family of
its greatest Benefactor has called up reflections so often
repeated as to become irksome I fear. . . .
Thur^ [March] 27*'' ... I send herewith a little
public" Cook on the efficacy of White Mustard, w*" is
all in vogue here, also a pound of the seed, w" possibly
may be beneficial to Darling. The Doctor will of course
examine it. As far as I can judge, no harm can arise
from taking it. Sister uses it, some ladies conceit pos-
sibly, think they have derived great benefit from it. At
all events you can, if useless as medecine, convert the
mustard, by grinding it with a bottle to table purposes,
w*" after all is the best way of preparing it tho' not quite
so pleasing to the eye it is more pungent. Give it a
trial.
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1828 21
Sat^ [March] 29"*. . . . My successive letters have
pretty nearly shown the state of my afflicted mind w''
will not be relieved until after the meeting of the Di-
rectors the latter of May, when, if all losses by fraud, to
be thrown up [on] me, it will sweep away the little of
my hard earnings thro life. I endeavour to avoid brood-
ing on it not to enfeeble my mental powers, w*" at best
are bad eno[ugh], till then a truce to reflections . . .
Monday [March] 3P'
Mother answers y"" letter by this conveyance. I ap-
prehend that she has wrong impressions about the Fe-
male High School, established in a new part of the
city. It may not, as yet, be the resort of children of
the higher ranks, however, the case is altering daily, &
those of several respectable families now go to it. 2
young ladies. Miss Mclntyres our next door neighbours,
among others, who strangers at first, to all around them,
are now better reconciled. They are about Louise's age.
I am convinced that the system of education & pro-
ficiency of the scholars are superior to that of any other
female seminary in the city.
1 P. M. Your brother has brought me y"" letter of
IS*'' by the John Linton. It is a pleasure to hear, or
rather for Sister, of the gaieties of y"" city & friends.
Really M'' Dicks party exceeded any thing I imagine
ever exhibited in this city, even by D"" Hosack, who with
Philip Hone rank foremost in splendid entertainments.
I rejoice more to hear of the Doctors success in his estab-
lishment. . . .
New York, 4*'^ April, 1828
A N East Snow Storm
Yest^ at the meeting of the Managers of the A[meri-
can] B[ible] S[ociety] I had the gratification of hearing
read a letter from y' B. S. resolving to supply the desti-
tute families of y"" city with the Scriptures. Col. Varick
22 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
was elected unanimously president of the A. B. S. in
place of M"" Jay resigned. He has presided at our meet-
ings since the decease of Gen. Clarkson & has been one
of our most liberal benefactors. It was resolved not to
publish the Spanish Bible with the Apocrypha, w" will
interfere with sending the Scriptures to Spanish Amer-
ica. But the Young Men's Bible S" of Phil" are under-
taking the circulation, not being restricted, w" will an-
swer the same purpose. Our business increases so, that
we are obliged to provide other accommodations for
conducting the printing. We are about purchasing a lot
6 erecting a Brick Building thereon, nearly opposite the
Depository, the whole expense of which will be about
$4000, for w*" the printer will allow us an Interest of
7 p"" Cent. Heaven smiles on our labours.
Sat^ [April] 5'\ . . . M^ Bayard in a letter of 3P'
March mentions, that M"" Stockton has left the Mansion
& premises, after the decease of M" Stockton, to Robert
charged with $10,000 payable to his 2 brothers Samuel
& William, Tusculum & several town lots to Samuel, the
old Stockton farm near the Seminary to William. The
residue of his Estate estimated from $60 to $80,000 is
left in trust to Robert & M"" Bayard, the interest to be
paid to the widow & daughters, during life. M" Stock-
ton Robert & M"" Bayard Executors. I think the daugh-
ters have hard measure, but I always thot that M"" S's
aristocratic notions w^ give all to his oldest & 2 other
sons. The Mansion & lands are very valuable. Cap*
Stockton you know married an heiress, & has an elegant
house near M'' Bayards. I have never been at Prince-
ton since it was built.
I have just heard of the death of the Rev. Cave
Jones, Chaplain of the Navy Yard, Brooklyn after 5 days
illness. He was an excellent man & pious, a worthy &
useful member of the Am[erican] Bible So[ciety] &
constant attendant at the Managers. He had a violent
contest, with Bp. Hobart, some years ago, & was obliged
to leave Trinity Church, with a grant of $10,000. He
leaves a wife & 2 daughters, comfortably provided, re-
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1828 23
markably well educated ladies & will no doubt make
good matches. I respected M' J. who I considered per-
secuted. But he has gone to his rest.
(2 p. m.) A friend has just called to tell me that the
report of M' Jones' death is not true, that he was better
this morn^. Thank God. I pray that he may recover.
The office of Chaplain is probably worth $1000 p"" an. &
the chance of succession has given circulation to the
rumour. The family of M' J. is very amiable, & I have
always been respectful to them, tho' contrary to the
opinions of our B[isho]p men. Strange world of an-
tipathies we live in. More ab* M"" Jones. A friend who
called at his home last ev^. He was so low, that it was
not supposed that he c*^ live thro' the night, easier at 12,
but worse this morn'-'. Complaint, inflammation of the
liver & his case extremely critical. I feel interested in
his fate.
Monday [April] 7'". M"" Jones was better yesf. It
being Easter Sunday, we all attended the Communion,
a circumstance most grateful to me that all our house-
hold are of one mind on this important duty. ... To
Bp. Taylors Worthy Communicant, I acknowledge my
obligations in my late preparation. It is an old work,
now out of print, or I w'^ send you a copy. It is very
spiritual, in the style of his Holy Living & Dying. I
read my favourite Sermon, D"" Barrow, on the Resurec-
tion, nearly 11 Folio close printed pages, in the aft. noon,
when I staid home on purpose. All the rest went to
Church, altho the day was raw, & so cold last night, that
we had a sharp frost. . . . Order of the day with me.
To attend at 12, rthie meeting of the Trustees of the
Sailors Snug Harbour. We have the procsDpect of ob-
taining an act to alter the location of the Hospitcal: the
object of my long pursuit & wishes. But we can do
nothing until the suit ag* the Trustees shall be deter-
mined, w'' will be delayed in the Supreme Court of the
U States until next winter. At 5 p. m. I have to attend
the Domestic Socciety] meeting, preparatory to the
Anniv^. I am endeavouring to rid myself of this S° in
24 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
consequence of my deafness. At 1, the election of
Ch[urch] Wardens & Vestry Du S' Esprit, from w** I
c*^ wish to withdraw also, but must continue a little
longer till our new minister shall be settled, & probably,
if we erect a new Church, to render my services on the
occasion, w*" will not be until another Year, & may afford
me at least innocent occupation, if spared. I almost
dread a total unoccupied life, least I sh*^ fall into the
too often, old mans vice, intemperance to kill time, w"
God forbid, but I have seen too many fatal instances,
that make me shudder. Wed^ p. m. Savings Bank, Fri-
day p. m. A[merican] B[ible] S[ociety] Standing
Comm*. . . .
[Addressed by:] Ship DeWitt Clinton
New York, Tuesday 8^^ April, 1828
. . . This day the City Hotel in B'^way, the largest
establishment in this City, was sold at the Merchants
Exchange, & purchased by John Jacob Astor for
$121,000. The Building cost more money & the ground
100 f*^ on B'^way by 175 in depth is worth more. An im-
mense bargain. This location belonged to Cap* De-
lancey of Ma[ma]roneck & in 1790 or 91, in the days
of my ephemeral prosperity I was concerned in the pur-
chase as Trustee for Tammany So[ciety] for $15,000.
The Buildings on it were not worth the cost of taking
down. In consequence of the catastrophe of the times,
the Society c*^ not prosecute their design of erecting their
Hall &c. & sold it for $18,000 to an association who
undertook to build the present Hotel by Subscription.
Before it was completed however, they got set for want
of Funds, & were obliged to borrow a large sum, about
$25,000 from the Bank of N York, w'^ enabled them to
finish it. But the speculation not yielding an Interest,
the Bank was compelled to foreclose their mortgage.
Ezra Weeks, an enterprizing master builder from the
interior of Massachusets, had the spirit to grapple
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1828 25
with it, in company with M' Thomas Tom, a successful
merch^ A considerable expense was incurred to put it
in the order it now is & the investment became profita-
ble, as it [is] a place of the first resort. Some dif-
ference between Weeks & a son of the late IVP Emmet
who married Tom's daughter-^ has led, I understand,
to the sale. How Weeks has let it slip thro' his hands
is probably owing to a large investment in a ship Rail-
way that probably demands all his resources. Such is
the History of this piece of property & such the worth
of ground in B"way. Alas! the Delancey family, what
a loss they sustained by their Loyalty. The land in this
city, called Delanceys ground, was confiscated & the fam-
ily rec*^ a compensation from the Crown of £80,000
Sterling, less than $400,000. This property now cov-
ered with Houses, exceeds probably in value. Five mil-
lions of Dollars. They had great possessions also on
this island & in Westchester County. How the City
Tavern as it was then called escaped I know not. It
was originally the City Dwelling of U Gov' Delancey,
a very lofty proud man. This family is sprung from
the Hugenots. Their Ancestor a shrewd intelligent cal-
culator possessed of some money, laid it all out in lands
& probably purchased the whole of the above ground,
at the beginning of the last century for less than $10,000.
But of this I speak without authority.
Thur'' [April] 10. The Presbyterian Congregations
of D' Spring & D' M'Auleys Church having become too
numerous for comfortable accommodation, agreed to
erect an other place of worship, the expense of w" &
lot is estimated at 120,000. It was agreed to open a
subscription, for w'' purpose a number of persons met
one ev° of this week, no subscriber to give more than
SIOO. S22,500 wTre instantly subscribed in single shares
except M"" Arthur Tappan who subscribed 10 shares, or
^ It was John Tom's daughter. Anna Riker Tom. who married Thomas
Addis Emmet, Jr., in 1823. T. A. Emmet. The Emmet FowJly (1898),
p. 321 ; N. Y. Evening Post, April 5, 1823.
26 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
$1000, the usual subscriptions & donations of this benev-
olent man. This is another instance of the active piety
of the Presbyterians in this city. We have nothing like
it in my Church. I send a copy of a letter to a Unitarian
Clergyman, w*" is republished in last weeks Observer,®
written by M'" Tappans brother Lewis now in partner-
ship with him. The pamphlet may be of use to some of
those who with you possible, belong to this Infidel self
called Christians who deny their Lord & Master. May
they like the Writer Repent & be converted. Unitari-
anism is going down in Boston, & in Germany many of
its learned professors are returning to the True Faith,
This heresy however has its sway, with those who wish
to be learned above what is written & to soar above
vulgar prejudices.
Saturday [April] 12'" 2 p. m. I called last p. m. to
sympathize with M"" John Slidell of this city, on the loss
of his fine son,^ a Midshipman who with two others
was drowned in the Chesepeak on the 5"' inst. by a flaw
of wind oversetting the Boat in w*" they were sailing.
The particulars are in the Observer of this date, under
the head of "Melancholly Accident." Melancholly in-
deed. Young Hunter ^ who alone survived, is I believe
the son of M" H. M^ Stocktons Sister. He owed his
preservation it is said, to a large overcoat from w*" he
c*^ not extricate himself & which served to buoy him up
& to protect him from the chilling effects of the cold
weather & water. . . .
Monday 14'*' April. A complete N. E. snowstorm.
The snow melts as it falls but wliitens the Roofs on the
north side of the Houses. It began yest^ morn^ lightly,
w*" prevented Mother & Sister from going to Church. I
went in the morn^ but staid home p. m. The inclemency
of the weather will prevent my attendance, for the last
time, at the anniv^ meeting of the humble but useful
6 The "Letter from a Gentleman in Boston, To a Unitarian Clergy-
man of that City" was printed in the New-York Observer, for Saturday.
April 5, 1828.
7 William J. Slidell. N. Y. Observer, Ap 12 1828
8 Bushrod W. Hunter. Ibid.
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1828 27
So[ciety] for the Improvement of Domestics, w** is be-
coming very beneficial. My increasing deafness com-
pelled me to decline an election as president. May it,
with every other useful Institution prosper. This is a
wonderful period for benevolent & religious exertions, all
tending to meliorate the condition of Society & to extend
the diffusion of the Scriptures & conversion of the
Heathen. These signs of the Times indicate the fulfil-
ment of the prophecies & the downfal of the Turkish
Empire. Wonderful is the extension of kind feelings for
the poor Greeks & the contributions now receiving will
exceed the former. How grateful to the feelings of the
kind hearted females who have taken an interest on be-
half of their sex in Greece & esp-'' those of my friend
Wood, to whom the first effort was entirely owing as also
the present excitement. I must one day commit to writing
all I know ab* this ext[raordinar]y eccentric, mode[s]t
benevolent man. The more than Man of Ross of our
age. The Committee on the subject of contributing to
the relief of Gov"" Clintons Heirs have made an elegant
pathetic Report & the appeal I trust will make a power-
ful impression on the minds of our feUow citizens. . . .
[Addressed by:] Ship Tennessee
New York, 15'" April, 1828. Tuesday
This day the ceremony of laying the foundation of
the Ch[urch] of the Ascension, by Bp. Hobart is to take
place at 4 p. m. Happily the weather has cleared off so
as to permit the assemblage of clergymen & others usual
on these occasions. Altho' it w'' gratify me much, as the
friend of the Rev. JM"" Eastburn to be present yet I can-
not leave my ofiSce till too late. See what a slave I am.
M"" E. is no favourite at the Episcopal Palace, on ace*
of his being a zealous member of the A[merican] B[ible]
S[ociety] as I have before mentioned. A vindictive
28 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
spirit of proscription prevails in this Diocese, ag* all
who do not bow the knee to High Church. I am sorry
for it. I hardly dare open my lips, thro' fear of giving
offence, & refrain as much as possible from collision,
wishing to descend to the grave in peace. But our High
folks do not or will not understand the signs of the
Times. The Evangelical corps is increasing, & will in
a few years predominate. . . .
Wed^ [April] W^. Fine day. No Louisiana, now
out 27 days. I hope our dear Louise is not aboard. Last
ev^ M' Olivier from Terre au Boeuf, took tea with us, as
he has done twice before. He is a genteel unobtrusive
young man. Without apology I read my book while he
converses with the ladies & y"" brother. Last ev^ the
party went to see the process of making artificial Figures
with Glass, w** is very nice & curious. I staid at home,
as usual, with Thomas studying his lessons. His father
has taken him from Jamaica & put him with a M"" Fos-
ter, a teacher of celebrity. Thomas will make, under
his fathers eye, an excellent Merchant. He begins to
write like copper plate & is quite familiar with figures.
He is very correct, reads his Testament, Tracts &c^ &
quiet as one c'^ wish. I hope that our lively Pintard may
in time take after him.
[Addressed by:] Ship John Linton
New York, Wed^ 23'' April, 1828
Friday 25^"^
When M^ Clinton, who was nominated Major General
of the So[uthern] district of this state at the com-
mencem* of the late water [sic for war], an appoint-
ment frowned down at Washington & did not take place,
He offered me any station in his family that might be
agreeable. I told him, that of military sec^ with an
understanding that I sh*^ attend him in the field, to w**
he accorded with the rank of Colonel. He asked me
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1828 29
how I thot I w*^ behave. I replied that I knew how I
ought to & that having faced danger I thought I coud
screw my courage up to the sticking place & not disgrace
him. He laughed heartily & candidly confessed, that it
was a lesson that he had to learn. The Clintons are
naturally brave, & he had the fame of his father & uncle
to instigate him, whilst I sh"^ have relied solely on my-
self, altho' Uncle Cap' Pintard w'' always have been
before my eyes. The chance was never afforded, & this
anecdote w** I may have before repeated, has been re-
served within my own bosom, except that for a few days
I was dubbed Colonel, by some of M' C's immediate
friends w'' shows that he had intimated his intentions.
I am wandering, but anything better than brooding over
sorrow. At the meeting of the Managers of the A[meri-
can] B[ible] S[ociety] Col Troup remarked to me how
rapidly we were descending to the grave. He is my elder
by 2 or 3 years. I replied Colonel that march which
has lasted 3 score years & 10 cannot be called rapid.
He smiled at the justness of my observation but s*^ that
our sun appeared to be setting very fast. The Colonel
enjoys every thing but sound health, being asthmati-
cal. . . .
Sat^ [April] 26*''. Another N. E. cold raw rainy day.
I have just concluded & sent to the post office my letter
of this date via Mobile, w^ may possible reach you before
this, to inform you of the safe arrival of my dear Turtle
Dove,** & also my congratulation on that of another
g[ran]ddaughter [Lucy Ann] on the 7th inst. to supply
her place at N[ew] 0[rleans]. Dear Mother & Sister
relieved me from much solicitude by keeping the matter
secret, w*" had been communicated by M" Wederstrandt.
I have to answer a business letter to M"" Bayards who
informs me that Julia has presented her husband with
9 Louise Davidson. The arrival of Miss L. Davidson, with Mr. B. D.
Green and lady, in the Ship Kentucky, Capt. Rathbone, from New
Orleans, was noted in the [N. Y.] Commercial Advertiser, April 26, 1828.
30 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
a son, to his great joy, as likely to perpetuate the name
of Washington, a more than natural desire. Mother &
child doing well. Aunt Patty to return the last of May.
Caroline is to visit Sister the beginning of week after
next, to be here on the 12"" Anniv^ of the A[merican]
B[ible] S[ociety]. I shall plume myself in presenting
my graceful g''daughter to her, whose person very much
resembles Julias, but Caroline is a squab. She is how-
ever of accomplished mind.
Monday [April] 28'\ ... As Thomas has left Ja-
maica, I contemplate placing Marney at an excellent
new Institution at Flus[h]ing, under the sup.intendance
of the Rev. M'' Muhlenbergh, as Episcopal Clergyman,
easy in circumstances, of high classical attainments &
devotedly attached to education. I shall endeavour to
get a prospectus for you. The principles of the Xt°
Religion are to be taught, but more will be imparted
after an interview with D' Milnor. G"^ma & Sister take
Louise this morn^ to visit the High School. Mother is
prejudiced ag' it. I hope with me, that after in-
spec[tio]n she may approve. . . .
Tuesday 29*'' April. Mother & Sister visited the
Female High School, the latter highly pleased. A num-
ber of genteel young ladies attend it. Miss Starr en-
quired of Loui[se] the progress of her studies, & thot
that she might join at once the upper class. She is to
commence on Thur^ 1 May. Two young Misses Mc-
Intyres our next door neighbours go there & as the school
is within sight 2 or 300 yards distant, she will be in-
dulged to run home at 12, to take a snack, instead of
taking any thing to school, w^ does not come out till 3.
No afternoon school, w** is allotted to private study.
On Thur^ i/o p. 8 Aunt will introduce her. She in-
formed Miss Starr, the reason, on ace* of delicate health
& fevers, that had retarded her education. But I have
no doubt that her genius & ambition will stimulate her
to keep pace with her class mates. The embellishments,
such as fine needle work & drawing had better be post-
poned till the fall quarter in Sepf. There is a vacation
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1828
31
in August, w*" is favourable. But you have the card,
I think & the terms are very reasonable. Other Female
Instructors ask $20 a quarter for the plain branches &
$5 for every other, French, Music etc** & bring up their
prices to $40 a quarter, instead of $22, w'' includes every
thing at the H. S. Dear Turtle Dove appears pleased
with the prospect before her. With Mother & Aunt she
called on M""** Green yest^' a. m. who expressed herself in
very affect, terms about Louise's behaviour & cheerful-
ness on the passage & is so much pleased with her, that
in case of a visit to Paterson to day, she claimed her as
a traveling companion. But the day is obscure, after
a fine sunshine & warmth yest"" w*" may prevent. I told
Lx)uise that the Hotel to ^\^ they w'' probably go, had
been a Boarding school, at which you had rec'' part of
y'' education. Dear me, what a distance to look back.
Dear Mother whose praise is in all the Churches, for her
exertions in favour of the Greeks, subscribed her mite
towards fitting out the Rev. M"" King as a Missionary
to Greece. He has been on the same errend to Pales-
tine. She was invited by M-"^ Tappan to meet M^ K. at
her house, with the other Grecian Ladies, 16, yesf at 5.
She went & returned highly gratified with the solemnity
of the interview & M^ K's interesting account of the
Eastern World. Also his fervent prayer to bless the
efforts of these excellent Ladies. $1000 or $1200 is what
they hope to raise. Mother wished to go on another
mendicant tour, but I think she has, for her period of
life, done her share. Indeed I doubt a little whether
Greece is fair Missionary ground, whatever we may,
they think that the Greek is the True Church. What
sh^ we say, if these w^arm hearted Greek Ladies, in re-
turn for our bounty, sh*' send over a number of Friars
to convert us Heretics to the True Faith. "Silver &
Gold have we none, but such as we have send we." It
is a delicate matter to interfere with religious preju-
dices. All reformations from the errors & corruptions
of the Church of Rome began with the Natives. Luther,
Calvin, Wycliffe, Cranmer &c. in their respective coun-
32 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
tries. May God speed them however. Mother was
warmly excited.
[Addressed by:] Ship Louisiana
New York, Friday 9"^ [May] 1828
We had a great day at the Ann[iversar]y meeting
of the A[merican] B[ible] S[ociety] yest^ the finest we
ever have had. Mother, Sister & Turtle Dove attended
but the two last had to retreat on ace' of the heat.
Mother staid it out from i/o p. 9 to M2 p. 2, 5 hours, &
was delighted. The addresses were superior, part[icu-
larl]y the Rev. M"" Bedells of PhiP but they will not
be published in time to send by this convey [ance].
Tues-^" [May] 13'\ Thank God, the Cadets got home
V2 P- 7 this morn^, never having rec*^ my letter till 1
o'clock Sat^. . . . Pintard, indeed both, look extremely
well. Cap* Rathbone & his mate both promise M""
Servoss to give him every practical instruction in navi-
gation, & he promises to keep a regular nautical Journal
of his voyage, w** I hope will please you. Do all you
can to dissuade him from his romantic notion. I shall
say nothing but recommend him to follow implicitly his
parents advice. I dread the sea as a profession. A
navy officer, in his best estate, is but a splendid beggar
for life. . . .
Wed^ [May] 14^^. . . . The prospect of Marneys go-
ing to Flushing quite tranquillizes & cheers me. It is a
place of easy access, twice a day by Steam Boats &
Stages to & fro, a beautiful village, healthy & fine fruit.
Altho' within 15 miles of this city I have never seen it.
M"" S[ervoss] talks of taking him on Sat^ p. m. to return
on Sunday, when he can best leave home. I am so office
bound that I cannot go, but hope to do so hereafter. I
shall write to M"" Muhlenbergh to put him immed[edi-
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 182S 33
ateljy into Greek & hope that at Xmas he will be able
to read me a Chapter in the Testament, for w" I shall
promise him a reward. He has read the 12 Books of
Virgils Aeneid, & 4 orations of Cicero. His new pre-
ceptor must examine his proficiency & place him where
he is qualified to appear.
N York, Thur-^' 15*'' May, 1828. A rainy day
Friday 16, 4 p. m. Pintard sailed yest^ 2]/^ p. m. in
high glee. His head is quite turned, was dear Turtle
Doves remark. Marsden parted with great sang froid.
He did not write a single letter home as he said that his
brother c'^ tell all that he had to say. This aft. noon
his uncle took him in the Linnseus Steamboat to Flush-
ing, a beautiful sail. . . .
Monday [May] 19'^ ... 12 o'clock. A moment to
say that I have read the Doctors letter to M'' S[ervoss].
Alas my beloved dear dear daughter has been at deaths
door. She was however convalescing. . . .
[Addressed by:] Ship Russell
To Dr. Richard Davidson and Eliza Ellen Davidson
New York, Thur^ 26"^ June, 1828
My dear Son & Goddaughter,
I have the supreme felicity to advise you of the safe
arrival at Quarantine, yest^' p. m. of the Louisiana, Cap^
Price, as announced in the morning papers, with my be-
loved daughter, child (children I hope) & servant. It
appears she was the only lady on board with 7 gentle-
men passengers so that she was not crowded as she w*^
have been in the John Linton. Our family go down at
34 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
10, to welcome daughter, mother & sister escorted by
Thomas, for M"" Servoss will not be able to leave his
business this morning. I cannot go, being absolutely
confined to my oflSce, And [re] w Warner our clerk, hav-
ing been absent for a fortnight with a violent fever, so
that the whole duties rest on me. . . .
(10 o'clock). I can close my letter sooner than I
expected. Your brother has called to say that your dear
wife & babe are safe at home. No sickness on board,
the passengers by a modification of our health law are
allowed to come up direct. She breakfasted at i^ p. 6,
embarked at 7, & reached 429 Broome St. just as her
mother, sister & daughter were all preparing to set off.
She looks quite smart & clever & has been very well
on the passage. Speaks in the highest terms of Cap*
Price's kindness, & of the gentlemanly, polite attentions
attentions of M"" George Johnson whom I shall most
cordially thank. . . .
My beloved darling g'^child Eliza. In the absence of
your fond mother, you have become her early represen-
tative, and I confidently trust that you will so conduct
the affairs of the family as to give perfect satisfaction
to your kind excellent father, and secure the love & affec-
tion of your sisters & brothers, for Pintard soon was
with you, after Mothers departure, who saw the Azelia
& Kentucky standing in for the mouth of the river, and
altho' she exulted with the thought that her favourite
son was in the latter, she did not repine that she had
embarked in the Louisiana.
I believe that Cap* Partridges Academy declines
weekly. His aiming at too much will cause him to lose
the substance for the shadow. Like the Dog in the Fable
with the Bone in his mouth & its reflection in the water.
All Esops Fables are familiar to me because I read them
at school in Latin & Greek, a practice unwisely in my
opinion discontinued in modern times. Marney comes
on finely with his Greek which he does not find difficult.
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1828 35
I have promised him that he shall learn Spanish after
vacation.
[Addressed:] per post Via Mobile
To Mrs. Richard Davidson ^'^
N York, 8'" October, 182 [8]
Thur^ 9*^ [October]. I went with y"" good brother,
after office hours, to Youngs, Cabinet maker, where I
saw your sofa carefully cased to go on board the Talma.
The articles you sent from home were also carefully
packed up, saving so much room & freight. On going
up to attend the Savings Bank, my heart reproached me.
What, could I afford to give you an article of use &
accommodation, but somewhat of luxury, worth $100,
and hesitate about presenting my beloved daughter a
copy of Scotts Commentary, as her daily bread for life.
... I called therefore at M"" Havens Theolog^ Book
Store & directed a set to be strongly bound in Calf, to
stand usage, daily, please God, for a long course of Life.
It is an excellent Quarto Edition in 5 large volumes, at
the end of the last is the Life of D"" Scott by his son, a
most instructive biography of this eminent labourious
servant of his Lord & Master Jesus Christ. Thus I have
discharged my conscience of a heavy load and I devoutly
pray that this invaluable commentary may be as fully
sanctified to the daughter as it has been to the father,
and thousands of others.
Friday [October] 10. . . . This aft. noon, I have to
attend the meeting of the Stand [in] g Com[mitte]e of
the A[merican] B[ible] S[ociety] at 4, & at 5, a meeting
of the Vestry of S* Esprit, preparatory to the Institution
of our new Rector ^^ tomorrow & opening our Church
1° Aa Mrs. Davidson was visiting her parents in New York from June
26th to October, 1828, there were no letters written to her by her father
during that interval.
11 Antoine Frangois Verren.
36 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
for Divine Worship on Sunday. But my zeal & affec-
tions for the Temple reared by my pious forefathers have
greatly abated. This now ancient Edifice, 125 years old
is to be prostrated, and the ashes of my predecessors
transported elsewhere. Again my attendance on Wor-
ship will make me to desert my old companion, at a
period of life when we ought to go up to the House of
the Lord together. We are so few, so very few in num-
ber, & myself the oldest & almost the only direct Hugue-
not descendant, that I cannot easily detach myself as
I c*^ wish to do. I am thinking if spared, & we sh" con-
clude as we must soon do, to erect a new church, to
afford my services, if acceptable, and then seeing my
friends seated more comfortably, decline any further
connection with the Vestry, having been Senior Warden
upwards of 20 years. . . .
Monday IS**" Oct". [It ajffords me great pleasure
that my beloved daughter with her mother was able to
attend the institution of my pastor the Rev. M. Varen,
on Saturday, IV^ inst. in the French Ch. Du S* Esprit,
founded by the piety of our poor persecuted Forefathers
the walls of which once resounded with their solemn
Chaunts. You had thus an oppo[rtunity] of seeing
before its approaching prostration, this now ancient
Temple erected in 1704, at present the oldest Church
Edifice existing in this city. It is small, but neat &
commodious. My feeling are always excited when I
reflect on the memories of those of my family, who have
gone to their rest. Yest" our new Rector delivered his
first sermon, much to the satisfaction of his hearers.
We had a full congregation chiefly of strangers. Alas!
he will not again witness such numbers. My Bishop is
not so friendly disposed towards us as were Bishops
Provoost & Moore in their day, and I know that he
discountenanced the attendance of young ladies. His
former assistant, the zr-reverend Doctor How, was avow-
edly hostile to the French School, as he courteously dis-
tinguished my Church. So be it. If M. V[erren] who
is a scholar, sh*^ prove a pious & zealous servant of his
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1828 37
Lord & Master Jesus Christ, he will attract a reasonable
congregation. God grant it.
I left on your table, a plain copy of Bp. Porteous'
Lectures on S* Mathews Gospel, w" comprehend a full
vindication of the Divine Mission of our Redeemer.
These Lectures were delivered in London at the period
of Paines attack on Xi^ to overflowing congregations
of the English gentry & nobility. The style is superior,
& the subject will fascinate & improve you. Having a
copy in the Bishops Works, I spare this to my dearest
& shortly absent daughter. My resignation to your
departure on Wed'' will I hope continue, but I hardly
dare to contemplate it. Alas! what a poor, weak old
man I am.
Let me not omit to express my opinion respecting
your kind brother M"" Servoss, for most kind has he
uniformly been to my beloved daughter & her dear
children on this your visit. His reserve is constitutional,
& surely when known ought not to give offence. It is
not my place to pry into his concerns beyond what he
may be pleased to communicate. All that I feel con-
fident of is, that he is doing good & safe business, is
exceedingly circumspect & prudent & void of all osten-
tation. He loves to live retired, & as you have seen
keeps an excellent abundant table, with all the comforts
& many of what you & myself w*^ call the luxuries of
life. His temperance & moderation are most laudable
& exemplary. All my apprehension is that accustomed
to market, I may take too much on myself. My wish
is to consult his & dear Sisters taste, & to avoid extrava-
gance. For myself I feel quite easy & comfortable
under his roof & regret most poignantly that poor dear
Mothers pride of Independence does not permit her to
do the same
It is impossible for me to review this long Homily,
w*" may serve to amuse you on your passage. I trust
that when v/eaned from Marney, you will be reconciled
38 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
to the propriety of leaving him behind to perfect his
studies. . . .
[Addressed:] M" Eliza N. Davidson
On board Ship Talma
For New Orleans
New York, Thur^ 16*^ Oct., 1928
I returned to my office after taking leave of my
beloved daughter & dear Turtle Dove, about 2 o'clock.
The Talma cast off at 3 p. m. with a fresh & fair wind.
. . . The Rev. M"" Bayard dined with us & occupies your
deserted chamber during his stay till next week. He
visited his clerical brethren in the ev^ & y"" brother &
the boys attended a meeting at Masonic Hall in favour
of the African Prince,^- whom M'" S[ervoss] knew at
Natches, & for whom a subscription of $3500 is recom-
mended in this city to liberate his wife & children. . . .
Sat^ [October] 18. ... I have made time to write
to M"" Muhlenbergh by Marney, requesting him to let
him pursue his present course of studies until I hear
from you. Marney behaves manfully. I believe he left
all his homesickness on b*^ the Talma. As a Balloon is
to ascend, weather permitting, from Castle Garden on
Monday p. m., his uncle indulges him with permission
to witness it. Babcock remains likewise. This morn^
I filled his portmanteau trunk with Hickory & Chest-
nuts & shall give him a Dollar, to last till Xmas.
Mond'' [October] 20**". Our prayers in Church were
off[ere]d yesf for y"" preservation on the g* deep.
Mother attended at S* Thomas, Marney with myself at
S' Esprit where we had a very good congregation &
M. Varenne was more animated than the preceding
Sunday. He pleases his hearers, is very graceful &
12 Abduhl Rahhahman. See [N. Y.] Commercial Advertiser, Oct.
15, 1828.
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1828 39
modest, his sermon is s'^ [to] be rhetorical & exuberant,
the fault of young ministers w" time will correct. There
was yest^ every appearance of snow, and the haze is so
thick this day, that the Balloon will probably not
ascend. Marney therefore & his friend Babcock return
to Flushing 4 p. m. . . . The Rev. M'' Bayard went, at
the request of one of his former parishioners, to preach
at Newark yest^'. Pity that he ever left that place. . . .
Tuesday [October] 21. The Balloon is postp[one]d
till Wed^. Marney & Babcock got into the stage at our
door 1/2 P- 3 & arrived no doubt by 7 o'clock. . . . Your
brother & sister have been amusing themselves with
chosing a name for the next child, sh** it prove a boy.
He proposed Jacob after his father, w" Sister did not
like. To soften it I told him that he c*^ call it Israel,
to w" name Jacob was changed on his return home. He
laughed & s'^ that w*^ never do. So he prepared 3 names,
Jacob, Richard & Lewis. He drew Richard, Sister like-
wise. Mother Lewis. I felt scrupulous & did not draw.
Indeed I do not like to interfere, as he has complimented
our family with two names. Sister wishes a boy to be
called after your good man, who presented her with so
good a husband. . . .
[Addressed by:] Ship Russell
New York, 23'* Oct., 1828
By the Russell w*" sailed yest-" crowded with passen-
gers, I wrote my first letter to my beloved daughter.
. . . Yest'' p. m., a most elegant day, the Baloon
ascended from Castle Garden & sailed over the city, very
slow, a spectacle for all its inhabitants. It alighted in
the East river. The aeronauts M"" Robertson & a Lady
were taken up by boats in safety. We saw it very dis-
tinctly from our back windows, children & all. . . .
This morn^ died M"- Peter P. Goelet. He was a fam-
ily relation on my mother's side. The rupture of a blood
40 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
vessel a week ago caused his death. M"" G. has left a
considerable estate acquired & accumulated by specula-
tions in stock, to which he was devoted soul & body.
Rigidly parsimonious, I do not believe that he ever gave
a Dollar in all his life to charitable or benevolent pur-
poses, against w*" he not only set his face but turned
to ridicule & scorn every person, like myself, disposed
to contribute to the necessities of his fellow creatures, or
to promote the great objects of Xt" benevolence. He
was moreover a confirmed infidel & laughed religion
to scorn. But he has gone to his dread account. God
have mercy on him.
12 o'clock. I have learned the following particulars
of the last moments of M"" Goelet from his most inti-
mate friend M"" Mason, my Director. He was a great
walker, at least 8 miles a day, in all weathers. A few
months past he sprained his ancle, & was advised to
take horse exercise, but was too timid, & got along as
well as he c*^. Want of usual exercise caused, no doubt
a plethora, & a week ago he burst a blood vessel. D""
Hosack his physician apprehended no danger. This
morn^ he was taken with sneezing not in a violent de-
gree. It is presumed that he must have burst another
principal vessel. He died in an instant. I mention
these facts, as they may be useful to the Doctor.
Friday [October] 24*'^ I saw D^ Hosack last ev^. He
said that the body had been opened, that nothing
bursten appeared. That the lungs were still inflated,
that the air, probably, c'' not escape & that M'' Goelet
died sitting up in his bed, in an instant, without pain
or struggle. No sneezing as reported had occurred. He
is to be buried tomorrow p. m. Yesterday between 2 &
3 I went with y*" brother, at my request, to Masonic
Hall to view the exhibition of domestic manufactures.
I confess my astonished [sic] at the progress & perfec-
tion of the Arts in our countr}% when I recall the humble
attempts that were made at the outset of my life & my
enthusiasm to promote home manufactures, the very
coarse attempts that were unsuccessfully made and the
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1828 41
extent & excellence of some of the most essential
branches in cotton & woolens, together with the taste &
elegance of many articles of Luxury. I can scarcely
credit my senses or believe that so much has been ef-
fected within the short period of ray memory. . . .
Monday [October] 27'^ Yest^ was a May day. It
afflicts dear Mother that my attendance at S* Esprit
leaves her to go alone to S* Thomas. . . . Next Sunday
being Sacrament Sunday, I hope to accompany dear
Mother, & shall, if spared, attend her every administra-
tion unless when the same takes place in S* Esprit, where
the number of communicants did not exceed 15 or 18,
in the days of M"" Peneveyre. I am happy to say that
M. Varen is becoming popular & attracts a g* number
of strangers. Many pews are hired & hiring & I hope
we shall have a reasonable congreg[ation].
Wed^ [October] 29. My office ^^ has met with an-
other heavy loss last ev[enin]g, 2 Houses & Furniture
$3000, w^ quite dispirits me. ... I have just learned
that the Rev. D"" Barnes. Classical principal of our High
School, was killed, coming from Lebanon Springs, by the
oversetting of the Stage. The fall crushed his fore-
head, & his brains literally run out. In the midst of
life we are in death. He leaves a widow & four young
children to bewail his loss. His station was lucrative,
being a partner with M"" Griscom in the establishment.
This accident is appalling, for I knew him well. Your
brother has been sending to the Aliens of y'" city, sun-
dry articles, who have set up a Grocery Store to contain
the useful & the delicacies of this life. Sh*^ you have
occasion for any of them, you may rely on the quality,
being of his selection, & really he exercises great judg-
ment in his purchases, both as to qualities & price. I
gave 1/9 for y"" butter. He bought as excellent he says
for 1/5, but then it was on a larger scale. . . . M"
^2 The Mutual Insurance Company.
42 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
Shrieves Sisters nurse came last ev^, Mother says for
a fortnight before she is wanted. . . .
[Addressed by:] Ship Illinois
New York, Monday S^ Nov., 1828
The Illinois is detained by adverse winds & N. E.
but very warm rain w'' was much wanted to supply our
Cistern that had been exhausted ever since y"" de-
parture. . . .
Tuesday [November] 4'" . . . M' S[ervoss] saw M""
Leonard, the active partner & superintend' at Matta-
wan, who has agreed to take Thomas next May, in the
meantime the latter is to resume Mathematics & take
lessons in drawing. Tom is highly tickled as he feels
now that his lot is cast to his mind. . . .
Thur-'' [November] 6*''. . . . The most contested elec-
tion that has ever occurred in this city, & the greatest
number of votes taken, closed yest'' at 5 p. m. & the
Jackson Ticket is predominant, as it will be throughout
the State, tho probably some of the Electors for presi-
dent will be Adamites. I took no part whatever, as my
days for being jostled at the polls are gone by. Had
Gov"" Clinton existed I sh*^ certainly have voted for the
Jackson ticket in hopes of its being a stepping stone to
his presidency. As it is I confess myself indifferent for
let who will preside, affairs will jog on according to
circumstances. I confess that I entertain no unrea-
sonable fears about Old Hickory, the popular name of
the day. A most magnificent Hickory Tree was erected
before Tammany Hall. Your brother voted, the first
time in this city, for the Adams Ticket. If the fate of
the presidency depends on the State of N York Jackson
will undoubtedly be President. My own private situa-
tion however is most interesting to me. My term of
service in the Mutual Insur[anc]e C" will expire on the
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1828 43
15*^, when I shall retire after 19 years & 7 months con-
tinuance as Sec'', a large portion of human active life,
to have been spent for little more than a bare existence.
I confess that my heart droops, but I must place my
reliance on that kind Providence which hitherto has
supported me, & hope that I may be able to obtain some
other station that may give me occupation & bread, for
I cannot well get along without something to do. Pos-
sibly the Savings Bank may open a door, but I do not
at present feel sanguine. I feel depressed moreover in
spirits as the Ofi5ce will not be able to make a Dividend,
w^ will not only affect its credit but a great many per-
sons who look up for Dividends for their comfort some
almost for existence, a dreadful consideration.
Friday [November] 7*''. What with my office & the
Minutes of the A[merican] B[ible] S[ociety] I can with
difficulty find a spare moment to say that Sister re-
mains in statu quo. I saw M' Babcock at the Mana-
gers Meeting yest'' p. m., who with his wife sail in the
[blank in MS.] on the lo'" & will take with him the re-
sult of our late Election.
(21/2 o'clock) Tomorrow at 12, D'' Hosack is to de-
liver, in the Middle Dutch Church, "a Discourse com-
memorative of the character & public services of DeWitt
Clinton." All the City are invited & if my duties will
permit I will join the procession at the City Hall & sh*^
a seat be appropriated on the stage will attend the
delivery, otherwise return to my office where my busi-
ness is urgent. The Doctor says that it will be the best
that he has ever delivered. He has a noble subject &
I have no doubt that he will do it justice. . . .
[Addressed by:] Ship Frances
44 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
New York, Monday Nov. 10, 1828
a beautiful day
. . . Aunt Helen [Craig] has got comfortably into
their former residence & settled. I walked out to see her
yest^ p. m., an easy half hours walk, w*" I shall fre-
quently take for wholesome exercise. She looks very
thin & pallid, but the dry wholesome air of Boweiy hill
will restore her.
Wed^ [November] 12*^ The Minutes of the A[meri-
can] B[ible] S[ociety] occupied my whole spare time
Saf" Mond^ & yest^. ... I have secured a temporary
accommod" in M"" Eastburns room, upstairs, where for
$25, till spring, I can transact any little matters, better
than at home, being more accessible to any who may
call. After so long an association I confess tho' glad
to be released from a diurnal routine w^ has almost
stultified me, I feel a sober gloom, not melancholly, on
pa [r] ting, arising probably that the pittance $1000 a
year to w*" I have been reduced, tho' humble is essential
to my comfort. Whether any thing is to be expected
from the Savings Bank, of w*" I am not sanguine, re-
mains to be determined. . . .
Doctor Hosacks Discourse on Sat^ went off with
eclat. It was well written & took up 2i/4 hours. Altho
he left out i// it was by far too long for an audience.
It had rained till near 11, w*" prevented the attend [anc]e
of Ladies, as usual on such occasions. There was an
assemblage of the most respectable characters of our
city, who were desirous of paying respect to the mem-
ory of so eminent a statesman & citizen as M"" Clinton.
I was favoured with a seat on the stage contiguous to
the Orator, & heard every word that he said. Doctor H.
means to publish the Discourse with copyright. It will
read & I dare say sell well. When printed I will send
you a copy. No one knows the worth of M"" C. better
than myself, & no one esteems his Memory higher.
Thu^ [November] 13*\ At the Savings Bank yest''
it was judged proper to await the report of a Com^ on
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1828 45
adding a 4*'' day for keeping open the Bank, w'' is to be
made in Decern'' before moving the consideration of
any better mode for conducting its business. The idea
of increasing the expenses of the Bank will be the diffi-
culty to be encountered, altho' from the facilities given
to Depositors the business must greatly increase by
keeping the Bank open daily, and of course the profits
far beyond what may be required to remunerate a re-
sponsible officer. However agreeable, indeed accommo-
dating to me, such an office w*^ be still I feel so attached
to an institution, the success of w** I have so long en-
deavoured to promote, that I w*^ be the last Trustee to
sacrifice to personal views, its true interest. I do not
feel therefore any hope of employment, other than as
heretofore gratuitous, & shall not be disappointed. . . .
Sat^ [November] 15*". This day concludes my serv-
ices in the Mut[ual] Ins[urance] Co[mpany] at 1
o'clock. . . .
[Addressed by:] Ship Tennessee
N York, 52 Wall S*
Monday 17 Nov., 1828
. . . The Directors of the Mutual Ins. C° met on
Saturday, but declared no Dividend, nor was a successor
appointed w'' lies for the consideration of a Committee.
By request I still hold over, w*" is better than an ap-
pointment over Andrews head. The affair of last winter,
that almost killed me, operates I fear against him, but
for myself I consider him innocent. Altho' it will no[t]
do for me to incur responsibility by urging his claim, I
shall lament if he sh*^ not be appointed.
Wed'' [November] 19"' . . . Mother received a note
yest^ to meet the Greek Ladies to consult on measures
to continue the Rev. M"" King as their Missionary. This
she will decline as she cannot resume the charge of so-
46 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
liciting subscriptions. Her former success no doubt
leads to a reliance on similar services, but she is too
old, esp^ encumbered with winter dress to do up & down
the flights of stone steps, to call on the Ladies of her
acquaintance. . . .
Thur^ [November] 20"'. Mild rain. No John Lin-
ton. Your brother quite enlivened our Fireside circle
last ev^ by reading under the N[ew] 0[rleans] head
of the 25*'' Oct. [thjat the Talma had arrived at the
Balize from N Y. in 9 days, the quickest passage, if
true, that has I believe ever been known between the
two ports. In this event, we may certainly expect let-
ters by the J, L. as I presume you may have got home
by the 27*''. Your brother frequently observed that you
might reach the Balize in 10 days, from his calculation
that the Talma had northerly winds to the Bahama bank
& then Easterly to the Mississippi. . . . Were my years
younger, I w*^ endeavour to establish or engraft on the
higher Female schools, a department to qualify Females
as school mistresses, affording them every possible ad-
vantage to attain knowledge, & the elegant accomplish-
ments of needle work, drawing, dancing & the French
Language. To turn out a dozen even, of superior pre-
ceptresses annually w" be eminently beneficial. Too
many mistresses, superficially educated, have to learn
themselves while they are instructing those committed
to their care, and in N[ew] 0[rleans] especially you
have to catch at such talents as are offered, & are every
year obliged to seek for new Teachers, consequently lose
all benefit of systematic education, w" distracts & in-
jures children. The John Linton has arrived, so that I
may have my longing gratified by a letter. (12 o'clock).
Your welcome letter has arrived. What a most pro-
pitious passage. ... (2 p. m.) I have just called on
Cap* Holmes who says he never knew so quick a passage
as the TaJmas. It quite rejoices him. . . .
[Addressed by:] Ship DeWitt Clinton
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1828 47
N York, Sat-^ 22" Nov., 1828. 2 p. m. Rain
Monday, 24*'l 10 a. m. Your brother has just
stepped in with y'' letter of 8^*" inst. by the Kentucky,
rec*^ in 16 days. Altho' addressed to dear Mother I
opened it, anxious to hear from you. I regret that you
are so afflicted with that tormenting pain the tooth
ache, & hope that you have recovered without the
necessity of extraction. I am glad that Darlings teeth
are not, for one so young, more decayed. Let her fol-
low her g''mothers example, who never retires to rest
without cleansing her teeth with as much care as in the
morn*-'. Make this an invariable rule & it will tend to
the preservation of this useful & ornamental part of the
human system. . . .
Tuesday, 25**' Nov. Ann[iversar]y of the Evacuation,
1783. A beautiful day. Well do I recollect an event so
auspicious to the long exiled families of this city, who
after the privations of 7 long years returned home to
their habitations w^ they left in the enjoyment of ease
& comfort to almost poverty, many of them to weep
over the ruins of their dwellings & all to lament the loss
of many & dear friends & relatives. The Rev. D' Liv-
ingston preached a sermon a few Sundays following the
event, in the old Dutch Church in Garden Street, for
the Middle & North Churches had been converted into
a riding school & prison for our countrymen. When he
recapitulated the names of the heads of families v/ho
had died in exile, the sighs, the sobs & groans of the
congregation pierced me to the soul. Among other was
Col. Abram Brasher, y"" maternal g'^father, as upright
conscientious a man & virtuous a patriot as our city c*^
boast. Your poor g'^mother & mother were overwhelmed.
But America achieved her glorious revolution, the fruit
of what was pledged to Congress of our blood & treasure.
I lost a very fair fortune $25,000 by the utter deprecia-
tion of Continental money. The Whigs of this city lost
more than any other city in the V States, the principal
48 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
Whig merchants giving their gold & silver to support
our army in Canada, for paper Dollars then thought
sure. Among others my good uncle lost severely. All
I got from my being heir to a fortune was the best edu-
cation the country afforded, the benefit of which has not
been entirely lost.
Thur^ [November] 27. Easterly rain. Yest'' was a
May morn. It clouded over at noon, w'' prevented my
attending the Funeral of an old friend & relative M""
John Moore who died aged 84 years. He was the oldest
& only surviving brother of Bishop Moore of Virginia.
His family was derived from one of the most respectable
of the English who came to this city after its conquest
from the Dutch, But like most of the old families had
fallen into decay. They were loyalists during our rev[o-
lutionarjy war. Gen. [Jedidiah] Huntington of Con-
necticut married his Sister Nancy, who yet lives. She
was very pretty. There was a strict intimacy between
them & my dear good Uncle who was the kind friend of
all his relations. M" Moore ^* the mother was one of
the most respectable ladies in person & deportment of
the old School & to the close of life, she died past 80,
was erect & peculiarly neat tho' plain in her attire. I
see her before me. Nothing can exceed y' dear mother
in neatness of person or carriage, nor in that perfect
order & propriety which characterized her mother also.
The habits of the old Dutch School were signally clean
& neat. Be so good as always to mention y"" mother
by name when you send your love. She is too sensitive
at any omission. I must not forget to mention that y'
cousin Davis Craig Esq'' is admitted attorney in our
courts. Mama called yest'' after Church to see dear
Julia [Weeks] who requested when her Aunt sh"^ call to
let her come to her bedside. She shook hands, but did
not speak. She is very low & cannot last long. Strange
1* Mrs. Thomas Moore (Elizabeth Channing). J. P. K. Henshaw,
Memoir of the Life of the Rt. Rev. Richard Charming Moore (1842),
pp. 14-15; J. W. Moore, Rev. John Moore and Some of His Descendants
(1903), Appendix, p. 476.
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1828 49
to say, that no mention of or preparation for death is
allowed. Painful. . . .
Sat^ 29"' Nov. An elegant May day ... We have
little news. Foreign or domestic. The Russians are on
the retreat, after an expensive & shameful campaign.
If not too greatly elated the Turks may admit of nego-
tiations for a reas[on]able peace during the winter, but
eventually the Scriptures must be fulfilled. They will
be expelled beyond the Euphrates & the Jews be once
more restored to their ancient Kingdom. Your children
may see these great events. Adams doomsday is fixed.
He will go out on the 3*^ March, without regret. He has
no personal friends. His manners are cold & repulsive, &
like his father very self opiniated. Jackson will come in
without very strong sympathies in his favour, except
from his partisans & expectants of office. I am ready to
suppose that as far as possible, he will pursue the system
that he indicated to President Monroe, to select talents
wherever found without distinction of party. After all
the head must reward those who elevated him. . . .
By Kentucky
New York, Monday, S'"" Dec', 1828
beautiful day
Having just closed & sent off my letter of this date
by the John Linton announcing dear Sisters safe deliv-
ery at i/o p. 4 this morn^ of another son, Richard David-
son, I had but an inst. to mention the happy event. . . .
Coming down to the office, I stopped at the Depository
& left $30, to constitute the dear boy a member for life
of the A[merican] B[ible] S[ociety]. . . .
Wed^' [December] 10. April day. Sister is remark-
ably well. No fever. The babe also, dark blue eyes &
fine head. A noble boy. We have heard of the sudden
50 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
death of a former neighbour, M""^ Smyth Roger/^ prob-
ably in child bed, a miscarriage. They had removed to
Hartford last Spring, on ace* of her husband D"" Rogers'
health, where he was app[ointe]d professor of Chemis-
try in Washington College.^*' Comfortably & elegantly
situated, with all to render life happy. A pious active
lady, mother of several children, whom she was bringing
up admirably. Of high parentage & beloved & respected
by all her family & acquaintance. . . .
To your aff[ec]t[ionate] friend M'^ Chew remember
me sincerely. Dear Lady. She will never recover the
shock of her late loss of her promising son Beverly.
Superadded to that of her eldest daughter, the affliction
is aggravated. , . .
Friday [December] 12*''. . . . M*" S[ervoss]'s busi-
ness opens very favourably, & he has the prospect of
considerable assignments from his friends Franklin &
White, who are pleased with his last seasons sales. Cer-
tainly M"" S. is a most safe judicious agent & understands
the cotton market esp'' as well as the most experienced
merchant in this city. He is very snug in his mode of
transacting business & if spared, will make an ample
fortune for his family. Very prudent & retired, he will
not expend it in extravagant living.
Monday W^ Dec". I have to close this letter by
announcing the death of y' Cousin Julia Hall Weeks.
She died yesf Sunday morn^ at 6 o'clock in her 27*''
year. . . . She was wasted to a mere shadow. . . .
15 Mra. John Smyth Rogers (Augusta Temple Winthrop). Commer-
cial Advertiser, Dec. 10, 1828; J. S. Rogers, James Rogers and His De-
scendants (1902), p. 242.
i« Now Trinity College.
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1828 51
New cYork,] Tues^ 16"^ Dec, 1828
Wed^ 17*^ Last aftnoon I attended with your
brother, the funeral of y"" cousin. ^^ I took a last look
at her dear wasted remains, a very shadow, but retaining
her once beautiful features. Invited at 3, the procession
did not move till i/4 before 5, w'' threw us into ev^' & I
have in consequence taken a sore throat. M"" Mitchell
of the Universalist Church gave an exhortation & prayer,
to the family, with w*" your Mother was pleased, but she
can describe the particulars. No scarves were given, not
to the Ministers w*" was wrong, but Robert sprung from
Quakers does not even wear a badge of mourning, while
inconsistently he had left their meeting & is an officer
in the militia w*" of course is incompatible with Quaker-
ism. . . .
(1 p. m.) I have just heard of the sudden death of
my fellow citizen, I wish I c*^ add, respected, John G.
Bogert, who on returning home last ev*^ from Masonic
Hall, slipped & fell going down stairs & was killed by
the fall. He was of one of our most respectable Dutch
families, a Lawyer, but given to intemperance, to w^ no
doubt he fell a victim. He was one of poor Uncle
Lewis's boon companions. . . . Intemperance, among
the higher classes of our city, is no longer the order of
the day. Among the hospitable circles, which recipro-
cate good & cheerful entertainments, a man w'' be
marked who sh*^ retire intoxicated, indeed, except among
the young & jovial, convivial parties are all decent &
sober. A great change from my early days, & to w'' we
are indebted to the French, who never expell Ladies
from the dinner table & retire after Coffee, as no doubt
is the case in y"" city. Festive parties may be an ex-
ception, but this is not habitual drinking. But the
beastly vice of drunkenness, among the lower labouring
classes is growing to a frightful excess, owing to the
cheapness of ardent spirits, & the multitudes of low
Irish Catholics, who restricted by poverty in their own
17 Mrs. Robert D. Weeks (Julia H. Brasher).
52 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
country from free indulgence, run riot in this. The
growth of intemperance is so alarming that the good
& wise are devising means to check it. We have 3500
licenced dram shops in this city 2 or 3 at every corner,
but if we stop one half, the result will be that the con-
sumers will all go to the other corner. How to stop the
fountain is the question. Nothing but a heavy Excise
duty, & the introduction of malt liquors as a wholesome
beverage. Against this system w*" w'^ bring millions into
the national Treasury, all the Country exclaim, as tho'
you were going to raise the price of bread. I have, as
member, & not an inactive one, of the Society for the
prevention of pauperism in this city, paid great atten-
tion to a subject w*" I confess baffled all our skill. The
evil is obvious, acknowledged by all, but a sovereign
remedy appears to be impossible. The slow process of
education & religious instruction will save thousands
from destruction, but as long as we are overwhelmed
with Irish emigrants, so long will the evil abound, & if
one scabby sheep infects a whole flock what must be our
condition where the whole flock is scabby. Thefts, in-
cendiaries & murders w'' prevail, all rise from this source.
You see how easy it is for me to scribble when I have
a text.
Monday [December] 22*^. A winter fine day. I at-
tended the Communion yest'' in S' Esprit. Our new
Minister performed the service with great solemnity &
without the least mistake, the first time. He is a great
acquisition to our little congregation & gives great satis-
faction. He is very modest & sl handsome man. From
whatever circumstance I cannot say, but he attracts a
full church. Yesf I tho't fuller than ever before, but
perhaps this opinion is owing to my carrying the plate,
w*" afforded me a better oppo[rtunity] for noticing our
numbers. God grant him success, & that of such as come
to learn the French language some may learn their Xt°
duties. . . .
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1828 53
Wed^ [December] 24*''. Elegant day, a most uncom-
mon Season. ... A concert was given last ev"-' at S'
Pauls for the Deaf & Dumb. Y' brother was there &
delighted. The Musick very superior, about $1000 made.
Mother & Sister are preparing for S' Claas' arrival to-
night. Pintards eyes sparkled, at breakfast, when I told
him that their Gude Heylig Man was expected. He is
to provide some Hay to feed the Plorses. ... In former
days when the children brought their stockings to be
suspended over their Mothers fireplace, they also each
brought a little parcel of Hay, for the Horses & repeated
a Dutch Hymn in praise of S* Claas. I think I sent you
a picture ^^ of this benevolent Saint which I had cut at
my own expense, containing the Hymn at the bottom
of the picture. It was difiicult to obtain the words at
the time it was executed, some 15 years ago, & w"* be
almost impossible now. Judge Benson procured them
from M'^ Hardenbrook,^^ an ancient lady 87 years of
age. Several, g'^ma Brasher & others knew some lines,
but none except M"^ H. remember [ed] the whole,
Friday, [December] 26*^. All due preparations
hacvilng been made by the children, the preceding ev^
by placing hay for his horses, & invoking S* Claas, Gude
Heylig Man, He came accordingly, during the night,
with most elegant Toys, Bon bons. Oranges, &&, all
which after filling the stockings suspended at the sides
of Mothers Chimney, were displayed in goodly order on
the mantle to the extatic joy of Pintard & Boudy in the
morning, whose exultations resounded thro' the house.
i^A broadside picturing Saint Nicholas, with Dutch and English
words of the hymn about the "Good Holy Man," was engraved by
Dr. Alexander Anderson and distributed to each member of The New-
York Historical Society at its festival of Saint Nicholas, December 6,
1810. Another copy, with an account of the 1810 festival and portraits
of Pintard and Anderson (both engraved on wood by the latter) was dis-
tributed by the Society in December. 1864. In the 1864 leaflet is a
statement by George H. Moore, then librarian of the Society, that "the
engravings for the [1810] print referred to were executed by Dr. Alex-
ander Anderson, of this city, at the request of Mr. Pintard."
Improbably Mrs. John Hardcnbrook (Ann Bas) who died March 6,
1817, aged 94 years. A'. Y. Evening Post, March 8. 1817; Commercml
Adverther, March 8, 1817; N. Y. Dutch Church Records in Collections
of the N. Y. Genealogical and Biographical Society, I, p. 181; II, 434.
54 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
. . . The Toys are arranged on the back of the side-
board & make quite a display. The most acceptable
gift was a Drum, w*" Pintard promises to beat only in
the nursery, not to disturb poor g'^ma. . . .
This morn^ at 8, M'^ Shrieves was suddenly called to
attend M" Curtis^" daughter of M" Beers, a family
friend. Happily Sister is quite bravely, & with Sally
can get along very well. . . .
Monday [December] 29*'" ... A grand Military
Ball is getting up for 8'*" Jan^ to be held in the Bowery
Theatre, more splendid than on any former occasion.
Gen. Jackson is at the height of his popularity. As soon
as his Cabinet shall be formed & the most lucrative
appointments made, he will decline like a young Bride
whose bevy of suitors & beaus all desert her as soon as
she has decided her choice. The honour of the presi-
dency is great very great, but dearly bought, when the
cheif comes in as a decided party man. But Gen. Jack-
son is not made like the Osier of pliant stuff, but of
tough Hickory & I am mistaken if he does not play a
high & honorable part. . . .
Tuesday [December] SO*'" .
Next Sunday there is a Sermon to be preached & a
collection made in S* Thomas' for the benefit of our
Theological Scholarship, when Richard Davidson Ser-
voss is to be made a member for life, which will make
8 members, from N° 429 Broome S'. W*^ every com-
petent family of our Church perform half as much, the
endowment, $2500, of w*" about half is collected, w** be
soon filled. Episcopalians, from whatever cause, lack
that zeal w" so eminently characterizes our other Chris-
tian denominations. . . .
Last ev^ Thomas spoke at the exhibition of his school
much to the satisfaction & approbation [of all] who
attended him. My deafness prevented my paying
20 Mrs. Lewis Curtis (Mary Elizabeth Beers), daughter of Joseph D.
Beers. (Marriage notice in A^. Y. Evening Post, Feb. 5, 1824.)
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1828 55
Thomas the compliment. He brought home 2 beautiful
Volumes, as premiums for good scholarship & good be-
haviour, w*" gratifies us all. Next Monday he begins
drawing. . . .
1829
To Mrs. Richard Davidson {Eliza Noel Pintard)
of New Orleans
New York, Friday, 2^ Jan^ 1829
2 p. m. Have just adjusted with M' Oothout Treas""
of the Savings Bank our payment of 1200,000, loaned
the Corporation of this City, which keeps our Capital
all at Interest, now amounting to $1,920,000, w" by the
P* July next will probably exceed 2 millions. . . , This
result corresponds with almost every calculation that
has ever been made of American experiments. The Rev-
olution, New Constitution, Canals, Steam boats, popu-
lation, &C'' Ac", all vv'' in reality have exceeded our most
sanguine hopes. . . .
Monday [January] 5*". ... It is extremely cold. It
snowed all day yest^ & the collection in S* Thomas was
put off till next Sunday weather permitting. I know
not when we have had such a spell of old time winter
as since the New Year. . . .
Tuesday [January] 6*". Weather moderated, wind
southerly we may expect arrivals from Europe, 60 days
since the last news. . . .
Wed^ [January] 7*". Our late severe weather has
moderated to the great relief of the poor & indigent in
the article of Fuel. It was so cold as to render our
dining room, not the small one, uncomfortable, &
Mother was obliged to put up a chimney board in her
room, w*" she has always resisted for fear of confined
air. Sister, by means of one, kept her room very com-
fortable. . . .
56
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1829 57
Wed^ [sic for Thursday] 8*". The glorious 8'"^ Jan^
as it [is] headed on the posting Bills of public shows.
It is here a N E. but not as yet violent, rain that may
soil the dresses of the Belles at the Bowery Theatre
Ball this ev^. . . . The report yest^' of the death of M^^
Jackson is confirmed this day. A good but unpolished
Lady, who I hope has gone to heaven, for she is said
to have been pious. The General will be spared any
unpleasant remarks on her appearance in the drawing
room of the President. She lived to enjoy the pleasure
of his election, but not that of his inauguration. . . .
Tuesday [January] 13'" . . . M' S[ervoss] is receiv-
ing very handsome consignments. I wish that the price
of cotton in this market may meet the interest of his
friends. We have had no arrivals from Liverpool in now
65 days. Several packets are due. The Cotton market
of course is stagnant for want of advice. I sincerely
hope that y"" brother will effect [good] sales, w" alone
can please his consigners. He is a most indefatigable
expert merchant, & peculiarly acquainted with the cot-
ton business. He is rising in reputation in this city, for
his inteligence & knowledge of business.
