These are letters that I have transcribed that are in the possession of Anne Krush, who gave me permission to copy these letters. The notes that are with most of the letters are those that Franklin T. Nevin wrote on the sheet that mounts the letters. For the most part, they identify who the various people are in the letter and what some of the background is. Sometimes he left blanks for information that it appears he was hoping to fill in later. Some of the underlines in the letters are my best guess at what was written, sometimes I was unable to guess and have left those areas bracketed "[ ]".
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3/4/1825
Notes with the letter: To the Reverend Samuel Williamson, Vicar of Congleton, Cheshire, England.
Near Shippensburg March 4th, 1825
Rev and Dear Uncle,
Nothing has transpired here for some time of a domestic nature, that seemed sufficiently interesting to be told in Congleton.
Our Crops of Grain have been abundant for two years past, yet the Farmer does not flourish. Produce was never known to bear so poor a price. Wheat 75 cents a Bushel - Rye dull at .25 - Corn at .20. If we convert our Corn and Rye into whiskey and send it to Baltimore, it only brings 20 cts a Gallon. Clover seed which used to sell for 10 sometimes 15 dollars is now selling at two dollars a bushel. Such being the state of our Markets the Farmer who is a few dollars in debt cannot pay, and many Farms are sold by the Sheriff at 20 Dlls an acre which had been purchased at 100 dollars and even more an Acre. Those who are not in debt can get along pretty smoothly. Notwithstanding the low price of food, yet such is the difficulty of finding employment, that our paupers increase to an alarming degree.
The Mania of the day with us, is cutting canals. The experiment made by the State of New York has been so successful and so far exceeded all expectations that our State has it seriously in contemplation to attempt a water communication from Philadelphia to Pittsburg. Commissioners have been appointed to explore the rout, and have reported favourably. They say it is practicable by tunnelling the Alleghany Mountains. The Tunnell would be about 4 1/2 miles in length and from 100 to 750 feet below the surface. (Some think this rather too great a bore, whilst others think it ought not for a moment to terrify us.) But this is a subject that scarcely any of us know anything at all about. From what I have read of Railroads in extracts from English papers, it appears to me that they have may advantages over canals. A principal one is that, for three or four months in the season when farmers usually send their produce to market, the Canals are frozen. You have Railraoads in England and probably you are well acquainted with their construction. You would do me a great kindness if you would write me a particular description of the manner in which these roads are made. The length and probably weight of the pieces of metal used - an estimate of the expense, on a plane, or where there was no digging, and any other information which you will give respecting them. I am appointed one of the Commissioners for Cumberland County to devise and recommend most suitable routs and plans for operation, and, it was long ago said, that a man can speak or write better, if he understands something of the nature of the subject he is treating. If it should be that there are none of those roads in your part of the Country and that they have not been enquired into by your, perhaps Dr King or some one of your friends would be so good as to describe them.
The Legislature of the State of Ohio, have just passed an act for making an Canal from Lake Erie to Portsmouth on the Ohio River a distance of about 400 miles. There will then be a water communication from New York to New Orleans! I was in that State last Spring. My youngest sister, Mary, had been married to Mr Cook and resided in Chilicothe. Mr Cook died early last spring and in a month afterwards my sister died also.
Mr Cook’s estate was insolvent, and my sister in her last sickness had requested me not to send, but to myself and bring home with me, her two children, one five and the other six years old. I promised her that I would, and soon after a letter from her Physician informed me of her death. I set out in a light wagon and proceeded to Pittsburg (160 miles). There I learned that the roads were so bad thro the State of Ohio, that I could not get along with my carriage. I left it in Pittsburgh and went down by land to Chilicothe where I found the little orphans and brought them safe to Shippensburg.
This day John Quincy Adams will be inaugurated President of the U.S. for four years. Rumour says, and perhaps correctly, that he has selected the following Gentlemen to compose his Cabinet: - Henry Clay of Kentucky, Secretary of State - Richard Rush of Pennsylvania, Secretary of the Treasury - James Barbour of Virginia, Secretary of War - S. L. Southard New Jersey, Secretary of the Navy - William Wirt, Virginia, Attorney General and DeWitt Clinton, at present Governor of New York is offered the appointment of Minister of the Court of St James.
