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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4/13/1840
Addressed to: Miss Martha M. Nevin, Care Rev A. B. Brown, Portsmouth, Ohio.
Pittsburg April 13th 1840
My dear Martha
Your letter came to me on last Monday: I did not expect one so soon, because I thought that when you got down among your friends you would forget that you had promised to write to me: I like to render to every one that which is his due however and so I give you full credit for your punctuality and "sisternal" affection: Mr. Parke told me all the particulars about your fright on Board the Czar going down: how the gentleman ran about in their shirt tails! and the ladies stood pale in dishabille[?]! - he says it was quite terrifying! I am thankful you escaped with your fright: The Thursday after you left; Wmson with all his household and Alfred left in the stage with Dr Brown & Mrs Biddle for Cumberland County" it is whispered pretty loudly that the D is going to marry Mrs Carothers of Carlisle - widow of the late Andrew - our fathers attorney: - I suppose you know all about it: I have got you all off now so that I am the only Mister Nevin in this City: I had this Enviable title once in Niles: No sooner had I come here than you all take flight as if a Pestilence had broken loose among you: The best policy I can adopt I am inclined to think, is to secure a Misstress Nevin to keep my Parlour & Kitchen in order and then establish myself here as a kind of rallying points for the poor wanderers of our family! Tell Mother still to keep her eye on our scheme for keeping house next year: I like that quite well: I never was made to board out: I like a domestic circle - and all the circle I have in a dreary room upstairs and Jacob to keep it clear: I find the mattrass convenient in some respects: it is so easily made up in the morning: it never gets tossed! one spread does all: sheets, blanket, & Quilt! Mars Wallace family treat me kindly: I could not have a better place to eat: Isaac & Stan[?] & Grans duff[?] & Daniel & Champs[?] & Eliza Olver & Miss Johnston & others have all been up: Eliza stays at Mr Mandens[?]: Miss Johnston at Mr Harris: The Sewickley folks enjoy their selus[?] in walking & fishing: Isaac is baiting Miss Susan Shields! - I am afraid she breaks loose when he goes to Canonsburg: Dr Finley passed through the other day: Tell Mother I mea[?] Dr James: he had his new wife along: & Mary & Martha & Elizabeth. Alice is with Mrs Macalla: Ellen is going to live in South Bend: they (she & her Husband) have gone by New York. The Drs wife seems pleasant & cheerful although she has a little of the peculiar principles of an old maid: The Dr call her "Wife" & the children call her "Mother": Dr Sheffield and his father in law are going in partnership: And so you are going to tell us all two weeks before you get married! that’s right I shall want at least that much time to get a new coat made! I had a letter from Alfred Nevin this morning: they had a pleasant trip over the mountains: He expects to be licensed on Monday or Tuesday: quite a number of children have died of the Scarlet fever: Mr Bushnel, out at Minersville - lost three children in two weeks: we had communion in our church on last sabbath. Eight were added to the church among the number were Mary Stockton, Miss Tailor - Margaret and Josephine Petersons:
John Meyon spent several days here last week and this: he has gone to Peoria and will return in a month: he does not know what [he] will do when he comes back: Mr Maclay & Seriah left for home [tear in letter] I will not go down to Sewickley [tear in letter] give my love to Mother. Elizab[eth] [tear in letter] and Mary Ames: [tear in letter] Hempstead and all the [tear in letter] Margaret to present my kind regards to [tear in letter] and dont you fall in love with Gordon [tear in letter] old and too soft give him my Best respects to [tear in letter]
Write me soon Your affectionate brother
Theo: H [Nevin]
Tell Robert I called on Eliza the 6th evening: She had a bad head ache: I saw her on the street the next day - yesterday and presume she has become convalescent: Stan has bought a new coat & two shirts: Aleck Peebles will be in Portsmouth next week or the week following: he goes down that far on McCombs flat and then Steers for Richland County in Ohio.
[tear in letter] ing into a habit of writing fast and [tear in letter] Mr Brown not secure a place for - [tear in letter] ? in almost any kind of business: are [tear in letter] departments in the Public Schools all filled? [tear in letter] Succeed in getting him a place here.
When will you come up?
