Hudson and Joy: A History in Letters

Chapters and Notebooks

2011-11-01T18:46:00.000-07:00

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.

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Links to Recent Posts

2010-09-17T11:45:00.000-07:00

This project is migrating to my web site.

Please come visit and watch it grow!

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.

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July 9, 1856: N.C. Hudson (Sioux City, Iowa) ~ Accounting

1976-05-01T01:30:00.000-07:00

N.C. Hudson paid $245.00 for a house.

Scanned from a xerox.

The handwriting is Hudson's; the type is mine.

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July 7, 1856: N.C. Hudson (Sioux City, Iowa) to Helen R. Joy (Townshend, Vermont)

1976-05-01T01:20:00.000-07:00

[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.

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1. "favor" = letter

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July 5, 1856: N.C. Hudson (Sioux City, Iowa) ~ Accounting

1976-05-01T01:10:00.000-07:00

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.

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July 4, 1856: N.C. Hudson (Sioux City, Iowa) to Helen R. Joy (Townshend, Vermont) ~ Fourth of July, Kansas

1976-05-01T01:00:00.000-07:00

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]

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July 4, 1856: N.C. Hudson (Sioux City, Iowa) ~ Accounting

1976-05-01T00:50:00.001-07:00

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

2. "Credits"

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July 2, 1856: N.C. Hudson (Sioux City, Iowa) ~ Accounting

1976-05-01T00:30:00.000-07:00

From his cash book, we learn that N.C. Hudson spent $2.85 on washing and incidentals.

Scanned from a xerox.

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July 1, 1856: C.W. Nash (Fort Des Moines, Iowa) to N.C. Hudson (Sioux City, Iowa) ~ Politics

1976-05-01T00:20:00.001-07:00

Hudson's friend and law school classmate, Charles Whipps Nash, wrote from Fort Des Moines. From his letter we learn that Hudson was considering the possibility of moving to Fort Des Moines. This letter should have some footnotes when I get time to do the research.

(Locate original. Needs proofing.)

My Dear Hudson —

Yours of june 24th was recd in due time. I was pleased to hear from you —

By the way of Thompson who called on his way down — I had a full account of "Ashton convention" D .

Hudson — my opinion is Moore well knew that the convention would be made up of Republicans he must have known something about this — , as I am informed Moore had been in different parts of the dist — and well knew of what color, and stripe the delegates were, — if he knew this, why did he not inform good and true Democrats of the facts — the truth is that Moore is black Republican in his sympathies, and sentiments — "such as they are"

I am informed by a very reliable source, that Mr Moore, one year ago — advocated strength? — the principals of the "Republican party" — . And at that time was connected with the Know nothing Party — I am prepared to prove all of this, by a man, whose reputation is above suspicion — . he is a true Democrat and one of the leading men in the county in which he resides — I am bold to say Moore is a Republican and would not believe him — if he stated to the country —

I am now in my office which by the way is a very comfortable one indeed — it is on the opposite side of the street of the stage house

I have heard from Mc Cullem — but nothing definite — he was about starting for this point, when he was called to Penn, illness in his father's family; he said he would be in Iowa, as soon as he could return from Pa.

Business is dull — but little doing in land — it is down — in fact there is but little trading — law is also dull — in regard to your coming down to this place, and going into business together — I do not know what to say — I have some other things on hand — which will prevent ny doing so at this time — I shall be absent from home, a great portion of the summer — . If you wish to come to Des Moines — you can come into my office — I do not wish to be in a firm unless I can do that firm some good — I shall be absent so much for a time I would not be of any service to you — . If it was not for this, I should not hesitate to make some arrangement — I am of the same opinion this would be a good point for the law — it is growing better daily — I donot know how Sioux City will turn out — as far as the practice of the law is concerned — but at the present time it could not be the best —

I cannot advise you — to stay at Sioux City, or to look else where — you can best decide that matter yourself —

I think some of making a trip to Minnesota, sometime during the summer —

Political matters are growing warm — tonight the Republicans polled their ratification meeting

I trust that you will write me often — I was at Adel county seat of Dallas county — to attend this convention — made a speech — I sent you a paper containing an address to the Democratic elector of this county

My regards to Small and ground¹ and to yourself — Mrs N — joins me — I am truly yours C.W. Nash

I wish you would sell claim the first opportunity — at any price — what are claims worth now CW Nash

--------------------

1. I cannot quite read this

LINKS:

See the Republican Party Platform of 1856
See the Democratic Party Platform of 1856

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July 1, 1856: N.C. Hudson (Sioux City) ~ Inventory of Accounts

1976-05-01T00:10:00.001-07:00

N.C. Hudson was adjusting to his new life in Sioux City, Iowa, and his new profession as a lawyer. On July 1, 1856, he took stock of his assets and liabilities. The net result was that he came out with $486.75 to the good. Many of the notations on the credit side represent money given Hudson by his brothers and other people to purchase land or make other investments for them. Note: I have adapted the format for easier posting on the blog. Footnotes are at the bottom of the post.

His first record shows his assets:

Inventory Dr¹

1856
July 1

Lot 8 Block 17 ------ 350.00

Bond for W 1/2 S W qt & S E qt of

S.W. qt., Sec 24. T88 R 40 ------ 60.00

[Bond] for N. W qt Sec 22 T. 90. R 42. ------ 80.00

Notes & interest on same (in Georgia) ------ 150.0²

Account on Thompson³ ------ 120.25

Other accounts ------ 36.50

Money lent Bother Wiliam⁴ 29th of April 1855 ------ 25.00

[Total] 821.75

By suffering my accounts to run two or three years without posting, I find many errors which I am unable to correct.

Scanned from a xerox.

His next record shows liabilities:

Inventory Cr⁵

1856

July 1

Board unpaid ------ 25.00

Note to Brother Napoleon dated Sept 18, 1852 ------ 50.00

Note to Bother Napoleon dated Dec 1855 ------ 100.00

Note to Bother William Dated April 7, 1851 ------ 40.00

Note to Brother William dated Feb 16, 1852 ------ 20.00

Note, dated Sept 4, 1852, given by me to Abner Johnson,

Dana Baily security, taken up by Bother William ------ 100.00

[Total] 335.00

Scanned from a xerox.

--------------------

1. "Debits" - meaning assets
2. This was still owed to Hudson by various parents of students he had taught.3. William B. Thompson, whom Hudson had successfully defended in a murder trial, still owed him money.

4. Should be "Brother William" Hudson was writing quickly, and at this time often left out the "r" after the capital "B."

5. "Credits"

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February 5, 1856: N.C. Hudson (Davenport, Iowa) ~ Blue Journal, Admitted to Iowa Bar

1976-01-01T02:10:00.000-08:00

Feb 5th Was admitted to practice law in the Courts of this State. The process of transforming me into a regular licensed lawyer took place this morning at the Court House in this County (Scott).¹

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1. Davenport, where Hudson lived, was the county seat of Scott County, so he didn't have to travel far to obtain his license. Wikipedia says, "The county's first courthouse was a Greek Revival style building built in 1842. It was located on Bolivar Square, one of the four public squares laid out by Antoine LeClaire when he plotted the town in 1836. As the county grew a larger courthouse was needed and an ornate Beaux Arts structure was built in 1886." I looked online for an image of the original courthouse where Hudson obtained his license, but I haven't found one.

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February 4, 1856: N.C. Hudson (Davenport, Iowa) ~ Accounting

1976-01-01T02:00:00.000-08:00

Scanned from a Xerox copy.

The writing is N.C. Hudson's; the typing is mine.

On February 4, 1856, N.C. Hudson received $5.00 from Austin Corbin. "As above" refers to Hudson's January 16th cash book entry in which he received money from Corbin for services rendered at the hardware store of Smith and May.

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February 1, 1856: Benjamin Howe (Pine Bluff, Louisiana) to N.C. Hudson (Davenport, Iowa)

1976-01-01T01:50:00.000-08:00

On February first, Benjamin Howe, one of N.C. Hudson's best friends from his school years in Townshend, Vermont, wrote the following letter. Ben had also moved west — to Pine Bluff in Bienville Parish, Louisiana. The envelope was postmarked from Ringgold, Louisiana, which was apparently the nearest post office. Like Hudson and many of their friends, Ben also taught school — first in Georgia before he moved west — and had also begun occasional preaching. For reasons he does not explain, Ben wanted to distance himself from his home and family, and had begun dropping the "e" from the end of his name to make a break in the connection. Although Ben talks about what he may do next, a recurring theme was that he was unsure about what he wanted to do with his future.

Feb the 1st, 1856.

Friend Hudson

I am in re^cpt of yours of Dec 11th to day. The reason is obvious. It went to Ga but I was not there to receive it. Consequently it had to come west of the Mississippi again

Right glad, my old friend am I again to hear from you. I was afraid I might lose sight of you But I see you have not forgotten old times neither your old friends. Well this is as it should be I think. Accept my thanks for your favor¹ I wish I could grasp your friendly hand yet once again, but it is a long reach from La to Ia I almost knew instinctively that it was from you But I was surprised at the Post Mark. Davenport Iowa. Strange things often happen. How uncertain is the future?

I am it is true in La about 700 miles from New Orleans, far far from old Vt. I am emigrating slowly but surely towards the West. A few miles would put me in Texas. If you are not in haste I may get there first. Well you want to know what I am doing. My answer is this. Just nothing at present. I am determined to go North next Summer. I shall leave this place (or calculate So to do² the 1st of next July for Vt.

Now don't laugh at my wild freaks!! Prepared for what is coming? I think of going up into Indian Teritory, but you say what for? are you going to lead a Savage life? To take up with the Red Men sure enough? No I am not, but I can hardly tell what good will come from such a trip & I have to ask myself, what are you going for To gratify curiosity I expect partly. I do not wish to seclude myself from the world, I am not a misanthrope, no I am not. But what are you is a question you will ask? I am a wild dreaming youth, Driven from doing what he desires to do by force of circumstances, Bad health. Perhaps I may find the Philosophers Stone up there? you can't tell can you? No. It is only about two or three days ride from this place into the Indian Nations I have not fully made up my mind to go as yet but think it very probable that I shall go. Don't write this to Vt? I ask it of you as a friend I have my reasons. This will be enough I think for you to grant my request. I will keep an acc't of matters & things & give you a history of them on my return & then satisfy you altogether I hope

I really wish I could see you my old tried friend. Couldn't we talk lots & cords. Yes that we could. There is quite a difference between La & Ga almost as much as between Ga & Vt. We carried in Vt, Toted in Ga & now in La we dont do either, But Pack is the word Ha, Ha is not that quite a difference & yet there is no difference except in Orthography. Well to go on in Vt we had Brook & creeks, in Ga Branches & cricks & in La every thing is a Bayou (Bi oø)³ little Bayous & big Bayous & dry Bayous. These are places that look as though there might have been water there in time of the Flood but very little since Do you remember that Brook that ran through the meadow back of Fathers barn. Well that is quite straight compared with the generality of these crooked things.

There is lake Bisteneau about a mile off. Chock full of Ducks, Geese & Brant. I dont say hundreds but thousands of these wild animals are there. Then there are the Deer (not Dear) in the woods. Oh such fine sport wild exciting & truly exhilirating is the chase. Don't laugh & think that I shall turn out to be a hunter yet of the Grizzlies on the Rocky Mountains, But do you not think that would be good fun

I am what I am & no one need think strange of anything that I do, but just say it is Ben How & let it go at that. If I can't do what I wish I will do something else Ha, Ho Ha Ha

Well I have spoilt paper enough in writing foolishness. Let us come to realities stern realities of the past & present & guess at the future.

I do not wish you to think however that I dont mean what I wrote on the former pages no all that is as near truth as I can get yes all Truth

But that writing on the margin, yes I of course excuse you & by a little study I could read it, Oh I excuse the writing but those shameful XXS cant excuse the,⁴ no, no, wont do it. you say that you are now in the state of Iowa, just let me make a prediction as to your next move that you make. It is this, you will move I think to the state matrimony. Am I right about this matter? All the dreaming that I have done is wide awake, & you very well know that waking dreams are as likely to be true as any. T'is very true that I often enter a sort of dreamland when I am not quite asleep. This state is indescribable to all except those who had experience in this sort

However I will not say any more on this point but I think my very worthy friend N.C.H. as he is now gotten a profession & soon I hope may be settled in life with a good run of custom in your line of business that your coffers may have enough of the Needful. Hold on for the next wish. May you get just the prettiest little lump of Mortality that ever was _ you know _ ⁵ Fair in face, fair in form. Pretty foot, Pretty ankle & last but not least may the graces of beauty of mind be her greatest ornament. That she Mrs H may train the rising generation in that manner which will reflect honor on their Father & Mother in after years. When this face becomes pale & wan with care, Their feeble steps may they guide & support while tottering on the verge of time,⁶ smooth the aching brow & administer comfort & consolation in every hour of Darkness is the Prayer of your friend B How

[Ben wasn't finished. He continued on another sheet.]

Well Don't scold about spoiling paper. I've got a good supply on hand, bought a half ream (I think) just before I left Decatur Co. When paper gets scarce letters will be somewhat shorter. I expect you will wish for that time soon to come. I want to know if you think to make Davenport a permanent residence or will you move further west or rather South west I like warm weather first rate. Give me the Sunny Skies, the soft & balmy breezes of a Southern clime. Let me always look upon the green earth & let the Zephyr stealing through the leafy grove ever refresh & invigorate

Look at our proud Magnolia. Did you ever see aught that would compare with it elsewhere. See the beautiful flourishing & shrubbing of our Southern country with their Perennial blossoms. Not your sickly hot-house blossoms, fresh flowers blooming & beautiful indeed I might speak further but forbear at present

Well Friend H — How do you get along? Well I hope Excelsior, Push ahead. That is the word. Difficulties overcome little minds, but to the bold undaunted mind, to those who have learned self reliance These but bring out the latent powers & energies of the mind & show man to be what it was designed he should be. Not a leaning willow but a firm self relying being. Doing what he think⁷ is right & looking to his God for his reward. Ah this will always bring its own reward As we mingle in the busy scenes of life frequent adventure & almost constant excitement must be ours. We live in a stirring age & why may not the dauntless youth fearlessly press onward. Taking as his guide some of the most active & eminent spirits of the past or present, or if he choose let him carve out by traversing untrodden paths, his own fame & fortune, so much the more honor is due him. Let him become familiar with the world men of all grades & every station. Let him learn the secret springs of action that prompt In a word let him learn nature human nature would he succeed

Why should the memory of man die with his body, the soul is eternal. The memory of the great & good is or should be coeval with their country. They can not be lightly esteemed Leave your record on the temple of fame Build an enduring monument that shall defy the victorious tooth of times. Infuse a spirit into your countrymen that shall live through succeeding ages, That shall animate the soul of your fellows in coming ages. Look at Demosthenes Sully & in later days look at our own noble Statesman These have passed from the stage of action, Their bodies are in the tomb, they have mouldered back to dust. Yet they need no towering pyramid to perpetuate their memory millions at present lift up the voice of their praise & unborn millions shall yet do the same in all time to come. But let the thought of this commune between the living & the dead, of that intercourse between that which breathes & moves & is & that which life animates not nor mortality knows. Let this I say annihilate deceit, Delude not yourself by thinking that your actions in life will not tell out fearfully on the destiny of others. Be honest — always with yourself & with others especially ~~others~~ self

But just look at my scribbling. Don't read it just throw it down & call B How a (fool)⁸ if you like or aught else if you like. Just please yourself about this. I am sometimes wild in my notions of things excuse me & my faults we all have them more or less

I would fill out this sheet but I must attend this evening to some other business for a friend of mine I've some friends left yet, True friends & tried friends My health is reasonably good, Spirits tolerable all things considered. Please write me of the past, present & guess at the future. I like to read your letters one fault however too short. This is not a fault of mine, too long is the word. My love to you with the best wishes of your absent friend

B How

Direct to Ringgold, Bienville Parish, La

--------------------

1. Letter
2. Parentheses left open
3. Ben wrote the slant mark going the other direction throught he "o," bu this is the only way I could find to type it.
4. Something left out
5. Written this way with a long line and tiny letters
6. This doesn't sound right, but I couldn't read it.
7. Sic
8. Sic

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February 1, 1856: N.C. Hudson (Davenport, Iowa) ~ Blue Journal

1976-01-01T01:40:00.000-08:00

This entry was very short:

Feb 1. Am getting along very finely.

