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1830s BOSTON Letter JOSHUA HUNTINGTON WOLCOTT Grandson of SIGNER OLIVER WOLCOTT

$ 7.91

Availability: 49 in stock
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    Description

    2+ pgs. letter, approx. 7-7/8" x 10", written at
    Boston, Mass
    ., and datelined "Monday morning 9 A.M.", from Joshua Huntington Wolcott, to his brother, Frederick H. Wolcott, at New York City.
    The letter has no year date indicated, but from the type of Boston postmark, which was in use from the 1820's to 1840, as well as the rate of postage, it can be dated most likely from the 1830's.
    The stampless folded letter has a red BOSTON/MS. cds postmark and manuscript "18-3/4" rate, and manuscript
    "Steam Boat"
    at bottom left.  (the rate confirms the pre-1845 date).
    The writer of this letter,
    JOSHUA HUNTINGTON WOLCOTT
    , (1804-1891), was born in Litchfield, Ct., the son of Frederick Wolcott (1767-1837), and Grandson of Oliver Wolcott, Signer of the Declaration of Independence; He was a prominent Boston merchant, rising to partner in the important textile commission house of A. & A. Lawrence; Served as director of many Textile mills; Treasurer of the Mass. Sanitary Commission during the Civil War, and personally contributed to the funds that provided for the famed "colored" regiment, the 54th Mass. Infantry, of Fort Wagner fame. In 1844 he married Cornelia Frothingham, (1824-1850), and following her death at age 25, he married Cornelia's sister, Harriet "Hattie" Frothingham in 1851.
    The letter is to his brother, Frederick Henry Wolcott, (1808-1883), a prominent NYC merchant, buried in the famed Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn.
    Good content writing of his slow recovery from an illness, and his plans to be married in the fall in Nashville - this marriage didn't take place, and he wouldn't marry until 1844.
    Includes:
    "Dear Frederick,
    I am gaining strength every day and all seems to be going on right. There is still an oppressive degree if stupor which I cannot throw off, but I suppose will pass away as I gain strength. I rode out in a chaise yesterday about 5 miles and intend to again this morning.
    Mrs. Waters & Elisabeth have decided to return to Nashville & I am to go on to be married in the Autumn. I think this under all the circumstances, decidedly the best arrangement. Mrs. Waters is now anxious to find some suitable company and I want you should take the necessary measures to learn of any suitable opportunity which may occur. Mr. Waldo wrote Mr. Steele, requesting him to make enquiries, & to his letter I refer you for the names of persons who are like to know of the movements of Nashville people. Please give careful attention to this matter.
    Affectionately yours,
    J. H. Wolcott".
    Very Fine.
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    [JK]
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