Name/Title
Letter March 5, 1839 from Andrew Wilson to Henry Pierson, Esq Hamptonburgh, NYEntry/Object ID
001491Tags
Andrew Wilson, Henry PiersonScope and Content
Deerhurst March 5th 1839
Dear Sir,
The 2nd instalment of my subscription to the Theological Seminary at New Burgh is yet unpaid and I will thank you to call at any time you can make it convenient upon Danl. Farrington the treasurer and pay for me $100 and take his receipt in full for that object.
At the expiration of the year or on the 1st May the account will be as follows:
Item Amount
Boarding, Tuition, Fuel &c $200
Cash p. for books, shoes, Hat &c 6.77
Cash to return last fall 4.00
Total $210.77
Cr. [Credit]
Description Amount
By cash in May $25.00
By do [ditto] per son 15.00
By 5 weeks + 4 days boarding 21.37
By 1/2 expenses for traveling 10.00
Total Credits $71.37
(Note: The document lists a final balance calculation of $139.40 at the bottom right of the ledger section)
You will perceive that I have made no deduction for the time he was absent with us in the fall nor any charge for his traveling expenses but just made the one ballance the other, I have two objects—
in forwarding this statement now, one is because I want you to pay Mr. Farrington and the other is that you may have correct datta from which to calculate whether you wish George to remain with us, we have an increasing attachment to him and have every reason to believe he is well instructed and doing well at his studdies he also appears happy and contented in our family, and we will keep him upon the same terms if it is your wish that we should do so But you alone can determine whether it would be better to change his location I hope you will write soon and inform us whether any change is to be made and if not whether you wish him to come home before August vacation we should be extremely glad if you & Mrs. [Pierce?] could make it convenient to visit us this spring. George & I were planning out a route for you (viz) take your own conveyance & drive to Kingston then cross the River & drive on a most superior road to Claveris from thence to Pittsfield Northampton &c and I have no doubt such an expedition would be a great benefit to Mrs. P's health.
Every thing continues remarkable high in this place. Cows sell from $40 to 65—Wheat $2.25—Corn $1.00 Hay $12 and Hogs at almost any thing you choose to ask for them, but the Morus Multicaulis fever spreads all beliefs almost every man woman & child expect to have something to do at it. This reason I have (however) no confidence in it as a permanent business and never expect to engage in it—Mrs. Wilson requests to be mentioned affectionately.
Sincerely Yours,
Andrew Wilson
H. Pierson Esq.
P.S. The balance of the account may stand till we see each other (if our lives are spared) either here or in Orange. The next vacation will be in the latter part of May and I believe lasts 2 weeks. The Academy continues to flourish and fully sustains its reputation. The present term as I have heard from George & Shaddens has commenced with more classical scholars than any previous one.
The Envelope
Postal Markings
Postmark (Red circular stamp): AMHERST / MS. / MAR 5
Archival Notation (Bottom left): MN-1490
Recipient Address
Henry Pierson Esqr.
Hamptonburgh
Orange County
New York
Contextual Notes
Morus Multicaulis Fever: This refers to a famous economic bubble in the United States (roughly 1826–1839) where people speculated wildly on mulberry trees in hopes of starting a domestic silk industry.
The Academy: The mention of "classical scholars" suggests Andrew Wilson may have been involved with a local school or seminary.
Orange: This likely refers to Orange County, New York, or Orange, New Jersey, both of which were hubs for the mulberry speculation.