I have not heard from Uncle John Williamson since he left this place in October last. He seldom writes to us. He appeared last Fall to enjoy his usual health and fine flow of Spirits. We expect him again in July next.
Please to present me affectionately to my Aunt and to my Cousins when you next see them. (I wish they would write to me) and be assured of the love and friendship of
Your Nephew
John Nevin
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3/5/1825
Notes with letter: Grandfather to Gen. Finley, Chillicothe, O.
Mrs Rippey - sister of Gen. Finley and mother-in-law of Grandfather Nevin
"Little Isaac Cook" son of Grandfather’s sister Mary Nevin, was at her death adopted and "raised" by Grandfather and Grandmother Nevin. His sister, Sarah (who afterward married Samuel Howe) was in like manner adopted by her Aunt Henderson, Grandfather’s elder sister, Sara Nevin Henderson.
F.T.N. 3/98
Mrs Rippey’s brother Andrew Finley was son of John and Martha [Berkley] Finley. John Finley came to America 1735 with his father, Michael Finley and six brothers, from Armagh Ireland; was an elder in Middle Spring Church 1744. Killed by Indians in Lurgan Twp. 1757 or ‘59. John was then oldest son. The Grand son of Michael was Samuel Finley who was President of the College of New Jersey 1761.
Near Shippensburg 5th. March 1825
Dear Sir
I was much gratified in recieving your favour by Mr. Stewart and congratulate you on the chearing and auspicious prospects of bustle, business and activity which the good people resorted to express their Joy, and render it visible, on the passage of the Canal tide, I received thro another channel.
We poor Pennsylvanians seem to have been left far behind in the march of internal improvement. We are doomed, yet a while, to crack our whips and tug the ponderous wagon, whilst our Friends of New York and Ohio will be floating with all their lumber from New York City to New Orleans. Tis true, we have been exploring a little and enquiring whether our waters could not be placed in some position to bear us along from Philad to Pittsburg. But unluckily we find that we would have to worm our way under the Foundations of the Hills and tunnel the base of the Alleghany Mountain for about 4 1/2 miles in length and from 100 to 750 feet from the surface. This seems to be rather too much of a bore. But let not our dashing Sisters ridicule our want of energy and enterprise. Pennsylvania is cautious, calculating, and ever watchful to make the blunders of others profitable to herself. Even now her Large sides are shaking with ill contained laughter to think how she will outstrip the whole of you by and by. I’ll tell you the secret. When Ohio and New York have become completely engulphed in mud, mire and water and doomed by their debts ever to remain so, then Pennsylvania will rise in her might, shake herself - call forth into lively exercise the keen penetrating glance of her Quakers and the plodding perseverance of her Germans, and surprise and astonish the Union by connecting the extremities of the State - not by the inert Canal, but by a Rail Road! A mode of conveyance, which for safety celerity and uninterrupted progress, surpasses the canal as far as the latter does the old Turnpike. Yes, my dear Sir, whilst you an our tall sister of York will be waddling along in trenches in your sluggish element, with your goods liable to injury from dampness and your heads liable to be sheared off in passing under bridges, ever and anon begrimed and be sloughed by Freshets and mundations, and in fact bung’d up totally by Dec in that very season of the year when Farmers would wish to send their produuce to market. Thus irrevocably fixed, you will be constrained to behold Pennsylvania bearing her brow a loft, spurning alike both mud and Frost, with her thousand twirling vehicles, urged on by Steam, in rapid undeviating progression, and bearing away the whole of your western produce to her Great Emporium. Even DeWitt Clinton will scratch his head & exclaim in the language of Sterne "Really they manage these things better in Pennsylvania."
The data on which we proceed are not speculative and visionary. The enquirey in England now is not Are Rail roads preferable to Canals? But Parliament are petered with petitions from Canal Stock holders to present the incoporation of Railroad Companies. They have put on Sackloth and ashes, as the Button maker did long ago, and prayed for the suppression of what they considr ruinous to their funds. But the Government says no. You must not stand in the way of the March of Mind. The progress of useful invention must not be interrupted by you. As Turnpikes had to give way to your mode of conveyance, so now in turn you must not grumble that your gullies must succumb to the more advanced progress of the arts as displayed in the Railroad System.