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Notes with letter: The following letter was written by Martha Mary Nevin, sister of Theodore H. Nevin, (afterwards wife of John Irwin, Jr.) to her sister-in-law Hannah Jane McClay) Nevin, first wife of William McC. Nevin, a professor in the Mercersburg Seminary, Mercersburg, Franklin County, Pa. The letter is not dated but it is postmarked (in writing) "Sewickley Bottom, Penn., 17th Jan.," and it describes the wedding of Theodore H. Nevin and Hannah Irwin which took place on January 4th, 1842, presumably at the home of the bride’s parents, John and Hannah (Taylor) Irwin, which was on Irwin Avenue, Allegheny, at a point about where Ridge Avenue is now located. The groom’s "attendant" was William Stockton, the bride’s a "Miss Campbell". At this late day it is difficult to identify them. The minister was the Rev. Elisha P. Swift, Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Allegheny from 1835 to 1865. Others referred to in the letter are: "Mother," Mrs. John Nevin, widow; "Margaret" (Irwin), the wife of Rev. Daniel E. Nevin, a sister-in-law of the writer; "Nicholas Way," the elder son of Squire John Way, brother of "Abishai" with whom he shared the Way properties now Edgeworth, Pa.; "Mrs. Dickson" probably the wife of Dr. John Dickson; "Mr. Starr," is George A. Starr, an elder in the Presbyterian Church, Sewickley, who kept store in the brick Street opposite the end of Division Street. The names Way, Shields, Anderson, Davis, Dickson explain themselves. "Mrs. Olver" was the head of the Edgeworth Seminary. "Sam Peebles" and his brother, Robert, owned the Beer property east of Division Street and extending from the river at Osborne over the top of Cemetery hill. "Lizzie" and "Charlie" I cannot identify, nor "Livia" and the "Doctor’s wife". "Alice" and "Willie" are probably Alice and Wilberforce Nevin, eldest children of John Williamson Nevin, who was the head of the Mercersburg Seminary. "Isaac" is Isaac M. Cook, cousin of Theodore Nevin who afterwards married Susan Shields, a daughter of David and Eliza (Leet) Shields. "Brother Williamson" is Rev. John Williamson Nevin, eldest child of Jan and Martha (McCracken) Nevin, and "sister Martha" is his wife, Martha (Jenkins) Nevin. "Your husband" is of course Professor Will[ia]m McC. Nevin. It is interesting to note the expression "Sweet Vale" for the Sewickley Valley. "Mr. and Miss Jordan", "Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Williamson" and "Jesse and Mary" I cannot identify, nor Sam Hempstead and others.
April 1929. Franklin T. Nevin.
My dear Sister:
I have been going to write to you, all winter but some way it has been delayed until now, and so now you may expect a long letter to cancel my negligence.
Oh! I must tell you all about the wedding, you know the guests were all relations (Mr. and Miss Jordan excepted) of the bride and groom, about forty in number, Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Williamson were there. Jesse and Mary were not invited. William Stockton and Miss Campbell waited on them. I never saw Hannah look as well as she did, she was dressed in "Swiss Mull" made very neatly by Mrs. Erdell, with short sleeves, long gloves, deep rich lace round her neck, a long elegant sash round her waist; black satin shoes, her hair very plain with a beautiful "Japonica" on one side, - and a bouquet, composed of a "Japonica", and other small white flowers. The groom, too, had on his best looks, on the whole they were quite a respectable couple. I’ve no doubt, had you been there you would have given them a kiss. You know it was an evening party. They were married at half past seven by Dr. Swift - my but it was solemn, it had been so long since I saw any one married, that I could hardly keep from crying - I had no idea it was such a serious matter.
They had a splendid table. I’ll not stop to tell you about the ice cream, cakes of all sort and sizes - and all the other "fixings" that were so bountifully provided for that memorable evening.
Now I must tell you who didn’t get there, first - Mother, the roads were so bad and the weather so disagreeable that she was afraid to venture, thus causing a general disappointment. Lizzy, too, was among the absent, as in her present situation she had been two months later she too, would have been obliged to stay in the kitchen, as she wouldn’t have looked nice in the parlor. Mrs. Nicholas Way is also in a prosperous condition and Margaret suspects Mrs. Dickson too. (That part is for your own private use - read low).