Wed'' [January] 14*'\ A rainy day, w^ may clear
off at N West, I shall therefore close my letter & send
it to the Illinois Bag. Your friend M" Palmer ^ accom-
panies her husband who is obliged to go to N[ew] 0[r-
leans] on ace' of the sickness of his partner, his brother
M"" Amos Palmer & wife also go, so that she will have
a companion. . . .
[Addressed by:] Ship Illinois
p"" [Ship] Tennessee.
New York. Thur^ 15'" Jan^ 1828 [sic for 1829]
. . . The first benevolent project of the New Year in
this city, is to form a Savings Bank for the benefit of
^ Mrs. William R. Palmer (Nancy Bell Babcock).
58 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
Seamen exclusively, to be located near the river, so as
to induce Sailors immed^ on the receipt of their wages
to deposit a share of their hard earnings. Our Bank - is
too distant, & after the experience of nearly 10 years,
only short of 300 Mariners have availed themselves of
its benefit. Our Bank, passed at its meeting yest-^ P. M.
a resolution approbating the project, least it might be
objected that it was to be a rival institution. So far
from jealousy, I wish there was a Savings Bank in every
Ward, so advantageous do they prove to the humbler
classes of the community. . . .
Monday [January] 26"'. ... I shall send herewith
the Memoirs of the Rev. Leigh [sic] Richmond, Author
of the Dairymans daughter, a work with which I am
enraptured. M"" M[uhlenberg] promises to read it with
Marney, by w" he will learn the character of a truly
pious evangelical useful clergyman. . . .
Friday [January] 30"' . . . Among our city improve-
ments is the purchase of a very fine site in Beekman
Street for the erection of Clinton Hall for the accommod''
of the Atheneum & the Mercantile Association w" I
presume will be commenced in May next. I hope that
the Edifice will be an ornament to our city. The Age of
Reason has revived with us & the Park Theatre is the
Temple, M" Wright, '' the Goddess who gives Lectures
on Infidelity & that marriage is only a bond as long as
it proves convenient to either party & may be dissolved
at pleasure. The novelty of a female Lecture attracts
numerous audiences, but no persons of respectability &
happily few or no females none of note. Let her blow
out I say. Opposition will only increase her dissolute
followers.
(111/^ o'clock) A most stupendous Ox, the largest it
is said that has ever been seen in this city, has just
2 The Bank for Savings, on Chambers Street.
3 Frances Wright (1795-1852). Dictionary of American Biography,
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1829 59
passed thro' Wall S' in procession with a company of
Butchers on white horses. He is called the president, &
is to be exhibited on the shambles in our Centre Market
next week, when we must have a sirloin of this premium
Beef, as a bounty to the raising fat cattle. . . .
1 o'clock. I have just heard of the death of the Rev.
Cave Jones, Chaplain of the Navy Yard at Brooklyn.
He was a very pious Divine & ardent friend of the
A[merican] B[ible] S[ociety], memorable for his con-
troversy with Bp. Hobart, indeed persecution, for he
was hardly dealt with. He has left a widow & two
amiable daughters, with just enough to secure them from
want. A fortnight ago he had expressed a desire to see
me for we were on friendly terms, & it was my intention
when the days grew longer to have visited him. But
he has gone to his reward, & I am reminded, "to put
not off from day to day." Tho' exhausted by long illness
he retained his mind till his last breath. The Rev. M"*
M'^Ilvaine was with him when he expired. I feel a pang
at losing a friend. . . .
Sat^ [January] 31. . . . Miss Wright engrosses the
day. She has become the Editor of a paper called the
Free press, ^ devoted to Infidelity & all the licentious-
ness of the period of the French Revolution. Let her
alone is my maxim & she will talk & write herself down.
Pity that the fine mind & education she possesses sh**
be thus perverted. ...
per [Ship] Louisiana
New York, Monday 2^^ Feb^ 1829
A right down old fashioned N. E. snow storm pre-
vents the Tenessee from sailing this day. . . . Your dear
mother has been called upon by some Ladies of the Fe-
male Tract So[ciety] of S* George's Church, to favour
them with her aid, w*" she has done by subscribing as
a life member $10, & Sister I presume will do the same.
■* The Free Enquirer.
60 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
This S° is Aux^ to the Am. Tract S" of wM am a Di-
rector for life from its origin. Mothers heart & soul is
quite engaged, but I dissuade her from personal solici-
tations at her period of life. . . .
Tuesday [February] 3'^. A fine N Wester will give
the Tennessee a grand set off. It is years since we have
had such a winter scene as this day. Sister takes the
advantage of the occasion to take the children a sleigh-
ing, the first time since her marriage that she has par-
taken of this diversion. Cma, Thomas, Pintard & Boudy
compose the party. I once tho't that I c*^ never lose my
relish for dancing & sleighing, but I have outlived it &
seem to wonder that they ever delighted me. M"" Max-
well, my old friend, used to say that by wrapping him-
self up in his cloke & sitting in the air on a N West day
for an hour, till he got almost frozen, & then come into
the House & drink a dram, was as good as going a sleigh-
ing, the pleasure of which, in his estimation, consisted
in freezing, thawing, & drinking Cherry bounce. It now
seems to me to be much like it. It is astonishing how
exhilirating it is to man & animals, to see the face of
nature robed in white, the emblem of perfect pu-
rity. . . .
Wed^ [February] 4^^ Still very cold. Sister & the
children (mother not well) took their long talked of
sleigh ride yest^, of one hour out & home, at the mod-
erate charge of $5, which made Thomas roll his goggels,
as well it might, but as snow comes so seldom every
advantage is taken. . . .
Thurs^ [February] 5*\ Cold & capital sleighing. . . .
The election of Edw** Livingston Senator to Congress
gratifies all his old townsmen. It was his due. But I
presume it will be a nominal honour, as no doubt he will
be one of Gen. Jacksons Cabinet, probably Sec^ of State,
so that he will have had the compliment paid him, &
M"" Johns [t] on the next highest candidate be elected.
Four weeks more & the new Administration takes place
of the old. President Adams has held his last levee &
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1829 61
given a most splendid supper on the occasion. Sic
transit gloria inundi, & for one I shall sing & be joyful,
for Adams was an apostate, not from principle but pro-
motion. Judas has had his 30 pieces of silver. Let him
go & hang himself.
Friday [February] 6"'. All that I have to record is
that the sleighing never was finer, & that M" Schenck
called yest^' & took Sister & my namesake a riding.
Mother is not very smart. She allows her spirits to be
affected w** it is out of my power to control. (2 o'clock).
The president that paraded Wall S' a few days ago has
just passed by quartered for exhibition in market to-
morrow.
Sat-^ [February] 7"'. Milder, w" will spoil the most
elegant sleighing that we have [had] for many years &
w*" has been improved by all classes day & night. Every
kind of sleigh & sled, in city & adjacent country has been
put in requisition & the profits of the owners & drivers
& all the places of entertainment have been exorbi-
tant. . . .
Tuesday [February] 10"". ... A new Savings Bank
for Seamen has been incorporated w*" will be very bene-
ficial to this thoughtless class of people & conducted on
different principles from our own as to seeking them
out & compeling them to deposit at the moment they
receive their wages. I have been honoured with an ap-
pointment as Trustee, w"" I sh"^ prefer letting alone but
am willing to give any counsel in my power, but not
personal services. We met last ev" for the first time.
Wed^ [February] 11*''
It gratifies me to hear that Pintard is becoming use-
ful & capable of relieving his father in the duties of the
Infirmary . . . [Marsden] has great capacity & applys
well to his studies, & happily for his moral & religious
instruction he is highly favoured, and I trust, whatever
may be his pursuits in life he will never forget the ben-
efits derived under M"" Muhlenbergh who is devoted to
his Academy.
62 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
Friday [February] IS***. Last ev^ your sisters dear
babe, 2 m°^ & 4 days old, was christened by the Rev.
D' Upfold Rector of S' Thomas Ch[urch], his father
mother & D"" Davidson — represented by myself — spon-
sors, & called Richard Davidson after y' good man. The
ceremony was performed with due solemnity, & the
kneeling of our family at prayers around the circular
table must have had a serious & impressive effect on
the company. At least it made a very solemn one on me.
The dear infant, altho at the hour usual for its rest,
never whimpered. It was too late in the evening, past 8,
to have Pintard & Boudy present as I c*^ have wished.
Sisters family friends the Schencks, & a few others were
present & after partaking of refreshments D"" Upfold
retired i/o p. 9, the company gradually withdrew by 11,
and I staid up on an occasion which may be the last.
The weather was biting cold, but the room comfortable,
good fires having been carefully kept up all day. Every-
thing went off very well. Mother probably who has
begun her letter to you may give particulars. I wish
they w*^ call him Davidson, as Richard, altho' a pretty
& favourite name of y"" mother, is not sufl5ciently dis-
tinctive, for where a compliment is intended, boys ought
to be designated by the family name. Thomas ought to
be called Courtney after his mothers family. . . .
[Addressed by:] Ship Louisiana
New York, 18"^ Feb^ 1829. Wed^
Thur'' 19*'' . . . This is an extreme cold day. My
faculties are almost benumbed. We have had more of
old fashioned winter this season than for many years.
which proves that there is not so great a variation in
the temperature of our climate as is generally imag-
ined. Snows in my early days or before the revolution
were more constant & durable, in this particular there
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1829 Od
is certainly a great difference in this city. . . . The
Bachelors Ball on the 16''', lo'*" being Sunday, went off
in high style. "Where little John Trot like a poney
just nicked; with long Dolly Draggletail ambled &
kicked." The Washington Birthday Ball is getting up,
& a Grand Fancy Ball at the Theatre Park Place, for the
inauguration of President Jackson, w** is to eclipse in
fashion numbers & elegance all former exhibitions of the
kind. . . .
Friday [February] 20'^ A violent N. E. snow storm,
such as has not occurred in many years. I had a bad
walk down, but it will be harder returning.
Sat^' [February] 21. The storm lasted with unabated
fury from 8 a. m. to 10 at night. The snow much drifted
& above a foot in depth on a level. . . .
Monday [February] 23**. It is severely cold. The
intervention of Sunday, without a fire in the oflSce ren-
ders it so bitter that I can hardly write. . . . Our har-
bour is almost blockaded with floating ice, & several of
the narrow streets are almost impassable. It is many
years since we have experienced any thing like the snow
storm of Friday w*" has extended probably to Washing-
ton. . . .
Tuesday [February] 24"'. It really appears that
there is nothing else to do but to chronicle the weather.
A more distressing season for the poor has not occurred
for many years. The abundant stock for distribution is
totally exhausted, the private repositories must be re-
sorted to. Our Fuel Saving Fund has proved a blessing
this year. About 60 loads overplus will be turned over
at cost to the Corporation, as the best Almoners of pub-
lic bounty. Phila[delphia] by accounts are as bad off,
but it is approachable by land when we are cut off by
floating ice. Coal in a few years will be the grand re-
source when grates adapted for domestic purposes will
be improved so as to come within reach of the
poor
There is to be a confirmation in S' Thomas' Church,
64 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
& our Thomas is preparing to assume on himself the
baptismal vows made for him by his sponsors. As one it
is my duty to assist him in his preparation. I have just
procured for him an instructive little work Bp. Porteous'
Evidences of X*^ one w*" Marney studies. . . .
Wed^ [February] 25***. Weather milder with appear-
ance of rain w'' will deluge our streets, but clear the har-
bour of ice, at present nearly blockaded. Yest^ Sister
accompanied M" Wadsworth who is a manager, to the
Infant School in Canal S* with which she was delighted.
It is contemplated to establish one for children such as
ours in our vicinity w'' will prove highly beneficial to
release these careful comforts from their nursery im-
prisonment. It is surprizing & gratifying to see the
capacity of infants of 2 years to learn by imitation; &
their faculties called forth, hitherto regarded as to[o]
immature for development. ... I look back with won-
der at the comparative ignorance of society in my juve-
nile years, & regard every movement in the moral &
religious world as the manifestations of the approaching
latter days glorious, a fulfillment of the sure word of
prophecy, & a perfect demonstration of the truth of
Divine revelation. . . .
Friday [February] 27'\ A mild rain on Wed^
ev[ening] with sleet at night rendered the streets so
slippery that for the first time since living up B^'way I
remained home all day. The Streets were at 10 o'clock
flooded with water & the cross paths nearly impassable.
. . . Our harbour is still covered with floating ice so
as to impede the departure & arrival of vessels. Liberal
contributions are making in every ward for the poor.
Fuel is the pinching want & every day diminishes our
stock. Supplies are out of the question until the navi-
gation shall be free. Among other gifts toward the re-
lief of the poor, M"" Muhlenbergh has sent $20, given
by the pupils of [Flushing] Academy so that our Mar-
ney is learning the all important lesson of Charity, w*"
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1829 65
ought to be inculcated in every seminary. . , . Poor
dear Mother distresses me in the extreme, by persisting
to go to housekeeping again, w** unless by retirement to
some obscure low price tenement, to w*" she w*^ never
consent, is totally out [of] my power. . . .
[Addressed by:] Ship Kentucky
New York, 4**^ March, 1829. Ash Wed''
This is a day of rejoicing in this city, for the in-
auguration of Gen. Jackson, President. M"" Adams goes
out with little sympathy, having forfeited the confidence
of those who made him president, by his imprudent let-
ter reviving his groundless charges ag* the eastern Fed-
eralists. For a man of talents, as he certainly is, he has
committed some egregious errors & done several foolish
acts, his 4*** July oration, his silly toast at Baltimore of
Ebony & Topaz, & above all the aforesaid indiscreet
letter, have greatly lessened him in general estimation.
The toast was unfit even for a private party, from a
private gentleman. A President of Congress sh"* never
do a little thing.
Friday [March] 6"\ Altho yest^ was a N. E. rain,
we had a full attendance at the meeting of the Managers
of the A[merican] B[ible] S[ociety] when it was re-
solved to publish a small pocket Testament for the use
of Sunday Schools, and a Quarto Bible, with every pos-
sible accuracy to be regarded as a standard for all future
editions of the Scriptures. This subject I have long had
at heart & hope to be spared to see it accomplished.
Dear Mother attended service on Ash Wed'' when about
40 ladies remained to form a Female Aux[iliar]y
Miss[ionar]y Society. She declined the proffer of being
made president, w^ at her period of life might have been
troublesome. The system pursued by Bp. Hobart is so
exclusive, all confined to this diocese, not a cent for For-
66 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
eign Missions, that I cannot subscribe to it, & it is not
pleasing to the most pious Episcopalians in this city,
consequently it restricts their bounty, & from those
whose hearts are cold, very little is obtained. Mother
gave $5 no others higher than $[blank] & several only
$1. Small doings w'' prove that their feelings were not
engaged. Indeed we are so fearful of zeal & enthusi-
asm that cold formality characterizes our denomination,
which is [to] be regretted. If y"" brother will take my
pew off my hands, I will purchase one in M"" Eastburns
new Church.^ I wish to be intimate with my Minister,
but cannot with M"" Upfold whose cheif merit consists
in being very High Churchman. Intercourse of conse-
quence is rare, & one dare not speak freely, least offence
sh*^ be taken. This class of Divines is the very opposite
to the character of the Rev. Leigh Richmond. I am
too old, & read too much of better divinity to relish
cold moral sermons, indeed incapable of hearing they
cannot offend. Permit me again to urge your reading
the Memoir of M"" Richmond.
Sat^ [March] 7*^ Clear & cold. The late rain has
lifted the ice, & our rivers are once more navigable. The
presidents inaugural is a plain matter of fact speech &
does him, in my estimation, credit. Opinions differ.
Of the several presidents, Washington, Monroe & Jack-
son were & are Christians, Adams P* & 2", Socinians,
Jefferson & Madison Infidels. Under the administration
of Gen. Washington, the U States experienced as great
prosperity as ever they have since, Adams broke down
the Federal party, Jefferson sowed the Wind, & Madison
reaped the Whirlwind, Monroe enjoyed unparralled
tranquillity, Adams 2'^ encountered great opposition. I
hope that Jacksons reign may be peaceable & propitious.
But it is impossible to please all parties. The Inns will
grin, the Outs will pout. ... I shall send herewith "The
Tales of the G* S* Bernard" by the Rev M' Croley, Au-
thor of Salathiel for the amusement of my Darling &
° Church of the Ascension.
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1829 67
Turtle Dove. I know not the merits, but think that a
clergyman might devote his time & talents to better pur-
pose than novel writing. They are well spoken of & may
amuse, if not instruct. I have looked into them, they
are pleasing.
Friday, [March] 13'\ No Illinois. Tomorrow I
must make up my packet, in w^ besides the Tales, I shall
add, the Beauties of Waverly, and a picture book of
Trades, for the amusem[en]t of the Younkers. I shall
send Marney the Memoir of L. Richmond to inspire
him with right notions of the high duties of a pious
Divine. . . . Sh** he go into the Ministry, Presbyt" or
Episcopal, leave him to his own unbiassed choice. The
western States perhaps ought to be the field of his opera-
tions. His ardour will qualify to make an enterprizing
Missionary, & he may build up a congregation of his
own, live to see it flourish, and be the instrument of
salvation to many. ... I have just rec'^ a letter from
M' Bayard, who on my recommendation is reading Leigh
Richmond with delight. I am travelling to a close with
my beautiful large type London copy, & shall sigh as
I conclude the last page. I reserve it as a treat in the
evening after all my other readings. Never since the
enraptured delight I once took in Shakespeare & Johnson
have I met with a work that has afforded me so much
pleasure & instruction, always excepting Scotts invalu-
able commentary, my daily bread, from w** I never arise
without acknowledging my obligations to him.
Sat^ [March] 14'*^. ... I send the reading part of
the 3 last Journals of Commerce, containing the Rev.
M' Kings Journal, sent to the Greek Ladies of this city
whose benevolence has been so generously extended to
the unfortunate Greeks. What misery have they not
suffered, & how grateful ought we to be for the peace &
happiness we enjoy. Our RevoP War, w** we thought
so distressing was peace & tranquillity compared with
the struggles of Greece. You know my beloved daugh-
ter the interest I have taken in its behalf. & the mem-
68 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
ory of my eccentric friend Wood ought to be immortal-
ized for his zeal & services in the cause of Greece.
[Addressed by Ship] Talma
By [Ship] Illinois
18*'' March, 1829
. . . Sunday was so pleasant that dear Mother &
myself walked out in the aft.noon to see Aunt Helen
who is very well. M' Craig intends going back again
to his country place, & has let the House, the occupation
of w*" has become unpleasant, at present, in consequence
of improving the streets all around it. . . .
Thur'' [March] 19*^ This is the birthday of Thomas,
having completed his 16'" & entered on his 17''' year,
being one year older than Marney. . . .
Wed^' [March] 25"*. . . . Miss Richmonds descrip-
tion of the last moments of her father, so overpowered
me last ev^ that I was obliged to lay the book aside, &
weep in silence under cover of my shade. No Tragedy,
however deeply pathetic, in my play reading days ever
affected more intensely. You will say Father grows old
& childish. Admitted. My heart, in place of becoming
petrified by age, seems to become more mollified, but
does not recover its tone quite as quick as a child, which
from grief to joy, will laugh while the tear is glittering
in its eye. You will experience a share of my sensa-
tions after perusal, & of course better excuse my weak
& feminine feelings. As a scene of real life it is superior
to fiction imagination having no part in a story, that
may always be recurred to with profit & melancholly
delight. So popular is this memoir becoming that sev-
eral of our Evangelical Ministers have purchased from
5 to a dozen copies for circulation among their parish-
ioners whose circumstances are too circumscribed to lay
out even a Dollar over their absolute wants. Certainly
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1829 69
a spirit of genuine Xt" piety must be inspired by the
perusal of this Memoir. Of the edition sent you 1000
copies, 700 have been sold & the remainder is going off
so rapidly, that the Carvells are about publishing a
smaller & cheaper edition for more general use, w'' will
enable me to give copies to my humble friends. Your
brother Samuel may have returned ere this comes to
hand, or I c** wish you to send y"" copy to y"" good father
Davidson, w" in such case I will replace. Presbyterians
are apt to suppose that there is very little vital piety
among Episcopalians, for w'', I will not say uncharitable,
reflection I must confess there is too much reason. This
Memoir will convince him that exalted piety is to be
found among English Divines, & the number of Evan-
gelical Clergymen of our Church is increasing in both
countries, altho' I regret to add that there is an in-
creased oppugnation of the High Church party through-
out the U. S. [in this] Diocese esp"", but mor[e of] this
at a future day.
Thur^' [March] 26'^ . . . This day Mother & Sister
attend the auction of y"" late cousin Julia Weeks fur-
niture. . . . M' Weeks takes his infant child to his
mother at Oyster bay, & John, his very fine eldest son
is to go to a boarding school in the country. , . .
Friday [March] 27*^ Sister bought but a few ar-
ticles, decanters & glasses as a remembrancer, everything
sold very well, indeed high. Your Cousin John super-
intended the sale, w" it was too painful for M"" Weeks
to attend. . . .
By [Ship] Tennessee
New York, 3" April. 1829
.... My time is as usual much engrossed with my
oflBce duties, & the Am. Bible So[ciety]. At the meeting
of the Managers yest^ I was informed of the reason of
the unexpected return of the Rev. M"" Christmas, an
70 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
ulcerated sore throat, by the advice of D"" Davidson, &
that he intended to call on me. I shall be happy to see
him. We are happy to hear that the children are re-
covering after a pretty hard attack of the measles. . . .
On Wed^ P' Master Pintard went to a decent Madams
school. Like his namesake, he took confinement very
hard, & was in tears when Robert came for him at
11. . . .
Monday [April] 6"". A Steam Boat reached Albany
on Sat^ ev^ & the river is open. One arrived from Al-
bany last ev^ with 400 Passengers much to the joy of
our trading folks. Yest'' slight rain, to day high raw
west^ wind, w** has made me so hoarse that I can hardly
articulate distinctly. A busy week before me. I have
just ref* (214 o'clock) from a meeting of the Trustees
of the Sailors Snug Harbour. Tomorrow, from 12 to 2,
Election of Directors of the Mut[ua]l Ins. Co. Wed''
5 p. m. monthly meet^ of the Trustees of the Savings
B''. Thur^ 41/2 p. m. of the Vestry Du S' Esprit. Friday
5 p. m. of the Stand^ Com« of the Am. Bible S". Sat^
holiday probably, after 3, for Tho^ Pintard & my-
self. ...
Tuesday [April] 7*^. 2 p. m. What between writing
up the Minutes of the Sailors Snug Harbour, & the Elec-
tion for Directors of my Ofl5ce, & making punch, for the
Voters — such as your Sister made for her wedding — my
time has been wholly engrossed till now. . . . The Rev"
M"" Bayard has very unexpectedly called. He is on his
way to Princeton, having been at Newark last Sunday
where he preached twice. The present minister is leav-
ing that Church & his old friends wish him to re-
turn
Wed-^ [April] S**" . . . This morn^ besides prepara-
tory business for the Savings Bank, I have attended to
a very able report by Consul Buchannan of the pro-
ceedings of the Fuel Saving Fund, w'' is so discouraging,
notwithstanding every effort, that it will be dissolved
next Friday, & we will pay over our small Funds to
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1829 71
the Female Assylum for lying in women, on condition
of making every Patron & members for life, Ladies,
Members also of the Fem. Assylum. This Society has
extended great relief. Females have a better tact for
these subjects than men. Less apt to be imposed upon,
they can approach the destitute & unfortunate of their
sex with greater delicacy & administer to their wants
with more judgment & discrimination. If not too pain-
ful & irksome Mother may, years permiting, be emi-
nently useful. This City is very much indebted to its
Females, to whom I always consider myself under obli-
gations. . . .
Friday [April] 10'^ ... I am better thank God this
day but weak, & were I not obliged, if possible, to at-
tend the Fuel Fund S° at 1 & to call at the Depository
& audit the Acc*^ of the A[merican] B[ible] S[ociety]
I sh** have kept house, for the day is raw & overcast.
Moreover I felt anxious to see whether my office had
been involved in the Conflagration of the La Fayette
Theatre, between 3 & 4 this morning which is totally
demolished, together with several adjacent buildings.
The structure being a huge pile of wood & combustibles,
the blaze was tremendous. Happily as far as we can yet
ascertain, we have escaped having for a length of time
doome[d] this Theatre to destruction, we prudently
avoided all insurance in its proximity. Pintard knows
the place, where he attended with his brother the first
Circus exhibition after his arrival here. Thus two Thea-
tres, the Bowery & La Fayette have been conf [IJagrated
within a short space of each other. The Park Theatre
had its turn some years ago, when the awful catastrophe
of the Richmond Theatre occurred. . . . After I had
retired to rest at 9 last ev= the Rev. M"" Bayard came in
from Princeton. He has gone over to Newark this morn^
to renew his old acquaintance, to preach on Sunday. &
go north on Monday so as [to] attend Service on Good
Friday at Geneseo.
72 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
Monday 13*'' April. After a succession of most un-
pleasant weather a fine day w** most probably will bring
JVP^ Bayard to town. I am labouring under the most
severe cold that I have ever experienced. Sat^ rain &
damp I staid home to nurse myself that I might attend
the Confirmation in S' Thomas Church w** I did on
Thomas' account altho' the weather was raw & the
dampness of the Church has aggravated my cold. It
was a solemn service. I pray that it may be sanctified
to my good adopted g'^son, who had attentively prepared
himself. About 30 were confirmed & the sight was very
impressive to see so many young persons assuming on
themselves their baptismal vows & devoting themselves
to God. . . .
This aft. noon I am to attend the funeral of M"" Arch*^
Gracie who died on Sat^' aged 74. M"" G. was once the
most respectable merchant in this city, of unbounded
hospitality & munificence, a subscriber to every religious
& beneficent institution, esteemed & beloved above every
citizen of his time. The French & British spoliations
broke down his once princely establishment, w" depressed
his spirits & eventually shortened his days. . . .
Tuesd^ [April] 14*'' . . . Just after returning from
M"" Grades funeral at 6, Aunt Patty [Bayard] & Caro-
line arrived. Y"" brother, unluckily, attended them, for
his pocket was picked at the Steam Boat wharf not much
money $6, & all his accepted bills to some am*. He has
this morn^ noticed the acceptors to stop payment. No
bad consequences will I trust result, but it is morti-
fying. He said nothing till he showed me his advertise-
ment just now. . . .
By [Ship] Louisiana
New York, Wed>' IS*'' April, 1829
I have just written to Marney the last news from
home, saying, if not otherwise directed, that he is to
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1829 73
sail in the Kentucky, the lo"" May, & in that event to
come to town the preceding Sat^ so as to attend the
annual meeting of the Am. Bible S° on Thur^ 14^", & see
the procession of our Sunday School Union on Wed^
aft. noon, the Scholars so numerous as to form a line
nearly from the City Hall to Castle Garden, a most im-
posing & to me, affecting sight. . . .
Thur-^ [April] 16*\ Superb day. Aunt Patty is
highly favoured. Yest'' the whole party visited the In-
fant School & were delighted. I was made happy to
find that dear mother was able to accompany them,
after being confined almost 8 days to her chamber, by
something like Rheumatism in the back. Pintard was
taken along & behaved like a little man & was much
pleased with the children, who I am certain learn more
in 1 week than he will, at his Madams in a month, but
the association of the very lowest of poor children is
not fitting for those of better sort. I wish there was an
infant school suitable for him. . . .
Good Friday [April] IT*"". Just ref^ from my French
Church, in rain & unluckily brot no umbrella with me,
tant pis. Only Miss Maria Solomon dined with us yest^,
her sister having hurt her foot c*' not walk the distance
from M''' Callenders who lives near the Battery. Thomas
waited on her home. She is a fine animated young lady
& plays very well on the piano. Dear Mother was bled
yest-'' p. m. D"" Hosack called at a very inconvenient
moment I/2 p. 4 & took her from dinner table. . . .
Sat^ [April] 18'"
This aft.noon I am to attend the funeral of M''^
Scudder, relict of my once eccentric friend John Scud-
der of the Museum. Poor woman, she lived without
God in this world, of which she was too sensible in her
dying hour. She called Eliza, M' Scudders oldest daugh-
ter grown up. & besought her to take her two young
daughters to Church, the neglect of which, now too late,
she severely felt & repented. May a gracious God have
mercy on her soul. She was correct in her life, tho' ex-
74 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
tremely sordid, had been M"" Scudders servant maid. He
married her after the decease of his first wife.
This day month, if spared, will complete my three
score & ten.
Monday [April] 20*^
On Saf ev^, as we were about retiring to rest, a
person brought in M"" Servoss' pocket containing every
thing except the few Bank notes. It had been left, a
few moments before, on his counter in Nassau S* by
some person unknown. He came instantly to Broome S*
& w'^ accept of no compensation saving the expense of
Hack hire. Every acceptance was exact, being several
exceeding $5000. It has quite relieved us all.
Tuesday [April] 2P*
Aunt Patty & Sister went yest^ p. m. to see the
panorama of Geneva, with w^' they were pleased. In the
morn^ they visited the Female High School. This day
they attend the anniversary of the Orphan Assylum at
the City Hotel. . . . Tomorrow a M"" Mason of Tennes-
see & his daughter dine en famille & Sister makes a
little party for her on Thur^ ev^. They are introduced
by M"" White of N[ew] 0[rleans] as his particular
friend. . . . M"" Bayard has been longer detained than
he expected at Burlington, as an evidence in a law suit
pending between Miss Wallace, the lame lady, ag* her
brother John for misapplication of his trust. How un-
pleasant are such suits between such near connections.
It gives Aunt Bradford great pain. Among other woes,
is the total prostration of poor Horace Stocktons affairs,
whose all has been sold on execution for debt, & with
his (not amiable) wife & 2 daughters have been obliged
to seek temporary refuge with M" Bradford. To add to
their affliction, the youngest daughter is deranged, tho'
troublesome, manageable. . . . Horace S. was a man of
brilliant genius, but great eccentricity. An enthusiast
in religion he became a Methodist, neglected his pro-
fessional law duties, abused his Trust, spent by antici-
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1829 75
pation the 110,000 his Uncle Boudinot intended for him,
also $5000 lent him & forgiven by his brother Richard,
borrowed & never repaid until he totally lost his char-
acter & that estimation, on acc^ of his family, in w"
he was once held, & has finally sunk into utter ruin.
Aunt Patty says, that it is feared that he has recourse
to the last of all degradations, the Bottle. It makes
my heart sink to mention circumstances so unpleas-
ant. . . .
Thur^ [April] 23^ A beautiful day. . . . This day
Aunt Patty returns home, leaving Caroline till her father
comes to town next week. . . . Yest-^ Miss Mason dined
with us, quite a polished young lady & plays well on
the piano. I c*^ not but contrast Mothers youthful days
with those of the present generation, reflecting that
a young miss from the interior of Tennessee (Paris)
was endowed with all the elegant accomplishments of
polished society. She is amiable & modest, pretty but
not handsome & genteel in person & deportment. This
evening she, with her business Father, will be at Sister's
party. . . .
Tuesday [April] 28**^
Among the removals in the new order of things is
John Duer Esq as district Att[orne]y w" I extremely
regret, for he is a superior character. His eminent tal-
ents however will in consequence of this removal, at-
tract the best professional business in this city, so that
he will be no loser. Ja[me]s A. Hamilton son of Gen.
Hamilton is app[ointe]d in his place, an excellent man
& who went to y'' city a year ago. . . .
Wed. [April] 29*''. Fine day. Accompanying is a
letter for Judge Smith from his sister ]\I" Salomons.
Have I said, for I cannot retrospect, that Miss S. is
engaged to a young physician D' Woodhull,*^ of re-
" Alfred Alexander Woodhull married in 1S33. Anna Maria Salomons,
daughter of Dirck G. Salomons and Susan (Smith) Salomons. Woodhull
and Stevens, Woodhull Genealogy (Philadelphia. 1904), pp. 161, 332.
76 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
spectable family. She is a fine lively affable young
lady, & the match agreeable to her mother. . . .
New York, Sat^ 2" May, 1829
This will be delivered to my beloved daughter, please
God, by her dear son Marsden, who after nearly 4 years
absence returns home, on a visit to his family. . . . Last
ev^ I was disquieted with the ace* that y^ intimate friend
M"" Chew has been removed from the post of Collector
of N[ew] 0[rleans] w*" he has so long & so honourably
filled. He finds a retreat however in the Bank, w** will
keep him from absolute depression. . . .
Tuesday 5"' May. This day the Directors of the
Mut[ual] Ins[urance] Co. meet to elect a Secretary in
my place. I was appointed Sec^ 10*'' April 1809, so that
I have served in this Station 20 Years & 25 days, a long
period.
Wed-^ [May] 6'". The result of yest"" was the elec-
tion of a M'" A. B. McDonald as my successor, a candi-
date, to me, totally unexpected. His mother '^ is the
daughter of my once very intimate friend, M' Anth^
Bleecker, dec'' & I am glad of the choice, altho' I regret
most sincerely that Andrew Warner who has been in
the office 10 years was not chosen, but such is the issue
of competition supported by powerful friends w*" An-
drew wants, for my influence was inefficient. A Reso-
lution of thanks was passed in my favour, w** is highly
gratifying to poor Mother. On Satur^ I close my duties,
with permission, kindly granted, to transfer my desk
to the back office, & a free access at all hours, w^ is, for
the present, more accommodating than a removal to y""
7 Mrs. Alexander Lewis McDonald (Elizabeth De Hart Bleecker),
daughter of Anthony Lispenard Bleecker. W. M. MacBean, Biographical
Register of Saint Andrew's Society (N. Y. 1922), I, 346.
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1S29 77
brother's counting room. Thus my beloved daughter
my long agony is over, & I am all gratitude to Almighty
God that the cloud that obscured me when you were
here is overpast & that my official career terminates
without a blot or reproach. . . . The Car [v] ills having
sold off their edition of lOUO copies of Leigh Richmond
are about publishing another in a reduced size to sell
for 75/000 for w^ purpose I have ceded to them the
only London copy S'^ edition to be replaced, w'' I some-
what regret as I had marked all the passages to w*" I
wished to refer. I have taken out the print w" I intend
to have neatly framed for Marney to be placed in his
future study as his examplar. . . .
Wed^ [May] 13'^. Since Sat'' I have not been able
to trace a single line. Dear Marney came to town on
that day elated with the prospect of sailing in the Ken-
tucky on the 15^^. My time has been so engrossed with
preparations for the L3"' Ann[iversar]y tomorrow of
the A[merican] B[ible] S[ociety] preparing dfts. of
Minutes duplicate & triplicates of Resolutions for this
aft. noon & tomorrow meetings, w'' I have, 21/2 p. m. thus
far concluded, that my poor head is in a state of effer-
vescence. I made out to attend the procession of our
Sunday School Union to Castle Garden yest-^ P. M. To
Marneys description I must leave the splendid, brilliant,
interesting scene, probably at least old & young 10,000
persons were present, a scene w*" the world cannot equal,
for the world does not possess such ample elegant acom-
modations. I c** not but contrast in my mind the past
& the present, the period when Col. Williams, before
the late War. cast the first stone for creating the founda-
tion of a Military Fortress, & the present glorious ex-
hibition. The day was most favourable & the sight en-
chanting. The fulfillment of prophecy in this instance
is literally accomplished of beating our spears into prun-
ing hooks. I felt some satisfaction in having been in-
strumental in preventing the total demolition of this
Castle, now appropriated to useful & agreeable purposes.
78 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
The solitaire once gave a birds eye sketch of the sur-
rounding scenery w*" is without a parallel at least in our
country. . , .
Thur^ 14*'' May. IS**' Ann^ of the A[merican]
B[ible] S[ociety], a glorious day. Our Anniv^ meeting
went off triumphantly. The So[ciety] has resolved to
supply thro' the aid of its Auxiliaries, the whole U States
destitute families within 2 years, & it will by the Divine
blessing be accomplished. Marney will give an Ace* of
all that he has witnessed & heard this Jubilee. He &
Thomas walked with me in procession. The Rev. M""
Muhlenbergh who delivered an elegant address, is to
breakfast with me. . . .
[Addressed:] M'"^ E. N. Davidson
New Orleans
By her dear son
L. M. Davidson
Ship Kentucky
New York, Monday, 18*" May, 1829
Thur^ 2P* ... On Tues'' ev^ Sister gave a family
party in compliment to M'^ Teller & M'^ Wilsey of Fish-
kill. . . . Your brothers prudence has protected him ag*
any bad results from the failure of IVP Franklin w*" I
greatly regret. M"" S[ervoss] has to congratulate him-
self, that the failure does not arise thro' his advices. On
the contrary, he urged greater circumspection. Bad as
our markets have been, he will, he thinks, wind up M'
F's concerns in his hands without much loss, if
any
Thur'' [May] 28*". A week has elapsed since I have
put pen to paper. My time all last week was engrossed
with record^ the Minutes of the A[merican] B[ible]
S[ociety]. On Sat^ I attended the consecration, by Bp.
Hobart, of Ascension Church, the Rev. Manton East-
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1829 79
burn Rector & did not come down. On Monday I was
devoted to my unfinished Minutes. . . . We are looking
for the Illinois. Possibly some tidings respecting the
effect on the Doctor of M"" Chews removal. How hard.
I sincerely sympathize with y' Sister friend M" Chew.
What dreadful efiects of party politics.
New York, V June, 1829. Monday
Yest"^ Mother accompanied me to Ascension Church,
opened for the first time by the Rev. M*" Eastburn Rec-
tor. Much gratified.
Friday [June] 5"". Too busy with the Minutes of the
A[merican] B[ible] S[ociety] to say a word, a dread-
ful explosion of the Steam Frigate Fulton yest^ p. m.
at the Navy Yard, w" engrosses the public sympathy.
Thur^ 10''' [sic for June 11] Last ev° your brother
brought home the N[ew] 0[rleans] Argus of 12^*" May
rec'^ by the Francis containing the removals & appoint-
ments in y'' city. Among the rest D"" R. Davidson.
Altho' I anticipated as much I felt sore & dread least
it sh*^ be the forerunner of withdrawing the seamen from
his Infirmary. Your brother, to console me, repeated
over all the Doctor's friends who might interest them-
selves in his behalf with M'" Gordon, but I apprehend,
with all the new Collector's firmness, that he will be
obliged to submit to the party who expect wherever
power is lodged it will be devoted to their interests.
To change an unpleasant subject, This ev^ there is
to be a Bible meet^ at Masonic Hall, to promote the
Resolutions of the A. B. S. to supply every destitute
family in the U[nite]d [States] with a copy of the Scrip-
tures within 2 years. It is God's cause, & I have every
hope & confidence of success. The weather being tern-
80 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
perate, almost cold. As I cannot hear, Mother purposes
to go
New York, Friday, 12**^ June, 1829
The great Bible effort was made last ev'^. Mother,
M"" S[ervoss] & Thomas attended a full meeting at Ma-
sonic Hall. $7500 or more were paid down after the
close of the addresses. Mother gave $25 out of her
scanty means & myself as much more this morn'. M'
Arthur Tappan, the most liberal benefactor in this city
by far, gave $5000. Sermons are to be preached in all
our Churches, saving the Episcopal, except S* Georges,
D"" Milnor & Ascension, M"" Eastburn, Bp. Hobarts bale-
ful influence paralyzing every generous effort in the
Bible cause. He cannot however quite extinguish the
zeal & affection of every one. Many are doubtful of
success, who are well wishers. I confess I may be too
sanguine. But I have great Faith. It will be a glorious
result sh*^ we succeed.
Sat-'' [June] IS**". With y"" last Observers, I have put
up a copy of the new stereotype Ed[ition] of Leigh
Richmond, so that having two, you can keep one for cir-
culation & one at home. Let Marney leave his, w" I
will replace, presuming always that this interesting
Memoir will be as popular with you as with us. There
are also 2 addresses of the IS**" Anniv'' & 2 of the Man-
agers on the present Bible question. About 9000 D"
have been collected. Dear Mother visited some friends
yest-^ & brought home $7. All Sis[t]ers domestics gave
75 cents each out of their wages, & our 4 g'^children do
the same. These family collect [ion]s will I hope spread
& amount to a large sum. $20,000 is our mark for this
city, w'' I confidently trust will be raised as fast as
wanted. . . ,
[Addressed by: Ship] Illinois
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1829 81
New York, Tues^ 16'" June, 1829
Wed'' [June] 17'". After perusing my beloved daugh-
ters letter of 23*^ May, my poor distressed heart on her
account is more relieved. Your good brother endeav-
oured to buoy up my spirits by recounting every pos-
sible chance in the Doctors favour, but I have had too
long & too much experience to count on political parti-
sans, & am therefore not disappointed as to M"" Gordon
altho' grieved. . . . Reduced, or rather circumscribed to
his private practice, the Doctor can now endeavour to
extend it, & by prudent reserve of his opinions & feel-
ings avoid exasperating those who might retaliate by
interfering with his practice. . . . Among the chances &
changings of this transitory life, you are now at this
moment engaged in removing from your once little para-
dize, in the very hearts blood of heat, when all if pos-
sible ought to be repose. Your brother does not readily
recollect your new domicile as there were two M"* Sauls
Cashiers, but from y' brief account, no doubt the House
is more capacious & accommodating than the last, ex-
cepting the confined yard, w" will be a dreadful restric-
tion to the children. . . . Pintard being unhinged from
his late daily duties is bad. I hope his father will be
able to get him a station in the Charity Hospital, where
his experience & willingness to perform every duty will
render him an acquisition. . . .
New York, Monday 22*^ June, 1829
Tues^ [June] 23^^. . . . Dear Sister has her troubles
also. Faithful Robert has left us to prepare for the
African Methodist Ministry. Pious, capable, & honest
he was every thing to us. He is replaced by a decent
coloured man yet to be proved & learn the ways of the
family. A general change has taken place since you
82 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
left US. Marian went on a visit to her mother & never
returned, replaced by a very quiet decent coloured girl,
Susan, who leaves us tomorrow, discon[ten]ted with her
kitchen mates. The better used the more ungrateful,
such is the disposition for roaming. Nothing like old
faithful Tamar, after all.
Tues^ [June] 30*''. The most ext[raordinar]y cool
weather that probably ever was known. I had written
in answer to M"" Bayards request for my opinion of his
accepting an offer of $10,500 for his place. Knowing
that he was tired of farming & that Aunt Patty wished
to live on a smaller scale I gave my sentence in favour
of a sale, contrary as I afterwards found to y"" mothers
judgment. Let it pass. ... I have toiled very dog-
gedly, sometimes very hard, & at all times closely con-
fined for 20 years of my life, but I declare the no work
that I have to do, is the hardest work I ever performed.
1 come down to the office daily but returning early,
makes my home day very long. I read till my eyes re-
fuse their ofl&ce, lay aside my book, nod, take it up again
& wish for night. Scotts Bible is my daily bread, &
strange you may think it to say, Scotts Novels my recre-
ation. What an association for an old man. For nearly
2 years I have been incessantly engaged with Ecclesias-
tical History, till finally, it has lost its charms. I c'' no
longer rest on it with instruction or pleasure. I thought
last week of Waverly, took it up, & became as fascinated
with it as on the first perusal many years ago, & it com-
pletely beguiled my mind & killed ennui. I shall read
them in succession for an hour or two thro' the summer.
When Autumn comes, if spared, my mind & body will
I hope be braced for more serious study.
IV" [June] Sat^ ... My time is thank God much
occupied, with the B[ible] S[ociety] & Savings B"". The
last closed its 10*'' year, 30*'' ult° in w'' time we received
$4,997,105.40, and paid back $3,528,419.71, & opened
above 22,000 accounts. Vastly beyond our most san-
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1829 83
guine expectations. The 2 years Bible supply meets un-
bounded approbation. $50,000 are already engaged to be
supplied, of $200,000, our sum, & this is but a dull season
to collect. . . .
New York, 14^'' July, Tues^ 1829
Thur^ [July] 16'^''. The Tennessee is to sail tomor-
row. I put up for darling Waverleys last Novel, The
Maid of the Mist, w*" she will find interesting. I have
only read the first Vol. for I cannot read much this hot
weather which has at length come. . . .
M"" & M" Washington have arrived at Princeton &
with their mother are to pass thro' next week on their
route to Geneseo. I wish Mother c"* find some good
companion to visit the Springs w'' w*^ be of service to
her. For myself this year, I cannot go. It is a chance
if even to Princeton. M"" Bayard has let his place P'
Ocf to a M"" Patten who is enterprizing a modern acad-
emy. If successful he will purchase it. JNI' B. & Patty
purpose to pass the winter with Julia. . . .
Friday [July] 17*\ After 2 hot days a delightful
pleasant one. To the little parcel I have added Parental
Fidelity for Mother as well as children, the perusal of
which will be profitable to both. Little Richard pines,
probably the usual infantile bowel complaint. Tomor-
row M"" Servoss takes his family to Musquito Cove, on
Long Island, nearly opposite to N Rochelle. A Steam
Boat plies daily between this city & those places, w''
if accommodations can be procured will render inter-
course very easy. It is a beautiful retired place, board
$4, Fish, Clams directly out of the water & substantial
Farmers fare. Altho' called Musquito Cove, that tor-
mentor does not infest the place. M"" S. will return on
Monday morn^ when we shall know all about it. I wish
84 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
it may so please as to induce Mother to go. The sandy
shore admits of comfortable bathing at all times of tide.
Such a retreat, in August, w*^ suit me exactly. . . .
[Addressed by Ship] Tennessee
New York, Monday 20^*^ July, 1829
[July] 22*^. Yest^ at 3 p. m. Sister with her 3 Chil-
dren, maid & baggage took passage in the Steam Boat
for Musquito Cove. William the waiter attended as M""
Servoss c*^ not leave town. The quarters in a Quaker
family are decent, fare plain & wholesome, $4 a week &
half price for children, but no accommodations for
Mother, who will go to Bath next week. j\P S[ervoss]
will go to see his family on Saf. He went there last
Sat^ to engage quarters.
23^'^ [July] Thur''. William ret'' yest^ with a letter
from Sister. She is delighted with her quarters. Mother
talks of accompanying M"" S. on Saf" possibly to pass
next week. It w*^ be gratifying if any accommod[atio]n
c'^ be made for her, as it w'^ be more retired than Bath,
unless our wild children sh*' be an annoyance. For my-
self I c" wish a sequestered retreat. If Bath, I shall only
pass a day or two, in a fortnight for I cannot bear a
public House. A letter from M"" Bayard informs that
only he & Aunt Patty, taking home their 2 gMaughters,
intend visiting his Rev'' son. M"" Washington is obliged
to go back to Virg" to attend an important trial & re-
turns for Julia in Sepf who in the meanwhile stays at
Princeton with her sister. On Monday next, they are
to come to town to proceed Tues^ 6 a. m. for Albany,
unless M""^ Bradford who is indisposed with chill & Fever
& Gout sh'' grow worse & call them to Burlington. . . .
Friday [July] 24*\ Our little Pintards birth day, 4
years old. . . . The Doctor I see is disappointed respect-
the City Hospital, D"" Kerrs son having been appointed
postmaster. I am led to think that in consequence of
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1829 85
all the late changes & curtailments of income that you
hesitate about encountering the expense of Marneys fur-
ther education. . . .
Sat^' [July] 25"'. . . . Mother has decided on going
to Bath, which altho' a more public resort of comers &
goers, still affords retirement to a private chamber, &
better fare than country families can furnish. She had
concluded to visit Sister this day, before coming to a
conclusion. But a letter from her yesf" mentions that
the table is very indifferent, plain boiled pork or corn
meal, without fish or poultry, simple country fare, no
pretentions to cookery, & what is worse, bad sour bread,
so that she & the children live on crackers. This in-
formation has not only decided Mothers choice but will
induce M' Servoss to change his familys quarters, &
altho' it may cost a little more, still in case of sickness
or complaint, Mother & daughter will be together. Your
Mother is quite a favourite with M'^ Brown who sent
over yesf to say, that her apartment w'* probably be
at command on Monday, & Mother has engaged it.
Moreover Bath is of easy access, an hour & a half ride,
5 p. m., communication twice a day, & M"" S. can more
easily go & come. It takes 5 hours to & from Musquito
Cove, sometimes, according to tides, 6, which throws
him late in the ev^ to get there & late in the morn^' re-
turning. All things considered it is best to change quar-
ters, & as Mother cannot be accommodated with a room,
the reason is more than plausible. The children enjoy
themselves, there is however range enough at Bath for
them, nice waggon or Barouche to take an occasion air-
ing. Upon the whole I am as well, or better pleased.
My visits will be a day or two weekly. As I said, Mother
is much respected by the good Dutch folks of New
Utrecht & feels herself very much at home with M"
Young. . . .
86 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
New York, Monday 27*'^ July, 1829
My last by mail, 25**^ inst. Please to inform how
many VoP you have of M" Sherwoods Lady of the
Manor, I think 5. A 7'^ is just published w"" I will
send with the Q^^ next fall to complete your set.
Tues^ 28*". The Kentucky arrived yest^, also the
Azelia. Your brother brought home y"" letters. I con-
fess that my heart sunk, on reading that Marneys des-
tiny was altered. I bow with submission, knowing that
an overruling Providence orders all for the best. Your
mother was not disappointed, as she knew from Marneys
discourse that he did not intend to return. So be it. I
anticipated that a change in circumstances w*^ not jus-
tify his Father to extend his education. Were it pos-
sible, w'' it is not, I w*^ have educated Marney myself.
It is some consolation that he has taken to the Law, in
w" if he applies himself, he will excell, & certainly in a
lucrative view his prospects are flattering. To have been
retained at the first start, with a stipend adequate to his
support I consider a kind interposition in his favour.
Wed^ [July] 29*^ Yest^ P. M. dear Mother left me
for Bath, escorted by Thomas who has (9 o'clock) ret*^.
They got up safe & in good season for Tea. Mother has
an excellent chamber maid, white, Ann who has been
with her a month & accustomed to her ways, is quiet &
handy. She has her old apartment, a very convenient
one, & is quite at home with M" Young & family. She
parted with a very heavy heart, going alone. We hoped
that Sister w*^ have changed her quarters, but her ap-
pendage is large & the difference between 4 & 6 Doll" a
week, & half price for her maid & children am'^ to con-
siderable in 2 months. . . . M"" Bayard & Aunt Patty
went to visit their son yest'' morn^ taking home 2
g'^daughters. They staid Monday ev^ with M" Boyd.
Mother & myself called on them after my return from
the Savings Bank. The Fare to Albany is only $1, meals
to be paid for. Some St [earn] Boats give meals in the
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1829 87
bargain, such is the destructive rivalship between the
several proprietors to see who shall do each other most
harm. It is a public injury to reduce prices below the
fair value. ... I am happy that you have passed thro
the horrors of removal & that you find y"" new abode
cooler. You will get accustomed to the noise, as we
became except Mother, in B'^way, where the everlasting
racket of Horses <k Carriages was intolerable for the first
6 months. ... Do not let Marney absent himself from
y"" family devotions & attendance on Church. I hope
that he will become a Sunday School Teacher. Thomas
is deriving more Bible information by the discharge of
this important benevolent duty, than left to himself he
w** probably have acquired all his life. The Male Teach-
ers of Ascension Church, to which he is attached, meet,
once a fortnight, of an ev^ at each others houses in rota-
tion, for mutual instruction & prayer. He is quite enam-
oured with his calling & is very punctual & faithful in
its discharge. He is a lad of excellent principles. His
scho[o]ling terminates the 3P* & his father will put him
into some store. Matteawan is done with, on ace* of the
woful depression of the manufacturing interest. M""
Schenck still goes on, but certainly without profit, if not
with direct loss.
New York, Monday 3*^ Aug\ 1829
. . . Dear Mother from whom I heard Sat^ & yesf
is well & delighted with her accommod^ having the best
room in the house, S. W. corner, fronting the Bay, with
a prospect of every ship coming in & going out. She was
most kindly welcomed. Yest^ she went to Church &
contributed her mite to the N. Utrecht Female Mission-
ary & Bible Society. . . . This aft.noon I shall go over
& stay till Wed^ p. m. for Thur^ is the meeting of the
Managers, & next Monday go again & stay till Wed^
A. M., the aft.noon being the monthly meeting of the
88 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
Trustees of the Savings Bank, w** goes on most prosper-
ously. We opened 259 new ace*' in July, half of w" were
low Irish, Males & Females. This Instif" is working
wonders with that class, & Temperance is increasing
among them. . . .
Thurs^' [August] 6'". . . . We live, I believe infested
with Incendiaries. On Mond'' night, & Tues^ morn^ there
were two large fires in the eastern part of the city, last
night a very serious fire in the rear of Pine S' w" has done
much damage to merchandize. My old office has escaped
the latter, but loses about $600 in the former. It is no
time to leave a house alone to servants, or I sh*^ go to
Bath on Sat^', but M"" S[ervoss] takes his turn to the
Cove & returns on Monday A. M. . . . Your brother
tells me that he has written to you, informing the sad
news of the death of M"" Babcock ^ on his passage in
the Talma, an irreparable loss to his family & very seri-
ous one to y'' city of w*" he was so useful a member. His
poor son at Flushing Marneys companion will be much
afilicted, as also his sister M""' Palmer, who has been
ret[urne]d a fortnight, of w'' I was ignorant, or sh** ere
this have called to see her. . . .
Monday, lO*'' Aug*. Yest^ the Rev. M"" Muhlenbergh
called on me to express his extreme regret that Marney
sh'' not return to complete his educ". He is so much
attached to him, that on assigning the cause his fathers
inability in consequence of giving up the Infirmary, that
he offers to take him for one half, or 125 D^ as he con-
siders Marneys good example beneficial to the scholars
& worth the diminution. . . .
Friday [August] 14*\ . . . Miss Duer is I believe
well, with her sister M'^ Morris Robinson at Brooklyn.
... I have just returned from the funeral of Miss Sli-
dell, daughter of my friend John S. She died of con-
sumption, had been lame for many years, was very pious
* Benjamin Franklin Babcock, father of Benjamin Franklin Babcock,
Jr., and brother of Mrs. William R. Palmer. N. Y. Observer, Aug. 8.
1829; Stephen Babcock, Babcock Genealogy (1903). pp. 127, 215.
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1829 89
& resigned, a great consolation to her parents & family.
I have also, by request written a line of consolation to
my old friend, Polly Coutant of N Rochelle, who is going
the way of all flesh, of a dropsy in the chest & liver
complaint. She is about my years. Except Aunt Patty,
she is the last of all my N[ew] R[ochelle] friends. . . .
N York, Monday 17''' Aug*, 1829. very cool
. . . M"" Bayard & Aunt Patty ret[urne]d from
Geneseo Friday p. m., left all well but M" Cornelia, who
is in very miserable health. M' B. speaks in high terms
of the Society & usefulness of his son, who w*^ however
prefer Newark c*^ he receive a call. I know not the
cause why his services there sh'' not be acceptable. I met
James Hull in the Street yesf. He looks very thin as
tho' he studied hard. He enters Senior at Hartford this
year, & after taking his degree returns home to study
Theology under his father.^ . . .
Thurs^' [August] 20'". . . . Sister went to a camp
meeting last week, with which she was not much pleased.
She saw there AP* Croghan with her cousin Miss Van
Ness. . . .
Friday [August] 2P'. I was honoured yest-'' with a
call by M[essr]s. Morse ^^ & Hull. The former takes
his degree at Harvard next Wed^. He entered Senior &
I am apt to imagine that Marney is better qualified for
', that honour than M. This superficial hurried education
1 is the bane of youth. Hull will do better, for he was a
^ good classical Scholar when he left his father. He did
; wrong not to have gone earlier to College, instead of
; wasting time & money at Middletown. I cannot reflect
; on that takein place with patience. Thomas [Servoss]
'S 8 Rev. James F. Hull, of New Orleans. H. C. Duncan, The Diocese
\ of Louisiana (1888), pp. 52-54.
i' 10 Isaac Edward Morse (1809-1866). Biog. Directory of the Amer.
' Cong., 1774-1927; Catalogues of Harvard Univ.; Dodge & Ellis, Nor-
•• wich Univ., II, 182.
90 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
is to go on trial to his Father on Monday. I have been
urgent on this head, as I believe he will make an ex-
cellent docile apprentice & will profit more under his
Fathers eye & instructions than with a stranger. I am
the more interested that he sh*^ do well, as it may fall to
his lot to take his brothers by the hand. Thomas is a
very good youth, totally free from vicious inclinations,
& he will be kept regular & free from low associations,
the bane of youth, by living at home. He is to begin
his career by going down to the store in Nassau S* near
Pine, before breakfast, sweep the counting room, & re-
turn to breakfast, after w*" to attend to duty till 2, come
home to dine, return & lock up at evening. His father
will keep him employed & prepare him to keep his
books, w*' as he writes a beautiful hand, he will soon
be able to enter upon. . . .
New York, Tues^ 25^^^ AugS 1829
... On Saf as proposed, I visited Sister at Mus-
quito Cove. Had a delightful passage in the Linnaeus
St [earn] boat, stopping at Hallets Cove, Frog neck, &
N Rochell landing, probably 60 passengers retreating
from the city till Monday. The intercourse is greatly
increasing with these several places, in consequence of
the Steam boat. My feelings as you may well suppose
were tenderly excited, as we entered the Creek & beheld
poor Uncle Lewis' former abode. I had not the heart
to step ashore. M"" Watts' House is converted into a
fashionable boarding house. Sailing among the islands
& Rocks, the scenes of my youth & recollection of all
my departed friends called up sensations that depressed
my poor weak spirits. We arrived at the Cove at 7 &
found M' Udalls Wagon in waiting & reached his house
at 8 where I had the happiness to find Sister well, the
children all abed. . . . M"" Udall is a plain kind Friend,
everything plenty, wholesome tho' plain, milk over-
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1829 91
flowing & elegant butter, a fine milk house, with a con-
stant stream flowing round the pans. The Farm is large
& well stocked, the House in sight of the Sound. We
rode out in the aft. noon & was shown the first Locust
Tree ever planted in that country some 80 or 90 Years,
tall & very large & thrifty. The whole place abounds
with this valuable Timber, & M' U. has a most beautiful
Locust Grove, one of Sisters walks, which looks over the
surrounding Water & scenery. . . .
Friday [August] 28'". I returned yest^ from Bath.
. . . We attended a Bible meeting at N. Utrecht. Few
but females, as usual, were present. As the inhabitants
are building a very neat stone Church, not much can
be expected this season. . . . Among the doings of the
late Gen. Convention of the Episcopal Ch. at PhiP Bp.
Brow [n] ell has been appointed to visit Kentucky, Ten-
nessee &c. next winter, & to come home by the way of
N[ew] 0[rleans]. I was quite intimately associated
with the Bishop when our Th[eological] Seminary was
at New Haven & hospitably treated by him, & M" B.
He is a very affable friendly gentleman to whom I will
give a letter of introduction to you. You will find him
very pleasant & sociable. ... A beautiful edition of
Wilberforce's Practical View, with an introductory essay
of the Rev. Daniel Wilson, an eminently pious Divine
in Eng*^ has just appeared. A copy shaU be sent to you.
To the reading of this work, the Rev. M"" Richmond
attributes his conversion, as appears in his Memoir. It
is 30 years since I first perused. I shall again review it
with ardour.
Sat^ [August] 29'\ Rain may prevent M-- S[ervoss]
visiting his family this day. I have written to Sister
urging her early return. A remarkable cool summer will
hasten cool morn^ & ev^ & expose the country to au-
tumnal Chills. Indeed many emigrants are prudently
returning for the City is healthier than the country even
now. On my visit next week I shall endeavour to per-
suade Mother to come home by the 10"" Sept' for I sh''
92 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
dread an attack of Fever, after her Spring visitation.
Like myself she becomes more feeble. Bath air is per-
ceptibly too keen for me. I am better at home than
there. . . .
Bath, New Utrecht, Tuesd^ 1 Sept^ 1829
Of the fate of M' Saul Jun"" we had heard. The false
honours paid to the remains of a Suicide are very in-
judicious. Under the Old Law, before the Revolution,
suicides were buried, to deter such acts, where 4 Roads
met. I recolle[c]t such an instance, where the N. Y.
House of Refuge is now situate ^^ & where an Inscrip-
tion, beginning, Stop Traveller, set forth the name &
particulars, & w'' all boys, as they passed, were made to
read. To mitigate a too barbarous law, the friends of
the suicide were allowed by connivance, to steal away
the body from the Coroner for private interment. Not
content with this lenity, Funerals have taken place &
some of them pompous. The first instance of the latter
in our city was M''^ M'^Kesson,^- a daughter of the un-
fortunate Gen. Hull, who put a period to her existence
by suspension, on the noon of the very day that she
was preparing to give a party, contrary to her husbands
wishes, whose circumstances, in some degree owing to
her ambitious extravagance, began to become circum-
scribed. Remonstrance induced it was supposed the
fatal act. The respect shown, was reprobated. The
circumstance of her death, brought an immense con-
course of people to witness a parade, only due to distin-
guished public worth. Other instances followed, without
discretion on the part of family friends, who only,
thereby, expose more widely the horrid crime of their
" In Madison Square, near the junction of the old Bloomingdale and
Eastern Post Roads. I. N. P. Stokes, Iconography of Manhattan Island,
III, 954.
12 Mrs. John McKesson (Sarah Hull), daughter of General William
Hull, died in 1810. Commercial Advertiser, Feb. 27, 1810; iV. Y. Gazette,
Feb. 28, 1810; Weygant, Hull Family in America, p. 493.
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1829 93
unhappy relatives. I have more than once been inclined
to lucubrate on a misguided subject, but was aware that
the writer on being known w'' give exceptions to sur-
viving friends. Such mistaken motives ought not how-
ever prevent doing what is right.
4 P. M. Bath H N. Utrecht, Friday 4th Sept^ 1829
I arrived here at 12 o'clock, & to my great distress
found y"" dear Mother attended by her physician & D""
Francis. My letter by mail yest^ 3*^ inst. informed you
of her attack by Fever the preceding Tuesday & that
after bleeding &c. she appeared so much better on Wed^
that she cheerfully consented to my going to town to
attend the meeting of the Managers of the A[merican]
B[ible] S[ociety] yest-^' P. M. w" I did. It seems that
the Fever recurred very early yest^ morn^ & at her re-
quest D"" F. was sent for who approved of her physicians
treatment. After prescribing he returned to the city
with injunctions not to inform me, for fear of undue
alarm of his visit. He came again to day, & is to come
again tomorrow A. M. He says the Fever is bilious, &
frankly assures me that there is no danger. Blisters
have been applied to her breast w^ I hope will draw
favourable. . . , Inflamatory Rheumatisms prevail in
the city, of w*" I have had a touch in my right foot a
fortnight past, that occasionally recurs, but I am very
prudent. The weather is absolutely cold. I have put
on worsted stockings. This House is quite deserted, M"
Onderdonck only remaining who probably goes home to-
morrow. The transparent kind Irish lady M" Carvill
went away this morn^. Ann our maid behaves very
well, but is fatigued, being much disturbed last night.
I hope to relieve her tonight. Tolerable rest will refresh
her. D"" F. tells me that the Rev. M' Bruen is at the
point of death with bilious fever. He was called in last
ev^ too late, & thinks that M'" B. has been injudiciously
94 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
treated. He attended as represent [ativje of the A[meri-
can] B[ible] S[ociety] a meeting last week at N. London
& Norwich, returned well, but on Sunday whilst in his
pulpit, was taken ill & obliged to break off. The service
was continued by some one else. He grew worse & prob-
ably is now no more. . . .