Mrs. Rippey enjoys her usual health She desires to be affectionately remembered by you, Mrs. Brown and all the family. She had a letter last Evening from her brother Andrew. He mentions the death of his Motherinlaw aged 87 years and five months.
You enquire for my Sons. The Eldest is at the Theological Seminary in Princeton. The Second is at Dickinson College Carlisle in the Sophomore Class. The third, Daniel, at eleven years old is reading Cordery with ol Mr. Casey at home. The fourth, fifth &c. Together with little Issac Cook (who by the way is a fine agreable boy , and full of health. Please to say so to his sisters when you see them) are playing in the yard, perhaps enjoying more real satisfaction than is found in maturer years.
My Martha and the Girls send their love and be assurred that I remain
Your affectionate nephew
John Nevin
It is but reasonable that my crude Sheet should not be saddled in any postage, when you take care that your hgihly valued correspondence comes free to me.
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6/18/1825
Notes with letter: Grandfather to his son William, a student at Dickinson College, Carlisle.
18th June 1825.
Dear Son
I expected to have had a letter from you ere this. We have but finished our clover last evening. We had 21 large loads of hay. We have a fine rain this morning of which the corn stood in need, but which I presume was not welcome to most farmers, as there is much hay cut in the fields - our crop of wheat Barley & oats is abundant and we expect an early harvest. I had a letter from W’mson yesterday dated Auburn Theological Seminary". He set off about the 20th of last month on an excursion to the north. To this, he tells me, he was advised by his physician in Princeton, under whose care he had been for five or six weeks. He had a pain in his breast and some symptoms of his old complaint, dyphepsia. He walked to Brunswick thence in a boat to N. York thence to Albany - Troy - Schenectady. Thence to Utica and Auburn where he writes from. He proceeds mostly on foot and had walked 74 miles the two last days, with the design, he says, of reducing his body to absolute weariness. Just as he entered Auburn at one end of the town, Gen. La Fayette came in at the other so that, he remarks, the same cannonading, Military Music &c answered the purpose of salutation for both. He intends to proceed on to the lakes and return to Princeton when the session commences.
William Moore was buried yesterday His death was sudden. Cholera morbus, I believe his disease was called. He look unwell on last Saturday. We forget whether the Commencement takes place on the fourth or the last Wednesday of this month. The girls wish to go down and probably I will take them if it is not in Harvest. Write to us soon and tell us.
Cut this sheet in two and hand to Mr. Geddes the communication for . . . [sheet cut at this point].
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8/8/1825
Notes with letter: Grandfather to his son William, a student at Dickinson College, Carlisle.
"Uncle" = John Williamson, merchant, of Charleston, S.C.
"David Williamson", brother of our great grandmother Margaret Williamson Nevin. (See a previous comment)
"Your Uncle McCracken" is Sam’l McCracken, brother of Grandmother Nevin.
"Mr. Robt McCoy" probably not the husband of Jane McCracken, Grandmother’s sister, Else. The "Mr" would hardly have been used.
F.T.N 3/98
"The Theological Seminary" = Princeton Theological where John W. Nevin was a student.
Near Shippensburg 8th. Aug. 1825
Dear Son
You were correct in your conjectures respecting Uncle. He arrived about the middle of July. His health is good. The hot weather has confined him more within doors than formerly, but he still goes twice a week to town to be shaved, sits on the porch till nine o’clock, looks at the moon and listens to the Katydids.
A young man from the Theological Seminary called at Mr. Moody’s on Friday last. He was returning to his home in Kentucky on foot - was very intimately acquainted with W.mson, says his health is now tolerably good and speaks highly of his talents. Says that Wmson is teaching a class in the Seminary the Hebrew Language. Whether he does this in order to hear part of the experience of his education or merely to assist Mr. Hodge, I dont know, as I did not see the young man, and he has not written to me anything of it.