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January 28, 1856: N.C. Hudson (Davenport, Iowa) to Helen R. Joy (Townshend, Vermont)

1976-01-01T01:30:00.000-08:00

In this letter, N.C. Huson calls Helen by the pet name used by her family. Hudson is hesitant to express the fullness of his feelings for her, probably because she has not yet given him a definite answer to his marriage proposal last November. As also mentioned in Ella Fletcher's recent letter, William Leonard Joy, Helen's brother, had been baptized. The date of January 6, 1856, is found in church records (see end of footnotes below).

Davenport, Monday Eve., Jan 28th 1856

My Dear Nellie:

Your very estimable and welcome letter of the 19th is this evening received — but a few moments since — , and I haste to reply, not that I suppose I have much to write which can interest you, but in obedience to my feelings and inclinations I immediately betake myself to writing you a few lines, tho' they be but poor and indifferent, and devoid of that interest and feeling which I wish could always pervade my letters to you, since to you, and your goodness of heart I owe most of the happiness allotted me, as I wend my way through the strifes and various windings of business. It is our nature always to love some object, and I feel that so long as you are the object of my purest affection, and you remain the willing recipient of that love which to me is the spirit of my existance, I shall indeed be happy. Perhaps you hardly care to have me express myself thus — if so, I crave your pardon — but then you can hardly expect me to be silent and entirely repress all my thoughts and feelings in regard to a matter which gives me more pleasure than aught else on earth, which causes my heart to beat daily with increasing vigor fondness.¹ When the heart is full we can but give vent to some of our feelings tho' the very possession of those feelings we would not part with for sums untold.

It is needless for me to assure you of the delight the arrival of your kind epistle gives me this evening — you know it cannot be otherwise. I was very much disapointed in consequence of its nonarrival on Saturday night. I think uncle Sam is quite to bad in suffering his Mail Boys to be so tardy — but then I suppose his excuse is the "inclemency of the weather," which is probably a sufficiently valid excuse, but then — perhaps I am selfish — I do not like the idea of its taking so many days for letters to go to and fro between Davenport & Townshend — but then I suppose I must submit with what grace I am able. You seemed to feel it to be you² duty to inflict a letter upon me — I think it a glorious infliction, and shall look forward with much interest to the time when I shall be again favored with another just such infliction, considering myself the most fortunate of individuals if I am always so happily inflicted.

I am happy to learn that you are favored with good health. Mine continues fine. In answer to your enquiry concerning my lungs, I can say that they do not trouble me now.³ It is my opinion that this country will agree very favorably with my general health — in fact with proper care I may become quite as robust as I was when but a lad. When you get out here you will soon learn how bracing and invigorating the atmosphere is. You say you feel quite encouraged about your father coming West. You must persuade him to come to Iowa, and he will never wish to recross the Mississippi to live east of that noble river. Give me the West, and West of the Father of Rivers. I do not wish to go any father⁴ North, but would rather work a little farther South. About the first of March I expect business will render it necessary to travel into various portions of the southern and interior portions of this State, especially the Ft Des Moines Valley, which is said to be the finest in the whole country. When I see some more of this state, I intend to post your father in every particular about the various places, but in the mean time I wish him to understand, that if he leaves New England this is the place.

It does indeed make me very happy to read your very interesting recital of the immeasurable happiness you felt at the Baptism of Leonard. I should have indeed been very happy to have been present. It is indeed a beautiful sight to behold all the members of a family kneeling at the same shrine, and offering up to the Eternal God upon the family altar the devotion of their united hearts. What spectacle is more lovely or more intensely interesting? None, save that which may be witnessed around the celestial throne of the Great Jehovah, of which it is certainly the nearest foretaste vouchsafed to earthly mortals.

You very kindly express a wish that I would acknowledge myself to the world to be a child of God. Indeed I wish I were — that I had become such previous to my leaving Townshend for the South. But I thought I were not suitable to join a Christian Church, but I think it would have been better for me had I done so, for I should have been much more guarded in my intercourse with my fellow men, and should not so frequently have neglected my duty to my maker. It is difficult for me, meeting as I do, with strangers daily to be what I should be. I am not surrounded by bosom friends, by whose persuasive love and winning kindness I should be constantly reminded of what constitutes a true Christian character. The young man who shoves his frail and inexperienced bark out of the paternal haven, from all its security and protection, and launches forth upon the heaving and tempestuous ocean of business life, amid dangerous and unknown shoals, far from that most chastened of influence, the influence of the Home circles, liable at every moment to fall a victim to the thousand temptations, which surround him, must indeed be fortunate if he escape unharmed.

You intimate "that you have for a long time thought we love the same God and have the same hope of future happiness." I trust we do, yet in my case I am frank to confess that I have been sadly remiss in my duty. I have for some years felt that I loved my maker — and I think I have in all my cool and sober moments but amid the various and checkered scenes of life, I fear I have at times almost forgotten that love which should be ever upermost in the Christian heart. I have always endeavored to live honestly, uprightly, and morally, and hope I have succeeded, but then I have never thought for one moment that would make me a child of God, but I have endeavored to become better, and have asked and prayed that the author of my being would ever fill my heart with constant love of him, and would quell all rebellion towards heaven, and teach me how to feel at all times that "to serve my God," is my first duty. I trust I may at some future day not far distant be a devoted follower of Christ, as I am already a firm believer in the Christian religion, and become daily more confirmed in my belief. When sober reflections⁵ comes upon me, it grieves me, that I should allow excitement and circumstances to almost carry me away, and smother my better feelings and desires, so that I almost appear as though the thought of God and Heaven were a stranger to my mind. But thank Providence in spite of the violence of the tornado of sin and temptation, I remain the same in hope and wish, if not in practice. When I read that portion of your letter which so gently assures me that I am so kindly remembered in your prayers, I cannot refrain entirely from tears, but my gentle one, they are tears of unutterable gratitude. Do not suppose by this that I had supposed it otherwise, but then I am doubly assured. I feel that there is one human heart which pours forth its love and prayers for my welfare and from the abundance of its goodness would shield me from the withering blasts of sin. Such feelings are an anchor to my hopes, being as I am so far away from you. You ask me to pray for you. I have done so every day since I parted from you, tho' I hardly dare to think that my prayers will avail much, but then they are the language and wish of my heart. By praying for each other, you beautifully suggest that "we may not only meet at the "Throne of Grace" but call down blessings upon each other's heads," — I join in your suggestion — I hope we shall meet there often, if we can meet no where else. But I must drop this subject for tonight. I would like to say more upon this the most vital subject of man.

I commenced this last evening but was unable to complete it, in conse¬quence of so much discussion upon various legal points, in season for this morn¬ing's mail, so I have deferred its completion until tonight. Court commences next week, and we are all very busy in preparing and selecting legal authorities. We hardly ever leave the office until nearly eleven. The only time I am at my boarding place is what it requires to eat my meals and take my sleep. Thank Miss Ella⁶ for her kind remembrance of me, and in return remember me kindly to her, — also to Miss Etta S.⁷ — Is Ella at School? Tell your Mother I am bound to write her next. My love to her, and all the rest of the family. Remember me to Bainbridge and Sarah.⁸ I hope to hear from you very soon. I trust you will at all times feel at perfect liberty to write me and ask me any questions you may wish upon the subject of religion, and I shall be most happy to reply. With love accept this from your

H—

I do not know but that I am imposing to much a task upon you to write me so often, but then I wish to hear from you so very much, you will pardon me, wont you?

--------------------

1. Sic
2. Sic
3. This is the first we have heard specifically of a health problem with Hudson's lungs, but as a youngster he worked on various farms, including that of Helen's family, while he attended school in Townshend. His journals of that time mentioned that the hard work of haying wore him out generally and sometimes made him sick. His constitution was not as strong as that of some of the other young men, including that of his brother William, who worked laying railroad track.
4. Sic
5. Sic
6. I don't know if he means Ella Skinner Joy (now married to Helen's brother George Lewis Joy); in that case he might have called her "Mrs. Ella." It could have been Ella Fletcher or Ella Evans.
7. This is certainly Etta Skinner, Ella Skinner Joy's sister.
8. The Howards, recently married. Sarah Stone Howard was Helen's cousin.

NOTE: Baptisms of the Joy family in Townshend took place on the following dates according to the records of the Second Baptist Church in Townshend, Vermont:

7/3/1851 - Helen Joy Hudson, nee Helen Rosetta Joy, age 16
12/19/1852 - George Lewis Joy (Helen's brother), age 20
12/31/1853 - Ella Joy, nee Ella Louise Skinner (m. George Lewis Joy), age 21
4/2/1854 - William H. Joy (William Howe Joy), Helen's father, age 53
4/2/1854 - Hetty Joy, Helen's mother, age 51
1/6/1856 - Wm. L. Joy (William Leonard Joy), Helen's brother, age 25

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January 26, 1856: Ella Fletcher (New Ipswich, New Hampshire) to Helen R. Joy (Townshend, Vermont)

1976-01-01T01:00:00.000-08:00

Ella Fletcher wrote to Helen from New Ipswich, New Hampshire. The date inside the letter said only "Jan 1856," but the postmark was January 28th. Ella wrote on the Saturday before the 28th, which would have been January 26th. Ella's previous letter to Helen had been on January 5th. Ella, Helen's best friend, was teaching school in New Ipswich. There was an overflowing of religious fervor at this time, and young people were officially joining their churches in large numbers. In this letter, Ella mentions that Helen's brother Leonard (William Leonard Joy) was baptized in Townshend on January 6, 1856.

Saturday Eve.

My darling Helen,

Your letter was received on Wednesday last and I am going to evince my gratitude for it by answering it very promptly —

I am going to write only a few words, Helen, just to inform you of the safe arrival of your letter and its welcome reception, for I must write three or four letters to-night.

My Saturday evenings are very precious — I study hard every other evening in the week, for I have had more advanced classes this winter than I have ever had before, advanced classes in Algebra — a class in Geometry, Latin &c. You know it has been some time since I studied these, and they use different text-books here, so I have been obliged to look over my lessons evenings.

It has kept me very much confined but it has been a great advantage to me I think — for I have been learning myself as well as teaching.

You know how prone one is to put off study till one is obliged to attend to it, — at least it is so with me.

The term closes one week from next Tuesday, and the vacation is only one week. If it was longer I should certainly come home for I do want to see you all so much, it seems as if I could not be denied.

I have deliberated on the matter and have come to the conclusion it would be foolish for me to attempt it for it would take two whole days to go and come and I should have to be carried twelve miles this cold weather in order to hit a train for Brattleboro.¹ We have but one train a day, this winter, and in going direct to Groton,² the usual way, I should be too late for a train for B — So all things considered, I have given up the idea, and am going to try to content myself to remain here, for I have some sewing I want to do, and I have several invitations to pass it with friends in the place. I had letters yesterday from Mr Leamans & wife and Julia,³ insisting upon my spending my vacation with them. If I cannot content myself to remain here I shall go there. — How long is your vacation? How I wish we could pass it together! — I cannot bear to have you say anything about going West to live. Helen — I cannot hear it. — You will have to let me go with you, for I cannot be separated so far from you — You who have always been a sister to me. — Helen, I love you very much, and always shall, and do wish we could be near each other — The greatest objection and in fact the only one, I have to your marrying Hudson, is that he will take you off West to live, or some where, so that I can have no more good of you. Am I not selfish? — I thought of you dear Helen, when I heard that Leonard⁴ had united with the church — how happy you must be. — Truly God has been very merciful to you, and to me, I could but contrast your present situation, with the time when you publicly professed Christ. — You met with no opposition then, but how much happier must you be now. — You can all understand and sympathise with each other's feelings now, I trust you may all live very faithful, and enjoy sweet communion together and with your God. — I wish so much that my brother might become inter¬ested in the great and important subject of religion! I often think if I could only be with you Sundays and hear your voice in the choir, and my dear Father's foice in the pulpit, I should be perfectly happy. — I attended a Donation party on Wednesday evening at the Congregational Minister's. Was'nt it funny that you should all be at Father's and I at a Congo⁵ Minister's the same evening?⁶ — I thought of you and wished myself in your midst, though I had a very pleasant time where I was, but I would have much preferred to have been with dear T— friends.

I went to a beautiful concert a few evenings since.

I received from Mr Wayland⁷ the other day the order of exercises at the Dedication of his church.

The "Sermon by the Paster" I would like to have heard. Would'nt you? — What a long letter I am writing — and I meant to write a little short one — Do answer this very soon — Imitate my example in this respect. Write me all about every thing, particularly yourself. Much love to all your family, and all who may enquire for me. Believe me as ever, with much love your attached friend

Ella

I was quite sick yesterday, so that I did'nt sit up at all — I felt badly not to be able to go to school, but could'nt help it — I am better to-day. Have you written to Miss Goodnow?⁸ I have not and am ashamed of it.

How is Miss Evans? My love to her also to Nettie Clarke. Be sure to write.

--------------------

1 Vermont
2. Massachusetts
3. Ella had lived with Julia in Boston while going to school.
4. William Leonard Joy, one of Helen's two brothers.
5. This was the usual shorthand for "Congregational."
6. Ella Fletcher's father was Townshend's Baptist minister.
7. Minister of the Third Baptist Church in Worcester, Massachusetts, and formerly teacher at Leland Seminary in Townshend.
8. Maria A. Goodnow, Helen Joy's friend and teacher, whose letters I have..

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January 16, 1856: N.C. Hudson (Davenport, Iowa) ~ Accounting

1976-01-01T00:50:00.000-08:00

Scanned from a Xerox copy.

The handwriting is N.C. Hudson's; the typing is mine.

Dr¹

1856

January 16 1856

Premium & Interest on Certificate of Deposit, Macklot & Corbin's Banking House ------ 1.16

Cash rec'd of Corbin for hose&Co² for services in Smith & May Store ------ 20.00

Cr³

1856

January 16 1856

Cash, Loaned Biester⁴ ------ 150.00

--------------------

1. Debits

2. I'm not sure if this is correct. It looks like he may have meant to write &c. (meaning, etc.) and hastily made an "o" after the "c," because it was similar in form to "Co." for Company. Smith & May was the hardware store in receivership that Hudson was tending for the law firm of Corbin and Dow, his employers.
3. Credits
4. I don't know who Biester is, but I believe he lived in Davenport.

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January 7, 1856: N.C. Hudson (Davenport, Iowa) ~ Accounting

1976-01-01T00:40:00.000-08:00

Scanned from a Xerox copy.

The writing is N.C. Hudson's; the typing is mine.

On January 7, 1856, N.C. Hudson noted in his cash book the purchase of a fur cap for $2.50 and incidentals for $1.55.

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January 6, 1856: N.C. Hudson (Davenport, Iowa) to Helen R. Joy (Townshend, Vermont)

1976-01-01T00:30:00.000-08:00

We don't know exactly what the understanding or relationship was between Helen and Hudson on this date, but Hudson would have been unaware that Ella Fletcher had just written her best friend Helen Joy advice about whether or not to marry Hudson. N.C. Hudson wrote to Helen:

Davenport, Iowa Jan 6th 1856

My dearest Helen:

Yours of the thirtieth ult¹ was last evening received, and is in the highest degree very welcome and interesting to me — perhaps its arrival was hailed with more eagerness and pleasure from the fact I had, for some days, been anxiously awaiting its coming, tho' I do not know that I could reasonably expect an answer sooner, but somehow I did, which I suppose must have arisen from the fact that I so devoutly wished one — perhaps I am over zealous in my expectations — you know I am away here on the other side of the Mississippi — a long ways from Townshend — and you — . Besides all my friends here are new made friends, and most of those I meet in business transactions are strangers — unlike Townshend — Do you wonder then that I love to receive a letter — from you — as often as I can — I will try and not be over exacting nor ask too much — if I do sometimes, in the goodness of your heart, you will pardon me, will you not? Yesterday and day before I was not very well, and besides somehow or other I felt lonesome, or sad, or — I hardly know what — , but today I feel in finely. It is meet that such feelings should come upon us at times, for when they disappear, our joys and pleasures seem greater and more rapturous than before. With me, for many years past, it has been my inclination, to look upon all things as being for the best, whither they make me joyous or sad, whether I am fortunate or unsuccessful. I suppose there is no bitter without its sweet, and perhaps no sweet without its bitter, and probably there is no pleasure without its concomitant reverse, and consequently it is best to take every thing as it comes, and so "keep pushing, keep moving."