Bath House, N. Utrecht, Sunday Q'"" Sept. 29. [1829]
9 A. M.
. . . D'" Francis came at 6 p. m. & prescribed an
opiate, w" was taken at 9. He says that there are no
malignant symptoms, & that I need not make myself the
least uneasy, that there is no necessity for any further
visits, but Mother insisted on his coming out this morn^
w*" I hope will be the last as I believe he charges $10
each visit, & this will make $50, a heavy tax on my
weak purse, but will be cheerfully sustained to please
poor mother, whose sole confidence rests on D"" F. , . .
The Rev. IVP Bruen died last night, as F. says, by im-
proper treatment. Tho' called in at 3 on Friday morn^
surrounded by Physicians they w'^ not hear to his advice,
w*" they s*^ w*^ kill him & that he was doing well. On
Friday p. m., F. said the case was desperate. . . .
Monday [September] 7^''. A hard rain last ev^ has
cleared off with a high cold n[orth] wester. The rain
prevented Doctor Carpenters ev^ call. He was here at
6 when I was asleep . . . He desired Ann to tell me
that he considered the fever broken & Mother doing well.
Francis may come out altho' I hardly expect him. He
is to deliver the annual address to the Horticultural
So[ciety] w'' I dare say will be a fine one. It was my
intention, as a member, to have attended, not the splen-
did dinner, with all w** I have done. . . . I/2 p. 10.
Mother is regaling on mill pond Oysters, fresh out of
the water, w*" relish exceedingly. ... % p. 12. A
Miracle. Dear Sister has arrived with old Marney['s]
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1829 95
Nurse & Richard, who has been pepperd off with the
chicken pock. Thank God, this turn is well over. . . .
Bath House, N. Utrecht, Thur^ 10**" Sept^ [1829]
On my arrival I found Sister taking a ride & dear
Mother sitting up for the first in an easy chair. . . .
Friday IP". . . . The Doctors practice I trust ex-
tends. May his success establish confidence in his mode
of treatment. Prompt, decided, energetic measures can
only, under Providence, counteract the dreadful Yellow
fever. Hosack & Francis are more successful here, by
their vigorous prescriptions. The former has retired to
his farm, late D' Bards at Hyde Park, where he is laying
out large sums in ornamental improvement, from 70 to
100,000 D" it is said. He has great Taste & appears
determined to exhibit it on a large scale, at the expense
of his heirs. In the issue, it is so much thrown away
for the gratification of vanity. We cannot, however
ample our means, expect to rival the gentry & nobility
of England, whose improvement & embellishments are
the work of successive generations. In our countiy, we
have at best only life estates. It is not often that they
descend to children, & when sold, the highest cultivated
farms seldom produce the first cost. D"" H[osack] how-
ever got his money, by his marriage, easy. Except in
his ostentatious style of living, he spends nothing for he
is neither benevolent nor munificent, reluctantly & rarely
giving to pious or charitable purposes. I once hoped
better of him. Mere men of this world have nothing
to spare, but let not judge.
Francis came off with flying colours.^ ^ He had an
audience of 1000 among them 600 ladies. The day was
fine. The oppo[rtunity] of viewing the profusion of
13 On Tuesday, Sept. 8, 1829, Dr. John W. Francis delivered an ad-
dress in Niblo's Garden, before the New York Horticultural Society.
It was printed in 1830 (Sabin's Dictionary, no. 25448.)
96 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
Flowers & Fruits that decorated the splendid dinner
tables, & the expectation, not disappointed, of a finished
Discourse, were all objects of unusual attraction. I c*^
have wished to have been present.
V2 p[ast] 4. Dear Mother walked half a doz. turns
round her chamber shrouded in a blanket. This being a
drizzly day I have employed my time delightfully &
profitably in reading the Memoirs of D"" John Mason
Good by Professor Olynthus Gregory. D"" G. was an
eminent English physician. . . . This work I borrowed
from D"" Francis, to whom it was a presentation copy
from D"" Gregory. . . . D"" Goods practical maxim was
akin to that of another eminent individual, the late D""
E. D. Clarke who said 'T have lived to know that the
great secret of human happiness is this, not to suffer
your energies to stagnate. The old adage of 'Too many
irons in the fire,' is an abominable lie. You cannot have
too many, poker, tongs & shovel, keep all going." Let
Pintard enter this in his commonplace book, if he has
one. He ought to have. D"" G. was eminent for com-
monplacing, so was Gov"" Clinton. I have done some-
what at it in my day. . . .
Sat^ [September] 12*\ Mother rested well & is quite
smart this day. I visited the Rev. M"" Beatty, at 10,
who, by getting well & venturing out too soon, has been
confined again with a pain in his bowels. I visited also
the site of the old octagon, to me, beautiful in its sim-
plicity, Dutch Church, w" has been demolished after
standing 170 years, a monument of the piety of the early
forefathers of N. Utrecht. Wherever the Dutch settled,
they erected places of worship, numbers like that of this
place, of an octagon form. I believe the only one ex-
isting in this quarter, is at Jamaica. There is one also
on Staten Island. Perhaps others in Jersey & at the
north. Every thing is modernized, but the venerable
structures of antiquity ought to be respected. I am
pleading for the preservation of the Old Bell, imported
from Holland, but I fear in vain, as a larger & louder
seems to be wished. Since Clocks & Watches have be-
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1829 97
come so common, the use of Bells is less required, & if
distinctly heard as one approaches the Church, it is
eno[ugh]. In country places the sound cannot extend
far. Such are my pleas in favour of a Bell that has
tolled 4 generations to their long home. The new Church
is really beautiful & does credit to the zeal of the people.
About i/o p. 5, the Steam Boat that plies to Long
Branch, took fire just after leaving the Narrows, & was
obliged to return to Staten Island. The fire, pouring out
of the Cabbin Windows was distinctly seen from hence.
Monday 14*^^ Sept^ 1829. Bath House
Yest^ with every appearance of Rain, y"" sister, babe
& nurse with M"" S[ervoss] returned home at 3I/2 P- ni.
in M"" Browns Barouche, with a noble pair of horses.
. . . M'^ Brinley, a delicate English lady, the last of
the b[o]arders has just left us, called for by her hus-
band. She has 2 sons for education & enquired my
opinion about M'" Muhlenberghs Institute, in praise of
w^ I told her from my experience as to Marney, I c*^ not
speak too high. . . .
Thur^ [September] 17'''. . . . Mother came over to
Bath House, Tuesd^ 28"> July, & was attacked by Fever
Tues^ P' inst from the direful effects of w^ she has I
trust securely passed thro' the mercy of God, & the skill
of her able physicians, D' Carpenter of this place & our
D"" Francis, who tho' eccentric, is in my opinion now
that D"" Hosack has relinquished practice, the most able
physician in the city of N York. Francis however is
growing more sedate. He is too much the life of literary
comp[an]y to be under control, but he is temperate.
Hyson Essence of Tea, 6 cups at a sitting is his beverage,
w" must I sh*^ suppose eventually injure him. He
says no.
98 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
Wall S' Sat^ 19*'' Sept. Dear Sister & Pintard came
to Bath at 11. . . . At 12 Mother came out of her cham-
ber for the first time since Monday P' Sept^ She was
very weak, & almost fainted stepping into the carriage.
The day was very fine, & the exercise of riding &
thoughts of returning alive, exhilerated her spirits & on
arrival at 2 o'clock in Broome S* felt better than on
leaving Bath House. , . .
N York, Thur^ V Oct^ 1829. Quite cold
Thurs^ 8'^ This is to go by the De Witt Clinton to
sail this day. Madame Teuton of Terre au Boeuf goes
passenger. Y"" brother waits on her to take leave. I am
in hopes that he will get consignments the coming season
from these sugar planters. M"" T. was on here this sea-
son. There is also a Miss Carroll of y"" city who came
here recommended to M"" S. She is about establishing a
reading room in N. 0. I avoided an introduction. She
is a Blue Stocking, & it is said a Freethinker. Her ac-
quaintance with M" Wright, a professed Infidel, was
disadvantageous to her. Do not cultivate an ac-
quaintance.
. . . Our young friend W"" Bayard is with us for a
day or so on his way home to Palmyra. He is a very fine
young man, & begins to maintain himself by his prac-
tise. Samuel is too erratic ever to succeed in the law.
He is going to the Legislature of Ohio, probably, this
winter. That may lead him to Congress w^ will dis-
qualify him for his profession. He will make a promi-
nent public speaker & is fond of politics. He is a par-
tisan of Gen' Jackson. More to his personal benefit is
the prospect of connecting himself with a young lady,
whose Father is wealthy. William will now think of
settling himself also. Y' little foster child at Princeton
has recovered from extreme danger, but is mending. If
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1829 99
too delicate to bear traveling, the whole Princeton fam-
ily are to pass the winter with M" Bradford. Clary ^*
is engaged to the Rev. M' Dodd, appointed a professor
in Nassau Hall, $800 a year & a house. A good begin-
ning. He is a young man of handsome talents & all is
at length agreeable to her parents. I know not when
she is to be married, probably when M"" D. gets settled.
M'' Bayard I told you has rented his house w'' he prob-
ably will sell for $11,000. He talks of hiring a new
house, building near M"" Thompsons for next year. Aunt
Patty will be relieved from large housekeeping & the
Judge from attending to his beautiful farm, both which
employments w*^ exactly suit Mother & me. . . .
[Addressed by:] Ship De Witt Clinton
New York, Saturday, 10"^ Oct^ 1829
Should any misfortune betide their good father, the sup-
port of y"" children may devolve on Pintard & JMarsden.
I have the greatest confidence that both your sons will,
in case of necessity which God avert, discharge their
duty to their family. Anticipating therefore such an
exigency, it may be best that Marsden like his brother
sh*^ pursue a lucrative profession. My thoughts are
drawn more to this subject, in consequence of the low
state of my esteemed friend James Eastburn who is rap-
idly wasting after a long tendency to diseased lungs &
pulmonary. Unfortunate in business, he will leave his
wife & 2 grown up daughters, entirely dependant on
their brothers, the Rev. Manton Eastburn, & Edward
preparing for the Ministry, both eminently endowed.
The latter has been obliged to leave the Theol' Semi-
nary, to act as assistant in Columbia College Grammar
1* Caroline Smith Bayard, daughter of Samuel and Martha (Pintard)
Bayard, married in 1830, Albert Baldwin Dod. T. C. Stockton, The
Stockton Family of New Jersey (1911), p. 49; Dodd and Burnet. Geneal-
ogies of the Male Descendants of Daniel Dodd (Newark, 1864) ; Dic-
tionary of American Biography, V, 338-39.
100 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
school, with the moderate salary of $800 a year in order
to enable him to assist his family. Those circumstances
afford relief to the departing Father & consolation to
the Mother & Sisters. May a similar case not occur in
my beloved daughters family.
Tues^ [October] 13^^ Altho' comparatively little to
do, my mornings thank God are completely occupied.
The Brooklyn Ferry C, the Seamens Bank to attend
this week daily from 12 to 1, Wed^ p. m. the Savings
Bank & preparing business for it that devolve on me,
& every aft.noon calling & passing a half hour with my
departing friend Ja^ Eastburn, altogether keep me from
idleness. . . . Thomas writes by this oppo[rtunity] who
is very attentive & assiduous to the duties of his Fathers
compting House. He will make a correct plodding mer-
chant & if spared will grow rich. He has a superior
example in his methodical Father, a man of honour &
principles in his dealings & intelligent above his peers.
I know no man to whom I w'' so soon send a son as ap-
prentice. He is now winding up his last years transac-
tions. Those with Franklin, not favourably. He has
prospects of good business the coming season & his stand-
ing & character for integrity & punctuality stands high
in this City. Indeed he is a very fair & practical mer-
chant.
Wed^ [October] 14*". Delightful day. I am doomed
to be driven, altho it is needless to explain I can scarcely
snatch time to pursue my letter to my beloved daughter,
ere the hour arrives to attend the Seamans Bank. A
plant of slow growth, it is hard to raise a saplin at the
root of a vigorous full grown Tree. The Mother Bank,
as I may call it is so well known, so long established &
justly commanding so much confidence, as to render the
rearing the Seamens Bank more difiicult, but patience
& perseverance work wonders. It will ultimately suc-
ceed. Sailors are a thoughtless, improvident set, it is
difficult to allure them to make deposits & keep some-
thing for a rainy day. Cap* Holmes is a most zealous
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1829 101
Trustee, & induces most of the Seamen in his packets
employ, to lay up part of their wages when paid off.
Dear Mother begins to walk abroad. This day with
Sister they intend going to Masonic Hall, to view the
annual exhibition ^^ of American Arts & Manufactures,
w*" it is said is to be very splendid. I shall call for them
on my way home, after 1 o'clock & gratify my curiosity
likewise.
Thur^' [October] 15'". . . . The exhibition yest^ was
superb. I c'' scarcely believe the evidence of my senses,
as I beheld the progress of Arts & Manufactures, since
my early life. Articles of taste & luxury vie with those
imported. It was indeed a display. . . .
[Addressed by:] Ship Illinois
New^ York, Friday 16'" Oct^, 1829
Monday 19'". I was quite longing to hear from my
beloved daughter when your letter of 22^^ Sep* with Mar-
neys was rec''. . . . Poor Mrs Wederstrandt, what a sud-
den death. You must indeed have been shocked. M""
W. will sensibly experience the loss of such a wife. Is
John still at school. . . .
Wed^ [October] 2P'. Last evening Sister gave a
party. The Rev. AP Hull who was there informed me
that he is to sail tomorrow in the Frances. I have con-
cluded to conclude this letter to send by him. ... I
mentioned in my last a young man, M"" Southmayd, who
is going to N[ew] 0[rleans] on commercial pursuits.
As an Episcopalian, & pious Xt° he will attach himself
to M"" Hulls Church. He is a most ardent & zealous
Sunday School instructor. & one of the most practical
Superintendants of our city. If not shackled by High
Church systems, he will make an eflScient assistant to
15 The Fair of the American Institute.
102 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
M' Hulls Sunday School. I shall give him a line of in-
troduction to you. Perhaps you may find his sugges-
tions useful to y' School, where I hope Marney will be-
come a Teacher, & if he takes to it like Thomas, he will
reap as much benefit from the Bible lessons as his Cousin
did while attending under M' Southmayd the Ascension
Sunday School to w*" I hope he may revert. ... I ex-
perienced my privation of hearing yest^ having been in-
vited to a meeting of some gentlemen in the evening to
converse about a contemplated plan for organizing a
general uniform system of English education for the U.
States. The outline is plausible. We all speak the same
language, & greater uniformity in instruction w*^ in my
opinion be beneficial. . . .
N York, Friday 23'^ Oct^ 1829
... I mentioned Sisters party on Tues^ ev^. She
had invited M" Fort & M" Clement but the indispo-
sition of the latter prevented their coming. She intends
asking them to take a friendly dish of tea. M' & M"
CoUis of y"" city were present. . . . My friend M"' East-
burn draws towards his end. I have not gone into his
chamber since last Sunday, not to agitate him, nor my-
self. I call daily, & shall probably announce his decease
ere closing this. My loss will be great as I shall have
no substitute for my endowed intellectual friend. With
Eng*^ & English history & literature & characters in
Church & State he was intimately acquainted. Our
intercourse & conversations was mostly literary & re-
ligious. His opinions coincided with the Christian Ob-
server, w^ is my standard also, tho' too Evangelical &
liberal for High Churchmen, whose orthodoxy is distin-
guished by passive obedience & non resistance to eccle-
siastical authority. We have lost the Rev. D"" Harris, the
popular, with his students, president of Columbia Col-
lege. Many are the Candidates for the vacancy, but
aside of this world almost, I take no concern, & leave
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1829 103
those to choose to whom the trust is confided. My alma
mater Nassau Hall, in consequence of the multiplica-
tion of Colleges had dechned but is looking up, perma-
nently I hope. My attachment is strong to this seat
of learning, where Marsden was to have gone had he
prosecuted his studies. I sincerely hope that his decision
may prove for the best, & that his conduct continues to
please M'' Lea & esp^ his parents. . . .
Monday [October] 26"^
By intelligence from N[ew] 0[rleans] the Spanish
invasion of Mexico has come to a close. It is probable
that the King of Spain after this weak effort to recover
his Am[erican] dominions, will declare them independ-
ent. The late expedition always appeared to me a
finesse to save the point of honour, so as to give up the
Colonies with a good grace, w" he ought to have done
long ago, but Spain & its King are imbecile.
On Sat^ ev^ at 9 o'clock my friend James Eastburn
ceased to live. ... He is to [be] buried this afternoon.
My loss is great, as was our intimacy. I can never ex-
pect to replace his intellectual mind, nor enjoy such
interchange of sentiments, on every subject, again. Tho'
not a classical scholar, his knowledge in History, civil
& ecclesiastical, was extensive, also in Belle Lettres. He
belonged to the Evangelical school, was a pious & en-
lightened & liberal Christian. . . .
Tuesday [October] 27'''. I attended as Pallbearer
the funeral of my late friend M"" Eastburn, who was
interred in the cemetery of S* Marks. The aftnoon was
drizzly & suited to my solemn melancholy feelings. Serv-
ice was performed at the grave by the Rev. D"" Milnor
in his usual impressive manner. M"" E. came from Eng-
land to this city in 1802, first as connected with the
Woolen trade in w*" he was unsuccessful. He next be-
came a Bookseller on a more extensive scale than had
ever been attempted in this city, for which his general
knowledge eminently qualified him. His republication
of the Edinburgh & Quarterly Reviews, still continued
104 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
in Boston, elevated the standard of reading & intellect
in the U States. His importation of the most valuable
& rare works, as well from the continent of Europe as
England has enriched the public libraries of our country.
His reading, altho not a classical scholar, was very gen-
eral, & he had the happy faculty of calling up & applying
the stores of his fertile mind. Conversant from his early
years with the Holy Scriptures, he could cite texts, never
lightly, on all subjects. He was extens[iv]ely ac-
quainted with & well informed in Divinity, and Minis-
ters might have profited by the resources of his ready
mind. He was a pious & liberal Christian & brought
all his opinions to the test of Scripture. He was of the
Evangelical School, and c'' discuss or sustain an argu-
ment as clearly & satisfactorily as a Divine. He was
an elegant Belle lettres scholar, wrote chastely, & was
intimately acquainted with English history civil & eccle-
siastical, & with public characters in Church & State.
As a foreigner he did not intermeddle with the party
politics of his adopted country, but in the walks of
benevolence he was zealous & useful. He was an ardent
& active supporter of Sunday Schools now so universally
adopted, at a period when their utility was but little
understood in this city, on the ground that education
was more universal & less necessary among the lower
classes than in England, an ascertion unwaranted by
facts. He was among the early founders of our Savings
Bank, in w*" his knowledge & active services were emi-
nently useful at a time when that institution, now so
happily successful, was of doubtful issue. My long in-
tercourse with him was most free & friendly, & nothing
ever occurred in the interchange of opinions, to chagrin
or interrupt our mutual friendship. We argued for
Truth, not for victory. Such was James Eastburn, and
this just tho' imperfect hasty sketch of his character
is due to the merits of my esteemed deceased friend. I
ne'er shall look upon [his] like again.
Wed^ 28*^ Oct. This is my preparation Week for
Sacrament at S* Thomas' next Sunday, when I hope dear
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1829 105
Mother will accompany me. I regret exceedingly not
having taken a pew last May in M"" Eastburns Church.
I cannot cordially associate with M"" Upfold, he is below
mediocrity. His chief merit consists in being the de-
voted servant of his Bishop. Of course a free inter-
change of opinions c'' not take place between us. On
the contrary, the Rev. M"" Eastburn tho' young stands at
the very head of all our Episcopal Clergy for learning
& piety. My intimacy with his father w*^ render inter-
course with him easy & delightful. I hope yet to change
my position. Mother went with me, for the first time,
to Ascension last Sunday p. m. She was much pleased
with the Church, esp'' with the Chaunts & singing. If
M"" Servoss will take my pew off my hands, a change
w*^ be very easy, altho I sh'^ not like to sever Mother &
daughter, the only possible difficulty.
[Addressed by Ship] Tennessee
[By Ship] Louisiana
N York, Thur^ 5'^ Nov., 1829
My last of 2'' inst was by the Tennessee. A melan-
choly accident occurred yest-^' the intelligence of w*" will
reach you before this letter. M"" Milligan of your city,
rode down to Jones' wharf, where you embarked last
year, with his wife, child & servant to go on bd the
Salem for N[ew] 0[rleans]. The coach on turning by
some accident ran off the pier, M"" jNI child & sei'vant
were rescued. M'^ M. was unhappily drowned, with the
coach horses. She was daughter of M' Urquhart. This
catastrophe has interested every one who has heard. . . .
Tomorrow^ my engagements permitting, I am going with
y"" brother to see jNIattawan establishment. We expect to
return please God & be at home IMonday ev'. The ob-
ject is to see whether this short excursion may not ben-
efit my appetite, w*" has so declined, that I have lost
106 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
all inclination for animal food, & live almost entirely
on fluids. . . .
Tuesday [November] 10*". As proposed we left this
city in the Albany steamboat, at 7 a. m. & arrived at
Newburgh 12yo o'clock after a very rapid & pleasant
passage. My friend M"" Furman with his g'^son Treat
Irving a fine youth, accompanied us. At the landing
we took our luncheon, indeed dinner, on stewed & fried
oysters, at 3/ a head, after which we crossed over to
Fishkill landing, & took our quarters at M' Lamsons
Inn, next door to M" Wilseys, declining to part company
with M"" Furman. We w*^ not trouble any of our friends,
to their disappointment as they kindly expressed it, and
to mine. Our accommodations were very comfortable &
clean. We walked up to the Factory, & thro' the at-
tention of M"" Leonard were shown every department of
this wonderful establishment. The power looms ex-
ceed the powers of my description, indeed comprehen-
sion. The perfect order & propriety that prevail
throughout, far exceeded my expectation. We staid until
too late to call on the Tellers. Saturday, unfortunately
it rained, but we went in a carriage, to survey more leis-
urely all the Cotton Factory, after which we proceeded
3 miles further to the Woollen Factory at Glenham,
the machinery & operations of which were more aston-
ishing than those below. One w'^ suppose that human
ingenuity had reached its bounds, but new improve-
ments are daily making. The power looms all go by
water, the females attend them to connect broken
threads & to see the shuttles fly thro' c[l]oths of 1 yard
& 3 quarters wide without the aid of hands appears like
magic. We visited a well conducted school of children
below 10 years belonging to the working families, re-
ceiving excellent education, & were shown specimens of
writing & arithmetic that w*^ do credit to our public
schools. The sight to me, was most interesting of all
that I saw. Besides this they have Sunday Schools for
the young persons male & female attached to the Fac-
tory. We paid our respects to M"" Abraham Schenck,
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1829 107
principal of these works who has been long confined to
his house by Rheumatism. By 2 o'clock, it began to rain
hard, we returned to our excellent quarters, made one
meal of dinner & coffee at 5, & chatted over what we
had seen at our comfortable fireside. In the ev^ M'
S[ervoss] & myself passed an hour at Marsdens old
quarters, M'^ Wilsey's. I do not wonder that he was
delighted with Fishkill landing. On Sunday morn^ we
went to Church, sat with M" Wilsey. After returning
home with the ladies IM"" W. sent his carriage when we
paid our respects to the Lady of the Manor M" Schenck,
superbly situated, called on M" Leonard & then on
the kindhearted Tellers who regretted, no doubt sin-
cerely, that we had not staid with them. We returned
to dinner, settled our moderate Bill, crossed the Ferry
in a small steam Ferry boat, embarked in the new Phila-
delphia Steam Ship, 20 minutes past 5, & arrived 20 m.
past 10 at the Wharf in N York & reached home at
11 o'clock, before all the domestics had retired to rest.
All went off propitiously except a stumble on my part on
board the Boat. I fell, encumbered with my clothes, rec**
a contusion of the frontal of my left eye, but thank God
without dangerous consequences. . . .
Monday [November] IQ^^ . . . Thomas always de-
sires his kind love. He is a zealous & will soon become
an efficient Teacher. He began to attend last evening
a course of Lectures preached by different ministers on
Sunday evenings in D' Mathews ^^ Church, Exchange S*
to the merchants clerks & apprentices in this city. The
Church filled in every part. The Rev'' M"" Eastburn
commences a weekly course of Bible instruction. The
young men at his house on Tuesd^ ev^, the young ladies
in his Church on Wed^ 12 o'clock. The Sunday School
teachers meet for improvement & preparation of their
instructions every Friday ev^ at each others houses. Last
Friday was Thomas' turn. They meet at 7 adjourn be-
1^ James M. Mathews, pastor of the South Dutch Church on Ex-
change Place (formerly Garden Street).
108 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
tween 9 & 10. So that he has excellent oppo[rtunity]
for religious instruction w" he assiduously improves. A
Church was opened yest^ upper end of Chatham S* for
the exclusive benefit of mechanics apprentices & jour-
neymen. So that there is much good doing in our city.
The Devils Agents are also actively employed, But
please God their efforts will evaporate. They may de-
lude thoughtless youth & hardened old sinners. But
Truth will prevail. I went yest^ to the chapel of our
Episcopal Seminary to attend Professor Wilson's ma-
triculation Sermon. I c*^ not hear but being invited I
though it a compliment due to Doctor Wilson. I wish
others would think so. There were only 2 Trustees pres-
ent. . . .
New York, Thur^ ig**- Nov.. 1829
Dear Sister is engaged with her window curtains w**
were not displayed all last winter owing to her confine-
ment & nursing. We lived quite in the Quaker style, &
began to like it. How much trouble the female Friends
are spared by their simplicity in dress & furniture. As
all are alike in these respects, there is no singularity
nor competition in vanity or costly display. Their at-
tire is of the best materials according to their circum-
stances, & their table, not over loaded with dishes w*^
gratify an epicure, every thing choice & well dressed.
I have partaken of their hospitality & speak experimen-
tally. Were the sacraments of Baptism & the Lords
supper administered by them, I c** be almost persuaded
to become a Quaker. I love their simplicity & above
all their active benevolence. They live closer to their
rules than any other denomination of Xt^ w^ excuses
their singularities. . . .
Tuesday [November] 24*''. Your melanchoUy tidings
of the death of y^ inestimable friend Judge Smith ^^ I
I'^John Witherspoon Smith, son of Samuel Stanhope Smith and
husband of Sarah Henrietta Duer. For names of his children, see
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1829 109
rec'^ in time to peruse & inclose it as you desired to his
Sister Aunt Betsey. ... I did not wish that M" P[in-
tard] & M" Solomon sh'^ receive this distressing intelli-
gence, in the first instance, thro' the newspapers. . . .
Poor dear M""^ Smith, what a family of daughters to look
up to her alone. . . . That Judge Smith died the death
of a Christian, beloved by his family & near friends, re-
spected & esteemed by his acquaintance, is a consolation
to his surviving partner & children. Sweet Miss Frances
is before my eyes. . . .
Sat^ [November] 28"". Notwithstanding the muddy
streets I ran about to collect what is intended to be
packed in a neat box w^ I got made up with some diffi-
culty, & w*" if carefully opened may serve Larney, for
his Tools &c. The chief contents are Uncles choice of
dresses for you all w*" I trust will please, 6 p^ shoes for
mother. ... I send Books for the Doctor <fe Lawyer.
Thomas, out of his own money has put up a S^ Claas
box for the little ones of his own choosing w*" he thinks
will please. For y"" self I have sent Stanfords Essays on
Old Age, which pleases & instructs me. The Rev D'
Stanford is an aged Baptist minister 79 years, languish-
ing on the bed of sickness. He has been for many years,
employed by our Corporation as Minister for the Alms
House, Penetentiary (fee". His useful services gained
him universal esteem. Many oppo[rtunitie]s of inter-
course have led me to know his value. This Book is
almost a voice from the Tomb, the result of a long life
of observation & experience. The visit of ]\I" Sander-
son to the widow Lea, you will find, tho' not as to ad-
vanced years, applicable to your distressed friend M"
Smith. With the Mourner Comforter this Vol. will
make a useful work of reference, to enable you, my be-
loved daughter, to administer spiritual consolation to
your sick & bereaved friends, affording you subjects for
reflection & application. Thomas has taken some pains
Elizabeth Clarkson Jay's "The Descendants of James Alexander," in
N. Y. Genealogical and Biographical Record (1881), XII, 26.
no LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
to inscribe the little books for the children. He takes
g* interest in you all, & does with pleasure anything that
may please. He is an excellent grateful youth. His
duties are active. Every morn^ he goes down to the
store a mile & a quarter, makes the fire. If bad weather
takes an early breakfast, if good returns home & back
again. He goes without dinner, except an apple & crack-
ers, sweeps out the counting room, puts out the Fire &
candles, locks up & takes dinner & tea after 6. Every
afternoon from 2 to 4 he attends a writing master. His
30 lessons for $10 terminate in a fortnight. These are
his daily labours. Sunday I/2 P- 9, he attends the Ascen-
sion Sunday School & Church, y^ p. 1, the same, & fre-
quently goes without dinner if we are belated. In the
ev^ at 7 he attends the course of sermons to young
men in the Garden S' Church. Monday ev^ he pre-
pares for the Rev. M' Eastburns Bible Class on Tuesday
ev^. Wed^ ev^ attends M"" Eastburns Lecture in Church,
Thurs'' ev^ prepares for the meeting of the Sunday
School Teachers on Friday ev^ to perfect themselves in
their instructions to their pupils. He takes an earnest
interest in all these labours & duties, w** I cherish as
it may be the only oppo[rtunity] in my life to sow the
seeds of Xt° piety & usefulness. He will I trust, have
reason, if his life is spared to recall my memory with
thankfulness. Among the few tracts sent are one or
two on the rite of confirmation w^ please God, Bp.
Brow [n] ell will administer in M' Hulls Church some
time the last of Dec^ ... I had gone to Fishkill when
Bp. Brownell was here on his departure westward ^^ or
I sh** have given him a friendly line to you. Sh'' it be
agreeable & convenient to show any attention to this
Divine & his travell^ companion the Rev. M"" Richmond,
a Widower I will esteem it a favour. . . .
12 o'clock. I have just rec*^ a letter from M"" Bayard,
saying that mine to Aunt Betsey had safely reached
18 "Bishop Thomas C. Brownell's Journal of His Missionary Tours,
1829 and 1834" is printed in Historical Magazine of the Protestant Epis-
copal Church, (Dec, 1938), vol. 7, pp. [3031-322.
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1829 HI
her. He sets off with Aunt Patty next week from Bur-
lington on their way to Virginia to pass the winter with
Julia [Washington]. . . .
[Addressed by:] Ship Talma
New York, Tuesd^ V Dec^ 1829. 11 o'clock
Monday [December] 7'^
Marsden will be pleased to hear that an Auxiliary Bible
So[ciety] has been organized in the Flushing Institute
& was recognised at the last meeting of the Managers.
M"" Muhlenbergh deserves every praise & is meeting with
great encouragement. . . .
Wed'' [December] O*"". The Presidents message
reached this city in 16 hours after leaving Washington
yest^ 12 o'clock, most rapid despatch, & is now, 10
o'clock, in circulation. It is said that by the General
Post Office arrangement it will arrive at N. Orleans in
6 days. A shorter time than ever heretofore. This a
winters day, rain & snow.
Thur'' [December] 10'''. The president has thrown
an apple of discord into our monied market, by recom-
mending a National Bank on the expiration in 1837 of
the Charter of the existing U. S. Bank. He has taken
unwarantable ground in expressing an opinion the ex-
ercise of w'' cannot fall to his lot, & thus prejudging a
question fraught with, at best, great difficulties. The
instant effect in this city was to depreciate the value
of the U. S. B'^ Stock 5 to Oi/o pr. c*. A National Bank,
w*^ become a political engine subject to the control of
every successive administration, & w^ become a curse
instead of a blessing. The country never can submit
to such a measure. Other parts of his long talk are
speculative & objectionable. But to these subjects I
give only a passing review;, & leave to politicians the
112 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
field of censure or of praise, looking forward to a better
world, where all is perfection. Judge Duer was yest''
appointed president of Columbia College, an honourable
& lucrative station. Salary $2600 & perquisites 100
about $2700 a year, & one of the finest residences in
this city. His talents are of the highest order & no
doubt he will make a useful ofiicer. The station is for
life, not subject to fluctuations of parties. The event
will be highly gratifying to his sisters. The rival can-
didate was the Rev*^ M'^Vickar, professor of Rhetoric &
Belle lettres, an elegant writer, but unpopular both with
the students & public, not possessing the suaviter in
modo, otherwise he w*^ undoubtedly been elected, the
Bishop & all his party adhering to him.
Friday [December] 11'". The Illinois is looked for
& may arrive ere closing this. On Wed^ M"" G. Abeel
buried his son Theodore, who died of consumption, after
having completed his education at Brunswic College.
He was a fine scholar & very amiable, a severe loss to
his parents being the first mortality among their chil-
dren. M" Abeel is suffering with the gravel, w*" adds
to her affliction. She finds comfort in religion having
long been a member of the Dutch Church. What a
consolation when sickness & death assail us. My duty
at the Savings Bank, at the same hour, where my pres-
ence was indispensible, prevented my attending the
Funeral. The weather moreover was wet & inclement to
stand at the grave yard. Richard Harison, Esq. was
buried at 12 the same day aged 81 years. He was the
patriarch of the Bar of this city, & the oldest counseller
in the State, but thro' age & infirmities had retired
from practice. The Madame was his godmother whom
he always mentioned with respect. He was eminent in
his profession. ... (12 o'clock) I have just paid $7. for
the Spectator to this date, & have stopped it, presuming
that you get every important intelligence from N Y^
in y"" own papers. I declare that my dollars begin to
fall short of my actual wants.
Sat^ [December] 12*\ . . . Sister was at M""" Irvings
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1829 113
snug party of about 100 last cv'-'. M" Laight is said to
have circulated 600 invitations. The rooms were so
crammed that there was no space to move. Ridiculous
to invite more than can be comfortably accommodated,
for the vanity of boasting of an excess of company.
Give me the olden times when Assemblies were in vogue
to attract dancing parties, & when no fashionable par-
ties as at present existed. . . .
[Addressed by Ship:] Kentucky
New York, Friday, 18'" Dec, 1829
Saturday [December] 19"'. With every appearance
of a snow storm last ev^ & it did sprinkle, our unusually
variable weather has cleared off. The walking is muddy,
& one often wonders where all the dirt can come from,
for we have no country intercourse of Teams like Phil^
to bring it in. All our country trade, except a few
market carts, is by water & the contents of one of our
N[orth] River large sloops w'^ occupy all Market S* in
Phil* with wagons. . . .
Monday [December] 2P*. ... I mentioned in my
last, that M"" Abeel had lost a fine son Edw'^ ^^ who died
of pulmonary, a promising youth who had just com-
pleted his education. This is the first loss of a child in
his family. The incident made a strong impression on
the father, and distressing to say, this morn^ in a de-
lirium, he precipated himself from the window of the
2*^ story, into the area & dashed his brains out. . . .
Tues*' [December] 22^ . . . Sister called on IM"
Dunscomb, where she learnt the following particulars.
M"" A[beel] since the death of his son & the probable
decline of another by the same complaint (pulmonary)
I*' Sic for Theodore, son of Garret B. Abeel, and brother of Mrs.
Edward Dunscomb.
114 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
had been very melancholy & depressed in spirits. He
visited his daughter M" D. on Sunday aft.noon & ob-
served that he should come to want & directed M"" D.
his partner to draw a check for $500 in favour of the
nurse who attends M" Abeel, to secure payment, prob-
ably, of so much in his hands for her.
Before closing I have just been informed that M'
Abeel who had a large Iron Manufactory had been un-
successful the last year & lost $60,000, w*" altho' serious
& a very large sum, he was still worth a fortune.
Wed^ [December] 23'^. A superb day, favourable
for the consecration of the new Episcopal Church in
Hartford, by Bp. Hobart in the absence of Bp. Brownell.
This Church is said to be the handsomest specimen of
the Gothic in the U States cost $50,000. Mother
pas[s]ed yest^ with M" Abeel. Sister called in the
morn^ returned to dinner, & went back to attend Mother
home. The Funeral was very respectably attended. No
scarves, not even for the clergymen w" was wrong. The
sad catastrophe was no doubt owing to derangement by
a Fever in the brain. M'' Abeel had for a year or more
been afilicted with a tendency of blood to the head. He
had been depleted & cup, but the malady increased lat-
terly to an alarming degree & excited probably by his
losses & other circumstances, eventually terminated in
the dreadful event that ensued. M" A. is an excellent
lady & is sustained by her Christian resources & resig-
nation.
Thurs^ [December] 24*''. Rain, but hope for fair day
tomorrow. The annual ship from Amsterdam, Alder
lievest Vrow (best beloved wife) with S* Class & his
presents for good children has arrived off the Hook &
a Steamboat is sent down to tow her up, so as to prevent
any disappointment to night. . . . After a great deal of
contemptuous mockery, by our High Church folks, of
the sewing charitable benevolent females of other de-
nominations, a Female Sewing So[ciety] is about being
formed in S* Thomas' Church, to which y' dear Sister
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1S29 115
will contribute & aid, as she will be useful in cutting
out. My Bishop, who is behind the age, must accomo-
date to the times, altho' reluctantly. Sunday Schools
& all, we have always been at the rear. Passing thro'
Ann S* I went into the Rom. Catholic Christ Church,
where I found several pews of boys, as scholars w*" de-
lighted me. I have heretofore mentioned the interest I
have taken on this subject, & am spared to see the issue
of my repeated efforts with my R. Catholic friends to
educate their hosts of poor children, only opposed by
bigotry.
Sat^ 26**^ Dec^ S* Class has at length gone by, with
more than usual joy & exultation for all his gifts w*" as
usual surpassed expectation. ... As accustomed the
Sacrament is administered on this Festival in all our
Churches. Mother & family at S' Thomas, myself at
S* Esprit. This seperation is painful, but I cannot ab-
sent myself from my little Church on Sacrament occa-
sions, the number of our Communicants being so small.
. . . Another catastrophe occurred. M"" Lansing of Al-
bany (late Chancelor) left the City Hotel, about a fort-
night past, probably to put a letter on b*^ the ev^ Steam-
boat, for Albany. He has not since been heard of. The
presumption is that he fell into the Dock & has been
drowned. The notice in the papers says that he never
was afflicted with mental aberration. He was a very
genteel fine looking man, about 77, & of one our best
Dutch families. . . .
Tuesday [December] 29^\ . . . Last ev^ M'" Schenck
& Sister & Doctor & M" [Bartow] White of Fishkill,
M"" S[chenck]'s youngest sister took an old fashioned
dish of tea with us, the first social call of the kind that
I have witnessed in years. M" White has had 13 chil-
dren, 9 daughters & 1 son living. . . . The Rev. D""
[John M.] Mason, perhaps the most eminent Divine,
in his prime, died on Sunday aged 60, & is to be buried
this p. m. I fear the weather will be too unfavourable
for me to attend. I was once intimate with him. We
116 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
have also lost the last of the old race of a once distin-
guished family, M"" John Delancy, aged 86, a cousin of
the late Cap [tain] Delancey at Maroneck, who you
knew. Thus our old stock of citizens [is] departing &
I shall soon follow.
[Addressed by Ship:] Illinois
1830
To Mrs. Richard Davidson {Eliza Noel Pintard)
of Neio Orleans
New York, 2^ January, 1830
. . . Yesf was a most brilliant mild day, the finest
that I recollect for many years. The streets were
thronged with gentlemen going their annual rounds. We
had our share in Broome S* & Sisters dish of superior,
well made Java Coffee, was preferred to every usual
New Year's dram that was exhibited. I felt its ex-
hilirating effect, after my return home, almost ex-
hausted. Our city grows so extensive & friends so scat-
tered that a pedestrian has enough to do to pay his
compliments. I was 3 hours in the discharge of a duty,
once so agreeable but now becoming, except to a very
few, extremely irksome. The fineness of the day induced
me to extend my circuit. Of the multitudes saluted, I
remarked only 2 companions of my early life, Doctor
Rodgers & Gen. Morton, my chums at Nassau Hall. . . .
This day. Aunt Helen & family, your cousin Mary
Brasher & her kind hearted brother M"" Weeks are to
dine with us. . . .
Monday, [January] 4*". Before attending the meet-
ing of the Trustees of the Sailors Snug Harbour, prob-
ably for the last time, it is intimated to me that, as the
appointment of a Clerk, is annual, that I shall not be
reelected, on the pretext of incapacity, from my deaf-
ness. There is some ground for the objection. Whether
to decline or take my chance, depends on the advice of
Recorder Riker, who has always been my friend. Indeed
I have no foe but one & he is a mortal one whose name
I may mention tomorrow, & whose mandate to resign
last July, I did not choose to obey. . . .
Tuesd'' [January] 5*^. Thro' the mercy of God, w*"
117
118 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
with gratitude I acknowledge, I was unanimously re-
eleCcDted Clerk for the ensuing year. The person from
whom I expected oppcoslition (M"" Lenox) made none.
The Salary $200 the' small, adds [to: my comfort. It
is less an object than honourable occupation [which is]
essential to keep my life from stagnating ... I may at
some future day give some account of my connection
with this charitable Institution, now in jeopardy in con-
sequence of a suit brought against the Trustees by the
heirs of old Cap* Randall, Bp. Inglis of Nova Scotia &
others, to invalidate the will of Rob* Randall who be-
qeathed his place at the head of Broadway to be called
the Sailors' Snug Harbour, for the benefit of super-
annuated Seamen. As righteous a bequest as ever was
made, & w^ may be set aside, thro' legal technacalities
by the Supreme Court of the U. S. The decision of the
Judges may be hourly expected.
Monday [January] 11"". ... I am not much at
leisure this day, having to perform a tour of attend-
ance this week from 12 to 1, at the Seamans Saving
Bank. I am likewise engaged to be present at the
op[en]ing of the new Dispensary at the same hour, &
shall only c[a3ll at the Bank to enter my appearance w"
can be dis[pen]sed with, as two Trustees attend & we
have but little [to] do. It is difficult for an acorn to
sprout & grow at the foot [of a flou]rishing Oak. . , .
Tuesday 12*^ Jan^ . . . Yest^ at 1/2 p. 12 I went to
the Dispensary. The meeting was fully attended, esp^
by the kind benevolent Sisters of Charity of this city,
who are numerous & take a lively concern in all our
humane benevolent institutions. After the Report, the
Rev. M"" Schroeder gave a very elegant & pathetic ad-
dress, as I was informed for I c*^ not hear. . . .
Wed^ 13*^ Jan^. Seamans Saving Bank. 12 o'clock.
I am actually, at present obliged, not to let a single mo-
ment be lost. I have until coming here been all the
morn^ engaged in preparing the Report of the Funding
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1830 119
Com^ of the old Savings Bk. to be presented at the
meeting of the Trustees this afternoon. Such is the in-
flux of Deposits together with the quarter of interest
on stocks rec*^ P* inst. that the bal[anc]e in the Me-
chanic Bk. in our favour exceeds $160,000. Too much,
but the high premiums exacted, in consequence of the
overflow of the monied market, have prevented favour-
able investments, & we must apply to our Legislature
to extend our restricted powers. In all associations there
must be necessarily a few to do all the business & of
these few, one or two to prepare every thing for report-
ing. It has fallen on me as not the most idle but pos-
sibly the most zealous Trustee, to draft the monthly
Reports of the Funding Com. now lOiA years. I do it,
from long practice, intelligently & with pleasure, but
sometimes I am placed between the upper & nether mill-
stone. . , .
[Addressed by:] Ship Tennessee
[By ship] Ix)uisiana
N York, Tues^ 19^" Jan^ 1830
. . . This aft.noon I have to attend a Committee of
the Savings Bank on the subject of application to the
Legislature to extend our powers of investment, now
too limited in consequence of the increase of our De-
positors, & the high price of the few stocks in market,
owing to the superabundance of unemployed capital
these dull times. The result I will mention hereafter.
Never did any monied Institution flourish more success-
fully, nor produce greater benefit to the humbler classes
of Society than the Savings Bk. . . .
Friday [January] 22*^. ... On Wed^ ev^ w*" proved
fair after a prospect of snow the young folks of our fam-
ily, Mother, M^ & M'^ S[ervoss] & Thomas left home
at Vo past 8 to attend M" Schencks party. Only 2 ladies
120 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
had arrived before them & several did not come till
10 o'clock. The party was most splendid, all the first
floor for the dancers, Waltz, the fashion again & the
Tables for refreshments occupying 3 rooms of the 2'^
floor. Everything in the highest style & excellence, the
rooms lit up as light as day. Excepting the brilliancy
of dresses, I know nothing more. Your sister says that
the young ladies were very handsome & Mother thought
that Miss Fleming daughter of the Cashier ^ of the
Mechanic Bk. was the handsomest in the room. M"" F. is
a cousin of y*" brother. . . .
Monday 24*'" [sic for Januaiy 25*'"]. The Talma ar-
rived yest^ as did the John Linton that sailed before
her. The weather yest^ was extremely cold. As the
latter ship lay at anchor on the bar, 3 passengers got
into the yawl of the Pilot Boat to come up with her.
The wind being very high, the yawl filled, & 2
passengers M*" Townsend & M"" Scott with the pilots
apprentice were drowned. Hard fate. It was fortunate,
probably, that M"" Palmer was on board the Talma, or
in his solicitude to see his delicate wife, he might have
been tempted to have gone into the yawl & to have
also perished. . . .
Friday [January] 29*''. My letter is terribly behind
hand. Our weather continues very cold, too cold for
snow, of which the atmosphere is full. . . . Our young
neighbour Miss Schermerhorn, a very pretty lady, was
married on Tuesday even, to a M"" Gibert, a young
gente[e]l modest Frenchman, the only son of a French
lady in comfortable circumstances. . . . M''^ Jones the
mother of M" Governor Clinton was buried last Mon-
day in S* Thomas Ch. Yard aged 85. She was active for
her years & had been a widow for many years. Her hus-
band was brother to M"" Evan Jones formerly of y"" city
whose family still resides in y' quarter. The literati,
indeed illiterati also of our city have been warmly en-
1 John Fleming.
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1830 121
gaged in a project establishing a University - for ex-
tending the benefit of education beyond what is required
for the learned professions, to take in all branches of
modern improvements. The plan is so very plausible,
as to induce the Trustees of Columbia College to adopt
it. Not believing myself that the city is competent to
support two Colleges, & reluctant that the oldest w" has
struggled for a large part of a century sh^ be crippled
by a rival Institution, I give my opinion if of any worth,
in preference to Columbia. Much has been made of its
being an Episcopal College, but without just cause for
certainly it was not a proselyting college, nor do I be-
lieve that any of our numerous colleges are. Probably
objections, possibly founded, have arisen ag^ the influ-
ence of Bp. Hobart, w" undoubtedly has been great.
However, the election of jVP Duer to the presidency
was carried ag' all his influence, a favourable circum-
stance at this juncture, as this gent" not coming in under
the Bp's wing, prove that his influence was not so over-
whelming as to carry all before it. Our Bishops High
Church dogmas & exclusion of all validity in the ordina-
tion of ministers of other denominations render him
very obnoxious in this more liberal to all except that
party in our church who chime in with his politics. I
cannot, & am therefore out of his pale, altho' I am no
ways obtrusive with my private opinions. Yet I cannot
look back on the Church of my Forefathers without ven-
eration & respect. It is time for bigotry to cease.
Ne\v York. Thurs'' 4"^ Feb\ 1830
Monday S^^. Most elegant sleighing, after a fall of
snow last ev^ & night. Yest^ was a bitter cold day, too
cold for dear mother to accompany us to partake of the
Sacrament at S* Thomas', w^ considering the extremity
2 Cf. Chapter I of Neiv York University 1S32-1932, edited by Theo-
dore Francis Jones (N. Y. 1933).
122 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
of the weather was quite comfortable, & I have escaped
without taking cold. My prayers were offered for y""
happiness & prosperity. By adhering to my practice of
coming down to Wall S* in all sorts of weather my health
is promoted & I am less susceptible of taking cold. About
5 o'clock p. m. we were alarmed by a Fire in our neigh-
bourhood, in B'^way, next to the corner of Broome St.
Happily it was soon subdued. Had it occurred at a late
hour in the night, it might have proved destructive &
extensive, for however alert, it requires time to bring up
the Engines & obtain a supply of water. We live thank
God in a safe neighbourhood, w"" adds to our security.
. , . We may expect the Kentucky daily. She has a
dreadful time to approach the coast. Our Bay is fuller
of floating ice than it has been for year, & the weather
longer & more intensely cold.
Tues'' [February] 9*". Elegant sleighing
Wedn'' [February] 10"'. I trace a line to say that
the weather is moderating. I hope that the change of
wind will waft the Kentucky into port. Yest^ Davis
[Craig] called & took Mother, Sister & 2 boys to see
Aunt Helen. The riding was superb & the roads ani-
mated with every species of sleigh, from the Dandies 4
in hand to the carmans sled & Donkey. Poor horses
they earn their oats, for they are going day & night.
It is years since we have had such fine sleighing. This
is my Savings Bank day when we are to receive the
Report of the auditing Com'' for the last 6 m**^ to be
sent to the Legislature, & also the draft of a memorial
for extending our powers to invest. It is of my own
drawing & has been approved, highly, by the Committee.
It gives a birds eye view of our progress for IQi/o years,
a subject well understood, at least by myself, for I have
given the Institution my unwearied constant attention.
Friday [February] 12*''
Our weather w*" had mitigated on Wed^ has again be-
come intensely cold. It is as much as we can do to
keep ourselves warm. Mother & Sister keep home, &
TO HIS DAUGHTER. 1830 123
are well also the children. Pintard goes daily to school,
& does not mind the cold . . . The ink stagnates, almost
freezes in my pen, a proof of the severity of the season.
The East river is almost impassable with floating ice.
But for the aid of Steam boats, inward bound Ships
could scarcely work their way thro' the Bay filled with
floating ice. This weather presses on the poor, who
have exhausted the Corporation supply of Fuel. Our
Fuel Saving Society was abandoned for want of suc-
cess. This has been the third experiment in my day, all
abortive. When cold pinches the improvident feel, but
forget their sufferings when summer comes.
Sat"" [February] 13'\ I have little else to say, it
seems, than to chronicle the weather, still extremely
cold. This makes 3 weeks, with one days intermission,
of as intensely cold weather as we have experienced for
several years. I fear that it may have reached you &
cut off y'' Orange trees, as also those of Florida, from
whence, this year, we have had an abundant supply.
That country when brought into cultivation will become
the Hesperian garden of the U'^ States. In progress of
time. Fig, Almonds, Olives, Grapes & Currants with
Oranges Limes & Lemmons v\'ill be extensively & profi-
tably cultivated. The intercourse is so short & easy,
that these fruits can be sent to the northward in great
perfection. Sugar also, but not to rival this important
staple of Louisiana. I do not know whether Coffe[e]
will succeed. It is admirable what resources the U''
States command within itself. The Jersey Legislature
has, after many years opposition, passed a law for a
Canal between the Delaware & Hudson & also for a Rail-
road between Camden, directly opposite Philad" & South
Amboy, between w** & this city, Steamboats ply. When
executed, our market will be more abundantly supplied
with Butter, poultry & Fruit from West Jersey & Penn-
sylv"* at moderate rates. The consumption of this in-
creasing city is immense & great supplies are sent from
our western country by means of the Canal. Long
island, Westchester, Dutchess, & Orange Counties by
124 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
their proximity & water intercourse possess great advan-
tages, & always will be the garden of N York. So light
is the tax on transport, that a Farmers Wife pays only
1 cent a pound, to the Country Huckster of course sells
her butter within 1 cent a pound of the N York price &
receive her profits weekly. Eggs & vegetables in pro-
portion. Small farming probably yields more profit
than the large western farms. The State of Ohio will
become immensely populous & wealthy in consequence
of canal navigation. Your City must greatly increase
as the western wilds are brought into settlement & cul-
tivation, so that y"" children please God will have ample
resources before them, & being acclimated will always
enjoy a superior advantage over the birds of passage.
... I see by the papers, that General Van Renselaer
the patron of Albany has visited your city for his health.
He is an excellent good man, as benevolent & charitable
as he is rich. He is probably the wealthiest citizen in
the V^ States. . . .
Monday 15*" Feb-^. Attempting to snow. I attended
at the Savings Bank on Sat'' & notwithstanding the
inclemency of the weather (bitter cold) it was pleasing
to witness the number of depositors. We took in from
104 persons $4000, & paid to 105, $5800, to supply their
necessities. Altho' extremely cold, I went down to S*
Esprit. Mother prudently staid at home. This ev^
Sister is going to M" Beers' party, a counterpart no
doubt to M'^ Schencks. M'' Beers is a very friendly
lady. . . .
[Addressed by Ship] Talma
New York, Tuesday 16'" Feb-^ 1830
My last of 15**" inst. goes by the Talma, still detained
in port. The weather is more moderate but a dense Fog.
Last ev^ Mother, Sister & M^ Servoss attended M^« Beers
party. A tea party, large & elegant, but no dancing, in
compliment to Bishop Hobart, the Rev. D"" Onderdonck
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1830 125
& M' Schroeder & ladies. Although all may be proper,
still it may appear a little out of character for Divines
to attend these gay circles. I believe none others in
this city do except the High Church dignitaries of the
Episcopal Church. Surely complimentary invitations
might be extended, & the parties less gay & more select.
But Bp. H. countenances the innocent recreations of
society. As yet however Theatres are not frequented
by any of the Clergy, w^ is not uncommon among the
Roman Catholics in Europe. Do not suppose me cen-
sorious. But according to my notions such things ought
not to be. M" Beers is a very amiable lady, kind &
sociable like her New England countrywomen. Sister
has been long intimate with her daughter, married about
the same time & has the same number of children. M""
B. is a very respectable Broker & rich & successful. He
is very friendly indeed to y'" brother.
Wed^ [February] 17*" . . . Mother & Sister passed a
delightful evening. The party was expressly given to
the clergymens ladies, who were acquainted with most
in the room, so that I must take back my reflections, w**
apply only to mixed promiscuous assemblies. I believe
my Rev'^ friend M' Eastburn does not visit on such occa-
sions out of the circle of his own congregation, & then
never where there is dancing. His lady, formerly Glover,
is very plain & retired & will never give exception as a
parson's Wife. With all the publicity of character, &
great intercourse with Bp Hobart we never hear a lisp
about M" H. She is plain & very amiable taking after
her once excellent Mother, Cousin Chandler,^ of whom,
in the very trying times of the revolutionary [war], no
one ever spoke ill. I knew her well, & always admired
her meekness. . . .
Thursday [February] 18»\ Mild & foggy. Yester-
day died Col. Henry Rutgers aged 85. He was a revo-
3 Mrs. Thomas Bradbury Chandler (Jane Emott) was descended
from Pintard's ancestor, Louis Carre. See L. Smith Hobart, William
Hobart, His Ancestors and DesccndaiUs ; George Chandler, The De-
scendants of William and Annis Chandler (1883), pp. 260 j}.; J. J. Boudi-
not, The Life of Elias Boudinot (1896), II, 391.
126 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
lutionary patriot, and the most benevolent man in this
city. A single man, possessed of the largest landed es-
tate on this island, he was enabled to exercise his benevo-
lence & charities with unbounded, almost, munificence.
He was a benefactor to many religious institutions, &
his private charities to the poor, amounted to $10,000
a year. His death at this inclement season will be se-
verely felt by them.
Friday [February] lO**". Your sister rec*^ yest^ a let-
ter from Caroline Bayard who has passed the winter at
Burlington. Like a frank hearted girl, she announces
that she is to be married to Professor Dod, the beginning
of April when the vacation in Nassau Hall takes place,
& is to proceed immediately on a visit to her Sister
Julia, & return the beginning of May when the College
Summer session opens. M*" Bayard & Aunt Patty are
to return home as soon as the season permits, to take
repossession of his former abode, of w^ a conditional
sale had been to a M"" Patten for the purpose of opening
a modern education Academy. His ill health, however,
frustrates the project. M"" B. resumes housekeeping, &
M"" & M'* Dod are to board with them. ... I have a
task about to be imposed upon me to write up the great
Railroad projected from the Hudson river to the Missis-
sippi above the Missouri. More credit is given to me,
than I deserve, for holding the pen of a ready writer.
Writing is not so difl&cult as the labour of studying &
comprehending a subject. The proposal does not meet
my fancy, & altho' I am now reading the project I think
that it will be best not to intermeddle. . . .
Sat-^ [February] 20. Unsettled easf weather. The
very fine day yest^' induced Mother & Sister, as indeed
almost every body else to make several calls, on M"
Gouverneur, M""^ Livingston, M""** Hamilton, Beers &
Schencks. M""® G. who is of my age, has been a recluse
for life, dresses her head as she did 50 years past, & is
bowed down very much, otherwise enjoys good health.
The rest all well. M" Schenck, obliged to move con-
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1830 127
templates taking a very fine 3 story House just above
us in Broome St. replete with every accommodation,
except that the rooms are not so spacious as modern
crowded parties require, but will hold enough to try a
mans purse. The family being exceedingly gay & fash-
ionable this defect may bar their coming. ... I have
quite a Bible Society at home. Your brother is as dili-
gent a searcher of the Scriptures as Thomas, & Sister
is going thro' a regular reading. Dear Mother always
closes her evening with her Bible, w*" to me is my daily
bread. . . .
Tues^ [February] 23. A beautiful day. I must pay
some friendly visits. M'" Talbot, M" Maxwell who has
been ill, ]\P Furman d[itt]o, & Col. [Aaron] Ogden in
prison. I hope Mother <fe Sister will avail themselves
of the mild morn' & walk out. The foot walks are
quite dry, but the crossings are bad. This is Shrove
Tues^ & in conformity with Custom we shall dine on
pancakes. . . .
Ash Wed-" [February] 24"\ Mother & Sister attend
Church this fine morning. After there is to be a meet-
ing of the Female Miss[ionar]y So[ciety] of S*
Tho[ma]s, possibly y"" Mother may be importuned to be
elected President, as M'^ IVrAlckar who is aged & infirm
wishes to resign. The office was tendered to her last
year, w*" she prudently declined. . . . We had a Mis-
s[ionar]y Sermon at S' Thomas on Sunday ev'. The
weather was rainy, or rather showery, but not more for
others than our family. We were all present. The col-
lection only amounted to S75. Discouraging. Why did
not absentees send their contributions next day. The
truth is that Bp. Hobart has so chiled the hearts of all
within the sphere of his influence, & is so fearful of en-
thusiasm, as to have checked all zeal. Some Pres-
byt[eria]n Churches in this city, do more at one col-
lection, than all our High Churches put together. A
collection is to take place at M"" Eastburns Church next
Sunday ev^ where weather & health permitting Mother
128 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
& myself propose to attend. . . . The Rev. D' Milnor
who is about going to England, not for health but grati-
fication will be delegated to attend as representative of
the A[merican] B[ible] S[ociety] at the Anniv[ersar]y
meeting of the British & For[eign] B. S. in May next.
The circumstance makes me happy, as he is so inti-
mately acquainted with the Bible cause in Am [eric] a
so zealous & efl&cient an ofl&cer being long Sec^ for
For[eign] correspondence & so capable to represent us,
& will make an imposing impression on our parent So-
ciety. I cannot express my gratification.
Friday [February] 26*\ Mother & Sister attended
at S* Thom[a]s on Wed^ As M" M-^Vickar, totally deaf,
did not resign, Mother was spared declining the honour
of an election. Sister however was appointed a Man-
ager w** she did right to accept. We all owe a service
to our Church. I mentioned being engaged yest^ with
our Bible So[ciety] concerns. The Rev. D' Milnor, our
Sec'' for For[eign] correspondence will be appointed next
week our Representative to the Br[itish] & For[eign]
B[ible] S[ociety] on its anniv^ meeting in May next.
I passed an hour with him conversing on the several
topics that will prove interesting to be communicated.
... He will make a powerful representative & I have
no doubt that his address will make a favourable im-
pression on a British audience. His manner is easy,
his voice powerful & he is quite free from sermonizing
on public occasions to w*" he has been much accus-
tomed. . . .
This ev^ our folks, all, exept myself, take tea with
M" Wadsworth, a plain friendly party. I adhere to my
rule of not annoying my friends with an old mans in-
firmities, & as the rule is absolute I give no exceptions.
. . . After Church on Wed^ Mother & Sister called on
M" Sam' Gouverneur, formerly Miss Monroe. She has
3 children, 2 boys & a girl. The eldest boy is deaf &
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1830 129
dumb, from its birth, a fine child. What a dreary pil-
grimage thro' Life is its destiny. . . .
[Addressed by Ship] Kentucky
New York. Tuesd^ 2"^ March, 1S30
I have turned out in the hardest old fashioned N E.
snow storm, that we have had this winter, quite re-
pugnant to dear Mother's wishes. . . . The storm is
actually violent. & as Mother said, increasing. The
snow is at least 12 inches deep. The storm began about
midnight. . . .
Wed-'' [March] 3*^. Fair, cold day, superb sleighing.
I hope that Aunt Helen will send Davis to treat our
folks, esp^ the boys, with a last ride for the season. We
have been entertained & delighted for some days in
succession with M"" Websters admirable speech in the
Senate, in reply to Col. Hayne of Ch[arle]ston, the most
eloquent speech ever delivered on the floor of Congress,
& w^ will do him. as well as the talents of our country-
men, great credit in England. M"" Webster is an eminent
Lawyer of Massachusets. Born in an obscure country
town, his father was a farmer, & kept a public Inn. But
genius rises superior to every disadvantage. He stands
at the head of his profession as he now ranks above
every statesman. He belongs to the genuine old Fed-
eral School, & does honour to that, now obsolete party,
gone down to the Tomb of the Capulets, but will live &
be revered as long as the principles of Washington &
Hamilton endure. It is some, a great consolation to me.
that thro' all the changes & vicissitudes of political
parties, I have alway been a firm, consistent federalist,
& have lived to see so eminent a character as Webster
triumphant over southern demagogues. I shall put up
a copy of his speech w" I beg my g'^sons to read. I w*^
say study. The Finale is most beautiful & pathetic &
130 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
must have made the bosoms of every auditor thrill. In-
deed it is said that a thunder of applause was likely
to ensue, but was suppressed as inconsistent with the
dignity of the Senate, w*" is restored to its full lustre,
after having been tarnished by the frenetic effusions of
John Randolph.
Sat^ 6**". At the meeting of the Managers '' on
Thurs'' Cheif Justice Marshall was elected a Vice Pres*
in place of the late Judge Washington. The Rev. D""
Milnor was appointed to represent the A[merican]
B[ible] S[ociety] at the Anniv^ meeting of the British
& For[eign] B[ible] S[ociety] in May. The Doctor
will meet an honourable reception & make a favourable
impression. He is a popular speaker, & been long ac-
customed to address public meetings in this city.
On Thur^ died my old friend Col. Rich<^ Piatt, AE. 76.
He was my roommate at Princeton College & after being
graduated entered in 1775 into the Am. Army, & con-
tinued in service till the conclusion of the Revolut^ War.