Mr. Starr is now a Merchant, he is up to his head and ears in business, you would laugh to see him behind the counter, it don’t look natural. He was most dreadfully disappointed at not getting to Theodore’s wedding - Sam Hempstead wasn’t there either. On the Thursday after they were married Mr. and Mrs. Nevin, Miss Irwin, Miss Campbell and Mr. Stockton, Robert John Irwin and Gram came down to Sewickley. The valley folks (young people) were invited. The fruit cake, pound cake, jelly cake, the french secrets, the raisens and almonds were all carefully brought down - not the leavings of the wedding tho, but a new supply - the grapes were very fine, those large green ones, and they helped wonderfully to decorate the table, in fact, the table looked lovely! But I almost forgot to tell of the disappointment, it rained, you remember. Oh! it rained so hard, and the valley ladies wouldn’t come, but the gentlemen all came and with the party from town the evening passed delightfully, but poor Isaac, he couldn’t get over it. If the folks had all come there would have been more than thirty persons. The next day the town party staid until after dinner and left us after eating the turkey in great glee.
Mother and Margaret thought last Friday morning that they would try the married ladies and see if they would come and take tea, so "the Mrs. Way", Mrs. Shields, Mrs. Anderson, Mrs. Olver, Mrs. Dickson and Mrs. Davis, Mr. Shields, Mr. Way, Sam Peebles and Dr. Dickson came and spent a very pleasant afternoon and evening.
Aleck Peebles has gone with Uncle Bob to red river. Mrs. Davis says she will be so glad to see you in the Spring, all the valley people say so. John still attends our church every sabbath, they have a square pew - Mrs. Widow Way has one and we have one. Mother thinks it is so strange William never mentions your baby’s name in any of his letters. Has she grown much? Does she know Livia? Does Charley pet her as much as ever? On the whole I’m afraid she’ll be a spoiled baby. Have they a name for their little one on the hill?
I suppose William Nevin has returned. Did Charley go home? Now Hannah Jane I’ve written you a letter and will of course expect one in return, there is no one here to see it that you need care for, and you don’t know how highly I would prize a letter from you. Oh! we will all be so glad to see you in April - be sure and come to this "sweet Vale", all will welcome you.
We all unite with Mother in kissing all her grandchildren, sending her love to her children, and Livia, Charley and William. How do you like the Doct’s wife? Remember us to him and Anna Mary. Whenever I see a neat clean kitchen I think of Polly. Margaret and Mother say to be sure and bring Livia or one of your sisters along - do.
Now do please mam, write your sister
Martha Mary.
Mother says not to forget to tell about Alice in all your letters, poor little dear, I often think of her, how much she must suffer - Willy and his locust tree!. Does he come down often to see you? I suppose he was down on Christmas day. I think often upon my visit to Mercersburg. I must close as it is now late and I am going up to hear Isaac lecture on Nat Philosophy tonight.
Love to Brother Williamson and Sister Martha and your husband and yourself.
from Martha Mary.