Again it is sunday — sunday eve. The deep toned bells are calling the pilgrims of earth to the various sanctuaries of God. I do not obey their summons tonight, for I wish to complete this note — I intend it for a letter — before I retire, as I suppose I am to be very busy tomorrow, and this must take its exit in the mornings return mail. This is the first sabbath of the new year. By the way I wish you a happy new year, and the return of many another new year as happy and bright as your heart could desire in its fondest anticipations, when looking forward in endeavors to penetrate the veil of the mystic future. Perhaps my wish comes rather late in the day (it being the 6th), but then I wished it in season, which I suppose will remove all technical objections. I have said this is the first sabbath of a new year — you must pardon my irregularities and digressions, for I find I commence on one thing, and end in another in the next sentence — and while I thank my God for the sabbath blessings of the past year, I would invoke a continuance of sabbath blessings for the year just ushered into the numerous family of time — I would invoke and ask of the Creator of all things, that his choicest blessings may rest upon you and all I hold dear and near, and that the close of the present new born year may find us all happier, wiser, and better than we are today. This life is given us for improvement in all things that are good and exalting, and if we do not fulfil the all wise design, we are guilty of gross neglect and perversion of the gifts and priveledges given us. Yet how few of us live according to Jehovah's great plan — how few live as we should live? I am one, at least, fearfully lacking in duty, but then I have, and still do endeavor to daily remember the author of my being, if not external actions, yet internally in thought and thanks. With me it may be selfishness — I sometimes fear it is, at least too much so — but I trust I am not influenced entirely by selfishness, but that I have some love for the all omnipotent spirit, which pervades every portion of creation, for the sake of the spirit itself. Our mortal career being brief, it behoves us to be up and work while the day lasts, for as has been said by the "Old Man Eloquent"² —

  "How swift alas! the moments fly,
      How rush the hours along
  Scarce here — then gone already by,
      The burden of a song."

Although time in his rapid and hurried flight constantly enjoins upon us, that this moment shall never again return, we heed him not, or if we do, it is but to suffer the next moment to glide away as we have this — and not only the next, but the next, and the next, and so on through an innumerable crowd of "nexts," for such is the weekness of our natures that instead of holding fast and using the present, we are constantly grasping at the uncertain future.

I am flourishingly quite successfully — at least I think I am — which answers just as well perhaps. I am still acquainting myself with the Code and practice³ of this state preparatory to admission at the February term of court in this County, tho' I still retain controll of the "Store".⁴ Then you laughed at the idea of my turning hardware merchant — no wonder at it — I have laughed at myself. I expected, and wished to give it up tomorrow, and Mr Corbin, the Trustee, agreed to it last night, but he starts for Newport, N.H., Boston and other portions of New England tomorrow morning, and today he has become very uneasy about the matter and is unwilling to place it in the hands of any one else, so upon his earnest solicitation I have accepted power of attorney and shall continue in possession until he returns, or until I can get money enough to pay off its incumberance. It will pay me well, so I suppose it matters but little as fees are my object. Mr Corbin is a New Englander, a glorious good fellow, and a staunch friend of mine, and I am bound to accomdate him, since he places so much confidence in me, which, if I do not abuse it will after a while assist in replenishing my pocket with the needful.

In a paper which I sent your father I placed one of my bills — tell him if he wishes anything in the Hard Ware line, just give us a call, because I am bound to sell out, and commence dealing in a different sort of ware — legal ware — in a few weeks.

Ha, ha, then Sarah F. asked you, if I really am going to marry Mary R⁵ — . Curious that she should ask you isn't it? And you wish me to keep dark nolonger. Well, ha, ha, I cant refrain from laughing. Of course I shall tell you all about it, though you are the first one to whom I have said anything about the matter, but since I happen to possess a higher regard for you than any other mortal of this mundane sphere, I shall keep no secret from you. But I hardly know what to say pro or con, because I am now at the first of it. Being very modest I do not like to say very much about the young ladies. Miss Mary R. is a very fine lady — I suppose — and you know I have a very high regard for Female divinities — especially one — but then I do not know that I am to marry Miss M.R., however if such a report is out let it rock on, for I care nothing for reports, since you know my strongest regards run in quite a different channel, and are bestowed upon quite a different person.

Since I have been here, the young men's literary society of which I am a member, have had several intellectual feasts in the shape of lectures. E.P. Whipple⁶ has invited us into the fairy fields of Literature — Park Benjamin in a poem, has introduced us to the different quirks and wonderful pranks of Fashion — David Paul Brown has discoursed to us on passion — Parke Goodwin has humored us with a look at American social life, by the aid of rhymes — William Stark, in verse, has disturbed our visables, with a digression called "Old Times and Near" — Thos Starr King next comes and in his grand imagery and eloquence almost lifts us into the celestial regions, where he told that, "Bright Luna, the Golden Sun, and the innumerable host of stars dance heavenly waltzes on an etherial floor" — Lastly came Emerson who expatiated upon beauty, — and we are to have several more — so you see Iowa is not out of the world, but right in the Centre. Hutchinsons family have been here two nights this week.

Then your cousin Helen Leonard⁷ is coming to Iowa. Glad to hear it, Think it will be a glorious idea, dont you? When you get out here, you can go and see her. Now I admire her sense, for Iowa is the greatest place "out". As you suggested, would n't it be nice — just now — to have Iowa a little nearer Townshend, or Townshend a little nearer Iowa, so I could just run in and see you now and then — it would be so pleasant — perhaps you will be nearer sometime, which will make up for the present long distance. I do not know of any Mr Goddard⁸ in this portion of the state. Saw Oscar Howard⁹ last tuesday. He went to Muscatine.

You do not write me how music class¹⁰ you have &c — I hope you will in your next. You must take good care of your health this cold winter. It is quite cold here this season rather colder than usual. But I must close this lengthy scratch — I fear what I have already written will entirely weary your patience — May I not look for a reply very soon? Accept love for all the family, and for yourself, until I again hear from you, the warmest love and affection of your devoted

H—

--------------------

1. Ultimate = "of last month"
2. Nickname for John Quincy Adams, who wrote the hymn that Hudson quotes, and whose term as President was from 1825 to 1829. John Quincy Adams' religion was Unitarian.
3. Code and practice of law
4. Hardware store of Smith and May, which the firm of Corbin and Dow had taken over and N.C. Hudson was overseeing for them until debts could be discharged.
5. I don't know who Sarah and Mary are, but this is all a big joke based on the local gossip. With their own future together uncertain, Helen has teased Hudson, and he is teasing her back.
6. Hudson mentioned E.P. Whipple's lecture in his letter of November 26, 1855.
7. Helen Leonard was the daughter of George Leonard, who was the brother of Helen Joy's mother, Mehitabel ("Hetty") Leonard Joy.
8. Helen Leonard was going to marry Edward Goddard. Possibly Helen Joy was asking Hudson about one of Edward's relatives.
9. Oscar Howard was a friend from Townshend, Vermont.
10. Sic; something left out. He seems to be asking how many music classes Helen is teaching this term.

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January 5, 1856: Ella Fletcher (New Ipswich, New Hampshire) to Helen R. Joy (Townshend, Vermont) ~ Regarding Helen's Marriage Proposals

1976-01-01T00:20:00.000-08:00

On January 5th, Helen Joy's best friend, Ella Fletcher, daughter of Townshend's Baptist minister, wrote a letter to Helen, who had turned twenty-one the day before. Ella, who was about Helen's age, was teaching in New Ipswich, New Hampshire, and Helen was teaching in Townshend, Vermont, where she had grown up and gone to school herself. I find this a somewhat amazing letter, as it speaks so candidly of Ella's thoughts on whether Helen should or should not marry N.C. Hudson, who had proposed to her in the remarkable letter of November 14, 1855. At the time of Hudson's proposal, Helen was engaged to marry George Cheney. Ella wrote:

My dearest Helen,

I wish you a "happy new Year" (if it is not too late) — happy, aye thrice happy I hope it may prove to you. Only think 1856 has come — how silently it has advanced, — so relentlessly that I can hardly realise that the old year is gone, and we are upon the threshold of the new.

What a solemn time for retrospection! — My heart is sad as I think how many of the pages of '55 are covered o'er with records of my wrong deeds and neglected duties. Heaven grant that if another year is mine I may better spend its fleeting moments — I hope no such sad memories have shaded your mind as you bade the old year "good bye," and may the New welcome you kindly and lead you gently to its close — Dear Helen let us live in earnest, not for the world, but for our Maker — How pleasant if we could only be near each other!

Your letter was received one week ago yesterday, and I need not tell you it was most welcome. — It seemed so much like your own dear self, that it did me very much good. — I was much interested in hearing about the wedding and all the news — How I would like to have been at the wedding! I was much surprised to hear of Sarah's¹ wedding for I did not know that she was engaged — Where did she become acquainted with her husband? How lonely it must be for Allen! Does he live there alone with his Mother? — I am glad that your school is prospering and that you have so many scholars — I think it must keep you quite busy.

We have a very pleasant school here this term — It is very quiet here — not a thing going on — It is a very rare thing for me to go out in the evening.

You may imagine me teaching till half-past four at night — You know it is almost dark then — and in the evening, studying alone in my quiet little room — sometimes some of my school girls come to see me in the evening. I cannot tell you how many times I wish you were here with me. — It seems to me that I cannot bear this separation much longer.

I have some very kind friends here — friends whom I love very much, but I never expect to find a friend who will fill your place in every respect — for you have always been like a sister to me.

I was so glad dear Helen, to hear about yourself — you need never fear that your confidence will be betrayed.

I wish I could be by your side to-night and hear from your own lips what has brought about this change in your feelings in relation to Hudson — Can you not write it to me? When I heard the rumor and when I wrote asking you about it, I did not credit one word of it because Helen I remembered distinctly what you said that night to which you refer — therefore I was entirely unbelieving — so you may judge that I was a little surprised when I received your letter and learnt from yourself that you were interested in Hudson — You ask me to give frankly my opinion of Hudson — I do not hesitate to give it freely and sincerely — I think him a very good young man, and I think now, and always have thought that he will make a smart man — I like Hudson, Helen, and I think he would make one of the kindest husbands for any one he loved — You see I am coming right to the point, for I do'nt care how smart any one is — if they hav'nt certain qualities which would render a wife happy, — for no wife who needed affection to make her happy could be happy with such a man — I mean one who was smart — talented and all that perhaps — but a short time after marriage would seemingly cease to love his wife — I have known a great many such cases, and were I thinking of getting married I should be very particular in that respect. — Helen, I would give my consent to have you engage yourself to Hudson and from my heart's depth would wish you much happiness. Now, dearest, I have written just what I think — perhaps you will think I have carried the matter a little too far, but I fancied from what you wrote that you were hesitating upon the subject. Will you not write me just how the matter stands between you? I want so much to hear a great deal more about it! Oh if I could only see you!

If I were going to choose for a husband between Hudson and George Cheney, I should very much prefer Hudson, not but what I like George very much, but I should expect if I married him that he would fall in love with the first pretty girl he saw — he is so fickle. Do'nt you think so? Write me more about your affairs. — I never expect to have any thing of this kind to tell you, but if any such wonder should ever take place — that any one became particu¬larly interested in me, or I in them, be assured I shall remember my promise to confide in you — But Helen I am more than ever confirmed in the opinion that I shall be an "old maid." I do'nt think any one will ever want me. — There is'nt a person here that I would have if I could, and as I shall be here I suppose some time longer, — you need not expect to hear of my falling in love with any one at present certainly. — Now Helen, I beg of you to destroy this letter as soon as you have read it. I would'nt have any one but you see it for anything in the world. How ridiculous it would seem to anyone. Be sure not to let any one get a sight of it, and do write me very soon again wo'nt you? I do want to see you so much. I wish you could come here this winter and visit me. I intended to have written you a few days earlier but I could not find time.

Let me have a letter from you next Tuesday without fail — I will send you a lock of my hair² — make something of it Helen that you can always keep to remember me by.

Miss Goodnow's direction is 57 Pinkney St.³ — I do not know whether Mrs Allen will go to Townshend another summer or not, but presume she would give you lessons if she did —

Much love to your dear Mother and all your family and believe me, dearest Helen, as ever, your true friend

Ella

--------------------

1. I believe this is Sarah Louise Stone and Bainbridge Elliott Howard, who were married in Boston (?) January 24, 1855. Sarah was Helen's cousin. It is clear from earlier letters that Sarah lived in Boston. The links above for Sarah and Bainbridge show him as having been born in Townshend, Vermont, although I have Jamaica, Vermont, in my genealogy software. What makes me wonder if this is a different Sarah is that she did not have a sibling named Allen. As I reaquaint myself with the letters, I expect this will be cleared up.
2. The lock of hair was not found with the letter.
3. Boston

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January 5, 1856: N.C. Hudson (Davenport, Iowa) ~ Accounting

1976-01-01T00:10:00.000-08:00

Scanned from a Xerox copy.

The handwriting is N.C. Hudson's; the typing is mine.

On January 5, 1856, N.C. Hudson recorded his receipt of $49.64 in cash on the "Check, sent from Marion, Ga, in payment of T. Pierce's Note." We learned about this check in two letters from William H. Crocker. The letters mentioning Theophilus Pierce's debt were dated December 24, 1855 and December 17, 1855. Note: I've found the spelling both Pearce and Pierce for the same person in online genealogies of Marion, Georgia. The person I found online may be the ancestor of this Theophilus Pierce.

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January 1, 1856: N.C. Hudson (Davenport, Iowa) ~ Blue Journal

1976-01-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

In Davenport, Iowa, N.C. Hudson, now twenty-seven years old, began the fifth and final year of his blue journal; the first entry had been on May 29, 1851.

Jan 1 1856. Another New Year, and I trust it may prove a prosperous one to me.

Have been engaged superintending an extensive Hard Store¹ since the 14th Dec. for Corbin Trustee. Quite a change from law to hard ware, but then I continue reading law, merely overlooking the sales &c.²

---------------------

1. Sic; hardware store. He says in his account book for January 16th, the name is Smith and May. Hudson is overseeing the store for his employers, the law firm of Corbin & Dow, until some legal business has been settled involving debts owed by the store.

2. Today we would write this as etc. (et cetera = "and so forth").

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December 31, 1855: Railroad History, Iowa

1975-11-14T15:00:00.000-08:00

I am quoting the following material from the River Action web site. It's worth taking a look at the site for the images and a more complete history of the first railroad bridge to cross the Mississippi River. The Iowa side of the bridge was at Davenport, Iowa. N.C. Hudson arrived in Davenport November 26, 1855, about three months after the first train left that city (as described below) and before the bridge was completed in April 1856. Today's reference for December 31, 1855, would no doubt have interested all citizens of Davenport. You can see the maps by following the "River Action" link above.

"This map of the western part of the island is from a survey of the Rock Island Rapids conducted by Robert E. Lee in 1837. Although it had been deactivated by this time, Fort Armstrong is shown at the western tip of the island. Col. Davenport''s land is shown in the center of the image near Trader''s Vista. In the northwest (upper left) corner in Davenport is land and a house occupied by Antoine LeClaire, who donated that land for the beginnings of the first railroad in Iowa, the Mississippi and Missouri, which had corporate links to the Rock Island Railroad and to the Bridge Company.

