Stewart Letters - 1855 to 1874
The letters on this page belong to Barbara Price and form part of the Donegal Genealogy Resources Website
You may link to this page but not copy it
If you have the time, you'll enjoy reading them - taken together they read like a soap opera!
"They are one family and all from Ballyshannon, in fact Robert Stewart's note to back home shows he still owned ground in Dunmuckrum. George, his brother, was using the rent owed Robert to get into business with the Green family. Then there is his drunken brother John in NYC and sister Jane in England. And, who could forget his cousin Thomas and all his problems ......... and William a cousin and his father William an uncle to Robert in St. John NB."
May 8, 1854
Fort Hamilton, NY
Dear Robert,
Your welcome epistle of the 24th ? came duly to hand and I must reiterate my last language, by expressing the pleasure of receiving a letter from an esteemed relative and will now
say once and for all that I know of nothing that affords me so much real pleasure.. Since last I wrote you (though anxiously looking for it) I have not received any letters from
Ballyshannon, it may be that they thought from the tone of my letters that I really did contemplate paying them a military visit-poor souls.
Dear Robert it pleased me much to read from yours that the name of Stewart will not be extinct in Jersey and the equal division you made in the sex of your children shows you to be
a man of sense and nice calculation. I am now going to tell you something that will astonish you, namely, I married a Roman Catholic and called my only living (buried 4) that sweet
Irish name Bridget. The first Biddy that ever was in the family this I done by way of retort on my friends at home. I am sorry to learn that your agent is so remiss in his duty in
remitting your rent from Ballyshannon. I think you will have to evict and put other tenants in who will pay- by the way when I first heard of you leaving your property I really
wondered what a sober sedate man as you was would leave home, but am glad to hear that you did not come on a foolish errand. Your candid reply to my queries about business has
induced me to remain here and redouble my energies as this place has been laid out lately and sold in building lots, we expect a great number of houses built this summer and as we
have no baker nearer than Brooklyn (9 miles ) I intend to build a bakehouse this summer which I hope by attention will pay as it will not interfere with my present business but
rather increase it without much risk, say 100 dollars. In consideration of this undertaking I must reluctantly decline your polite and friendly request to go to see you, as nothing
would be more agreeable but me thinks I might reciprocate by asking you and your beloved partner to come and pay us a visit now as the Crystal Palace is reopened together with all
the other sights to be seen in New York might be inducement if nothing more to come on for a few weeks. My daughter requests me to say to her cousin Stewarts to bring their little
daughters with them as she will be very glad to see. That this as above stated is only 9 miles from N.Y reached daily by S.Boats and Stages.
My two Bridgets (wife and daughter) join me in love and best wishes to you, Mrs Stewart, Mrs
Green, and all your children, and may the Supreme Being whose goodness we
should acknowledge bless you in your basket and in your store, is the
sincere wish may prayer of your
Affectionate Cousin,
Thos Stewart
Mr Robert Stewart
Batsto P.O
Burlington County
New Jersey
PS Excuse the scroll blunders T.S
August 15, 1856
Fort Hamilton, N.Y
Dear Robert,
The apology I have to make for my long silence is almost too childish to write you, but at the expense of your laughing at me, I am compelled to tell you on 13th was my 54th
birthday and for the last 6 weeks I foolishly got it in my head that I was to die on my said birthday, and now thank God that I have survived the fatal day, I once more sit down to
write you. In your last you stated that you might visit New York on business in the summer and call to see us while on if so I will be truly gratifying to me as there is no man
living I would greet so sincerely and welcome to my house as my beloved cousin R.Stewart. My health has been very delicate since I last wrote you, so much so that I have been only
once to N.Y. since there has been a number of deaths from the yellow fever along the water at this place, and consequently claimed people so much that the most of the families have
left and suspended business altogether at this place. It is somewhat remarkable that this disease has swept along the water from here towards Brooklyn, not extending more than 40
yards back from the beach. My new house is doing better than I had expected, my eldest son attends the store since I opened it, my health being so delicate to move there, and if he
continues to do even as he did since he's been there the place will pay - this is gratifying. If you do not come on this summer and my health improves, I may go and see you next
month with my daughter, she is eternally talking of her Batsto cousin. If I should feel able to undertake the trip I would like you in reply to this give me some items of the ? . I
have not seen John since you wrote, but hope that he writes to you. I never got a letter from Anthony or James since the former left. If you have heard from Balllyshannon please
inform me if the Old Governor still lives.
