Item 15: A Letter from H[annah Todd] McClintock to Andrew Todd McClintock, 1830 March 27
Item — Box: 1, Folder: 15
Dates
- Created: 1830 March 27
Creator
- (Todd) McClintock, Hannah, 1787-1865 (Person)
Disclaimer for Name and Subject Authorities
Some of the name and subject authority tags have been assigned by educated guessing and estimation of persons and subjects by region, age, profession, and familial relationships. They have been thoroughly researched by using primary and secondary sources available digitally, and named in each description, or in some cases linked directly to the person tag.
Access:
All series and subseries within this collection are open for research, with the exception of a few files within the Academia series that are restricted. The Academia series contains financial and sensitive institutional records from Wilkes College, and financial report records from Princeton University that will remain restricted for 80 years upon creation.
Extent
1 items
Language of Materials
From the Collection: English
Type of Material:
Letter/Correspondence
Condition Note:
Fair. The text is legible except the occasional smudge or tear appearing around the document. Page color is slightly yellow and suffers tearing on the back where it was sealed.
Measurements:
9 13/16 x 7 14/16 in.
Description:
The following item depicts a letter addressed to Andrew McClintock from his mother, Hannah McClintock, dated March 27, 1830. In the letter Hannah writes that she regrets not having written to him sooner. She mentions that Andrew was very somber in his previous letters, sharing her concerns for his health and happiness, and suggesting that he needs to focus on the positives before him. She continues on by explaining the current events of Wilkes Barre, naming the persons who have bought up land, established businesses, and moved to new professions. She mentions that a common acquaintance, Mr. Shannan has received correspondence from Andrew. She writes that the man has not been positioned in a clerk status since Andrew was last there. At the conclusion of her letter, she writes that she hopes to see him soon, but if not, that he will continue to write to her. On the last page of the manuscript, Hannah includes a copy of a poem titled, “Friendship, an Ode,” written by Samuel Johnson and published in Gentleman Magazine, 1734.
The poem at the back of the letter is “Friendship, an Ode,” by Samuel Johnson in 1734. The poem speaks about religion and personal connection with the divine in referring to friendship. In the letter, Hannah misremembers or mistranscribes some of the original language of the poem by Johnson, such as “While,” instead of “With” in the second stanza.
Location:
Northumberland, PA.
Transcription:
Front Page:
Northumberland March 27. 1830
My dear Andrew,
In the first place I ought to appologize (sic) [apologize] for not writing to you sooner but rest assured it was not want of affection for there is scarcely a day passes without something said about Andrew you are seldom long out of my mind you guessed right when you thought it was my dislike to writing alone was the reason why I did not. I confess I am very negtligent [negligent] + remiss in the duty of writing to my absent friends an(d) no doubt often wound their feelings without intending to do so. I sometimes resolve. I will be a more punctual correspondent in future but the next letter I receive lies as long unanswered as the former you that know me so well should not be either surprised or hurt at it I was much pleased to receive your letter but was sorry to find you in so dull a mood your letter affected me almost to tears I had not an idea but what you were happy in your situation I think you ought to strive to be so. there is no sittuation (sic) [situation] in life however prosperous but has its cases and difficulties and prosperitys (sic) You do wrong to always dwell on the dark side of life in a few years your prospects may change materially your are certainly in good & respectable business as much so as any you could engage in some of our the most distinguished men in the state are merchants + some of them perhaps at your age not any richer than yourself + their education inferior it may be if there was anything in ^my power to do that would contribute to your comfort
Inside of Front Page:
or interest I would gladly do it. I am too apt myself to indulge in Gloomy reflections but I think it not only wrong but sinful I feel thankful I am not as much inclined so as I once was I intreat you to dismiss as much as possible these unpleasant feelings Flowers may yet spring up in thy path unlooked for comforts may yet chase thy heart that than dreamest not of none. acknowledge god in all thy ways and he will direct thy paths no one it is said ever trusted him in vain - & those that seek him early shall find him and find him a present help in time of need - Miss H Jenkins was here yesterday she mentioned. Mr. Shannan having received a letter from you I expect you have received an answer by this time he has not been suited in a clerk since you left him she said she thought a good offer would induce you to come back again at the expiration of the year at [maknown] what he says to you I think I would not be rash in deciding when I would settle when you engaged with Mr Lanning I dare say he expected you would continue more than one year. it would be pleasant to have you near us first I dont think Northumberland will ever be a place of business it may perhaps in time. but if you dont like Wilkesbarre that alters the case I would consult on all occasions with James he is a friend ^you may confide in and will give the best advise in his power - I have enjoyed good health this winter untill(sic) last week I was quite unwell a pain in my head it continued for some days but am quite well again. William Haise [Hays] died sudenly(sic) two weeks ago he complained a little on satturday(sic) [Saturday] but was up & on sunday morning was a corpse it was suposed(sic) [supposed] an absass (sic) [abcess] broke. Mrs Lorgues house was burnt the ground the day before the fire in Wilksbara (sic) [Wilkes Barre] if the day had not been wet I think the fire would not have stopt (sic) [stopped] then it broke out between 11 & 12 o clock at night. The next day the citizens subscribed upwards of 200 hundred Dollars besides bundles of clothing sent. He received the bundle sent by B MClay [McClay] a few minutes after he arrived. Isiah thought it before 3 was up in the morning we thank you for the present you sent us. I have two shirts made will send them by just chance with your pantaloons & stockings there is muslin enough left to make some collars after four shirts are made I will make them soon. Foster has sold out to young watts. Cook has built a stove on Mr Gonders lot opposite Porters. Mr Sanders built on Mr Gleclande opposite Boyds
Second Page Inside:
It grieves me to think of your paying so much postage I think you might sometimes meet with private opportunitys (sic) [opportunities] I have heard of Mr Laning’s being in town there this spring why not write by him - do not be backward in speaking of yourself to Me Farewell my son for the present & believe me at all times & all places your affectionate mother. H[annah]. McClintock
Frindship (sic) [Friendship], an ode. Printed in the Gentleman Magazine 1743
Frindship (sic), peculiar boom of heaven, The noble minds delight and pride, To man and angels only given, To all the lower world denied.
