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Offered is an original Autograph Letter Signed (ALS) dated May 31, 1858, written from the Boston Athenaeum by noted American librarian and bibliographer William F. Poole.
The letter is addressed to prominent Boston Congregational minister Edward Norris Kirk, pastor of Mount Vernon Congregational Church.
In the letter, Poole discusses Boston merchant William C. Tebbetts, encouraging Rev. Kirk to speak with him privately about formally joining the church. Poole notes that Tebbetts believes it is his duty to present himself as a candidate for membership but may delay the step due to an upcoming business trip.
Tebbetts was a Boston dry goods merchant and owner of the distinctive Beacon Hill townhouse now known as the Tebbetts-Bowditch House, built in 1856 at 4 Walnut Street.
Written from the Boston Athenaeum during the Transcendentalist era, the letter reflects the overlapping social networks of Boston’s intellectual institutions, clergy, and mercantile elite in the years before the Civil War.
The manuscript is written on fine stationery bearing an embossed seal from John Dickinson, London, a well-known 19th-century papermaker whose paper was widely used for high-quality correspondence.
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Excerpt
“I have just seen my friend Mr. Wm. Tebbetts and find him in precisely the same position as when I conversed with you…
He thinks that he is building on the rock Christ Jesus. I think he needs your counsel and advice…”
Signed:
Wm. F. Poole
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Details
Date: May 31, 1858
Location: Boston Athenaeum
Type: Autograph Letter Signed
Paper: Embossed John Dickinson London stationery
Condition: Typical folds from mailing; well preserved.
Transcription :
Boston Athenaeum
May 31, 1858
Rev. E. N. Kirk, D.D.
Dear Sir,
I have just seen my friend Mr. Wm. Tebbetts and find him in precisely the same position as when I conversed with you. He thinks he is a Christian and that it is his duty to offer himself as a candidate for admission to the Mt. Vernon Church in July. But (it is the peculiarity of his nature to have a bend in his propositions) he expects to make a business trip two weeks about the last of June, so that he will be absent the first Sabbath in July. I have endeavored to persuade him that it is his duty to put off his journey until after that occasion.
I am very desirous that you should converse with him. He thinks that he is building on the rock Christ Jesus. I think he needs your counsel and advice. He mentioned that you called at his place of business, and remarked that he had rather converse with you in a more private manner. Why did he not call upon you then, I asked? He said he intended to, but he said it in such a manner that I fear he will not come unless you should invite him and make a special appointment to meet him.
He always attends your Friday evening meetings, and might be detained for conversation.
I have offered to call with him upon you, but he preferred to go alone.
As you have expressed an interest in him, I have ventured to give you these particulars.
I remain
very truly your obt. servant,
Wm. F. Poole