He was at the siege of Quebeck, capture of Burgoyne &
Cornwallis. He was a brave officer. After the peace
he settled in this city, patronized by Col. Wadsworth of
Plartford he dealt largely in the public debt, was very
successful, but broke down with others who failed some
years after. He was liberal & beneficent, & once moved
in the first rank of our city. He married Miss Aspinwall,
the most beautiful of her sex. After his failure he spent
some time in France, until he c*^ settle with his cred-
itors. He then enterprized as a wine dealer, & was again
unsuccessful, & under circumstances that injured his rep-
utation. On Col. Monroes becoming president, he ap-
p[ointe]d his brother officer paymaster for this district.
Unfortunately Col. P. became a defau[l]ter & injured
his sureties. Removed he was again stationed in our
Custom House, in w^ he continued till his death & lately
received half pay. The two circumstances gave him
$1750 a year, but he was always in want, having 2 sons
-* Of the American Bible Society.
TO HIS DAUGHTER. 1830 131
who pressed on him. As far as possible, I assisted him
till I thought he being better off than myself, I was
obliged to resist his last applic" for a loan never [to]
be returned. He withered & sunk away. His poor once
elegant wife, the gayest of the gay, shrunk from society
& is now bedridden. She rendered herself useful while
health & spirits remained, as sup' of the S* Johns
Chu[r]ch Sunday School, where she was deservedly
much respected. It is many years since Mother once
intimate, has seen her, as she declined, broken hearted,
from all society. Her sons are unworthy of so good a
mother. Such is the brief ace* of the man I always re-
garded as a friend, & whose misfortunes were aggra-
vated by imprudence or worse. He is to be buried with
military honours this p. m. The day is very unfavour-
able. My duty at the Savings Bank will prevent my
attendance, as I c" wish, as well as exposure to this
damp dense atmosphere, & ]Mother has enjoined it on me
not to find a substitute & risk a cold & fever. It is
hard not to pay my last respects to an old friend.
Thur^' [March] lr^ . . . Yest-^ I devoted to my Gre-
cian friend W™ Wood, answering his enquiries respect-
ing a project to establish a savings Bank at Canadaigua,
where he resides with an independent Widow Sister.^
This benevolent man is always doing good be he where
he will, & it gives me pleasure to promote his views. He
sent me a beautiful engraving of Bp. Heber, with whose
relict he corresponds. . . .
Friday 12*'' March. Looking, hourly, for the Tennes-
see. On Monday 15'^ I shall close this letter. It will
be Marsdens birthday, when he completes his IS'*" year.
A word for him
[Addressed by Ship] Illinois
5 Mrs. Nathaniel Gorham (Ruth Wood). T. B. Wvman, Genealogies
and Estates of Charlestoum, Maxs. (Boston. 1879)," I. 424; H, 1(J47;
C. F. Milliken, Ontario County (N. Y.) and Its People, I, 56.
132 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
N York, Tuesday, 16*'^ March, 1830
. . . This morning the Rev. D"" Milnor sails in the
Florida for Liverpool. . . . Bp. Brownell arrived here
on Sat^ & proceeded immed'' for Hartford. He observed
to M'' Dwight, who told me, that he had been on board
15 Steam Boats during his tour, & among 50 passengers
each that he only saw 2 decanters of Brandy & Whiskey,
that ardent spirits were totally disused, & he had never
seen a drunken man on all his route. Wonder change
esp'' in the Western country, where Whiskey abounds,
& has been regarded as essential to existence. So much
in praise of Temperance Societies. Were it not for the
low Irish, drunkenness w*^ soon disappear in our Streets.
It diminishes. . . .
Friday [March] IQ*''. Thomas' Birthday, he enters
his l?*"" year. ... A distressing affliction has befallen
our next door neighbours, M"" & M" MTntire. They
have lost their hopeful son ^ 8 years old & a nephew,
both lying dead at the same time in their house, & their
funerals to take place at 2 p. m. What a dreadful visi-
tation, the pang of which I bring home to my own
bosom. This calamity mars the pleasure of our little
festive board on this day. . . .
Sat^ 20**^ March. Spring day. The first steamboat
Commerce arrived from Albany Thur^ 18*'' inst. The
navigation now open, & trade will revive. It has been
very dull, esp'' for Cotton, as your brother has experi-
enced. There is however still season for good business
if the market sh*^ not be too high at N[ew] 0[rleans].
Yesf I closed my long Trusteeship for the Coutant fam-
ily, by paying a bal[anc]e of $115 that remained in my
hands for the estate of Jacob Coutant. On the decease
of the father David in 1820, I assumed the duty of
Trustee, to oblige Polly, & happily discharged it with
fidelity until a little before her death, a year or more
ago, quite to the satisfaction of the heirs. Having rec*^
6 Alexander McDonald Mclntyre, son of Archibald Mclntyre, of 431
Broome Street. Commercial Advertiser, March 19, 1830; N. Y. City
Directory, 1830-31.
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1830 133
& paid their rents &c" for 9 years, to a considerable
amount, they wished to make me a consideration, w" I
w** not accept, as I acted from friendship for the mother,
who was brought up by the Madame. I feel happy that
the transaction is closed, for I sometimes felt uneasy
least during my trust, I might be called away, but all
was placed in security in case of such an event. For
M" Talbot I receive & pay her annuities, as she has
no one else to confide in. Tliis gives me no trouble.
... I had intended to decline a reelection as Church
Warden of my beloved French Church on Easter Mon-
day next, but my brother Vestry men will not hear to
it. We must shortly look out for a site in the upper
part of the city for a new church, our present Temple
being very old, built in 1704. If life & health are spared
I sh*" be glad that it were done in my day, that I may
remove the remains of our predecessors from the family
Tomb, myself, a painful duty, w*" must be done, as we
shall lease or sell our ground advantageously to defray
the expense of a new edifice. . . .
Monday, 22** March. After a dense foggy wet Sun-
day, this is a beautiful May day. It is y"" dear Sisters
birthday. May her succeding years be as propitious as
those she has hitherto enjoyed. This morn^ she takes
Boudy, 2 years 9 m"^ old, to a select Infant School, kept
in the basement of the Dutch Church, Broome corner
of Mercer, west side of B^way a short distance from us.
I will get one of the circulars, to show you the system
& what advantages for education we enjoy in this city.
I observe another select Infant School advertised in
this morn^' paper. Those for poor children are won-
derfully successful & increase & I have no doubt, in a
few years will become as numerous as other schools. A
Funeral discourse was preached in the late M"" Christmas'
Church in the Bowery last ev^ to an overflowing con-
gregation. The Observer of 20*^ inst. contains a very
good obituary of this devoted servant "^ of his Lord &
7 Rev. Joseph S. Christmas, late pastor of the Bowery Presbyterian
Church. A Memoir of him, bv E. Lord, was published in New York
in 1831.
134 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
Master. It is said that his biography will be published.
How early in life (26) has he been called to his reward.
Tuesday [March] 23"^... The day, yest^ called all
the female world abroad. Mother & Sister went down
to M''' Schencks, where they learned a most distressing
circumstance, of M""^ Livingston, our Cousin's derange-
ment, & attempt to destroy herself, & being sent to the
Assylum. Your Mother stopped at her door, & such
is the melancholy fact. ... I regarded her for her per-
severing kindness to our aged Aunt Hanson, attentive
to her in her last stage of existence, & to her funeral.
No instance in my knowledge of awful derangement, has
ever equaled that of her family. The subject is too
painful to dwell on.
Wed-^ [March] 24*^ Yest^ was a wet raw N[orth]
E[ast] day, w^' combined with the state of poor M"
Livingston quite depressed my spirits, altho' I endeavour
to restrain my feelings within my own bosom. Mother
is less affected by such events. "One master passion
swallows all the rest." The want of a splendid establish-
ment, w*" seems to embitter her days. . . . But we are
differently very differently constituted. Let me not cen-
sure, but praise her for her many virtues & constant
unremitted attention to me. . . .
Thur^ 25*'^ March. ... I believe that I have not
mentioned to you the prospect of a great act of Charity
in favour of Orphans, without distinction of religion or
country that is about to take place in this city. John
G. Leake Esq. a wealthy Bachelor, died last year, leaving
a Will drawn by himself, but not executed, in favour
of Robert Watts, son of John Watts Esq. of N Rochelle,
in your time, on condition of taking the name of Leake.
The Will, after legal investigation was adjudicated to be
valid, but before the condition c*^ be fulfilled by an Act
of the Legislature, young Watts, the only remaining son
of his Father died. In case of such decease or non com-
pliance, the whole Estate of M"" Leake, a few legacies
excepted, was devised to the Rector of Trinity Church,
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1830 135
the senior Ministers of the Dutch & Presbyterian
Churches, the Mayor & Recorder of this City in Trust,
the income & profits of both Real & Personal Estate
to be applied to building & supporting an Orphan Assy-
lum, in the suburbs of the city. The Real Estate be-
comes escheated to the State, about $100,000, the per-
sonal between 200 & 300,000 D""^ goes to the Trustees
who are applying to the Legislature for an Act of In-
corporation. It is contemplated to merge our present
Orphan Assylum in this new Leake 0. A., whereby it can
go into immediate operation & support forthwith 300
Orphans. It is to be hoped that the Legislature will re-
lease their claim, & thus carry the benevolent intention
of M"" Leake into full effect. The Real Estate may be
worth $100,000, making altogether $400,000 by far the
largest benefaction ever bequeathed in this city.
Saturday [March] 27*''. Yesterday was a complete
winters day, a N E. snow storm for 24 hours. ... On
Thurs'' I called at the Infant School, yet few in numbers,
about 16. A fine spacious room in the basement of the
Dutch Church in Broome SS windows large, above
ground, the site a gravel soil & the apartment very dry.
It is well fitted up, with every modern improvement
for instruction. The mistress & assistant very kind to
the children, who appear delighted. Boudy, who we
feared might prove refractory, his Madam says is the
most tractable & best behaved boy in the school. It
excited a laugh to see him with his cap in [hand] make
his bow to the Madame, & Assistant, kissing his hand &
bending to the floor, after which he went very orderly
& kissed a little girl about his size to whom he has taken
a fancy. . . .
[Addressed by Ship] Tennessee
136 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
[By Ship] Louisiana
New York, V April, 1830
. . . Sat^ 3''. As usual excessively engaged with Bible
So[ciety] duties since the Managers meeting on the
P* antecedent to the Annual meeting in May. We are
crowded with business, & meet again 29*^ inst. to re-
c[e]ive the annual Report. The Rev. M"" M'^Ilvaine of
Brooklyn who is going to Europe for the benefit of his
health, to sail 8**" inst. was appointed to represent our
So[ciety] in conjunction with the Rev. D"" Milnor who
sailed 15*'' March, at the anniv*' me [e] ting of the Brit-
ish & For[eign] B[ible] S[ociety] in May. M^ M^l-
vaine is of Burlington & rec*^ his education, partly, in
the Princeton Theol. Sem^. He possesses great talents,
& is a popular preacher of the Evangelical school, of
course no favourite with Bp. Hobart, whose whole in-
fluence was exerted to prevent his settlem* in Brooklyn.
His health has been impaired by his zeal, & incessant
duties. He has quite changed the complexion of S*
Ann's Church Brooklyn, & except with a few High
Churchmen is greatly esteemed & his labours have been
blessed. . . .
Thur'' [April] 8**". My time has been unusually
occupied. I have just return'd from the Steam boat
after bidding the Rev. M"" M^'Ilvaine an affect [ionate]
adieu. He is quite emaciated by excessive zeal in the
discharge of his pastoral duties. Please God that he
may be favoured in his voyage out & home, & be restored
to his family & church in perfect health. On Tuesday
afternoon, 6*^ I attended the funeral of M'^ Clement C.
Moore, cut off in the very bloom of life not much be-
yond 30 years, leaving several children with a most
aff[ectionate] husband to bemoan her death. She was
a Cortland,^ & very beautiful. Just removed from M*"
8 Mrs. Clement C. Moore (Catharine Elizabeth Taylor), was daughter
of Elizabeth (Van Cortlandt) Taylor and granddaughter of Philip Van
Cortlandt. W. 0. Wheeler, The Ogden Family in America (1907), pp.
108, 196.
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1830 137
Moores country residence to a new spacious delightful
house in the upper part of the city. About the time of
dear mothers convalescence last fall, M'" & M" Moore
rode out to New Utrecht. She then apparently in high
health. He told me of his purchase & intended removal,
when I promised to visit him. We have been always
on the most friendly terms, but I have resisted all hos-
pitalities, when sitting in the elegantly furnished draw-
ing room, for he is wealthy. My spirits sank within me,
to think that my first intended visit should be on so
melancholly an occasion. It is God's will, & may he
sanctify this dispensation to my friend. M"" M. is the
only son of the late Bp. Moore, & thro' his mother in-
herits an extensive landed property at Greenwich, equal
to 500 lots worth $1000 a lot on an average & will
double by the time his children arrive at age. God bless
& prosper him.
Yest^ Wed^ 7^^ I was elected a Director of the Mutual
Insur*" C°. When I look back on this period 2 years,
the misery that I endured on acc^ of that young villain
Monahan, the anguish that I experienced & which you
witnessed, & that quite broke me down, I am all grati-
tude to my heavenly Father, for this instance of his
mercy. A circumstance that I c" not expect but that is
entirely owing to my kind friends M"" Furman, Mason
& Wilson & M"" Ireland the President. . . .
1 o'clock. The meeting is over & M"" Ireland unani-
mously reelected as he deserves for he is a most active
efficient president. I have rec*^ a letter of yest^ from
M"" Bayard, who says that Caroline's wedding is to take
place on Monday ev^ next & that they can only invite
one person from each family, & wishes me to come on &
represent ours. . . .
Saturday [April] lO*"". After coming from Church
yest^ I wrote to M"" Bayard declining his invitation.
Mother w*^ have been uneasy least any accident sh*^ be-
tide me. On reflection I tho't it best so to do. I c''
not absent myself from the Sacrament tomorrow. More-
over I am so linked with the Savings Bank, that my
138 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
presence on Monday will be necessary. We are nego-
tiating a loan of $150,000 of Pennsylv^ stock. Sh"^ the
terms be acceptable, it is necessary for me, as president,
to indorse a check on the Mechanic Bank for payment.
. . . With this I shall send you for y"" children, the Hist^
of the Jews in 3 small volumes covered with silk, by
the Rev. M"" Millman an eminent divine of the Ch. of
England. Thomas who is becoming quite a Biblical
Critic, was wishing to be acquainted with the Jewish
Hist^ & bought this work, just published, with w*" y""
brother & sister are so well pleased that I have pro-
cured a set for you. They are the first of a series of
the Family Library.^ The next will be the life of Na-
poleon,^" 2 voP, the best written it is said of anything
that has yet appeared, & I hope to be able to send the
successive VoP as published, the cost being only 50 cents
p: vol, to amuse & instruct your children next summer
when your winter visitors shall have deserted you. . . .
Wed^ [April] 14*\ Another wet day. No Talma.
The prevailing Easterly winds have been adverse to her.
There has been several, 5 or 6, most ext[raordinar]y
short passages from Eng** & France, that ever were
known, in 16 & 18 days, as quick as between this &
N. Orleans. ... I shall put up D'" Alexander, of Prince-
ton, Bible Dict[ionar]y for the use of Sunday School
Teachers, for the use of your family, a useful book of
which 100 copies have been sold in this city in the course
of a week.
N York, Friday 16*'' April, 1830
The Louisiana sailed yest^ with a little packet of
books & my letter for my beloved daughter. The Talma
lingers, out 25 days. I fear some disaster. Ever since
s Published by J. & J. Harper.
10 By J. G. Lockhart.
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1830 139
April came in we have had Easterly winds Sc weather.
I have just ref^ from the Steam Boat taking leave of
some clerical friends bound in the Brittania packet for
Liverpool. The Rev. D'" Gardiner of Boston, a Rev"^ of
Maryland, & Rev. M"" [William] Creighton of this city,
for their health. The Rev*^ M^ [William] Richmond
lately at N[ew] 0[rleans] accompanies his brother in
law Jonath" Goodhue who goes for the benefit of his
health. Great is the company of the Preachers. The
wind is still adverse at east. With the Rev. D' Gardiner
I was acquainted when at Boston, now 30 years ago.
He was a pleasant classical scholar, very fond of the
convivial So[ciety] of Boston, too much so for a min-
ister. He recollected me & asked after poor uncle Lewis.
D"" G. is exceedingly emaciated & looks as tho' he goes
in quest of a vain shadow, & that he is too much broken
down & too aged 75 ^^ to be renovated. Propitious
Gales attend them. This party makes 6 Episcopal min-
isters from the U'' States, gone to England, of whom
D"" Milnor & M"" IVPIlvaine rank foremost & will do our
clergy credit.
Tuesday [April] 20*\ Yest-^ was hot, as will be this
day. Your Aunt Betsey came to town on Sat^ e^ dined
with us yest'' . . . Her Sister Solomon is very well. Y'
Aunt grows corpulent & her tall person makes her ap-
pear large. She complains of her head, but has been
better last winter than thro' the preceding summer.
She was at Caroline's wedding, when notwithstanding
the very unfavourable weather all passed off cheerful &
gay. M' & M" Dod set off for Virginia last Thur^ on
a fortnights visit to M" Washington. His salary has
been raised $200, having now $1000 a year, a good in-
come, w^ will go further as long as they remain at
Clermont. He takes the mathematical chair in addi-
tion to the classical duties. M"" Bayard in a late letter
^1 The Rev. John Sylvester John Gardiner was not so old as Pintard
Btated, for he was born in June, 1765. Dictionary of American Biog-
raphy, VII, 137.
140 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
mentions that his Rev. son complains of his scanty in-
come, & he fears that all does not go right with him.
He had undertaken the sup.intendence of a High School
at Geneseo, on his own & his assistants account, with
jflattering hopes, but it does not succeed to his expecta-
tions. Indeed so many academical institutions spring
up in every quarter, & competition is so great that one
is no sooner got up than a rival appears to the injury
of both. Poor Lewis, he has been a rolling stone. . . .
I hold no epistolary intercourse with him. He is so
high a Bishops man, that my frank opinions did not
please, & I am not sorry to be released from a cold
correspondence. When with us I take care not to men-
tion the Bishops name nor comment on his policy, as I
know every sentiment w** be repeated. . . .
Wed^ [April] 2P^ . . . Yest-" a beautiful day. I
attended the exhibition of the Orphans, at the City
Hotel. Upwards of 100 children of both sexes, sitting
on elevated benches, formed an imposing spectacle.
After paying Mothers & Sisters annual subscriptions of
$2 each, & expressing, mentally, my gratitude to the
fair sisters of Charity devoted to this benevolent insti-
tution, I retired, not being capable of hearing the Report
or addresses usual on the occasion. How greatly this
city is indebted to Females for the time & support they
give to our various charitable & religious associations.
In the afternoon at 5. I accompanied Mother & Sister
to the sale of the S* Thomas' ladies Missionary Society,
held in Niblos splendid saloon, not far distant from us
in B'^way. Miss Duffy, sister of our late first Rector,
is the principal man[a]ger. The exhibition constituted
of a great variety of fancy articles, some the work of
the ladies others bought by contributions for sale.
Mother & Sister gave $2 each, the profits of each were
as much more, thus doubling the first gift. The man-
agers understand their business, asking good prices, w"
none dispute, as none are obliged to pay. Almost all was
sold off by 7 o'clock, when the rest were disposed off
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1830 141
by way of lottery & thus the tables were swept. Mother
& Sister laid out $7 in little books & notions. . . .
Friday [April] 23*^. The hasty perusal of y"" miscel-
laneous letter, espec-'' what relates to my darling Eliza
agitated me extremely. . . . The subject nearest my
heart is our darling, united possibly by this time to the
man ^- of her choice, mutually acquainted & attached
for some years, a knowledge of each others dispositions
cannot fail to promise every reasonable share of hap-
piness. Her distance from home may render weaning,
on both sides, painful, but the seperation of children,
from parents is the lot of humanity & must be sub-
mitted to, surely I have experienced it in y'' instance
my best beloved daughter. It pleases me to learn that
M"" Johnston has a profession that will ensure him if
diligently pursued support for a family. . . . The law
is an honourable as well as respectable calling & leads
with talents & application to high honours. . . .
Grandmama is delighted with your description of
my namesake, who she always considered a lad of no-
ble ambition & great promise. How happy it makes me
that he excells in his calling & that his conduct gives
satisfaction to his friends & employers. I will converse
with D"" Francis on the medical schools in this city, w"
D"" Hosacks overbearing ambition has divided & in-
jured. Francis will give me a candid opinion. I have
such respect for his capacity in teaching that I c*^ [wish]
Pintard to be under his tuition. I do beleive Francis
to be the most talented physician in the U'^ States. I
mean professional, strictly, & not literary w"" is very
great, & he possesses a most happy untiring faculty
of imparting instruction. Since his marriage he has
become quite a staid character. He is eminent & rising
in reputation, but more anon.
12 John Harris Johnston. Wm. Preston Johnston, The Johnstons of
Salisbury (New Orleans, 1897), pp. [77]-79, 156.
142 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
Monday [April] 26"". After two days of a lowering
sky, rain came on yest^ toward ev^, w" interfered, no
doubt, with the sermons in 2 of our Churches for the
benefit of the Orphan Assylum. I hear no more about
the Leake legacy & fear some mistake on my part. . . .
By the next arrival (Kentucky) daily expected I hope
to hear more particulars about M" Johnston, & of his
establishment on Red river. . . . Possibly ere this our
dear darling has changed her name. She has a deposit
in our Savings B" w** with accumulating interest amounts
to $159. This is at her command, & if she pleases can
purchase an elegant gold watch & equipage. I c'* wish
it to be laid out in this or other permanent way, that
she may possess something to remember her g^father
who loves her sincerely. On Saturday 1 opened an ac-
count for dear Julia & Lucy Ann, Nos. 25,000 & 25,001,
w*" I never expected to see in my time. As soon as we
reached them, I popped in my $5. each, all that I c*^
contribut[e] just now. I must do as much for our
Richard D., whose father deposited for him a year ago.
Your dear little girls were alone excepted. Now all
my g'^children have Bank Books. My extra Bank at-
tendance will terminate next Friday after 3 months
duty, & I shall really feel lost, but my own turn comes
on in July, w" with June, an account of the heat are the
worst in the year. The resort to our Bank is astonish-
ing. On Sat^ we rec'' from 80 Depositors $3716 & paid
to 113, within one cent of $11,000. The Bank altho ex-
tensive, was at times crowded to excess.
Tuesd^ [April] 27*\ Your brother handed to me y*"
letter of 7^^ inst. by the Kentucky, with the intelligence
of y"" darlings intended marriage to M"" Johnston on the
15*\ . . .
Thurs'' [April] 29*\ Dear mother writes by this op-
po[rtunity]. She gave me her letter to peruse. It is
far more gloomy than facts justify, at least as respects
myself. True I decay & grow more feeble & my hearing
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1830 143
alas! is almost gone. My eye sight admits of some read-
ing. . . .
[Addressed by Ship] Talma
[By Ship] Illinois
New York, Monday 3" May, 1830
Tuesd^ 4**'. . . . Sister was detained at home by vio-
lent tooth ache. She is undergoing an operation of hav-
ing all the nerves extracted by some Empiric I fear. She
suffers greatly, more than I have ever known before.
Yest^ p. m. I attended the funeral of Thomas Franklin,
a Quaker friend whom I have known from my boyhood,
in his day a very useful & respectable citizen. Having
been Chief Engineer, the whole Fire Department about
1500, attended. . . .
Monday [May] 10*'\ Beginning of our holy week,
devoted to religious & benevolent meetings, but alas!
my deafness prevents any attendance, except to my last
anniv[ersar]y duties to the Am. B[ible] S[ociety] &
the Sunday School Union meeting in Castle Garden, to-
morrow p. m. . . . My mind is made up to resign the
Record^ Sec^ship of the A. B. S. at the stated meeting
1^* July next, when I shall have served 14 years & 6 m''^
My increasing deafness disqualifies me to discharge a
duty, otherwise very agreeable to me. I shall lose of
course with the salary of $400 a year, w^ has been de-
voted all this time to pious, benevolent & charitable
purpose, so far doing some good. My restricted means
will incapacitate me as well for myself & to afford dear
Mother the power of extending the hand of charity to
the numerous wants of this great & growing city, but we
must content ourselves with having done all the good
we could while I enjoyed the power. Gods will be done.
To sigh & lament is vain if not impious. On Friday a
144 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
meeting was held, promoted by beneficent ladies, to take
into consideration the subject for establishing a House
of Industry to afford the means of profitable occupa-
tion to industrious females. Mother & Sister attended.
I early showed myself & retired least I might be added
to a Committee to make application to our City Cor-
poration for aid, a House, for conducting the business,
without w" it will be impossible to carry the object into
effect. I have had my many turns, & my deafness is
an obstacle in the way of being useful. We had such
a House some 10 or 12 years ago, w'' fell thro' for want
of patronage, the losses being chiefly borne by a few.
The late John Murray Jun'" was its indefatigable patron.
It is difficult to obtain funds, & in the next place more
difficult to sell work made up for cost & charges. How-
ever past experience may put the present effort, sh'^ it
be carried into operation, on a better footing. . . .
Wed^ [May] 12*^ I have taken a violent cold &
hoarseness attending the Union Sunday School proces-
sion yest^. The day was raw & unpleasant & it rained
before the show was over. I went to the park before 2
at w** hour the scholars began to assemble & as the
schools appeared on the ground, they were marched off
4 abreast to Castle Garden. I never witnessed so numer-
ous a collection nor any that equaled it in the neatness
& propriety of the scholars of both sexes dresses & be-
haviour. Dear little things many of whom were not so
big as Pintard. A Sunday School came over from Belle-
vue above Newark, beautifully & uniformly dressed in
blue roundabouts & white pantaloons, their animated
countenances conscious of their superiority in dress, had
an imposing effect. Elated as I was to see the progres-
sive increase of an Institution, the foundation of w'' I
assisted in laying 14 years ago, my feelings, not de-
pressed, were solemnized, that among the Directors of
the present day, with whom I walked, there was not one
personal acquaintance, all moved off in succession from
active life to a better world. Last year I walked with
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1830 145
my lamented friend James Eastburn. ... It took up an
hour for the Schools to enter & pass thro' the Park. The
line reached all the way to Castle Garden. It is com-
puted that ten thousand were collected. What a Jubilee
for children? What a glorious spectacle for old men?
The panorama view in Castle Garden exceeds my powers
of description. It was Fairy land & enchantment to me
esp^, when the assembled thousands chaunted the ap-
propriate Hymns. . . .
Friday 14^'^ May. We had a most animated Anni-
v[ersar]y of the A[merican] B[ible] S[ociety] that has
ever yet occurred. Tell JMarney that it far exceeded the
last w*" he witnessed. The speakers were all of the high-
est order & eloquent. Mother made me happy by her
attendance. Altho' the weather was obscured, the Mid-
dle Dutch Church, the larges[t] in our city was full to
excess. I never witnessed so large, nor so patient an
audience of Ladies who were assembled from 9 o'clock to
yo past 2. . . .
Of your friend M" Smith I must speak a word in
praise. Encumbered with a large family of helpless chil-
dren, she shows her magnanimity & pride of character
in doing all in her power for their maintenance. ... I
have confidence that a lady of her superior mind & in-
dependence, acclimated by long residence, will attract a
choice of pupils & enable her to discharge the more
onerous duties of a boarding school, by such able as-
sistance as money can command & leave her free to the
general superintendence of Instruction & deportment of
the young ladies
Then you think it possible that M' Johnston may
come to the north this season, the only one, for years
that Madam may be able to have unencumbered. You
say it depends upon an interview with his Senator
brother ^^ w'' must be late as Congress will continue in
"His half-brother, Josiah Stoddard Johnston (1784-1833). See Biog.
Directory of the Amer. Congress, 1774-1927'; Wm. P. Johnston, The
Johnstons of Salisbury (New Orleans, 1897), pp. 63-72.
146 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
session probably till the last of this month. I should
be most happy to see him, in w"" case I w*^ endeavour to
dissuade him from giving up a lucrative practice for
the inconsiderable salary of a judge, an honourable sta-
tion however. He is too young to retire from prac-
tice. . . .
N York, Tuesday, 18*'' May, 1830
The anniv^' of my birthday, IS**- May, 1759.
My morn^ commenced with reading several of D' John-
son's prayers on the anniversaries of his birthday, & my
birth Psalm 90*", also Taylors Holy Dying, that I may
prepare daily for my great account. ... I meditated at
dawn on my dear mothers momentary joy for the birth
of a man child, w*" cost her her life. She died in two
weeks in consequence of sitting up too soon. She was
a beautiful women of most aff[ectionate] amiable dis-
position. Her premature death broke my disconsolate
fathers heart, who died, about 18 months after at the
Cape of yellow fever. I soon shall follow. . . .
Wed^ [May] 19*\ . . . Thomas [Servoss] has passed
several months under his Father, where he has im-
proved greatly in his handwriting, accounts & Book-
keeping. As your brothers business is not suff^ active
for him, it has been contemplated to send him to Mat-
tawan, & to bring him up a manufacturer under the
care & in the family of M'' Leonard at the head of the
manufactory, an intelligent, correct, excellent man.
Thomas, who has a mechanical turn was much pleased
with the project. But as your brother is doubtful of
the permanent stability of the manufacturing interests,
as an establishment for life, he seemed to prefer placing
his son in one of our extensive dry good stores, to be-
come acquainted with the quality & prices of goods
wholesale & retail. Thomas cheerfully acquiesced in
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1830 147
the judgment of his Father, & we have unsuccessfully,
hitherto, endeavoured to find him a situation among
some one of our principal jobbers, as they are called.
Applications in behalf of youths are so numerous, that
I have been everywhere too late, or too early. Yest^
I was going to call on another respectable house, with
w*' I was personally unacquainted. Having been en-
gaged with my minutes until 1 o'clock, I thot that I
would defer my application till this morn^ & turned
my co[u]rse to M"" S's counting room. Happily as I
entered I found that M' S. & Thomas had turned their
thoughts towards N. Orleans, & that M' S. had just writ-
ten to his friend JVP Oakey a proposition to take Thomas
into his service & family. The thought pleased me so
much, that I have concluded to expedite this letter for
the purpose of requesting you to desire M' Oakey to
take tea with you, & to induce him to acquiesce with
our wishes.
[Addressed by:] Mail via Mobile
[By Ship] Illinois
New York, Friday 2V' May, 1830
Monday 24'*'. . . . Your letter by the Louisiana,
looked for this week, will I hope bring favourable tid-
ings, of my beloved Turtle Dove, that she was in a
condition to bear the fatigue of transportation to her
dear sister under the attentive care of her brother . . .
I do not precisely comprehend the topography of the
country further than probably, that M"" Johnston occu-
pies the best & finest house among the Log Cabins of
Alexandria! Proud name, but at some future day our
darling may give you a more particular description of
this land of promise. When I visited Washington in
1801, & exhausted myself with roaming over the wide
domains of this renowned Capital of the U.S. a gentle-
148 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
man of the place, attended me, & pointed out the glori-
ous sceneiy & prospects. Asking me how I was pleased,
I replied that it really appeared all prospect & but little
reality, for excepting the Capitol & public oflaces, very
few buildings were at that time, sprinkled over the ex-
tensive surface of this renowned city, the progress of
which was retarded by frequent attempts to remove the
seat of government, of w" there is no further danger
while the Union endures, as too much money has been
expended to render it accommodating for Congress, &
it is as central as can reasonably be hoped, unless sh^
the province of Texas be acquired with all the circum-
jacent country along the Gulf of Mexico to California,
it might be tho't expedient to remove to the Westward
of the Missi[ssi]ppi, say to Alexandria! What a glori-
ous prospect for darling. Of the state of society, her
uncle gives a curious description, that in his earlier day,
when at Natchez, it was the rendezvous of all the out-
laws & fugitives of that quarter. But as laws, civiliza-
tion & better population have succeeded, this floating
scum has I hope boiled over & floated farther West.
Such is the natural progress of American settle-
ment. . . .
I have purchased for him ^^ & all this morn^ Crabb's
Synonymes just published with w'' I beseech him to be-
come intimately acquainted if he wishes to become an
accurate discriminating speaker. A little critique on
the work w" I place on the title page, says all that I
can on the subject, the importance of which is very
familiar to me. Many years ago, Lindley Murray of
York, Eng*^ presented me a copy of his invaluable Gram-
mar, the best in the English language, the product of
many years study & reflection. I wrote a line of thanks,
thro' M"" Perkins, connected by marriage with M'' M.^^
1* Lewis Marsden Davidson.
15 The wife of Benjamin Douglass Perkins was a niece of Lindley
Murray. [Sarah S. Murray], In the Olden Times, A Short History of
the Descendants of John Murray (N. Y. 1894), pp. 78-81.
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1830 149
& suggested the propriety, that one so well acquainted
with the powers & beauties of the English language sh*^
undertake to supply the desideratum of a Book of
Synonymes. M"" M. was very infirm, & declined the
task, but remarked that the person who had suggested
the idea, appeared to be well qualified to execute it.
This was high praise, & really I had a mind to attempt
when I learned that M"" Crabb had contemplated his
work, the first edition of w** I have had, indeed the 2*^
many years. It is admirably executed & a work of g'
merit, the result of much reading & reflection. ... I
send herewith the little Sunday School Biogr^ dict^' w''
was overlooked with the last envoi likewise a Geograph-
ical diet'' of the Bible, & an elegant map on rollers of
the Holy land for the instruction of my dear little Sun-
day Scholars. You will likewise receive the 4 & 5'*' vols
of the Family Library, cont" the life of Napoleon by
Lockhart one of the London Quarterly reviewers, ele-
gantly written, for y"" summers amusement. . . .
Wed^' 26*^ May. . . . M"" Leonard the conductor of
Mattawan Manufactory called on y"" brother & stated
to him the prospects of profit to the cotton branch if
perseveringly & intelligently pursued. He has always
been earnest that Thomas sh*^ come to him. On reflec-
tion & conferring, if not consulting, with me, it was
concluded best to send Thomas to him, & he wrote his
offer to M"" L. on Monday, w*" he has accepted, & my
young dear companion will leave us the beginning of
June, near at hand, to enter on his vocation for life.
Thomas has a mechanical turn, & will be instructed in
every part of the operations from the Mill Wheel to the
power loom thro' all their curious complicated ma-
chinery, so as to be able when his apprenticeship is
passed, in 4 years, to be competent to the sup.intendence
of a cotton manufactory. . . .
150 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
N York, Wed^ 2'^ June, 1830
The Illinois sailed this morn^ at 7 with a packet of
books & maps for you
Thurs^ [June] 3^ Yest^ at 12 I took leave of Thomas
[Servoss] as he was embarking in the sloop Hope, for
Fishkill, , . . You justly remark that musick reminds
one of early associations & friends. The Tunes, now
obsolete, of my juvenile days, bring before me the com-
panions of my youth, mostly to the grave gone down.
Such is my prejudice that these old fashioned songs &
airs are more delightful to me than all the modern songs
& melodies, with some exceptions, put together. The
Scotch & Irish, particularly, are so dramatic, plaintive
& impressive as to enchant me. The same remark ap-
plies to the old solemn tunes of Church psalmody, w"
for devotional excitement far surpass any of the mod-
ern, & more scientific airs. Luthers Old Hundred can
never cease to inspire as long as sober chaste taste shall
prevail, and so of many others. Church musick to me
as cultivated here, is absolutely screeching, but this no
doubt is owing to my decayed hearing.
Monday [June] 7^^. Mother sits up part of the day,
recovers very slow. . . . Aunt Patty & M"" Bayard ar-
rived on Saturday both very well. . . .
Tuesday [June] 8^" . . . Mother showed her your
letters. She desires her love & warmest congratula-
tions to you on the happy marriage of our darling,
& to say that altho' y*" cousin Caroline is not so fortu-
nate as to worldly concerns, that she also has made a
happy connection with Professor Dod who is a learned
pious good man, well qualified for his station. I shall
be disappointed when his character becomes established,
if he shall not be called to the presidency of some of
our new colleges, as his talents are very respectable.
Aunt Patty will inform Aunt Betsey of the substance
of y' letters. I did not write of the event, waiting to
impart the glad tidings when they sh*^ visit us. Your
TO HIS DAUGHTER. 1830 151
Aunts health is better than usual, troubled somewhat
with Asthma. The Judge is fat as a Bear, after living
on swans, canvass back ducks & oysters with w" the
Chesapeak abounds. Julia & M"" Washington come on
shortly to spend the summer. ... I must if possible
visit Fishkill to see Thomas. He wrote on Sunday of
his safe arrival, arrangem* of his goods & chattels &
visit to the Sunday School, 48 scholars, & of his inten-
tion to commence Teacher next Sunday. He will make
a very useful one, having all the intelligence & inclina-
tion to render himself serviceable. Yest^ morn^ he was
to enter on his apprenticeship of 4 years, in the ma-
ch[in]e shop. . . .
[Addressed:] Mail
via Mobile
New York, Wed^ Q**" June, 1830
. . . Thu^ lO**". I c*^ make no progress yest^ pre-
paring for the monthly meeting of the Savings B" en-
grossed all my time till 12, when the Rev*^ M"" Robertson,
Miss[ionar]y to Greece was introduced to me with whom
I passed an hour, & he is to call at 10 this morn^ on
the subject of the Greek press towards w^ I am dis-
posed to render every possible service. When I look
back to the first efforts in favour of Greece, my inde-
fatigable zeal & personal activity, I feel most sensibly
the diminution of my bodily strength at this time, w*"
will prevent those personal applications that w*^ be use-
ful. I hope that we shall do something, but really the
present exertions in favour of Sunday Schools in the
Valley of the Mississipi seems to absorb all our benevo-
lence. In Phil« $30,000 has been raised & in this city
we may probably raise 20 more. It is a noble effort &
tho' mainly patronized by Presbyterians ought to be
encouraged. The poor Greeks must glean after this
full harvest. ]\Iy Bishop is violently opposed to the
152 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
operations of our Gen^ Miss^ S° in favour of foreign
Missions, & of all others told M"" R. that he considers
the Greek most visionary & absolutely forbids him to
act as Miss^ in, his diocese. M'' R. must therefore
operate thro' the agency of friends. The poor Greeks
w*^ be sadly off, if Bishop Hobarts diocese, like the
Devil's, extended all over Christendom. This prelate is
at least half a century behind the Age in w** he lives.
He discountenances every Episcopal exertion not con-
nected with his diocese, & in concordance with his High
notions. God forgive him he knows not what spirit he
is off. My intercourse with his Holiness is very rare,
for I cannot bow to the golden image that he has set
up, & do not aspire to martyrdom, to be cast into the
fiery furnace of his wrath. Thank God that I live in a
free country, where liberty of conscience is not fettered
by ecclesiastical Tyrants.
Friday [June] IV^. Dear Mother improves . . .
She is yet too weak to walk abroad, possibly to Church
next Sunday when a collection is to be made for the
benefit of our Th[eologica]l Seminary. There is no end
to collections in this city. I only wish that my purse
were adequate. Had it not been for this circumstance
I sh*^ have taken Sister & my namesake to St. Patricks
Cathedral next Sunday morn^ where a collection is to
be made for the benefit of their Orphan Assylum. I
can however give my mite, but I sh'' have been gratified
to hear the superb music usual on these occasions which
attracts great numbers of other denominations & they
generally get about $12,000. This Assylum, being
strictly Roman Catholic, derives no benefit from our
State School Fund, w'' is applied to public schools that
are not sectarian. Such is our Orphan Assylum, where
no distinction is made. The R. Catholics are over-
whelmed with orphans, so many poor Irish die after a
short residence in this city, martyrs, men & women, to
intemperance. Ardent spirits are so cheap, that poor
Pat & his wife Shelah cannot withstand the temptation.
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1830 153
Of course a large supply of orphan children are annually
cast on the benevolence of the Catholics & tho gen-
erally humble the Irish are very charitable & share their
last potato with a famished fellow creature. It is the
duty therefore of every Protestant citizen to assist them.
Just after concluding the preceding page the Rev. M""
Robertson called. He is a slender delicate man, very
ardent & very intelligent. In consequence of Bp. Ho-
barts interdiction, he considers it prudent to leave this
diocese, & preaches next week in Connecticut, under
the auspices of Bp. Brownell, as he will thereafter in
the Eastern diocese under those of Bp. Griswold. I
went with him to our printer M"" Fanshaw who showed
him all our power presses that work by steam, & the
operation of printing is performed by females under the
sup.intendence of a Foreman. I shall obtain a de-
scription of a press & apparatus complete, wages of a
Foreman, also of a Bindery on a limited scale, the cost
of casting from the Tract So[ciety] of the pictures that
enliven their Tracts, the same from the Union Sunday
School S" so as to ascertain precisely what sum will
be required to raise. When the Rev. M"" Hill arrives
from Virginia who goes out also, for the purpose of es-
tablishing schools, weekly & Sunday, for w'' with M^' H.
he is eminently qualified, we will begin our lay efforts.
But says one of my High Church men Bp. Hobart is
opposed to the measure. I shall only work the harder,
was my reply. I am no fair weather Christian. I can
struggle & breast the N. Wester. . . .
Sat^ [June] 12*\ Attended my vestry yest-^' P. M.
Our Treas'" M'' Hamersley resigned after many years
faithful gratuitous services, & with a hearty vote of
thanks. M^ Fleming, Cashier of the Mechanic B*" an
excellent man, a cousin of M"" Servoss was app[ointe]d
in his place. At SVL' I attended at Ascension Church to
hear the first performance of its new Organ, built by
Erben, cost $2500, but I was too late. It is said to be
very fine toned, but the recess is too deep, & it must be
advanced more forward to give it effect. S^ Thomas
154 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
Ch. is to have a similar one by the same builder.
Altho' a more recent Congregation it has outstripped
ours in this as in every other respect. My inveterate
deafness alone prevents me from being one of its mem-
bers. My French Church is looking out for a site for
a new edifice. The present building is too old to be
repaired & too low down for convenience. This object
accomplished, sh'* I be spared to see it, & I shall resign
my office as Warden w" I am no longer competent to fill.
I shall have to remove the remains of my forefathers, a
painful duty. This morn' the Rev'^ M"" Bayard surprized
us at breakfast by his unexpected arrival on his way
to Princeton. He stays till Monday. He [is] in quest
of a call if possible to Trenton w** if successful will
make his 4*** Church. It is owing to the unhappy state
of M" B. that he has been obliged to change his resi-
dence. He wishes, if possible, to collect a congregation
in some of the new parts of our city. . . .
Monday [June] 14"". Rain yest"" lowering & raw this
day. Dear Mother recruits slowly, but does not come
down stairs. Was at S' Thomas A. M., where a pitiful
collect" of $30 was made in favour of our Th[eological]
Sem^. Disgraceful. Such apathy & indifference to pro-
mote the interests of our Church makes me sick. I was
at M"" Eastburns Church p. m. to hear his new & very
superior Organ. This is an animated zealous congreg".
The Rev. M"" Bayard preached in the ev^ for his
brother ^^ D"" Lyell in Christ Church. I did not go. He
stays in town this day in hopes of seeing Bp. Hobart,
who passes all his spare time in summer at his country
seat near Springfield, N. J., of course very inaccessible
to his clergy. Had he purchased when he bought this
place, in the suburbs of this city when land was cheap,
he w*^ have left a fortune to his family. As it is, they
will never get back the money laid out for his improve-
ments. M'' Bayard who looks up to his patron, will
be governed I presume by his pleasure. Your brother
1*^ Mrs. Lewis Pintard Bayard's brother-in-law.
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1830 155
has a beautiful 2 story house & 4 Lots of ground in
Amity Street, a central elevated situation near Wash-
ington Square rapidly increasing in population & at a
distance from any other Episcopal Church. This he
offers for $12,000, first cost w*" he was obliged to take
for a debt. The house cost upwards of $5000 built 2
years since by the unfortunate young man for his own
residence, & is now unoccupied. The Rector is delighted
with it & the prospect of gathering a congregation sh*^
the Bp. approve. I feel sanguine myself of his success,
for he is well calculated to solicit aid & many in that
quarter will afford it to enhance the value of their
ground. ... At the late meeting of the Female Mis-
s[ionar]y So[ciety] of S* Thomas, Mother was unani-
mously elected a Directress, w" she accepts. It may
prove innocent possibly useful occupation to her. While
we were collecting $30 in S* Thomas, the Rom. Catholics
in S^ Patricks collected $1000 for their Orphan Assylum.
See what zeal can do. Cap* Holmes tells me that this is
the last regular packet this season. Of course I shall
hereafter write semi monthly by mail, unless anything
extra sh*^ turn up. . . .
Tuesday [June] IS**" . . . We walked to Amity S* in
the aft. noon to show M"" Bayard the very pretty House
adjoining the proposed lots for erecting a new Church,
w*" pleased him much. Neat clean & unoccupied ready
to receive his family at once, as soon as the measure
shall be decided. He called on the Bishop last evening
who heartily approves. He has gone to Princeton with
elated hopes w'' I trust will not be disappointed. Poor
man he has endured many trials. I hope all for the best
& that at last he may find a resting place. As I contem-
plated the lots I thought possibly that I was regarding
the spot where I might lay my bones. In case of his
success, I propose to build a vault & remove the remains
of our family from the French Church Cemetery, to rest
I trust in peace, which I wish to do in my day, & that
soon for we shall sell or lease the site of our present
Church, for one in the upper part of the city
156 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
Wed'' [June] 16"* ... I send for the amusem* of y""
Alexandrians/'^ Miss Sedgwicks new novel of Clarence
descriptive of the customs & manners of this city, it is
said, & is well spoken of. She rec*^ $1200 for the copy-
right. I cannot find time to look into the novels that
overflow our country, altho' I amuse myself by going
over the Waverlys. I send also 3 little Bibles for dear
Helen, Julia & Lucy Ann, the Georgian proclamation &
if out, the editorial of the Cherokee Phoenix, worthy
the best day & best characters of our Rev[olutionar]y
patriots, the author Elias Boudinot, a Cherokee educated
by D"" Boudinot whose name he assumed. A proof that
Indians are susceptible of civilization & education. The
late Act of Congress enforcing their removal from the
graves of their forefathers is an indelible disgrace to
our country. As to Georgia, "Will I not visit for these
things saith the Lord."
You have likewise a notice of M"" J. L. Miltons con-
templated Institute in N[ew] 0[rleans]. I hope it will
not interfere with M""^ Smith. . . .
[Addressed by Ship] Louisiana
N York, Thur^ W"" June, 1830
(Bunker Hill battle 1775)
... I rec** a letter from Thomas [Servoss] of IS'".
He is delighted with his situation at Board & in the
Machine shop, where he goes @ 4i/4 A. M., Breakfast
at 6, work at i/o p. 6, dines at 12, back 12% remains
till 7i/i> p. m., in all 15 hours application. He has begun
with the Turning Lathe & promises a specimen of his
handywork. . . .
Monday [June] 2P* ... I spoke of the Rev. M""
Bayard. Continuing the subject of my former letter,
as this may reach you earliest. Let me repeat, that dis-
contented with a starving country Church, & encum-
1'^ Mr. and Mrs. John Harris Johnston, of Alexandria, Louisiana.
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1830 157
bered with a large family of really fine, indeed beautiful
children, he came to town a fortnight ago with the
intent of seeing whether he could obtain a living in
Trenton, the Episcopal Minister of w" M"" Johnson ^^ is
about retiring. On the prompt suggestion of y'' brother,
he has changed his course, & is now endeavouring to
collect a congregation in the upper part of this city,
on the west side of Broadway, a rapidly populating
district & many genteel Episcopal families. ... He re-
turns home this ev*^ to bring down his family & enter
upon his efforts to gather a congregation. . . .
Tuesd-^' [June] 22". . . . Y"" brother attended an
overflowing meeting in Masonic Hall, the 2*^ on Sunday
Schools in y'" great valley, an admirable speech from
Senator Frelinghuysen, taking a political view of the
immense country, w*" at a future day is to rule the U
States, & of the urgent necessity of enlightening & in-
structing the rising generation. Collect [ion] $2000, in
all in this city $15,000. In Phil" $25,000. We do more
here for other purposes than Phil''. Boston no doubt &
other parts will contribute. Sunday Schools & Libraries
are to be established <k several have come forward as
teachers. . . .
\ [Addressed:] p"" Mail via Mobile
i
i N York. Wed^ 23'^ June, 1830
. . . The Rev. M"" Hare of Pennsy'' was maried yest^
to Bp. Hobarts 2^ daughter. I but just begin my Diary
to say. that I return home early to be bled at 12 o'clock.
My head distresses me so much, that I dread the heat
of July. Our reformers are making more ado about the
Booths usually erected at the Park & Battery, than what
is right, in my opinion. It is now an antient practice.
18 William Lupton Johnson, Rector of St. Michael's Church, Trenton,
N. J. (Hamilton Schuyler, History of St. Michael's Church, Trenton,
N. J. (Princeton, 1926), pp. 174, 175.
158 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
Why sh'' we not rejoice on the Ann[iversar]y of Am.
Independence, that glorious event. Let us regulate but
not restrain. It is among the misfortunes incident to
Church & State to be zealous overmuch.
Thur^ [June] 24'*^. I was bled yest^, a pint, & my
poor head feels relieved. . . .
Saf [June] 26. ... I am getting my hand in to at-
tend next mo [nth] at the Savings B'' taking the place
of an invalid Trustee for the rem"" of this. ... I am
loth to give up the A[merican] B[ible] S[ociety] & the
S[aving]s B[ank]. I feel like a poor Mariner suspended
by 2 ropes, certain if he quits his hold, that he must
plunge into eternity. I dread the vacuum, w^ must soon
come. My eyes failing, reading too much irritates them,
otherwise my thirst for books is not allayed, but total
want of compulsory occupation I dread. My mind is as
yet too active to sink into vacancy or stupor, conse-
quently some employm* however slight is a cordial to
my health & spirits.
Tuesd'' [June] 29*''. The favourable accounts of the
probable recovery of George IV whose situation had
been extremely critical are regarded as a signal inter-
position of Providence in behalf of G. Britain, indeed
of all Europe at this juncture. He is by far the ablest
& most popular King of the House of Hanover that has
ever filled the Throne. His death might have convulsed
Europe. Indeed England is so much the centre of the
commercial world that business, cotton esp^ has been
stagnated during his imminent illness. Your brother
experiences also the effects. He has had but a moderate
share of business the past season. The affair of Frank-
lin has been of detriment to him. . . . Yest^ closed the
11*'' year of our Savings Bank, the last receiving day
before Interest commencing P* July. The pressure was
extreme, as also on Sat^. The receipts were Sat^, $14,498,
yest^, $16,169.69. We opened 50 new accounts each day,
& served yest^ at the rate of 2i/^ persons a minute, by
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1830 159
w** you may judge of the perfection of our system &
velocity of despatching business. ... A Hail storm that
occured i^ p. 3 cooled the atmosphere & rendered the
overcrowded room more comfortable than it w*^ have
been. The worst is the contaminating effluvia from so
many compound breaths & exhalations from their pes-
tilential, almost, carcases. What a compound of vil-
lainous smells.
Wed^ 30*'^ June. . . . M'' B[ayard] came to town on
his way to his son William to attend to business for the
estate of D"" Boudinot. He left this for Albany at 12.
More haste than good speed, for at V2 p. 4 P. M. young
Samuel Stockton called at our door. He came express
from Princeton in hopes of overtaking M"" B. before
his departure. It was on the melancholly occasion of
the unexpected death of M"" Washington who had been
detained from coming on with y'" cousin Julia to be con-
fined in August at her Mothers. His fever proved fatal.
. . . Poor Aunt Patty will be overwhelmed for Julia, as
you know, is her darling daughter. ... He ^^ became
a communicant of our Church last winter, when at-
tending the Legislature at Richmond, und[er] Bishop
Moore, allied to our family. . . . Among the recent
deaths in this city is that of my friend Lindley Mur-
rays Wife leaving 8 children. I did not attend the
funeral, as the distance out & home to the Friends
burial ground was too great, at my age, & Mother for-
bade my standing on the damp earth. Also M"" Henry
MTarlane, Hardware Merchant, who died suddenly on
a visit to his Iron Works. He was buried at Si/-, this
morning in this city. He was one of the most active
Trustees of our Theo [logical] Sem'' & his loss will not
easily be replaced. . . .
[Addressed:] p' Mail via Mobile
'"William Augustine Washington.
160 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
N York, Sat^ 3 July, 1830
. . . Yest^' Sisters heavy baggage was despatched for
Bath. This morn^ at 9, the whole family attended by
y"" brother, take their Departure in the N. Utrecht Stage
w*" comes over to Broome S^ so that I shall once again
become the Solitaire. Thomas is expected to day to
keep Independence on Monday w'' will enliven my soli-
tude. . . .
429 Broome S' 5^=^ July, 1830
The 54"' Anni[versar]y of Am. Indep[endenc]e oc-
curing on Sunday, the celebration takes place this day,
& a finer day c*^ not be wished for. I took a walk after
breakfast down B*^way, literally alive with crowds of
people from the country who flock from all quarters to
see Independence. It delights me to witness so many
happy faces, men women. Boys, Girls, & children all fol-
lowing the military & civil processions or enjoying them-
selves in the booths, crowded with guests partaking of
every kind of luxury eatable & drinkable, & in profusion.
Fruits de pays, Oranges & pine apples by thousands.
In these last this city has been most abundantly & very
reasonably supplied. Sister has made some most de-
lightful sweetmeats of pines. Yest^ I attended the Sac-
rament at S'^ Thomas' alone, for our family all went to
Bath Sat^' morn*''. Thomas arrived yest^' morn°. I shall
send a copy of the very appropriate service for the An-
ni[versar]y selected by Bp. Hobart from what is called
the proposed prayer book, w" contained an appropriate
service for the 4*'' July. From whatever cause, it was
rejected, & our Book of Common Prayer contains not
a single Thanksgiving for this greatest of national events
& blessings. At midnight the Boys began with their pis-
tols & crackers which have been incessant ever since.
I rejoice that poor mother is out of the way, for her
nerves w*^ have been shattered to pieces. It is now high
noon, & the Bells are ringing throughout the City & the
Artillery roaring at the Battery. . . .
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1830 161
Sat^ [July] 17*". Excessive heat. Glad that our
folks are at Bath. Y"" brother went over yest^ to re-
turn Sunday p. m. If spared my turn comes on Tuesday
to Thur^', so we alternate & do not leave the house alone.
The Rev. IVP Bayard commences his enterprize tomor-
row. I shall attend to make up one of the small number
that may be expected. He begins at an unfavourable
period when all that can, leave the city. However there
must be a beginning & his efforts merit success. He
deserves credit for his exertions, having no help, to hunt
up a Clerk, prayer books &c" w*" keeps him running from
one to tother end of the city & withal, writing a sermon
for the occasion. God speed him. The last Sunday of
this month, my French Church closes for 2 months, when
I will go to M"" B's upper Chamber. Several propitious
circumstances have favoured him. He has obtained a
large commodious room in the Military Hall, furnished
with Desk & Benches & suitable for worship. . . .
I must enjoin it on Mother to give my poor Mothers
old fashioned wedding ring to Mary, w*" I believe yet
exists. If she does, it must not be altered, but be re-
tained as a piece of family relict, now 74 years old. I
think my parents were married in 1757. I hope to hear
in y"" next our Darlings decision, watch or tea set. All
the same to me. Let her make her unbiassed choice.
The latter probably, as most conspicuous, & if so, she
shall have the handsomest & most fashionable set the
city affords. At this season, our silver smiths are all
actively employed making up orders for the southerns
who visit the Springs. It is surprizing the amount of
money which these free hearted people scatter among us.
The whole cotton crop of some plantations go to bear
traveling charges & purchase fashionable articles to as-
tonish the natives at their return. The better for our
northern industry & for them too, if it makes them
happy. To mark the difference of season betwen us, y""
brother took over watermelons, the first of our country
production, yest^ & this day I bought the first green corn
162 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
that has come to market. Roasting ears will soon be
plenty at Bath for our younkers
[Addressed by:] Mail via Mobile
N York, Monday IQ*** July, 1830. Excessive heat
. . . Yest^ the Rev. M"" Bayard commenced the for-
mation of his new Church in the upper part of the
city. I attended with 10 males 10 Females & 14 children
a good opening. The day was oppressively hot & the
season is ag* as not only most genteel, but also decent
families abandon the city & to these he is to look for
support. . . .
Sat-^ [July] 24*" July p. m. . . . I attended this
morn^ at 8 the funeral of M" Wilkes formerly Rogers, a
rich widow & proprietor of Bath House. She had been
troubled with Erysipelas & accidental exposure to the
heat of the sun induced apoplexy & terminated her life,
in the 65th year of age. She was an agreeable lady &
her two sons & daughter M" Rhinelander, always very-
civil to mother & me. . . .
Wall S* Monday [July] 26*". I had a most oppres-
sive aft.noon on Saf. We served 243 customers, the
room was crowded to excess, air stagnant, indeed
fetid. . . .
Savings B[an]k, 4l^ p. m. I was so interrupted &
called off this morning that I c*^ proceed no further.
The Funding Com"* of this Bank of w" I am one was
deliberating on the purchase of $100,000 Pensylv" 5 p' c*
Stock, on w" we concluded. This of course engrossed
my attention. It is more pleasant this aft.noon, but still
hot. . . .
Wall S* Tues^ [July] 27*"
The Rev. M"" Bayard had an election yest^ p. m. for
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1830 163
his vestry composed of respectable characters. His
Church is named S' Clements.
[Addressed:] p' Mail via Mobile
New York, Friday 30''' July, 1830
... By the way, our post master has desired that
distant letters sh*^ not be sealed with sealing wax, w"
becoming heated, adheres to other letters & often defaces
their addresses. . . .
Saturday [July] 3V\ Beautiful day. . . . The foun-
dation stone of S' Clements -° was laid by Bp. Hobart
attended by Bp. Croes & several of the Clergy on Thur^
at 6 p. m. I was not ret*^ from Bath to be present. Y'
brother say[s] that M' Bayard delivered a very neat
address on the occasion. . . .
Monday 2*^ Aug*. A most elegant day after a power-
ful rain. ... A letter from Mother. She recruits but
apprehends that her strength will never return until she
goes to housekeeping, w*" if in my power I will gratify
her. Indeed it is time to swarm. Four children are
eno[ugh] for Sister, without old folks, & Mother makes
such distinction between Pintard & Boudy, as is painful
to their father. The latter is never permitted to put his
foot in her room. I endeavour to carry an even hand
between them, & not to show a partiality w*" sometimes
creates envy & jealousy as they grow up. Certainly if
Mother can find a neat dweling for $300, as she says she
can, I will make every exertion to gratify her. ... I
wish instead of housekeeping, plague of servants & all
the worrying incident thereto, that she w*^ consent to
go to lodging in some neat family, where our comfort w*^
be greater, & our expenses defined. . . .
20 On the south side of Amity (now West Third) Street, between
MacDougal and Sullivan Streets. The building was demolished in 1910.
St. Clement's is now (1940) located at 423 West 46th Street, New York
City.
164 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
Savings B[an]k, 4i/i p. m. My own regular tour of
duty expired with July, on Sat^ ev^. 317 new ace** were
opened thro' the month. ... I am taking the turn un-
til this day week for an excellent man, a Methodist, who
is attending Camp Meeting. This Society must experi-
ence benefit from these meetings w"" have now lasted
seven years, or they w** be abandoned. . . . Tomorrow
is Commencement day in Columbia College. Perhaps I
write under its benign influence. My deafness alone pre-
vents my attendance w*" I w^ do in compliment to M""
Duer, who appears for the first time as president. I un-
derstand that he is very eflBcient & much esteemed. Ex-
cepting my Bishop, he enjoys one of the best gifts in
this state, Harvard excepted, probably in the U*^ States.
I mean Academical. On Saturday was the examination
of the Flushing Institute, w" flourishes. . . .
[Addressed:] p"" mail via Mobile
N York, Wed^ 4''^ Aug\ 1830. beautiful day
. . . The Rev. M"" Bayards family arrived yest^
p. m. ¥"■ brother walked up in the ev^. Madam B. is
pleased with the house, w*" tho' small is neat & com-
modious. . . . Thur^ [August] 5'*". . . . What a dis-
tressing picture you draw of young S. Smith. Indeed
his destitute mother appears destined to drain the Cup
of Affliction to the dregs. Of all curses, that of intem-
perance is among the most bitter. We have experienced
it in poor Uncle Lewis, & indeed Brasher. ... A most
dreadful instance of this mal organization occurred in
the Rev. Hooper Cummings, son of my friend Gen. Cum-
mings. He possessed the finest genius, wrote well, & was
an elegant person & eloquent preacher. He read a Psalm
equal to his mentor, D"" Smith. From his early boyhood,
thro school, college & divinity school, he had a strange
perversity towards lying, & appeared a radical lyar. No
warning no reproof c'^ check him till it eventually ruined
him with his brethren. He was compelled to leave New-
TO HIS DAUGHTER. 1830 165
ark. Having preached verbatim a particular sermon of
Topladys, high Calvinistic, on being charged with the
fact, he roundly denied, & on giving his MS. discourse
to some ministers, charged with the investigation, it was
found to be a literal transcript from the printed volume.
Thro many gradations from bad to worse, at Albany &
in this city, he was obliged to change his ground for
Charleston, where shortly after his arrival he died. He
broke his mothers heart, still living. My friend his
father, regarded his son persecuted, w'' was not the fact.
He fell a victim to intemperance. . . .
Sat^ [August] 7*\ The arrival of the packet Man-
chester gives the official acc'^ of the decease of George
IV . . . It is probable that his successor William IV will
make no violent changes in the ministry, which will
confirm the tranquillity of the nation & prove auspicious
to Europe & America, for G. Britain is the centre of the
civilized world. The French, so far, have been suc-
cessful against Algiers w*" will probably fall into their
hands, & then this nest of pirates will be annihilated. It
is marvellous that it sh*^ have endured so long, & that
our young nation sh'^ have been the only one to have
curbed their insolence. . . .
[Addressed:] p"" Mail via Mobile
New York. Friday 13''' Aug^ 1830
The Talma is to sail on Monday. I shall put up y""
papers, the Observers, to go by her. The packets hence-
forward will sail regularly V & 15*^ I find that Cap*
Holmes has dissolved connection with M"" Foster, cause
to me unknown. . . .
Sunday Sept. [sic for August] 15. ... I attended
M"" Bayards Church. He had quite a full congregation
w*" is encouraging, but he has 3 children down with fever,
166 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
& M" B. is far from smart. This is a pull back. He
showed me a letter from Princeton. His mother has
recovered but sister Julia, going abroad too soon has re-
lapsed. Princeton I believe is sickly just now. The city,
probably is as healthy at present as the country. . . .
M"" Bayards Church, that is to be, or place of worship,
that is, is a full mile or more from our abode. I love
the By-ways, where I can see the humbler tenants of
our great city, clad in their Sunday clothes, where I
am aside of the region of false curls, & where free to
follow nature is the mode, where plainness & neatness
characterise every female, where furbelowed sleeves do
not elbow the solitaire off the footwalk, where all, father,
mother, children, appear with cheerful countenances,
thanking God, in language louder & more forcible than
words, that there is one day in seven when High, Low,
Rich & Poor can meet & boast, The Lord is the Maker
of us all. . . .
