Note Type
Cataloging NoteNote
Transcribed by Danya Bichsel:
Mr. Samuel T Wolcott
East Windsor
Conn.
Rochester Mass Dec. 5th 1831
Dear Sir.
I think it is quite time for me to write, for a number of weeks have eloped since I came from home, and I have heard nothing from you. Your mother was very poor when I left her and I have been anxious to hear from her. As she appeared to be convalescing I trust she still experiences the healing energy of the Savior, as on former occasions. It is really remarkable that she should be raised up, so frequently, when brought so very low. We should never forget the great service of God, in her case, and I trust, at least, that she never will herself. I hope your father has recovered from his feeble state, though it will not be strange if he should feel the effect of his sickness through the winter.
The Thanksgiving was in this state last Thursday, a week later than yours. I thought much of our old Thanksgivings at your house. The day is not as well observed in this quarter as in Connecticut. In New Bedford, the shops were open, and teams in the streets, as on other days. The Quakers have taken the lead in that town from its first settlement, and give a tone to its manners.
The 22d of this month is the anniversary of the landing of our forefathers at Plymouth. The day is usually celebrated there. As that place is not far from here and I have friends there, I design to attend on the occasion. When we observed the centennial anniversary of that day at E. Windsor, in 1820, Wareham Porter, William Tudor, Mr. Clapp, and myself, were present, the lineal dependants of Carver, Brewster, Winslow, and Bradford, leading men of the company that landed at Plymouth 200 years before. No new settlement has ever been made by a company of such illustrations and holy men.
My present situation is pleasant, and I hope useful. I find myself much employed, but am in want of books. I brought very few with me. A weekly Bible-class, the largest I have ever had, requires a good deal of attention. A number of articles that are at your house and other places would be a great convenience to me, but I expect to spend the winter without them. If your mother should be well enough, as I hope she will be, if she will recollect that her old friend can get no such winter stockings as she has often made for him, and that his present stock is getting small, he will be greatly obliged. When I left you, Eveline was very feeble; I should be very glad to hear from her. I hope a kind Providence has restored her to usual health, and that her two little sons do well.
The winter has commenced here with uncommon severity. It has snowed more or less for five days, and is now very cold. Sleighs move. I have not been out of the yard today. I presume your river will be closed.
Please to write me soon. I gave your father a direction for me when I parted with him at Hartford. If you have not that paper you may direct to me at Fairhaven, Mass. I wrote to Mr. Battell, soon after I arrived here, that he might have my Stove by sending to your house for it. Your father said it would not be wanted. I must still rely on Ursula’s kindness to take care of my Library, and other things, though I am not insensible that it requires considerable attention. Should any lent articles be returned, I wish she would take an account of them or print them by themselves. My best wishes ever attend your wife and all your father’s household.
Your affectionate friend, Thomas Robbins
Mr. Samuel T. Wolcott.