"LeClaire''s house would become the first railroad depot in Iowa. The first train on the Mississippi and Missouri left this depot in August 1855, destined for Walcott, eight months before the bridge connected Iowa with Illinois. Then in December 1855 (11:59 p.m., December 31st, to be exact) the first train reached Iowa City, some fifty miles west of Davenport. The Mississippi and Missouri Railroad, finally reached Council Bluffs, Iowa on the Missouri River [on Iowa's western border between Iowa and Kansas] in 1869, by that time having become part of the Chicago, Rock Island, and Pacific Railroad. (Map courtesy of the Rock Island District, U. S. Corps of Engineers)"

Why exactly 11:59 p.m. on the last day of 1855? The story is told in captivating style on the Abbey Station web site:

While the bridge was being built, progress of the M&M in Iowa was very slow. Iowa City was its first goal, but Muscatine also wanted a railroad. Civic leaders there pleaded with builders to bring the line into that community. It was finally decided to split the road at Wilton, extend the main line to Iowa City and to build a branch to Muscatine. Iowa Citians, fearful that the railroad might not reach their town, then the capitol of the state, decided to post a $50,000 bonus to the builders if the line was finished and a train run into the station on or before midnight December 31, 1855.

The line to Muscatine was finished first and on November 20, 1855 the first train ever to operate in Iowa departed from Davenport with six crowded coaches for the run to Muscatine. But the builders had not forgotten Iowa City's $50,000. On December 31, in a temperature of 30 degrees below zero, the rails were just 1,000 feet short of their goal. Crews worked feverishly to finish the job. Ties were dropped on the staked earth and rails spiked hurriedly in place. Finally, with only minutes to go, a signal was given for the engine to approach. It couldn't move. It was frozen and dead on center. With the help of every available man, chains attached to the pilot and pinch bars under the wheels, the workmen pinched and pushed to slide the engine to the station seconds before the old year rang out.

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December 31, 1855: N.C. Hudson (Davenport, Iowa) ~ Accounting

1975-11-14T14:50:00.000-08:00

Scanned from a Xerox copy.

The writing is N.C. Hudson's; the typing is mine.

On December 31, 1855, N.C. Hudson recorded in his cash journal an expenditure of $4.45 for "Incidentals." Based on earlier entries, I expect this was money spent on various things since his last journal entry.

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December 24, 1855: William H. Crocker (Twiggs County, Georgia) to N.C. Hudson (Davenport, Iowa)

1975-11-14T14:40:00.000-08:00

A second letter from William H. Crocker was written on December 24, 1855, and was found in our collection along with Crocker's letter of December 17th. It was dated from Marion, Twiggs County, Georgia:

Friend Hudson

Dear Sir

Enclosed you will find check for the amount collected of Theophilus Pearce less exchange. I drew the check in my name & endorsed it to you for this reason I am living in the State near the bank & if it Should be lost I can establish it & get a duplicate without requiring you to come here

I wrote you last week informing you that I Should Send it Soon I hope it will be all right. None of the others have paid as yet.

Tomorrow is Christmas day but no parties or anything of the Sort on hand — rain rain lots — All well except colds

Yours &c

Wm. H. Crocker

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December 18, 1855: N.C. Hudson (Davenport, Iowa) ~ Accounting

1975-11-14T14:30:00.000-08:00

Scanned from a Xerox copy.

The writing is N.C. Hudson's; the typing is mine.

On December 18, 1855, N.C. Hudson paid $2.00 for membership in the Young Men's Literary Association in Davenport, Iowa. On December 10th, we saw that he had purchased a ticket to lectures.

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December 17, 1855: William H. Crocker (Twiggs County, Georgia) to N.C. Hudson (Davenport, Iowa)

1975-11-14T14:20:00.000-08:00

Nathaniel Hudson knew two men by the name of William H. Crocker in Marion, Twiggs County, Georgia, where he had taught school for two years. After teaching, he boarded with the family of Colonel William H. Crocker and studied law with him privately. He made friends with both father and son, also named William H. Crocker. The younger William seems to have been about N.C. Hudson's age. Hudson kept in contact with both, but the letter below was apparently written by the son. Their handwriting was very simiar. William mentions a number of people we have not heard of before now, but who were obviously known to Nathaniel. I've given "Twiggs County" in the title above, because it isn't clear whether the grocery where Crocker was writing from was in Marion. It probably was. A letter from Crocker to Hudson dated December 24th was found along with the letter of December 17th.

In the Grocery Monday Night
Dec. 17th 1855

Esteemed friend Hudson

Yours of the 28th ult.¹ was received a few days ago & I hasten as requested to answer it immediately. I can assure you I did not know how to account for your Silence for in the last,² letter I received from you Said³ you would be with us in October. I looked for you every day until I received it When lo! & behold! you had Stepped across the great Mississippi & are in fine quarters. I hope you may ever be. You Say want me to write you all the news — Well I would like to do So but cant for two reasons — In the first place I Know Nothing to write In the Second place I dont feel in the writing humor to night in consequence of a Severe headache which I have had all day —

The Marrying Mania has set in & I think nearly passed. George Faulk was married to Miss Mary Shine the 30th of Oct. The old Captain intended giving a large wedding but the death of his Son A.J. Shine of Worth Co. a few days previous forbade

Mr Vickers of Laurens gave them a large party a day or two after but I nor any one else in this neighborhood was invited I understand they are to live with the old lady Faulk next year

Divers others in the Flat woods & on Sandy have "jumped the broom" none of whom you are acquainted with. We have had more Sickness in this country this fall than was ever known by the oldest citizens but less fatal Sickness than usual Principally chill & fever Every member of our family has been down with it except myself I have kept up & kicking not losing a meal from Sickness in Several years. I am now about ten pounds heavier than I was last winter. Mrs. Elias Pearce is now quite Sick & has been for a week not expected to live. She Sent for me to write her nice;⁴ last Saturday evening

Political excitement has raged higher this fall than I ever knew it. We were most gloriously defeated in October by 150 majority There have been divers fights & fracasses before & Since the Election A few weeks before the Election John Cowan backed out the whole Democratic party in town They then (pretendingly) wanted to drop it but as soon as they found he had parted with his weapons some fifty of them Jumped on him with clubs knives &c &c & beat him badly. But the next day he was up & ready for them again. "He swore vengeance" against every one that Struck him & Since that time he has paid off several with interest. The Inman⁵ boys Wiley Bullard & Allen Beckcam (all Americans⁶) have brushed out Several of the "unterrified"⁷ — You have doubtless learned the result of our State Election.

The whole country has made a beautiful crop of everything but more particularly grain. More corn than has been made in the past two years. Theophilus Pearce is the only one of your creditors that has paid up $49.65. I have not time to collect any thinking that you would be in this winter & collect them yourself. I Saw Joseph Davidson⁸ in town a day or two ago & he Said he had not Sold his cotton — I have heard him frequently say the Same thing I have not mentioned it to any of the others but will when I see them I will remit to you by check as you direct the amount in hand as soon as I can procure one

This leaves us all well except colds which are very prevalent just at this time We have had warm cloudy weather but no rain for Several days past I cant write longer for my headache — Father Mother & children wish to be remembered to you affactionately — Write soon & often & come as soon as you can — Yours &c

Wm. H. Crocker

---------------------

1. "Of last month"
2. Above this he wrote, "previous."
3. Sic
4. I imagine he means "niece."
5. Not quite readable.
6. The American political party, or "Know-Nothings."
7. I don't know what he means here.
8. Hudson's old landlord.

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December 16 1855: N.C. Hudson (Davenport, Iowa) to Helen R. Joy (Townshend, Vermont)

1975-11-14T14:10:00.000-08:00

Part of N.C. Hudson's letter to Helen, scanned from a Xerox.

"Cross writing," as in the example above, was used often in the letters in our collection, but by no means was it always used. It is easier to read than might be expected, although this is a poor example, because it was scanned from a Xerox, and some of the lines have become too light. In addition, Hudson's pen was skipping. He refers to his letter as "an ugly scrawl." We can see why he might say that.

On the 15th of December, 1855, voters in Kansas Territory (next door to Iowa), boycotted by pro-slavery supporters, approved the Topeka Constitution which allowed Negroes to enter Kansas Territory. They chose a governor and a legislature and petitioned Congress for statehood. President Franklin Pierce viewed the Topeka Convention and Constituion as illegal and threw his entire support, including federal troops, to uphold the existing Kansas Territorial Constitution and Legislature which had been, in his opinion, duly elected in the spring of 1855. This election had been considered by northerners and anti-slavery supporters as corrupt since many people from the pro-slave state of Missouri had crossed the border into Kansas to vote. This controversy attracted such fanatics to rectify this perceived injustice that in the spring of 1856 John Brown and a group of followers murdered five pro-slavery settlers, which is known as the Pottawatomie Massacre, and which touched off reprisals from both sides and thus from this came the term "Bleeding Kansas." The news of this election may not have travelled yet to Hudson in Davenport on the eastern border of Iowa, or perhaps he didn't find it worth mentioning in his letter to Helen the next day.

Davenport, Iowa, Dec. 16th 1855

My Dear Helen:

It is Sabbath, a day ever welcome to wearied earth, bringing rest to all living things, and in all christian climes inspiring more of praise and adoration to the Most High. This is indeed a clear and beautiful day, the atmosphere being dry and invigorating, though somewhat cold and windy. The din and noise of business is hushed, and the city seems resting from the labors of the past week. I think sabbath can not be more welcome to any one than the inhabitant of a city, for it is the only day when even comparative silence reigns around him. Tho' this is but a city of ten thousand as well as a city of "magnificent distances,"¹ it is all business. Every thing is up and moving — there are no drones here — Edifices going up by the scores — countless hammers are heard on every side. Dozens of engines send forth their shrill whistle from as many manufactories, while the more powerful locomotives of rail roads are constantly coming and going, thundering along with their mighty trains, of living freight, and merchandise. Thousands are coming and departing, while others come to stay. All of these and many more things combined make this city anything but a quiet place. Week days I am engaged in the very busiest part of the city, and gladly do I retire to my boarding house on "the day of all days." I board on the "Bluff" nearly half a mile from the river, in a very quiet section, where I am now writing this. I do not attend Church this morning. My friend and companion — Mr Dixon —, and myself have taken our morning walk, and have returned, he to write his ________ (?),² who lives in Pa., and I to write you.

To whom should I write sooner than you— Business and all else being laid aside, I am quietly seated in the parlor with pen — that pen¹⁰ — paper &c., busy with thoughts of you and — why should I not be? To be sure there are several fellow boarders sitting around, but they are busy with their own thoughts, and I with mine, though they wander far away to those whom I love. It is a blessing to us that though we may be far away from our friends, we can think of them and love them still. In a physical point of view we cannot always readily overcome or annihilate distance, but with our thoughts we can. No distance is too great for the mind. While I am here, my thoughts are with you. I fancy I see you, your Mother and father, and Leonard, just starting for Church. Do you think I would like to be along? No where do I love so well to attend Church as at Townshend. "There is no place like home" is an old and true saying, and I think, there is no Church like the one where we meet at the same common altar with our dearest friends. There are many houses of worship of all denominations here, but they do not seem much like those I have been accustomed to, but in a short time I presume they will appear quite natural, for I am becoming domesticated more rapidly here, than in any place, I was ever in, outside of Windham county.³ I have been into only one church since I have been here — and then to hear lectures. Next sunday I must commence attending Church regularly.

But I was saying I fancied you were starting for meeting — By this time, I fancy, you have arrived and Elder Fletcher has read the first hymn, and you have all arisen to testify your adoration of Jehovah in singing his praises. I would like to be near enough to listen to that song — the morning offering of many devoted hearts — . What if I fancy I can hear it — but ah, it is only in imagination! — And now, all preliminaries being through with, Elder Fletcher arises, and in his usual sweet way, announces his text — commences his discourse in his customary gentle, graceful, but forcible manner — now he launches forth upon his all absorbing theme, carrying conviction to all unbiassed minds and — but I can not stop, in imagination, to hear him thro', nor do I wish to attract your attention from service, but leave you to follow him as he proceeds to unfold, in golden words, the life giving inspiration of religion, and the eternity of bliss and love which will surely be the possession of all who obey God's will. I would not wish to disturb you and the worship of the "great I am" with such senseless lines as these, but leave them for you to peruse — if you should favor them thus — , at some other time and place. I will leave you to worship — and write on.

But before going farther let me acknowledge the reception of your very kind letter, which was welcomed, night before last, with your humble friend's heartfull of gratitude and love. By my not acknowledging its arrival ere writing thus far, think not I had forgotten its coming — forget it. I am not one to forget the tokens of my friends whom I love. As soon the sun forget its accustomed course. I would never forget one memorial token or thought of you. But perhaps you will not thank me for writing all my thots especially of you. Well I will not, for should I, I might write on, and on, and the more I write, the more I would have to write, and when should I get thro' — echo answers when? — There is a divine saying which says, "From the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh," and I suppose if the latter part of it were changed into the "pen writeth," it would be equally true. But never mind about this, my sweet friend, for I found your letter very interesting in spite of all your fears to the contrary. Now do you really think any letter from you, would be uninteresting to me? You thought it very dull. Now, I did not discover any dullness, and I am sure I ought to know, for I have read it over many times to know it word for word. One thing is certain, it gave me a thousand times more pleasure than all things else have since I have been away from you. A thousand thanks for it, and I trust I shall have the pleasure of perusing another from you, in just five days from the time you receive this. It takes five days for a letter to reach here from T— I think. I shall be most happy to write you just as often as you wish me. I should have answered yours by return mail yesterday morning, had there been time, and as there is no eastern mail until tomorrow morning, I concluded to wait until today. I will answer all of yours as soon as received. I am willing to write once a week. Tell your mother, she does not miss me half so much as I do her, "I'll bet," and that I shall write her. Then she thinks, "things are changed now"? It may be so — tell her I do not like her less, but — stop, I'm not going to tell her — if she can guess, she may.

I am glad you have been enjoying yourself so, and especially that you have been an "exceedingly good girl", for I should feel bad, if you had not. Am pleased to hear that school⁴ has opened under such favorable auspices. I hope you will not tire yourself out with a large class of music scholars — you will not, will you? You should recollect that health is of the most importance, for without it, we can but poorly enjoy our earthly existance. Health first and then the next best thing — You say you have seen my brother Jerome &c, & that he seems contented.⁵ Hope he will remain so. Thank you for assurance of endeavors to make his stay in T— agreeable &c. No doubt but that he will be well pleased with T. & people. Brother Napoleon left here last monday for the East, and I presume he is in Vermont before this, tho' he may have stopped in Illinois. I think he was homesick, and then he became a little sick. I tried my best to keep him. If he returned directly to Vermont, you will have have⁶ heard of him, or have seen him, in T. before this reaches you. Be not at all uneasy about me being alone — I am used to strangers. I have one very intimate friend here — I told him of your threatening — He caved in — I think it will all be right — ha, ha, what do you think of that. We room together, and both belong to the same office. Messrs Corbin & Dow are the heads of the office, and fine men too, both New Englanders. Any quantity of business. I have been to Iowa City once to buy land for the firm, and saw some of the finest land I ever put eyes upon. What would you think to see me at the head of a hardware store? It seems quite a transition to me. Day before yesterday morning, at a moments warning I took possession of a hardware store of ten thousand dollars stock over the heads of two clerks, two visible partners, and one other partner in Chicago. I reckon I am decidedly an unsophisticated merchant tho' when a lad served some thirteen months as merchant clerk in N.Y. City, but I do not remember that we sold hardware. However I do no trading save now & then for variety. My business is to see that all things go right, see that the books are kept correctly, and take the cash and keys and to keep other creditors out. The Chicago partner has stock in several extensive concerns in this state, and our law firm have them all under the hatches, which is the reason I am a nominal trader just at this time. I take my law book into the store with me.

But I must draw this ugly scrawl⁷ to a close, lest I shall entirely weary your patience. How I wish I could see you — I get so lonesome, — I shall not say homesick, for I am never homesick — to be so far distant from you — Please extend my regards to Sarah and Bainbridge,⁸ and all enquiring friends.

Tell Len' ⁹ I am looking for his letter. Now you will answer this immediately, will you not? for I am so anxious to hear from you. I went to the office many a time for yours — accept my love for all the family, and the warmest love and affection of your affectionate —

In this corner you

will find three

kisses warm from

my heart in

return for yours,

which I found

in fine state

of preservation.