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Addressed to Mr Theodore H. Nevin, Niles, Berrie Co., Michigan
Pittsburg May 9th
My dear brother
Mr Larimore passed through this City in a violent hurry on his way back so that we never got a sight of him. His father was very ill he said to some one, but I suspect he was afraid of being troubled with too much to carry out. Poor man, he didn’t know the anomalous fact, that any present our foolish heart might have conceived of, had perished before Margaret’s anticipating frown. We did regret his inattention however, as we wanted greatly to send out some little articles; Ca[?]e, co[?] &c. John McCandlish talks of going to Niles in a week or two - if he does we shall gladly embrace the opportunity. John Williamson started down the river a day or two before we got here with five thousand dollars in his pockets. He will travel through Illinois & W. Territory & come back through Niles. Isaac says, he didn’t receive your last, your conciliating letter, before he left home. Johnson, John’s father ("Mary, the mother of Washington") is seriously thinking of coming to Pittsburg or Beaver to try the Lumber business. With respect to the Sewickly project my regret is that you have not the funds to invest there this Summer. Now is the time, the critical time, to employ capital in & around Pittsburg. The pressure is felt severely - the Banks discount very little. No failures it is true have yet taken place - but some houses, I learn through Mr. Irwin are sorely pressed - & unless relief is given from some quarter they will break before the close of Summer. Property has fallen - in the Sewickly bottom it has fallen 50 percent. Lands for which they asked last year 80 & 100 dollars the acre can now be bought for 40 & 50 dollars an acre! I was credibly informed the other day that a gentleman by the name of Wilson, who lives on this side of Mrs Olver & owns a tract of land consisting of 300 acres. the great body of which lies down on the river flat, would now be willing to take forty dollars and acre. I told Jesse Carothers of the scheme. He was rejoiced, but thought you ought to come nearer Pittsburg - he thought the Doctor & yourself could’nt do better than come to Pittsburg & join Partnership in some business, say the Lumber business; "No danger, says he, of success." Mary who was coming in at the time heard the sentence & inquired the cause when I told her "Oh Daniel, do you say, is now Margaret coming back here to live? & wont Elizabeth come? Oh but I wish they would." I told Williamson of the scheme yesterday. He said it was a great pity the Doctor had’nt come here some years ago instead of going to the West. "But if he comes now" continued our elder brother "he’ll soon get a good practice." Williamson has just returned from Shippensburg. Haymaker did not offer 50 dollars cash an acre for the farm. He spoke some of buying it at that price, on time. Williamson did’nt see him. He advertized it for sale in the Shipensburg, Carlisle, & Lancaster papers. He left his terms with Sammy Henderson & James Devor.
Mr Howe & Sarah (Cook) Howe came to the Exchange last Friday & staid there till yesterday, Monday. He is on his way to Newyork for goods & she is with him. I went to see her once. William went two or three times & Isaac was there a good part of the time. None of the rest saw her. I pitied her & felt so badly to see her again. They all felt badly about it. We dont know yet what is best for Isaac to do. You have long ago, no doubt got Old Adair’s ("the good old man") letter to me. They have treated me badly at Poland. I dont know yet what I shall do. I expect to visit some of the vacant churches in the neighborhood pretty soon.
I wish Mr Brown was settled somewhere in this neighborhood in one of the vacant churches. There are several, to which I dare not aspire, that present each a fine opening. The time is not far distant, I trust, when the providence of God will bring you all happily within the limits of a visiting circle with Pittsburg in the center. Dr Brown was in the city last week. Dr Irwin told me he wished to see me. I was extremely anxious to see him, for I do esteem him very highly; but as he lodged at the house of Doctor Riddle I could not & did not go. The latter personage, I hear, intends to visit Niles this summer. I give you this trust that you may have the walls of your College up & in readiness, to catch the prize. May the grace of God incline me to repentance if I do wrong in relation to this man.
Alf. Nevin will be out here in three or four weeks to commence the Study of Divinity. Mother’s health is much improved. She & William have resolved to visit Cumberland C. in two or three weeks. Margaret intends to write a line to Margaret. Direct to me over the "Care of John Irwin & Son, Pittsburg." This Allegheny office is a pest. Love to all. May you have a part in the Mercies & redemption of Christ. Your Aff. Brother
D. E. Nevin
P.S. Mr Irwin has just now brought once the returned letter for Margaret, from Susan. Susan is in bad health. They wrote from Batania, distant about a week’s sailing from Singapore. Travelli was a good deal sea sick. I am waiting for my letter. I’m obliged to go to town & Margaret cant write now, so she has concluded to write again, a whole letter herself. Michigan Money is not worth any thing here, so I shall enclose a 5 dollar bill I happen to have. We’ll square it thus, you’ll have to pay 25 cents additional postage - I’m going to pay 50 cents or more to day, for the putting is of glass in Mother’s gold spectacles, glasses to suit her. I’ll credit you with half. Margaret says, tell Margaret that Stiffeners are no go here - not one in twenty years then - tight glasses are all the fashion now. Here’s a chance for a triumph over Mrs. Bridges. By the bye I mean you should keep the 5 dollar note to meet any claims that Postmasters or township tax gatherers may present against me. A Mr King in town wanted to know of me through Mr Irwin the name of some responsible Lawyer in Niles, I recommended Bradford. he wants some business done there. As the Sandwich Island King say "My thought is ended."
