October 21, 2011
I've been writing some about the current state of the project on Sheryl Todd's Personal Blog. I'm also migrating the material from the current blog to its own web site.
Links to Recent Posts
This project is migrating to my web site.
The bulk of the Hudson/Joy material in my collection is from 1848 to 1869 with some exceptions. There are also sporadic letters and documents from the 1870s and 1880s.
I began posting the letters and accounting records dated 1856, then decided that it makes more sense to begin in 1855. I have been working to fill in the gap. Material before 1885 is also fascinating and tells about the history and early lives of the people in the letters. However, I chose to start where I did because the material has more bearing on the founding of cities and the settling of the West. When this part is completed, I intend to begin at the beginning.
Recently-posted
Document Transcriptions
. January 28, 1856: N.C. Hudson (Davenport, Iowa) to Helen R. Joy (Townshend, Vermont)
. N.C. Hudson photo
. February 1, 1856: N.C. Hudson (Davenport, Iowa) ~ Blue Journal
. February 1, 1856: Benjamin Howe (Pine Bluff, Louisiana) to N.C. Hudson (Davenport, Iowa)
. February 4, 1856: N.C. Hudson (Davenport, Iowa) ~ Accounting
. February 5, 1856: N.C. Hudson (Davenport, Iowa) ~ Blue Journal, Admitted to Iowa Bar
See this page for more letters and documents on the blog.
July 9, 1856: N.C. Hudson (Sioux City, Iowa) ~ Accounting
N.C. Hudson paid $245.00 for a house.
Scanned from a xerox.
The handwriting is Hudson's; the type is mine.
July 7, 1856: N.C. Hudson (Sioux City, Iowa) to Helen R. Joy (Townshend, Vermont)
[THIS LETTER STILL NEEDS PROOFING]
My Dearest Nellie —
Your very kind and interesting favor1 of June 19 was duly rec'd yesterday noon, and I will try and write a few lines by the return mail which leaves this evening, the weather has become so warm that the stage leaves the night before hand — the usual time for starting, being Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings — . It is needless for me to tell you that I am very much gratified by your letters — You know your letters to me, are like angels from heaven to the lonely traveler on the lonesome desert, filling his heart with hope and gladness I am so glad that your health is improving. If you are getting better as fast as you think you are, I shall soon expect to hear that you are well — I shall hope so — Until your letter came yesterday I was fearful you had become worse — I thank Providence that you are better — I have nothing of interest to communicate at this writing — This fore noon I went out on a long walk, with a friend from Con, now a resident of Sioux City, to see some land — Got back just before dinner, and I feel quite [????] — Weather continues very warm but I am feeling first rate — We are expecting General Harney in town soon — He has been at camp several days you asked me what Eastern papers I take — I receive none but the Vermont Republican — I take a paper published in the state — I did have two others but since I have been here I donot receive them — I shall not take trouble to find out what has become of them until I decide about leaving this place. I certainly shall be very much pleased with any papers you send me I rec'd your letter in answer to mine dated at Council Bluffs — it came some ten days since — I answered it — Rec'd a letter from Jerome with yours — would try to answer it this mail, but I have a "trade" in view, therefore shall only reply to you, — I think it will be a very poor reply dont you? But I have but little time, and have to scratch away — What time do you think your father will come to Iowa — early or late in the fall? Please return my regards to Miss Ella Fletcher, and say to her that she is ever remembered by me with much pleasure and friendship — I hope I shall see her when I come to Vt Do not get low spirited again you must have a great deal of patience, and do not fly around too much — I know it is difficult to remain quiet, but the best way is to submit to fate, though I confess I was some time in becoming reconciled to the doctrine.
The Missouri river is rising very rapidly — I expect the snow is melting in the mountains
But I think I better cut short this letter for it is becoming — in fact is already so — Insipid and stale as — I have no idea what — and besides the postman says he is ready to start — I have a great mind to burn it, and wait for more time. My love to all. with renewed prayers for your health and happiness, please receive this with love and kisses form your H.