Monday [August] W^ . . . Sister is longing after a
beautiful House, near Bath, situate on Utrecht Mount,
overlooking our beautiful Bay, scenery & harbour. The
House is a double one, 2 stories, 5 acres land improved,
price $4000, or less. Your brother rode round on Sat^
to look at it, but it is infested with musquitos, & altho
high, several ponds in the vicinity render the whole
vicinity subject to fevers by the malaria, so that how-
ever enchanting the prospect, it will never do to pur-
chase an unhealthy seat. Sister had set her heart on it,
& will be disappointed. . . .
[Addressed by:] Mail via Mobile
N York, Friday 2P* [^c for 20th] Aug*, 1830
On my way down I stopped at every watchmakers to
enquire after an old time eight day clock, but in vain.
They are seldom to be met with, the old fashioned folk
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1830 167
retaining, like myself & you, these family relics. I shall
continue my researches at the Furniture Auctions, but
with little hope. New modern clocks in mahogany cases
cost from $60 to 75 Doll". I had once a very beautiful
Clock, w*" I bot of Aunt Cortlandt for $50, but g'^ma
Brasher sold it & likewise gave away to rid herself of
my old trumpery, a superb Dutch Cass or Wardrobe
nicely carved, as black as Ebony with age, w*" cost origi-
nally in Holland £100 or $250, a great deal of money
2 centuries ago. It was to be sure an unweildy piece of
Furniture, but had it remained to me I w*^ not take twice
its cost for it. Sic transit gloria mundi.
Saturday [August] 2P*. Savings B[an]k where I
have brought my letter to relate the issue of my re-
searches for y' Clock. On my return home yest^ I de-
termined to call at the Furniture Auction Stores scat-
tered along B'^way. The first I entered was an extensive
one near Wall S' where I saw a plain modern clock suit-
able for a kitchen Hall, cheap at $12. This was not y'
clock. On going above stairs into a spacious saloon
filled with sofas chairs & tables I saw in a retired corner
the very article of w"" I was in pursuit. On enquiry it
was a piece of family furniture, cost $100, price fixed
$35. If a good time piece, it was mine. On chaffering
the Auctioneer told me he w"^ take $30. I returned to
y"" brothers store to get him to bargain for it. He was
luckily in & having occasion to call at the B'' of N York.
I crossed over to a Watchmaker to enquire whether he
c*^ clean a Clock, & on describing it. He said that it was
the very Clock that he was to repair previous to being
sold. That it had belonged to a M' Henry Tenbrook
lately deceased, & that his daughter wished to sell it for
$35. S*^ to have cost $100 & to be an excellent clock.
Your brother desired him to examine the works, & if as
described to bring it to his shop in the afternoon. I
called this morn° when M' Bedient showed me the clock,
w^ required some repairs besides cleaning. The whole
to cost with a new glass $6, that a Box w'^ cost $1 or
more, porterage & freight probably $3, so that $40 mav
168 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
deliver for my beloved daughter an excellent Hall Clock
agreeable to her wishes. The Dial plate corresponds with
that at Princeton, Hours, Minutes & second hands, tells
the day of the month & shows the phases of the Moon,
w'' my good old Uncles did not. The case is mahogany,
fluted corners & fluted pillars to the top, very neat &
complete. The works are excellent & will be put in com-
plete order & carefully boxed up to go by the Kentucky
P' Sept. If it arrives safe I warrant that it will [please]
you. Had I traversed the city thro' I c'^ not have found
one more to my liking. So much for the Clock, and
now to a less pleasing subject. I have come down to
the Bank with an aching head & troubled heart. Last
night at 9 o'clock, the Rev. M"" Bayard lost his oldest
daughter Matilda, his housekeeper & helpmate to her
mother. 4 of his daughters have been ill of fever since
coming from Princeton. . . . After an early breakfast
I called on M"" Bayard & found him composed, bearing
his severe visitation with a truly Xt" spirit becoming a
Minister of the Gospel. I left him with the Rev. D*"
Lyall who had married M'"^ Bayards sister. A tender
kind hearted man. The undertaker M"" Coates was sent
for, a competent man to attend to the funeral, to take
place by the Doctors advice, this afternoon at 6. . . .
Savings B[an]k Monday [August] 23'' p. m. On my
return home Sat^ I found Sister & family safe arrived
& ready for Tea. Sister had nothing to do but to sit down
in her house all ready prepared & cleaned from nursery
to kitchen. We did not know M"" Servoss' worth as a
housekeeper till now.
Tues^ [August] 24*\ Dear Mother did not come
home yest^ but intend to return this very fine day. . . .
My old friend Col. Willet died 22^ inst aged 90 years
II days. He was the Nestor of the officers of the revo-
lution, some of whom are Heros in the newspapers, but
he was a Hero in the field. When a obituary is published
I will send it to you. He is to be buried with every
military honour that can be testified. I am invited as
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1830 169
a pall bearer w" I respect as an honour from his family,
a proof as the invitation was expressed of the estimation
he had for me. . . .
[Addressed by:] Mail via Mobile
To Lewis Marsden Davidson, of New Orleans
New York, 27*'' AugS 1830
[My] dear G[ran]dson Marsden
By the Ohio arrived 17*'' Aug. I received your letter
[of] 22*^ July, giving a description of your dear Sister
Eliza's delightful abode in the Pine Groves. You call
her M" Johnston. This is too formal between brother
& sister. You sh*^ always mention her as Sister Eliza
or Sister Johnston. In our family we always give mar-
ried sisters the names of their husbands, for instance
Sister Davidson, Sister Servoss (fee". There may be
among connections on both sides, more than one Eliza
or Louisa, by adopting the husbands name there can be
no confusion or mistake. This for your guidance. I am
glad that you are pleased with Crabb's Synonymes.
Make constant reference to it & the nice distinctions be-
tween words of near resemblance but actual difference
will soon become familiar to you & render your language
select & correct. . . . For acquiring knowledge you will
be infinitely better off with M"" Lea, who if he appoints
you his deputy, it will add to y"" importance w*" your
own good conduct, fidelity & assiduity to the duties of
his ofiBce will I feel confident sustain, besides dear
mother says that y'" salary is to be increased. I am
happy that your talents are in such requisition, a proof
of your rising reputation. You say that you have read
Blackstone through, which, if properly performed
shows your diligence. Blackstone is a work to be studied,
not only read. You say that you read my advice to you,
contained in dear mothers letter. I trust that you
approve it, and as a reward for following it I shall
170 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
forward by the Kentucky Chancellor Kents Lectures in
4 Volumes, $18, a dear work, but highly esteemed, esp^
the V\ on the Law of Nations, of w*" a separate edition
was printed for the use of statesmen & general readers.
The Author ranks very very high among civilians &
jurisprudists, as well a[t] home as abroad. Sh'* I meet
with any Law works among my books I will give them
to you, but I poss[ess] few or none. When I relin-
quished the pursuit of the law [I] rid myself of them,
little anticipating that I should be blessed, I hope, with
a g[ran]dson who may be destined, if he pleases, to be
an honour to the profession. If I can find my copy of
the Federalist I will send it, otherwise will endeavour
to procure one for you. Being out of print it is a scarce
book, but ought to be on every lawyers & Statesmans
shelf. Did not Judge Smith leave behind a good law
Library to w'' you can have access? I recommend in
course, Hargrave, Coke, Littleton, w*" I once studied with
delight & improvement. It gives the very mar[r]ow
of English law. . . .
4*'' Oct^ Among the Books sent is Wo[r]cesters
Chronological & Biographical Chart with his Illustra-
tions. By studying it you will more readily impress
upon y' memory the course of Historical events & dates
of eminent men thro' the Streams of Time. The plan
is after D"" Priestlys w*" I once had well by memory &
can therefore speak practically of its utility. . . . There
is also a copy of Buttersworths Concordance to hunt
up Texts, at which Thomas is very dexterous. Read
attentively, on Sundays, Leslies Short Method with the
Deists & West on the resurrection, to establish & con-
firm y"" Faith in Divine revel [atiojn. Do not forget my
dear Marsden the early impressions made on y"" mind
when at Flushing Institute. Be assured that ''the Scrip-
tures are not a cunningly devised fable," and the Doc-
trine of the Trinity, altho above our fallible reason, is
below our humble Faith. What pains & study these sub-
jects have afforded me I cannot express. I thank my
TO HIS DAUGHTER. 1S30 171
God that my Faith in both arises from conviction &
not from a mere bhnd wish. Search the Scriptures for
in them you have all truth & as you advance in years
you will have more & more cause to rejoice that you
were born of Xt° parents. That God may bless & in-
fluence your mind to be a humble & faithful servant of
our Lord & Saviour Jesus Christ, is the devout wish &
prayer of
Y^ aff' g^father
John Pintard
[Addressed:] M"" L. Marsden Davidson
New Orleans
Ship Alabama
To Mrs. Richard Davidson
N York Bank for Savings, Monday 30^'' Aug*, 1830
I regret to mention that our Rev*^ kinsman L. P.
Bayard lost his oldest daughter Matilda in her IT**" year,
after a short illness of fever which she brought with
her from Princeton. This is a distressing event as she
was his housekeeper. Her mother is a decayed body &
have now 7 children, 5 girls 2 boys, beautiful girls &
the youngest 10 months a perfect cherub. I am writing
amid a great deal of tumult occasioned by a man who
endeavoured to committ a fraud, representing himself
for another person. He is just sent to the police office
for examination. A faithful diligent Trustee of this
Bank has no trifling trust or duty to perform. We
have this day purchased from a J\I'" Taylor of y'" city
$66,000 of y' Corporation. Your brother negotiated for
M^ Taylor. We were in treaty for $134,000 more with
M"" Yeatman who declined our offer which M"" Taylor
took. M"" Yeatman operates very largely in money con-
cerns & is a valuable friend of y"" brother, who having
stood the shock of Franklin's wdll I trust another season
sail once more before the wind. He has done pretty
172 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
well the last & is still obtaining consignments. His
judgment in cotton is superior to any mans in this
market.
According to y suggestion I have invested Darlings
Saving Bk. fund wanting a trifle of $160, in a splendid
watch & equipage. The former of the very best quality
fully jeweled, cost $120 & the equipage $40, exactly her
money. She is indebted to her uncle for hunting up &
cheapening the watch w** g'^ma selected as also the chain
& trinkets.
Wed-^ P* Sept' . . . This morn^ I treated mother to
some fine oysters, the prohibition against offering them
for sale having ceased to the great joy of our gourmands
whose appetite for oysters is insatiable. Mother relished
them. Cool weather will restore her appetite & strength.
... To our great joy High School & Infant School be-
gan this day. Both boys glad to get loose from their
confinement & both in high health. . . .
[Addressed by:] Ship Kentucky
with a small Packet
to the care of Cap* Jackson
N York, Sat'' 4"' Sept', 1830
On the P* inst. y' Cousin Julia Washington was put
safe to bed with a fine daughter, to the great joy of
the Clermont Family. On Thur'' 2^ the excavation of
the ground for the Rev. M' Bayards new Church, called
S* Clements, was commenced. The edifice is after the
Gothic style, a very handsome elevation, contract price
$13,000, the walls to be raised & covered in by Decem'
next & the work completed by June next. The front
is to be of white marble, the Building of a full size, with
a basement for a Lecture room & Sunday Schools. Your
brother takes great interest in promoting this object.
We were astounded on the 2^ with the marvellous news
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1830 173
of a complete Revolution in France, begun & ended,
probably, in one week. . . . Dear Mother continues
poorly & is much dispirited w*" retards her recovery. She
insists that this is her last illness, but Francis assures
me that there is no cause for apprehension. . . ,
Monday [September] 6"". Our dear little Pintard
has been extremely ill with chill terminating in a high
fever. . . . D'' Francis absent D' M'Lean his locum
tenens attended & prescribed the most active remedies,
evacuating the stomach & bowels. The violent opera-
tion of antimony sent the blood so to his head, that he
was bled & leeches applied. After this process, an ano-
dyne was prescribed. He fell into a profound sweat &
sleep & rested for the first time in 3 nights. Happily
I knew nothing of his danger when I went to attend the
sacrament in M"" Bayards Church. 31 communicants.
When I returned & entered y'' Sisters room, seeing a
strange physician & our dear patient in a torpor under
the operation of the leeches I was appalled. D' M''Lean,
Aunt Helens quondom suitor told me that he had con-
fidence in his prescriptions. . . . This day I am to at-
tend, by app[ointmen]t a meeting of the Bergen
Aux[iliar]y B[ible] S[ociety] & to dine with Col.
Varick at Powlas Hook. . . .
Wed^ [September] 8'^ Broome S'. . . . Altho' the
walk home was very fatiguing, after changing my dress,
I went to Niblos Saloon to view the display of Fruits
by the Horticultural Society, w'' was superb indeed, far
surpassing every former exhibition. I did not know
which to admire most the Fruits & Flowers or the
Beauty & Fashion that surrounded them, altho' my
mind was little attuned to such refined contemplation.
The Saloon was crowded with fashionables, attracted
like myself by this splendid exhibition. The Society
dined together & regaled on all the luxuries of the table.
Till this year I have been a member but never dined, as
I have long refrained from public dinners. I wish my
174 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
old friend D' Mitchill w*^ follow my example, his weak-
ness on these occasions always degrades him. A pity
that a philosopher sh'^ render himself contemptible in
the eyes of the vulgar. A superb Ball was to have been
given by the So[ciety] this ev^ & the Fruit reserved
for the Ladies, but an accident to the Gasometer causes
it to be postponed till next Monday ev^ when the prin-
cipal attraction the display of Fruits will be marred.
In this great metropolis there is no end to the succes-
sion of amusements w*" are esp^ gratifying to the south-
erns who are beginning to return from their summer
excursions. It is astonishing what numbers, esp'' of S°
Carolinians migrate north; to escape the heats & mala-
dies of their climate, altho this season it has been but
an exchange of one furnace for another. Like you I
have never experienced it hotter. This day however is
overcast & cooler. I mentioned that I was going to
Bergen to attend a meeting of its Aux[iliar]y B[ible]
S[ociety]. Altho within 21/2 miles of Powlas Hook yet
situate aside of the main road I was never in this antient
town before. It is a Dutch place settled originally by
the garrison of Fort Amsterdam. The veriest boors of
all the Dutch emigrants, who have retained their sim-
plicity & almost rusticity to this very day, & appear to
be a distinct nation within themselves, not to be com-
pared with the congregation of N. Utrecht who are a
different race refined by the numerous French families
that mixed among them.
(Wall St) We dined at Col. Varicks. where I partook
of the finest corn & beans I eve[r] ate. Sweet corn.
Have you the species with you, as sweet as sugar. The
Col. gave an address as did M"" Nitchie our Gen' Ac-
countant & the Rev*^ M" Brigham Sec''. I c*^ not but
feel a veneration for the descendants of the Dutch sol-
diers, who by their proximity to this city, their thrift
& economy are all rich. Bergen from time immemorial
has always been famous for its cabbages, w*" are trans-
ported in great quantities to the south, so that the cul-
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1830 175
tivation extends. Their veal is considered the finest that
comes to our market. . . .
[Addressed by:] Mail via Mobile
[By Ship] Louisiana
N YoKK, Thur^" 9*'^ Sept^. 1830. 1 p. m.
Wed^ [September] lo"". Pintard picking up. Aunt
Patty, M' B[ayard] & son dined with us yest^ & mother
came to table on the occasion for the first time. She
will I hope gain strength before winter sets in. Bp.
Hobart while on his visitations was taken with bilious
fever at Auburn 2*^ inst. His symptons tho' violent,
mitigated, but on Sat^ last IV^ inst. became so alarm-
ing that the Sacrament was administered to him. He
died on Sunday morn" 12"". His remains are to be trans-
fered to this city & he will no doubt have a pompous
funeral at the expense of T[rini]ty Ch. which permitted
Bp. Provost to be buried at the expense of his family.
He was an active, ambitious High Church prelate, &
will be canonized by his party as such. I c*^ not nor
did not go all lengths with him, esp^ in his opposition
to the Am. Bible So[ciety] & indifference to our Gen.
Theol[ogica]l Sem^ w*" he did all in power to degenerate
into a Diocesan School. He has however gone to his
account & let him rest. I hope he is better off as I trust
our Diocese will be. Perhaps a sketch of his character
may appear in the Ev[enin]g Post, w'* I will inclose.
Who is to be his successor will be the subject of clerical
intrigue. The Rev. D"" Onderdonck will no doubt be
pushed by the High Church predominating party. Our
Convention meets 7"^ Oct. but I sh<^ think so important
an election ought to be postponed till the Convention
of 1831. D"" Milnor absent in Eng"^ is out of the question
for Bp. H's satellites are violently opposed to him, in
consequence of his attachm* to the A[merican] B[ible]
S[ociety] & living in Friendship with ministers of other
176 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
denominations. I cannot be altogether an indifferent
looker on, altho' I shall take no active part. Were it
in my choice it w*^ be D"" Milnor, as a truly evangelical
man.
Thur^ [September] 16*^ Bp. Hobarts funeral takes
place this aft.noon with every respect that can be paid
to his memory. . . . Our dear Pintard -^ improves fast.
... I see you very busy preparing for Pintards -^ sail-
ing, next week, 22*^. May he have a propitious pas-
sage. . . .
N York, Friday, 17"^ Sept^ 1830
I had just delivered my letter yest*' to go by the
Louisiana, & ret*^ to the office, when y"" brother stepped
in & asked me "if I wished to hear good news?" Cer-
tainly. You have another g^'son in N. Orleans, & put
the Doctors letter of 29*" Aug* into my hands. I confess
I was astounded, & immed-'' wrote a short line in time
to go by the L[ouisiana] to acknowledge rec* of these
happy tidings. ... I have constituted my dear young-
est g'^son (for the present) Thomas Servoss Davidson,
member for life of the Am. Bible So[ciety] & will send
the certificate in the Clock cast on P* Oct. next. . . .
Now all my g^'sons & parents are members for life of
our great beneficent A. B. S. Yest^ p. m. the late Bp.
Hobarts Funeral was attended by an immense concourse
from the Rectory House to Trinity Ch. The aft.noon
was raw & cold. I felt chilled, & returned home after
going to the place, on the moving of the corpse. . . .
Bp. Hobart was eminent, altho' I c^ not accord with his
high Ch[urch] notions nor policy of Ch. government.
. . . Bp. Moore of Virginia officiated, D' Onderdonk
preached who is to be the successor. I hope Bishop
Brownell, but there is no chance of this.
21 John Pintard Servoss.
22 John Pintard Davidson, on his way to Philadelphia, to enter the
Medical School of the University of Pennsylvania.
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1830 177
Monday [September] 20'". Our Piiitard too impa-
tient to wait, dined at table on Sat^. . . . The praises
of our late Bishop were in the Churches yest''. Much
fulsome adulation on the occasion. The robes of many
of our ministers are lined with the Fox fur of hypocrisy.
Few dare allow, as yet, that they are glad for his decease.
A lust of elimination & a contentious spirit were his
characteristics, with a bigotted intolerant spirit ag* Pres-
byterians. It is a little remarkable that the 3 Bishops
violently opposed to the A[merican] B[ible] S[ociety]
are no more, Bp. Kemp of AlaryP taken down by over-
throw in a stage in 27, Bp. Ravenscroft of N. Carolina,
the last spring, after a short illness at home, & now Bp.
Hobart from home. God overrules all for the best, raises
up & puts down. . . .
[Addressed by:] Mail via Mobile
N York, Wed^' 6*'> Oct^ 1830
. . . M" Dodd came to town yesf & brought a
letter from Aunt Betsey w" I shall forward by the next
packet. She stays with her husbands parents, & her
Rev. brother. . . .
Thur^ [October] 7'". . . . Dear little Pintard was at-
tacked yest^ with chill & fever, ascribed to me, for taking
him to market in the morn^. Perhaps rightly. He is
as delicate as his brother is rugged. Too effeminate for
a boy. No doubt the seeds of his first fever were owing
to N. Utrecht, as well as his g'^mothers, who took hers
by imprudent exposure to the midday sun, returning
from Miss Cortelyou's, a little west from whose house
lies a low meadow w" has been banked in, for several
years past, & this once healthy residence & the country
around has gradually been more & more exposed to
bilious fever. The inhabitants of N. Utrecht have re-
cently held a town meeting to investigate the cause of
this modern Fever, w" is ascribed to the afs*^ meadow.
178 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
Measures will no doubt be adopted to remove the em-
bankment & to let the tide flow in as of yore, & thus
render that part of the island as salubrious as of old.
Otherwise Bath house will be deserted.
Sat^' [October] 9'^. A hard N. E. rain much wanted.
The country this way has suffered with a long drought.
. . . Yest^ the Rev. Benj" T. Onderdonk was elected
Bishop of this Diocese, by a majority of 6 clerical &
15 Lay deputies over several other candidates. I find
that Bp. Brownell was not set up by his friends. What
I cant swallow I must pocket. The reign of terror thank
God is over. With all the disposition he has not the
talents of his predecessor to tyrannize over the Diocese.
He is a man in point of talents below mediocrity, &
selected & supported merely because he was the echo
of Bp. Hobart. A better race of presbyters is springing
up who will think & act for themselves. So let it pass.
Tuesday [October] 12'*". ... I have to record the
death of another friend, Major James Fairlie, AE. 73.
He is to be interred this day with military honours. He
served a brave officer during the whole revol[utionar]y
war, & was one of Baron Steuben's aids. A man of ready
but sarcastic wit, with whom in our day I have fre-
quently tilted. From a friend he became a bitter foe
of De Witt Clinton, whose elevation he strenuously op-
posed, as he did the great enterprize of our western
canal, solely, least it should redound to M"" Clinton's
honour & popularity. . . .
Wed^ [October] 13*\ At my return home yest^ 21/2
p. m. being detained at the Seamans Bank, Mother told
me that somebody wished to speak with me in the par-
lour. Taking it to be some lady, what was my surprize
to find your dear Pintard. ... He is certainly a comely
graceful youth, easy modest & of preposs[ess]ing man-
ners, with every indication of a correct sound mind, &
of amiable disposition. He is all, externally, that we
c*^ wish, & with the benefit of two medical courses will
I trust do honour to his profession. We walked up to
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1830 179
see S' Clements, M"" Bayards Church, & in the ev^ his
uncle took him to the Academy of Fine Arts to view
some superb paintings. This morn^ at 4 Thomas ar-
rived happy to meet his former companion . . . [Pin-
tard] told me that he has written [to New Orleans]
from Phila[delphia] where he has taken excellent lodg-
ings with a lady at $4 a week, w** is reasonable. . . .
Thomas returns on Friday night to be in the machine
shop on Sat^ where he is charged with keeping the work-
mens ace*" . . .
[Addressed:] per Mail via Mobile
[By Ship] Tennessee
N York Searaens B'' for Savings 13"^ Oct., 1830
I have had little oppo[rtunity] to converse with Pin-
tard, & this rainy aft. noon w*" w'^ have been favourable
I am again obliged to travel down, thro thick & thin, to
attend the monthly meeting of the Trustees of our Sav-
ings B", w'' cannot be held without the presence of a
Presid' or V. Pres* of whom we have three, but as my
punctuality is proverbial they never turn out in bad
weather. . . .
Friday [October] 15"'. . . . There is to be a party
at M" Schenck's this ev^ . . . Thomas & his cousin will
represent our family. The Misses Teller & other ladies
from Fishkill are there & return tomorrow at 7. Pintard
talks of going with the party & come back on Tuesday,
so as to set off for PhiP on Thur'' where he will be in
ample time to deliver his letters of introduction & to
make calls before the P* Nov"" after w*" I hope that he
will devote himself to his studies. On further conver-
s[atio]n with him last ev^ I find that there w^as no occa-
sion for my hint respecting the dangers of female so-
ciety, that matter being fixed he told me, having left
180 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
his heart in the safe keeping of Miss Carr,-^ to whom
he send some music as a love token. He says that she
performs on the piano splendidly.
New York, Sat^ 16*'^ Oct^ 1830
beautiful day
As the cousins passed the evening or night I pre-
sume, at M'"'' Schencks I rose 14 past 0 to call them up
so as to leave home a little past 6, to be alongside the
steam boat to depart at 7. I found Thomas prepared
& your dandy son making ready. William who took
down their baggage reported that they were in good
time. A large party of Mattawaners who came down
to the Fair,""* returned this morn^ so that our young
squires will enjoy themselves, & really the Ladies too,
to be attended by such Esquires. The Fair was a most
splendid exhibition of the progress of the Arts & Manu-
factures in this part of the U. S., from the plainest
smooth cross to gold watches, equal to any imported, the
cases I presume, & all the variety of Glass, Silver ware
& Jewellry that one can imagine. The specimens of
cotton & woolen clothes were beautiful. The compe-
tition & emulation excited by these annual exhibitions
cannot but be beneficial to the infant state of our fabrics,
& the time is at hand when for substantial, nay elegant
articles of dress we shall be independent of the old
world. In my day I have been an enthusiast for pro-
moting domestic manufactures. I began with the new
Constitution, & in despite of every prediction to the
contrary have lived to see numerous articles, formerly
imported, nearly totally excluding foreign & superior in
texture, if not quality. Articles of luxury, too much
abound, but if we must use them, let us if we can make
them ourselves, & having the raw materials save the
23Laurette Ker.
24 Of the American Institute.
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1830 181
cost of manufacturing them at home. To me I confess
the display appeared like Fairyland. I did not think
it possible to collect such a variety of beautiful articles,
& set off with so much taste. . . .
Tuesd^- [October] lO^"^ . . . Young M^ Hull called
yest^ to say that he sails in the De Witt Clinton next
Friday for N[ew] 0[rleans].
Thur^ [October] 21. Pintard has ret"^ as I expected,
being detained & housed by almost incessant rains. . . .
Sister stepped out yest^ to Fontaines to select a silk pat-
tern for Mother, a ball dress for Turtle dove, & one for
parties for dear Mary, with fancy calicos latest patern,
for Helen, Julia & Lucy Ann. All to go in her name,
which better satisfies poor dear Mother. This with
what has gone. & your 2 Tubs of butter, P* & 15*" Nov""
must close my efforts for the season, with deep regret,
that I cannot do more. Be content as I endeavour to
be for so much. An incident has occurred of a marriage,
somewhat unpleasant. My French Minister M. Verren.
of good appearance, fell in love with Miss Hammersley,
daughter of his Church Warden & Treasurer of our
Church. He -^ is my second cousin, a man of respecta-
bility & handsome property, only 3 children, 2 daughters
& a son. My friend & kinsman Thomas H. was opposed
to the courtship, as he did not wish his favourite daugh-
ter to marry a foreigner. Clandestine interviews & cor-
respondence thro' the connivance of the mother took
place for 2 years, during w'' time Miss H. with her
mother & sister regularly attended our Church. Miss
Ann Maria came of age this month, & Mon"" Verren
stole a march on the Father & they were married in S*
Johns Church last Monday, "by the Rev. Benj° T. On-
25 Thomas Hamersley's maternal f!;randmother was Mrs. Gabriel
Stelle (Margaret (Gordon) Carre), whose first husband was Louis
Carre, Jr. Louis Carre, Jr.'s sister, Mrs. Catharine (Carre) Pintard, was
Pintard 's grandmother. AL B. Morris, "Four Generations in America of
the Huguenot Family of Stelle," in N. Y. Genealngical and Biographical
Record, Vol. 44, pp. 110-11; John E. Stillwell. Historical and Genealog-
ical Miscellany, V. 434; A''. J. Archives, 1st ser.. XXX, 86.
182 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
derdonck D D. Bishop elect of the Diocese of N York,"
who was apprized of the disapproval of the Father &
wrote him a letter on Sat^ that notwithstanding he
intended to marry the couple in a few days. My friend
Thomas is outrageous. I sh*^ scarcely suppose that D'
Onderdoncks conduct will meet with approb" other than
from those who think that a Bishop, like a pope, is
above all ordinary restraints. At home all decide ag'
D' 0. as setting a bad example to encourage run away
marriages. I regret the circumstance, & shall do all in
my power to mitigate my friends wrath. The affair is
done, & as the mother connived to gratify the daugh-
ters choice, what he cannot swallow, he must pocket, &
submit, but he is hurt. . . .
New York, Friday 22'^ Oct^ 1830
Your son [Pintard] left us this morning at 5 to take
the early line at 6, for Phila[delphia] where, barring
accidents he will arrive at the same hour this ev^, so
as to get settled in his lodgings tomorrow & call to
deliver his letters of introduc" on Monday. . . . Yest^
he called on D"" Francis, who gave him a letter to D""
Chapman. F. approves of his choice of the Phil"
Med[ical] School. On walking up with him from the
office, some oppo[rtunity] of communication was af-
forded. Enquiring about his studies, he told me that
he was to attend 7 Lectures, for 2 years, w*" w*^ entitle
him, if proficient, to a Diploma at the end of that
term. . . .
Sat^ [October] 23'^. . . . There is sitting in this city
a convention of Literary & Scientific characters from
diff' colleges & states on the subject of the new Uni-
versity in this city & of improving the general system
of education so as to render it better adapted to modern
times & more extensively useful to our rising genera-
tion, a most important subject w*" has been discussed
with great ability & temper. . . . The Convention has
sit 3 days & will adjourn this day, probably to meet
again next year, when it will be more numerously at-
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1830 183
tended & call forth the talents of the most eminent men
of our country. Altho' excluded from participation, I
most heartily rejoice in every improvement esp'' of edu-
cation in our happy country.
Wed'' 27"' Oct'. ... I was much please [d] with M""
Johnstons letter w'' evinces great candour & frankness
in disclosing his situation & prospects, w" are very flat-
tering. His salary $2500 sounds large here, & with pru-
dence will afford every domestic essential, without en-
trenching upon his crops, so that in a few years, if
spared, he may become a forehanded planter, instead
of, as too common, anticipating his crops, & being eter-
nally indebted to his merchant. . . .
New York, Tuesday 2*^ Nov"", 1830
. . . This day, for the first of several, is a bright
one. Wind N. W. We have had a succession of foggy
morn^ I have just returned from a most friendly in-
terview with the Rev. Doctor Milnor who with the Rev.
M"" M'^Ilvaine of Brooklyn arrived on Sat'' ev^ from
Liverpool. They were Representatives of the Am[eri-
can] Bible So[ciety] to the last Anniv[ersar]y of the
British & For[eign] B. S. The reception of these Rev.
gent" was most honorable & grateful to their feelings.
D"" Milnor preac[h]ed his introductory sermon to his
Congregation S' George's on Sunday morn^. He told
me that he was overpowered by the following testi-
monial of the affection of his people. After conclud-
ing his discourse, & before the benediction, his Sunday
scholars, male & female exceeding 300, advanced up the
middle aisle. & arranged themselves in front of the rail-
ing of the Communion table, & sung a congratulatory
hymn on his safe arrival, w" had been prepared for the
occasion. Unapprized of the intention his feelings were
beyond expression. He is perhaps the most beloved by
184 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
his people of any minister in our Church, a truly evan-
gelical servant of his Lord & Master. He was informed
by the pilot of the death of Bp. Hobart & election of
D"" Onderdonck. The former his bitter antagonist to
the last & the latter not better. But the reign of
terror is thank God over, & I yet hope to see more
tranquil days in our Diocese, for the Bp. elect has not
talents to sustain his pretensions w*" are higher than his
predecessors. Thro' the influence of Bp. Hobart, Epis-
copalians generally in N. York are intolerant bigots, re-
garding Episcopacy as an essential of salvation, little
removed from the intolerance of the Church of Rome.
But enough of a disgusting subject. While I prefer &
love my own Church may I never want charity for Xt°'
of every denomination. . . . The continent of Europe
is in a state of convulsion & we may look for bloody
news by every arrival. General Van Hallen -^ who
commands the Brussels insurgents was a Colonel in the
patriot army of Spain, from w'' he fled to this city, &
with whom I became acquainted. He is an elegant man
& a brave soldier. May his efforts prove successful.
Happy America far distant from these scenes of tumult.
Wed^ [November] 3\ . . . This is the 3*^ & last day
of our Election, in w*" I do not feel interest sufiicient
to take a part. The Ghost of Federalism is called from
its Tomb to excite party strife. In addition to our own
contentious materials we have the Working people &
Fanny right men arrayed to level all distinctions to
equalize property, abrogate marriages, release children
from parental restraint, to feed, clothe & educate them
at the public expense, & to have no taxes, & there are
fools enough among the ignorant to be gulled by these
extravagant notions. One w"* suppose it hardly possible
in a country enjoying so many civil & religious blessings
that persons sh*^ be found to hatch & promulge such
chimaeras or that others sh'' believe them. It is owing
to the debased English migration that such abominable
stuff is circulated thro' presses devoted to decry Chris-
-^ Juan Van Halen.
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1830 185
tianity & loosen the bonds of Society & government.
They make a great noise for the moment, but their dull
lamps will expire with the election. In the meantime,
it is a consolation that the promoters & friends of every
good work pursue the silent even tenor of their course,
& it [is] a gratification that instead of relaxing, their
efforts are invigorated & extended. An impulse will
be given by the late literary Convention in this city, to
improve the system of education throughout the U*^
States, probably Europe. One benefit will most prob-
ably ensue, that is the better preparation of Teachers,
who too generally are little competent to the duties of
instruction. Some time will be required to perfect a
system that cannot fail to improve the rising generation.
Much had been done but more doing to abridge & facili-
tate instruction. Female schools esp^ are too much of
a money making concern, wherein the solid is sacrificed
to the superficial, to teach young ladies to dance, dress
& play on the Piano, are the main objects, to qualify
them to come forward, with grace, immed'' into dissi-
pated company, destitute of every useful qualification to
fit them for domestic life. It is the fault of parents, the
vanity of mothers as superficial as their daughters, to
show them off before their charms & attractions fade &
form connections whether prudent or otherwise, no mat-
ter, so that they get rid of them & do not stock on
hand. Do not think me censorious, but certainly this,
shall I call it, corrupted, state of society is growing
among us, & ought to be checked. One would suppose
from appearances that every young miss is an heiress
destined to spend her days in luxury & idleness, while
9/lOths are doomed to lead the lives of plodding, I wish
I c'^ say devoted prudent housekeepers. . . .
Thur^ 4th Nov. This is my B[ible] So[ciety] day.
Of course shall be occupied for 3 or 4 days. We shall
have an interesting meeting as D'" Milnor will report
the result of his mission to the Br[itish] & For[eign]
B[ible] S[ociety]. As I called in at the Depository
coming down a very decent plain Female of Staten
186 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
Island brought her contribution of $30 to constitute
herself a member for life of the A, B. S. all in small
silver, w" she had been lajang aside for several years,
probably what she could spare of her earnings. I could
not but feel a glow of kindness towards her for her zeal
& piety. After all our Society is mainly indebted, under
Providence, for its support to the middling & humb[l]er
classes of Society w" feel their dependence on Providence
more sensibly than the wealthier. For this gift God I
hope will bless her.
Friday [November] 5^". Very busy. Merely a mo-
ment to say that the Kentucky which sailed from N[ew]
0[rleans] 15"' Ocf has not yet arrived. I shall return
home as early as possible to attend Mother on a com-
plimentary call on Col. Monroe, who has come to pass
the winter in this city with his daughter M" Sam'
Gouverneur.
Sat^ [November] 6*''. We paid our respects yest-""
as proposed to Col. Monroe, whose appearance was as
familiar to me as in his youthful days. He is about
6 mo[nth]s older than myself, not a single grey hair, w''
is brown, thin in person, & weakly. M" Monroe was
63 year[s] of age when she died, about y'' mothers
period, for I think they were near each other. Like his
countrymen, Virginians, he is plain, easy & affable, no
formality nor undue familiarity. He retains his hearing
& sight very well. As President his reign of 8 years was
more tranquil & popular than any since the days of
Gen. Washington. He has been ungraciously dealt with
by Congress w" hitherto has declined paying a just
bal[anc]e due him of nearly $30,000, for want of w" he
has entirely sacrificed his private estate, w^ has embit-
tered his life. We talked of the eccentric John Ran-
dolph whose appointment as Minister to Russia has
given universal dissatisfaction & his conduct there has
degraded the character of our government & disgusted
every American resident in S* Petersburgh. It is said
that he is about leaving that Court, the sooner the
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1830 187
better. His trip to Europe will have cost $18,000, with-
out a single benefit to the U. S. So much for party.
I propose to call friendly occasionally on Col. Mon-
roe, who lives quite retired as he wishes to seclude him-
self from public notice. M" Hay, a very excellent lady,
his oldest daughter is with him. She has but one child
a daughter,-'^ married to an eminent lawyer.
After calling on Col. Monroe, we stopped on our return
at the infant school to bring Boudy home. I am aston-
ished to see so many children reduced to such perfect
order & rendered contented with their confin[em]ent.
The effect is visible on Boudy, who is much more or-
derly than his spoiled brother. He really behaves like
a little man, impetuous but placable, & advances rap-
idly in his learning. , . .
Tuesday [November] 9'''
We had a very interesting meeting of the Managers
of the A[merican] B[ible] S[ociety] last Thur^ when
D"" Milnor, our delegate to the Br[itish] & For[eign]
B. S. appeared & resumed his seat as Sec"" for Foreign
Correspondence. When our ordinary business was con-
cluded, he rose & gave a report of his mission, & favour-
able reception in England. He delivered, with applause,
addresses to 9 religious & benevolent associations, that
held their anniversaries in London during the first week
in May, when a concentration of eminent characters,
clerical & lay, of all denominations takes place to
glad [d] en the hearts of all who take interest in the
moral & religious improvements of the age. To hear of
these events elevates the soul, what must it be to
see & participate. D*" Milnor is a fine graceful off hand
speaker, & probably never shone more than when he
recounted last Thur^' the wonderful doings that he has
witnessed during his short excursion of six months, at a
most eventful period in the Annals of G. Britain & the
2^ Mrs. Nicholas Lloyd Rogers (Hortense Hay). Tyler's Quarterly
Historical and Genealogical Magazine, VHI, 278.
188 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
continent. . . . D"" M. says that King William is most
familiar with all ranks, cannot shake off the frankness
of his naval character, & sinks the monarch in the
mariner. Time will correct this. The Queen is also
very plain, & sociable but more dignified. As neither
of them ever expected to sit on a throne they retain the
manners, as yet, of courtiers instead of crowned heads.
At one of the anniversaries, at w*" the King was present,
& where the Audience overflowed to excess, he rose very
familiarly & good naturedly, asked the officers, perhaps
my Lords & gentlemen you w'' wish to see the Queen.
Fall back gentlemen, make room for the Queen, & my
Lord, to one present, be pleased to attend her Majesty.
She accordingly entered the Hall amidst the acclama-
tions of the multitude, took a seat alongside the King
& while he was speaking, a paper was put in her hand
containing the substance of an address that was in-
tended to be made to her, & w" after the King had con-
cluded, was made. When she rose, & with the greatest
affability made an off hand reply that delighted every
one. The King is but a weak brother, but the Queen
if not a masculine possesses a very strong correct mind.
So much for D' Milnor, who can now talk of great
things, about princes & Kings to astonish us poor na-
tives. . . .
Wed^ [November] lO**". Another rainy day, but mild.
This is Savings Bank day when I have to make up a
report of the Funding Committee, with a statement of
our Acc*^ with the Mechanic B*" from w*" we have bor-
rowed $50,000 to help pay the purchase of $100,000 Ohio
six p"" C* stock at a premium of 17 57/100 advance. A
high premium but the best that we can do. Large as the
above loan sounds it will be extinguished by the P* Jan-^
next. A wonderfully prosperous institution. . . .
Thur^ [November] ir\ On Tuesday ev^ 2" inst.
Clinton Hall was opened. I was not present as I never
attend night meetings. The foundation of the Mercan-
tile Library was laid by my eccentric friend W" Wood
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1830 189
who came to town by invitation, on the occasion, a
source of high gratification to him, to see the progress
& future prospects of so, now, important an institution,
w" in time, from its resources is destined to accumulate
the largest Library in the U'^ States. M"" W. presented
the first Book to the Library, & at that period, "the day
of small things," I was also an humble contributor. On
this occasion he likewise gave a splendid 4'" copy of the
life of Bp. Heber by his widow presented by her to him.
JVP'' Heber, quite a literary character & of high family
has married a Greek prince, an elegant man, of hand-
some fortune, & who has settled ]\L'' Heber 's estate on
her & her children. She has been censured for so soon
forgetting her first eminent & excellent husband, but she
was a widow 31/2 years, w*" surely does not denote pre-
cipitation. She wrote M"" W[ood] a letter on the sub-
ject which he promises to shew me.
10 o'clock. ... I must again intreat that you will
not consider yourself bound to reply constantly. For
myself, writing to you fills up my blank of life. There
are moments, when pressing business intervenes, that I
am driven, but these do not often occur. Our darling
may occasionally this winter relieve you, & as she holds
the pen of a ready writer, the task will not be onerous.
Her last letter to you, herewith returned, is in my judg-
ment the best she has ever written, neat, copious &
flowing. I admire her critical acumen, a proof that she
reads with attention & discrimination. Pray, are not
the Females of the present day indebted to their con-
stant novel reading for their colloquial & epistolary
powers. The novels of the modern school are generally
elegant narratives & free from stiffness & affectation.
In your time, we were not deluged with these effusions
from the press as at present. Walter Scott has given
an elevation to this class of writers. What makes young
Ladies express themselves so much better than young
men? was a question I put to a flippant young Dandy
not long ago. Because they are eternally talking & read-
ing novels. There is much truth in his sarcastic reply, &
190 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
it is fortunate when the Belles can take their own parts
& shine so well in conversation. . . .
Friday [November] 12^". Rain. The Louisiana
was falsely announced. I hope she may arrive before
closing this next Tuesd"" 16'''. A constant succession of
wet days has retarded the Kentucky from discharging &
loading. Tomorrow y' 2 tubs of prime butter will be
put on board together with 4 Boxes, strapped together
as one of very superior Digby smoked Herrings, w" for
several years have been withheld from our market, but
now restored by the late commercial Treaty with G. Brit-
ain. . . . The result of our late election has been anti
Jacksonian, but we are in a state of political fermenta-
tion & the dregs in all probability will rise uppermost.
The workmen association like all opponents, increases
& as with them, whatever apprenticeship may be neces-
sary to make a taylor or a shoemaker, politics are no
science, & every citizen is qualified for a Governor or
President of Congress, provided he can get elected. This
is not a pleasant state of things, but the experiment will
I fear have its course. The only remedy against these
evils is education. It is therefore our duty to diffuse it
as widely as possible. Good sense bottomed on good
education will preserve the liberties of our country from
the violence of demagogues. . . .
Saturday 12*'' [sic for November 13th] ... A large
meeting took place last ev^ at Tammany Hall, to pre-
pare for a g*^ celebration of the French revolution, on
the 25*" inst., the anni[versar]y of the evacuation of
this city by the British in 1783. A day of my getting up
as I have told you. Col. Monroe was in the chair &
will preside at the dinner. A splendid procession is to
take place. Were I younger I sh'^ be one, but there is
a time for all things, & it is one of the signs of wisdom
to know when to retire. On the ensuing day the 26*"
D"" Onderdonck, Bishop elect is to be consecrated & the
aged & infirm Bishop White of PhiP is to come on the
occasion. W^hen the brother Bp. Onderdonck -^ was
-^ Henry Ustick Onderdonk.
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1830 191
consecrated, Bp. Kemp of Maryland lost his life by the
upsetting of the stagecoach on his return home. I hope
that a similar fatality will not befall the venerable Bp.
White on his return home, but it appears very indiscreet
to say the least of it to drag an old man, nearer 90 than
80, such a distance at this late period of the year to give
eclat to the consecration of the weakest Epis' Bp. in
the whole U. S. I think that I shall not attend. I was
pr[es]ent when Bps. Hobart & Griswold of the Eastern
diocese were consecrated. The following ext^' incidents
occurred. W[h]en these rev'* gent" proceded to the com-
munion railing, D"" Hobart, altho the younger man & at
home in his own Church, tripped ahead of the meek
apostolic Griswold, so as to be at the head to receive
the imposition of hands first, in order to entitle him to
precedency, that in time, after the demise of Bp. White
he might claim the right of being elected presiding
Bishop of the Epis' Ch. in the U. States, a matter of
courtesy but not of right. It has pleased God by re-
moving him, to defeat this as well as many other machi-
nations. "Thus far proud man & no further." Again
by custom, it requires the presence of 3 Bishops to con-
secrate a Bishop. Bishop Moore then living was too
feeble to attend & Bp. Provost, who had for some years
retired from all episcopal duty attended. After the act
of consecration was performed, this aged respectable
man, our first Bishop, was obliged to retire before the
whole services were finished. Not a single presbyter of
the many present offered him an arm, & he was led out
of Church by his daughter M'^ Colden. . . . The cold
neglect was remarked by several. After the ceremonies
were over I called on Bp. Provost to express my chagrin.
He was sensibly affected, & remarked that he had been
importuned to attend, w*" at first he declined. It was
cruel indignant treatment, but of a piece with all the
conduct of our High Churchmen. From that day for-
ward I never failed paying marked attention to him
w'' was kindly accepted & by his daughter. He was a
descendant of our Huguenot families & attended our
192 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
French Church, in early day, we were visitors & friends.
But I believe I have told all this before. You see how
forgetful old age grows.
Tues'' [November] IQ^^. The Kentucky is to sail to-
morrow, having been impeded by the late foul weather.
Thank God the sun has made its appearance this day,
after 9 days absence. . . . Yesf aft. noon I called to see
a M" Judson of Fairfield, Conn* & who when young
passed the winter of 1776-7 at Norwalk, in my Uncle
Cannons family. Of course our conversation went back
to those times & about all our family friends who have
gone to their long home. She who was a very sylph
when young, is now portly old lady. Singular that we
two whose forms were the most slender & fragile of all
our cousins, should have survived them all. The boys
esp^ were robust young men. . . .
[Addressed by:] Ship Kentucky
N York, Wed^ 17*^ Nov^ 1830
Thur^ [November] 18*". A beautiful day, fresh
so[uth] wind must bring arrivals, long expected. Last
ev^ there was a meeting at Masonic Hall in favour of
the Tract efforts for the Miss[iss]ippi Valley. $1850
was subscribed of w'' Arthur Tappan gave probably
$1000. He is truly a wonderful benefactor & if his life
sh** be spared & prosperity, his benefactions may am'
in a few years to half a million. God speed him. I
wish we had more Arthur Tappans. Your brother went
& was much gratified with D"" Milnors address recount-
ing particulars of his late visit to England. He quite
rivetted the attention of a very full auditory, esp^ as
there was much of pleasing novelty in his matter. It is
really consoling altho' I can do so very little myself, to
mark such active growing benevolence in this city. The
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1830 193
season of contributions approaches religious & charitable.
To the ladies who undertake to solicit benefactions, we
are much indebted. They are indefatigable, & really
tender their request with great modesty & delicacy w"
ensure their success & welcome reception by all whose
hearts glow with love to God & good will towards
man. . . .
Friday [November] 19"'. I have the happiness to
inform you that y'" dear sister was safely put to bed a
quarter before 9 last evening with a fine chopping boy,
her 4**" son. . . . Francis who had been sent for on Wed^
c^ not attend as his wife, ill. possibly in child bed, re-
quired all his attention. A young Doctor Nelson,-^ our
neighbour ofiiciated. . . . Pintard wanted to accompany
me to the Depository, to see me jnake his brother a
member for life of the A[merican] B[ible] S[ociety] a
favour I c'' not grant as his school hour had come. I ac-
complished this duty within 12 hours after the birth
of the child. His Father wrote a memorandum, for my
inspection when I arose — "Louis Pintard Servoss, born
on Thur^ ev^ at i/4 before 9 o'clock, Nov. 18, 1830. God
bless him. A fat hearty & perfect Child, just like Boudi-
not. Thank God for the safety of my dear wife.
T. L. S." Amen. . . . What a succession of Boys, w"
best pleases the Father, altho' the mother w*^ naturally
be better gratified with a daughter. Gods will be done.
I knew nothing of the name until I saw it in M"" S's
handwriting. I asked him if he wished the certificate to
be worded as he had spelt the name. He replied Yes,
Louis not Lewis, & so it is. He said that he had so
written the Doctor. Of course that point was settled in
his own mind without my knowledge & I am obliged to
him for the compliment that he has paid to the memory
of my venerated Uncle & father. M' S. has discovered
recently, thro' M" Wadsworth that his mother ^^ was a
29 John Neilson, Jr., M.D.. of 428 Broome Street, according to the
New York City Directors for 1830.
30 Thomas L. Servoss 's maternal grandmother was probablv Esther
Mounif^r (Mrs. Samuel Fleming). See Henry Race's Historico-Genealog-
ical Sketch of Col. TJwmas Lowrcy, and Esther Fleming, His Wife
(Flemington, N. J.. 1892), p. 8.
194 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
descendant of the French Huguenots. This he told me
yest*' exulting that his children had Huguenot blo[o]d
in them, a pretty remarkable circumstance. May they
in future life be as distinguished for their virtues &
probity, as their pious ancestors. They were a godly
race of w'' as you know my dear good Uncle was a fair
example. My beloved child, on neither side your dear
children have no cause to blush for their fore-
fathers. . . .
Your brother left it with me to write, as he is much
occupied attending to the sale of Tobacco w^ is a very
dull article at present. He is a most indefatigable in-
dustrious merchant, & good withal. . . .
[Addressed by:] Mail via Mobile
N York, Sat^ 20*'^ Nov., 1830
The season recurs for my accustomed annual tokens,
w*" will accompany this. Instead of the trifling presents
for the young fry, I met with a pretty series of little
volumes of the publications of our Sunday School Union,
w** I have had handsomely bound, in 8 vols, for Julia &
Sister, & 30 for Mary & Helen, to form a Juvenile Li-
brary. Indeed the perusal of most of them may not
displease my Turtle Dove. I tho't it better for preserva-
tion to send them in this shape, altho' a little more
expensive, than to send single tracts, w** like the Sybills
leaves are soon scattered & lost. I never go into the
Book stores of our Tract & Union School Societies but
that I am struck with the superior advantages w*" the
rising generations enjoy over the preceding. Every year
is productive with some new improvement to shorten &
beguile the ascent of the Hill of Science. . . .
Tuesday [November] 23*^ Rain over & gone. I hope
it will not return till after the 25*\ The procession is
all the order of the day, marching 6 deep it is calcu-
TO HIS DAUGHTER. 1830 195
lated, with the Ship, Steam boat & Fire engines, printing
press c^c" &c", on carriages, that it will extend 2 miles
in length. Fortunately for my dear boys it is to pass
thro' Broome St. . . .
Wed^' [November] 24'\ Last ev^ just before Tea D""
Davizac who had arrived in the Frances called with y""
very acceptable letter of 2^ inst. . . .
Next Sunday, Advent Sunday, the beginning of our
ecclesiastical year, shall recommence my S"* reading of
Scotts Commentary taking up the Epistles. I never ex-
pect to reach the termination, but shall proceed regu-
larly as tho' I should. . . .
Thur^' [November] 25*\ A right old fashioned N. E.
storm & gale has deferred the grand celebration this
day. Every thing is in preparation for the first fair
day, probably Monday. ... I omitted to mention the
death of a young friend, Edward Eastburn, who accom-
panied by his mother & Sister Ann sailed to Liverpool
last spring for the benefit of his health. The climate
proved too humid, & he was advised to pass the winter
in Charleston. Tho weak he was not dangerously ill
when he embarked, but exhausted nature gave out &
he expired within 2 days sail. His body was brought
to shore. & he was intered in S* Michaels burying ground
by the R* Rev. Bp. Bowen well acquainted with his late
father & family. It has been M" E's unhappy lot to
have closed the eyes of 2 sons at sea. Several years ago,
the oldest, the Rev. Ja[me]s Eastburn, sailed, but too
late, for Bermuda, in the fall. The weather was boister-
ous & the tossing of the ship was too much for his feeble
frame, & he died 4 days out & was committed to the
great deep. Hard trials for a doting mother who ex-
posed herself to the dangers of the sea for the sake of
her children. Her last & now only son the Rev. Manton
Eastburn, remains, of delicate habit & not very strong
constitution. A Divine of ext^ learning & merit. He
married one of the Miss Glovers, daughter of the late
196 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
John Glover who settled the income of $20,000 or more,
on each of his daughters, the principal to revert to his
sons, in case they die without issue. M" E. is very
delicate, & as yet has had no child, & her share will
probably revert. She is comely but not handsome, the
courtship commenced in early youth. M"" E. who has a
very fine commanding person & visage might have made
a better, worldly speaking, match, but Madam makes
an excellent parsons wife, retired, unobtrusive but affa-
ble. Edward was one of my young proteges. For many
years, I always gave him a New Year cooky & my bless-
ing, with his annual dollar & when he took his degree
something to bear the expenses, for his father my late
excellent & still bemoaned friend, was broken down.
The whole family, male & female (2 girls) possess great
genius. Edward was a very bright scholar, & like his
brother very modest. Farewell my young friend. I have
lost a constant annual New Year visitor, but you are
gone where time shall never end. He was pious & de-
voted to the Ministry for w" he was preparing, & a
Samuel from his youth up. I had hoped that he w'^
have become an assistant to his brother in the Church
of the Ascension. Notwithstanding the opposition of
the late Bp. Hobart as well as of his successor, D'
Onderdonk, this new Church has wonderfully prospered.
A Sunday School House is now erecting, All that was
wanting to complete the establishment. M"" E. is of the
Evangelical School, who does not wrjchurch his brethren
of other denominations & is an ardent friend of the
A[merican] B[ible] S[ociety] & to the cause of Foreign
Missions, all offences, inexpiable, in the eyes of High
Churchmen. He is probably the most learned clergy-
man in this Diocese. His style of preaching is chaste
& his discourses elegant.
Saturday [November] 27*''. The great show took
place yest^. The weather cleared off but the day was
overcast. The Military & Societies formed at 8 in Canal
Street, moved between 10 & 11, according to the hand-
bill sent herewith. The van reached Washington
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1830 197
Square as the last of the rear left Canal Street, making
the line of march to extend 3 miles, passing our House
in Broome St. We had a complete view of the whole
procession which took up 2 hours in passing. It was
certainly the most splendid, well ordered & conducted
exhibition I ever witnessed. The Butchers in White
aprons & Carmen in White Frocks, all mounted made
a regiment of themselves, as did the Fire department.
I have heard of no accidents whatever, nor was there
any tumult. The streets were thronged with spectators,
& possibly 50,000 were out on the occasion. . . . The
Societies assembled at their several rendevouz at 7, &
were dismissed at 3 o'clock, so that they were 8 hours on
duty. The streets unfortunately were very muddy.
Thus has ended this memorable celebration, of the pro-
priety of which many doubt, But my heart went with
it, & I rejoice in the late French revolution. May it
prove permanent.
The consecration of Bp. Onderdonck took place in
St. Johns Ch. yest^'. Present Bps. White, Onderdo[n]ck
& Brownell, the latter preached on the occasion. The
Church was crowded. I staid at home
Monday [November] 29th. . . . Yest^' Sunday was a
beautiful day. I attended an inaugural address by Bp,
White, the patriarch of the Epis' Ch. to the new class
of the students, 16. I shook hands with him after the
service, & thanked him for his persevering attention
to the Sem[inar]y. He is very aged, & probably I
shall never see him again. Quite of Apostolic appear-
ance. I walked out 3 miles & back with great ease. . . .
I send with the little books $5 in bright pieces for my
dear little g'^children. . . .
Wed^ P* Dec'. ... Our babe ^^ is [to] be baptized
on Wed'' 15*^ inst., I hope by the Rev. M"- Bayard. The
Schenck family will be, as usual, invited to a family
dish of tea, as it is incorrect to make a merr>^ meeting
of a sacramental service. Indeed the Church is the
31 Louis Pintard Servoss.
198 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
most proper place, but private Baptism is general among
us & when decently conducted, the parlour for the time
is a Temple of the Lord. Y"" brother & myself God
fathers. Sister God mother. The Birthday bible, similar
to yours, will be presented on the occasion. . . .
[Addressed by:] Ship Illinois
with a package
New York. Thur^' 2" Dec^ 1830
Sat^ 4*''. A beautiful clear day, quite refreshing after
so much rainy humid, obscure weather ... A most hor-
rid act of piracy has been committed in our waters
so[uth] side of L[ong] Island on board the Brig Vine-
yard, with $50,000 in specie aboard from y"" port to
PhiP for S[tephen] Girard. ... On next Thur'' 9*^^
Thanksgiving day, it is proposed that the infant shall
be baptised, at home p. m. by the Rev. M' Upfold.
Your brother is delicate least offence may be given sh**
the ceremony be performed by the Rev. M'" Bayard. I
regret it as the fee $10 w** help him; the other having
a salary of $2000, & a fine parsonage House. It w'^
moreover have gratified Aunt Patty. On these occasions
I make it a rule to submit, as every parent ought to be
left to uncontrolled choice. There is to be no company
whatever. This may also be correct, altho' one w*^ wish
to see a few family friends on such an occasion. I be-
lieve the Presbyterian discipline insists that Baptisms
sh** always be solemnized in the Church. As a sacra-
ment it sh*^ be so. The Episcopalians have relaxed in
this particular. Where health permits on the part of
the mother & infant, Baptism ought to be, as enjoined
administered in Church. But our Congregations, unhap-
pily, take little interest in this solemn dedication of a
child to the Lord & admitting it as a member of Christ's
flock. It has therefore become in this city, unfashion-
able. On the other hand marriage, w*" among Protes-
TO HIS DAUGHTER. 1830 199
tants is not a sacrament, is more frequently performed
in Church as a mark of gentility, thus illustrating our
daily confession of "leaving undone the things that we
ought to do, & doing the things that we ought not to
do." Your [Presbyterian] congregations certainly excell
ours in vital piety & devotion & every good work. The
influence of our late Bp. Hobart was in my estimation
baleful. He was far behind the age in w'' he lived. He
discountenanced all association with other Xt° denomi-
nations for acts of general charity & benevolence, con-
fining all our (slender) exertions within ourselves, by
w" means all ardour, zeal & almost vitality have been
so smothered that when called up for Church collec-
tions, they are shamefully small & make us contempti-
ble when compared with others even the Roman Cath-
olics who are, tho numerous, very poor, & whose
contributions do them honour. Their Female Orphan As-
sylum, 100 children, is cheifly supported by the receipts
of Sacred concerts. Being a decided sectarian institu-
tion, they cannot by law derive any benefit from our
state School Fund, w*" is approved for purposes of gen-
eral education without religious distinction. I c"^ have
wished to have devised some expedient to have over-
come this objection. But the Law is just & equita-
ble. . . .
Monday [December] 6*". A violent N. E. storm,
hard rain
[Yesterday] In the afternoon I went, as I generally do
every other Sunday, to see M" Talbot I found her in
deep affliction for the loss of M" Thomson, widow of
James T. dec"*, her best unceasing friend, who died sud-
denly on Sat*' of apoplexy. M"" T. was a Scotsman, a
successful merchant. He boarded with M" Loring, &
in one of our early yellow fevers, with w*" he was taken,
IVIiss L. paid him the kindest unremitted attention, to
w'' under Providence he owed his life. On recovery, he
married Miss L. & she made him a most excellent wife.
200 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
being of one of the old Boston high families well edu-
cated & brought up. He was a widower & had one son
James (no child by the last wife). An indulgent father,
James became licentious when he grew up & kept a mis-
tress, w*" so displeased his father, that he made a will
settling a handsome annuity on him, & to inherit the
rest of his estate after his wife's decease ($300,000). A
few years after M'' T, purchased an elegant Farm in the
neighbourhood of Livingston Manor, where the families
of that name, rich & poor abound. James, a handsome
young man, improved by a trip to Europe & having
sowed his wild oats, formed an attachment to a widows
daughter. Knowing him to be an heir, & ignorant of
the father's disposition of his estate, they were mar-
ried.^- M"" T. a hale hearty Scot, shortly after was at-
tacked with a violent cholera & died at short notice,
without making as he intended an immediate settlement
on his son, to whom however he had given the Farm,
well stocked &c'' & his income was $3000 a year a hand-
some provision w*" however disappointed his proud wife
& mother & caused a great deal of unhappiness to James
whose affections c*^ not be increased by this mercenary
conduct. Unexpectedly at length he comes into the
whole succession & the pride of his lady & mother will
now be gratified with one of the handsomest establish-
ments in this city, & James will now be regarded no
doubt as an angel from heaven, but I suspect from what
has past, domestic felicity will not be their lot. 'The
bought smile" is an antidote to pure love. M""^ Thomp-
son was the constant friend of poor afflicted M""^ Talbot,
whom she visited usually twice a week, & sent her car-
riage always for her whenever she pleased to dine. It
was on Friday 3*^ that she called as usual in full health
& good spirits to ask M" T. to dine with her on Sunday,
yesf w'' indisposition prevented, for she is very ailing,
afflicted with piles & had an operation performed last
32 James Thomson, Jr. and Mary, eldest daughter of the late H. W.
Livingston, were married at the Manor of Livingston, June 6, 1825. The
N.-Y. Eve. Post, June 8, 1825.
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1830 201
week. The death of M" T. was communicated yesf
morn*-' & M""" Talbot denied herself to all calls, except
myself. ... It is but a few short weeks that I had to
console her on the decease of M" Maxwell, as I have
noticed, her intimate friend. Of all the once intimates
of her brilliant days, only the widow of Don Thomas
Stoughton remains, a kind hearted, affectionate Irish
lady, who called yest-^' but was not admitted. ... At
the period when James' mother in law was taking undue
liberties, calling him the son of a boarding house keeper,
w^ was not the fact, I took some pains to sustain the
reputation of IVP^ Thompson, as being derived from one
of the best Boston families, for w*" she expressed her
thanks to M""' Talbot & wished to see me friendly. I
never called, for I had never been intimate with her
husband, & secluding myself from all new, & almost all
old society, I did not incline to renew a once slight ac-
quaintance, but always spoke well of her as I c'* freely
do, for she was benevolent & I esteemed her for her
constant kind attentions to M" Talbot.
Tuesday [December] 7'^. The violent storm of yest^
has cleared off at N West last night & this is the first
day this season that Ice has appeared in our streets. It
is a cold winters day. Dear Mother was bled yest^,
moderately, having suffered with headache. She is
lighter & better this day, being greatly relieved. . . .
Friday 10^^ Dec'. I have but a few moments to say,
that my little g'^son Louis Pintard Servoss. was bap-
tized yest^ P. M. by the Rev. M' Upfold Rector of S*
Thomas, his father, g'^father & g'^mother sponsors. . . .
Judge Bayard has come to town. I expect him every
moment on business. John is afflicted with an ulcerated
breast. All friends at Princeton well. He left his
brother in law Ch. Justice Kirkpatrick at the eve of
death, worn out by exhaustion without any serious ill-
ness. He was my college chum & about my age. For
many years a sceptic, but by conviction latterly a con-
202 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
firmed Xt°. What a comfort to his surviving friends &
family.
[Addressed by Ship] Louisiana
N York, Friday, 10*'^ Dec, 1830
In consequence of y"" high commendation I have read
Oberlin. What a character, & how much good a single
indivi[du]al can do & what females he was blessed with
to aid him in promoting all his good works. . . .