My wife, daughter and step-sons join me in the cordial good wishes to you, Mrs. Stewart and family, and Dear Robert to be sincerely your affectionate Cousin.
Thos. Stewart
P.S. My kindest regards to Mrs. Green
March 18, 1858
Fort Hamilton
Dear Robert,
Yours of the 15th was received on Dec 16th, and gave me great and unbounded pleasures to know of you and your family being well and unbounded. To hear you state your
undoubled confidence in getting your money, God grant that your expectations may be realized. My health thank God though feeble is much better then when I last wrote you. Dear
Robert how I long to see you and my fervent prayer to God is that he may spare me to realize my only wish here below if Mrs Stewart would join you and daughter early in April and
pay me perhaps the last visit, it would be really gratifying to me. Please say to her that it was an unpardonable oversight of mine in not including her earlier. I hope that she
will pardon me and to prove her forgiveness to come and tell me so in person. I will now state another reason for her joining you, in you and daughters visit. There is a valuable
or will be property adjoining my new place that I think can be purchased at a bargain and I would like she would come and see it with you. Your Irish correspondent I think is
rather dilatery, when you do hear from home please advise me, and to conclude my wife and daughter (both well) join me in love to you, Mrs Stewart and family and believe me to be
your affectionate cousin
Thos Stewart
P.S. My lawsuit drags on slowly owing partly to my health being so delicate, that my Doctors certificate excused my attendance for the last two weeks. I would say more to you only
that it is not likely to be concluded till you come on.
T.S
May 19, 1860
St. John, N.B
Dear Friend,
I write you to say that your much esteemed letter of the 7th is at hand and in reply I have to inform you that father is undecided as to whether he will remove to Ireland or
not. Consequently I will not be able to tell you anything about your land until he first goes home which he and my youngest sister supposed going by the Cunard Line about the 1st
of July. They will either go by steamer to Boston or Halifax. The passage money being the same from either place, and when in Halifax, and then 8 days from that they will be in
England. I think that when father goes to Ireland he will sell his place in Portnasson as it will not be large enough for us all, consequently it will be the means of breaking up
our family as the most part of us are settled here and could not go with him, and further he would be giving up a situation of 1200 dollars per anumn, so I think on the whole the
wiser conclusion would be to see his property in Portnasson don't you? Particularly as there is only one of my brothers who will go with him ,and further as father is now getting
at an age that he would not be able to undertake farming. As soon as we hear from Ireland I will write you. I showed your letter to father, he thought your valuation high and said
if he sold his land he hoped that he would get as good a price per ratio for his. However, we will not know how it will be until father goes home.
Love to all yours,
Respectfully,
Wm. Stewart
St. John N.B
January 6, 1856
Dear Sir,
I now write you to show you that I am not less desirous of an interview than yourself. My thoughts have been often employed in guessing the reason of your silence. I wrote you
shortly after my arrival hither, and have been waiting about 3 months for an answer, I must now come to the conclusion that you could not have got my letter or surely you would
have written on this, but in case you did not I will tell you how I addressed my letter and my reasons for doing so. On parting with your son, I told him I would send you on my
arrival in New York the Protestant discussion of Dr. Cummins and Mr Green and on my arrival in Phila I called at the store of Messers. Thomas Richards and Company of Fronte and
High Street. I saw there a tall gentleman I told him that I was going to N.Y and I would have a small parcel to send to Mr. Stewart. He told me to send it by Messers Adam and Co
Express and that they would send it on to you. I thought that sufficient - I could not be mistaken for he told me that you were in his employe. However, I could not procure the
book either in NY, Boston or St. John and I accordingly addressed my letter to you to the care of Thomas Richards and Brothers, corner of Front and High Street in Phila. As they
had told me that would be the best way. However, as far as the book is concerned I have sent to England by my employer this week to procure it for me and on receipt of same to me I
will forward it to you the first opportunity. This is the time of the year that all express their good wishes, I send mine to you and family do write to me and do not let us forget
each other. Do not let the slowness of this letter a precedent or imagined that I approve of the incivility that I have committed, for I have known you enough to respect you and
sincerely to wish a forth knowledge of the same is the sincere wish of your,
Affectionate Friend
Wm Stewart
# 99 Britian Street
St John N.B.