I have just heard that little Willie Riddle, their eldest child is dead. He too cold in church the day before yesterday - became quite unwell & died last night at one o clock - inflammation, or fever in the brain.
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Notes with letter:
Letter dated "Sewickleyville, Feb. 1, 1844," and addressed to "Miss Martha M. Nevin, Allegheny City, per Dr. W. Woods," written by Hannah (Irwin) Nevin, wife of Theodore H. Nevin to her sister-in-law Martha Mary Nevin (afterwards married to John Irwin, Jr.), and delivered by the hand of Sewickley’s pioneer physic, Dr. William Woods.
The Theodore Nevins had now been two years married. Their baby was William Irwin Nevin and their home was in Allegheny where Theodore’s younger brother, Robert, then unmarried, lived with them, I believe at the corner of Federal and North Avenue and where possibly Martha Mary was temporarily keeping house while Hannah and her baby visited in Sewickleyville at the home of her sister Susan (Irwin) Travelli, wife of Rev. Joseph S. Travelli. The Travellis at this time were living at what is now the northeast corner of Beaver and Grove Streets where Mr. Travelli was conducting the Sewickley Academy of which he was headmaster from 1841 till 1865. The Academy continued at this location till the building was destroyed by fire in December 1849. "Susan’s Baby" was John Irwin Travelli; "Mother" is Hannah (Taylor) Irwin; "your mother" is Martha (McCracken) Nevin, widow of John Nevin, late of Shippensburg, Pa.; "Elizabeth" is probably Elizabeth (Peterson) Irwin, wife of Henry Irwin, Hannah’s elder brother; "Daniel" is Rev. Daniel E. Nevin married to Margaret Irwin, Hannah’s sister; her baby was John Irwin Nevin; "Rebecca" was Miss Rebecca Shields, daughter of David and Eliza (Leet) Shields; "Mrs. Way," wife of John Way, Jr.; "Lizzy" I cannot identify; evidently with the Edgeworth Female Seminary; "Mrs. Starr," wife of George H. Starr, was formerly Miss Hooker, one of the teachers at the Seminary; "Mrs. Flower" in some way related to Mrs. Olver, head of the Seminary; "Robert" was Theodore’s younger brother; "John McCoy," a cousin, one of the Chilicothe McCoys; "Mr. T." is Joseph S. Travelli, Hannah’s brother-in-law.
April 1929 Franklin T. Nevin.
Sewickleyville, Feb. 1, 1844
My dear Sister:
Susan and I have got our babies to sleep, and we think it a good time to write. I feel anxious to know how you like house-keeping, and whether you wish me home yet. I wait on mother, and she thinks we will go on Monday, a great deal depends on the river, for it would not be pleasant to ride up in a wagon, which is now used instead of the stage. How do Elizabeth and you get along? Don’t you all want to see Willie? We have great visiting here, and fine times. We all, excepting your mother, spent an evening at Mrs. Way’s, and yesterday we were at the Seminary. Mother and your mother kept all the babies at Daniel’s yesterday. Susan and I have great times riding in the wagon, we rode to see Mrs. Kirker yesterday, and today to see Mrs. Davis. Tomorrow we call at Mrs. Shields. Rebecca called up to see us this morning. We spent a very pleasant evening at the Seminary. Lizzy is as kind as ever, and Mrs. Flowers is so too. Lizzy wishes you to be down very much. We have not been to see Mrs. Starr yet. We had a fine serenade tonight over the way, a most dreadful noise to sure, a wedding was taking pace. I am fixed very comfortably here at Susan’s, it is rather more lively than at our house, but I would not like to live always so. It makes me feel sorry to see your mother, she is not well, still has pain in her side. Mr. T. and Susan send their love to you. Remember me kindly to Theodore, and present my love to Robert and John McCoy. Good night, from your aff. sister,
Hannah.
Don’t read this aloud, it would not sound well.
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Pittsburgh July 22 1845
My Dear Sister
I wrote yousometime ago at Mercersburg but as you have not answered my letter I presume you had left for Shippensburg before it arrived. Postage is chep and I have a little leisure this afternoon. So you will get another letter.
