George Abbot to his wife Nancy (Stickney) Abbot, 31 December 1839
[From George Abbot in Whampas to his wife Nancy in Beverly, Massachusetts. He talks about his arrival there, and anticipated work in the next few weeks.
Addressed to "Capt George Abbot, Beverly, Mass., U.S.A." There are a couple of mostly unreadable postmarks (one says "Boston"), and a stamped mark saying "Manila" surrounded by the notation "Forwarded by Russell & Sturgis." Also on the outside is the name Arnold Welles. A wax seal with the initials "GA" is still attached.]
Whampas1 Decbr 31st 1839
My Dear Wife,
Hearing a vessel is about to sail from Manila for the U. States soon, and an opportunity offering for conveyance to Manila, I embrace it hoping it will reach you in good season.
I have been here and in the River about ten days, which it is probable you have been informed of by Letters to Brigham2 & Hammond, by the way of St. Helena, on my first arrival here. Since my arrival here, I have been making preparations to dispose of my cargo & take in other, and am in as good health as usual, which please God (I hope, but not without fears) will find you and our dear children enjoying the same blessing.
As it regards my return home I can as yet say nothing, as things here are in such a state of uncertainty that I am entirely unable to determine anything about it at present. I expect to be engaged in freighting Teas to Brittish vessels outside, and if nothing intervenes to destroy the prospects, hope to make good business of it. By a vessel soon to sail for the U. States from this place, I shall write you a long letter and am in hopes to be able to say more surely what time you may expect to see me at home.
As this is written merely to say how de doo, and in great haste as the vessel is now under way, I shall conclude briefly by sending my sweetest Kisses to yourself and children, hoping again some day or other to bring them myself, and in the mean time am as usual and ever am Very truly
and affectionately,
Your Husband,
George Abbot
P. S. You may be called upon for news if the Gentlemen in Salem hear you have a letter, as I have not written them by this conveyance. All hands are in good health you can say to their friends.
- Probably the Whampoa anchorage, an old English name for the anchorage that was an intermediate way station between Macau and Canton (now Guangzhou), China.
- Levi Henry Brigham (1811-1881)