---------------------

1. I thought that "magnificent distances" was an interesting phrase, and since Hudson put it in quotes, it must refer to something specific, or perhaps it was a phrase currently in vogue. It turns out that the "City of Magnificent Distances" refers to Washington, D.C., or Washington City as it was called in the mid 1800s. The general meaning is probably "unfinished," but see the interesting discussion and derivation after the footnotes below.
2. Sic; a long line with a question mark in parentheses.
3. Townshend, where Nathaniel moved to attend school and where he met the Joy family, is in Windham County, Vermont, as is Athens, where Hudson spent his younger years. He was born in St. Johnsbury, Caledonia County, Vermont.
4. Helen was teaching music in Townshend.
5. Jerome Holman Hudson, now 21, had come to Townhend to attend Leland Seminary which, although run by the Baptist Church, offered a highly-respected classical education.
6. "have have" is repeated
7. See the illustration at the top of this post.
8. Helen's cousin Sarah L. Stone married Bainbridge Howard on January 24, 1855, in Boston, Massachusetts.
9. Helen's brother, William Leonard Joy.
10. In an earlier letter, Hudson mentioned to Helen that he needed to get a new pen, and he would baptize it with a letter to her. Here he's using the new pen, which seems to be skipping. Maybe pens needed breaking in.

"MAGNIFICENT DISTANCES"

Reference for "magnificent distances" quoted from: http://www.terrain.org/columns/23/savoy.htm

"By the early 1800s, views of the City of Washington boasted muddy or dusty roads (depending on the weather), scattered habitable buildings, partly built structures, and many abandoned projects, in addition to farms and woods. As Englishwoman Harriet Martineau recalled in her Retrospect of Western Travel (1838):

"The city itself is unlike any other that was ever seen, straggling out hither and thither, with a small house or two a quarter of a mile from any other; so that, in making calls “in the city,” we had to cross ditches and stiles, and walk alternately on grass and pavements, and strike across a field to reach a street."

"After nearly fifty years Washington city was still in process of becoming a city. Andrew Mackay, a visitor from Scotland, saw in 1846 “ever and anon a street just begun and then stopped, as if it were afraid to proceed any further into the wilderness.” . . .

"Charles Dickens’s ridicule from an 1842 visit is more telling:

"It is sometimes called the City of Magnificent Distances, but it might with greater propriety be termed the City of Magnificent Intentions…. Spacious avenues, that begin in nothing and lead nowhere; streets, mile-long, that want only houses, roads, and inhabitants; public buildings that need but a public to complete; and ornaments of great thoroughfares, which only lack great thoroughfares to ornament—are its leading features…. To the admirers of cities it is a… pleasant field for the imagination to rove in; a monument raised to a deceased project, with not even a legible inscription to record its departed greatness.

"Such as it is, it is likely to remain."

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December 10, 1855: N.C. Hudson (Davenport, Iowa) ~ Accounting

1975-11-14T14:00:00.000-08:00

Two entries from N.C. Hudson's cash journal.

Scanned from Xerox copies.

The writing is N.C. Hudson's; the typing is mine.

On December 10, 1855, Nathaniel Hudson bought a ticket to one of the lectures given periodically by the Young Men's Literary Association in Davenport. At least some of these lectures were held at the Congregational Church, and Hudson does mention to Helen in his letter of December 16 that he attended lectures in a church. I don't know if they were all held in the same location. I discovered online that Ralph Waldo Emerson was the lecturer at this venue in Davenport on December 31, 1855, but Hudson didn't record that particular lecture if he went to it. He did mention hearing Emerson on another date. In the chapter on Emerson linked below, it was stated that the lecture cost fifty cents. I think it's possible, although I don't know for sure, that the lectures were held every week and that Hudson had purchased a ticket good for one month.

The second account book entry shows that Nathaniel borrowed one hundred dollars from his brother Napoleon and received a watch chain from him worth ten dollars. Napoleon was about to head back home.

See also:

. "Ralph Waldo Emerson on the Illinois Lecture Circuit"

To read about the lecture in Davenport on December 31, go to the link above and use the search feature in the PDF reader to find "December 31" or scroll to page 196.

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December 9-11, 1855: N.C. Hudson (Davenport, Iowa) ~ Blue Journal

1975-11-14T13:50:00.000-08:00

N.C. Hudson wrote the following as one journal entry with several dates out of order. The initial entry was written first as "Dec. 10th" and crossed out with pencil; it appears to have been changed to read, "Dec. 11th." See Hudson's account book in this post; the link also contains a map showing the location of the cities mentioned below.

Dec. 11th Went to Iowa City day before yesterday by rail road to Muscatine, and from thence by stage, which was death to kill. Saw some of the most beautiful country I ever put eyes upon, and almost concluded to turn farmer. Iowa City is quite a place of about five thousand inhabitants, situated on Iowa river. Returned tonight, pretty much jaded —

Sunday 9th Cold — indeed right down cold — today — rained all day yesterday, and mud was mud and no mistake —

Have not attended Church today, nor since I left Home — I do not feel that I am hardly doing right in doing so.

Evening of the 10th — Brother Napoleon left this morning for the East — Could not pursuade him to remain longer — Think he was homesick —

I am getting along finely — Generally in fine spirits and health. Find Messrs Corbin & Dow to be glorious good fellows. Sometimes thoughts of those far away, whom I love, makes me sad — not not the thoughts exactly for I love to think of them, but the thought that I am so far away from them. But I must not be sad — I am bound to go ahead, let what will come, if God spares my health and life —

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December 8, 1855: N.C. Hudson (Davenport, Iowa) ~ Accounting

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Reference map by Sheryl Todd showing some of the Iowa locations
mentioned by N.C. Hudson in his journals and letters.
This map is only a reference, and is not intended to show Iowa

as it was in 1855.
CLICK ON MAP TO ENLARGE

Scanned from a Xerox copy.
The writing is N.C. Hudson's; the typing is mine.

On December 8, 1855, N.C. Hudson noted $11.00 "Expenses to Iowa City by way of Muscatine." He was undertaking a trip for the firm of Corbin & Dow, his employers, as he explains in a single journal entry with several dates and also in a letter to Helen on December 16th.

The second entry above says, "Cash rec'd of Austin Corbin, for going to I. City" . . . $15.00. The $15.00 must have included $4.00 in payment to Hudson for his time. His journey was for the purpose of purchasing land at Iowa City, a location made significant for investment because the railroad had just reached that location (see the post discussing Iowa railroads). I don't know anything more about this particular land purchase, but Austin Corbin was to become a railroad tycoon in future years.

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Ella Fletcher ~ Order of Exercises, Appleton Academy, New Ipswich, New Hampshire

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The following three images are scans of a Xerox copy of a school program enclosed in Ella Fletcher's letter of December 8, 1855, to Helen R. Joy. Ella was Helen's best friend, and Ella, like many of the students who graduated from Leland Seminary in Townshend, Vermont, went on to become teachers, at least for a few years. Ella was teaching at the New Ipswich Appleton Academy in New Ipswich, New Hampshire, when she sent Helen this "Order of Exercises" program in which she had been one of the examiners. Note the course in Surveying. It was ten years before Horace Greeley would famously write, "Go West, young man," but people were already going west into lands that needed a surveyor's training.

By clicking each of the three images below and then clicking on it again, you can enlarge it enough to read the text. However, I have also typed the text (but not necessarily in format) beneath each page.

ORDER OF EXERCISES

at the

EXAMINATION AND EXHIBITION

NEW IPSWICH APPLETON ACADEMY,

MONDAY AND TUESDAY,

NOV. 12 & 13, 1855.

--------------------

Steam Power Press of Abbott, Jenks & Co., Manchester, N.H.

EXAMINATION. Monday A. M., NOV. 12.

1 English Grammar, (2nd,) Miss Fletcher
2 Latin Grammar, Miss Fletcher,
3 Rhetoric, Mr. Haynes,
4 Natural Philosophy, (1st and 2nd,) Mr. Davis,
5 Arithmetic, (1st,) Miss Fletcher,
6 Chemistry, Mr. Quimby,
7 Astronomy, Miss Kenny,
8 Trigonometry, Mr. Quimby

P. M.

1 Virgil, (2nd and 3d,) Mr. Davis,
2 Virgil, (1st,) Mr. Quimby,
3 Geometry, (1st,) Mr. Quimby,
4 Geometry, (2nd) Mr. Davis,
5 English Grammar, (1st) Mr. Davis,
6 Surveying, Mr. Quimby,
7 Algebra, (1st and 2nd,) Mr. Davis,
8 English Analysis, Mr. Quimby,

TUESDAY, A.M., NOVEMBER 13.

1 Algebra (3rd,) Miss Fletcher
2 Latin Reader, Mr. Davis,
3 French Grammar, Miss Fletcher,
4 Greek Lessons,Mr. Quimby,
5 L'Allemagne, Miss Fletcher,
6 Racine, Miss Fletcher,
7 Anabasis, Mr. Quimby,
8 Greek Reader, Mr. Quimby,

The Annual Meeting of the Trustees will be held at the Academy, Tuesday, November 13, at 3 o'clock P. M.

EXHIBITION.
TUESDAY EVENING, NOV. 13.

PROGRAMME.
FIRST PART

MUSIC.

1. Salutatory, (Greek,) . . . . . . . C. . F. P. Bancroft,
2 Singing, . . . . . . . By the Choir.
3 Oration, "Success," . . . . . . . S. Haynes,
4 Essay . . . . . . . Miss L. D. Adams.
5 Oration, "Terpsichore," . . . . . . . J. S. Swan

MUSIC.
6—SCENES IN REAL LIFE.

1st—The Ferox Family.

Mr. Ferox, . . . . . . . H. H. Kimball,
Mrs. Ferox . . . . . . . . Miss L. M. Houghton,
Grandmother, . . . . . . . Miss L. D. Adams,
Lydia, . . . . . . . . Miss L. A. Heywood,
Mary, . . . . . . . Miss A. M. Gibson,
Joseph, . . . . . . . J. M. Barnard,
James, . . . . . . . C. F. Barnard,
Samuel, . . . . . . . J. S. Swan

2nd—The Duplex Family.

Mr. Duplex, . . . . . . . C. H. Burns,
Mrs. Duplex, . . . . . . . . Miss H. J. Hodgman,
Charles, . . . . . . . . C. F. Brickett,
John, . . . . . . . . J. S. Chick,
Neighbors, . . . . . . B. N. Bradt, Miss M. S. Davis, Miss H. A. Russelll.

3d—The Felix Family.

Mr. Felix, . . . . . . . A. Ladd,
Mrs. Felix, . . . . . . . Miss C. A. Greeley,
Grandmother, . . . . . . . Miss E. J. Foster,
Mary, . . . . . . . Miss M. M. Chamberlin,
Frank, . . . . . . . C. F. P. Bancroft,
Warren, . . . . . . . S. W. Chase,
Bell, . . . . . . . Miss M. A Preston.

MUSIC.
7—TABLEAUX

1st "The Artist's Last Picture,"
2nd "Topsy adn Eva"

PART SECOND.

1 Singing, . . . . . . . . Quartette,

2 Oration, "The Reformation,". . . . . . . C. W. Griswold,

3 Essay, . . . . . . . Miss E. L. Stearns,

4 Oration, "Religious Persecution," . . . . . . . C. H. Burns,

MUSIC.

5—COLOQUY, . . . . . . . Woman's Rights,

Miss O. A. Richardson,

Miss H. M. Kimball,

Miss S. M. Houghton,

Miss M. M. Chamberlin,

Miss J. Brigham,

Miss S. M. Bancroft,

Miss A. A. Kenny,

Miss L. M. Houghton,

Miss H. A. Campbell,

Miss C. E. Ballard,

Miss M. A. Sheldon,

Miss H. N. Caldwell,

MUSIC.

6—TABLEAUX.

1 "The Marriage Ceremony." . . . 2 "Mrs. Partington and Ike."

PART THIRD.

1 Singing, . . . . . . . By the Choir,

2 Oration, "Morality our Country's hope" . . . . . . . A. Ladd,

3 Essay, . . . . . . . . Miss O. A. Richardson,

MUSIC.

4—K. N. COUNCIL IN BYFIELD.

S. Haynes, President, M. H. Farnsworth, Secretary, C. H. Burns, Marshal, A. Ladd, S. A. Bent, C. F. P. Bancroft, H. H. Kimball, C. Shattuck, G. H. Russell, G. E. Woodbury, J. S. Swan, C. W. Griswold, G. L. Sanders, M. F. Crosby, I. S. Worchester, B. M. Heald.

MUSIC.

5—TABLEAUX.

1 "Sleeping Beauty," . . . . . . . . 2 "Child at Prayer,"

6 Singing, "Parting Hymn," . . . . . . . By the Choir.

7 Valedictory, . . . . . . . . H. H. Kimball.

The exercises of the Exhibition are entirely original. Doors open at 5 1/2 o'clock. Exercises to comence precisely at 6 o'clock.

The Winter Term commences Nov. 28.

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December 8, 1855: Ella Fletcher (New Ipswich, New Hampshire) to Helen R. Joy (Townshend, Vermont)

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Envelope scanned from a Xerox copy

"Principal,.... E. T. Quimby, M.A."

On December 8, Ella Fletcher, Helen's closest friend and the daughter of Townshend's Baptist Preacher, wrote Helen from New Ipswich, New Hampshire, where, we learn from the "Order of Exercises"¹ she enclosed in her letter that she was teaching English, French, Latin, Arithmetic, Algebra and probably German at Appleton Academy. She examined the students in those subjects. Ella had heard "strange rumors" about Helen.

New Ipswich N.H.
Dec 8, 1855.

My dear darling Helen,

It has indeed been a long time since I have written to you, but be assured it has not been for want of disposition to do so, but the old excuse — want of time. — The last part of last term my time was completely occupied preparing for exhibition. I was in school every day till dark, — and then was obliged to be out every evening till very late helping get ready for exhibition. — You know how it is the last part of a term, my dear Helen, and I trust will excuse my seeming neglect.

And then I was expecting all the time to meet you in vacation, — as was our plan last summer. I cannot tell you how disapointed I was not to see you for I had planned having such a nice time with you. — It was quite too bad Helen, but I do not doubt you had some good reason. — Oh! I did have a splendid time! — I never enjoyed two weeks so much. — I thought many times of you, and felt quite confident that you would enjoy being with us. — I suppose Harriet² has given you the particulars of our visit so that you will not be interested to hear them again: — but I will tell you about Miss Goodnow, for she did not see her so much as I did, and perhaps would not be so minute in her account of her as you and I should like. — I did not have time to answer her letter, so she did not know that I was coming, and I quite surprised her with a call a few days after I went to B — .³ She seemed glad to see me, and was as pleasant and good as ever. — She enquired particularly for you, and said it seemed as if she must have you there with me. — She came to see me a few days afterward and I was out, but fortunately Julia was in and invited her to come the next Saturday and pass the afternoon with us.

She accepted and came and we enjoyed her visit very much. She invited me to come and go to church with her the next day, and to go to the Atheneum with her the next Tuesday.

It was so far to walk I did not go to church with her — but I went to the Atheneum and passed a whole forenoon with her there. You will of course understand how much I enjoyed it. That was the last time I saw her for she was going to leave town that night to spend the remainder of the week. — She was going to pass Thanksgiving at Weston,⁴ which she calls one of her homes.

I was going constantly all vacation and felt quite "used up" when I reached here just one week ago to day, and Helen, I was real homesick for a few days after I came back. — I did not feel like going to work again. — I presume you can understand the feeling, after passing a pleasant vacation — though you are at home, which of course makes all the difference in the world. — I thought of you all Thanksgiving day, and wished so much that I was there. What a beautiful day you had if it was as pleasant with you as here! — All the past week, the weather has been delightful, — but it has commenced snowing to day. We have a very pleasant school of about forty scholars. I teach till half past four at night, six hours in the day — have a small Drawing class &c.

I would like to tell you something about our exhibition, if it is rather late, but I have not time or room. I happen to have just one order of Exercises which is rather worn and defaced, but perhaps you would like to see it, and it will give you an idea of what was done.

It passed off nicely except that there was such a crowd it rather marred the comfort of the spectators. There were hundreds went away unable to get seats. — I was much obliged for your catalogue and intended to have sent you one before this. Please excuse my negligence.

Please give much love to your dear Mother and all your family and do write me very soon will you not?