--------------------
1. "favor" = letter
My Dearest Nellie —
Your very kind and interesting favor1 of June 19 was duly rec'd yesterday noon, and I will try and write a few lines by the return mail which leaves this evening, the weather has become so warm that the stage leaves the night before hand — the usual time for starting, being Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings — . It is needless for me to tell you that I am very much gratified by your letters — You know your letters to me, are like angels from heaven to the lonely traveler on the lonesome desert, filling his heart with hope and gladness I am so glad that your health is improving. If you are getting better as fast as you think you are, I shall soon expect to hear that you are well — I shall hope so — Until your letter came yesterday I was fearful you had become worse — I thank Providence that you are better — I have nothing of interest to communicate at this writing — This fore noon I went out on a long walk, with a friend from Con, now a resident of Sioux City, to see some land — Got back just before dinner, and I feel quite [????] — Weather continues very warm but I am feeling first rate — We are expecting General Harney in town soon — He has been at camp several days you asked me what Eastern papers I take — I receive none but the Vermont Republican — I take a paper published in the state — I did have two others but since I have been here I donot receive them — I shall not take trouble to find out what has become of them until I decide about leaving this place. I certainly shall be very much pleased with any papers you send me I rec'd your letter in answer to mine dated at Council Bluffs — it came some ten days since — I answered it — Rec'd a letter from Jerome with yours — would try to answer it this mail, but I have a "trade" in view, therefore shall only reply to you, — I think it will be a very poor reply dont you? But I have but little time, and have to scratch away — What time do you think your father will come to Iowa — early or late in the fall? Please return my regards to Miss Ella Fletcher, and say to her that she is ever remembered by me with much pleasure and friendship — I hope I shall see her when I come to Vt Do not get low spirited again you must have a great deal of patience, and do not fly around too much — I know it is difficult to remain quiet, but the best way is to submit to fate, though I confess I was some time in becoming reconciled to the doctrine.
The Missouri river is rising very rapidly — I expect the snow is melting in the mountains
But I think I better cut short this letter for it is becoming — in fact is already so — Insipid and stale as — I have no idea what — and besides the postman says he is ready to start — I have a great mind to burn it, and wait for more time. My love to all. with renewed prayers for your health and happiness, please receive this with love and kisses form your H.
--------------------
1. "favor" = letter
July 5, 1856: N.C. Hudson (Sioux City, Iowa) ~ Accounting
N.C. Hudson paid $30.00 for board, and 1.00 for expenses.
Scanned from a xerox.
The handwriting is N.C. Hudsons, the typing is mine.
This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.
The handwriting is N.C. Hudsons, the typing is mine.
This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.
July 4, 1856: N.C. Hudson (Sioux City, Iowa) to Helen R. Joy (Townshend, Vermont) ~ Fourth of July, Kansas
My Dearest Helen —
I will not suffer such a glorious fourth as this to pass without writing you — it is of one of the most beautiful days that has dawned upon Western Iowa during my brief sojourn, and although very warm, yet quite comfortable. We have no grand display, but there seems to be a general rejoicing of hearts, and I was awakened early this morning by the firing of guns, pistols &c, and the general accompaniments which usually usher in this memorable day, teaching the hearts of all true Americans to rejoice that the anniversary of the birth day of our national Independence has come. The American flag floats gently upon the breeze over some of the most public buildings in Town, and as we look up to behold them, we are reminded of the times that "tried men's souls," when our forefathers led forth the infant republic and baptized it again and again in mediterranean's of human blood, drawn from the gushing hearts and mangled forms of her thousands of daring sons who fell upon the hundred fields of Death and contest, which gave to us our National freedom, and we are admonished to be true to our trust —
I have but a short time to write before the mail departs, and I have also to write to my brother1 in Tennessee, from whom I have this moment heard — I think he must think of coming to Iowa sometime, for he has sent me money to buy him land, and also some for me to use as I judge best. He is well — did think of coming north on a visit soon, but I reckon he has given it up for the present. I looked some for a letter from you by the post just arrived — I am so very anxious to hear how your health is improving — I do not know that I ought to expect one quite so soon, but if I expect more than I should, you must lay it to my over anxiety for your health and welfare. I wish you to write me all how you get along with your indisposition.
You ask in your last if there is much excitement here about Kansas2 — There is not — We hear some very frightful stories now & then, but most of them come from East of the Mississippi — I am sorry there is so much difficulty in regard to that ill fated territory. There seems to be a disposition on each side to malign and persecute each other as much as possible — There is blame to be attached to both parties — perhaps the Missourians have been the most lawless — in all probability they have — but I am no apologist for fanatics on either side — I trust to Heaven that unhappy Kansas will finally emerge from all difficulties with a free constitution. Sometimes I am very strongly tempted to go to Kansas, but I think it best to let those, who have commenced the battle, fight it out, as Iowa is fine enough for me.
I enclose a ball ticket3 — Am afraid you can hardly be here in season, if so disposed, as it comes off in a few hours, but if you should, perhaps you would prefer enjoying yourself some other way, which would be very apt to be seconded by me, as I do not dance, therefore I shall not attend, but I will send the ticket that you may know that "civilization" has arriv' — and that therefore we are "in Town" — I do not much like the idea of balls, but if other people enjoy them, it is none of my business.