I have no doubt you have heard through some of your Allegheny correspondents that we have a very pretty little girl at home? She is a perfect little chippen bird: fair complexion: . . . . features: (nose slightly of the Pug genus.) Hair not fully developed: fingers admirably adapted to playing on the piano - long and lady like! Eyes dark blue: She looks like the daughter of very handsome Parents! It would amuse you to see Will: he sleeps with me up in "Gra-mas" bed: when this little beauty down stairs cries at nights: He says "wha’s at?" "Poor ittle Baby." He call Mrs George. "Georgie" and can say many of the letters of the alphabet: He is improving every day and will make a smart boy of his Line (?): I think. I may safely say that I have two of the smartest little pets of any body in or out of the connexions! I would not enter so much about Will but I know it will please you as you are so passionately fond fo him! He often asks ‘where is Marfa Mary?
We have not got a name as yet for the Little Girl: we have talked of a good many: I think (?) Keep out of the family: I suggested "Emma" to Hannah the other (?) How would that do? It is a pretty name. Hannah could say "Emma. My child you must not go out this evening your dear father wants you to play for him at home." I could say Emma. Love: come and kiss me!" You could say "Emma. My favourite, darling little creature. See what a pretty dress I have bot you!" Aunt Mary could say when she comes . . . [no more of the letter]
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Addressed to: Messrs John Irwin & Son, Pittsburgh, Penn
Boston March 8th 1847
Dear Henry
On satruday morning Mrs Irwin & I arrived in the pleasant City, and altho not at all a pleasant season of the year yet the weather so far since we left Philadelphia has favoured us. In Philadelphia I call with the senior Mr Wetham who promised to see his son and get him to settle the balance due us, but after calling the second time, Mr Wetham said that his son had no money and could only pay by giving us a bale of sewing twine, which most probably I will think as best to take, altho we have an untouched bale at home.
In New York I called with mr Forbes, who gave me general statement about the Manilla kemp market, and to day having called with Day & Sewall, find that Mr Forbes’s statement as to the dearth of the supply is more than confirmed for even Day & Sewall would be glad to borrow 200 bales of our 400 now in Philadelphia, they having only enough to last to day and not a bale to be had untill the next [?].
Having ascertained that Crude Whale oil could be had at 40 cents per gallon in Philadelphia, or 38 or 39 in this City, and having directed Mr Forbes to write to you the cost in New York, you can form a judgement where it may be best to buy when it is necessary to purchase more. Messrs Day & Sewall now sell Manilla & Yard American Kemp rigging at 10 cents per pound all round, altho they have yet some contracts to finish at 7 1/2 cts. They have now about fifty machines which spin nearly all the yarn they use, they lay all from the bobbins withour [?] and the yarn sum from 16 to 22 except whale line which is spun 20 fine that they have 54 threads is in two inch ropes.
They also say that their [?] manillry on rope has sun all the other kinds of Kentucky Kemp, Italian Kemp, & manilla halsen laid rope, off of the New York Canals, & that the Hawser laid, is proved to be in no comparison equal to the second laid.
I do not think of returning home before about the first of April so that if I can do anything necessary to our business while absent, [?] to Stephen Colwill Esqr. Philadelphia, who will forward any letters to wherever I amy be at the time.
Love to all whomay be anxious to hear or know or care about you father
John Irwin
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Addressed to: Messr John Irwin & Sons, So. 11 Water Street, Pittsburgh, Penn
New York May 1st 1848
Dear Henry
Agreeably to your wish immediately after dinner to day (having arrived between 12 & on o’clock) I call’d with the Editor of your paper at [?] 135 Nassau Street, but as all this part of the World have been, & an moving, I had to follow him to 12 Bleekman St, and was a told to call tomorrow at which time I hope to do what business you want me to do.