David Williamson will shortly exchange the things of time for the watches of that world where there is no illusion. His Stomach refuses to receive any food, or strong drink or even pure water. Its love is entirely destroyed. He will add one more to the list of unfortunate victims to Intemperance. I was to see him on Saturday. Your Mother is down there to day. I have not fulfilled my duty as a parent, if I have hitherto neglected to caution you against meddling with spirituous liquors. I do not suppose that you have as yet any attachment to stimulants of that kind. If you had I might as well speak to the wind or Cry "Peace" to the Storm. Few indeed have been persuaded to withhold the inebriating cup after frequent use has confirmed a desire. Where one has been snatched from the suction of that whirlpool, thousands have been engulfed in its yawning abyss. "Facilis descensus Averni" Led revorare gradum &c.! Perhaps, too, then are families of lively sensibilities and vivid imaginations, which withstand and resist the fascinations of Jolly Companions and flowing bowls, less firmly than others of blunter nerves. It would seem if we look around at the number of our own relatives who have been thus lost and ruined, that there is in our family a powerful penchant that way. If this is so you had need to be more strictly on your guard in shunning all [?] to temptation. If an intemperate person does happen to live to old age he carries with him a load of pains, aches and various disorders loss of memory, loss of judgement and in short he is a mere nuisance and burdens our Society. Not so he that can say with the old man in Shakespeare
"For in my Youth, I never did commix
"Hot and rebellious liquors with any blood."
I am subpoena’d to attend Court today as a witness between Catherine McCandlish & Koontz, the man who, he swears, is the father of her child. I’ll not attend. All that is expected of me is to give her Character, but I dont care to ride to Carlisle to say that Catherine was "a pretty little merry wanton she" and I could say nothing more respecting her.
Did your Uncle McCracken call on you? He past thro’ Carlisle about ten days ago on his way to Philadelphia. Gov. Clinton is in the stage this morning (9th.) The stage stopped at our house to take in Mr. Robt. Macoy.
Are you now a Sophomore or a Junior? Tell me where you stand in need of money and I will try and send it to you I do not wish you to be without what is really necessary, but I would not have any useless expenditures.
I remain you affectionate Father
John Nevin
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8/29/1825
Notes with letter: Grandfather to his son William, a student at Dickinson College.
"Your mother" - is Martha McCracken Nevin, my grandmother.
** "Nancy Graham" - daughter of Francis Graham and Margaret Reynolds, second daughter of Margaret Wmson and William Reynolds
"Theodore" Hugh Nevin, my father - aged 10.
"Catherine Reynolds" = Mary CatherineR., child of Elizabeth Maclay and William Reynolds*
"Mrs Rippey", Grandfather’s mother-in-law.
"Margaret" Williamson Nevin (married Jno K. Finley M.D.) oldest daughter of John & Martha Nevin (Grandfather)
F.T.N. 3/98
** Nancy Graham was therefore a daughter of Grandfather Nevin’s half sister. She married Herron
*William Reynolds was the youngest child of Margaret Williamson and William Reynolds (her first husband).
This Mary Catherine Reynolds and her brother, Hugh Williamson Reynolds were twins, and the youngest of the family.
** Herron, son of Herron and Nancy Graham Herron married , their son John Williamson Herron of Cincinnati O. Is the father of Hellen K. Herron who married Wm H. Taft, now President of U.S. 1909
29th. Aug. 1825
My dear Son
On our return from our church yeesterday part of our Family were thrown from the carriage and somewhat injured. Your mother drove the grey mare in your Grandmothers Dearborn, and carried Nancy Graham. Theodore and little Catharine Reynolds. I drove the Barouche with Mrs. Rippey and Margaret. We were coming on slowly, your mother close behind me until we came to the hill first beyond S. Caldwells, when Theodore observed that the buckle of the breech-band was loose. The Dearborn thus run out the mare and she came past us like the wind. I sprang from my seat, but just as I began to pursue I observed that my horse had also look fright and was off. I caught him however by the bit and gvae him to Mr. Caldwell who was by, Margaret had also jumped out. You recollect the road - a continued ledge of rocks - your Mother pulled the lines hard &Theodore seized hold also and existed himself - the bit broke, and it is remarked by those who were present that they never saw an animal go off at such a rapid raate. Mr. Wallace thinks that sometimes the wheels did not touc the ground or rather rocks for nearly a rod. I pursued with such feelings as I never before experienced surprised that it did not ooverset, which did not take place untill they came nearly to Caldwells Orchard. I saw them pitch out, and I saw one, whom I supported your Mother, fastened to the lines, strong lines, and dragg’d by the flying man on the road. Here I could see no more. I came up and Oh! Help us to prase the Lord for his goodness and for his wonderful mercy to our nworthy house. They were all alive - and not dangerously hurt. Theodore who hadbeen sitting on a little stool before his mother, and who it was that was entangled in the lines, had not been dragg’d very far. His left arm is broken near to the wrist, the line was round his neck, I shudder whilst I think of it. His face is dreadfully bruised and he has several cuts and bruises on his limbs, neck and ear, but I am astonished that they are so slight - he will not even be disfigured - he walked thro the room to day and took a peep thro a small aperture in one eye (the other is bunged up) at his face in the glass.. He had heard visitors express surprise at his appearance. Your Mother thought at first she was not hurt, but today she finds a bruise on her thigh and another onher hip that are painful. Her wrist is sprained. Nancy has no marks but she compplains of lightness in her head. She and your Mother both keep their bed. Catherine escaped unhurt. Theodore’s arm was set by Dr. Simpson on our passing his house, and is like to do well. We trust that in a few days they will all be well again. If they should not you will hear from me. Our house has been crowded by our friends since the accident happened. Farewell.