While love, unknown among the blest (sic) [Blessed], Parent of a thousand wild desires The savage and the human breast. Torment alike with raging fires.
With bright but oft destructive glance Alike o’er all his lightnings fly, Thy lambent glories only beam Around the favorites of the sky.
Thy gentle flows of guiltless joys, On fools and villains ne’er descend; In vain for the thee the the tyrant sighs, And hugs a flatterer for a friend.
Directness of the brave & just, O [Oh] guide us through life’s darksome way, And let the tortures of mistrust On selfish bosoms only prey.
Nor shall thine andours cease to glow, When souls so peaceful climes remove; What raised our virtues here below, Shall aid our happenings above - Samuel Johnson L.L.D. [Doctor of Laws] Back Page:
Mr Kobert is building an apothecary’s shop on Mrs. Walli’s lot along side of arundo(?) .. James Stoughton is building a store opposite walli’s near Sawkins his father has purchased the lot William Lysennir (sic) [Lysinger] has built on the same lot with Cook a hatters shop John Wheatly has built a shop ^for himself & store house for gran (sic) [grain]. I have not heard from Lycoming since you left us. I had a letter from your grandfather Todd this week with a ham and sundry other articles. I still have some money and
North[umberland] Pa. 29th Mar[ch] 10
Received April 1. 1830 Answered May~~
Andrew T. McClintock Wilkesbara (sic) [Wilkes Barre] Penn[sylvani]a
have been very comfortable this winter. I have wood enough for all summer. have you seen Mrs Murray I thank you for that excellent sermon you sent me I think it must be a very pleasant thing to have two such excellent men as Mr Murray & May setled (sic) [settled] in a little village - I hope James is well do you think he is courting anyone give my love to him - Courtland Wallace has quit his trade finds it does not agree with him - James is well desires to be remembered to you he is steady & kind to me I think he will write soon to you. I had written to you when I received yours & sent it over to the post office last week Cowden sent it Back with yours to me. Mrs Glealand desires to be remembered to you & Margret cald (sic) [called] also your friends here often enquire for you.
Northumberland March 27. 1830
My dear Andrew,
In the first place I ought to appologize (sic) [apologize] for not writing to you sooner but rest assured it was not want of affection for there is scarcely a day passes without something said about Andrew you are seldom long out of my mind you guessed right when you thought it was my dislike to writing alone was the reason why I did not. I confess I am very negtligent [negligent] + remiss in the duty of writing to my absent friends an(d) no doubt often wound their feelings without intending to do so. I sometimes resolve. I will be a more punctual correspondent in future but the next letter I receive lies as long unanswered as the former you that know me so well should not be either surprised or hurt at it I was much pleased to receive your letter but was sorry to find you in so dull a mood your letter affected me almost to tears I had not an idea but what you were happy in your situation I think you ought to strive to be so. there is no sittuation (sic) [situation] in life however prosperous but has its cases and difficulties and prosperitys (sic) You do wrong to always dwell on the dark side of life in a few years your prospects may change materially your are certainly in good & respectable business as much so as any you could engage in some of our the most distinguished men in the state are merchants + some of them perhaps at your age not any richer than yourself + their education inferior it may be if there was anything in ^my power to do that would contribute to your comfort
Inside of Front Page:
or interest I would gladly do it. I am too apt myself to indulge in Gloomy reflections but I think it not only wrong but sinful I feel thankful I am not as much inclined so as I once was I intreat you to dismiss as much as possible these unpleasant feelings Flowers may yet spring up in thy path unlooked for comforts may yet chase thy heart that than dreamest not of none. acknowledge god in all thy ways and he will direct thy paths no one it is said ever trusted him in vain - & those that seek him early shall find him and find him a present help in time of need - Miss H Jenkins was here yesterday she mentioned. Mr. Shannan having received a letter from you I expect you have received an answer by this time he has not been suited in a clerk since you left him she said she thought a good offer would induce you to come back again at the expiration of the year at [maknown] what he says to you I think I would not be rash in deciding when I would settle when