But I must close — I hope I shall hear from you very soon — Remember me with every kindness to your mother, & rest of the family — I would love to write you much more, but I could never write you all I would like to tell you, for I have so many thoughts, and such sweet and pleasing ones, of you, —
That our father in Heaven may watch over and preserve you is the loving wish & prayer of your affectionate H—.
At the bottom of the page in small letters, turned upside down, Hudson wrote the word, "Kisses."
--------------------
1. William Henry Hudson
2. Apparently the spelling of the territory was in the process of changing from Kanzas to Kansas.3. No ticket was found with the letter.
[NEEDS FINAL PROOFING]
I will not suffer such a glorious fourth as this to pass without writing you — it is of one of the most beautiful days that has dawned upon Western Iowa during my brief sojourn, and although very warm, yet quite comfortable. We have no grand display, but there seems to be a general rejoicing of hearts, and I was awakened early this morning by the firing of guns, pistols &c, and the general accompaniments which usually usher in this memorable day, teaching the hearts of all true Americans to rejoice that the anniversary of the birth day of our national Independence has come. The American flag floats gently upon the breeze over some of the most public buildings in Town, and as we look up to behold them, we are reminded of the times that "tried men's souls," when our forefathers led forth the infant republic and baptized it again and again in mediterranean's of human blood, drawn from the gushing hearts and mangled forms of her thousands of daring sons who fell upon the hundred fields of Death and contest, which gave to us our National freedom, and we are admonished to be true to our trust —
I have but a short time to write before the mail departs, and I have also to write to my brother1 in Tennessee, from whom I have this moment heard — I think he must think of coming to Iowa sometime, for he has sent me money to buy him land, and also some for me to use as I judge best. He is well — did think of coming north on a visit soon, but I reckon he has given it up for the present. I looked some for a letter from you by the post just arrived — I am so very anxious to hear how your health is improving — I do not know that I ought to expect one quite so soon, but if I expect more than I should, you must lay it to my over anxiety for your health and welfare. I wish you to write me all how you get along with your indisposition.
You ask in your last if there is much excitement here about Kansas2 — There is not — We hear some very frightful stories now & then, but most of them come from East of the Mississippi — I am sorry there is so much difficulty in regard to that ill fated territory. There seems to be a disposition on each side to malign and persecute each other as much as possible — There is blame to be attached to both parties — perhaps the Missourians have been the most lawless — in all probability they have — but I am no apologist for fanatics on either side — I trust to Heaven that unhappy Kansas will finally emerge from all difficulties with a free constitution. Sometimes I am very strongly tempted to go to Kansas, but I think it best to let those, who have commenced the battle, fight it out, as Iowa is fine enough for me.
I enclose a ball ticket3 — Am afraid you can hardly be here in season, if so disposed, as it comes off in a few hours, but if you should, perhaps you would prefer enjoying yourself some other way, which would be very apt to be seconded by me, as I do not dance, therefore I shall not attend, but I will send the ticket that you may know that "civilization" has arriv' — and that therefore we are "in Town" — I do not much like the idea of balls, but if other people enjoy them, it is none of my business.
But I must close — I hope I shall hear from you very soon — Remember me with every kindness to your mother, & rest of the family — I would love to write you much more, but I could never write you all I would like to tell you, for I have so many thoughts, and such sweet and pleasing ones, of you, —
That our father in Heaven may watch over and preserve you is the loving wish & prayer of your affectionate H—.
At the bottom of the page in small letters, turned upside down, Hudson wrote the word, "Kisses."
--------------------
1. William Henry Hudson
2. Apparently the spelling of the territory was in the process of changing from Kanzas to Kansas.3. No ticket was found with the letter.
[NEEDS FINAL PROOFING]
July 4, 1856: N.C. Hudson (Sioux City, Iowa) ~ Accounting
Scanned from a xerox.
The typing is mine, the handwriting is N.C. Hudson's.
Since the original of N.C. Hudson's cash book had been donated to the Sioux City Public Museum by the time I started this blog, I scanned a copy of the page from my chronological log. Note: I have adapted the format below for easier posting. You can see above how Hudson wrote it. Footnotes are at the bottom of the post.
Cash Dr1
1856
July 4
To Cash, sent by Brother William
to be laid out in land for him ------ 400.00
Cash difference between house &
lot 10 Bl. 8 Middle Sioux City ------ 50.00
Wm. H. Hudson Cr2
1856
July 4
By Money sent to be laid out
in land &c ------ 400.00
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1. "Debits" - meaning assets
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