Love to Mrs Evans also and accept a large share yourself, dear Helen, from

Ella

Let us enter into our old arrangement about writing every other week. Will you? I will make a great effort to be prompt. Do try me and write me all about yourself — everything. What is it about Hudson? I hear strange rumors about him and you, but I do not credit them. Tell me all about it Helen. Do you hear from George?⁵

--------------------

1. I sent the original has to a historical society in New Ipswich.
2. Harriet Fletcher was Ella's sister.
3. Probably Boston
4. Weston, Massachusetts, is a bit west of Boston.
5. Helen was engaged to George Cheney at the time N.C. Hudson wrote his passionate letter proposing to her.

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November 1855: Railroad History at Davenport, Iowa

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When N.C. Hudson arrived in Davenport, the railroad was in the process of reaching that city. Although he doesn't mention it, he must have disembarked at Moline, Illinois, and taken a ferry across the Mississippi River to Davenport. The Mississippi flowed from east to west here, with Davenport, Iowa, on the northwest bank and Moline, Illinois, on the southeast bank. In the middle of the river between the two cities was an outcropping of rock forming the largest island in the Mississipi. When Hudson arrived in Iowa, there was an incomplete railroad bridge spanning the river from Rock Island (now called Arsenal Island) to Davenport. When completed on April 22, 1856, it would be the first bridge to cross the Mississippi.

Indeed, the railroad itself was new to Iowa. On November 20, 1855, just six days before Hudson's arrival, the first train to operate in Iowa steamed from Davenport to Muscatine, Iowa, about 25 miles southwest along the bank of the Mississippi. On the Iowa History Project web site, it says, "From Wilton [Iowa] a branch line was built south to Muscatine, and the first passenger train from Davenport to that city arrived in November, 1855. It carried many visitors from Chicago and Davenport. The citizens of Muscatine had prepared a great celebration for the occasion. Twelve tables were piled high with food, and at night there was a grand ball."

This link gives some terrific images along with the history of this bridge.

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November 26, 1855: N.C. Hudson (Davenport, Iowa) to Helen R. Joy (Townshend, Vermont) ~ First Letter from Iowa

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On November 26th, N.C. Hudson wrote Helen his first letter from Iowa, dated from Davenport; in it, we learn more about this plans for the future. This is also the first time among our documents that he uses her family nickname, "Nelly."

Dearest Nellie:

Thank heaven I have reached my present destination, safe, sound and well. Arrived here this morning between eight and nine o'clock. Davenport is a beautiful city of eight or ten thousand inhabitants, situated on the bank of the Mississippi — I think it decidedly the finest place I have seen in the West as yet. Have been looking about all day. Think I have been quite successful. Made an engagement at the first office¹ in the city and the first one I entered for the purpose, in a very few hours after my arrival. By this arrangement I have an opportunity of making myself acquainted with the Iowa code and practice, and all general law business of the West, and at the same time make a little of the needful, though I shall not hang out my shingle until February, at least I do not think of it now. The Law firm I enter is Corben & Dow's.² Dow appears to be a fine man, and was formerly from Maine. Corben I have not become acquainted with yet.

I have had the good fortune to fall in with a law classmate of mine (Dixon by name), who is a glorious good fellow. He is just taking the editorial charge of a paper here. He and I are to room and board together after tomorrow morning. Boarding places are difficult to be procured in this place — have been hunting for a place all the afternoon. Shall have to pay about four dollars per week, and perhaps near five. Board I should judge has "riz." I am now stopping at a place which glories in the name of "City Hotel," but such a Hotel. The mud and the Hotels of the west are sore trials to an eastern man, but this is, however, a decidedly go ahead country. There is a vast deal more stir and business here, as well as the true "Young American Spirit" than in most of the Old fogy places of the East. But of this hereafter, when I am more capable of judging.

Did you receive a letter from me, dated at Niagara? I have my fears that you did not, as the Queens Post Office was closed, tho' I gave it to one of the P.O. clerks, but then I do not believe in these John Bulls. However I do not think its non reception should occasion any regret, for I reckon it was decidedly worthless. This I do not think will be very interesting, as I write in the barroom, I suppose, tho' they have no sort of drink not even water, as the Maine Law is out here, but I cannot get any other place, indeed scarcely a place to sleep for the general rush of travel. Have just returned from listening to a lecture by E.P. Whipple, where I went not only to hear that distinguished lecturer, but to see the elite of this city. Am favorably impressed.

Brother³ is with me — I fear he is getting homesick — do not know that I shall be able to keep him, As for me — I am bound to stay, sink or swim, live or die. To day, am in fine spirits. Do not know of but one place I had rather be in just now, and that one, could you guess — perhaps? It is a beautiful starlight night, and freezing a little. You will answer me immediately, will you not — do, for you know not how much I wish to hear from you. I wrote Leonard⁴ last night — if he rec'd it, tell him I shall expect a reply by next mail. Next time I will try and find better paper and pen — that "pen" I will baptize with a letter to you. I hope to be better situated after to night. Remember me to all the family.

In haste, I remain with sincere love and affection yours

N.C. Hudson

---------------------

1. The best law office
2. "Corben" was Austin Corbin, who would become not only famous, but also nortorious. At the time, theirs was the "first" (meaning best or most prominent) law office in Davenport. In these early years both men were known for their business acumen and for reliability.
3. Napoleon
4. William Leonard Joy, Helen's brother and Nathaniel's close friend and schoolmate

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November 26, 1855: N.C. Hudson (Davenport, Iowa) ~ Accounting

1975-11-14T12:40:00.000-08:00

Scanned from a xerox.
The writing is N.C. Hudson's; the typing is mine.

On November 26, 1855, Nathaniel caught up with his accounting, the previous entry having been made on November 19th in Poughkeepsie, New York. He found that he had spent $51.23 on "Travelling Expenses from Townshend Vt. to Davenport, Iowa, by way of N.Y. City between 16th and 26" November. He had $21.00 cash on hand as he added up his accounts at the end of his first day in Davenport; $7.14 was not specifically accounted for during his travels, which put the expense of the ten- or eleven-day trip touching seven states at $72.87.

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November 26, 1855: N.C. Hudson (Davenport, Iowa) ~ Blue Journal

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Davenport, Monday Evening 26th Myself and brother¹ arrived here this morning, crossing the Mississippi for the first time. Am not a little delighted with the appearance of the "Father of Waters." This City is a beautiful place, at least for a place which is being so rapidly built, and contains about ten thousand inhabitants. The portion on the Bluff commands a fine view for miles up and down the river, and also quite a scope of country on the Illinois side in the vicinity of Rock Island City and Moline. The streets are inclined to be muddy — which I find is apt to be the case of all Western cities — are not paved — some of the sidewalks are covered with plank, and some are not —

Stop at the City Hotel, which is abominable, in all, at least, that tends to relieve and increase the good feeling of the inner man. Western Hotels, most of them, at all events, are mere affairs, or rather humbugs — decidedly "poor feed."

This forenoon, commenced boarding and lodging at Mr Holmes, which is the place, which will do to tie to —

Made arrangements to Study in Messrs Corben & Dow's² Law office —

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1. Napoleon Bonaparte Hudson
2. "Corben" was Austin Corbin, who would become not only famous, but also nortorious. At the time, theirs was the "first" (meaning best or most prominent) law office in Davenport. In these early years both men were known for their business acumen and for reliability.

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November 25, 1855: N.C. Hudson (Geneseo, Illinois) ~ Blue Journal

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Sunday 25th — Still at Geneseo. Shall leave in the morning for Iowa —

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November 24, 1855: N.C. Hudson (Geneseo, Illinois) ~ Blue Journal

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Saturday Morning — 7 a¹ 8 — Geneseo — just come. Stop to look about to see if there is a good opening² — fine place — think I will not stop long.

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1. Sic

2. Nathaniel was travelling west seeking a promising location to practice law. He had already thought about going as far as Iowa, but was not opposed to looking for something along the way. He alludes on November 26th to the reason cities further east did not interested him; simply put, he was lured by the Frontier.

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November 23, 1855: N.C. Hudson (Chicago) ~ Blue Journal

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Chicago 8 A.M. Friday — just arrived Last night slept some, and viewed some of Michigan and Indiana by moonlight — not the best view, but I have known worse.

11 A.M. Baggage has at last made its appearance — Chicago is certainly one of the places — A vast amount of business done here — See fine buildings on every hand — Leave at 11 A.M.

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November 22, 1855: N.C. Hudson (Detroit, Michigan) ~ Blue Journal

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Thursday Morning. On the Great Western Rail Way — Slept most all night — Slow Coach this — Some fine country — beautiful woodlands — Notice head of Nicholas on one car — dont believe they have heard of the Crimea —

Detroit — before dinner — a long while too late for connection again — Since yesterday morning, a thousand curses against these confounded Rail Road delays have escaped from several of our crowd. Our baggage is behind — too much load could not bring it through.

6 P.M. We now leave Detroit on Michigan central road, for Chicago —

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November 21, 1855: N.C. Hudson (Rochester, New York) ~ Blue Journal

1975-11-14T11:40:00.000-08:00

Wednesday 21st 7 o'clock — at Rochester — Slept but little last night — 15 minutes past 11 o'clock at Suspension Bridge¹ — but fifteen minutes too late for connection, and here we are doomed to remain until eleven tonight. In the mean time shall look round a² take a near peep to the King of Cataracts — Evening. Have had a near view of the Falls — think it no fool of a curiosity. Went as near under the Falls on the York side as I could — got pretty much immersed in spray, and for my pains came very near being blown over two or three times. Niagara is certainly worth a visit, as well also Suspension bridge. While the former is one of nature's greatest works, the latter is one of Art's. There is something awful, grand, and sublime about Niagara. 11 o'clock P.M. We are on the point of starting on the great Western³ — I am going to sleep and let them start when they get ready. I do not much like these Canadians.

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1. A railroad suspension bridge was built over Niagara gorge by John A. Roebling, who would later be famous for building Brooklyn Bridge. The first train (368 tons) crossed the 821-foot single span bridge on March 6, 1855. It was the first train to cross a bridge sustained by wire cables.

2. Sic

3. The Great Western Railroad

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November 21, 1855: N.C. Hudson (Niagara Falls, Canada) to Helen R. Joy (Townshend, Vermont)

1975-11-14T11:30:00.001-08:00

This engraving was scanned from a xerox.

"City of Poughkeepsie from College Hill, 1854."

Nathaniel Hudson wrote this letter to Helen in pencil, unusual for Hudson, but it was a concession to being on the road, as he mentions in the letter. For stationery, he used a sheet of white paper with an engraving of Poughkeepsie at the top (image shown above; Nathaniel had recently gratuated from law school at Poughkeepsie). When folded, the page was about eight by ten inches. The date on the engraving is 1854, the year the city of Poughkeepsie was incorporated. The stately cordiality of Hudson's letter to Helen gives us one of the only clues to her reception of his marriage proposal.

Niagara Falls, Canada Side
Nov 21st 1855.

My Dear Helen;

You will perceive by the date, that I have arrived at the mighty cataract of waters. Have been here since eleven o'clock this morning, and here I must remain until eleven this evening in consequence of being too late for the morning train. Delays you know, are some of the inconveniences of Rail Road travelling.¹ I did not mind remaining here until dark, but to be detained here all this long dull evening is almost unsupportable, although I have a plenty company for there are between two and three hundred passengers detained here. Today has been very disagreeable, having been a mixture of rain, snow, hail, and a very little sunshine, all of it accompanied with a decided unpleasant coldness. I have been industriously engaged all the afternoon in viewing the sights, the greatest and most wonderful of them being the "father of cataracts." It is fearfully wild, terrific and grand. A portion of the time I was at the Falls, it snowed fiercely, which added much to the awful wildness and grandeur of the scene. But I have no time for comments, having the headache, and also being very much fatigued and sleepy, as I caught but a "few naps" as I was coming on from Albany last night, and those very short and not a little disturbed. Rail road napping is not the most quiet in the world.

Wishing to get as near a view of the "critur" as possible I walked down and up a pair of stairs of about three hundred steps. I believe I never before accomplished so small an affair, which tired me so much. I went almost under the falls on the American side. My brother² and others along with us would not go so near, and I came very near repenting of my bargain, for the wind blew so violently and in such sudden gusts that several times I could with difficulty retain my foothold, and I was frequently immersed in the dashing spray, but thanks to a huge Talma which I procured in New York, I came off with only an external wetting. As I came off in safety I suppose I may set it down as some fun for me.

With the exception of delays, we have been prospered on our journey so far, although I am not here so soon by one day as I expected to, previous to leaving home, owing to our remaining in New York city one day longer than contemplated. Brother Napoleon feeling inclined to take a full view of the "Elephant" before he left, I felt bound to show him round to the entire satisfaction of his curiosity.

We arrived in N. York between four and five o'clock on the afternoon after we left, and had a pleasant journey I suppose, though perhaps I paid but little regard to affairs about, being busy with my own thoughts. I do not know that Napoleon found me to be a very talkative companion the first day. He says I did not speak the first ten miles, but I reckon he is mistaken. I tell him "what's the odds" — it was all new to him, and he had enough to do to look about with out myself troubling him, and besides I had seen it all before, and could not get up any interest then. There were several passengers for California. If the El-Dorado of their hopes and affections was ahead of them, mine was not, for I was fast leaving it. If their hearts were ahead leading them on, mine was not, for I had left it amid the hills of my natal state. Then was it strange that I should commune with myself? Was it strange that dreams, or rather call them feelings, of sadness, doubts, fears, happiness and pleasure should fill my bosom? But — I must haste.

I do not know that you will be able to decipher this miserable scrawl. Pardon this Poughkeepsie stamped paper, for I can find no other in my porttfolio. I write this in the refreshment room of the Depot, and am not able to get the loan of an inkstand though I am in hopes to find some ink to back it with. People are not accomodating here. It costs about a dime a breath to stop here. They will "bleed a feller" to the last cent. If they can not get his money any other way they pick his pockets. One to my knowledge has had his pocket picked this afternoon. Most of us passengers think they missed connection on purpose to get a chance to thin our pockets. Many say delays here are frequent. Brother is in fine spirits tho' decidedly sleepy I should judge by the way he holds his head on the refreshment table. I presume he is making up for last night. He dont seem to take to sleeping on the cars very naturally. I dread tonight, for it is cold, and muddy, tho I believe it has partially cleared of.

Accept this with a heart full of love, which is ever yours, and believe me, as ever, your truly devoted

Hudson

[in the margins]

Remember me to your father, mother, Leonard, GeoLewis, and Mrs Ella³

I shall endeavor to stop and have one good nap at least, when I get to Chicago, if I should get there.

I have written this amid the din of dishes, and the noisy talk of travellers. You must supply words and letters left out, and guess at the rest.

I have so little light that I can not see whether I wright straight or crooked.

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1. Delays were frequent and long, and many of the routes ran very few trains per day.

2. Napoleon

3. Ella Louise Skinner Joy, wife of George Lewis Joy. George Lewis was Helen's brother. Even though Hudson was Ella's senior by about three and a half years, it seems Ella was due some formality as a married woman, or perhaps Hudson didn't know her very well. Everyone else is called by their first names. Leonard was William Leonard Joy, Helen's other brother; family and friends always called him "Leonard."

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November 20, 1855: N.C. Hudson (Poughkeepsie/Albany, New York) ~ Blue Journal

1975-11-14T11:20:00.000-08:00

20th Poughkeepsie — tuesday — Arrived Sunday night — Remained over last night at Lagrange — Find things about as usual — Leave tonight between seven and eight — Most of the old students are gone — 20 minutes to 8 P.M. Here we go — Poughkeepsie is behind — 10 o'clock at Albany — stop a short time — but soon here we are on our way as fast as steam can propel us.

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November 19, 1855: N.C. Hudson (Poughkeepsie, New York) ~ Accounting

1975-11-14T11:10:00.000-08:00

Scanned from a xerox.

The handwriting is N.C. Hudson's; the typing and the blue "By" are mine.

I had cut the word "By" off of the xerox, and I inserted it here for completeness. In Poughkeepsie, Hudson connected with some of the people he had known when attending law school only a few weeks earlier. From Smith, he bought the third volume of "Greenlief Evidence" (should be Greenleaf's Evidence) for his new law library. Although the linked quote from Abraham Lincoln came much later, Lincoln describes a similar path to the one taken by Hudson in his pursuit of law. In Poughkeepsie, Nathaniel also exchanged hats and paid a difference of $3.00.

