“Divided States of America,” April 28, 1861

Pages 1 and 4 of a letter dated April 28, 1861  to “My Dear Tom” from Will in Kingston, Mass, Divided States of America.

"Divided States of America," April 18, 1861
"Divided States of America," April 18, 1861

Sunday Apr 28 1861
Kingston Mass.
Divided States of America

My Dear Tom

It is now nearly seven weeks since you left here and as I did not write by the letter which was sent before, you will be out on me when you get home if I do not write now. The coutry is getting deeper and deeper into the troubles which she was just entering when you went away. Fort Sumter in Charleston, S.C. Harbor which was held by the United States troops was evacuated on April 6 (I think) after a heavy cannonading from 2 forts and several heavy batteries which lasted many hours. It was honorably evacuated with the Band playing Yankee Doodle after the American Flag was saluted by the 50 guns and drawn down. When this news reached the North the President immediately issued a proclamation calling for 75,000 men to aid in puttng down the “rebel combinations” in the South. Six regiments were ordered from Massachusetts. All the military companies in the town about here have gone Plymouth Plympton, Carver

2
Halifax &c. In passing through Baltimore our Volunteers were attacked by the mob and two killed. Many of the mob were killed. After that, the rebel mob burned down the bridges around Baltimore to prevent the volunteer[s] passing through that city. Now the troops have to be taken by water to Washington. On the receipt of the news of the evacuation of Fort Sumter Virginia immediated rebelled and 2000 men with 2500 more upon their heels hastened to Harper’s Ferry with intentions to take the 15,000 stands of which arms which were there and proceed to attack the Federal Capital. This attempt was happily frustrated by conduct of the officer in command and at the arsenal, Lieut. Jones who destroyed the arsenal and with a handful of men retreated through the midst of the enemy into Maryland. The Navy Yard at Norfolk, Va. together with several war vessels were destroyed by our troops to prevent their falling into the possession of the rebels. Fort Pickens at Pensacola, Fl. is now still in the possession of the Government but surrounded as it is by rebellion it will probably be attacked before

[3]
[a] great while, although it is hoped that it has been reinforced before this. This fort together with Forts Jefferson & Taylor at Key West, Fl. The rebels have had it mostly their own way so far but it is to be hoped that as soon [as] our forces get together we shall be able to retaliate upon them some of the injury that they have done us, take back some of the property of the United States, string up some of the traitors and that will be one step towards victory. Many think that they will never by be in the Union again. It is impossible to tell. The whole northern and western country is in a fever of excitement. The people are everywhere loyal and patriotic. The three colors, “The Red, the White and the Blue” are seen over the land in all shapes: in flags, cockades ladies’ bows, gentlemen’s neckties, in head-dresses, bonnets, &c. New companies are forming. there is one here that has got 100. They tried to get up one in Duxbury and got 7 men. I have now discussed the affairs of the nation quite thoroughly and will return to domestic subjects. I suppose someone has written to you that Mr. Tearnan has gone away. Mother has gone got Jerry McCarty

4
that used to work down at Mr. Delano’s. He is of course smarter that Mr. Tearnan and so far is very satisfactory. Mother bought a new cow six years old for 40 dollars, her calf came with her and went away to be killed yesterday. I set a hen three days ago. None have wanted to before. Jerry & I plowed the old garden yesterday with Katie and Mr. Cole’s plough. We shall plant carrots and beets at the first opportunity. John Griffin is going to take care of the piece back on top of the hill. The peas have been up some days. The lettuce onions and tomatos are quite tall in the hotbed. The peach buds are all killed by the winter. The apple leaves are starting. the lilac and other shrubs are quite green. I took off the double outer windows Thursday. Miss Moore went away Thursday morning. I have just been to see Miss Sever. She wishes me to remember her to your and hopes you will take card of yourself. Don’t forget every foreign coin you can. Remember me to Capt. Symmes & John. I remain, yours truly

Will

Hope you enjoy yourself among the coolie girls

_______________________________________________

Without an envelope, there is not a single clue to identify Will and Tom. Others mentioned in the letter can be better described, and will be in the next installment.

Yum, yum, rum.

Capt. Ezra Fuller to Charles Adams, Jan. 4, 1827
Capt. Ezra Fuller to Charles Adams, Jan. 4, 1827

Capt. Ezra Fuller To Charles Adams Dr.

1827, Jan 4

To Powder + Shot ..56
” Paying Pilotage at the Bar 10..00
” 2 Gallons Rum 1..20
” 4 lb. Nails ..40
” 1 qt Rum ..15
” 1 lb. Tobacco ..20
” 1 qt Rum ..15
” 4 3/8 Gallons Rum 2..62 1/2
1 Bushel Peas ..50
Cash12..00

$27.78 1/2

“I care not a whit for the laugh or the sneer…”

April is National Poetry Month, so here is a poem by Kingston’s own romantic versifier, Benjamin “Cousin Benja” Mitchell.  Born in 1828, Benja lived with his parents and sister in picturesque Thatchwood Cottage on what is now Brookdale Street near the Duxbury line.  He spent much of his life roaming the woods and fields, communing with Nature and God, then returning home to inscribe his bursting spirit on the page. He wrote poems, short essays and obituaries in verse,  many of which were published in literary journals.

After suffering from consumption for several years, Cousin Benja died on April 23, 1865.  His beloved sister Julia gathered his papers and had his works published in 1866.

Verily your friend, Benja R. Mitchell, Kingston, 1864
"Verily your friend, Benja R. Mitchell, Kingston, 1864"

Natural and Happy

I am Nature’s own child — I am wild and romantic,
I love the green fields and the shady old wood ;
And the songs of the streamlets — oh, they drive me most frantic,
As they dance o’er the pebbles in frolicsome mood !

There’s the old rustic bridge that was built by our fathers,
And the wall by the cow-path, so mossy and old,
Is more dear to my heart than a bag full of dollars ;
Than the rustling of silks, or the shining of gold ;

And oft when my hopes in the future do falter,
And visions of darkness have shrouded the mind ;
With a mossy old stump in the woods for an altar,
Have I prayed that my heart be kept gentle and kind.

Let those who delight heaps of gold to be piling,
Pile on, if they choose, till it reaches the blue ;
But be sure that when death sends his arrows a flying,
That a balance of credit has been given to you !

I know it is thought when the beard has grown stronger,
And a row of dark whiskers has mantled the face,
That we should be childlike and gentle no longer,
And to “become like a child” is almost a disgrace !

Just let a man live in accordance with Nature,
Appear as God made him, and use common sense,
He would soon take a trip out to Taunton or Worcester,
Where his board would be paid as a public expense !

I know that my friends are oft shocked at my capers,
And wish I would learn to behave like a man ;
Wear fashionable airs in preference to Nature’s —
And I’d like much to please them, but ’tis more than I can.

They may laugh at my notions, and say that I’m odd,
But I care not a whit for the laugh or the sneer ;
If I’m true to my nature, and true to my God,
‘Twill be well with me always, with nothing to fear.

New exhibit: Taxes

Tax bill for Judah Washburn's two-person, one-horse chaise with a top,  1799
Tax bill for Judah Washburn's two-person, one-horse chaise with a top, 1799

New (and very timely) exhibit on taxes in the Library.