Sat^ [December] 11*''. . . . Judge Bayard & his Rev.
son dined with us yest^. Aunt Betsey [Pintard] is quite
well. L' Sam' Stockton of the Navy is to marry Miss
[Mary] Hunter, his cousin, a very find young lady of
highly cultivated mind & very amiable. Caroline [Dod]
is at housekeeping & is very comfortably settled. M"
Stockton Sen. is better, almost as deaf as myself. M"
Harrison well. M""^ Bradford very well, her companion
& inmate Mile. Martell recovering from a sprained ancle
w" afilicted her much. D' Wharton in his 86'" year not
long for this world. These are all of our family friends.
M" Rush made a visit to her daughter in Canada last
summer, a considerable undertaking at 72, & is very
well. She ^^ possesses fine spirits w** she inherits from
her mother. . . .
Monday [December] 13*\ ... I called in the after-
noon to console M" Talbot on the loss of her friend
M" Thompson. . . . Her circumstances are comforta-
ble having an annuity of $250 from my good old uncles
estate & the same from Cap" Talbots, in all $500 a year,
with w'' as she is plentifully stocked with clothing she
makes out very well. Her board & fuel am' to $350 a
^3 Mrs. Benjamin Rush (Julia Stockton), daughter of Richard and
Annis (Boudinot) Stockton, and mother of Airs. Ross Cuthbert.
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1830 203
year. She is a strict economist, & thus feels very in-
dependent, altho' not affluent. She is happy to have it
in her power to give something in charity, w" is more
than her late friend ever did who never gave anything
to the poor nor to benevolent purposes, with an income
of $10,000, a year, house coach & a plentiful stocked
wine cellar, estimated at $10,000, of w" she made a very
frugal use, entertained no company, & died worth
$60,000 to 70.000, w" goes in Y^"' to M" Neufville only
surviving sister of Charleston S" Carol" very rich, & the
children of 2 deceased brother & sister. She left no will.
Over & above her liberal annuity, house & coach, &c.
W Thompson left $12,000 at her disposal to charitable
uses, of w'' she bestowed $2,000 reserving the other to
accumulate, w" goes back to the heir young James
Thompson, of whom I have spoken, who, with what he
had comes into the succession of his fathers estate, es-
timated at $700,000. How much good will the late
penurious lady w*^ have purchased, had she bestowed
the Interest of M"" Thompsons trust, that now goes to
an over rich heir, who withal is very well spoken of,
and will it is hoped make a good use of his redundant
income. He remains on his farm this winter, evincing
no disposition for dashing. Indeed he has sown his wild
oats. M" T. except by her family & poor IVP« Talbot,
died unlamented & the universal exclamation is "the
poor have met with no loss." . . .
[Addressed by Ship] Alabama
N York, Thur^" IG^*^ Dec. 1830. Clear <fc cold N. W.
I can never expect to be freed from the rushing of my
blood to the head until it is laid on my dying pillow.
I do not, thank God fear death, relying on the mercy of
our crucified Redeemer, but I do dread becoming an en-
204 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
cumberer of the ground, w** if spared, my increasing
deafness must shortly bring me to. . . .
Friday [December] l?**". "Stern winter comes to
rule the varied year." This is another clear N[orth]
W[esterl]y day, which must close the upper navigation
of the Hudson. Altho' business has been very brisk
this season, for our trading streets have been & still
are almost impassable by the multitude of purchasers,
packages, carts (fee" the price of y"" brothers staple Cotton
being lower here than at N[ew] 0[rleans] will I fear
dishearten his friends & reduce their consignments. He
does the best & better I believe than any other con-
signee in this city, for he is most diligent & intelligent.
I mentioned that I pass 2 hours from 12 to 2 daily at
his store to enable him to step abroad when his clerk
goes to dinner. While there I saw M'' Leonard from
Mattawan who speaks in the highest terms of Thomas'
capacity & applic[atio]n
Saturday [December] IS*''. . . . Last ev^ our good
old Tamar called to see us & enquired kindly after you
all. She looks very well, is 59. I feel an attachment
to her for long & faithful services. She has upwards of
$1000 in the Savings Bank, a good sum for her old age.
With $50 a year & some services, she may obtain com-
fortable support in the country. Pintard, who only re-
members, was quite glad to see Aunt Tamar. This day
our little Louis is a month old & M" Shreeves leaves
Sister fat & hearty & the babe thriving. I may never
witness her attendance again & wish her well. She is
a pious Methodist & Sister is much attached to her.
What a happiness to have a family nurse in whom one
can confide. Sister has a good set of domestics. . . .
Political parties are beginning to break ground here for
the next president. M"" Clay has a strong & respectable
host in this city, & will probably have all the Eastern
states. Old Hickory makes a miserable hand of it, being
completely in leading strings, w*" must mortify his des-
potic pride. His chief conductor is Sec'' Van Beuren, a
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1830 205
man of abilities but visionary as to Bank concerns. An
intrigant, much such another as Burr. This latter char-
acter still exists in obscurity, always concerned in
crooked litigation. He has lost his standing at the bar,
never I believe engaged in important suits. . . .
Tues'' [December] 21"'
Happy Americans who can look on the throes & agonies
of convulsed Europe, while sitting under their own Vines
& Figtrees, literally with you, & none to make them
afraid. Long, very long may our country enjoy the
blessings of peace, civil & religious liberty. There will
however in so widely extended an Empire, be always
causes of sectional discontent. An attack is going on in
the Administration prints against your Sugar planters,
to reduce the Tariff on Sugars & thereby open the door
for foreign imports. Nothing however will probably be
done during the present short session of Congress nor
against the Charter of the U*^ States Bank, with w''
Pres' Jackson has imprudently intermeddled. But the
next Congress will probably rally all its strength ag* the
whole Tariff System. Domestic manufactures, esp^' Cot-
ton, are so well established that they have little to fear
from gover[n]ment regulations. Woolens require pro-
tection, but eventually must rival the English. Cotton
how^e[ve]r is our g*^ staple, & thro' the improvements
of labour saving machines, w*" England dare not make
thro' fear of starving her immense pauper population,
the U*^ States will undersell the world, so that Thomas
need not apprehend want of profitable employment dur-
ing his day. . . .
Wed-'' [December] 22*^. A right down Winter day.
The streets floating with mud 2 days ago are now hard
as pavement. Wholesome weather. . . . There is a M''
Burgess bookseller of this city who sails the beginning
of Jan*' to N[ew] 0[rleans] to escape our winter. His
constitution is very delicate. He passed the last in S*
Augustine. Most of the cheap books & novels sent to
you were purchased in his shop. I take an interest in
206 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
his fate, & shall give him a line of introdu" to the Doc-
tor in case of need. . . .
Friday 24*" Dec' ... It is amusing, as I pass along,
to look at the Toy Shop windows & see the endless
variety of European Toys that attract the admiration
& empty the pockets of parents friends & children. . . .
Monday 27*'' Dec^ It w** have delighted you on Fri-
day ev^ to have witnessed the joy that beamed in Pin-
tard's eyes when I read in the paper the report of ''the
arrival of the Dutch Ship, alder lievert (best beloved)
vrow, Cap* Wouter Van Twiller, freighted as deep as
she c*^ swim with all sorts of Toys, Cakes, fruits & books,
for S* Claas to bestow his annual presents to the good
children of the antient city of New Amsterdam, now
called N. York." With what ecstacy did they exhibit
next morn*-', Christmas, the profusion of Toys, Oranges,
& bon bons left by S* Claas for our 3 children, displayed
on Mothers Table for their stocking crammed with cakes
could not contain the splendid articles left by S* Claas.
For good children, Christmas morn is a perfect Jubilee
in this city. The day proved rainy. Mother & Sister
c'* not go to Church. I attended the Sacrament at S*
Esprit, the congregation very small, only Communicants,
of whom Mad'' Verren was one.
Tuesday [December] 28*^ Wall S*, the centre of
news, is all in commotion by the arrival of a packet
with intelligence to the 30*" Nov. the pith of which is
that Russia was marching an army of 200,000 with 4,000
pieces of Artillery to the frontiers with intention to in-
vade France, that Austria was to co-operate. The great-
est exertions were making in France to raise & organize
adequate forces for its defence. The accounts from the
continent are certainly portentous of a general war. If
England sh"* form as conjectured a defensive treaty with
France, the peace of Europe may be yet maintained, but
all must be conjecture on this side of the Atlantic until
further intelligence shall be received. It appears to me
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1830 207
that France is competent to its own defence against
Russia. Her national guard a large body completely
organized is a nucleus for the immediate discipline of
all the new forces that can be raised. Philip I is very
popular as is the late revolution & tho' there may be
favourers of the abdicated Charles X their numbers must
be small & scattered. The Clergy no doubt will be glad
to foment disturbances w'' a vigilant government & a
whole nation in arms will in a moment quell. . . .
I recollect well, in my youth, or rather childhood to
have always heard my good Uncle say when there was
any thing delicate on the table, that it was a pity to eat
it alone. Tho' far from profuse he kept a good table &
always well cooked. This was inherited from our an-
cestors who not gross were always delicate feeders. I
partake of it myself as does our darling when she re-
marked that the very idea of dinner nauseated her,
when abroad — always the same roasted meat, without
variety or shadow of change. She was not used to this
at Mothers table. Some w*^ call this epicurism & a viti-
ated appetite. It is not so. Ploughmen & labourers
may by hard work, relish & gorge solid junks of boiled
pork & raw beef, but surely in the preparation of viands,
taste may be consulted, & instead of chicken stewed to
rags, a nice fricasee, or your voluptuous gumbo may
be prepared without the aid of witchcraft, that will
give a relish to the most fastidious appetite. I know-
nothing more disgusting or provoking than to see a good
dish spoiled, always an evidence of a negligent house-
keeper.
Friday SV Dec"-
Dear g^'ma, escorted by my namesake attended the
sale of the S' Thomas Church Fragment S" yest^ &
bought several articles for the Rev"" M"" Bayards chil-
dren. Happily both she & sister think more of the hum-
ble than of the great
[Addressed by Ship] Tennessee
1831
To Mrs. Richard Davidson {Eliza Noel Pintard)
of New Orleans
New York, Monday, 3" Jan^ 1831
. . . New Years day. Sat'', was overcast & windy but
as to admit of the customary annual visits. After
Church I made my tour, feeling as I jogged along that
it might be the last time. Without sitting down, I did
not get home till 4 o'clock, so extensive has our city
grown & so scattered my friends. Sister had a great
many calls w*" increase. I found coffee on many tables,
some very fine, some mawkish. The best I tasted was
at the Rev. D"" Milnors, Sisters next, but a little over
roasted, a delicate operation, on w*" the flavour greatly
depends. . . . The most interesting sight thro' the whole
day was towards ev^ when the Rev. M'' Bayard called
with his 5 children, 3 girls & 2 boys, attired in black
for the loss of their sister & well behaved. Susan now
the oldest is growing up, delicate & very much resem-
bling her Aunt Julia Washington. They are all
pretty. . . .
Tuesd^ [January] 4*''. Mild, rain & drizzling. Most
unusual weather. I am over head & ears in Savings
Bank duty, w'' increases rather than diminishing. It
makes me happy to be useful. I expect to attend this
aft.noon the funeral of a M" Monteath, who died sud-
denly yest^ morn^ aged 73. As Nelly Noel she was my
scho[o]lmate at Madams School when I was 6 years
old. It was my intention to have visited her this week,
& renewed an acquaintance intermitted for many years.
But upon what a different solemn occasion. . . .
208
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1831 209
Wed^ [January J 5*". I came down thro' a violent
hard ram to attend to my duty to the Savings Bank.
The Funding Com'' so called are negotiating a purchase
of $100,000 Alabama 6 p' c' stock w^ if concluded, it is
incumbent on me to endorse the Treas" check in pay-
ment. ... On Monday p. m. I went down to draw a
little money for a person, expecting to return by 5
o'clock. The Trustee who was to have attended was
absent. I took his seat amidst a great throng of cus-
tomers, & did not get home till 8 o'clock. Mother was
so uneasy that she sent William to attend me at that
late & dark hour, for fear of accident as our city has
been infested by a set of villains knocking down & rob-
bing passengers even in the most public streets, <fe being
insolent to Females, indeed waylaying & endeavouring
to abduct them, as the phrase goes. This is a very un-
pleasant state of things, w*' will excite greater vigilance
in our police. . . .
Friday [January] 7^". Engaged with business of the
A[merican] B[ible] S[ociety] engrosses my time, & I
shall be pretty much occupied between this & the sail-
ing of the packet. Calling at M"" Burgess' book store
for a little book for Pintard, I laid aside for Madam
Johnston a volume of Receipts w*" may be very useful
to her in the country, also the Arabian Nights by Scott,
as I think I hear my dear g'^children say G'^pa sends
us many pretty books, but they are all so dry, as Marny
said when he began his Law^ reading. Full well do I
recollect the delight I experienced when my dear Aunt
Lydia used to tell me the stories of Aladins Lamp & the
Adventures of Sinbad the Sailor (fee" all w" I swallowed
for Gospel truth, & thought if I lived to be a man that
I w"^ go to the E. Indies & bring home Diamonds from
the mines of Golconda. This vol. will serve to amuse &
astonish the younglings. To M"" Burgess who deferred
his departure till the 15*^ I will give a line of introd"
to the Doctor, & he will take charge of these books.
210 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
He is an excellent character & I hope he may benefit
by his voyage.
Saturday [January] S**". How Time flies, & how my
early companions fly also. On Thur^' 6"' Died at Bruns-
wick Andrew Kirkpatrick lately Ch. Justice of N. Jer-
sey, & brother in law of M'' Bayard, & is to be buried
this day. He was my Chum at Nassau Hall before the
revol" a class ahead of me. Chum literally means in
the Universities of G. Britain, from w'' we derive it
Room mate but is commonly, nowadays applied to con-
temporaries. He was my roommate, & a very pleasant
one. Thus in one week I have lost two schoolmates,
M" Monteath & M' Kirkpatrick. Solemn admonitions
to me to prepare to follow. Of all my College mates in
this city 6 only remain, Col. Burr, D"" J. R. B, Ro[d]gers,
Gen' Morton, James Roosevelt, & Ja^ Beekman,^ & some-
thing remarkable, that on New Years day, D"" Rogers,
M' Roosevelt & myself met together at Col. Varicks.
M''^ Kirkpatrick, M"" Bayards sister is a lady of superior
intellect & very pious. The exemplary death of their
eldest daughter very accomplished & pious, awakened
the Father's attention to his Xt" duties, for he had been
a sceptic from early life. He was so impressed by the
devotion & comfort w*" his daughter exhibited as to in-
duce him to search into the evidences of Xt^ & he be-
came convinced of their truth, & for the latter years of
his life lived & died a Xt°. He was always a moral
man & of the greatest integrity. He always attended
the family prayers put up by his excellent wife. . . .
I hope that the weather will prove fair tomorrow, for
in the evening our family propose to attend at Ascen-
sion, M"" Eastburn's Church a Charity Sermon on behalf
of the Female Assist [ance] So[ciety] by the Rev'' M'
Hawkes an eloquent popular preacher. Application was
made to M' Upfold, rector of S* Thomas for the use of
his pulpit on the occasion, w** he declined, as the Char-
ity was not ecclesiastical as our High Churches call it,
^The catalogues of Princeton graduates do not list a James Beckman.
Pintard evidently referred to William Beekman, of the class of 1773.
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1831 211
whereby he has given great umbrage to some of those
to whom he owes his rectorship, and unless I am mis-
taken, will rue it. M"" U. is below mediocrity & his
Congregation declines. You know that I did my pos-
sible in favour of M"" Eastburn, the first scholar of our
Ch[urch] in this diocese but, not bowing implicitly to
the mandates of Bp. Hobart, every effort was exerted
by the High Ch. party to oppose him, &. to elect a man,
whose only merit consisted in being a humble satellite
of the Bishop. Happily they succeeded, for my friend
has since collected a very promising respectable con-
gregation, w*" built for him a fine Church, and he is the
beloved pastor of a pious flock, disposed to countenance
& aid all public charities without distinction of ecclesi-
astical associations, w" are not neglected for on every
such appeal his collections exceed S' Thomas' nearly
double. Such always will be the result where the min-
ister possesses the hearts of his people. I did wrong
not to have followed the bent of my inclination & to
have left S* Thomas when M*" E. lost his election, but
Mother & Sister were reluctant. To me, deaf as I am,
it is of little consequence, but I c*^ wish to live in close
intimacy with my minister. This I can never do with
a man below me in Theol' learning. M"" U. is a poor
stick, not speaking too disrespectfully. . . .
Monday [January] lO'*". A complete olden times
N. E. snow storm. Sleighing elegant. . . . The charity
sermon at Ascension was postponed. . . .
Returning home on Sat'' I subscribed for a weekly paper
published by the Am. Sunday School Union, No. 1 of w''
I w^ll send you. It contains much inform" about edu-
cation, & a statistical Table showing the number of
Sunday Schools & Scholars in every state in the Union,
among which it makes me happy to find that N York
ranks preeminent. ... On Saturday as a rew^ard for
good behaviour I treated my g'^sons with a visit to the
Am° Scudders Museum, w^ has been removed to a new
5 story marble building, built expressly for it in
212 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
B'^way corner of Ann S* opposite S^ Pauls. It is ad-
mirably arranged & is a most splendid exhibition. . . .
Tues^ [January] 11*\ Seamens Savings B*^ 121/2
o'clock. My quarterly turn of duty has again come, &
tho' very inconvenient to me I retain my station as it
gives credit to this feeble plant to say that some of
the Trustees of the old B[an]k are Trustees of this.
After concluding the turn here, I have again to go [to]
the Phoenix Bank to examine the Certificates of Ala-
bama Stock purchased yest^. I have been at work all
the morn^ from 10 to 12. There [are] 50 Certificates
of $1000 each & 100 of $500 each, total $100,000, with
3 transfers to each, & another in a transfer book, all
which are to be singly examined, no small task for my
old eyes. . . .
Thurs^' [January] IS'*". Complete winter & elegant
sleighing. . . . My time was in the preceding part, oc-
cupied with preparing a Report for the old Bank, w''
met in the aft.noon to declare our usual 21/0 p"" c* interest
for the last 6 months, but at the rate of high premiums
paid on investments we shall I fear be obliged to reduce
our interest to 4 p"" c*. We are about closing all ac-
counts exceeding $1000, w** will lessen our Capital &
serve the interest of the humbler classes for whom this
Bank was instituted
Friday 13'^ [sic for W""] Jan^ Yest^ was our cold-
est day, & this is quite severe with some appearance of
snow tomorrow. ... As I was preparing to make up
my little packet at M"" Burges' I saw a pretty edition
of all Goldsmiths works, by Washington Irving, an ap-
propriate for one whose style corresponds so much with
Goldsmith. It will be a delightful Book for all my
g'^children in succession. How much have I in my day
been fascinated with the Essays poems & comedies, espe-
cially "She Stoops to Conquer." The deputy - can en-
act both S"" John Hardcastle & his booby waggish son
2 Lewis Marsden Davidson, deputy clerk of the Supreme Court of
Louisiana.
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1831 213
Toney Lumpkin, to the life. The Vicar of Wakefield,
Traveller, Deserted Village, Edwin & Angelina will waft
the author's name & fame to the latest posterity. As a
trial of skill I once committed to memory in two read-
ings the latter Ballad, but it was early in life when I
was near my school & college habits. Alas! I can now
only recall a few scattering verses. Soldiering, business
& the cares of life have effaced almost all the beautiful
passages, prose & verse, which I had assiduously treas-
ured up. My almost constant Bible reading for more
than 30 years has however rendered it very familiar to
me, and altho' I cannot cite Texts as a Scot, yet when
quoted I can tell if they are rightly so, but without strict
fidelity to the letter, I can apply the spirit to every
incident of my life. . . .
Saturd^ 14*'' [sic for 15th January]. A right down
old fashion N. E. violent snow storm. The Talma of
course cannot sail till Monday. The Kentucky arrived
below yesf. If she did not get up she must have a hard
time of it for it blows a gale. . . .
Monday [January] 17"\ The violent snow storm of
Satur^ continued with equal violence until last ev^' when
it cleared off at N West. . . . My moments are few, near
10, when the Talmas bag is to be taken away. . . .
[Addressed by Ship] Talma
with a small packet
[By Ship] Kentucky
N York, Tues 18"' Jan^ 1831
On Sunday I kept house as did y"" brother, who is not
apt to stay from Church by w** you may judge of the
state of the weather. The narrow streets are almost
blockaded & impassable. Meetings are held to allevi-
ate the distresses of the suffering poor. . . .
Wed^ [January] 19*^ Clear, cold & fine wind for
214 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
Talma. Last ev^ our neighbour M" Suydam ^ gave a
tea party for her daughter 10 years old, to which 42
children were invited, with our Pintard & Boudy, at
5 o'clock, p. m., so as to come away early. The eldest
danced. . . . William went with them & waited. Boudy
held out till 8 when overpowered with sleep, he was
brought home. Pintard enquired of a gentleman the
hour. 9 o'clock. Then it is time for me to be off & so
he came home mightily pleased with the first debut, &
more with a paper of cake & bonbons, for himself &
brother. . . . Yest^ at 1, the Vestry of S* Esprit met to
receive the report of a Committee previously appointed
on the subject of selling our antient Temple, built in
1704, & now the oldest sacred edifice in this city, and
the site on which it is erected in Pine Street. The
report in favour of an immediate sale was adopted as
property in that street & in the vicinity of Wall S* is
probably at its height. The Committee was empowered
to dispose of the premises & look out for another site
on w*" to build, in the mean time, in case of sale, to hold
our meetings in some upper chamber, likewise to at-
tend to the decent removal of the reliques of our fore-
fathers & predecessors. The meeting was a very solemn
one to me, on reflecting that it fell to my lot to decide
on the prostration of that small but convenient Temple,
built so many years ago by our pious predecessors. I
am moreover the only direct lineal descendent that ad-
heres to the congregation, in which sense I may be called
the last of the Huguenots. My feelings were intense the
more so as I felt obliged to repress them, for most of
the present congreg" & vestry like Pharaoh have arisen
who knew not Joseph. I hid the silent tear that trickled
down my cheeks as well as I could, but my feelings
were too strong & evident, entirely to escape notice. It
seemed as tho' I had passed the Death Warrant of my
Church when I voted as was proper in favour of adopt-
3 Lambert Suydam lived at 433 Broome Street, according to the New
York City Directories of 1830-31 and 1831-32. The Pintard-Servoss
residence was 429 Broome Street.
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1831 215
ing the Report. I distinctly recollect going to this
Church when 5 years old, now 67 years ago.
Friday [January] 2P' . . . We have a vacancy
among the Vice presidents of the A[merican] B[ible]
S[ociety] in consequence of the death of Judge Kirk-
patrick. I am doing my possible in favour of M' Bayard,
who under Providence may be considered the founder of
the So[ciety] for it was owing in a great measure to
his incessant solicitation that D"" Boudinots mind was
influenced in favour of the subject. The rule is to nomi-
nate at one meeting & elect at another, w*" will take
place in Feb^' & March. I have called on several & stated
M"" Bayards early & important services. The Rev. D'
Milnor will I hope nominate him. His rival will be
M"" Frelinghuysen who is justly a very great favourite
with our Sabbatarian & Indian friends, & who moreover
stands very prominent in the religious world, & is nearer
the times of most of our present managers. I trust
however that early services so important will not be
forgotten, but I am doubtful. . . .
Have I told you, that the Rev. M^ Anthon of S'
Stephens has been ele[c]ted assistant minister of Trin-
ity. He is a minister of superior talents, chaste & elo-
quent. The Rev. M' Hawkes has been unanimously
elected Rector of S' Stephens & will I trust accept, in
w*" case our church will gain another minister of splen-
did talents & perhaps the foremost for eloquence in the
city.
Pintards nurse, Mary Leamy who went to M" Glover
after leaving Sister, where she lived ever since, died
yest^. Altho' this is a piercing day I propose to attend
her funeral. . . . She lived many years in poor M"
Livingstons family who was very kind to her. I am
going to call on I\P^ Talbot to get her order to receive
her half yearly income $125 from M*" Talbots estate this
day. It is due & there is no foreseeing what a day may
bring forth. . . .
Satur^ [January] 22"^. I attended the Funeral of
Mary Leamy yest'' aft. noon. . . . M' Glover with whom
216 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
she lived since last with us gave her a very decent
funeral. I did not attend the corpse to S* Luke burial
ground more than a mile distant. . . . She has left her
little property in the Savings Bank to her brother in
EngP a minister, about $600. . . . The Mutual office
lost about 5 this morn^, $7000 insured on one of our
public schools.* This makes the 3'^ school for w^ we have
paid roundly. The Fire was owing it is said to one of
the new patent Furnaces for heating the apa[r]tments
w** appear to me very safe. Every project is experi-
mented to increase the power of heat & lessen the ex-
pense of Fuel.
Thur^ [January] 27*'\ The cold does not abate. I
believe this is the 7^^ day. It is asserted by experienced
old persons that so great a body of snow has not fallen
in 50 years. Indeed it is bitter cold. Much distress &
want abound in this city, & great exertions are making
to relieve it. From past experience the mode of solicit-
ing benefactions is very much simplified. Formerly a
few benevolent & active persons used to take a whole
ward, & the duty of calling at every door was fatiguing
indeed. Repulses by the wealthy were disgusting &
disheartening. Now committees are appointed for every
Ward, who select the most respectable inhabitants in a
block, & by this subdivision do more collectively in an
hour, than we c*^ possibly accomplish in a day. For
instance, last ev" one of the Ward Committee called in
& informed M"" Servoss that he & his neighbour M""
MTntyre were appointed for their block. He stepped
in to M"" M'^I. who consented to act & asked when they
sh*^ go. y brother said that the present was as good a
time as any. It was a beautiful moonlight night. Al-
most every househo[l]der, except a few who were
attending the Ward Committee was at home. They ac-
complished their tour in about an hour, & made a hand-
4 Public School No. 12, 17th Street near Eighth Avenue. N.-Y.
Commercial Advertiser, Jan. 22, 1831 ; W. O. Bourne. History of the
Public School Society of the City of New York (1870), pp. 122-23.
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1831 217
some collection. None that c*^ give, refused such
respectable applicants. It is in this subdivision of labour
that so much good is effected in our overgrowing city,
both for religious & charitable purposes.
Satur^ [January] 29'^ ... I see by the papers that
Judge Johnston's brother ^ is reappointed Senator a proof
that his services have proved acceptable. Yest^ I was
employed in writing to my rev'' friend M"" Potter, &
endeavoured to give him all the Ecclest' & Theol' intel-
ligence in my power. I shall leave as a legacy to y"" sister
to be kind to his son in law when at a future day he
may come on to our Sem[inar]y for his fathers & my
sake. . . . There is a great revival of religion in our
quarter of the city, in M"" Pattens Church,^ just east of
us. Exercises are performed morn^, aft" & ev^. . . . You
will see an account of it in the Observer. . . .
Monday 3P* Jan''. . . . Your brother will ship by the
John Linton to sail the 8''\ 3 superb pianos on account
of the manufacturer, to his friend M"" White. When
advertized for sale, call &: see them, & the perfection
to w*" these articles of luxury are brought in this city.
I presume the price will be $500. . . . We have sold
the premises of my old French Church for $50,000. My
mark & a very large price it is. It will be my duty to
attend to the removal of the remains not only of my
own family but also of those which have no friend to
protect them. . . .
N York, Tuesday, V Feb^, 1831
Wed'' 2^ Feb^. Mild & I hope the immense body
of snow will go off gently. An arrival, but not the
IlHnois, w*" I hope will appear this week. All friends
to our Country & its constitution are rejoicing at the
sjosiah Stoddard Johnston, of Louisiana.
6 The Central Presybterian Church, Rev. William Patton. on Broome
Street, near Elm Street.
218 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
defeat of the southern demagogues to break down the
independence of the Sup. Court of the U. S. the great
palladium of our liberties. Thank God there is yet too
much virtue & sound sense in Congress to prostrate the
Judiciary. This nefarious attempt is for the present
frustrated, as I hope it always will be.
I apprehend that the Vestry Du S' Esprit will en-
counter some trouble on ace* of the removal of the re-
mains of our predecessors, which is certainly a delicate
& painful subject. But what can we do? The edifice
founded in 1704 is very old & decayed, & not fit to be
repaired. It has been for some years contemplated to
dispose of the premises to locate & erect a new church
farther up the city, for the population is fast deserting
the lower districts, where the old habitations are con-
verted into Ware houses. This measure cannot be ac-
complished without disposing of the present premises
w^ has been done very beneficially for $50,000. There
are 8 Vaults, all modern, within 40 years, besides our
families which is coeval with the foundation of the
Church. Several remote descendants of the antient fam-
ilies, & who do not belong to the congregation are en-
deavouring to oppose the exhumation of their ancestors
remains, a very natural objection, but they are, those in
the vaults excepted, totally decayed, for the cemetery
being small, interments have ceased for many years. It
is very easy to excite sympathy on such an occasion.
. . . Probably any difficulty may be surmounted by pro-
viding, at the expense of the Church, new vaults, in
place of the old. I made no stipulation in my own
favour, but if others are indemnified, I shall look for
neighbours fare. My name is so identified with the
Church, that my acquiescence in the sale silences the
clamours of many. Still I fear trouble, & it distresses
Sat^ S**" Feb^. Bitter cold. Thur'' p. m. it snowed
& cleared off after a rain w*" became a sheet of ice &
rendered the walking very hazardous. I attended on
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1831 219
Thur" the meetings of my vestry & the A[merican]
B[ible] S[ociety], glad to reach home safe at 7 o'clock.
The Committee of sale reported that they had disposed
of the Old Church & premises for $50,000, $5000 down
to bind the contract, $15,000 P' May, when possession
is to be given & $3000 pay[ab]le in 10 an[nua]l instal-
ments with interest at 5 p'' c' semiannually. A very
great sale. If we meet with no difficulties on acc^ of
removing the remains of those buried in the cemetery,
I shall be happy indeed, but some trouble may be ex-
pected. Died yest^ AE. 46 John Watts, J"" M. D. Presi-
dent of the College of Physicians, a manager of the
A. B. S. & a useful member of several of our humane
& benevolent Institutions. I mentioned something a
year ago about a large legacy left by the late John G.
Leake Esq. to Robert, son of John Watts, uncle to the
Doctor. The will, after being carried up to the court
of errors was adjudged in favour of Robert, who had
just come of age & shortly after died, whereby his Father
became heir at law to M'' Leakes estate valued at
$300,000. It was a condition of the Will, that in case
Robert sh'' die, without heirs, & before he came of age,
that the whole of the estate sh*' go towards founding an
assylum for Orphans, without distinction of denomina-
tion. M"" J. Watts has most honourably relinquished
his legal right to this large estate to carry into effect
the intention of M"" Leake, and a Bill is now before our
Legislator, to incorporate Trustees to take charge of the
Estate & fulfil the intentions of the munificent Tes-
tator. The Building will probably be designated, the
Leake & W^atts Orphan House. This is probably the
largest single legacy ever bequeathed to a single object
in the \J States. Few, very few w*^ be found to act the
liberal & generous part of M"" Watts. The higher praise
be his. I ought to have mentioned that Doctor Watts
was own cousin of M'^ Smith & M" Chew. Lord Stirling
had only two daughters. Lady Mary who married Rob*
Watts, father of the Doctor & Lady Kitty who married
M"" Duer. The Watts family were of the highest in our
220 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
city before the Revol" & among the most respectable
since. The name of Watts will now descend with hon-
our to posterity.
Monday 7*" Feb^. Our weather still continues ex-
tremely cold. ... 3 ships from N[ew] 0[rleans] are
now out of time, the John Linton, Azelia, & Illinois,
owing to the preceding N. Westers. I hope no accident
to either has happened. We are also deprived of Euro-
pean intelligence. The last accounts left the Poles in
a state of insurrection, but we may tremble for the re-
sult. How can this brave handful of people oppose
the gigantic power of Russia & the gallant youths who
began the onset may all fall victims to cruel despotic
policy, or be obliged to abandon their families & coun-
try. In consequence of Kosciusko, Pulaski & other gen-
erous Poles who took part in our struggles for liberty, we
naturally feel an interest in their fate. . . . While the
people of these U States have abundant cause to be
grateful for the civil & religious privileges we enjoy,
there is still cause for apprehension that our constitu-
tion is too good to endure, & that it will fall a victim
to the ambition of demagogues. The late audacious
attack on the judiciary has been happily defeated, but
I confess for myself I tremble for the future. No hu-
man policy can be devised so perfect but that it may
be assailed & finally prostrated by unprincipled par-
tisans looking for state & personal aggrandisement. It
becomes therefore the wise & good of every section of our
extended empire to rally round & support the most
perfect constitution that has ever yet been bestowed
on a nation. The Union, once severed, can never be
restored on equal principles, & the small states will be
swallowed up by the greater. My maxim has always
been, with respect to N York, let who will rule or what-
ever party may predominate to do every thing for the
improvement & aggrandizement of our state, that in case
of trouble, we may be able to secure, at least, our own
inestimable privileges.
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1831 221
Wed^ [February] 9"'. Still extremely cold, & much
suffering by this protracted winter. Were it not for
the abundant supply of anthartic coal in the city I
know not what rich or poor c'' do. As to inducing the
humble to provide in summer for the wants of the
winter, it is practically impossible. I have had 3 heats
at it, & despair. The only remedy is the universal in-
troduction of the use of coal for every domestic purpose
in families. Then abundant supplies will be procured
by the Vendors, for it requires little comparative room
for Coal Yards compared with wood. Oak Wood is now
selling at 4i/l, Doll" a load, the 3^ part of a cord @
$13.50. It absolutely exhausts all the charitable funds
that can be raised. . . . Arrivals of 2 packets bring
great & interesting intelligence. . . .
Saturday [February] 12"'. Providentially a fine day
to observe the Eclipse w'' engrosses all classes philos-
ophers & fools, grown persons & children. I have just
stepped down to Wall S' with a faithful promise to be
back by 11 Vo o'clock when the Eclipse begins, leaving
our boys on the look out & William smoking glasses for
observation. . . . The John Linton put into Newport,
being out of coal for the Cabbin 10 days, but Fuel
eno[ugh] for cooking. Her passage must have been
terrible. The Illinois yet lingers. Your brother is to
meet the Palmers this aft. noon & on Monday I may
give you his determination w*" will depend altogether on
the favourableness of the offer. If he accepts he will
make a most capital agent for the concern, altho' it is
a very troublesome one, but his intelligence & activity
can do much for the interests of the owners.
Monday, [February] 14*^ We had but a sorry
Eclipse to the g* disappointment of the boys who ex-
pected to see the Fowls go to roost. At the commence-
ment the sun shone bright, but was obscured by clouds
before the eclipse attained its greatest obscuration &
so continued until it was over, with no greater darkness
than frequently occurs in a cloudy day. It was nothing
222 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
to compare to that of 1808 when it was really darker
than twilight, but the event served to amuse the chil-
dren & to explain to them the celestial phenomena.
Every advantage must be taken to enlighten & expand
their minds. No Illinois. She must probably have got
into the gulf stream & been driven to the eastward.
The Alabama was more fortunate. She is to sail on
Wed-''. The Rev. M"" Pyne goes out passenger to N[ew]
0[rleans] in behalf of Washington College Hartford.
By request y'' brother will give him some letters of
introduction, to which I shall add one to the Doctor.
He is a respectable Divine of the Epis^ Church & goes
out under the auspices of Bp. Brownell. Y"" asking him
to tea is all that is necess^ as you do not belong to our
communion. Your brother has assented to take the
Agency of the new line '^ & one tenth interest. Mess"
Palmers write to this effect. The consummation of the
agreement rests at N[ew] 0[rleans]. Sh^ it take place,
the keel of the first ship will be laid in April & so on
monthly until the whole are built when the line will
commence running in Septem^ He thinks he sees his
way clear & that it will be profitable. God speed him.
Shrove Tuesday, 15^^ Feb''. Pan cake day to the
great joy of our children. . . . Yesf we received via
Jamaica, a confirmation of the death of Bolivar, the
Liberator of So[uth] America. His character, unlike
Washington, has been equivocal, but certainly he has
been a very great general, & placed in most trying, des-
perate, & critical circumstances. It will soon be seen
what is to be the fate of New Spain, whether like the
successors of Alexander, it is to fall a prey to the am-
bition of those of Bolivar. It takes more to make a
Free independent nation, than a mere Declaration. The
degraded ignorant state of the Spanish colonies, subject
"^ The Louisiana and New York Line, the third line of regular packets
between New York and New Orleans. Five ships were built and
launched for this line in 1831: Louisville, Capt. Peter Price; Nashville,
Capt. John Rathbone; Natchez, Capt. Hartwell Reed; Creole, Capt.
Ambrose Page; and Huntsville, Capt. Charles Stoddard. See R. G.
Albion's Square-Riggers on Schedule.
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1831 223
to the vilest superstitions of priestcraft, rendered them
incapable of self government, & probably a whole gen-
eration must be cut off, like the Israelites of old, before
the several disunited states can settle down into a
peaceable happy people. . . .
With your other papers I send an Ev^ Post contain-
ing biographical notices of the new British Ministry.
New York, Thur' 17''' Feb^ 1831. Quite mild
. . . The late excessively severe weather is I hope
broken for the season. Since the blow at S. E. & hard
rains of yest-'' it has cleared off as mild as April, & the
snow happily for the country is dissolving gradually.
The cold commenced 6'" Jan'' & the heavy snow on the
8*^ was followed by a succession of snows, w*" rendered
the sleighing uninterrupted till yest^ so that we have
had 6 weeks of winter as severe as I ever knew. The
Sound was frozen across from N Rochelle to Sands Point
Light House & the navigation entirely closed, that of
our Bay & Harbour greatly impeded by floating Ice.
Fuel, Wood has been as high as $3i/2 a carmans load &
w*^ have risen much higher but for the full supply of
Pennsylv*" Coal in the yards. A general consumption
of this article can alone render poor people comfortable
at a cheap price, & the constant improvements of cheap
Furnaces will gradually introduce them into the apart-
ments of the humble, who will soon learn how to use
them. . . .
Wed^ [February] 23^ Fog & drizzle. I am to at-
tend a special meeting of the Trustees of the Savings
Bk. this p. m. & shall return early home. . . . Were it
not for M"" D wight Editor of the Daily Advert [ise]r I
sh** have no one with whom to interchange a sentiment.
Reading is my only resource & that, esp'' newspapers
distresses my eyes. I fear that if spared I must shortly
224 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
become a recluse, next morbid & lastly that wretched
being a misanthrope, w^ God avert. It appears by the
last letters from N[ew] 0[rleans] that the new line of
packets hinges on y^ brothers accepting the Agency. To
this he has unequivocally assented & M"" Foster has
been written to, to come on immed^ to aid in building
the ships, w*" are to be of the first rate best materials &
best found in every particular.
Thur^ 24''' Feb^. ... An old British officer Major
Price of Boston, who served with my uncle Cap* Pin-
tard in Germany, was notorious for his endless stories.
It is related of him that on embarking for Eng** his
conversation was interrupted, that on his return 9 years
after he met the friend with whom he had parted on
the Long Wharf, & seizing him by the button of his coat,
resumed the subject of his interrupted story, with "as I
was saying" & spun off the remainder of his Yarn.
There is nothing more irksome than one of the tedious
minute prosers except perhaps a prolix letter writer,
like myself, for example. ... Be not alarmed least
your father sh*^ play the fool with others than y'self. I
almost abhor writing, excepting to y'self, & really when
I receive a letter it almost gives me an ague fit on open-
ing it least I sh*^ have to answer it. Coming down to
Wall S' this cold morning, the mild rain of yest'' being
blown off by a piercing N. Wester, I stopped in at the
Union Sunday School office & bought G*^father Greg-
ory's tales for Julia & Ev^ recreations which may be
profitable read by children of larger growth. 2 more
voP are yet to appear w'' shall be forwarded when pub-
lished. I have looked into these & confess that my
knowledge of the old Test[ament] is improved. There
are several small works, on the geography, natural hist^
&c. of the Scriptures, in course of public" w'' shall also
be sent. What are not the advantages of the present
generation of children?
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1831 225
Monday 28'^ Feb^'. I rec'^ this morn*^ a letter from
our Knight ^ w*" after taking home for perusal, will bring
down tomorrow & inclose for you to save repetition. It
was delivered in time to call on his Uncle & obtain $50
w*" I remitted by mail instantly, so that it will reach
him tomorrow, at 10, & enable him I hope to settle all
demands & set off with his friends ]\PNeil & Davezac for
Pittsburgh. His uncle says, if no impediments in the
roads & that the waters sh'^ be up, he may arrive at
N[ew] 0[rleans] in 12 days after setting off. . . . Last
ev^ y"" brother & sister attended a Charity sermon at
S' Pauls for the Orphan Assylum. preached by the Rev.
M"" Hawks, who was to have accompanied M"" Pyne to
N[ew] 0[rleans]. The Church was crowded to suffo-
cation almost. The sermon s*^ to be the most eloquent
& pathetic ever delivered within its Walls, and the
collec'' $627, one of the greatest ever made in any Epis-
copal Church in this city. This Rev*^ Divine has sealed
his fame & thrown all his brethren into the background,
excepting always the Rev. M' Upfold of S* Thomas,
who refused the use of his pulpit as I have heretofore
told you. A renowned High Churchman, who, as he
told y"" sister, never moves a finger without consulting
Bp. Onderdonk. Among modern improvements au-
tomaton preachers might be one, like hand organs, to
grind off a sermon. It w'^ be a saving of g^ expense.
Such w*^ be the Dumb Dogs spoken of by the prophets.
The machine might be set to high or low or no Church
discourses, adapted to the meridian of the Congrega-
tions, who may as well sleep under wo [o] den as living
automatons.
[Addressed by:] Ship Illinois
with a Packet
John Pintard Davidson.
226 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
New York, Wed^ 2^ March, 1831. beautiful day
. . . This & the 2 preceding days are as mild as May,
a very little chill in the atmosphere owing to the great
body of snow in the country. Our streets are fluid with
mud, excepting Broadway, the west side of which is dry
& clean, along which the Belles & Beaux flutter like
papillons, happy to get abroad to visit the Fashion Shops
filled with the newest patterns of French & English
Fancy goods received by the last arrivals. The mantua
makers & milliners will be in full requisition & there
will be a grand display of fashion & finery at the great
Fancy Ball to take place on the 18*". Tickets are out,
& one sent to your brother & sister w" they de-
clined. , . .
Thur^ [March] 3'^. Bulletin. Dear Mother was bled
yest^ ... By her request D"" Francis bled Aunt Betsey
yest^, w" she much required. Her blood the D"" say[s]
was as black as Tar. She was surprized to see it flow,
without feeling the puncture, being accustomed to the
phlegms of country physicians, instead of the delicate
lancets in modern use. . . . The Doctors lady who had
never before returned Mothers & Sisters visit, called
yest^ & saw them both. The Doctor said that she ex-
pressed herself much pleased with her visit, finding them
probably not quite such vulgar cattle as she expected.
M" F. is the daughter of a M" Cutler^ of Boston, a
Georgian I think, who when a widow, before her last
marriage, was introduced to mothers acquaintance. She
was an affable pleasing lady, is still living. M" F. is
tall, stooping, not handsome, but as a Doctors wife
ought to be sociable. I understand that she is pious &
attends M"" Eastburns Church. She is also benevolent.
. . . She has a brother also a Minister. I hope that
the believing wife will convert the unbelieving husband.
Francis, some 7 years ago, was taken very ill & his
9 Sarah (Marion) Hyrne Cutler, widow of William Hyme, who
married as his second wife, Benjamin Clark Cutler, of Boston. N. S.
Cutler, A Cutler Memorial (1889), pp. 565-66.
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1831 227
life despaired. Surrounded by tiie Faculty, young &
old. I called repeatedly to see him. One morning,
finding him all alone, much reduced in body & spirits, I
spoke to him freely & fully on the state of his soul, & of
the duty of making his peace with his maker & preparing
for death, as I firmly believed that I sh*^ never see him
again in this world. He was totally silent & squeezed
my hand at parting. He recovered thro' the mercy of
God, & told me of the many who had called to see him,
not one, besides myself, ever spoke of his future state
or gave him any spiritual advice. I asked him what he
thought about his cond[it]ion. He replied that he
thought that there were many among his acquaintances
more wicked than himself. Sorry consolation for a
dying sinner, but one I fear too often administered.
Francis however in his worst estate was not to my knowl-
edge a scoffing sceptic. He always spoke moderately
on the subject of Divine Revelation, altho it was ap-
parent that he as well as others of my philosophical
friends regarded me as a weak enthusiast, for I never
shrunk from contending for the Truth on all proper occa-
sions. He is evidently more soberly inclined & abstains
from that once free indulgence at the table w*" was once
too much the order of the day with most of us. His col-
loquial powers are great. Rather too cynical & ve-
hement, but extensively read, & travelled. He has been
to me a very entertaining, profitable companion. . , .
Sat^ 5^^ March. . . . D"" Francis bled me copiously
yest^ w*" was much required. I feel lighter & less top
heavy than before. I find, if spared, that this depletion
must be annual at least. Col. Troup, who is about
4 years my senior, was advised by his physician to be
bled semi annually, that it w*^ prolong his life 30 years.
He has attained 31 years since following this advice, &
has outlived all but two I think of his contemporaries
at the Bar, of whom Col. Burr is one. Considering what
a fall this man [h]as experienced, almost from the sum-
mit of political rank, what scenes he has passed thro' &
228 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
what mortifications he must have endured, his pro-
tracted years are marvelous. His health & appearance
are good, but he passes thro' the streets, unnoticed tho'
not unknown. He lives retired, attends to professional
duties, but condescends to the most degrading litiga-
tions, contesting & disturbing titles to estates. Em-
ployed in no eminent causes, he is obliged for a living
to condescend to those of the lowest character. I always
feel a pang of regret whenever I see him. He was once
kind to me, for w*" I suffered by having to pay, as bail
for D"" Brown $450 election bills, at a time when I c"
illy afford it. Francis says that if I will submit to his
counsels, that he will cherish my life till 90, a period
improbable, not desireable, long before w^ I shall prob-
ably become blind & lamed as well as deaf. I may infer
that he thinks my constitution sound for my years.
Thank God I feel it so. . . .
Monday [March] 7^^
I was espec'' delighted in the ev^' by reading attentively
a sermon of the late Pres* Dwight on the Resurrection
& a future state. It comprehends all that is revealed to
us in Scripture on this interesting subject that naturally
attracts human curiosity, & excites much imagination.
S* Pauls 1 Epis[tle] to the Corinthians IS**" Chap, is a
summary of every thing that it has pleased God to re-
veal to mortals. It is the most sublime of all his
Epistles, & what is more on so speculative a subject,
most intelligible even to common minds. This Chapter
is in our Funeral service, w" is read on occasions of dis-
tinction. Bp. Hobart was accustomed to read it with
powerful efifect & I have often told him that I consid-
ered it his masterpiece of eloquence. This as he justly
w'' remark depended greatly on his feelings at the time.
There were occasions, at the funerals of eminent per-
sons, such as Gen^ Clarkson &c^ when the Church was
crowded by an Audience of our first characters, that the
Bishops energies sh'' be excited to their highest pitch.
It was on such occasions that he far excelled all others
that I ever heard. This solemn sublime service of our
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1831 229
Church is too often performed in the most monotonous
common place manner, as tho' the minister was exe-
cuting a task for the sake of his scarf, & wished to get
over as quick as possible. . . .
lli/o o'clock. To my astonishment, y"" brother has
called in & says that he has rec'^ a letter from Pintard,
at Phil", requesting $70, that he has been detained ex-
pecting a remitt[anc]e from his father. . . .
Wed" 9"" March. . . . This morn^ has been devoted
to preparing the Report of the Funding Com*^ of the
Savings Bank, w*" always falls to my lot, to be laid before
the Trustees at their monthly meeting this p. m. To
indexing the last minutes of the A[merican] B[ible]
S[ociety] a job of 2 hours, & to attending a Committee
of Losses of the Mut[ual] Ins[urance] C° on an im-
portant case, a policy of the Public School So[ciety] on
one of their Schools lately destroyed by Fire, w*" the
Com* adjudged to be forfeited by informality. . . .
Friday [March] IV^. . . . Pintard [Davidson] says
[i.e. writes] that Senator Johnston is to leave PhiP for
Alex[andria, Louisiana] I presume on Sat^. Y"" brother
was in hopes that he w*^ have visited N Y & to have in-
troduced him to us. He likewise says, M^ J. has sent
by the transportation line a portrait of his brother, for
what purpose he does not mention, but we shall be very
happy to see the likeness of our darlings companion. I
have been highly gratified with the perusal of M' John-
stons letter on the subject of the proposed reduction of
the tariff on N[ew] 0[rleans] sugars. His premises are
just & his conclusions sound. The Letter is admirable
for clearness of conception & perspicuity, & ought to
carry conviction with it. The mystery of the attempt to
single out Louisiana alone for this reduction is obvious,
a rod held over the planters & people to influence their
votes in favour of Jackson. Y"" brother whose ideas on
this subject are practical, fully concurs with M"" J. He
230 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
wrote an article signed Orleans on the subject, published
in the Journal of Commerce last Nov. w" corresponds
so fully with M"" J. that one w*^ almost infer that he had
it before him when he wrote the letter. M"" J. has given
proof of elaborate research & will well deserve a public
dinner from his constituents when he returns to Lou-
isiana.
Monday [March] 14th ... The last N*' of the Ob-
server contains a letter from N[ew] 0[rleans] of 14*"
Feb'' giving an ace* of y'' Sunday School meeting, with
a very favourable & liberal description of y" city & So-
ciety, French & Americans. How greatly improved since
my day. The worst part of y"" winter population is,
probably, the trading adventurers, who flock to N. 0. in
pursuit of rapid wealth. They leave their religion &
morals, if they had any, at home, & adopt all the vices
of fo[l]ly, gambling & dissipation, & do little credit to
our country. Your slave trade too is of the very worst
character, being generally the turbulent slaves of the
south, sold to get rid of them & save the lives of the
Virginians &c''. This dreadful curse is one day to be
visited & I shudder to anticipate the period of awful
visitation. Come it will & to our Southern states also
w" are repeatedly agitated by the dread of negro
con [s] piracies & insurrections. . . .
Tuesd^ [March] lo*^ beautiful mild day. Mother
improving. I inclose you[r] sisters card for the Fancy
Ball on the 18*\ The Miss Schencks called yest^ p. m.
to see whether she was going, w" as not agreeable to
M"" S. she prudently declines. They say that it is to
be the most splendid Ball that has ever taken place in
this extravagant city. 700 Tickets are out. The Room
is got up in a Fairy Grotto style & many ladies fantastic
dresses are to correspond. . . .
[Addressed by:] Brig Trent
with a small packet
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1831 231
New York, Tues^ lb'"" March, 1831
Your dear mother as I have written, has been again
prostrated by Chill & Fever. It has pleased God once
more to raise her from the bed of sickness & I hope that
this attack, so early in the spring, may secure her from
relapse or illness thro' the next summer. . . .
Thur^ [March] 17"'. . . . M^ Bayard came to town
yest^ without Aunt Patty. . . . M^ & M" B. accompany
their daughter Julia to Virginia, to stay for a fortnight,
leaving M""^ Washington till the last of May . . . M^ B.
returns at 1 o'clock. I had provided a superior round of
beef to alamode of w" he is very fond & a fine calves
head mock turtle soup. The Rector will ask a blessing
& represent not inadequately his father. The Bayards
are all hearty feeders. Your Sister attended the wedding
of Miss Bogardus to a M"" Snowden merch*. Service by
the Rev. M^ Upfold of S* Thomas. M" U. was also
there. The party not very large & a very genteel supper.
Ref^ home at 11. Sister was very shall I say gaily
dressed but neat, her headdress with her pearl (fec**^
looked more than smart, not gaudy but chaste & pretty.
... I believe she will go to the Fairy ball tomorrow
ev^. All the world is going father & it is to be the most
superb, splendid & fanciful of any ever witnessed in this
city. 700 Tickets @ $15 ea. are out making 1400 couple,
cost $10,500. Where they are all to sit or stand must
be left to the ingenuity of the Fairies. . . .
Friday [March] IS**" ... I rejoice that you have lit
on a good cook at last. By this time you will have had
proof of her disposition & conduct. Being sold out of
so respectable a family as Judge Hays, appears against
her. Dear Mother will call on M" Hay, now with her
Father in this city & enquire into her character. . . .
Sister, who has had a variety of Cooks, good & bad, has
now a very good one, Nancy, from Baltimore, the best
she has ever had & good enough if she continues, as at
present, contented. She has an excellent waiter, Will-
iam, who is good to the boys & who are very fond of
232 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
him. Mary the Nursery maid, now 18 months with
us, . . .
Sat^ [March] 19*". rain. Your sister went to the
Fancy Ball last even^ & got back at 12, without rain.
. . . Your brother who was at first reluctant is pleased
& gratified that he went. . . . The present y"" brother
says was managed with the great [est] propriety of any
he ever witnessed, w*" is to the praise of our gay city,
indeed boisterous levity w'^ not be tolerated. Your
brother thinks that Sister looked as well as most others,
& surpassed the Schencks who perhaps were over gay.
... I cannot forget that I was once young, & that such
were most pleasing to me. Dear Mothers participation
was but, from adverse circumstances, short lived, but
she was once the gayest of the gay, as she undoubtedly
was the fairest of the fair. ...
Monday [March] 2P*
My time this morn^, now I/2 p. 12, has been occupied
about my French Church concerns, & will be more or
less for a fortnight until the total removal of the reliques
of our forefathers. We have quite an excitement in Wall
S' this morn*-'. The City Bank has been robbed, between
Sat^ & last night, of, some say $130,000, others, of
1160,000. ...
Tues-^ [March] 22''
All eminent characters generally, have been early risers.
The soldier from necessity. Gen. Washington always
rose before six the year round. My friend De Witt
Clinton was habitually an early riser. I have repeatedly
called on him at 6 & found him with his books & papers
in his private ofiice. He always remarked were it not
for this practice he c*^ never write or despatch the busi-
ness of the day. Divines generally, are sluggish, their
sedentary lives lead to indulgence. Bp. Hobart was a
very early riser never requiring more than 6 hours re-
pose, but he was uncommonly energetic in mind &
body. . . .
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1831 233
Wed^ [March] 23^ Yest-" 22^ was y' Sisters birthday.
. . . She did not get abroad till late, to pay her respects
to M'' S[ervoss']s Aunt Wo[o]d, as it was her birthday
also, when the good old lady completed her 86'" year, a
great age. She was very well. Having to attend the
Vestry Du S* Esprit, I took my plate alone & in the ev^
Sister accounted for her absence at dinner. She enjoys
remarkable good health & spirits, & her nursling is a
very fine quiet babe. The meeting of our Vestry was
to increase the salary of our Rector in consequence of
his change of situation. His was $1750 a year & we
granted $600 more to hire a comfortable House. When
our new Church shall be built, w" may cost, with site,
130,000, & we shall [have] placed our revenue in se-
cure funds, I hope that we shall be able [to] give M,
Varen a permanent salary of $2500, w** with prudence
will enable him to live decently & comfortably, & to
lay by something for his family. Time I trust will
reconcile M"" Hammersley to the match, who is rich, &
will, in all events, not forget his daughter. Madame
Varen is quite an amiable lady & we are attentive to
her as our cousin. . . . This aft. noon I am to go to S'
Clements Church, to give some directions respecting
the new vault, w^ I may hereafter describe.
... I have been all the morn^, now V2 H^ engaged
in preparing some facts respecting our late City Hall,^"
with dates to w'' it was difficult to recur, for the Mirror. ^^
together with a short introductory note for the instruc-
tive amusing tale of the Dean of Bajadoz.^- . . .
Friday [March] 25"" . . . The mystery of the deten-
tion of y*" letter ^^ was unravelled by y"" brother. Having
^° At Wall and Nassau Streets.
^1 Pintard's "A Brief History of the Old Federal Hall," was printed
in The New-York Mirror of November 19, 1831 (vol. IX, p. 153).
12 "The Dean of Badajoz" bv the Abbe Blanchet, was printed in
The New-York Mirror of April 9. 1831, vol. VIII, pp. 314-15. with an
introductory paragraph by "Senex."
13 Mrs. Davidson's original letter of February 7, 8 and 10. 1831, to
her father, addressed by the Temiessee, was presented to The New-
York Historical Society by Mrs. James M. Todd (Margaret Ker
Texiida). a great-great-granddaughter of Mrs. Davidson.
234 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
been sent too late for the Tennessee, it was forwarded
by the ship Howard, w^ had a very long passage. . . .
Sat^ [March] 26^'^
I have just come from the Ch[urch] Yard [of the
French Church] which is turned up in every direction,
to take up Coffins & the decayed remains of past gen-
erations, to be placed in boxes, & taken away by their
relatives or sent to the Vaults purchased in S* Marks
Church at the upper end of the city. My Tomb is to
be opened on Monday morn^ where I shall attend at 9,
to designate the Coffins 5 to be removed to my new
Vault in S* Clements. . . .
Monday [March] 28*\ ... I have just come 11 y2
o'clock from a heart rending scene, taking up the Cof-
fins from our family Vault. The Rev. M"" Bayard break-
fasted with us, after performing morning service in his
Church at 6 o'clock, this being Passion Week. I also
rose early to read the service & lessons of the day. He
kindly attended me & render essential aid, as it was
difficult to discriminate the diff[erent] coffins. Of the
5 w*" I shall transport this aft.noon to our new Vault
in S' Clements Church 2 only remain undecayed, My
good old Uncle ^^ & g'^ma Brasher. ^^ The Madames ^^ &
Captains ^^ were too much decayed, & the contents were
taken out & decently placed in poor Uncle Lewis' ^^
Coffin, his remains being totally decayed, and the whole
placed in an external Box. Of the 4 Van Dams, 2 only
are so far entire as to be capable of being removed to
S* Marks Church in cases, & the contents of the others
placed in a Box. Of the Cutting Family, 3 are to be
cased & 2 Coffins are entire. My poor heart is almost
gone. It was difficult to suppress my tears, amidst a
number of spectators all anxious to see the exhuma-
1* Lewis Pintard (1732-1818).
15 Mrs. Abraham Brasher (Helena Kortright), mother of Mrs. John
Pintard, who died in 1819.
1*5 Madame Marie Elizabeth (Desleau-Vallade) Pintard, second wife
of Lewis Pintard.
1^ Captain Samuel Pintard, younger brother of Lewis Pintard.
18 Lewis Searle Pintard, son of Captain Samuel Pintard.
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1831 235
tioiis that are going on in our antient Cemetery. At
4 this afternoon the dear reliques of my departed friends
are to be taken to S^ Clements & when deposited in
the new vault may they rest in peace. . . .
Tuesd^ [March] 29'\ Bulletin. I left dear mother
better. A rainy morn^. I was favoured by the weather
yest^ to accomplish the most painful services that can
be rendered to the remains of our dear departed friends.
By the arrangements of the morning the only 2 entire
Coffins, my dear Uncles, with y'' g'^mamas, & the Case
containing poor Uncle Lewis' decayed Coffin & the
reliques of his Father & of the Madame, were all safely
& decently transferred & reposited in my new Tomb in
S' Clements Church at 5 o'clock p. m. y"" brother & M""
Bayard lending their kind assistance. The Vault is un-
der the vestry room in the rear of the Church easily
accessible without removing earth over its aperture, it
being constructed like a cellar with doors, locks & keys.
Tho' not so large is more so than most modern vaults.
I have had it shelved at the lower end so as to contain
Coffins without resting on each other. Dear old Uncle &
g'^ma repose side by side. Uncle Lewis' Box too large
for the shelf rests on Locust plank, brought up from S*
Esprit. Requiescant in pace. I had brought up the
Marble Tomb stone, inscribed "Tombeau de la famille
Pintard 1704" & will have the present year 1831 in-
serted & set up over the new vault. . . .
Wed-" [March] 30'^ On Monday aft.noon y^ brother
sent home the Box w" arrived after my return home
from S* Clements, opportunely, to dissipate the gloom
that depressed my spirits. It was immed^' opened &
the portrait ^^ placed on a Chair directly before dear
mother to contemplate the resemblance of her new g'^son,
with w*" she was very much pl[e]ased.
This is my very solemn week. Thus far hath the
Lord helped. As a small, not trifling, tribute of grati-
tude I send a packet by the Kentucky, with 31 vol. in
19 Of John Harris Johnston (1795-1838).
236 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
neat half binding of the Tracts of the Am. Tract So.
such as you have, for my Turtle Dove to present to y'
Sunday School Library, also a map of Palestine for the
Bible Class to be pres[en]ted by my dear Mary, who
are both Teachers I presume. This with Mothers ap-
probation. In the package are all Peter Parleys works
in 7 vols for the Younglings Juvenile Library. Useful &
entertaining. Also Marneys ring, with the last Ob-
server & S[unday] S[chool] Journal, a Report on our
Lunatic Assylum for the Doctors w*" they will find use-
ful, also Websters celebra[ted] speech on the Judiciary
& his reply at the late dinner, for the Deputy. On
the table of the portrait I see Currans speeches, indica-
tive of the Judges early taste. Deputy, read Curran,
but do not imitate his style. The Irish Orators are too
flowery indeed hyperbolical for our chaster taste. Study
Burke, when you can command time. He is a mine of
political maxims, & not so florid as his countrymen, his
wild Irish fancy chastened by English conversation. His
Works, w^ I do not possess or I w" send them were to
me a luxury, surpassing Junius, in my estimation.
Broome S^ Sat-" 2" April 1831. A May day
What a happy Easter you will all enjoy tomorrow.
It will be a solemn day with me, to partake for the last
time of the Lord's Supper in the Temple reared by our
pious Forefathers, after which Divine services are to
close, in order to dismantle the Church w*" is to be de-
livered to the purchaser on the P* of May. . . . After
concluding service in S* Esprit yest^ I sent home a superb
English Baskerville Folio Bible & 2 Folio Common
Prayer Books, w*" are to be loaned to S* Clements Church
until called for, w*" will be a long day. They are splen-
didly bound in blue Morocco, not much the worse for
wear. They were procured in 1803, for the English serv-
ice performed on Sunday afternoon, which after the de-
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1831 237
cease of M. Albert was discontinued. I shall endeavour
to obtain our small Organ of excellent tone, Chandeliers
& Christening Marble Font, for the temporary use of
S' Clements, so as to help our Rev. Rector along. The
setting up of the wood work is now in rapid progress &
the Church may be completed for service in all May. A
Bell is presented by M"" Allaire a Founder, to the Church,
a handsome acquisition.
Monday [April] 4*''. A N. E. drizzly raw day. Dear
Mother improving. Yest^' Easter Sunday was a beauti-
ful spring day the streets thronged with people going
to Church. Altho' a day of rejoicing for the resurrec-
tion of our Redeemer, my individual feelings were very
much exercised & depressed as I knelt at the Altar to
receive the Sacrament for the last time in my old French
Church. ... I can never forget early impressions nor
the simplicity of the worshippers in my almost infan-
tile days. This day I shall attend at 12, the election
of our Vestry. I have consented to act if chosen as Ch.