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November 18, 1855: N.C. Hudson (New York City) ~ Blue Journal

1975-11-14T11:00:00.000-08:00

18th Sunday — Napoleon and myself have visited Brookline¹ and Navy Yard, and Jersy city today — Attended Trinity Church this morning for a short time — leave for Poughkeepsie at 5 o'clock tonight.

---------------

1. Brooklyn

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November 17, 1855: N.C. Hudson (New York City) ~ Accounting

1975-11-14T10:50:00.000-08:00

Scanned from a xerox.
The writing is N.C. Hudson's.

On November 17, 1855, Nathaniel bought a Talma in New York City for $7.00; it was a cloak named after the French tragedian Francois-Joseph Talma (1763-1826). References I've found online describe it as a cloak worn by women, but when I looked up the definition in 1994 in The World Book Dictionary, it described "a cloak with full, dashing lines," worn by both men and women. Later, Nathaniel mentions that it kept him dry.

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November 17, 1855: N.C. Hudson (New York City) ~ Blue Journal

1975-11-14T10:40:00.000-08:00

Saturday Nov 17 — Rains some today. Napoleon and I have been looking about, viewing the "Elephants" sights &c. Saw, Clark, Mead and Fine¹, fellow graduates at Law School today Attended Museum tonight — Saw all the sights, except Barnum, the Prince of Humbugs — Lime Kiln Man was played.

---------------

1. This name is hard to read and may not be correct.

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November 16, 1855: N.C. Hudson (New York City) ~ Accounting

1975-11-14T10:30:00.000-08:00

Scanned from a xerox.

On November 16, 1855, in New York City, Nathaniel C. Hudson made another of the many notations in his cash journal. He indicated $93.87 "To Amt brot forward," but I don't know what the math means here.

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November 16, 1855: N.C. Hudson (New York City) ~ Blue Journal

1975-11-14T10:20:00.000-08:00

Map by Sheryl Todd showing some of the locations

on the train trip taken by N.C. Hudson and his brother Napoleon in 1855.

A few locations (Ionia) pertain to other times.

CLICK ON MAP TO ENLARGE

Nov 16th. New York City — Evening — Arrived here between four and five this afternoon, brother Napoleon accompanying me. We have had a fine journey, excepting a little rain in the forenoon. Farewell words have been spoken, and tho' no tears flow, my heart still weeps — but I can not speak of this now — it would fill my heart with emotion. Attended Broadway Theater tonight — Mrs Julia Dean Hayne was principle "star" of the Evening.

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November 15, 1855: N.C. Hudson (Townshend) ~ Accounting

1975-11-14T10:10:00.000-08:00

Scanned from a xerox.

The handwriting is N.C. Hudson's; the typing is mine.

On November 15, 1855, N.C. Hudson recorded one dollar for incidentals in his cash book, leaving a total of $208.58.

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November 15, 1855: N.C. Hudson (Townshend) ~ Blue Journal, Leaving Townshend

1975-11-14T10:00:00.000-08:00

Nov. 15th Tomorrow I leave Townshend and all my dear friends here as well as in all the rest of New England. I leave with a thousand regrets, for during the few months of my present stay here, I have spent some of the most pleasant hours of my life — such hours as I never shall again enjoy, but the pleasures and joys which they have afforded will ever remain treasured up in my inmost soul — pleasures and joys which I would gladly recall if I could — But there must be an end to all things, pleasures as well as all things else. I must leave — in hopes of returning ere a year shall revolve around its endless cycle, but then I may not — God only knows when — perhaps never — but I will hope better.

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November 14, 1855: John L. Leonard (Lake, Indiana) to Helen R. Joy (Townshend, Vermont)

1975-11-14T09:50:00.000-08:00

On the same day as N.C. Hudson wrote his letter of proposal to Helen in Townshend, Vermont, Helen's cousin, John Leonard, wrote to her from Lake, Indiana [map], south of Lake Michigan. John had not heard from Helen in some time, and was becoming desperate to know what was keeping her from answering his letters.

Lake Nov 14th /55

My Dear Cousin

it is a long time since I have had the pleasure of reading a letter from you. I have not saw anything that resembled one since last August and the reason why I can not imagine, unless you have been sick, you wrote me in your last that you had been threatened with a Fever and I am afraid Mr Fever has executed his threat, but I hope not.

I have had an attack of Chill Fever it kept me from my business about two weeks but my health is now first rate I have had a visit from Mother she left here last week Monday she staid with me a little more than two weeks and I enjoyed it very much her her health has been quite good this Summer she thinks quite as good as when East she will probably stay with Louisa¹ this Winter and next Summer they think of going East on a visit all together that is Curtis intention now, but Mother thinks that he will back out before he gets started but I hope not for I think it would do them good for Curtis & Louisa have both worked very hard since they have been in Michigan and there health is not very good. I think if they would go East, the rest from labor and the change of climate would do them both good.

I have got a very easy berth here I run about 90 miles a day² only it keeps me on duity only four hours of the 24.

my back is getting some stronger and straighter, I shall be a perfect man in time I expect if I ever am.

how does Aunt endure it this Summer with her House full of great big men I often think of it and wonder how she can do so much work and be a mother to everybody besides, she has done it so long it must wear her out before long I am afraid

tell Aunt if Curtis and Louisa does come next Sumner that she must make them do work enough to take care of themselves so as not to be any extra tax upon her strength. have you had your house full of visitors this Summer Helen I wish I had hold of you I would give you one good shakeing for not writing to me, why you little minx what do you mean by it say. here I have wrote two great long letters to you besides this one, and not one word of reply have I had yet — I am confident that you have either been sick or got married and for the life of me I can not tell which as you was threatened with both sickness and marriage, which would be the worst say ha, ha, ha.

now Helen do write me a good long letter you don't know how bad I want to hear from you all, write me everything that has transpired since I left.

How Leonard gets along with his studies and Uncle with his building and yourself with your school, what would I not give to hear you sing and play again. I hope I shall sometime give my love Ella and George Lewis Leonard Lizzy Sarah Bainbridge Mr and Mrs Cathan and all other friends.

Yours with love for all

JL. Leonard

Written in the margin:

you have never wrote to me wither Ella received that medicine or not or if it done her any good Margaret had made mother & Louisa a visit she and her children were well

--------------------

1. John's sister, probably in Easton Township, Michigan, near the town of Ionia.

2. John works for the railroad.

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Circa 1855: Two Poems in N.C. Hudson's Hand

1975-11-14T09:40:00.000-08:00

These two poems were written in N.C. Hudson's hand, but were undated. I chose to include them at this point in the documents because he may well have had these feelings after delivering his marriage proposal to Helen, or may have felt this way afterwards if she did not give a positive reply. It appears that she neither discouraged or encouraged the pining Hudson.

I'd offer thee this heart.
I'd offer thee this hand of mine,
If I could love thee less;
But hearts as pure and warm as thine,
Should never know distress.
My fortune is too hard for thee,
'Twould chill thy dearest joy,
I'd rather weep to see the free
Than win thee to destroy.

I leave thee to thy happiness,
As one too dear to love —
As one I'll think of but to bless,
While wretchedly I rove;
And Oh! when sorrow's cup I drink,
All bitter though it be,
How sweet to me 'twill be to think,
It holds no drop for thee.

Then fare thee well! an exile now,
Without a friend I roam;
With anguish written on my brow
About the world I roam;
For all my dreams of bliss are o'er —
Fate bade them all depart —
And I must leave my native shore,
in brokeness of heart.

Hudson wrote an even gloomier poem on the back of the above:

Thou has learned to love another

Thou hast learned to love another,
Thou has broken every vow;
We are parted from each other,
And my heart is lonely now.
I have taught my looks to shun thee,
And thy voice I must forget,
Now is it well to sever,
This heart from thine — forever—
Can I forget thee— never
Farewell, then Oh! farewell

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November 14, 1855: N.C. Hudson (Townshend, Vermont) to Helen R. Joy (Townshend) ~ "You May Be Surprised"

1975-11-14T09:30:00.000-08:00

This is the letter in which N.C. Hudson proposes marriage to Helen R. Joy. She is being courted by another man, and it's true as Hudson says, he is far from sure what her feelings will be.

Townshend Nov. 14th 1855.

Dear Helen
You may be surprised at the contents of this note; but you will not be offended, will you? And again you may be more surprised, that I should write at all — why not address you in person? The latter question is not easy of reply — and yet — perhaps it is. But my excuse must be this, — you will not frown upon my weekness, if you cannot forgive, I trust — whenever I have attempted to speak to you of what I now attempt to write, a mysterious fear or weakness has so completely taken possession of my power of utterance, that I have not been so much as able to breathe the words which were upon my lips. From what I have already told you, you will probably easily divine the object of this note. Indeed after the reply which you gave to one of my questions, perhaps I should never dare to speak to you again upon that subject, a subject which above all others sinks deepest into my heart. But my dearest of friends — I dare claim you as such, if nothing more — I am unhappy aye, miserable, — those two words but pitably express my real state of feeling. "But why does he now burden me with a recital of his feelings," perhaps you will ask? I can only say, I have such unlimited confidence in the goodness of your heart, that I know you will entertain the regards I now express for you with candor and respect, if not with favor, and heaven bear me witness, that it is farthest from my intention to give, or cause, you one pang of pain by any act or word of mine. But dear Helen, I love you — you know it — you have known it — you have read it in my actions — indeed I have told you I loved you, but not how fondly, devotedly, passionately, aye wildly — I idolize you. But perhaps you care not for my love. Oh, that very thought has almost caused the pulsations of my heart to cease, and my very spirit and all my hopes of the future to die within me! If I could only know that you love me as I love you, and could I be permitted to live in the hope that our mutual love would one day be crowned by the most endearing of earthly ties, I should be as happy as aught of earth can make me — indeed it seems my happiness would partake of, and be akin to, heavenly bliss. But perhaps this can never be. Then my happiness is gone. Without thy gentle heart and joyous face to encourage and smile upon my efforts, this world will be but a dreary waste. Perhaps you will deem this overdrawn, but it is not, and I pray you, if you have any regard for me, that you will not question my motives, nor doubt the sincerity of my love for you. If you can not reciprocate my attachment, in mercy, do not pierce my heart with distrust. But perhaps my fortune is too hard for you. I am not surrounded by wealth. I have no doting father and kind mother to lend a helping hand. It is not my fortune to be buoyed up by family honors and standing. I am almost alone. I have but little to offer you save my humble self, a devoted heart, and a willing hand — these are at your command, and shall forever be yours if you will but receive them — I believe they can never be in holier or better keeping than yours, unless it be in the keeping of my God. But why am I writing this? Is it to induce you to change your decision? I have no right to ask this of you; but would to heaven that you could do so — would that you could give me some hope that I should one day be blessed with your love. But Providence forbid that I should ask you to sacrafice the least of your future prospects and hopes to add one particle to my happiness. No, make no sacrafice for me. I hold your happiness and welfare too sacred for that. If you are but happy I will not murmur, though the disappointment crush every hope of future enjoyment from my heart. I am not so selfish, I trust, as to ask you to add to my happiness, unless thereby you can add to your own. Can I ask you to ever be mine? Have I a right to? It is said that as long as there is life, there is hope. My unbounded affection for you, must plead my excuse, which I trust you will overlook, if you can not forgive, as I again ask you, if you will be mine? — if you will not give me some assurance before I leave you, that I may return at some future day to claim you as my own, as the richest gift of my Creator? It shall be my greatest pleasure and highest aim, to serve thee, to live for thee alone, to make myself worthy of your love, and to fit myself to make your life a happy one. Could I anchor my hopes in your love, I should have an object to love and to labor for incessantly, and I should be in full armor to battle with the difficulties and strifes of this life, and not like a waif, upon the boisterous ocean of Time, be drifting here and there without rudder, aimless and uncared for. Perhaps I should not aspire to your hand. You are surrounded by the blessings of wealth, and the love and affection of the kindest parents and brothers, — you are very happy in your own parental home. Otherwise situated as I am, perhaps I should not ask you to join your love and fortune with mine. If you should entertain my requests with favor, I will locate in my profession in any part of the country you would prefer to have me. I will not ask you to go thousands of miles away from all the rest of your family. I should consider it a pleasure to consult you in reference to this matter. So far as I am concerned I have but little preference for any place. Gladly will I seek any place you may wish me, and there will I endeavor to prepare a home, which shall make your future life a happy one. Name any place in the wide world, and I will seek it, whether in the desert, on the wide spreading plains of the far west, or on the mountain top, I care not. I have talked of going to Texas, California, and everywhere, but when I first formed the idea of going to Texas, I felt that there was no one who cared for, or loved, me, & it mattered not, whether I was here or there. I thought if I should ever find a heart, which can love, and be loved, truly, in purity and holiness, that heart I would seek. At different times, I have tarried by the wayside to pay some slight homage at the shrine of several female divinities, but until I reached the shrine of your love I never cared to worship long. At your shrine I am willing to worship and love forever. In your heart I have found that whole-souled and fulness of love, the possession of which would give me unbounded bliss and make my life a life of the greatest happiness and pleasure. If I have ever loved before, it was not as I love you - it may have been what the world call love — I call it admiration — it left no vacancy but what another could fill. But in your case it is different — your abscense causes a vacancy which no other can fill. As you are the first I have ever loved, and loved truly, in purity and holiness, with my whole heart and soul, if you can not reciprocate my affections and make me blessed, I will never love another — you shall be my first, my last, and my only love. I will ever cherish and love you, and though it meet no return, the love and memory of you shall ever remain in full and quiet possession of my heart, whose portals shall forever be closed to all others, and the only love I shall woo, shall be the emoluments of my profession, and the din and strife of legal contention shall be my only soothing tones. This is no idle dream, nor sudden passion. In future years, if the waves of memory should roll over your heart, if perchance you should give me one thought, think of me as one who loved you, and still loves you, devotedly and truly, and whose highest ambition and aim is to serve you. Pardon my agitation, my tremulousness — I am agitated, excited, for when the die is cast my happiness or misery is sealed forever. You will reply, by note, in person, or both, soon, will you not? —

Permit me, for this once, if never again, to subscribe myself your devoted lover —

Hudson —

There was no envelope found with this letter. The original is in the collection of Sheryl Todd.

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November 7, 1855: N.C. Hudson (Townshend) ~ Accounting

1975-11-14T09:10:00.000-08:00

On November 7th, N.C. Hudson recorded in his cash book $9.53 spent on incidentals.

Scanned from a xerox.
The handwriting is N.C. Hudsons; the typing is mine.

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November 6, 1855: N.C. Hudson (Townshend) ~ Blue Journal

1975-11-14T09:00:00.000-08:00

In his blue journal, N.C. Hudson wrote:

Nov 6th — Arrived home (Mr Joys) last evening and found all as well as usual. Some how I feel much more at home here, than any where else. Is it strange?

Hudson probably stayed with the Joys through November 14th. His journal doesn't record any more travelling about. In fact, it doesn't record anything. He seems not only to have had a good time at the Joys' but also his presence there had developed into a mission for which he had a terrible time getting up enough nerve. Anxious to get on with his life and his new career, he nevertheless stayed until he could finally confront the situation. What resulted was the letter written on November 14th. Fresh from arguing cases in law school and armed, probably, with recent readings of the great Romantic writers Sir Walter Scott and Lord Byron, Hudson gathered his resources and began his bid for Helen's hand.

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Nathaniel Carlos Hudson (N.C. Hudson)

1971-01-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

Scanned from a Xerox copy.

The original publication is in the Sioux City Public Museum,

but I don't have the name of the publication.

Age about 30.

. Information on descendant Dirk Hudson's Genealogy page

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The Story: Part 2, 1844

1970-02-01T00:20:00.000-08:00

Hudson and Joy

by Sheryl Todd

Part 2, 1844

At least for awhile, Nathaniel, William, and Napoleon attended school in Athens. On March 6, 1844, Nathaniel, age fifteen, sat in the schoolroom laboring over his penmanship workbook, first with brown and then with peacock blue ink, practicing what was then called the “mercantile hand.”