I afterwards called on Mr Forbes who informed me that he had just effected another purchase of a cargo of manilla kemp, about 4000 bales, & would send on 300 as soon as the vessel would deliver it. While in Philadelphia I saw Clark & Thams agents, & found they had sh’ped all of the first 300 bales, & about 100 of the second lot, so that I feel sure of your not getting out of manilla stock, but feel some anxiety to get it all paid Forbes informed me that he had wrote at the request of the consignee to know if we would feel disposed to pay cash for the present 300 bales, allowing in a fair deduction, but I told him that at present money was too scarce. He thinks that the kemp will not be lower than nine cents for two months to come, and yes even at that price the rope can be purchased at 11 cents from first hands, the [?] asking 11 1/2 to 12. In Phil. manilla rope is not sold lower then 12 & tard at 8 when furnishing a vessel rigging but at retail it is sold for 13 to 14. I would be glad to hear how you are all getting along, but suppose that I will have to wait untill I get home. I want you to tell Martha that I have bought her some spoons, and also to tell your Aunt George, that upon receipt of her remittance to Mr Hyde part of which was to constitute Mrs Swift a life member of the American Bible Society, he acknowledged it receipt, and that upon receipt of the second payment at which time I wrote mentioning his want of acknowledgement and also that part of the last remittance was to constitute Miss Hannah a Life member, to make all sure he paid 75 cents to an Express carrier to hurry both Diploma’s sent on, but as both seem to have miscarried, he will furnish duplicates which I will bring on, in my Trunk.
I wish you would direct Mr Cooper to [?] up the outside, southern post of the front porch, and let the painter who was painting for me lately, give the whole porch one or two good coats of a drab coloured paint, if you think one coat sufficient, be it so, only I wish to have it done soon, so that it may be effectually dry before we get home. Remember me to Elizabeth, the Children and all others who take interest in your
father
John Irwin
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(Notes with the letter indicate that W. I. Nevin "Died in camp, Washington DC Sept. 1863." Jim Travelli was "Killed at Antietam.")
Canonsburg Feb. 1st 1862
My dear Aunt,
I think, myself, "that it is a shame that I am the only one of your nephews, that does not write to you", so I am determined that this shall not be the case any longer. This is a rainy, disagreeable day, so I shall not go down to "Brier Hill", but will spend the day (such of it as remains after getting my lessons for Monday) in working and reading.
I have been unable to get down to Uncle Brown’s more than once, since I came back to college this term, on account of the unusually bad weather that we have been having of late, "hence" I have missed Will Brown’s company even more than I did last session; indeed it seems quite lonely, at times, but fortunately for me I am kept so constantly busy that I have very little time to think of it.
Everything is going on in the usual quiet way in Canonsburg, and if it were not for the rush after newspapers every day, one would think that nothing unusual was in progress in the outer world.
The celebration which is to take place on the "22nd of February" in Providence Hall" is getting to be the principle subject for conversation, now, among the students.
Seven speakers have been elected from the "Senior Class" for that occasion. Of these, our old friend Mr. Ralston is to be the poet (?). I think that it will be quite a treat to listen to him. Don’t you think so. Theo Finley says, in a letter that I rec’d from him a few days ago, that the ‘Valley’ is livelier now than it was last vacation. I suppose he means by that, that the young ladies are back at "Edgeworth" again.
Sidie tells me that you were all up to hear the "bell-ringers" a week or so ago. I suppose, that, after all the drilling which was required in order to keep your companies in order and together, you would almost be able to take charge of a company in our Volunteer army.
Evening I suppose that you will be glad to know that I am a "Phila" at last, as you have always been such an ardent supporter of that society. After three evenings experience, I am very glad that I have joined, and only wish that I had done so sooner. Hen Brown has been in town this afternoon. He reports all well down at "Brier Hill". We took a tramp over the hills together to a nursery, where he secured some evergreens and trees for the yard of "Center Church". I rec’d a letter from Jim Travelli on Thursday last; he was "on picquet" and had been building a ‘shanty’ to keep the rain and snow out, and seemed to be rather disgusted with soldier-life, for the time being; which, however, he expected to depart with the miserable weather that they were then having.
He tells me that Ellie Oliphant is going to come down to Sewickley, soon, to make a visit. I think that it would have been far pleasanter for her if she had come down during the "holidays". Dont you think so?
Give much love for me, to Pattie, Alice, Margie and Slick, also to all other of my numerous Aunts, Uncles and cousins, retaining a goodly portion of it for yourself and Uncle John
Your afft. Nephew,
W. I. Nevin
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