Your affectionate father
John Nevin
P.S. We did not find the man untill about 10 O’clock to day.
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2/22/1826
Notes with the letter: Grandfather to Gen’l Sam’l Finley, Chilicothe
"Our swift brothers in law" - presumably McCoy and Cook. The former married Jane, sister of Grandmother, Martha McCracken Nevin. The latter married Mary Nevin, sister of Grandfather Nevin. Both lived in Chillicothe, Gen’l Finley’s home.
F.T.N. 3/98
Near Shippensburg 22d. Feby 1826
Dear Sir
Your favour of the 1st inst. Was handed in by our swift Brothers in law on their passage to the City. I will endeavour to have made up something in the form of a letter against their return. At present the death of Doctor Simpson seems most to occupy our thoughts. He died last week after a short illness, and perhaps there are few men in Shippensburg whose death would cause a greater gloom. We feel now disposed to forget his peculiareties, and to remember only the warm friend and indefatigable physician. He attended our family for five generations. It is somewhat remarkable that the Doctor had for some time predicted his death. He invited his old acquaintances to dine with him a few weeks ago, and in the note which he sent to our family, he added "It will be the last time I shall see my friends together." He often said of late "March will put an end to all my bustle." He was in his usual health and actively engaged in business till a few days before he died, but, I suppose being well acquainted with his own constitution, he felt some premonitory symptoms that the lamp of life was nearly extinguished. He met an old Lady, a neighbour of his, in the street a few days ago, she complained of the muddy pavements. "Oh never mind it, Madam," replied the Dr. "Before March is over, your feet and mine will have nothing to with the muddy streets of Shippensburg." It is said that the Lady since part of the prediction is verified, is observed to hem and try the strength of her lungs more frequently than formerly.
As to our "Pennsylvania Canal" the House of Representatives" Like greyhounds "in the ships, straining upon the start" had voted to commence it even before the Commissioners had reported. The Juniata route will probably be preferred. We in this valley dont like it. From all that has been said by the Canal mangers we can’t percieve any benefit to accrue to us, but if it should succeed at an enormous expense, to which we will have to contribute largely, it will materially injure us. After all that Mr. Lehman and his coadjutors have told us about the necessity of local prejudices giving way to the good of the whole, about all objects of minor consideration being merged and lost sight of in this grand national work, still, for the life of us, we cant see the force, nor admire the beauty of their arguments. "Surely" say they "No Citizen will demur or withhold his share of the cash necessary for completing this "Great work, which will redound to the honour of his native state"! Nevertheless, we are not convinced, and the bubble honour, poised against our interest kicks the beam. We understand their arguments, plainly spoken, thus. The route chosen is the best to connect the points in question. Tis true it goes thro’ the poorest part of the state, and you, Wealthiest Counties, will bear the heaviest burden of the cost, and it is also true that if completed, it will destroy your great turnpike, and deprive you of the thoroughfare which you have so long employed, and consequently of a market for your produce which the carrying trade consumed, but can’t you still rejoice in the great work? Is not the honour of the state more than an equivalent for all your losses and deprivations? Strange, How difficult it is to illuminate the ideas of Sufferers on questions of this kind!