Scanned from a xerox copy of N.C. Hudson's penmanship book.
The entire line reads, "Mercantile Hand. Athens Vt. March 6, 1844."

I don’t know much about the terminology, but it may have been that this style of writing usually went along with a basic “mercantile education,” consisting of reading, writing, and arithmetic. I read some hint that a person’s station in life may have been judged by their writing style, although Hudson also practiced other styles, such as the more conventional “running hand,” or longhand, learning to make the sweeping strokes and flamboyant capitals of his day. The teacher would write the first line on each page and Nathanial would try to copy the beautiful strokes with as much precision as possible. Each page began with a different capital letter, starting at the beginning of the alphabet, and some of the practice words and phrases in his copybook were these, giving us some sense of what was taught to the children:

Emancipation Enlightened Society
For grace and salvation through Christ
Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised
Home sweet home there is no place
Jamestown was the first settled in
Learning is an ornament of youth
Money is the root of all evil Nominate
Nero was a wicket tyrant Nosteum
Quimby the noted Methodist preacher Queenstown
Running-hand is the style Romulus R.
Springfieldshire Strive for improvement

Scanned from a xerox. This is part of the first page of the penmanship book. Here Nathaniel was practicing the basic strokes and letters of running hand.

The book also contained a more advanced version of running hand along with more exotic styles. There was a backhand style and there were several styles in which each letter was made independently of the one before it with a space left between letters. There were several styles that were similar to Old English, and there was one called "Fancy Hand Penmanship," in which a tiny gap was left at the midpoint of each vertical stroke, making the letters seem to move about on the page.

Fancy Hand Penmanship. Scanned from a xerox.

(To be continued)

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The Story: Part 1, 1840

1970-02-01T00:10:00.000-08:00

Hudson and Joy

by Sheryl Todd

Part 1, 1840

In Vermont on April 25, 1840, Clarissa Oakes Hudson died at the age of forty – from what cause I do not know. She left four sons: Nathaniel, age eleven; William, ten; Napoleon, eight; and Jerome, only four. Clarissa was buried in West Cemetery, Athens, Vermont. It’s not clear what happened next. Clarissa’s father had died in 1830, and her mother passed away in 1842. I don’t know whether Clarissa’s mother helped raise the children before her own death. To date, I have not been able to learn where Mrs. Oakes lived, but she was not mentioned by any of Clarissa’s children.

Holman Hudson, the boys’ father, was an alcoholic. He had trouble earning enough for himself to live on, and he was incapable of caring for four boys or of keeping the family together. The boys fell to the care of aunts and uncles, of whom there were many, and before they were out of their teens they were spread from Vermont to New Hampshire, as no one relative took on the siblings, and the three older boys seem to have fended for themselves as much as possible, even in their teenage years. Four-year-old Jerome was taken in by relatives in New Hampshire.

Read Next Entry: Part 2, 1844

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The Story: Intention

1970-02-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

There is so much material in these letters and documents, and within them is the thread of an illuminating story. My intention is to work on both simultaneously, making the historical letters and documents available as well as telling the story in a shorter and manageable fashion.

Begin the story: Part 1, 1840

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Editor's Note #7 ~ July 18, 2009: To "Sic" or Not to "Sic," Ain't That the Question?

1970-01-07T16:02:00.000-08:00

When writing these long early chapters, I used the word "sic" hundreds of times. "Sic" = "thus" = "this is the way they wrote it, folks, I'm only the messenger." But it does become a question, sometimes agonizing. In the last line, N.C. Hudson says he thinks the bridge is over a hundred miles wide. Of course, he doesn't mean that. Does he mean feet? Yards? To which direction is he referring? One could make an educated guess. But more importantly, I enjoy passing mistakes like this along to the reader. N.C. Hudson loved to travel. He loved the vastness of the open country. Perhaps his mind was in "vastness" mode rather than focused down onto small details. Maybe it was the feel of great size of the bridge that impressed him rather than an anatomically correct rendition of the dimensions.

When I transcribe, I use "[sic]" all the way through the material at every misspelling, every doubled word, every serious mistake in punctuation. I do that because I want to make an accurate typed (electronic) copy of the letter that can be more easily read than the handwriting and can be copied and edited for publication, but I don't want to lose any of the details of the written version. That's really not a problem, because the transcripts are for reference. I remember one of my cousins reading a transcribed letter and telling me, "There are too many 'sics' in it." For reading, this is true, so what does a writer do? I'm still working on that.

When I edited the journals my grandmother and her family wrote on a trip around the world in 1910 and 1911, I will never forget a change I made in favor of "political correctness," although I'm sure I had never heard that term at the time, I simply didn't want to be offensive toward a race of people. One of the journals described events as the family was preparing to boarding a ship to start the first ocean part of their voyage: "Exploring further, we ventured into Steerage, and there surprised two Chinamen still in bed, the Chinese crewmen not being allowed to go ashore in Seattle." I changed "Chinamen" to "Chinese men," and have regretted it since. It lacks the flavor of the time, and it withholds information about the words that were considered proper usage by my ancestors in those years. It doesn't sound authentic, and I didn't footnote it. The edited journals ended up as a book that I put together and my grandmother published, entitled All Eight Went. I do plan to put it online one of these days, as all of the printed copies are gone. That will be my chance to reverse that choice, anyway.

When a person transcribes letters without using "sic," nobody knows whether to attribute the mistake or variation to the letter-writer or transcriber, and that's why I would rather litter the page with "sics" at the outset and think about changing them later. A transcribed letter can be used as historical reference material, or it can become the basis for story. It's fascinating to me to be given the gift of these windows into the past. There was a time when "ain't" was used within the context of more proper grammar, although I don't know if it was used in fun or seriously. It may have been a fad, or maybe not, but I'd have to find those letters again and read them in the context of other years. (Well, hopefully I may have footnoted it!) Perhaps the grammarians were still in the process of deciding whether the word was proper or not. Another interesting side note is that the letters from the generation I'll be dealing with most sound positively modern next to the letters from the generation of their parents. How does this happen and why? Maybe we see it today, and maybe history will note the demarcation.

You can also tell a lot about the education level of a person from his or her letters. The person may be self-taught or well-schooled, and that in itself is of interest. Some of the writers with lower levels of formal education spelled certain words phonetically. It's interesting to "hear" them speak through their letters. They had a slight accent that I don't have. I learned that from their uncorrected writing. And there were conventions of the day that tell us more about the time than about the person.

Once you get to the stage of publication, some of the "sics" can be left out, as I know beyond a doubt that I have gone over it enough times that what you see is what was there. In other cases, maybe a writer wants to "clean up" the spellings and punctuation so the meaning can be understood. But it does change a reader's perception of how the individual might talk or how fast they might be trying to put words onto paper. All of these things I found to be of interest. This is why I felt so much life breathed into people whose lives had passed into history so long ago. The connection was real, personal, flawed, expressive. The trick is in figuring out how best to convey that to a reader without leaving the material in an awkward state.

So, these are some of the thoughts I have while embarking on this project. At first it's easy - keep it accurate. And then what?

Editor's Note #6 ~ July 18, 2009: Footnotes vs Endnotes

1970-01-06T15:08:00.000-08:00

This choice was a no-brainer. I love footnotes, as anyone knows who read the first material I wrote based on these old letters. They are easy to make in writing programs like WordPerfect or Word, and they help me keep track of what I've learned or still need to research. They help document oddities and facts along the way, or bring enlightening extras to the table. They also inform readers. I'm of the opinion that footnotes are fine. If you don't like them, you can ignore them, as I've done many times while caught up in the flow of other peoples' books. If this book should turn into a historical novel rather than a history, I'm not sure what I'll do about footnotes.

Some writers or publishers are fond of endnotes, and I can't imagine why. While they theoretically serve the same function, they are hard and distracting to use. Usually, they're organized by chapter at the end of the book. This means you have to first figure out which chapter you're on, then find them at the back of the book. You then need to search not just for the number of the note, but for that note within the chapter (which is usually not indicated on every page). What a pain. I suppose that some time in history it was easier for a compositor to put the notes all in one place, and thus not have to adjust the spacing for each page. Nowadays there is software specifically to create them. But let's get real. Computers make the notes for us, and they do it with little work on our part. Here's to the end of endnotes forever. Thank you.

There will be footnotes as I write this book. Probably many.

Editor's Note #5 ~ July 18, 2009: Technology Is Great Until It's Not

1970-01-05T13:23:00.000-08:00

I love technology when it works and/or when I understand it. My first computer was a Tandy from Radio Shack. It came with a 10 meg hard drive. But when I found out I could get the additional 10-meg upgrade, I knew I wanted that. "Ten megs is all you'll need for a lifetime," the salesman told me. "I write a lot," I said. "I want the extra 10; I want 20 megs." He thought I was nuts, but I took it home with, effectively, a 20-meg hard drive. We all know what happened to that figure.

I made some nice maps in CorelDraw for those first "chapters" of the Hudson-Joy epic I printed in the early 1990s. I also produced camera-ready print for the entire project using WordPerfect 5.1. Who knew that I'd produce 14 small booklet-to-book sized pieces and then shelve the project for 15 years? Along the way I stopped using WordPerfect, CorelDraw went through many expensive upgrades that I didn't keep up with until I bought a new program recently, and hard drives tend to crash - more then than now.

Some of the intermediate versions of Corel wouldn't open my old-version maps, some of the old WordPerfect files became corrupted or wouldn't open in Word, and it seems the crashes may have damaged files. When moving, I threw out a number of the printed chapters to save on weight and space, but fortunately I have at least one of each. I thought I had more, but these things happen, especially moving under any kind of duress, as can happen during a divorce (for example).

Well, here I am. It looks like my latest version of Corel (thank you, CorelDraw!) has been made backwardly compatible with the maps. I haven't checked them all, but I think so. I can scan any of the pages I really need to, or just grab the info I want to use and type it.

So, I'm regrouping here. I've figured out where I want to start, which is roughly where I left off with a certain amount of picked-up backstory from the old chapters for clarity. The style will be different. It will evolve. I may start in a similar vein, because that's what I know. For this first book, I will start with an interesting chunk out of the lives of one man and one woman, although it's mainly his story. My goals are to keep it fairly simple, keep it interesting, show the reader things they didn't know already, no matter how much history of the place and time they've already read, and to get the basic draft done in about a year. I feel sure I can do the first things on the list. We'll see about that time element. It depends a lot on how things go this year in my business. I've started by dumping segments (the recoverable ones) that I want to edit from into a new Word doc. I'll pare it way down, re-word, and keep on going.

Editor's Note #4 ~ June 10, 2009: Sioux City Public Museum to Expand

1970-01-04T10:45:00.000-08:00

I learned today that the Sioux City Public Museum has obtained a grant of $2 million for expansion. This is great news. I gave the originals of many of our letters and documents from our archive to that museum, and it's good to know they'll have increased capacity to care for them and make them available in a new research center.

Editor's Note #3 ~ May 31, 2009: Focus

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I figured out where to start and how much background material I want (minimal, at this point). Instead of watching a movie, I located the quotes and information I'll type up or copy/paste tomorrow. I've started a file in Word. I'm glad I wrote the first 14 chapters (13 1/2 or 14, depending on how you count them) the way I did, because they make a superb chronological reference. If I live long enough, or make enough time, I'm tempted to write several "story" type books from this material and also go back and finish the work the way I started it. And also do a readable overview. And an updated disposition of the pieces.

But for now, I'm thrilled that I know what words I want to start with and what backstory I want to include. I'm also thrilled that I'm learning to pare down. This is a challenge for me. I'm sure that posting my Astoria, Oregon, Daily Photo (part of the City Daily Photo family) is helping, because the rules are, you post only one photo per day. It wasn't easy for me in the beginning, but I'm loving it. I've got my other blog for posting multiple pix in a day. I read recently on a photoblog that someone's writing teacher had instilled in them the concept of ONE. When you stay focused on one thing, your writing is better. Reading about it just at this moment helped me know that it was OK to focus on N.C. Hudson, as interesting as the other characters are. Their stories can come later, or their material can be given to someone else. From the begining, Hudson was the hero of this story. Others felt it, too; and yes, it's OK to leave him fully and completely at the center. I know it's going to make the project better. I love the way it's falling into place.

Editor's Note #2 ~ May 30, 2009: Scope

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The books shown in my last post were dated 1610-1984 (the dates were part of the title of the series). However, the bulk of the collection of original letters and documents that found their way to me in 1983 were dated from 1844 through the first decade of the 20th Century, with a notable exception in 1826 of my ancestor's certificate of military induction. Some decades were more abundantly represented than others. It became clear to me that the scope of the story from beginning to end became too big to deal with as completely as I wanted to in fewer than about 3,200 or so large-format pages. I'd already written 883 pages, and had only begun to reach what I felt to be the strongest part of the story, or the most interesting part of the letters. The original letters and documents from the 1840s through the 1860 comprised a well-woven fabric of people and the events, feelings, and thoughts that made up their lives.

It is hard to imagine a sphere of history more wonderfully preserved than that contained in the material I had at hand. Certain of the characters (my ancestors and others) had become so real to me that I lived with their thoughts every day. I wanted to share them. If I'd had nothing to do but write, I might have changed gears and gone forward, but my life contained so much more. Besides that, I was torn: should the materials simply be archived? While they SHOULD be archived, one question was where, and another question was, would the pageant ever be told? I wanted to find a compromise. Actually, I wanted to do it all. Some letters have been archived, some copied, some filed in one form or several forms. Some are available to the public now and some not yet. Eventually, I shelved what I had left, keeping a way to find all information until I could sort out a way to present it.

Finally, I believe that the story has to be told in parts, or at least begun in parts. It may be that someday an overview will be warranted, but for now I intend to begin to tell what is for me (and I hope for others) a compelling true tale of love, adventure, industry and friendship, success and passion, dreams and choices, awakening and flights of the spirit around the life of one man and the woman he vowed to love forever. The tale will begin at an emotional and physical turning point, and will conclude when a particular desire has been fulfilled, but so much of his industrious life is still to be played out. I feel and hope that there are several books on tap. I feel ready to start on this one, and I hope to complete it in a year. The provisional name is Love on the Prairie, but that doesn't cover the scope of the contents. I've become a product of the SEO mentality, where the title needs to include those words that Google can spider to return the desired results to searchers. So it gets a little complicated, not to mention wordy. But, Love on the Prairie is what came to mind. It can be changed, and it sounds better than Love and Law on the Prairie. We'll see what happens.

My plan is to keep this blog as a diary of the work, a place to sort out questions and hopefully attract some interest in my subject. I plan to post excerpts from these remarkable letters and some of my writing as well as discussions about both; we'll see what comes of it all. I always like to begin a blog post with an image. After awhile that may prove to be a challenge, but I'm resourceful :) If you happen to read this and have any questions, let me know.

Editor's Note #1 ~ May 30, 2009: The Story of N.C. Hudson - v. 2.0

1970-01-01T15:01:00.000-08:00

I received a gift from the past: over 1,000 letters and documents covered in dust and yearning to find their voice. I had first to organize them by date, then I had to read them. Transcribing the various forms of antique handwriting was practically a must before I could make sense of what I had in hand. My first attempt was to present a rendition of the letters and their meaning as complete as possible. It was clearly my style of handling an overwhelming amount of material, and I immersed myself in the project with great pleasure until one day I began to feel I was drowning.

It was not only the size of the project that was taking me down, but the knowledge that the real substance I wanted to convey was not being told in a manner that would interest any but a scholar or genealogist - not that these like-minded people were unimportant (I am, in a sense, both of them) - but the more time I spent with the people and events in this chronicle, the more I felt there was a popular story to be told. After I had written, edited, and self-published 13 1/2 heavily-footnoted and illustrated "chapters" ranging from 29 pages to 155, I stopped in January, 1996. I finally believe I know what to do, but it's going to require many choices and some new ideas. I have some of them in mind already, and I'm counting on the writing of this blog and your comments to help bring the project to fruition. I swam joyously through v. 1.0. Now I'm ready to fly. I see the horizon, and I'm eager to approach the details en route. I am carving out time. A resource that has seemed distinctly limited recently. But now . . . is . . . the time.