1802 Letter to Parents from John Stebbins
Title
Subject
Description
Creator
Date
Contributor
Rights
Language
Type
Text
New York December 9, 1802
Dear parents,
I am again safe in the old grocery. I suffered nothing in writing down in comparison, with my journey to see you my reception was as agreeable as I could wish, and now I have to reconcile my head and hands again to Business, which, all assure you will be a fortnight work of difficulty always father you have not the least idea of the deranged states of my mind. Ridgefield and Ridgefield people and my Thanksgiving visit continually haunt my imagination in spite of all efforts to suppress the recollection. One more visit to Ridgefield would certainly deprive me of the small train of reflection with which I am possessed, I find my intellect very much impaired, and as I said above, it will take two weeks time to Resume the same train of thinking with respect to business as before . I feel, and I’m not ashamed of my feeling that I love old Ridgefield, although I may appear in consistent, I will say it was with much reluctance I left you necessity drove me much against my inclinations. I have not formally expressed any degree of regret in leaving Ridgefield., because for fact, I do not feel any Ridgefield people did not use to treat me in so friendly a manner as they have done this last visit, they didn’t appear to me as if they cared anything about me. But now, whether it’s the effects of hypocrisy, or not, everything is the reverse, all appears friendly, all anxious to or at least expressed their wish for me to stay longer; And thereby have got my goodwill. I am in possession of a heart that is susceptible of friendship at first perhaps two liberal. I cannot contain myself when in company with anyone who appears friendly. At once I am their free hearts and generous. I might be made an easy victim to deceit I am not in the practice of it myself, and am therefore off all guard when any one appears friendly, and can not suspect it be there.
I want to write much more, but have not time. I must, however, just hint to you, that I am no more than ever convinced of the necessity of W. Stebbins having a clerk as well qualified, and as fully competent to the business as I am, William can tell you how matters went on, and what situation they were in when I came back Wm S. will do know better by Wm than what I told you, that is he must stay 4 years at the rate of 50 dollars a year and trust to his (Mr. S) generosity for anything more. I told him you would not let William come if there was any probability of your being at any expense, I mentioned to him about keeping him till next Spring for his victuals, and that would not do; and for my part I do not see how we can come to any other agreement about it than that William should not come at all. — you must write me immediately, and give your answer Yes or no. although I know your mind about it yet, Wm S’s will look no further till I receive your answer.
Love to Mamma in haste I am your obt’ son,
John Stebbins
Original Format
Files