March 5th I had thought, My dear Sir, when I commenced this sheet that I would have a long letter of domestic intelligence prepared for you on the return of our friends from the City, but here they are, and I must close and refer you to Mr. Macoy. I will not agree with you, that you "write a miserable hand" I do observe a Slight tremor in some letters, but still there is a neatness and rotundity in your pen, that I have often, but in vain attempted to imitate I sincerely sympathise with you in your pain from that disorder which afflicts you. May your patience and constancy be proportionate to your sufferings and oh may that powerful arm which hath hitherto supported you be ever nigh to uphold and comfort you under the pressure of disease and dissolving nature! Mrs. Rippey & all the family send their love to you and our dear Aunt and believe me to remain
Very affectionately yours
John Nevin
Please to write frequently.
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5/19/1826
Notes with the letter: Grandfather to his son William, at Dickinson College
"Mr. Shryock" Of the same (?) family, I presume, as Mr S. S. Shryock who afterwards married Elizabeth Reynolds, eldest daughter of Chas Reynolds & Jane M. Nevin. Now living in Shippensburg.
F.T.N. 3/98
Near Shippensburg 19th. May 1826
Dear Son
The Stage which carries this letter, will leave for you at Mr. Bell’s - "Paley’s Philosophy" - I hope you may not have purchased, before you receive it. If you have got one, probably you can dispose of it to some of your classmates without loss.
I wish you to write as soon as you receive the book, that I may know of its safe conveyance. Tell us how many Students are now in college - how many new ones - how many board with Mr. Shryock &c.
When Miss Simpson pays a visit to the college, it will be proper for you to devote some small portion of time which you can spare from your Studies, in paying attention to her and making her satisfied with the place. This will be expected and a different conduct will be deemed clownish. To Mrs. Shryock also and her daughter you will on all occasions shew great respect, and by any little attentions and civilities in your power endeavour to make them comfortable and easy in their situation. This is easily done and it is what a well bred man never omits to do. I would not give sixpence for a young man of education, who found any difficulty in making himself agreable to Ladies old or young.
"That Man that hath a tongue I say is not man"
If with that tongue he cannot please a Woman. But neither would I give Sixpence for him who devoted his time to such trifling. There is a wide difference between the beau and the gentleman, and by none discerned quicker than by the ladies themselves.
You affectionate father
John Nevin
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4/14/1827
Notes with letter: Grandfather to Gen. Finley, Chillicothe
"Mr. Macoy", married Grandmother Nevin’s sister, Jane McCracken and lived in Chillicothe
"Margaret" Williamson Nevin, eldest daughter of Grandfather Nevin. Afterwards married Dr. John Knox Finley, Genl Samuel Finley’s son, referred to in this letter as having his degree conferred on him.
"Margaret Nevin" Grandfather’s daughter, visiting in Chillicothe.
"Your sister’s health" i.e. Mrs. Rippey’s. Grandmother Nevin’s mother.
