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Offering a lively and engaging three-page 7 7/8 x 9 ¾ New England travel letter, Enfield, MA, July 12th, 1833, written by C.B. DRAKE, who recounts his travels from Middlebury, Vermont through Bennington and Williamstown, Northampton and Amherst, Massachusetts. Drake references Williams College and Amherst College, including preparations for Independence Day oratory exercises. He also mentions sermons and meetings involving prominent figures, such as Jeremiah Mason, who served as a U.S. Senator and attorney general from New Hampshire, and Col. Lumpkin of Georgia, who spoke of the moral condition of the South. He mentions the infamous Avery trial, resulting from a Methodist minister’s indictment for allegedly killing a female mill worker. The minister was acquitted due to Mason’s careful analysis of circumstantial evidence.
Writing to his Father, Mother, Brothers & Sisters, and addressed to Deacon Asoph Drake writes, “One hundred & fifty miles from home without yet feeling that I have seen all the world! Or learnt all its wonders, or thinking that I should rank higher, in my knowledge of the world, than many other great travelers, I am not endeavoring to keep the charge which I received viz. ‘Write home.’
“But to commence with an account of our peregrinations over the country – I will say – we went from Middlebury Vt. About 12 o’clock & travelled only 4 miles when we stopped till three of the clock, for it was exceedingly warm. Then we went to Pittsford & lodged & started the next morning & breakfasted at Mr. Leonards. The next night we staid in Dorset having traveled only 26 miles for it rained all afternoon during which we only went 5 miles. The next night we lodged in Pawlet 4 miles beyond Bennington, having gone 40 miles. We had a shower towards evening. The next day we reached Cummington 37 miles distant, having passed the boundary between Vermont & Massachusetts states. And I on that day first set my foot on the soil of that state in which our forefathers first stationed themselves, seeking refuge from persecution & oppression.
“We passed through Williamstown & I went to visit the college. The students were preparing to celebrate their country’s birthday with their eloquence. I did not find Mr. Sayers as he was gone to a town a few miles distant. We found the good folks all well in Cummington. We had an excellent visit at Eys Snell’s...
“We went through Cummington on Saturday through Plainfield to Northampton – 26 miles. Found excellent counsel at Mr. Ronkins. Attended meeting on the Sabbath at Rev. Todd’s Church. The man who addressed the children at the convention last fall. In the evening attended at Dr. Penney’s Church & heard an address respecting the moral & religious condition of the South, from Col. Lumpkin of Georgia, Brother to the ex-Governor & a real eloquent man. At this meeting I saw Jeremiah Mason a distinguished lawyer of Boston, one of counsel on Avery’s trial. The greatest lawyer I ever saw, being only 6 feet seven inches high & well proportioned. If he has mind enough to fill his body, I am sure they may well call him a great man. Monday we went to Amherst where I through where I through the kindness of Esq. Snell was introduced to Prof. Snell, one of the most learned professors of Amherst College, who showed me all the College together with its apparatus. Thence we went on to Granby & arrived at Mr. Moody’s at evening. Mr. Moody is well enough to attend to his business...We have heard respecting Mr. Moody though neither are well especially Mrs. Moody. I think it is very probable they may visit Weybridge this fall, for Mr. Moody spoke very encouragingly about it...
“We...set out from there Tuesday eve & rode to Enfield 13 miles, where we find very kind friends indeed. Wednesday afternoon we went to Pelham 6 miles & returned Thursday afternoon & now Friday morning I am scribbling in C. Bryant’s counting room in the corner of his store. Monday if prosperous we shall set our faces towards Bridgewater. My brief history is told.
“Now we will take a sudden transition from the road to the farm, for I suppose Father would wish to know something about it...
[Continued across cross-writing]
“I don’t know but the horses have as much hair, skin & flesh on them as when they left home. But trouble usually makes is appearance in some unexpected source. Although the horses look well, feel well & are not galled in the least – yet the near horse is a little lame. He began to be a little lame the first day though not enough to make it really apparent that he was lame. The next day about noon he was as lame as he has been since. At that time I had his shoe taken off but could discover nothing. His foot seemed a little warmer than the other. The next day he was not quite as lame and I thought he would get well – but the second day he was as lame as before & I had his shoe taken off again. The blacksmith examined his foot & thought his shoe set too close on the inside & had made the horse foot sore & fixed it so that it only touched on the outside & said the horse would be well in two days, but he is not yet well & I think grows no better.
“We are all as well & I believe better than when we left home. My neck is about the same, though not quite as much swollen...”
The letter is addressed to Deacon Asaph Drake, one of the most respected citizens of Weybridge, VT, during the first half of the 19th century. Drake was a prosperous farmer and mill owner who supervised church finances, cared for the poor and administered elements of worship, such as communion.
Very nice integral address leaf with a Northampton red postmark, somewhat faded, and 12 cent manuscript stamp.
Some wear at folds, reinforced with archival tape. Seal tear affecting a few words. Very fine Americana content.
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