you engaged with Mr Lanning I dare say he expected you would continue more than one year. it would be pleasant to have you near us first I dont think Northumberland will ever be a place of business it may perhaps in time. but if you dont like Wilkesbarre that alters the case I would consult on all occasions with James he is a friend ^you may confide in and will give the best advise in his power - I have enjoyed good health this winter untill(sic) last week I was quite unwell a pain in my head it continued for some days but am quite well again. William Haise [Hays] died sudenly(sic) two weeks ago he complained a little on satturday(sic) [Saturday] but was up & on sunday morning was a corpse it was suposed(sic) [supposed] an absass (sic) [abcess] broke. Mrs Lorgues house was burnt the ground the day before the fire in Wilksbara (sic) [Wilkes Barre] if the day had not been wet I think the fire would not have stopt (sic) [stopped] then it broke out between 11 & 12 o clock at night. The next day the citizens subscribed upwards of 200 hundred Dollars besides bundles of clothing sent. He received the bundle sent by B MClay [McClay] a few minutes after he arrived. Isiah thought it before 3 was up in the morning we thank you for the present you sent us. I have two shirts made will send them by just chance with your pantaloons & stockings there is muslin enough left to make some collars after four shirts are made I will make them soon. Foster has sold out to young watts. Cook has built a stove on Mr Gonders lot opposite Porters. Mr Sanders built on Mr Gleclande opposite Boyds
Second Page Inside:
It grieves me to think of your paying so much postage I think you might sometimes meet with private opportunitys (sic) [opportunities] I have heard of Mr Laning’s being in town there this spring why not write by him - do not be backward in speaking of yourself to Me Farewell my son for the present & believe me at all times & all places your affectionate mother. H[annah]. McClintock
Frindship (sic) [Friendship], an ode. Printed in the Gentleman Magazine 1743
Frindship (sic), peculiar boom of heaven, The noble minds delight and pride, To man and angels only given, To all the lower world denied.
While love, unknown among the blest (sic) [Blessed], Parent of a thousand wild desires The savage and the human breast. Torment alike with raging fires.
With bright but oft destructive glance Alike o’er all his lightnings fly, Thy lambent glories only beam Around the favorites of the sky.
Thy gentle flows of guiltless joys, On fools and villains ne’er descend; In vain for the thee the the tyrant sighs, And hugs a flatterer for a friend.
Directness of the brave & just, O [Oh] guide us through life’s darksome way, And let the tortures of mistrust On selfish bosoms only prey.
Nor shall thine andours cease to glow, When souls so peaceful climes remove; What raised our virtues here below, Shall aid our happenings above - Samuel Johnson L.L.D. [Doctor of Laws] Back Page:
Mr Kobert is building an apothecary’s shop on Mrs. Walli’s lot along side of arundo(?) .. James Stoughton is building a store opposite walli’s near Sawkins his father has purchased the lot William Lysennir (sic) [Lysinger] has built on the same lot with Cook a hatters shop John Wheatly has built a shop ^for himself & store house for gran (sic) [grain]. I have not heard from Lycoming since you left us. I had a letter from your grandfather Todd this week with a ham and sundry other articles. I still have some money and
North[umberland] Pa. 29th Mar[ch] 10
Received April 1. 1830 Answered May~~
Andrew T. McClintock Wilkesbara (sic) [Wilkes Barre] Penn[sylvani]a
have been very comfortable this winter. I have wood enough for all summer. have you seen Mrs Murray I thank you for that excellent sermon you sent me I think it must be a very pleasant thing to have two such excellent men as Mr Murray & May setled (sic) [settled] in a little village - I hope James is well do you think he is courting anyone give my love to him - Courtland Wallace has quit his trade finds it does not agree with him - James is well desires to be remembered to you he is steady & kind to me I think he will write soon to you. I had written to you when I received yours & sent it over to the post office last week Cowden sent it Back with yours to me. Mrs Glealand desires to be remembered to you & Margret cald (sic) [called] also your friends here often enquire for you.
Creator
- (Todd) McClintock, Hannah, 1787-1865 (Person)
Repository Details
Part of the Wilkes University Archives Repository
Contact:
84 W South St.
Wilkes-Barre PA 18701 US
570-408-2000
570-408-7823 (Fax)
ask.archives@wilkes.edu
84 W South St.
Wilkes-Barre PA 18701 US
570-408-2000
570-408-7823 (Fax)
ask.archives@wilkes.edu