Near Shippensburg 14 April 1827
Dear Sir,
I was much gratified by the reciept of your friendly letter by Mr. Macoy, and did intend to reply by the same friend on his return. But he did not come our way. In the mean time we concluded to send our daughter Margaret to visit our relatives in your state, and as Margaret will be able to give you a more particular account of your sisters health (of which you enquire) than I could write, I will not add on that subject. Mrs. Rippey is now in Newville. I carried her down to church at that place, on last sabbath. The Presbytery met there on tuesday last. She wished to hear the Rev. Mr McClelland, one of the professors in Dick. College, preach - as an orator, he excels any I have ever heard in the pulpit, his voice is musical, countenance mild yet impressive and intelligent, gesture appropriate, none of that "stare and start theatric" which Cowper ridicules - but he did not preach at the opening of presbytery. His health is extremely delicate. I had been summon’d to serve as a juror in Carlisle and attended on monday, but was dismissed on the same day, and having never attended a meeting of Presbytery I came to Newville. On the whole I was quite pleased. I thought that perhaps there were too many speakers on subjects not very important, but this is likely to be the case where all are public speakers. The discourses of the candidates and the narrative given by each pastor of the state of religion in his cong. was highly interesting. A considerable revival has taken place in Mr. Dewitts Cong. at Harrisburg. He told us that he had talked with 40 who were anxiously enquiring and of them 25 had found peace and he [?] were savingly converter. The subjects of the revival in Carlisle were not so numerous. Five or six from the college were among the number, and a young man, Mr. Knox who had been studying law, connected himself with the Presbytery in Newville as a candidate for the Gospel Ministry. A number of the Pastors in making their report complain of the great evil and prevalence of gambling by lottery. The Elders attending Presbytery seem to me to sit very much in the shade, they generally give a silent vote, and indeed few laymen have confidence to address a learned body of divines on subjects with which they are ever conversant. There was one exception however. The question was taken on sustaining two discourses which had just been heard from the candidates one in latin, called I believe, an Exegesis. A number of the Ministers as their names were called by the Moderator, made some critical remarks. When he came to the Elders he called on, something more rapidly as usual, untill he came to "Mr. John Kennedy." A middle aged Irishman with a red wig rose slowly. All eyes were turned upon him. For my part I wished he had sat still, for I really feared he would make some blunders. But I was soon disappointed. Mr. K. spoke well, and made some judicious remarks. I afterwards learned that Mr. K.. was an excellent scholar and that he understood the latin exercise perhaps as well as any of the Presbytery.
Your old Friend Mr. McCandlish was buried on the first day of the meeting of Presby. Please to tell Margaret Nevin, when you see her that Dr. William R. Stewart was married last week to Miss Dinah McKinney daughter of David McK. Esq: Strasburg. It was a runaway match. They came to Shippg and the Rev. Mr. Moody married them.
I observe in my Philad. paper of this week in a catalogue of those young gentlemen on whom was conferr’d the degree of Doctor of Medicine, the name of John K. Finley of Ohio. His subject thesis was "Influence of atmospheric Air". I presume it is our cousin.
I forgot to say when speaking of the Presby, that two young men wee licensed to preach the Gospel. Mr. McElvaine and Mr. Agnew. The latter wished to be ordained also. This was not granted. He intends to set out on a mission to a place which I confess surprized me a little when I considered the number of preachers that came to the United States from that place, Ireland is the field where he intends to labour. Mr. Agnew appears to be a pious young man and much devoted to the cause of his master.
Believe me, Dear Sir, we shall always be glad to hear from you, and especially if we might hear that you were relieved from that disorder which must be extremely painful, it would give us much joy. I have been told that the gum from the peach tree has often given relief. Dr. Wills will know if it worth a trial.
My Martha joins me in love to you & Aunt Finley, to our daughter Margaret and all our friends in Chillicothe
Your affectionate nephew
John Nevin
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7/4/1827
Notes with letter: Grandfather Nevin to his son William, a student at Dickinson College.
Dear Son
You will find attached hereto a check for $20. Mr. Devos proposed it to me, and I prefer t to enclosing money. Keep of this what you need and pay Mrs. Kriles the remainder. You can cut off the check and present it any time between 9 and 3 O Clock. Did you ever receive from the Bank the money over paid for fuel &c.?
What profession have you in view? It will be necessary for you to prosecute it as soon as may be after commencement. You are 21 years of age last February. A time of life that will not admit vacillating long. Many of that age are actively engaged in business. I leave it entirely with yourself to fix upon that profession in which you think you will feel most happy and be most useful. It is scarcely necessary for a father to say that he wishes his son to excel in whatever profession he may choose. But I will say that this is not so hopeless a task as many young men are apt to imagine. Look at the mass of the different incumbents and see how few are so eminent as to defy competition. We really have few good orators, here & there one perhaps. Bari nantes in quiqite varto" and I hope I am not looking with a gloomy or uncharitable eye on the Sacred Desk when I fear that many who fill it have not altogether put on Christ - have not altogether weaned themselves from the World, and devoted themselves heart and soul to their Masters Service. This, we know, is the gift of God, but it is not with held from those who seek it in a right way.
Among the crowds of lawyers & physicians how few stand so high as to frighten a competitor? But no one will ever excel who is not determined to do so. Whoever gives up and is content to be lagging on behind will always be found in the rear. We are barely engaged with our Wheat and Barley
Your affectionate father
John Nevin
4th July 1827
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