Warden for the ensuing year. . . .
Tuesd^ [April] 5*\ A right March blustering day
after hard rain last night. Dear mother convales[c]ing
but exceedingly weak & emaciated, so I think than in
any former attack, & her spirits are out of tone. Yest-^'
I was together with the last Vestry re-elected for the
current year. On a conviction that I may be useful I
almost reluctantly consented to serve. Deference is
paid to my opinions & respect thank God, to my age.
This day there is to be a contested election in S* Thomas'
Church, where an almost entire new vestry is to be run,
adverse to the present Rector, M' Upfold. Sh*^ it suc-
ceed it will be a sure manifestation of having lost the
affections of his congregation & of course his utility &
must lead to a seperation. Your brother, prudently,
declines interfering. For myself considering my connec-
tion with S' Esprit, & having never voted in S* Thomas,
it w'' be indelicate, if not worse, at my period, to fish in
troubled waters. . . . With respect to M"" U. I never
238 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
had but one opinion, he is a weak brother, & his cheif
merit w'' introduced him into S' Thomas was being a
sattelite of Bp. Hobart. As an avowed enemy of the
A[merican] Bible S° perhaps my antipathy ag* him may
be unduly excited. As I never brought him into the
Church, God forbid that I sh*^ take a part in displacing
him. Every thing is right, altho' at the time I tho't that
the rejection of such a man as the Rev. M"" Eastburn
was wrong, & those who at the time opposed him are
now convinced of their error. M"" E. is infinitely better
off. Rector of the Ascension, w^ by his zeal & merits, tho'
unacknowledged by the late Bp. he is deservedly popu-
lar, enjoys the hearts & affections of a devoted respec-
table congregation. Before closing this I hope to give
an account of the dedication of his Sunday School House
next Friday, w" was to have taken place yest^, but post-
poned on ace* of the unfavourable state of the weather.
But I must stop. This is also election day for Directors
of the Mut[ual] Ins[urance] Co. . . .
Wedn^ [April] 6*V . . The election in S* Thomas
yest^ resulted in favour of the old Vestry for w*' I am
glad, as the opposition proceeded from every thing else
than a Xt° spirit
Thur'' [April 7] .... I have taken a very severe cold
& shall have great difficulty to read my minutes at the
Managers meeting of the A[merican] B[ible] S[ociety]
this aft.noon. All my colds are accompanied by great
hoarseness. After passing over this duty I shall en-
deavour to nurse myself a little. The Directors of the
Mutual meet at 12 to elect, according to custom their
president for the ensuing year. It is matter of form.
M' Ireland a good man, & very kind to me will be re-
elected. My old master Robert Lenox has been confined
to his house with Erysipelas in his leg. Wealth will
neither ensure health nor length of day. He has some
good & is I have no doubt a sincere Xt'', but he like
his countrymen is a bitter hater as I have experienced.
God forgive him, in his day he has done me much
harm. . . ,
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1831 239
Friday [April] 8'" . . . Yest^ the A. B. S. granted a
donation of 20,000 Testaments to the Union Sunday
School, for the supply of the Valley of the Missi[ssip]pi.
These western wilds have come more into notice in con-
sequence of the efforts making to establish Sunday
Schools, than on any other occasion. . . .
Saturday [April] Q*'' . . . I have been deputed to re-
quest Col. Varick, President of the A[raerican] B[ible]
S[ociety] to present the S" with his full length portrait,
to correspond with D' Boudinots & Gov' Jays. An in-
timacy of 40 years justified the overture, w*" he gra-
ciously granted. It rained yest''. As no moment is like
the present, notwithstanding that it blew almost a hur-
ricane I called on the Colonel this morning to designate
the artist. He named Ingham [sic], who had before
painted two likenesses. He is a celebrated portrait
painter. I had to walk back to Vesey St. & to request
M"" I. to call on the Col. for orders, to prepare the canvas,
w*' really almost exhausted me. On reaching the ofi&ce I
was glad to rest, when I had promised Andrew to pre-
pare an introduction to Cooper the Novelists anecdote -"
respecting Gen. Washington for the Mirror, a copy of
which when printed I will send to you. I had some re-
search for facts & dates, & really it is surprizing what
trouble a few short lines will give when one goes back
50 years to recall them. We are so much given to am-
plify & to throw into romance almost, the events of
the rev^ war, as to be disgusting to those better ac-
quainted with the incidents of that memorable struggle
for the Independence of these U'' States. Truth re-
quires no fiction to blazon the almost romantic scenes
of that war. In my time I have taken some pains to
correct such errors, with little thanks from their fanci-
ful authors. . . .
Wed'' 13^^ April, clear & cool. At the Seamens Sav-
ing B^. . , . We sh" assuredly been very happy to have
-0 An extract from a letter from J. Fennimore Cooper, dated Paris,
2Sth of January, was printed in The New-York Mirror (April 16. 1831),
VIII. 327.
240 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
seen the young medical student "^ but after such devo-
tion to his studies it was natural for him to visit what
was to be seen in the truly Athens of America, Phil[a-
delphija. This city is only the Pyrseum of Athens, but
I predict that it will in process of time excell all others
in the U. S. as well in Arts & Sciences as in commerce.
Great cities with great wealth afford encouragement &
patronage to Literature, & generally speaking, in the
background, as we certainly are at present, greater
patronage is given to Authors & bookmakers in N. Y.
than either Boston or Phil[adelphi]a, & this pabulum
is every thing for the support of Literature. Our con-
templated University will in the course of a few years
work wonders in rearing up a new generation whose
superior education must change the present, in a de-
gree, grovelling character of N Yorkers. I know full
well the contempt with w*" we are regarded by our rival
sisters B[oston] & P[hiladelphia] not a little owing to
the jealousy of our vast superiority in commerce, w"
from our geographical positions cannot be taken from
us. . . . We are as yet scarcely in the grizzle of man-
hood, nor shall we arrive to anything like maturity till
the end of this century. . . .
Y'" brother by exposure last Friday & getting wet took
a cold w** affected his hearing. D"" Francis this morn^
drew some blood w" will I hope relieve him. He will
soon be over head & ears in business for the new line of
packets. The shipwrights are in such full employm* that
the keels of only 3 can be immed^ laid. Cap* Price
explored the Yards yest^. In consequence of the great
demand for shipping, evidence of our increasing mercan-
tile prosperity, each ship will probably cost more by
5000 D""^ than last year, but the difference will be soon
ballanced by the advanced rate of freights. I anticipate
most favourable results to the concern, from 2 such
active agents as y"" brother in N. Y. & M"" Foster in
N[ew] 0[rleans] both business men & competent to
21 His grandson, John Pintard Davidson.
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1831 241
discharge faithfully their duties. On the 28*" Sept. next
Cap' Price is to sail in the first ship the others to fol-
low at intervals of a fortnight. If every Comm"" can
equal or approach Cap' Price, it will be a noble concern.
Thur^' [April] 14'". Beautiful day. . . . Yest^ Sister
attended in the City Hotel the ann[iversar]y meeting of
the Orphan Assylum. The exhibition of the children
was most interesting. She paid her own & mothers
subs[cription]s $2 each with great satisfaction. The
duties of the Seamans B" occurring at the same hour,
12, prevented me the pleasure of complimenting the
good ladies who interest themselves in this important
institution. Among the children were 3 orphan daugh-
ters of M' Duff formerly a wine merch' in this city.
His wife was a daughter of D' Tillary a respectable
physician of the best practice, who lived at the corner
of BVay & Wall S' when C^ma lived in 72 BVay. She
was a very pretty little woman, but unfortunately be-
came, from her husbands misfortunes intemperate.
They both died in early [life] leaving their 3 children
a charge on the Assylum. It makes one shrink when we
regard such instances & ask whose children may in proc-
ess of time become subjects of the Assylum, to be bound
out to service after the decease of parents, who spent
their all in profuse extravagance, w" was literally the
case with M"" Duff, who was one of poor Uncle Lewis'
boon companions. . . . Yest^ dear mother, as a small
tribute of gratitude to her heavenly Father for raising
her from almost the bed of death, sent $25 to the Rev.
M"" Bayard towards procuring Communion plate for S'
Clements. Sister sent the like sum the day before.
Mother also sent $20 extra towards the Communion
Table. . . . The Rector is indefatigable in soliciting
benefactions, & the Congregation is as yet hardly
formed. What with plate, & hangings for the pulpit
& desk, the burthen will fall heavy on a few. ... In
your packet I put up the last Mirror containing a fa-
vourite Eastern Tale, The Dean of Bajadoz, w^ Andrew
242 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
with some difficulty procured. The short introd[uctio]n
Senex will show what I once tho't of it. . . .
Friday [April] 15^''. ... As every one concerned in
the new line, is to build his own ship & provide the
commander, y'' brother has agreed with Cap* Reed, a
gentlemany man, who formerly commanded one of the
Mississippi Steam Boats, well known & esteemed in
N[ew] 0[rleans]. There is great difl&culty in making
contracts for ships, nor will the line be completed as early
as anticipated. . . .
[Addressed by:] Ship Kentucky
New Yobk, Sat^ 16''' AprH, 1831
. . . No decision as yet about y"" brothers new ship.
M"" Eckford one of our principal builders launched yest^
a superb ship of 1000 Tons pierced for 24 Guns, a Flier,
for Russia, it is said, & is laying the keel of a 74 for
the same power. This shows the fame of our port for
ship building. I asked y"" brother whether 2 of the pack-
ets c*^ not be as well & much cheaper built in Phil". He
observed no, that altho' timber materials & workman-
ship were as good, yet the Phil" shipwrights had not the
tact to model & finish ships equal to the N Yorkers. The
case formerly was otherwise & a Phil" built ship bore
the palm far away, but in consequence of the increased
navigation of this port, the finest ships that float on the
ocean are constructed here, as is admitted at Liverpool
& Havre. The new line is to be built on the model of
the Alabama a beautiful ship, but a little longer & more
breadth of beam, w*" will make the ships about 600 Tons,
equally buoyant & stowing more. . . .
Tues^ [April] IQ**" ... I think much very much of
you all & esp^ of our darling ^- & hope that by this date
the Talma has arrived with the Baby things for her
22 Mrs. John Harris Johnston (Eliza Ellen Davidson).
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1831 243
amusement. Altho' a wide difference in quality, I hope
that you may have preserved for her one of the little
frock [s] w'' she once wore at Pinckneyville, as a remem-
brancer of her childhood. All of my poor dear Mothers
were sadly scattered. The revol^ war made sad havoc
in this city of every family relic. I can recall the old
family pictures & furniture, now no more, w" tho' far
inferior to modern luxuries, one c"^ wish to have retained
as household gods. Of plate even, I know not that I
possess a single article that was once my dear mothers,
& very few that have been preserved of my g'^fathers.
The love of novelty plays a vengeance with old family
plate, & the same in succession is to be the fate of the
fashions of the present day. La! Mama, I would not
keep such an antiquated Teapot, &c* on my table, and
as to old Tankards, Mugs &c^ they are quite a bore,
fashionable plated ware is much more tasty & splendid.
But my child such things came from my dear parents.
Oh, a fig for such things, I am tired of seeing them.
Well dear, as you please, we will exchange them for
something more modern. As it was in the beginning is
now & ever shall be, & why mourn that our children
sh'^ act the same foolish parts that we did. The pre-
ceding is a short colloquy of real life.
Thurs^ 2P' April. I had a very satisfactory conver-
sation yest^ with D'' Francis respecting dear Mother.
He says that tho' very weak her debility arises from
agitated spirits & want of air & exercise. He recom-
mends high seasoned food, to restore & stimulate her
appetite, & that there is no appearance of danger.
Francis is very candid, as a physician ought to be, the
very opposite of the late Doctor Post, who was the most
cold, heartless man I ever knew. Approached his pa-
tient, felt the pulse, prescribed & retired without open-
ing his lips nor satisfying the enquiries of an anxious
family. Still his practice was very extensive among the
wealthiest families, & he died rich. His whole stock of
books w'^ not have filled a wheelbarrow. F[rancis] on
244 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
the contrary has a very extensive professional Library,
also every modern work of dis[tinc]tion & merit. He
is frank & communicative, & considers it a religious
duty to be candid with his patients & families. . . .
Friday [April] 22". This day determines the doom
of the two bloody pirates ^^ who are to be executed for
their horrible murders on the ocean. An account of
their confessions & execution will no doubt be published,
of w** I will endeavour to send you a copy. The Rev.
M"" Bayard visited Gibbs or Jefferies several times. He
was to have had a last interview yest''. He found him
penitent & resigned to his fate. May a gracious Judge
be more merciful to him than he was to his fellow crea-
tures. A more cold blooded murderer is scarcely to be
found in the annals of piracy.
Most exf tidings this day from Washington, the
resignation of the whole of the Presidents Cabinet w"
he has accepted. The important particulars are on the
way to N[ew] 0[rleans] & will reach you long ere this.
The convulsions of the old world seem to extend to the
new. This event is unprecedented in the Hist^ of the
U. S. It is said that Edw** Livingston will be app** Sec^
of State. He will make a more honest & confidential
one than Van Beuren. . . . But certainly there was a
period when statesmen were more upright than at pres-
ent. America, indeed the world, will never see another
Washington, nor with all his personal errors, a wiser or
more honest statesman than Alex"" Hamilton. . . .
Sat^ [April] 23**. ... In former, now long gone by
days, it was the practice for all young ladies to copy the
Family receipts, to serve when they became housekeep-
ers, for generally the printed receipt books, such as M"
Glass,-^ &C'' were so extravagant & troublesome, in their
23 Accounts of Charles Gibbs and Thomas J. Wansley may be found
in The New-York Observer, April 16, and 30, 1831; in the New-York
Gazette for April 23, 1831, and other contemporary newspapers. The
New- York Historical Society has four pamphlets of 1831 relating to the
trial and execution of Charles Gibbs.
24 Mrs. Hannah Glasse, The Art oj Cookery.
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1S31 245
prescriptions, as to be scarcely reducible to practice.
therefore the old, long tried family receipts, were only
to be relied on. . . . What an excellent cook Hannah
was, brought up by the old Madame, & also g'^mas
Silvey. . . . Yest^ at 12, the pirates expiated their crimes
at Ellis' island, <fe their bodies were delivered to the
surgeons who like vultures hovered round their
prey. . . .
Monday 25'*' April
What concerns us more nearly is the resignation of
the late cabinet. M"" Van Beurens letter is a complete
mystification, almost unintelligible, Eatons is shorter &
simpler, but neither give reasons for their conduct. The
truth must be that they lost by their duplicity, esp^
V. B., the Presidents confidence, without which a cabinet
cannot exist. E. Livingston will make a much more con-
fidential sec^ & will no doubt support Gen Jacksons
views to a reelection with cordiality. Of his talents
there can be no doubt. Those of V. B. are great but he
is a perfect intrigant, a complete Tallyrand.
Thur^ [April] 28*'' ... As I have mentioned, I
think, that thro' my persuasions Col. Varick is sitting for
his whole length portrait, by Inman, to place in the
Managers rooms of the A[merican] B[ible] S[ociety].
Being infirm on his feet, I attend him daily at 11. to
Inmans, in Vesey S* above S* Pauls, a long walk from
Pine S' in w*" he lives. We crossed over to the De-
pository to decide on the Frame, w*" is to be nearly simi-
lar to D'" Boudinots. . . .
Sat^ 30 April. . . . (i/o p. 12). I have just ref^ at-
tending Col. Varicks last sitting to Inman, 4 times, the
likeness is faithful & admirable. M"" Inman is going to
PhiP where he will finish the portrait in about 3
mo [nth] s. He will eclipse Sully w'ho is not happy in
his likenesses. He murdered D"" Boudinot. so that we
were obliged to procure another portrait, of w'' you had
an engraving, defaced but not replaced. . . . The Rev*^
246 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
M"" Bayard whose exertions are unremitted, proposes to
have his Church, S^ Clements, consecrated next Thur^
5*" May. It will be a singular circumstance, that the
foundation of that Church, was the last act of the kind
by Bp. Hobart, & the consecration, the first act by his
successor Bp. Onderdonck. I cannot speak too much
in praise of the Rev*^ M"" Bayards zeal & preseverance,
nor do too much to the utmost of my poor ability to aid
him. He proposes to give a plain cold collation after
the service to the Bishop & Clergy, & Sister has gen-
erously promised to do what ever is in her power to
assist. I shall go up this afternoon & help arrange the
Bill of fare, & to relieve Cornelia by making some prepa-
rations at home, such as an Alamode round w** our Cook
prepares elegantly. We cannot do too much on this
occasion. . . .
Tues-^ 3"^ May. Mother quite bravely. A fine day,
she may possibly take a walk or airing at noon. Yest''
your sister called on M""^ Hay. Her information respect-
ing Sally is not as c"* be wished. M" H. says that she
is an excellent Cook, neat & clean & has many good
properties, but fond of liquor & when intoxicated is a
dreadful creature with a most virulent tongue. If strictly
governed she may be restrained or reclaimed when she
may become a most useful servant. She is pleased to
hear that she is with a family connection & desires to
be remembered to her & expresses a hope that she may
be deserving of her good lot. M''^ Hay says that she has
several young slaves, I think Sallys children, of excellent
dispositions, w** being her own, she must sell as she is
obliged to break up housekeeping. The eldest a girl of
14 years, an excellent Cook & many good properties.
She c*^ wish to sell them altogether & reasonably, that
they may live with or near each other. Is there any
possibility that the lot w*^ suit Judge Johns[t]on, or of
his making any arrangement to purchase them & safely
transported to him. Coming from a respectable family,
trained to decent habits they w*^ be an acquisition. She
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1831 247
promised to send Sister a list, w*" if rec*^ before making
up my packet tomorrow I will inclose. Col. Monroe
is still with his daughter M""^ Gouverneur, but is in very
delicate health, y Sister did not see him. . . .
Wed^ 4*'' May
I have been & shall be exceedingly engaged with the
preliminary preparations for the Anni[versar]y of the
A[merican] B[ible] S[ociety]. The past has been a
very busy year, & thank God, thus far most prosperous.
The Tract Society & Sunday School Union are equally
so, & engaged in expediting their Boxes of Books by the
Illinois, to go up the river for the [Mississippi] Valley
effort. A very large, unusual, number of Boxes of Bibles
& Test[aments] from the A. B. S. go by the same con-
veyance. . . .
[Addressed by Ship] Illinois
N York, Wed^ 4*'^ May, 1831
Thur^' 5*\ M[utual] Ins[urance] Office. Here I am
instead of attending the consecration of S* Thomas' [sic
for Clement's] Church as proposed ... I was obliged
to call at the Collector's Office City Hall to pay assess-
ments on M"" S. Bayards lots for paving, to prevent their
being advertised for sale. Again on his business I waited
on D' Milnor who had nominated M"" Bayard as a Vice
Pres* of the A[merican] B[ible] S[ociety] in place of
the late Judge Kirkpatrick. D"" Milnor is confined by
the gout & cannot attend the meeting of the Managers
this p. m. & I must endeavour to find some other friend.
M"" Frelinghuysen is also in nomination & it is very
problematical whether M'' B. will be elected. These
subjects clashed with my attendance at S^ Clements,
w'' out of respect to the Rector, Sister & myself have
provided all necessary refreshments, in abundance, with
wine. The Vestrymen are all young men unacquainted
with such arrangements. It was fortunate for Cornelia
248 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
that she had friends that were, & disposed to relieve her
from all anxiety on this head. William goes to wait.
Mother, Sister & the boys rode up yest^ aft.noon. It
is a beautiful Gothic Church on a small scale & very
neatly fitted up within. A small Organ, full large en"
for the size of the Church, w" was in S* Thomas' was
fitting up & w'* be ready for this morning. An excellent
young gent° M"" Walton, preparing for the ministry is
volunteer Organist, full of zeal, ardour & enterprize, a
man after my own heart. . . .
Saf [May] 7*\ . . . Sister only, attended the con-
secration of S* Clements. The day was not unfavour-
able. A respectable congregation, & Bishop Onderdonck
& 16 Epis' ministers. Every part of the Service & dis-
course by the Bishop were solemn & impressive. The
Choir of good ladies & Organ performed to a charm.
The refreshments were ample & pleased Cornelia. I shall
attend, weather permitting, opening the Church tomor-
row. To give you an idea how I am pres[s]ed & what
I can go thro' in an emergency I will just sketch my
operations of yest''. Rose early, went to the Barbers
V2 P- 6, to market at 7, ret*^ home to prayers & breakfast
at 8, called i/o p. 8 at M"" George Rapeljes, by request
of D"" Turner, to see whether, as possessor of a consid-
erable parcel of land at Greenwich, he will not bestow
a site for a Church, to be erected in that Quarter, w'"
will enhance the value of his lots. Found him not
within, the same this day. Reached the Depository at
9, made out Resolutions referred to Committees. At
office V- p. 10, arranged my minutes for Andrew to
engross, who made out, neatly 4 certificates, 2 for M""
Bayard & M'" Frelinghuysen, elected Vice presidents for
New Jersey, 2 for M"" Stuyvesant & D'" Willett elected
Managers, trotted back to the Depository with the cer-
tificates to be instantly forwarded by mail & to the new
Managers. This is always my rule to prevent lapses.
Came back to Wall S* to arrange business for the Anniv''.
Called at 2 at the Depository to make out warrants for
the work peoples wages. At 3 set off hom. On my way
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1831 249
called on M"" Rapelye. Not in, the same this morn^.
I must write to him a letter on the subject but w'^ pre-
fer conversation to remove objections. He is rich in
money as well as land & has no children. I doubt of
success, but having put my hand to the plough will not
look back. Dined at 4. Intending to go to S' Clements,
but the air was raw & piercing so Mother dissuaded me.
I was glad to take it, for my mind having been on the
stretch all day, it required repose. ... I am interrupted
by a call to do some duty for Washington College
Con[necticu]t, Bp. Brownells. More anon.
Monday [May] 9^". Altho' it rained in torrents
yest^, a complete N E storm, & the wind a tempest, I
beat up to S* Clements to attend the opening of this
beautiful Church, for Divine service & to receive the
Sacrament at the hands of its very efficient Rector the
Rev. L. P. Bayard. The storm prevented anything like
numbers, about 20 Communicants. However, it was
gratifying to see the decency & propriety in everything
about this church. Nothing splendid but everything
neat. The desk pulpit & curtains in front of the Organ
loft crimson silk damask & fringe, the drapery of the
Communion Table very chaste & tasty, white satin with
crimson Festoon. The sacramental plate, plain silver,
ewer, 2 vases, 2 pattens, 4 plates cost $200, defrayed
by subscription.
Tues^ [May] 10*\ . . . The Steamboat in which
Thomas [Servoss] came from Newburgh last night [was
so crowded] that the passengers were obliged to sit up,
or keep the deck. It was excessively cold for the season.
The rain & hail squalls thro yest"" having cleared off
at ev^ with a N. wester. Besides the good & pious who
resort in throngs to attend our Anniv[ersarie]s, vast
numbers of the gay, gambling world are attracted to
witness the great race at Jamaica for a 110,000 purse,
between a colt of Eclipse & a southern. Every thing
on wheels & four legs have been engaged to go to the
ground. A Horse race is certainly a beautiful sight, esp""
250 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
such coursers as will be started to day. My scruples are
not so great as to make me condemn this only mode of
improving the breed of that noble & useful animal, the
Horse. Great pains are taken to restrict gambling &
drinking on the grounds, but the black leg gentry & all
sorts of pickpockets &c" will evade the strictest laws.
. . . This p. m. we shall attend at the park to see the
Sunday [School] Scholars. . . .
Wed^ [May] IT'' . . . But here comes y' brother
Yo p. 10, with a letter & a smile. "There is no end to
your progeny in N[ew] 0[rleans]." "News about
Eliza?" "No." "What then?" "Louise is helping her-
self to a partner." ^^
The Judge & Rev. son is to dine with us. & then I have
to attend the Funeral of M"" Jones, the son in law of M**
J. Mason, who fell a victim to consumption, possessed of
an ample fortune, beautiful wife & everything that c*^
render life happy. Sic transit.
Friday [May] 13**". Our anniversary, IS^*", went off
gloriously. The weather was most auspicious, as it has
been all this week. Heaven smiles upon us. We never
had so numerous an audience. The Middle Dutch
Church in Nassau S* crowded to excess, pews aisles &
Galleries. . . .
Sat^ [May] U*"^
I believe that henceforward I shall write semimonthly
by mail, w'' will be quicker than by the packets, & as
they accumulate I will send y"" papers by them. Of the
new line of packets 4 are contracted for. The o^^ not
yet. Capt. Holmes who pretended to dislike the molds,
has been, I understand to endeavour to contract for a
new ship just like these. His concern has been most
profitable this season, freights being so high. . . .
[Addressed by Ship] Louisiana
25 Louise Pintard Davidson married in June, 1831. Richard Bedon
Screven, Lieutenant, U. S. Armv.
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1831 251
New York, Monday, 16^'' May, 1831
Tuesd^ [May] 17'\ . . . The Rev. M^ Bayard just
stepped in & informs me that he has rec'' a letter from
his father announcing that his sister Caroline was safely
put to bed on Sunday the 15^^ inst. with a daugh-
ter.-*^ . . .
Friday 20'" May. A letter inclosing a precious lock
of hair, is just rec'* V^. p. 10 to relieve our solicitude for
our beloved Darling, and to make us rejoice "that on
Wed^' morn- 4^'' May, 40 minutes after 3 o'clock," a man
child was born into this world at N. Orleans. ... I
shall forthwith, as I return home call at the Depository
& constitute my g' g'^son, John Pintard Johnston, son
of the Honourable John Johnston of Alexandria, Lou-
isiana, member for life, of the American Bible Society.
[Addressed:] By Mail via Mobile
New York, Sat^ 2P* May, 1831
Monday 23"^. A delightful day. Dear Mother was
to go to the Silver Smiths to bespeak the birth day gift
for her g* grandson, also one for S* Louis, w*" to my
mortification has been omitted. . . .
Tuesday 24'''
Yest'' being a very fine cool pleasant one, Mother &
Sister went in search of & found cups to please them.
Darlings will be inscribed, "A Birthday Gift, 4''' May
1831, to John Pintard Johnston, by his g* g^mother,
Eliza B. Pintard." The same with alteration of date &
name to St. Louis P. Servoss. . . .
[Addressed:] By Mail via Mobile
26 Martha Bayard Dod, daughter of Albert Baldwin Dod and Caro-
line S. (Bayard) Dod. Dodd and Burnet. Genealogies of the Male
Descendants of Daniel Dod (Newark, N. J., 1864), p. 143.
252 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
New York, Wed^ 25*'' May, 1831
My last of 24*'' iiist. yest-'' was despatched by mail.
. . . The Talma lingers altho several vessels have ar-
rived from N[ew] 0[rleans] in short passages. By her
I may possibly send this, on 1st June, or more probably
by mail, to advise you of having put on board the little
packet cont^ the certificate, Bible & g[rea]t g[ran]dma's
presentation cup, w** is her choice & I think pretty. The
engraving is neatly done. Long may my dear little
namesake [John Pintard Johnston] live to look upon it
as the gift of his g' g'hnama. If preserved, he will not
need to go to the Family Bible to look for the date of
his Birth. . . . Our country retreat is yet unsettled.
Were it not for the younkers, Sister says that she w**
remain in town, but in the extreme heat of July &
August they will languish for want of country air &
exercise. The difficulty of locating lies with Mother who
requires more accommodation than can readily be found
for both our families. Bath w*^ be preferable, nearly as
cheap, more commodious & of easy access, but the mal
air, w*" seems to infest this place after the middle of
Aug* has proved so nearly fatal, twice, to Mother that
she will not encounter it a third time. . . . Poor Thomas
will be quite disappointed as he took much pains to
hunt up a place at M" James Wiltzes near the
river. . . .
Thur'' [May] 26'" ... I came down to Wall S* as
usual, my spirits exhilirated with the important news
of the glorious victory of the Poles S*"" & 7^^ April over
the Russians. Heaven smiles on a brave people fighting
for their liberties against a ruthless barbarous despot.
. . . The news by the last arrival from Liverpool, as
will be published in y"" papers before this reaches you is
most extr[a]o[r]d[inar]y, the defeat of the English min-
istry in their plan of Reform, the determination of
William 4*'' to support his ministers by dissolving the
present Parliament & affording by a new election, the
English nation of expressing its opinion for or against
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1831 253
Reform. The Nobility, great Landholders & Ecclesi-
astics, pertinaciously adhere to the existing abuses of
rotten boroughs & partial representation. Whether the
commonalty possess virtue & strength sufficient to give
a decided majority to the ministers in a new parliament,
will soon be seen. England is certainly in a very critical
state. As to France all is distraction & new revolution
more or entirely republican is not improbable. The
continent of Europe is convulsed, & the overthrow of
Despotism is at hand. . . .
[Addressed:] Mail
via Mobile
New York, Friday, 27**^ May, 1831
. . . Herewith you will receive copy of a note from
M" Hay to y"" sister, sent yest^ containing the names of
her 12 slaves which she wishes to sell. Young & old,
their properties & characters appear to be favourable, &
coming from Col. Monroe & M""^ Hays family, is a rec-
ommendation that may be relied on. If within the view
& power of Judge Johnston to make the purchase, 12
slaves belonging to one family, some born & all accus-
tomed to each other might probable be an acquisition.
. . . Col. Monroe, I am sorry to say, is quite ill, & pos-
sible near the term of his years. No doubt his em-
barassed situation has broken his spirits. Political emi-
nence, where a man, like Gen. Washington, does not
enjoy an independent fortune, too commonly ends in
destitution & leaves children in poverty. Witness Jef-
ferson & Monroe & my friend De Witt Clinton, all rich
in Fame but bankrupts in fortune. Our former Gov-
ernor Geo[rge] Clinton, tho' very moderately compen-
sated lived in frugal times, not avaritious, but very eco-
nomical, by early investments in certificates & lands
when both were very low, left a rich inheritance to his
family. I have always been jealous that there was foul
254 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
play with his Will, as he appeared to die intestate, as I
think he w*^ have bequeathed something handsome to
a nephew who sustained more than his name & fame. I
repeatedly intimated my suspicions to M' Clinton, but
he was always reserved on the subject, his usual mode,
when he did not wish to commit himself by an impru-
dent remark or censure. He took every remark most
freely & friendly from me, altho' they were sometimes
unpleasant, yet true predictions of the faithlesness &
ingratitude of his politick friends. His looks acknowl-
edged their justness, but he never or seldom replied.
I have often told him, that with all our intimacy &
general freedom of communication, were I [to] turn his
bitterest Foe, I scarcely knew a single circumstance,
with adherence to truth, that c*^ injure him, w'' was
saying a great deal considering his general frankness &
inclination to great freedom of speech. He was by no
means taciturn, and in private life immaculate. In pub-
lic he sacrificed his better judgment to please his party
& failed. His Uncle, on occasion of a speech that re-
flected on the Federalists, to please the violent demo-
crats, "That the Federalists w*^ rather rule in Hell than
serve in Heaven," told him De Witt you are mad. The
expression did him no good with his party, & embittered
the old Federalists against him till his dying day. I
often lamented in his company when alone this impru-
dent remark, to which he tacitly assented, but c*^ not
reply. On one occasion looking at a very correct en-
graving of him, in his best days, of w*" he gave me a
copy still preserved, M" C. asked me how I liked it. I
expressed my full approval. Is it not handsome? Yes
Madam. Do you know what Book he has in his hand?
No. Milton, his favourite author. The unexpected re-
mark caused a burst of laughter & made him scratch
his Head. The Quotation alluded to was from Milton.
The above occured some years after his very imprudent
application of it, w^ I often, in vain, endeavoured, to
palliate. It shows his heart, was the retort. They did
not know his heart. It was good. But his head, politi-
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1831 255
cally, was sometimes wrong. So true is the maxim, that
the head of a political leader like the serpents, is im-
pelled by the Tail. Take him all in all, he was mag-
nanimous. Not the less I trust for his constant regard
for his humble friend, for w'' also he was unjustly cen-
sured, but never hurt my feelings by telling me so. I
learnt the unwelcome fact from others, but thank God
our intimacy & friendship lasted uninterruptedly till
his death. He avowed his esteem for me, calling me
his oldest & most disinterested friend, to his noble son
Charles, only a short time before his sudden depar-
ture. . . .
Sat^ [May] 28*\ Talma not arrived. By her I shall
send 2 Copies of this days Observer, one for Darling, in
w*" she will see her first born's name announced ere it
is a month old, an honour never conferred upon any
[of] her family, on either side, before. My friend M""
Nitchie Gen^ Agent of the A[merican] B[ible] S[ociety]
thought that the fact of my being the first g'^father &
g' g'^father that constituted his grand and g* g^'children,
members for life of the A. B. S. deserved notice as an
example for g^'fathers to go & do likewise. He accord-
ingly, without my knowledge, sent the article to the
Observer. I sh"^ have demurred had I been consulted,
thro fear of being charged with vanity. As it is it will
gratify me if a single g'^child shall, in imatation be made
a member You will also receive the just pub-
lished No. 40, of Monthly Extracts for May, containing
some of the addresses delivered before the A. B. S. at
the last Anniver^ which will delight. That of M^ Has-
brouck is, in my opinion, the most elegant that has ever
been delivered before our So[ciety]. Marney, this gen-
tleman is a Lawyer, perhaps not much beyond 30 years,
chaste in composition & animated in delivery, it made
a most impressive effect on the Audience. Study as a
model. Governor Vrooms of N Jersey, is also a very fine
address & well delivered. He also is not far advanced
in life & belonged to the Bar.
256 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
Thurs^ 2^ June. Extreme heat. . . . M' Ab. Schenck
of Mattawan died the 3P* after a long confinement of
nearly 3 years. Your brother will endeavour to attend
his funeral tomorrow afternoon. . . .
Friday 3*^ . . . The Rev'* M^ Brigham our Sec' for
Dom. Cor[respondence] was appointed yest^ to go to
France, on the subject of exploring, to see what aid, if
any, can be afforded by the A[merican] B[ible] S[o-
ciety] for the diffusion of the Scriptures in that coun-
try. . . .
Sat'' 4*'' June. . . . Yest^ the Bayard family dined
with us, all but Cornelia, who was not well but, with
Susan, walked down in the ev^. The latter is a beautiful
delicate girl very much like her Aunt Julia. Sister pro-
vided an excellent matter of fact dinner, with plenty
of peas & strawberries, & an ice cream to top off with.
Caroline is very well & babe. M' Todd ^^ is of delicate
health. His salary is $1000 a year k a snug comfortable
house. It will probably be raised to 1200 next fall, w**
with economy will support a young couple comfortably.
July is well but delicate, much as when you saw her.
Her children are passing thro' the whooping cough. She
is Aunt Pattys idol. Lou, the Rev'' Rectors eldest son
Lewis is with his g^parents, preparing for College. He
is promising. The College looks up, 125 students this
season. I hope that my Alma Mater has seen its lowest
depression. She stands high in repute at present. Aunt
Betsey is well, so is the Morven family. The Raritan &
Delaware Canal goes on rapidly & will be completed
next year, for sloop navigation. Cap' Stockton & his
father in law -^ own a majority of shares & have the
whole control. He is president of the concern, Salary
$2500. M"" Thompson his brother in law has appoint-
ment with $1500, w^ enables him to live comfortably in
his handsome new house. Cap* S. who is principal Heir
& proprietor of Morven, is making great improvements
2" Sic for Dod— Albert Baldwin Dod.
28 Robert Field Stockton's father-in-law was John Potter, and hia
brother-in-law was John Renshaw Thomson. T. C. Stockton, The
Stockton Family of New Jersey (1911), pp. 77, 111, 130.
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1831 257
about the place. His Mother & Sisters will probably
occupy the mansion until her death. You know he
built a very fine house as you turn down to M"" Bay-
ards. He & his father have cleared $100,000 by the
Canal speculation. . . .
Monday 6*" June. More temperate slight showers &
cloudy. Yest^' p. m. Mother Sister & Boudy took a
coach for S* Clements in order after Church to pass
another hour with Aunt Patty. The Rev. M"" Bayard
will if he preaches as he did yest'' attract a respectable
congregation. . . . William Bayard came to town yest^
on a visit to his family. He is successful in practice
but a flaming Jacksonian. A very fine young man.
Samuel is at Tifiin, in Ohio, I believe. Too much in
the clouds for steady habits. A fine genius but er-
ratic. . . .
[Addressed by Ship] Talma
N York, Tues^ ^"^ June, 1831. 12 o'clock
Wed^ S'\ ...... . . ........
Yest^ p. m. I walked with y"" brother to the Ship Yards
to see the progress of Cap* Prices ship. The Ribs are
ready to be set up & finer timber never was collected
for the purpose. The keel of y"" brother's ship is to be
laid V^ July. In the meanwhile, the frame is preparing
& it will rise rapidly. Cap* Reed is much pleased with
Webb the shipwright & is persuaded that it will be the
best ship of the line. I had supposed, from y"" brothers
parsiminious habits, that he w^ have beaten down, &
consequently slighted all the work. On the contrary he
has selected the best mechanics, best materials & full
prices to ensure the best ship. He makes himself inti-
mately acquainted with all the parts. Each partner, for
economy builds his own ship. They had better have
paid y"" brother his moderate com [mission] to have con-
258 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
tracted for & superintended the whole. Such is my esti-
mation of his judgment & intelligence, & indefatigable
attention to business. Y"" brothers is to be the December
packet, in order that the construction may not be has-
tened, & that the materials of the Hull sh*^ be well sea-
soned & prepared. . . .
Thur^ [June] 9*''. Another dreadful explosion of a
steam boat [General] Jackson of Po[ugh]keepsie by
which several lives were lost & wounded on the 7'".
I declare it makes one tremble to think of embarking
in these water conveyances. Mother hesitates about
going to Saratoga. Sister is preparing to give Madame
Touton & Sister a party.
Friday [June] 10*". Your brother has called in &
shown to me a letter of 29*" May from M' Foster to
M' Palmer, mentioning that M""' F. & children were in
their passage in the Bolivar that sailed on that day, &
may be hourly expected. I shall wait on her to hear
tidings about my dear N[ew] 0[rleans] family. M' F.
expresses a wish that the ships sh'' all be of the first
class & construction. . . .
Tues'" [June] 14*"
I said that I was interrupted about Savings B" busi-
ness. The Funding Com^ of which I am one have just
risen (12 o'clock) from a negoc[iatio]n for $200,000
Ohio Six p"" c* w" is to be concluded tomorrow at this
hour. You see on what a scale we operate.
Wed^ 15*" June. . . . Our party are to leave town on
Thurs^ the last of June & will barring accidents by flood
& field reach Saratoga Friday p. m. They are to go in
the 7 o'clock St[eam]boat & lodge at Albany, thereby
avoiding at this hot season, the impure air & vapours
of an overflowed stateroom, crammed with traveling
families from the So[uth] & this city. ... A meeting
takes place this ev^ to consider the subject of manual
labour institutions. My deafness excludes me. . . .
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1831 259
N York, Wed^ 15*'' June, 1831
Friday 17*'', ... I have just put up y"" papers, the
most interesting article is a violent discussion that took
place in the Br[itish] & For[eign] Bible So[ciety] An-
ni[versar]y to exclude those who deny the doctrine of
the Trinity from membership w" was negatived by a
large majority, but the same question was carried a
week after in the Naval & Military B. S, nearly unani-
mously. I abhor for myself all Tests, & regret this
attempt at innovation. Man in his best estate is but a
poor creature, & too often a persecuting one. The meet-
ing at w" y"" brother was present on the manual labour
plan of education, was intended to raise $3000 for the
purpose of erecting Buildings at Whitesborough. for the
express purpose of educating young men for the Pres-
byterian ministry. Being exclusively sectarian the mat-
ter sh*^ not have been brought before a promiscuous
assembly. The plan is excellent & succeeds marvel-
lously, & will I hope be followed. Education is the
order of the day & improvements continually mak-
ing. . . .
Saf" [June] 18. The Kentucky & Alabama arrived
yest''. I met M"" B. Robinson in the market who in-
formed me of the safe return of Miss Duer with Miss
Chew in the latter. . . .
Monday [June] 20*''. ... It is very honourable to
him [John Pintard Davidson] that although a student
he has been elected surgeon of one of the militia regi-
ments. . . .
Last evening we attended a sermon by the Rev. M*"
Hawks in favour of the Epis. Sund'' School, eloquent
popular preacher. Church overflowing. Our S* Thomas
never witnessed such a sight before. Colle[ctio]n $155,
cheifly from the congreg[atio]n, the others came to hear
260 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
& see the most splendid organ in this city, but not to
contribute. . . .
New York, Monday, 20*'' June, 1831
Tuesday [June] 2V\ Sister called yest^ p. m. on
M" Foster at her brothers D' Clintons in Varick S*.
. . . She is to go out of town to her Fathers on L[ong]
Island this aft.noon, so that I shall not have the satis-
faction of conversing v/ith her about my dear N[ew]
0[rleans] family. . . .
Wed^ [June] 22**. And sensitive plant [Mary Da-
vidson] is to [be] sent in y"" absence for cultivation in
a convent. I hope that she will acquire the French
lanquage & every other useful accomplishment the
School affords. . . . Does Judge Workman still live? If
so wait on him, Marsden with my compliments. . . .
He will recollect J. Pintard who became acquainted
with him thro' the late M' Cullen Carpenter. ... I
thank y"" brother, my beloved daughter, for his intended
compliment of calling his ship after me, of w*" I knew
nothing till you hinted at it. I declined the favour with
thanks, before his receiving a letter from M"" Foster,
that the concerned w'^ name the ships after the great
rivers of y"" western world, Missis[sip]pi, Yazoo &c'' w"
I think is right, as it may secure freights from those
waters.
Thur^ [June] 30*\ Our families left home at i/o p. 6
& embarked in the steamboat at 7, to the great joy of
the children. ... It was a sight to see our Caravan
move off, 2 carriages containing 11 persons, a baggage
cart with moveables, trunks, boxes &c. suflacient to settle
a western colony. M' S[ervoss] expects to reach Albany
at 6, take a steam boat & lodge at Troy, w'' will be
6 miles on their way, where they can lodge more com-
fortably, charter a stage, & set off for M*" Putnams 24
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1831 261
miles, after an early breakfast, where they may arrive
about 10, take possession of their chambers & repose a
little before dinner. . . .
N York, Friday, V July, 1831
Monday, July 4. 55 An[niversarjy of Am. Independ-
ence. A beautiful day. All alone. Thomas [Servoss]
has gone to see his Aunts & the parades. William has
set off with a traveling Booth, a Wheelbarrow & basket
of cakes & a 10 Gal. Keg of beer of his own making,
outfit 50 cents, to make a few Cents out of the multitude
that throng the streets. The Cook to see her friends.
M""^ King our green grocer & 2 little boys, Boudys infant
schoolmates, occupy the front room to view the civic
procession that is to pass thro' Broome S*. . . . Yest''
Sunday I attended all alone the communion in S'
Thomas, a solemn duty as you justly observe. May
the commemoration always be sanctified to me & mine.
It was the more solemn as possibly it will be the last at
the hands of the Rev. M' Upfold, who from whatever
cause is obliged to resign the Rectorship, having com-
pletely dissatisfied the congregation & the whole vestry.
He stipulates for $2500, & to retire the V Aug. This
sum is to be raised by subscription. Altho' I was op-
posed to his election w*" was carried solely thro' the
influence of Bp. Hobart for his High Churchism &
oppugn" to the Am. Bible S° Still I will pay my quota, &
I sincerely sympathize with his family. Altho a weak
man & quite giddy with his elevation to one of the first
churches in the city, no ways popular with his people,
I alway behaved friendly towards him. . . .
Tuesday [July] 5'\ Col. Monroe died yest^ 3 p. m.
. . . We have had a large Fire last night in the N W part
of the city. As I sat musing all alone last ev*^ I re-
flected how providentially this city had been favored on
our Ann [iversaries] No Fires, to my recollection having
262 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
ever occurred on the 4*" July. This morn^ at 6 y"" brother
arrived home. The party reached Troy at 9 Thur^ ev^
& found a nice quiet Hotel. They left that place after
breakfast. The roads were execrable owing to a heavy
rain on Thur*'. They did not reach Saratoga till 5, din-
ing on the road, distance 30 miles. Mother excessively
fatigued & complains of violent pain in the back. Small
uncomfortable chamber, 17 children, a dozen parsons,
for their health at cheap quarters, & of course very
plain living. . . .
Wed^ [July] 6*V . . The funeral obsequies of Col.
Monroe are to take place tomorrow 4 p. m. with every
municipal, civil & military honours at the expense of the
Corporation.
Thurs^ [July] 7'". Unfortunately the day is showery
& very close. Your brother forwards a paper with the
funeral arrangm*^ w^ are as extensive & honourable as
ever took place in this city. . . . Your brother & myself
are invited as relations & shall attend accordingly. . . .
N York, Sat^ 9"^ July, 1831
. . . My last was on the 7*^ by mail, advising the
death of Col. Monroe on the 4*'' a remarkable coinci-
dence with Adams & Jefferson. The funeral took place
on the aft.noon of the 7**' by far by the largest & most
solemn of any that ever was witnessed in this city.
Yest'' I forwarded a paper containing the particulars.
It is estimated that not less than 50,000 people includ-
ing spectators were in the streets. The procession
reached from S* Pauls, proceeding up B'^way to Bleecker
S* thence to the Bowery & to the Marble Cemetery in 2*^
St. a distance between 2 & 3 miles. The head reached
the cemetery before the line closed at S* Pauls. All the
shops were closed, every door & window full, & the roofs
of the public hotels &c'' crowded with spectators. The
side walks & about 1/3 of the streets were lined & such
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1831 263
was the profound silence on the occasion, together with
the firing of 73 minute guns at the Battery, the knell
of mufEed Bells, & funeral dirges by various bands, the
effect was more solemn & impressive than is in my power
to describe. I walked with y"" brother among the rela-
tions following the plumed Hearse w*" afforded an im-
posing spectacle to the multitude. 3 rounds by the ar-
tillery were fired at the cemetery & 3 vollies by the
Infantry. On the whole, the most marked respect has
been paid by this city to the memory of Col. James
Monroe. His administration was honourable & peace-
ful & his departure glorious. Requiescat in pace.
Wed'' 12*'^ [sic for 13"^ July] Seamens Savings Bank.
Clear & Cool. My Turtle Doves marriage to Lt. R. B.
Screven in the U. S. service, at N[ew] 0[rleans] is
announced in the Gazette of this raorn*^ from whence
I have transf^ it to the Daily Advertiser of tomorrow,
for the benefit of my readers. As the charming Bride
is called Louisa Pintard Davidson, I have already rec"^
the congratulations of some of them. . . .
N York, Friday 15*^ July, 1831
Having just despatched my letter of this date with
the 2 n[ews] papers according to custom I begin a new
one, in the Seamens Savings Bank, where business is so
dull, that I am glad to write out my hour to prevent
drowsiness. But I shall have ample occupation in the
Chamber S' S[avings] Bank, this being Lady day, &
our paym* of interest commences. Owing to the diffi-
culty of investing to advantage, we have been obliged
to give notice that from the P* inst. to 3P* Dec. next,
that an Interest at the rate of 5 p' c* per an. will be p**
to Depositors on all sums below $500 & only 4 p"" c* on
all deposits exceeding that sum, thus giving 6 mo [nth] s
notice that large Depositors may close their ace'' if they
please, w*" will relieve us. Yesf aft. noon I walked
264 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
with y^ brother to the Ship Yards to see his ship, w" is
decide [d]ly superior in mould & construction to that of
Cap* Prices, w'' is also a very fine handsome ship, but
sharper & of less capacity by 100 bales or more, & M'
Webb the builder says tha[t] she will outsail them all,
tho' Cap' Price is noted for carrying a press of sail &
making quick passage. Naval Architecture is a delight-
ful subject of w*" I was in early life so partial that of
choice I w'' have been a ship carpenter, but we were
at the end of the Rev^ War at the very lowest point of
depression in this city. A stout good Brig, a few very
few London ships excepted, was for many years the class
of vessels built, & navigating from this port principally
to the W. Indies. I was concerned in several with poor
generous Marsden in the Madeira trade. . . .
New York, Wed^ 20*'' July, 1831
Thur^ 2V\ There is no end to Books, & I dare not
trust myself in a Booksellers store. Providing the 15*^
An. Report of the A[merican] B[ible] S[ociety] I
stepped into [blank in MS.] store where I got the Chap
books for my dear g'^children, to procure Lockharts ele-
gant life of Robert Burns, w'' led to Burns poetical
works. ... I rec*^ on Tues^ ev^ from my old friend
Tho^ Swords Printer, a presentation copy of the Por-
traiture of a Xt° Gent" [by William Roberts] with w"
I am so delighted that I stopped this morn^ & purchased
a copy each for my two sons & g'^sons, which I hope they
& their dear partners will read with improvement. They
will find nothing incompatible in the duties of our holy
religion with the rational enjoyments of genteel life.
Also, the 2^ & 3*^ Vols, of the Standard W^orks of the
Episcopal Church, the P* sent more than a year past.
The 3*^ Vol. is the Apology of the Church of Eng'^ (fee" by
Bp. Jewell, an invaluable defence of the principles of
the Reformation ag* the Ch. of Rome. . . . The notes
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1831 265
are copious & learned & do great credit to the Editor,
the Rev. M"" Whittingham an Eleve [of] our Epis. Sem'',
recently elected Rector of S' Lukes Church. Also for
y'self, Nelson on Devotion, a truly useful manual. I
bought a copy for Mother also. The last days of Heber
that truly Evangelical Bishop & Miss^. Last Calverton
[sic for Claverston] or the Infidels visit, by a Lady, w^
may afford instruction to young unsettled minds. . . .
Amid these lucubrations the auditing committee have
been at my table, examining the acc'^ of the Treas"" of
the Savings Bank, & the evidences of our Capital. Cer-
tificates of various State Stocks am' at par within a few
Dollars of 2 millions & a half. . . .
I have swelled my parcel of Books & pamphlets with
adding for a common stock book as Turtle Dove calls
it. Holmes' Annals of America, with me a constant com-
monplace. . . . It is a delectable instructive work. . . .
N York, Sat^ 23'^ July, 1831
Thur^ [July] 28'\ . . . This morn^ at 6 y^ brother
left me. . . . He will stop at Mattawan to see Thomas &
recross to Newburgh to take the night St[eam] boat
arrive tomorrow in time for the early stage for Saratoga
& join our family at noon. There is a fine water power
for sale at Fishkill, nearer the landing than Mattawan,
w** M"" Leonard wishes M"" S[ervoss] to purchase for
Thomas. He will look at it.
Thurs'' [sic for Friday, July] 29'\ . . . The Observer
of this day w*" I have just dispatched to the post office
contains a beautiful letter from M" [John H.] Hill
wife of the Rev. M' H. Episcopal Miss[ionar]y to
Greece. It w*^ do credit to the daughter of Leigh Rich-
mond, whose letter on her fathers death is an honour to
her sex. M" Leigh died sometime last winter. M" Hill
is a daughter of John Mulligan Esq. son of my Rev[olu-
266 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
tionarjy friend Hercules Mulligan, dead & gone. She
is a small very pretty interesting woman & embued with
a true zealous Miss^ spirit. They once proposed going
to the Sandwich islands but altered their destination. I
do not anticipate great results from this mission to
Greece, where the Greek religion grosser than Rom.
Catholic will be inculcated & pictures of saints intro-
duced in the schools, w'' must tend to the abandonment
by Protestants. The Greeks after all are a benighted,
miserable people. Providence in fit time, will reform
them. . . .
Saturday [July] 30'\ . . . My spirits are much de-
pressed this morn'-' at the probable death of Col. Varick,
Pres* of the A[merican] B[ible] S[ociety] with whom
I have been long most intimate. He is near 80, has
been to M' Vernon last of May, next on a short ex-
cursion to Newport Rh. Island, ret*^ the week past &
when I saw him, congratulated him on his appearance of
renovated health & strength. His illness very short, this
the 3*^ day & supposed that he cannot outlive it. . . .
Monday P* Aug^ Col. Varick died on Sat^ night, at
his country seat, Powlas Hook, the instant that the Hall
clock struck 12, in the 79'" year of his age. I was long
& intimately associated with him, when Mayor of our
city corporation & as presid* of the A. B. S. & had prom-
ised not to resign my station as Rec[ordin]g Sec^ as
long as he remained in oflBce. ... I must close, to con-
clude my letter to dear mother, & to attend a meeting
of the ofiicers of the A. B. S. at 12 o'clock. I am also
called upon to give what I can recollect of Col. Varick,
for an Obituary, of w*" I also will send a copy. . . .
New York, Tues^ 2*^ August, 1831
.... I wrote yest^ of the death of my long & inti-
mate friend Col. Varick, late president of the A[meri-
can] B[ible] S[ociety]. His funeral is to take place this
afternoon. It will be, I think, too pompous, but his es-
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1831 267
late is well able to afford the expense. He leaves many
heirs, but no children. I am invited as a pall bearer, &
shall attend with a sorrowful heart. You may reason-
ably [believe] that I am much affected by the unex-
pected departure of Col. V. Society will lose in him a
liberal benefactor, & myself a warm friend. It is said
that of the N York state branch of the Cincinnati, only
twelve original members remain. The Colonel as Pres*
gave an annual supper every Oct" or Nov*" to the Stand-
ing Com*" to audit the Treasurers accounts of disburse-
ments to the widows & families of their needy departed
brethren. By invitation I attended sometimes, until
my heart quailed as I heard the Roll called over by the
Secretary of the names of every member, & the awful
response of, dead, dead, to almost the whole catalogue,
with most of whom I was personally acquainted. They
will all shortly become extinct, being past three s[c]ore
& ten. At every annual meeting their number rapidly
decreases. Col. Piatt last year, Col. V[arick] this, and
for whom the standard of the Society, veiled in black,
will next be borne before the coffin, God only
knows. . . .
Thurs-"" [August] 4'*". I devoted yest'' to writing to
dear mother the particulars of Col. Varicks funeral, w**
I need not repeat, as you are so far off & are so little
interested, generally. The pall bearers were CoP Fish,
Ogden, Trumbull, surviving brother soldiers, Chancellor
Kent, V[ice] P[residen]ts of A[merican] B[ible] S[o-
ciety] Woolsey & P. A. Jay, IVP Catlin & J. Pintard, who
attended with the clergy & relations at the CoP late resi-
dence, Powlas Hook, from whence we moved in proces-
sion precisely at 4, crossed the Ferry where we [were]
rec*^ by a military corps, thro' whose files with reversed
arms we passed the Band performing a funeral dirge.
The Corps led the van & proceeded circuitously thro
Maiden lane & Wm Street to the Presby[teria]n Ch. in
Cedar St. A Psalm, prayer by the Rev. D^ DeWitt &
Eulogy by the Rev. D"" Mason pastor of the Church.
268 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
Singular to say, he never adverted to the deceased being
Presid* of the A. B. S. the brightest feature in his char-
acter. We arrived at the Church precisely at 5, the hour
designated. Service lasted an hour. The procession was
again resumed, & we walked to the tune of the dead
march to Chamber S* where carriages, to my great re-
lief, were in waiting to accommodate the Ministers, Pall
bearers, relations, Cincinnati, A. B. S., Corporation,
Trustees of Columbia College, Judges Lawyers &c. It
took up an hour & a half to move from the Church to the
Marble Cemetery, where the Coffin was reposited in
the receiving house, to be removed to Hackensack, the
Colonels birth place, & from whence it was conveyed at
daybreak this morn°. 3 vollies were discharged, but as
I told the Rev. M"" Noble, formerly of Middletown who
stood near me, that the Cadets w" have been disgraced
to have fired so badly. I left home at 2 & did not get
back until the Clock struck 8, so that I had been 6 hours
on fatigue w*" it literally was. The day was close,
showery & excessively hot. Bound to my post I suffered
m.uch more than at Col. Monroes funeral, when I cast
off when I reached Broome St. 100 scarves & pairs of
black silk gloves were given, & 100 Coaches provided on
the occasion. So much for the obsequies of my departed
friend. The Managers of the A. B. S. meet this after-
noon. We shall have a solemn meeting, esp^ myself.
M'' Servoss ret*' home yest'' morn^ at 5. He found
& left all well. Dear Mother wonderfully improved by
the use of the waters. While I was writing to her, M"" S.
stepped in, & as he handed to me a letter from the Doc-
tor of 17*" July, he observed, "Wonders will never cease.
Your Turtle Dove & mate ^® are on their passage from
N[ew] 0[rleans] for this city in the DeWitt Clinton.
I confess as dear Louise used to say, my heart palpi-
tated. . . .
Friday [August] 5*^ No De Witt Clinton. No
Turtle dove & mate. Your brother who has made sev-
eral passages at this season of the year says that 21 days
-9 Lieutenant and Mrs. Richard Bedon Screven (Jr.).
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1831 i2t>»
are a good passage, in w** case we may look for the
arrival of the D. C. tomorrow or Sunday. Your brother
proposes to accompany me to Staten island. As no sick-
ness prevailed at N, O. the passengers will be quaran-
tined only 2 days as you were. Your brother thinks
that if it accords with the Lieuts views, it will be best
to despatch them imm*" in the aft. noon steam boat for
Albany, so as to reach Saratoga next day at 3 p. m. But
I am thinking that M' Screven will think it best, instead
of writing to go to Washington & see the Sec^ of War.
A personal interview may accomplish the wished for
transfer to the Engineer department instantly, w'' if
successful will be so happy for all parties. . . .
Last aft. noon the JVIanagers passed a very neat & ap-
propriate tribute of respect to the memory of our late
munificent president [Varick] a copy of which Andrew
is engrossing to be sent to his Widow. . . .
New York, Friday 5^^ August, 1831
Tues^ [August] 9'". . . . M' Taylor, pres. of y' new
B[an]k has arrived. Y' brother saw him yest^. He
mentions that some lots in w" he was concerned with
the late Judge Smith have been advantageously sold &
will yield a profit to his estate. I am glad for his fam-
ily, also for the Doctor, who I suppose must have a large
bill ag* the estate.
W^ed-^" [August] 10'^ ... A letter of the S'"" just rec"*
from dear mother says that Congress Hall & the House
where our family, overflow. 300 persons sat down to
dinner at C. H. on Sunday 7^^. ... I learn from Cap*
Holmes that passengers are not quarantined, so that
our runagate will come up to the city direct & save me
the trouble of going down. . . .
Thur^ [August] 11. Long looked for come at last.
The DeWitt Clinton arrived yest-"" with among others.
270 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
L' Screven, lady & serv\ Your brother has gone to
hunt them up. The term Ladys Board^ H" in B'^way
is so indefinite that I fear it may cost him some
trouble. . . .
12 o'clock, 11*" Aug*. My sweet Turtle dove sent a
note to the oflfice, with her uncle. I called to see her.
She looks very well indeed, not at all sea sick, altho
some part of the passage was boisterous. . . .
New York, Sat-^ 13*" Aug*, 1831
. . . After dinner on Friday the military Chieftain
& lady came up to Broome S* where their uncle insisted
that they sh** take up their quarters during their stay &
kindly accomodated them with his room. ... I had
written a note to Miss Chew & Miss Smith apprizing
them of their young friends arrival. They came to early
tea & it was gratifying to witness the tender aff* meeting
of the young friends, tho I retreated not to restrain their
feelings & enquiries. After 9, they went under the escort
of the Lieut, to Niblos Garden, to attend the young
ladies home to their Aunts ^^ in Houston S*. These
young friends are inseperable. Yesf Miss Smith dined
with us. Miss Chew ret'' home to make preparations
for a tea party kindly given by her aunt M. Robinson
to the Bride & a hop in the ev^, the company all cousins
& young & of course the utmost freedom of enjoy-
ment. . . .
Tues'' [August] 16. Extreme heat. ... I took
home with me the D[octo]rs letter of 30*" Ult° & Pin-
tards of 20*" by the Tenessee & inclosed for his new
brother, who with Turtle [dove] were out. She however
returned at 12, with her friend Miss Williamson, whose
g'^mother, wife ^^ of my college mate Col. A. Ogden was
30 Mrs. Morris Robinson (nee Duer). See Elizabeth Clarkson Jay's
"The Descendants of James Alexander," in A'^. Y. Genealogical and
Biographical Record (1881), XII, pp. 19 ff.
31 Mrs. Aaron Ogden (Elizabeth Chetwood) and John Pintard were
both descended from Louis Carre. W. 0. Wheeler The Ogden Family
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1831 271
my 2" cousin. So that these young friends have formed
a link of relationship between them. . . . JM' S[creven]
most frankly disclosed his fathers situation circum-
stances & prospects, that in 2 or 3 years to be devoted
to the army, he will be able to relieve his estate from
debt & to give one of his cotton plantations with a
stock of slaves to begin with. His father "■- is a consult-
ing physician & sent for in all important cases, conse-
quently adequate to his support. He has placed my
Turtle Dove at the head of his Fathers table & installed
her mistress of the Family, during his life, whom he
represents as a most hospitable man abounding in every
good that this world affords. . . . Senator Johnston &
lady are arrived at the City Hotel. Yest^ he called at
the store & told M' S[ervoss] that M""^ J. w^as indis-
posed. M"" & M" Screven will call on them this
p. m. . . .
Wed"" [August] 17*''. By the Louisiana I sent Bos-
wells life of Johnson, S' Walter Scotts Scotland, 2 V^,
Mcintosh's Eng** 2. Grattans Netherlands 1, Outlines
of History ^^ 1. These works are in progres & will form
an elegant epitome of Hist[ory]. Family Library, v. 23,
Hist, of Ancient & Modern Egypt, ^■^ Southeys Wesley,
Extracts &c. I envy y'' boys the luxury of reading Bos-
well & Southey. I have also been making up a small
military Library for my Turtle Dove, to have some-
thing of her own w^hen she arrives at her quarters, viz*
Universal Receipt Book, Lady of the IManor 7 vols,
Leigh Richmonds life, Annals of the Poor, The Ladys
Book, an annual, Port* Xt" Gent", Nelsons Devotions,
Prayer Book, Bible Dict^, Walkers Pocket Dict^ These
will furnish instruction & afford good Sunday read-
ing. . . .
in America (1907), p. 135; J. J. Boudinot, The Life of Elias Boudirwt
(1896) II, 391.
32 Dr. Richard Bedon Screven. J. B. Heyward, The Genealogy of
the Pendarvis-Bedon Families of South Carolina (1905).
33 By Thomas Keightley. This work and the other three histories
named wore included in Lardner's Cabinet Cyclopaedia.
3* Michael Russell's View of Ancient and Modem Egypt, no. 23 in
the Family Library, published by J. & J. Harper.
272 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
Thur^ [August] IS**^ ... I forgot to say, I think,
that Senator Johnston called for a few minutes on Tues^
ev^ at our house, not with his lady of course. He went
up to Saratoga yest^' & I wrote a short line to mother
w*" he will send. Possibly he may call on our folks. He
promises an interview at his return. On Sat'' the cere-
mony of commencing a railroad from Saratoga to
Schen[ec]tady is to take place, w^ will draw out, weather
permitting the numerous company at the Springs when
Mother & Sister may meet M" Johnston without
formality. . . .
