Transcription
February, 25, 1834
Saugerties, Ulster Co. N.Y.
My dear Willie
A letter from Father advises me that a vessel is about sailing for Canton from New York, and I take advantage of my partner’s going to town to send a hasty line to be forwarded with the usual domestic parcel. As I live in such entire seclusion, I must leave it to Edgar and Theodore to detail to you the gossip of the day. They will no doubt give you all the information you can desire about your old acquaintances since I last wrote you my life has been as monotonous as you can well imagine. The daily walk to the office – an afternoon passed in a similar manner – and a regular tete-a-tete with my better half in the evening form the history of every day – I have no amusements but those of a strictly domestic nature -- we mingle very little – and that ceremoniously with our neighbors -- I have no taste for sporting or boisterous amusements, sleigh riding for instance – therefore my home is my only attraction. Luckily I have a tolerable collection of books and I have been able to indulge my tastes of a literary nature. My business goes on tolerably; its success is not yet entirely certain, owing to a our very limited capital – nevertheless, I jog on cheerfully and contentedly – firmly persuaded that everything is truly for the best, I have at last found out the true secret of human happiness – which is to look upon this world as a state of trial and to keep my eyes fixed steadfastly on the life to come. I have entertained hopes of borrowing a small sum to enable me to put up a cottage on the bank of the Hudson; but have not succeeded. I live about a mile from the brewery -- back from the river in a situation very far from answering my ideas of rural beauty – the house is a lowly affair – however, I must wait until better times come. You have the only chance in the family, + I therefore look to you for a loan in the course of three or four years. Everyone here acquainted with your situation says that you have great opportunities + I trust that you will not suffer impatience or weariness to deprive you of them. A few years will enable you to return – while yet young – with enough to make you independent for life – - then you can buy a little country seat near me, and will get Edgar + Theodore near us + form a little clan of our own.
My wife and children have been generally well. Little Duer is becoming a fine fellow – Anna sends her lover to you -- + hopes that will soon make money enough to come home + help us all -- I hear now and then from Edgar + Theodore. The former is still in the Marine Corps, and as usual desponding. He detests the service and will I believer resign this spring + again throw himself penniless upon the world – The old Baltimore Colonel [Thomas Tenant], won’t allow him to marry –- nor will he do anything for him – I am truly sorry for him + I would it were in my power to help him --However, I have hard work to take care of myself, and Father has his hands more than full. Uncle Wash, too, has a dozen depending upon him and can do no more than he has done. In truth, I feel great solicitude for him. He is willful enough you know + when he once gets a notion in his head, all creation can’t get it out. So resign he must + then he will be idle for another year. But I hope for the best, and perhaps I may be able to hear of something in my neighborhood that will answer fo him. He could live like a gentleman here upon the income of his lady’s prospects even allowing it to be but $20,000.
Theodore is still, I believe, writing + is also studying law in Mr. Duer’s office -- the latter is only of service as affording him a nominal profession without which no man in our country can be respected -- He is much more domestic than he used to be and is one of whom we all have great hopes –
Of Sanders we have heard nothing since he sailed in September – I long to hear from the poor lad – If ever a fellow deserved to get along he does – for a worthier, better hearted, and more well meaning lad never lived – may God bless him –
We have heard of your vessel having passed Angiers in September -- and looked most anxiously for letters from you. I trust you will never let an opportunity pass without writing -- for we all, and Father especially, wait with great solicitude for tidings from you. Always remember our dear father – his age + his troubles + few have had such cares – Do then my Dear Willie, unite with us in doing all we can to smooth the declining year of our only parent – a very short time is yet left for him – let us alleviate the cares that press upon him.
The Duers and Robinsons are I believe, much as usual -- William [Duer] is in New Orleans – but I fear not succeeding very well. George [Duer] is in N.Y. doing nothing. Wm. Robinson is engaged to a penniless girl ! and Bev. dancing attendance upon Miss Jones – None of the girls of my family married, nor likely to be. I am glad to learn from Theodore, that Uncle Wash has been doing wonders with our girls in Bridge Street. They have been much attended to -- are taking lessons in various matters + promise to be charming girls. They are already a source of very great happiness to Father.
I shall send a letter down to N.Y. every few weeks – as Canton vessels are I think frequent at this season __ I have only to beg of you in conclusion, that if for no other reason, you will for my sake – the sake of a brother always peculiarly attached to you read the bible + prayer book I gave you at parting – To you a small gift it may have appeared – but if you use them they will prove a more inestimable present, than mines of gold – you have especial cause for watchfulness – living in a pagan country and surrounded by those who regard nothing but wealth – Remember, always, what I say to you
“It is not all of death – to die –
Nor all of life. – to live”
Not a day passes that I do not earnestly pray for the blessing of God upon you –
Ever yours
P.P.I.
