George Abbot to his wife Nancy (Stickney) Abbot, 21 April 1847

[From George Abbot in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to his wife Nancy in Beverly, Massachusetts. He talks about his arrival there, his health, and the weather; mentions his son George, who was also there, on a different ship; briefly mentions future plans; describes the beauty of the illuminated city and the crowds; and mentions his children at home.

Addressed to "Capt George Abbot, Beverly, Mass," and postmarked "Philadel Pa Apr 21."]

8 pm.
Philadelphia 21st April 1847

My Dear Wife,

I have neglected writing heretofore, as George1 had written on his first arrival, and was desired to say the [__?__]. We are both very well, considering a tremendous cold I've been afflicted with ever since my arrival here. Took it I suppose the night of my journey from N York. I expected I was imbibing a cold all the way. Did not arrive untill midnight, in a raw, chilly, blustering N Easter. I am now however tollerably rid of it, and should be altogether if we could have anything of what might be termed decent weather for the season. Ever since I've been here we have had it exceedingly cold and foul weather. No snow tis true, but rainy and disagreeable enough to chill you thro'. If you have had it proportionably cold & changeable I expect you must all be down sick. George is very well, had a little cold when he first arrived but is now perfectly well.

I've just returned from the vessel, where I went after tea to take him a letter from Israel,2 I suppose by the hand, but "my Gentleman" was not on board. I found Capt. Snow, all alone in the cabbin, said Mr. Abbot had not been on board since tea. I was a little disappointed as I thought I felt a small packet inclosed, and supposed it from Georgian3 or Elizabeth,4 and was desirous of hearing the news. If it had been from either of the girls I've no doubt but I should have broken the seal.

Now for business, which is dull enough I can assure you, and it is about an even chance if we sell the Bark, make another voyage to Rio, or return again with her to Boston. As to an Irish freight, it is all up in that line. Commenced discharging the cargo yesterday for the first time and finished this afternoon, and now it is raining with a southerly wind mild & warm. Tomorrow morning I suppose as usual we shall find a N Wester with glass at 20° or 25° and Ice in the streets.

Last evening was a gay time here. I have never seen any thing so beautiful, an illumination of the city. You have no doubt been apprised of the intention by the papers. The whole city was one glare of light, most brilliant, particularly Chestnut Street in which I board. Splendid transparances were exhibited from many of the publick buildings & printing offices, descriptive of the different battle scenes of Mexico, in which Genl. Taylor5 figured most conspicuously. I can't describe them but will send you a paper tomorrow with particulars. In no time of my life, on no occasion, did I ever behold such a crowd. The streets were litterally "cram'd and jamb'd," and the way the women & children got squezed, as I's would say, "was a caution to spinsters" and mamas. My chamber two windows fronting the U. S. Bank was honored with transparent letters U E, part of "Buena Vista," a letter of which was placed in each window in front.6 By the way I was almost tired out for it was near 12 mdnt before I could go to bed. Was not that hard for a 9 o'clocker.

The children I trust are all well (suppose I shall hear in the morn'g if I find George on board). Give my love to them all, not forgetting the little visitor.7 Tell Fred8 I shall expect to hear what a gentleman he has been, and find him much improved under his new discipline. I suppose Elizabeth4 now & then gives him a little touch of Tarboro. Martha9 & Ella10 too, I shall hope to hear a good account of. Johns11 peas [?] I suppose finds hard work to shore up, among the frost & frozen earth. Say to E.4 I've got her sun shade and will attend to the other things on my return, which I suppose will be in all next week, perhaps before.

With love to everybody, I am truly

George Abbot

  1. George William Abbot (1825-1861), George and Nancy's son
  2. Israel Whitney Lamson (1824-1885)
  3. Georgiana Abbot (1823-1848), George and Nancy's daughter
  4. Elizabeth Blanchard Abbot (1821-1902), George and Nancy's daughter
  5. Zachary Taylor (1784-1850), Major General during the Mexican–American War.
  6. The crowds and illumination were in celebration of the U. S. victory in the Battle of Buena Vista (22-23 February 1847) during the Mexican-American War. See Battle of Buena Vista.
  7. Nathaniel Ingersoll Bowditch (1846-1913), George and Nancy's grandson, Elizabeth's son
  8. Frederick Abbot (1841-1903), George and Nancy's son
  9. Martha Eliza Abbot (1835-1870), George and Nancy's daughter
  10. Ellen Louisa Abbot (1837-1887), George and Nancy's daughter
  11. John Edwin Abbot (1831-1911), George and Nancy's son