New York, Monday 22^ Aug\ 1831
excessive heat
Tues^ 23** . . . His lofty son L' Screven wrote a
short line to him [Dr. Davidson] yest^ conveying the
happy tidings that his exchange to Baton Rouge was
effected. . . . M"" Screven will take passage back in the
DeWitt Clinton, for himself lady & maid to sail next
Sat-^ 2r\
Wed^ [August] 24*''. . . . Our Turtle Dove has gone
to spend this fine day with her new aunt M" Hazard,
& if they take a ride to Coney island the weather is
clear & cool. The difference is 10 degrees between N.
Utrecht Bath & this city. . . . Louise saw Miss Smith
yest^ morn" who with her cousin Chew &c'* are to go
to Lebanon Springs tomorrow. . . ,
Friday [August] 26'\ . . . M"" S[ervoss] concurs
with me that Pintard had better come in the Alabama
P* Ocf the finest packet in the lines & the model of
the new packets. His uncle store will be N° 67 South
Street, 3 or 4 east of Cap* Holmes, counting room up-
stairs, where M"" S. remove next week. . . .
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1831 273
1/2 p. 11. Just returned from taking leave of ray
Turtle Dove converted into a Flying Fish
New York, Friday [sic for Saturday] 27*'" Aug', 1831
Tues^' 30'" ... I have just concluded my last letter
to dear mother at the Springs. We may look for all our
emigrants home next Sat^' p. m. ... I am delighted
with my beloved daughters description of the Pine
Groves & the accommodations of the Lady of the Manor
[Mrs. Johnston]. I know full well what a Log House
is. Some of those early settlers still remained during
the Rev^ war in the upper parts of Morris C" N. Jersey,
which gave place to others very neatly hewed & squared,
with all the conveniences of Rustic dwellings. Our
Armies were hutted in winter quarters in log huts. . . .
Wed^ [August] 3P'. delightful day. . . . Yest^ I
called upon Michael Hogan Esq. our Consul at Peru,
who with his lady has returned from that distant station
after an absence of 9 years. He looks as well as M" H.,
very well, altho debilitated by the gout. Y' uncle Mars-
den introduced me to his acquaintance when M"" H. was
very rich, but unfortunate speculations dissipated his
wealth. He was very friendly to me, but not in a pe-
cuniary way, a frank, generous Irishman. I respect &
esteem him. We were both mutually happy to greet
each other in the land of the living. He was amazed
when I told him that I was in my 73*^ year to see me
look so well & walk so alert. . . .
Friday 2"* Sep'. This morn" y'' brother left us to
meet our family this p. m. at Albany, to return once
more to Broome S'. . . . The first packet. Cap' Prices is
to be launched tomorrow 7 A. M. Had y'' brother been
in town I might have gone but fear of accident & not to
cause distrust to dear mother I shall not go, but reserve
myself for y*^ brothers ship, the Natchez, to be launched
274 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
in Ocf sail in Novem'. Price's ship is to be called the
Scioto ^^ to sail 28'^ inst. . . .
New York, Friday 2'' Sept^ 1831
Sat^ S'^. Turtle Dove may have shown dear Mother
her little military Library w*" was selected under the
impression of her going to Maine, where there is neither
Church nor Chaplain, & where the Sabbath is passed
in military parades in the morning & revelling the rest
of the day, an awful exposure to a young inexperienced
female mind, the disadvantages of which appeared not
to be perceptible to her gay companion. Of the female
Society with w" she was to associate was a M" Dear-
born,^^ a highly accomplished Boston Unitarian Lady,
not a little vain of her colloquial powers & talent for
disputation. Elated no doubt of her easy victory over
juvenile officers who never give a sober serious attention
to religion, incapable of giving a reason for their Faith,
& like this flippant lady disposed to get rid of the Devil
on easy terms & willing to go to Heaven on a velvet
cushion. Thank God our dear unsuspicious, guileless
child, is rescured from the syren charms of this Se-
ducer. Unitarians make great use of these modern
Eves to entice silly listeners into their toils, who have
a great advantage by preaching only to such as are in-
capable of a reply. It was for the purpose of affording
my Turtle Dove better instruction that I furnished her
with such excellent works as might induce her Chieftain
to read aloud for his own as well as her improvement
on Sundays, & w*" he promised on his honour to
do. . . .
Monday [September] 5^^ i/^ p. 12. Occupied with
my A[merican] B[ible] S[ociety] duties I have but just
35 Actually named Louisville.
3<5 Perhaps Mrs. Pamela A. S. (Gilman) Dearborn, wife of Captain
Greenleaf Dearborn. U. S. A. (See The New-England Hist, and Gen.
Register (1880), XXXIV, 346.)
TO HIS DAUGHTER. 1831 275
time to say that our family all ret[urne]d in health, on
Sat^ ev^ at 10 o'clock, particulars to morrow.
Tues^ [September] 6'^ On my way down I learned
that Doctor Sam' L. Mitchill is on his death bed. With
him I have once been intimately associated in the cause
of science & literature, & think it my duty to promote
due respect to his memory. To avoid repetition the
following is the copy of a note w^ I have just traced to
D"" Francis on the subject.
"Dear F. I am informed by Sylvanus Miller Esq-- that D-- Samuel L.
Mitchill lies at the point of death, so low, that he will not in all
probability survive this week. The faculties of mind & body totally
prostrated. As D"- M. in the early & more advanced stages of his life
was distinguished as a physician, statesman and philosopher and
rendered important services to his country by the promotion of science
& literature, I take the liberty of suggesting to you the propriety,
in the event of his death, to commemorate his long & eminent
services with suitable respect to his remains by the medical, philos-
ophical. Historical, & other professional & literary institutions with
which he was connected some of which he aided to found & others
to promote. Let not the merits & services of the active period of
our eminent fellow citizen, be veiled by the frailties of his old age.
Excluded as I am from Society by my deafness & retired into the
vale of obscurity, "oblitus meorum & obliviscendus ab illis" I know
not whom to address on this occasion, with so much freedom &
propriety as y^'=elf, confident that I am not mistaken in your disposi-
tion to render respect & honour where in my humble estimation,
they are so justly due.
¥■■ sincere friend, J. P.
Wed-^' [September] 7^^
There are no tidings that I can learn of M' Foster,
who is daily expected. His new ship was launched on
Sat^ & sits like a Duck in the water. She will not be
ready to sail as soon as expected, probably not till 12*''
Oct^ Your brother remove [d] on Monday to his new
store 67 South S' next to the corner of Pine S*. He has
a very accommodating counting room up stairs & is ex-
actly on the spot of N. Orleans business, of w'' I wish
him a full share, which he deserves for his intelligence
& indefatigable attention. . . .
Thurs^ [September] 8*''
My old friend D^ Mitchill died yest^ at 12. . . .
276 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
Friday [September] 9*"^ ... I shall attend D^ Mitch-
ills funeral this p. m. as a pallbearer. . . .
New York, Wed^ W" Sept^ 1831
My beloved daughter
I send one more package of books by the old line,
for the improvement & amusement of my dear N. Or-
leans family. Imprimis, as the Deputy w*^ say, Dwights
Theology, 4 Vols. Oct", a work to which I feel myself
so much indebted, as to lead me to consider that Scott's
Commentary, Homes Study of the Scriptures, together
with the above, are a suff[icien]t library for a young
Divine. I recommend Dwight to the particular study of
my g'^sons, a knowledge of his system will enable them
to test & correct any licentious errors of any minister
of the Gospel. It is held in such estimation in Eng*^ &
Scotland as to have passed already through 14 editions,
I think, & very many in this country where as well as
in England it is stereotyped, a proof of its popularity.
I regard it as the most valuable legacy that a professor
of Theology c*^ possibly leave to his countrymen. So
long as the Congregationalists of New Eng*^ adhere to
Dwight, so long will Orthodoxy & sound religion & piety
prevail among them. The style is plain, almost mathe-
matical. His positions clear, his deductions fair & his
reasonings & demonstrations candid & conclusive. Where
he differs from Episcopacy it is without acrimony, rather
as a matter of opinion that has divided Divines of the
most preeminent abilities, than from mere sectarian mo-
tives. His Discourses on Death, w*" I read this Summer
I recommend to y"" particular attention my beloved
daughter, for we must all die & let us learn to be pre-
pared. The study will correct many loose notions on
this solemn & all important subject. I am endeavour-
ing to persuade the proprietors to print an edition of
this part of the work, on a larger type for the benefit of
aged persons & decayed sight, persuaded that "Dwight
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1831 277
on Death," will [prove] as useful, popular & profitable,
as Drelincourt & Sherlock have been in their day. But
President Dwights style is not always jejune. His pulpit
eloquence shines in his sermons, 2 vols, of which have
been published, which I am now reading & will send
you at a future day. As a lawyer, Marney may study
D"" Dwights argumentative style & to improve himself
in the all important professional knowledge of the Law
of Evidence. He may derive great benefit from Wil-
sons Evidences of Xt^ recently sent, elegantly written,
(few''! am also reading with all the avidity of youth,
fascinated with both matter & manner. Leslie's Short
Method, heretofore sent, is an exercise for the most dis-
criminating mind, & will teach him to state, examine &
cross examine evidences, to be acute in w" is one of
the perfections of a lawyer. ... In the parcel you will
find Scotts prose works, 6 v^ delectable reading, that
g'^father sh'' not be charged with sending only such dry
works as are fit for Sundays, also Bishop Porteous' Lec-
tures invaluable, for Turtle Dove w*" was overlooked
when packing up her Military Library, a copy each for
the Life Members of the A[merican] B[ible] S[ociety]
No. 43 of the last Extracts, also for the Madames 3, a
copy of the Health Almanac, likewise the last N" of
the Mirror containing an account of the Old Jail in this
city with some revoP' anecdotes by g'^father who c'^ have
wished that his name had not been mentioned. You
may think me fond of scribbling in my old days, other-
wise. But as I stand almost alone as to past times, I
am incessantly importuned to furnish some illustrative
facts. This was done to oblige my young friend And''
Warner who takes an interest in promoting the Mirror.
I am looking thro' the Minutes of our Corporation to
make up an account of our old & new City Halls, no
small research, to illustrate a plate shortly to be pub-
lished of w*" I will send you a copy. But I do not alto-
gether fancy becoming a chronicler of small Beer. To
be authentic requires more labour of research to estab-
lish the truth of a single fact than those who have not
278 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
essayed it, can imagine. There is so much fiction em-
ployed to blazon revolut^ Heroes as they are all called
where the sole merit consisted in firing at an enemy be-
hind a stone fence & as he advanced running away. . . .
[Addressed by Ship] Tennessee
with a parcel
New York, Sat^ 10'*^ Aug* [sic for September] 1831
Wed^' [September] 14*''. I have just made up a pack-
age of books to go by the Tennessee to sail tomorrow.
. . . Mother went yest^ to see her cousin M" Gouver-
neur, who begins to be quite bowed down with years.
She has been the most perfect recluse of any person
I ever knew. Dear Mother walked to Beaver S* & home
again, evidence of her recruited strength.
Friday [September] 16"*. Quite a N. E. rain yest^
& the weather was so dark at night as to prevent Mother
& Sister from going to M" Hamersleys party, who re-
sides in Greenwich S* very near the Battery. , . . Sh**
the day prove dry, not to interrupt the ship carpenters
the 2^^ new packet will be launched, weather permitting,
tomorrow p. m. 4 o'clock. Our ladies & children are to
go on board. She is to be called the Nashville. Cap*
Prices ship is not yet named. Y"" brothers, Cap* Reed,
will be named the Natchez, w*" he regards as the best of
the whole line, all superior ships, as you will see, when
you may honour them with a visit at N. Orleans. What
a contrast to the Brigs & hulks w*" first conveyed my
beloved child to & from N. 0. I can scarcely credit the
improvements. . . .
[Addressed by:] Mail
TO HIS DAUGHTER. 1831 279
N York, Sat^ 17^" Sept', 1831
My last miscellany was despatched by mail yest^.
Probably that by the Tenessee is still detained by un-
favourable weather that still continues & prevents the
launching of the Nashville till Wed^.
I saw, for the first time, M"" Foster, yest^. He has
been very much reduced is still very thin, but recruiting.
It was a desperate, almost, undertaking, the journey
by land in his weak state. His ship is to come to the
wharf the last of next week, to take in lading, to sail
[blank in MS.] Ocf in w^ he will embark with his fam-
ily- . . .
Monday [September] 19*". A superb day. A flood
of European news by late arrivals. Hostilities had com-
menced between the Dutch & Belgians, the latter, fled
like poltroons. An army of 50,000 French having ad-
vanced to support the Independence of Belgium, the
King of Holland consented to the arrangements of the
allied powers. Peace consequently is restored, unless by
the interposition of France in behalf of the Poles, it
sh*^ be disturbed & without such interference that brave
nation must probably succumb. . . . We were on the
qui vive in expectation of War & our speculators as to
that event are sorely disappointed. It is humiliating
to humanity to reflect that the hopes of commercial
profits so much rely on the miseries of mankind. . . .
Tuesday [September] 20''^
Tomorrow at 8, we are to attend the launching of the
Nashville. If the day sh** prove as propitious as this, it
will prove a pleasant party for the ladies.
Wedn'' [September] 2V\ Our folks were up early &
left home i/^ p. 7 with the 2 boys. The day is obscure
& N Easterly wind, but not unpleasant. Several ladies
attended & a large concourse of spectators. The Ship
glided "majestically into her element" as Editors say,
exactly at 9. It was a beautiful Launch & sight tho
280 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
somewhat tedious. A collation, plentiful & genteel, was
given in the Corlaers Hook Garden house. After a cup
of coffee, I glided off, a la solitaire to Wall S\ Sister
gives party N° 1. this ev^. She invited the Robinsons &
their nieces, Smith & Chew. Miss Duer called to say
that the former was at Princeton, & that the latter had
commenced her schooling & c*^ not come. . . .
Thur^ [September] 22*^. Last ev= tho' overcast was
favourable for Sisters party, w*" was large. The Schenck
family alone fill one side of a parlour. A French gent"
& lady from N[ew] 0[rleans]. I sat a while, chatting
with Miss Tellar of Fishkill. The fashionables did not
assemble till i^ p. 8. Tea at 9. . . . The ev^ passed
off cheerily, everything genteel & abundant. How dif-
ferent dear mother observed from our times when every
thing was prepared in the family. Now all is pro-
vided abroad. Easy, but expensive. . . .
New York, Sat^ 24*^ Sept^ 1831
My last was by yest-^'* mail, to my beloved daughter.
This, probably, will be the final letter thro' the same
channel, as the new line of packets is to commence run-
ning in Oct". The Louisville the V\ in w*" M' & M"
Foster are to return, to sail 14*'' . . .
Monday [September] 26'\ On Sat^ I took a turn at
the Savings B"" for M"" Swan indisposed. ... I felt con-
strained to stay home on Sunday & take a doze of Seid-
litz. ... I regretted it the more as the Rev. M"" Hawks
preached. Our folks were delighted. A most eloquent
Divine, a learned Scholar, pious, energetic, & w** re-
suscitate our fallen Church. Strange to say that one
half the vestry are opposed to the wishes of a great ma-
jority I am persuaded, of the congreg" & what is sin-
gular M"" H. is High Church, withal. The day was
beautiful, & he had an overflowing congreg". But the
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1831 281
Lord reigneth & will overrule all for the best. I find by
the advertisement in the papers of the sailing days of
the new line of packets, that y' brothers ship the
Natchez, Reed, will not sail till the 13'^ Nov. . . . Turtle
Dove told me that Marney talked of sending or bring-
ing on Larney to place him, at his own charge, at the
Flushing Institute w" is no longer a matter of experi-
ment but has perfectly succeeded. I shall endeavour
to procure a recent public" of the Rev. M"" Aluhlenbergh
& forward it. I hope that Marsden will carry his reso-
lution into effect.
Tues^ [September] 27
M" Foster & M" Palmer called yest^ M^ F. is quite
indisposed & confined with his N[ew] 0[rleans] com-
plaint. I will call & see him tomorrow. Last ev^ a M""
Nelson a very respectable new pew holder in S' Thomas'
called with a petition in favour of appointing the Rev.
M'" Hawkes Rector, whose sermon on Sunday made a
most favourable impression. As the most aged of the
Congreg" I was complimented with being the first signer.
He anticipates success. God speed him. What cause
there can be for hesitation I cannot imagine, except that
some of the adherents of the late Rector Upfold wish
to gratify him, by electing as successor anyone but M""
Hawkes. . . .
Wed-'' [September] 28^". ... To counteract the new
line of packets. Cap* Holmes, not very friendly, has re-
duced the price of freights, an unprofitable mode of
hostility, w** generally defeats itself. As this (28^") was
the intended period to commence running the Louisville,
Cap' Price, not being ready, the concerned engaged an-
other ship, the S* George to supply its place, w^ will sail
tomorrow, & the P' packet on the 12*'' Ocf & so on
every fortnight thereafter. These ships are equal in
construction & elegant accommod^ to the finest Euro-
pean packets & must command the preference both of
freight & passengers. Y"" industrious brother will be
most actively occupied & I regret that I am incapaci-
282 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
tated from being serviceable to him. My deafness is an
insuperable obstacle. . . .
Thurs^ [September] 29\ Dear Mother attended
yest'' P. M. in her place as a Directress of S* Thomas Ch.
Fem. Miss[ionar]y S". A poor concern as Thomas calls
it. An an[nual] subs" of $1. is required w'' has been
refused by some ladies, after subscribing, as they did not
think well of miss'' efforts. God grant them grace, &
better hearts, ... I have just heard that the Rev. M'
M'^Ilvaine who had been elected Bishop of Ohio, & Rec-
tor of S*' Pauls, Boston, both eminent stations, has out
of a truly Xt° love for his humble congreg" of Brooklyn
declined both, for w'' I do most sincerely rejoice, as we
have no truly evangelical spirit in our Church to spare
in this cold formal High Church Diocese. I am going
to the wharf to look at the Louisville w*" was to come
down this morning.
Friday [September] 30*''
Yest^ towards ev^ M^ & M" Curtis with their little
daughter called, having arrived in the morn^ from Bos-
ton. I have never seen her before, a very genteel person,
handsome face, like her dear mothers, Sister Hall, . . .
New York, Monday lO''^ Oct^ 1831
This is to go by the Louisville to sail, if possible on
Thur^ 13**'. M"" Foster has been too precipitate as to the
period of sailing. A fortnight later w'* have been better,
& given more time for preparation, w^ is scarcely com-
plete. As regards the superb cabbins, you will be as-
tonished my beloved daughter to view the elegant finish
of the state rooms & accommodations, equal to those of
the first class Liverpool & Havre packets. May the en-
terprize of the concern be richly rewarded. Y"" brother
always said that the Louisville was too sharp & w'^ draw
too much water. This is likely to prove the case, w"
will prevent her from taking in a full freight out to
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1831 283
N[ew] 0[rleansj. This is the ship, Cap^ Price, whose
turn comes IS"" IVIarch, to take Doctor Pintard home.
Price is a bold skillful navigator, with whom you sailed.
I have this aft. noon, to attend as a pall bearer the
funeral of an old RevoP officer & brave man, Major
[William] Torry, at the upper end of Hudson Street, a
mile & a half at least from Broome S^ . . .
Tues-'' [October] IP". Notwithstanding the violent
N. E. Storm yest*' for it poured incessantly, I attended
the funeral of iMajor Torrey. He was a captain & brave
oflacer of the N York line in the Rev^ War, & always
sustained a fair character as a man & citizen. He was
moreover a pious Xt". In his younger days he was
an admirable singer. I c*^ not but regard a beautiful
Chamber organ, the companion of his declining years,
with emotion, as also his Cincinnati Eagle shrouded in
crape, suspended over the chimney piece. His funeral,
considering the very unfavourable state of the weather,
was respectably attended, for he was much esteemed.
He was father of Doctor [John] Torrey, a professor in
our Medical College. I rode out & home & thank God
experience no harm, taking care to protect my feet with
Indian rubbers, & my faithful careful wife wrapping me
up in my camblet cloke. It w*^ have made you smile
to have heard her charge to the Coachman to be sure
to help the old gentleman out of the carriage & up the
steps of the house w" he attended to. Employing the
same Livery Man, he always sends careful drivers. . . .
Wed^ [October] 12^". The sun has at length smiled
on us. The storm at N. E. was severe the last 3 days,
so as to have impeded the loading of the Louisville.
Monday is now fixed for her sailing. . . . This day is
the anni"" of my dear good uncles [Lewis Pintard's]
birthday, 99 years ago, 1732, born in the same year with
General Washington, to w" he frequently recurred.
Thur^ [October] 13"' ... I stepped to the wharf &
y"" brother attended me on board the Louisville the state
rooms & cabin furniture of which exceeds in splendour,
284 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
not vies with, that of a superb Liverpool ship on the
opp[osite] side of the wharf to see w" I was politely-
asked by a gentleman whose name I cannot recall. . . .
Thomas' leave was out yest^' & he ret*^ home this morn^,
gratified with his visit altho' the weather has been un-
propitious. His return home was probably a little more
hastened, as he expects to attend a wedding this ev^,
Miss Wilsey, where y'' boys have stayed. She is to be
married to a promising young man, of the western part
of this state, about 400 miles, where she removes forth-
with. . . . Thomas' whole heart is in his business. He
begins to be a complete draftsman & drafts all the ma-
chinery made at Mattawan, a useful essential talent.
At New Year he is to go from the mechanic shop to the
cotton Factory, to commence with the picker & come up
progressively to the loom & callender, so as to become
a perfect master of all the branches of cotton manufac-
tures. M"" Leonard his instructor says that he w** give
any sum were his son as competent & fond of the busi-
ness as Thomas, of whose talents, assiduity & attention
he cannot speak too highly. . . .
Sat^ [October] 15. A fine day for the Launch of the
Natchez, . . . Yest^ at noon Mother & Sister went on
b** the Louisville & were charmed with the superb cabin
& state rooms, as you will be when you see them. In the
ev^ M*" & M" Foster took a parting dish of tea with
us, after w" the young folks went to the Niblos to see
the panorama of Bonaparte. Mother & myself staid
home. They ref^ to Sisters neat refreshment of Oysters
&c" & after drinking success to the Louisiana & N. 0.
line of packets & a prosperous & speedy passage to the
Louisville, I took French leave at 10. . . . The ship is
to haul out in the stream on Monday morn^ with in-
tention, if possible to sail p. m. but most probably on
Tuesday. Every thing is to do & fix, on b** a new ship.
The cabin is full & there are 50 steerage passengers, so
that she will go crowded with live stock. I believe that
she takes a good share of freight notwithstanding the
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1831 285
active opposition of the old lines, but the new, after the
first outfit, must from the superiority of structure &
accommodations carry all before them. Jealousy tho'
natural is folly. Yi P- 12. How I am driven. I have
just handled the Louisvilles letter bag by putting a
small parcel cont^ Hist^ of France, 2 v", Family Library
25*" vol, Scotts life, Walter 1 with the last newspapers,
one containing a brief sketch of the Fair,-^^ w*" we visited
with the boys yest^ p. m. The crowd too great to give
them even a peep. Our stay of course was short. I de-
clare it is as much as life is worth to go thro the lower
business streets, for carts, packages &c'' & y"" brothers
counting room is crammed with freighters. The lower
hold of the ship is chocked off for laying the hatches, &
there appears to be plenty to fill between decks, so that
1 hope this Ship will have a good set off. It w"* have
been provoking to have gone half freighted. . . .
Monday [October] 17*". A heavenly day, for the
sailing of the Louisville 4 p. m. We had a superb
aft.noon, a superb launch of the superb ship Natchez &
a superb collation attended by a large concourse of feast-
ers. Champagne flowed by the dozen. Mother drank
2 glasses, myself 1, w" was full enough for my poor head.
It was really a brilliant spectacle to see such a noble
ship, gliding without the least baulk or accident into
her element. She is to sail 13'" Nov'", short time enough
to complete her & take in cargo, but y"" brother has the
sole control, & will lose not a moment to expedite her.
It is a difficult matter to outfit such splendid ships as
compose the new line of packets. The enterprizing pro-
prietors merit every encouragement. The Louisville is
full & turned of[f] freight. The Nashville is coming
along side the wharf at Pine Street w" lies almost op-
posite y"" brothers convenient store. M"" J. Foster, brother
to M'" F. attends to the lading. A very smart active,
obliging young man whose address & intelligence give
great satisfaction to M' Servoss. I am happy that he is
3^ Of the American Institute, at Masonic Hall.
286 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
employed, and altho' this is the first ship that he had
attended to, he is quite at home in his department &
what is essential very ready. The Nashville, Cap* Rath-
bone, is to sail the 28*** next week, by w** I shall write
next. ...
New York, Tues^ 17"" [sic for 18th] Oct., 1831.
Summer day
I have just returned Vo p. 10 from the steam boat,
taking leave of M" Foster, to sail in the Louisville this
delightful morn^. I wish her a speedy & prosperous
passage. I believe that the principles of conducting
the concerns of the new line of packets by M"" Servoss
in this city are satisfactorily, to all parties, arranged.
He has the prospect of very active & detailed trouble-
some duties before him, but as he is man of great method
& despatch he will so arrange the duties of his clerks
& subordinates as greatly to facilitate his operations.
This first ship, all being new, has been the most difl&-
cult. The others will be easier. The Nashville comes
next. & as M"" S. will be chief manager his duty will be
lighter. This enterprize is a noble one & does M"" Foster
great credit for his indefatigable exertions w*" I hope
will be crowned with success. Your friend M" F. is
much improved in health. I have broken off to decline
an appointment as a Man[a]ger of the Prote[stan]t
Mission S° for this city. My advanced years & deaf-
ness disqualify me from being an intelligent useful mem-
ber of a deliberative association. ... I am again in-
vited to attend, as pall bearer, the funeral this aft. noon
of M' John G. Tardy, AE. 71, with whom I was long
associated in the Vestry of the French Church, of which
he was the faithful secretary for 30 years. . . .
Thurs^ [October] 20*". As I went home yest^ I
passed thro' the park where the Sunday [School] Schol-
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1831 287
ars were assembling to the amount of many thousands.
The neatness, order, propriety of behaviour were truly
exhilirating to an old spectator who looked back to the
times when nothing but frolicking & riots were exhibited
on those grounds, now the scene of such rational God-
like improvements. I c** not wait to hear the hymns
sung expediting my course to attend D' Francis. The
side walks in B'^way from the Park to Canal Street were
filled with the processions of the Sunday scholars, whose
smiling countenances together with the cheering aspect
of their Teachers esp^ Female bowed my heart with gra-
titude, that I sh*^ be spared to witness such scenes.
At 1, Francis bled me copiously. It was requisite,
for my poor head had been in a dreadful state for many
weeks. The bandage slipped & towards ev^ the blood
flowed profusely, w*' gave Mother some trouble to
staunch. . . . The stricture of my bandage prevents
writing with ease. Adieu.
Friday [October] 2P\ Superb weather. . . . Our
proposed University ^^ have made choice of a location,
directly north & adjoining Niblos Garden, 5 lots thro'
from BVay to Crosby S* @ $10,000 a lot, $50,000. An
injudicious choice in my opinion, on too public noisy
a thoroughfare & bad aspect, west & east, instead of
south & north. It will tend to raise the value of 429
Broome Street, however.
Sat^ [October] 22^ Fine day. Business. Your
brother told me last ev^ to mention that he had ac-
cepted the Doctors draft, but that he was engrossed with
pressing business that he had not time to write to him.
This is a fact, for he does not come home to dinner until
6, as we are preparing for tea. I remonstrate with him,
that so long abstinence 10 hours from 8 to 6, will injure.
He says no. that he takes an apple & a cracker by way
of luncheon, which is too slight. He has gone this morn^
to the launch of the Creole, the 4*'' ship. . . . The Lou-
isiana concern are about contracting for a Q^^ ship. Cap*
^^ The site ultimately chosen for New York University is on the
east side of Washington Square.
288 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
Marshall, to be built this winter, & ready to sail to Liv-
erpool with a cargo next May, to be coppered, return &
take her place in the line next fall. I hope the co[m-
pany] is not too sanguine, but I place great reliance on
the judgment of M'' S[ervoss] who is a most assiduous
attentive judicious man & the best cotton agent with-
out exception in this city, where his reputation as a
merchant begins to rank among the foremost. . . .
Thurs^ 27*'' Oct^ The first page of my letter by
yest^^ mail ^^ was a continuation of the preceding sheet
of this. It was to advise you of the safe arrival of y""
son [John Pintard Davidson] & companions in the
Talma yest-^
On my way down I paid y"" subscription of $10
at the Sunday School office, which will be ac-
knowledged in the Observer & Sunday School Journal
of next week. What a grateful offering in your behalf,
of a mite towards the greatest effort of the times, the
establishment of Sunday Schools in the Valley of the
Mississippi. . . . Our Doctor Jun'' dined with us, having
passed a few hours with his g'^mother & aunt before
I came home. He is the same modest well disciplined
youth as when here last year, and charms us all . . .
He went to the City Hotel, after dinner to his compan-
ions, to see the sights of this great city overflowing with
visitors on the meeting of the Tariff Convention. I shall
call as I go home to take a peep at the most numerous
deliberative body ever assembled in this city. . . .
Monday 3P* Oct". My dear g'^son dined with us
yest^. ... He thinks of returning by the way of Ohio,
so as to make a visit, at his fathers desire, to his family
relations in Kentucky. I told him that it w** be an agree-
able duty to visit also his g'^father Davidson in Mis-
souri. . . .
39 Not preserved with this collection of Pintard's letters.
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1831 i!o9
Pintard gave me 2 letters to drop in the bag, but as they
are addressed to ladies, to prevent inquisitive curiosity
on the passage prying into them, I shall place in y"" en-
velope. I have made up a little parcel of Missiles as
usual. Dwights Sermons, Moores Fitzgerald & Monita
Secreta of w*" I speak in a short letter to Louis M. to-
gether with y"" papers & some pamphlets. Sister will
provide a dress for you & some little articles to go by
the Natchez 12 or 14 Nov"" with y"" next tub of butter
N"* 2. This ship is to come along side the Wharf to-
morrow, y brother is quite pleased with her construc-
tion & accommodations & thinks she will prove the best
ship of the line. The Q^^ ship, to be completed next
May, is contracted for, by the same shipwrights, Webb
& C**, as the Natchez. She is to be 2 feet longer & is
2000 D" cheaper, say $24,000. These ships all told run
up to $45,000 each or more. A heavy concern to w*" I
wish the enterprizers every success. . . .
[Addressed by Ship] Nashville
To Lewis Marsden Davidson, of Nexu Orleans
New York, 3P^ Oct^ 1831
My dear g[ran]dson Louis M. Davidson Esq
Deputy Clerk of the Sup. Court of Louisiana
Pray do [you] wish to be called in future Louis —
let me know for my government.
By this ship, the Arkansaw, [sic'] I send 2 vols of
President Dwights Sermons. I recommend them all, but
those to the Candidates for the Baccalareate in Yale
College in particular. Look into the discourse "Life a
race" & see whether any of the characters suit you.
This is considered as one [of] the Presidents best ser-
mons. He appeared to estimate it, by preaching it 3
times. Were I a Trustee of that renowned College, I
w^ stereotype it to present a copy to every student as he
290 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
took his degree. Moore Life of Fitz[g]erald, an un-
fortunate victim to his patriotism, will please you for its
style & subject. ... I also send a very curiou[s] little
work, just published, Secreta Monita,*^ private Instruc-
tions for the Jesuits. It has been extremely rare & in-
accessible. Many years ago I heedlesly missed the only
copy I ever saw. I seized this with avidity. Read it
as I do, as a Latin exercise. The Truth of its history
is well set forth in the Introduction. This little Manual
will develope the arts of an order that once governed
almost the Cabinets of every Rom. Catholic Kingdom.
Until the extension of their intrigues & power made
Kings to tremble & worked the expulsion & almost ruin
of an order w*" is again reviving. Wherever they set-
tled in the New World they made immense acquisitions
of territory. Your upper Fauxbourgh a great way along
the river was owned by the order & reverted to France
on its expulsion & granted to y' city, but as this is a
home subject, you must be better informed than myself.
I send it to show you the artful duplicity of the Jesuits
who by the way rendered themselves odious to the reg-
ular clergy. This order is endeavouring to engross edu-
cation among the Rom. Catholics in y"" western country
& to make converts. Their character therefore ought
to be studied & known. I do not mean that my g^'son
sh*^ be a casuist in religion, but capable when asked to
give a reason for the Faith that is in him. . . .
[Addressed:] Louis M. Davidson Esq
Deputy Clerk
of the Supreme Court
New Orlenas
[Ship] Nashville
*° "Secreta Monita Societatis Jesu : Secret Instructions of the Jesuits,
printed verbatim from the London copy of 1725" was advertised for
sale by Jonathan Leavitt, of 182 Broadway, New York, in The New-
York Observer, of Saturday, Nov. 5, 1831. There is an article on "Monita
Secreta" in The Catholic Encyclopedia (N. Y.), X, 487.
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1831 291
To Mrs. Richard Davidson
N York, Tues^ 1 Nov^ 1831
The Nashville sails this day at 10, with my letter of
yest^ & pacotile. The Illinois also sailed at 9, having
an hours start, both sailing at the same time the trial
will be w" may first arrive. The Illinois has the ad-
vantage of being in known trim. Every thing new, sails
& rigging of the Nashville is somewhat against her for
the first days, in which the Illinois may take the lead,
so as not to be overreached. The N[ashville] takes a
full freight, y"" brother says $500 more than the Louis-
ville. I wish that the Natchez may have as good luck.
She is to come along side the Wharf this day. Four
prime ships leave this port to day, the above, & 1 for
Charleston the other for London, all about the same
hour, a beautiful sight. . . .
Thur^ [November] 3^ Beautiful day. I visited the
Natchez yest^. She is the crack ship of the line. Her
arrangements & accomodations surpass the 2 first ships,
as [you] will grant sh** you visit them, but say nothing
to M"" Foster to hurt his pride. He deserve [s] great
credit for his enterprize. The Natchez will not probably
be prepared to sail till Tuesday 15***, 2 days later than
her regular date, the 13*'' w*" falling on Sunday is no
sailing day. . . .
Monday [November] 7^^. By the preceding brief
how do ye's my beloved daughter will see that my
mornings had been engrossed by my duties to the
A[merican] B[ible] S[ociety]. We have an adjourned
meeting on Thur^ to take into consideration 4 important
resolutions respecting supplying Scriptures in Foreign
languages. The result I will communicate ere closing
this. Yest^ morn^ an elegant day I attend [ed] service
in the Chapel of the Epis' Semin^. Bp. Onderdonk de-
livered the annual sermon & charges to the new students,
292 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
18, after w*" the Sacrament was administered. It was a
solemn sight to see 40 young men preparing for the
ministry, kneeling in succession at the Lords Table. Our
friend M"" Bayard of Princeton, calls this act, as he does
every thing else that does not accord with his Presby*"
notions, Roman Catholic superstition. It is not. In the
Church of Rome where the absurd doctrine of tra[n]-
substantiation is believed, it is an act of adoration to the
Real Presence, but with us it is an humble demonstra-
tion of devotion. However my dear child, so much de-
pends on education & habit, that we ought to think &
speak charitably of all forms & customs that differ from
our own Church. The Presbyt^ stand at prayer, Episcop*
kneel & both are reconcileable with primitive usages.
If the heart be right, forms signify little, if cold & un-
devout, forms will not avail. Let Protest^ think what
they will, the external forms of Rom. Catholic worship
are certainly more devotional & impressive than our
own. God will judge & accept the aspirations of the
most ignorant & bigotted if offered according to our best
belief. Of all things let us think & speak charitably of
our fellow Xt°^ It was exhilerating to me, to see the
largest number of students than ever in one season at-
tended the TheoP Sem^ The highest n° in Bp. Hobarts
time did not exceed 18. The number now is more than
double. His High Church notions repelled students, &
his aim was to depress the Gen. Seminary into a Di-
ocesan School, but by his death & other circumstances,
it has pleased God to order it otherwise, for which I
rejoice. My heart is in this Sem''.
Tues^ [November] S^^ Indian summer, delightful
weather, favourable for the Natchez, w^ y"" brother ap-
prehends will be delayed by the Joiners. The Cabin is
far from being completed, I all along enquired whether
they were sufl5ciently urged. It seems not. However
the weather is favourable for expediting their nice work.
. . . The last Observer of 5^^ contains a very detailed ac-
count about Steamboats on your mighty waters, amount-
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1831 293
ing to 402, w^ y' brother says is a faithful description.
I do hope that y' sons read these letters as conveying
information so useful indeed essential for them to know.
When I look back to the period of my short abode in
N[ew] 0[rleans] in 1801, now 30 years ago, when I
walked the levee daily with a very intelligent gent" M""
Mather, since departed I believe, & when we discoursed
on the practicability of navigating the Mississippi by
steam, casting sticks into the currents & eddies, & cal-
culating their power, as also that of the current of the
river, I think 4 miles p'" hour, & of the possibility of
propelling boats of burthen ag* it, I feel all astonishment
at the immense & almost, to me, incredible progress of
steam navigation on the western waters, bringing to-
gether all circumstances of population & water communi-
cation. I tell y' brother that the concerned have no rea-
son to doubt of the success of the new line. At my return
home, & before the first steamboat ascended the Hudson,
I had frequent conversations with M' Fulton about the
Miss[is]sippi. He sanguinely, as I then thought, ob-
served that if he c** conquer the Hudson, he hoped to see
the day when there would be as many st[eain] boats
on the AIiss[iss]ippi as there were states in the Union.
He died however prematurely, his hectic constitution
exhausted by intense application of the powers of his
mind & body to the great object of his successful ambi-
tion, before this then extravagant, but not insignificant
anticipation was realized. I have however been spared,
tho' not to witness, to hear & read, of the wonderful
result of his inventive genius. Altho' not the exact in-
ventor, he h[as] the honour to be the first practical
author of propeling [vessjels by the power of steam, and
of benefitting all the civilized [worljd with the fruits
of his astonishing Genius. . . .
Wed^ [November] 9'\ I went yest^ to see the Hunts-
ville to be launched w[e]ather permitting next Sat^
12**'. She is a beautiful ship. Cap* Stoddard was so
pleased with my Coat of Arms that he had the Devices
294 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
carved & blasoned for the Stern. Your brother says
they look beautiful. I wish they were on his ship. This
is a most splendid line of packets exceeding any belong-
ing to this port & will no doubt flatter the pride of y'
city. Last night, or early this morn^ a Fire on the east
side of the town burnt down the Roman Catholic Church
S* Mary & 6 buildings, the former insured for $10,000,
not in the Mutual w'' loses nothing. The Episcopal
N. Y. Mission S° has purchased a Church, formerly the
Rev. Hooper Cummings, latterly Rev. M"" Dyes ^^ called
the Paraclete, in Vandewater S' for $15,000. It has cost
$25,000, & is intended for a Free Church, where every
one incapable of paying pew rent may find seats with-
out expense. It is to be under the care of the Rev. M""
Cutler, brother of M" D'" Francis, a pious Divine. How
the project will succeed time must determine. Such a
Church appears to be much wanted, but whether mere
comers & goers will feel much interest where nothing
is paid, is doubtful. The Methodist pews are all free,
but every body pays something w" attaches them to
their Churches. It is a laudable efifort. I wish it suc-
cess. Our new Epis[copa]l Churches tax heavy rents.
I have now my annual Bill for last year in S* Thomas
$30 this with 6 p^ C on $400, the first cost, makes $44
[sic] a year. Y'' brother however pays me half the
rent $15. He has the cheapest of the bargain. I have
given the pew to Mother, but as y' Sisters family in-
creases it will become too small. Indeed it is so already
when all are present. It cannot conveniently accom-
modate only Pintard, for Mother will not be incom-
moded. However, we shall soon give place to our suc-
cessors. I attend because I profit by the Liturgy, & it is
exemplary to go to Church. We have as yet no new
minister chosen. If he sh*^ prove a High flyer, such as
the last I will quit, & attend again my French Church,
*i Richard Varick Dey. (Jonathan Greenleaf , A History of the
Churches in the City of New York (2nd ed., 1850), pp. 45-46, 90-91,
163-64, 355; C. E. Corwin, A Manual of the Reformed Church in Amer-
ica (5th ed., 1922), p. 308.)
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1831 295
but this will be very painful to Mother who is attached
to her own seat. . , .
Sat^' [NovemberJ 12'". I was so engaged yest" till
2 o'clock with B[ible] S[ociety] duties that I c'^ not
trace a line. . . . The Managers of the Am. B. S. made
the following appropriations for Foreign objects to be
paid, by particular subscriptions, the ensuing year, Viz'
15000 to the B'' of Foreign Missions, toward printing
the Scriptures in the Mahratta language
5000 towards the N[ew] Testament for the Sand-
wich islands
5000 to the Baptist Mission towards printing the
Scriptures in Burmese
5000 or upwards for stereotyping the modern Greek
Test [anient] & publishing 30,000 Copies to be
sent to Greece.
Handsome appropriations w*" will do great good. At
my return home I found the Rev. M"" Bayard at Tea &
he received the intelligence with g' coldness, not ap-
proving, after Bp. Hobart, of Foreign missions. God
mend these High Flyers. They will not even counte-
nance the General For. & Dom. Miss[ionar]y S° of
our own Church, further than confining all its meagre
efforts to domestic purposes. I have no patience on this
subject, & had better be silent. This same class of
conscientious Churchmen is doing all in their power to
break down the General S[unday] S[chool] Union, by
raising the hue & cry of Presbyt" influence & Union of
Church & State. Shameful.
Monday [November] 14'"
I have (11 o'clock) just been on b*^ the Natchez.
There is no chance of her sailing tomorrow. The steer-
age passengers are rolling in their baggage to the number
of 60. Cap' Reed says that there will be in all 100 souls
on board. The hold is chocking off, but the am' of
freight will not equal the Nashville. Her Cabin is
nearly completed. The State rooms are all most ele-
296 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
gantly furnished like the Louisvilles. Every possible
comfort & accommodation are provided. Ship Stores
of the first quality & abundance. . . .
Tues^ [November] 15^^. Altho' the aft. noon was
very raw & blustering our folks rode down to Ficket[t]s
ship yard to see the launch ^- w*" was very elegant. Part
of M'^ Schencks family came down, many other ladies
were present. The refreshments were in superb style,
champagne flowing like cider, after w*" we got home
thankful, the boys delighted. . . .
To Lewis Marsden Davidson, of New Orleans
New York, 14*'' Nov., 1831
My dear g'^son
Mothers Box contains last Sat^^ Journal of Commerce
with a neat article by y"" uncle respecting your friend
M"" Lea.^^ An adventurer palmed himself off at Boston
last summer as a rich Louis[ian]a planter under the
name of M"" L. The imposture was detected & published.
Your uncle, noteing the article w^ I did not, drew up
the one sent you, to let the Bostonians know who the
real M"" Lea was. In the paper loose, is an acc't of the
5 new packets given by y"" uncle, with an advert [ise-
ment] of Judge Johnstons Cotton, w^ I thought might
amuse & please.
It w** be a wonderful Box from me, without a Book.
Among others is poetical Quotations, 4 v^ w** will serve
y"" turn perhaps to round a period of some of y"" forensic
speeches, also Cobbets Advice to Young Persons, w*" I
have not more than looked at. The practical remarks of
42 Of the Huntsville, Captain Charles Stoddard.
*3 The New York Journal of Commerce of Friday, November 11,
1831, contains the following notice: "We learn that the name 'Franklin
W. Lee' is the property of a young gentleman of high character and
standing at New Orleans, and now Clerk of the U. S. District Court
in that city. . . . The assumption of his name by a fellow otherwise
calling himself Bernard Watson, alias Jones . . . was a bold and wanton
act. . . "
TO HIS DAUGHTER. 1831 297
this ext^ man may be useful to you, also Col. Willetts
campaigns, with whom I was long & intimately ac-
quainted. His narratives may be relied on for the truth
of the Facts. He was one of our earliest & most de-
voted Whigs. Let me give you one anecdote from his
lips. His Father [Edward Willett] was as decided a
Loyalist or Tory as his son was a Whig, & used to tell,
nothing doubting but that the British w** conquer.
Marinus you will be hung. When the son took leave of
his father who remained in the city, he said, My son, I
never expect to see you again, for you will either be
killed in battle or hung. At the termination of the Rev^
War in the Independence of these U. States, Col. Willett
embracing his aged parent said. Well Father, here I am,
neither killed nor hung. How do you like our Inde-
pendence? I'll tell you my son. When I was a young
man Governor Clinton invited me to dinner, a high hon-
our in those days. Not accustomed to meet such great
folks. I determined to do at table just as they did to
avoid disgracing myself. After dinner, with the desert.
Olives were on the Table. Avhich altho' I had read of
in the Bible. I had never seen before. Every body
praising them, I took one also, w'' tasted so nauseous
that I c'' not eat it. I put up my hand to my mouth,
took it & slily disposed of it, in my pocket. So it is
Marinus with your Independence, what I can't swallow
I must pocket. An instructive anecdote which may be
useful to you on many occasions. As you read this
veterans narrative, turn to Holmes Annals w'' will aid
you in fixing events & dates in y"" memory, that when
you recall & cite you may be accurate. I believe that
you have got no good authentic hist^ of i^\jnerica either
Colonial or V States. There is a General Hist^ in the
Family Library, veiy well spoken off, possibly puffed,
going thro' the press. If it sh*^ please me I will send a
copy for my N[ew] 0[rleans] family. It is worse than
a shame, it is gross, for an American who has any pre-
tensions to education to be ignorant of his own coun-
298 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
try. More of my day were better informed in the His''
of Eng** than of America. . . .
[Addressed by:] Ship Natchez
To Mrs. Richard Davidson
New York, Wed^ W [sic for 16th] Nov., 1831
The Natchez sails this day, with a fair wind. A
more sple[ndid] ship never left this port. Also the
Talma & another ship. We shall hear which beats. On
board the Natchez you will I hope receive y"" 2** Tub of
butter, 4 Boxes Digby Herrings, strapped together
counting 1, 1 small box Chocolate, 1 Box from Sister,
1 from myself. . . .
[Thursday, November 17] . . . Your brother went
down with the passengers as far as Quarantine. Webb,
the ship builder proceeded in her to the Hook & ref^ in
the pilot boat. The Natchez was exactly an hour from
Quarantine to Sandy Hook distance 14 miles w*" she
reached at 12, so that she must have made a fine ofl&ng
by sunset. She sails well & will I hope have a short
run to N. Orleans. . . . Thomas . . is eminently cal-
culated to make a scientific intelligent manufacturer.
Next month he is to go from the machine shop where
he has passed 18 months, into the new Factory erected
this year, where he is to begin by unripping the Bale
of Cotton, picking & assorting of it to go thro' all the
various stages until it is converted into cloth, so as to
become intimately acquainted with the perfection of
every process & render himself an expert practical man-
ufacturer as well as machinest. He has become very
serviceable, already, to M"" Leonard who begins to entrust
him with the execution of the business of the con-
cern. . . .
Friday l?**" [sic for 18th November] ... I have
just rec*^ a copy of the Mirror to be published tomor-
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1831 299
row, with a beautiful vignette & engraving of the late
City Hall in Wall S' with an account of it & its prede-
cessors by myself, w*" I will send to you. Bricks & mor-
tar are but indifferent subjects for descant, & look better
in picture than description. However I have endeav-
oured to connect with it a few historical facts to render
it somewhat interesting. Altho' read in a few minutes,
the compilation from the Journals of our Corporation
cost me several mornings research. If I proceed as so-
licited to chronicle such prints as may hereafter be pub-
lished occasionaly in the Mirror, it will afford me some
occupation, innocent & amusing. My memory being
tolerable, early impressions & anecdotes are more read-
ily revived. I am going to say something about the
Walton Mansion House, "*■* in its day, the proudest pri-
vate dweling in this city, & remains still a noble monu-
ment of the best style of building more than three quar-
ters of a century ago. I must refer to my description
when it shall appear in print, in the mean time scratch
my head & collect my thoughts to bring it forth.
Sat^ [November] 19*". But a moment to say that
I am going to attend the consecration of the Mission
Church *'^ by the Title of The Holy Evangelists, under
the pastoral care of the Rev. M"" Cutler. The pews to
be entirely Free, the south Gallery reserved for Mariners.
It is a generous effort and I trust that it will succeed.
"The Poor have the Gospel preached to them" a lead-
ing characteri[sti]c of the Christian Religion. I shall
contribute my mite $15 to constitute me a member of
"the Prot. Epis^ City Mission." God speed it.
Monday [November] 2V\ On Saf^ I attended the
consecration of the Mission Church, w*" was chiefly filled,
as usual on such occasions, by respectable Females. I
staid thro' the service & sermon, contributed my mite
& prayers for its success & got home by 2, where I found
a card for me from D"" Screven of S° CaroHna. who had
** Pintard's article on "The Walton Mansion-House. Pearl Street"
was printed in The New-York Mirror, March 17. 1832. IX, p. 289.
•*5 In Vandewater Street.
300 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
called in a carriage with a lady, but did not alight.
After dinner, at 4 I called at M" Man[n']s, his lodgings,
61 B'^way, he was not in & I left my card. This morn^
I called again, after some time the waiter said that the
Doctor was not within, & that he was going to PhiP
tomorrow morn^. And here I presume the formality is
to end. I sh*^ like to have seen the Lieut^ Father, but
as you kn[ow it] is out of my power to have, as I c^
wish, invited him to dinner. Had the Lady been the
Doctors daughter. Mother & Sister intended to have
waited on them & asked them to take tea & pass the
ev«.
New York, Tues^ 29*'^ Nov., 1831
. . . This is to go by the Creole Cap* Page to sail,
weather permitting, Thur^ P' Dec. with a full cargo, but
no steerage passengers who very much incommode a
ship. I wish her a speedy & prosperous passage. By
letters from M"" Foster we learn that the Louisville has
been much visited & admired as will all [the] rest. The
owners will I trust be remunerated for their liberal en-
terprize. What changes in the size & accommod" of
packets since my beloved childs first adventure by sea to
N[ew] 0[rleans] now many years gone by.
Since my last I have been visited, for the first time in
my long life with a serious fit of illness. I was attacked
last Monday p. m. by the influenza w^ has prevailed
throughout this city, sparing neither old nor young,
stout or weak. I was so dreadfully prostrated the 2
first days that my situation was thought critical. In-
deed I thought so myself, and that I had reached the
term of my existence. I felt perfectly resigned, ready
nay willing to depart, casting all my doubts & sins at
the foot of the cross, and looking up to my Redeemer
alone for hopes of salvation. I was not forsaken in
the hour of trial and most devoutly thank God for his
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1831 301
sustaining mercy. Aly malady has yielded to the skill
of my Physician, D' Francis, but above all, under Provi-
dence, to the tender unceasing care & attention of y'
dear mother. I always heard that she was a most tender
affec^'' nurse, but I never before experienced. . . .
Wed^ 30'" Nov. I was quite cheered yest^ p. m. by
the receipt of my beloved daughters letter of 13'" inst.
postmark 15'", how rapid the transmission. ... It has
pleased God to take to himself our beautiful child Louis
Pintard [Servoss], who died at 7 o'clock this morn^, he
was born the 18'" Nov. 1830, being aged 1 year & 12
days. With its dear mother, I am quite overwhelmed.
The shock to me was greater as tho' complaining I was
unapprized of his imminent danger. . . .
Thur'' P' Dec. I am spared my beloved daughter
to see the light of another day. . . . Poor dear Mother
who has held out wonderfully is suffering with a violent
cold & stricture of the chest, I think that Francis calls
it congestion. . . . This is the stated meeting of the
Managers of the A[merican] B[ible] S[ociety] from
w" for the first time in 15 years since I have been Rec^
Sec^ that I have been absent from illness. . . . I sh*^
mention that Boudy is passing favourably thro the
measles. Pintard & Richard not yet affected
1^ p. 1. Francis has taken some blood w" may re-
lieve poor exhausted dear mother. He assures me that
there is nothing alarming. . . .
1/2 p. 4. They are just removing the mortal remains
of our blessed little Louis to be deposited in our new
Family Tomb in S' Clements Church. What a con-
solation that this receptacle was provided in season.
[Addressed by Ship] Creole
302 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
Broome S' N. Y. Wed^ 14*^ Dec, 1831
Through divine mercy I am permitted, once again, to
write to my beloved daughter. . . .
Boudy has passed thro' the measles, Richard is passing
thro', & dear delicate Pintard, tho drooping was not
assailed till last night. ... I must be very careful about
getting up & more so in going abroad. I hope thro' the
blessing of God to be enabled to attend Church on
Xmas day, next Sunday week, and to partake once more
of the Lords Supper.
I have the happiness to acknowledge the rec* of my
beloved daughters letter of 25*^ Ult" by the Louisville,
a prime sailor w'' made the Light House in 8i/^ days
from the Balize. Splendid ships indeed, w*" I am pleased
that you visited with y*" friends, to whom the sight must
have been quite a treat. With the alteration of Mars-
dens situation I am gratified. M'" Lea to say the least
was niggardly & ungrateful. How much my g'^son are
you indebted to y' kind good brother Johnston. . . .
[Addressed by Ship] Huntsville
Capt. Stoddert
Broome S* Friday, IG*"^ Dec, 1831
For the first time since my illness I have passed the
threshold of my Chamber door. . . . The Huntsville,
by w*" I wrote on the 14*" c*^ not sail yesf". Whether
the weather, w*" is easterly, will permit her going to day,
I shall know when y"" good kind brother returns. She
was to go at 8 a. m. Possibly she may be towed off, for
Cap* Stoddert, like Price, is a bold seaman
Sat^ [December] l?***. Fine day. Mother improv-
ing, myself gaining strength & dear Pintard going on
favourably. Thank God for all his infinite mercies to
us. Cap* Stoddert sailed yest^ The pilot left him 1/2
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1831 303
p. 1 making an offing at a great rate. He sent back
word that he had a noble ship under him. . . .
[December] 18"' . . . Dear Sister has just left us to
go to Church, the first time that she has appeared abroad
& the first time that she has worn weeds for her own
flesh & blood. The sight quite overpowered me. . . .
This Sunday, 4'" in Advent, is an Epoch in S'
Thomas' Church. The rev*^ M' Hawks was unan[i-
mously] elected Rector last Friday ev^ & enters on his
Ministry this day. The circumstance is quite a balm to
my spirits. He called yest-" morn- to visit me. his first
visit, to any parishioner, as I was sick. It did me good.
He renewed an acquaintance with me. being introduced
when in our Sem[inar]y to me 8 years ago. He is a
learned pious Divine & a very popular preacher. May
the Lord shine upon him & bless him & enable him to
resuscitate our prostrate congreg". . . .
Monday 19*" Dec". . . . Dear Mother has made for
me a black velvet cap, like my dear venerated old Uncles.
I c*^ not but exclaime when I beheld myself in the
glass "Alas! poor old man, have you come to this." I
found it comfortable & wore it at table. . . . Dear Sister
went to morn^ Church, where they saw an overflowing
Congreg". The Rev. M' Hawks gave his intro[ductor]y
discourse 'T am resolved to know nothing among you
but Jesus X' & Him Crucified." He made a beautiful
exposition of the Xt° duties, & sl pathetic applic" to
his new situation, w" he entered upon with fear & trem-
bling, not the fear of man but least he sh'' not fulfil the
duties of a servant of his Master. He preached to very
g* acceptance both morn" & ev^ when the Church was
equally crowded. He has many personal followers from
S' Stephens. He is a very elegant writer ct popular
preacher. May the Lord lift up the light of his coun-
tenance upon him & upon his congreg" w*" I have no
doubt he will resuscitate, & instead of a reproach & a
by word S* Thomas will become a goodly example to all
our Churches. I cannot express by gratitude to my
304 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
heavenly Father that I have been spared to see this
happy event & to enjoy the comfort of friendly inter-
course with the pastor of my Church. He enters upon
his duties with zeal & ardour, to Lecture next Thur^
ev°, to establish a Bible class the evening following, &
to meet the Sunday School teachers on Sunday ev^, both
hitherto unexampled in S' Thomas! Next Lords day he
is to administer the Holy Sacrament at w*" please God I
may be present & will prepare with more than usual
diligence.
Tues-" [December] 20'^
A premature & very piercing winter has stagnated busi-
ness. The pressure on the money market has never
been equalled. I know not how y'' good brother gets
along with all his heavy advances & unsold cotton. The
northern manufacturers are all bitter. They were blow-
ing on cotton to depress it lower & postp[one]d their
purchases. Many of the Factories will have to close, or
transport cotton all the way by land from N. Y. to Al-
bany. Not content with rapid sales & large profits, they
aimed, by combination to get the raw material still
lower, but are deservedly taken in.
Thur'' [December] 22"^. Bulletin. Convalescents
improving. Dear Mother sitting up. Pintard running
up & down stairs with usual alacrity. I have got out
of my neat Chamber gown, w'' mother provided for me,
into my Camblet frock surtout, w*" makes me feel a little
more like getting wtII. It is to accustom me by de-
grees to be able please God to go to Church next Sun-
day. . . .
[Addressed by Ship] Louisville
Capt. Price
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1831 305
New York, Monday 26'"^ Dec, 1831
On Saturday the Nashville arrived in 14 d[ays] from
the Balize. She made Sandy Hook about 8 A. M. but
a dense Fog prevented sight of land. Only the sound
of the breakers warned Cap* Rathbone that he was near
the coast. He proceeded by the sound & the lead, &
had nearly run down a pilot Boat at anchor. The pilot
came on board & went under easy sail by the lead until
the Ship entered the Narrows when the clouds breaking
away at 10, discovered the first sight of land. Your
brother had gone to Whitehall to engage a steam boat
to tow her up, at the rate of $10 an hour, telling the
master that he expected the Nashville every tide. He
replied that the Nashville was below, being announced
on the Bulletin. While they were conversing, here she
comes, said the Captain, & sure enough it was her, hav-
ing run up, the Bay luckily being clear of ice with w^ it
had been before covered. She made fast to the W^harf at
12 o'clock after this short & propitious arrival.
I hope that the several boxes arrived safe, & that the
contents pleased the big & the little children. The joy
of the latter yest^ morn^' on the arrival of S* Claas with
his annual gift, I c*^ easily see, in that of our dear chil-
dren who came down from the nursery to mothers
room, to examine the contents of their stockings, sus-
pended at the fire place according to ancient usage, a
custom w" I hope your dear children will retain & prac-
tice, as their turn comes to make glad the hearts of their
little innocents, & to remind them of the rock from w*"
they were hewn. S' Claas is too firmly rivetted in this
city ever to be forgotten, or mince pies to be omitted
on Xmas day.
Yest'" Xmas, was a mild pleasant day. Thro' Divine
mercy my earnest wish to make my first appearance
abroad, in Church & to renew my vows at the foot of the
altar, was graciously gratified. Sister & myself rode
306 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
there, it being too early for dear mother to venture even
down stairs. . . . We had an overflowing congregation
& double or more communicants that ever attended our
Communion. M"" Hawks preaches to great acceptance
& in the evening Sister & brother went. The Church
crowded to excess. Several of our first rate young law-
yers & others who go to hear eloquent preaching, were
there. Text, Who are the Wise, who the Scribes, or
who the Scoffers, w" M"" S[ervoss says] was most ably
handled & the best discourse that he ever heard in his
life. Y' sister s^ that notwithstanding the crowd, you
might have heard a pin drop, all was breathless atten-
tion. The singing superior & the Church most elegantly
decorated with Xmas greens, according to our cheerful
custom. The good Presbyt[erian]s are too gloomy.
They enter not into our joys. Your dear mother on this
occasion presented our son as a small tribute of grati-
tude for all his goodness to us, thro' our late illness,
with a beautiful diamond breast pin cont^ the hair of
his dear little Angel, with his decease & age, w" was
most kindly accepted. I trust hereafter that more cor-
diality towards him will prevail on her part. . . .
Broome S^ N. Y., Wed^ 28*^ Dec, 1831
The Louisville was to have sailed, if possible, this
day, but an old fashioned snow storm, not violent, will
prevent.
Dear Mother is as lively & brisk as ever, assorting her
clothes for our present state of mourning, w'' in every
sense ought to be rejoicing, for our blessed little saint
in Heaven. Miss Maria C. Gouverneur, youngest daugh-
ter of N[icholas] G[ouverneur] dec*^ was married to
M"" Cadwallader of Trenton. A good match on both
sides. She has a handsome fortune. Stephen Girard
of Phil" died the 25*'' the richest man in the U. S. He
TO HIS DAUGHTER, 1831 307
sailed before the mast in my good old uncles employ,
before 1775.
Thurs^ [December] 29"" ... It snowed till night
yest^' mild & level about 8 inches. The sleighing is
elegant & highly improved. Broadway rings again with
the merry bells. ... I have been for the first time in
Wall S*. The streets were shovelled & I walked out &
home without fatigue. . . .
Friday SO"" Dec'. An elegant day. superb sleigh-
ing. B'^way alive. . . . That you may judge of the state
of our bay, the mail that left this city at 4 P. M. Wed'
[did] not reach Powlas Hook till 6 a. m. Thur^ being
all night floating & fast in the ice. The pilot was afraid
to take the Louisville under charge yest''. A steam Boat
all ready to tow her out . . . M' S. said that Cap' Price
hoped to sail this morn^ at 8. He carries a freight within
1200 as much as the first, 12 cabin & 9 steerage passage
w^ at this season is marvellous.
Last ev^ my French Church Vestry to accommodate
me, met at our house, to appoint a Building Committee,
with power to contract for building our new Church &
Parsonage House w*" both will cost, not far from $30,000.
Perhaps with management we may include an Organ.
The plan is very handsome & will do us credit as well
as ornament the city, an object always to be held in
view, in public edifices, where the funds will hold out.
I consented to serve on the Com* rather as counsellor
than an operative member. This consent, w^ I had
hitherto withheld gratified my colleagues. It may afford
me amusement sh*^ I live next summer to call & oversee
the work. When I was recovering I asked myself, for
what purpose has it pleased God to protract my days.
I thought probably that I might be an example by my
upright walk, to my family & fellow citizens. I then
resolved to lend my name & services as far as health &
strength w** permit, if called upon, to promote every ob-
ject of Xt° benevolence & usefulness. This then is the
first fruits of that humble resolution, w** pleases me the
rather as it is performing all in my power for the benefit
308 LETTERS FROM JOHN PINTARD
of 7ny, for I must still call it mine, French Church. For
a year or two past I had gradually withdrawn from
society, more on ace* of my deafness, than diffidence of
my incapacity. This however may be my weakness, so
to say. It is better however that my remaining talent
should wear out, than rust out. God be praised for all
my endowments such as they are.
2 p. m. William has just come up from the store.
He says that the Louisville is to be towed out by two
steam Boats at 4 o'clock. God speed her. The Rev. M""
Bayard is to have a grand sacred Concert this ev^ at
S* Clements. It promises to be a most favourable ev^
& I heartily wish him success.
Saturday 3P* Dec' 1831. The last day of the Old
Year. What solemn reflections the word last inspires,
esp'' to one just raised from the bed of death. . . . The
Louisville attempted in vain to sail yest^. She was to
make an effort this morn^ at 7, but on calling at y'
brothers store I understood that she did not succeed.
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