North America
Fort Hamilton
Sept. 7, 1855
Dear Robert,
I am somewhat angry with you that you did not write me since your brief visit to this place. I hope that nothing has occurred in your family or that I or mine done anything
to prevent you of writing. Mr Dear Cousin there is nothing gave me greater pleasure than to think that you and your dear partner was not in the cars when that shocking catastrophe
on the Camden and Amboy Railroad. My brother James has just left after spending a few days with me - on his return from Ballyshannon he was very anxious to go to see you but time
would not permit having a large anxious family waiting his return and did not write them since he left for Ballyshannon, how delighted I would have been had you and he met here. He
looks well and younger than me though 18 or 20 years older, you would be amused to hear him tell people that I introduced him to as an older brother "younger brother he
means", and indeed many of my acquaintances believed him the youngest he is and always was the most cheerful of the family, the same good natured laugh, the pleasant song and
dry anecdote as ever , the object of his invited visit was
that David wished to see him prior to making his will he says. David is very feeble and my sister Sally looks wretched, your brother George is well and he says is in partnership
with one of Finleys sons, in talking over matters I told him that your Estate had been badly managed since you left, indeed says he from the way they are taxing property since this
Russian War he will have little or no income from his property, they talked of cutting a road through Davids orchard and consequently through yours that will destroy both, my
brother David is so annoyed at this that were it not for his feeble health would have gone to St. John.. So Dear Robert from this state of things you have very little to hope from
that quarter and I hope it will serve as a spur to you to secure a home for yourself and family. I hope you will answer this on its receipt and let me know if you will purchase as
your wife and I wished you, my brother Anthony still lives but like me has got a cough and looks old and not able to work. I told James to send him out to see me, if he comes I
shall let you know. My brother James has not worked at his trade for the last 7 years, he through interest got the appointment of Gauger and makes out well or better than at his
trade. My cough is nothing better since you were here. I trust that you and family are well. My wife and daughter join me in our best love to you and family, and believe me to be
your
Affectionate Cousin,
Thos Stewart
Fort Hamilton
Dec 13, 1856
Dear Robert,
Your favor of the 13th came duly to hand and one month after I take my pen to inform you how much pleasure it gave me indeed. I would have answered it sooner but
waiting one week after another that my health would improve and if so I would gone to see you and your happy family, but I am sorry to inform you that my health is not improved. I
spend the greater part of my time in bed with bottles of hot water to my feet so that between coughing and cold feet I have lost all hopes of the pleasure I anticipated of going to
see you.
I was glad to hear of your receiving at last your rents and arrears from your Estate, but it appears to me that you got fleeced awfully but you must hope for more
correct and prompt payment in the future.
The date of Georges letter is proof to me David was still living when he wrote else he would have wrote you of his death.
Dear Robert my health as above stated is not improving I have concluded to sell one of my places of business or both and retire to some quiet place if you were only
disconnected with your present employ what an opening one of these places would present especially the new one, why Robert you and wife and son would make a fortune in less than 7
years in my new place, only think that before my step-son got sick taking in 100 a week with only a small stock for we did not like to put a stock in a new place until we would
find out how the place would do, and it has done beyond our expectations.
If there is any prospect of you quitting your present employ, I would advise you and Mrs Stewart to come and look at the place before buying any other, you both might come
and see it any way. I would like to see you both in Fort Hamilton and the approaching Christmas I presume would be as suitable a time as any so make us a Christmas visit whether
you buy the place or not.
I regret to sell but as the state of my health compels me I would be glad it would fall into the hands of a friend, especially one that I have always esteemed more than any
brother I have. Dear Robert I might call heaven witness the sincerity of what I say, but I know you will believe me (without).
My wife and daughter join me in our best wishes to you and Mrs. Stewart and family and with every sentiment of esteem and respect.
I am your
Affectionate cousin,
Thos Stewart
August 21, 1855
Batsto NJ
Dear George,
I received your letter of the 19th enclosing a statement of my account with Mr Green. I am well satisfied with it, as it brings the troublesome business to a close. I think
you have done well by taking it out of the lawyers hands and settled it by arbitration.
Margaret and I spent four days last week at New York on a visit, we were two days with Thomas Stewart at Fort Hamilton. I need not tell you how glad he was to see us. His
health is very delicate and old age is making a great change in his appearance, as regards circumstances he is the owner of a great house and lot, a country store, has eight milk
cows sends this milk to New York daily which pays him well. His wife is a very decent industrious woman. While we were in New York we made all the enquiry we could of our old
acquaintances about John but none of them knew where he resides. I think it is likely he has left the city. Thomas Stewart saw him about a year and a half ago., he was then in good
health. I am still in the same employment all the members of our family including Mrs Green are well. Mrs Johnson laborers under a great mistake when she thinks her brother A.
Green is still living, he died on the 16th November 1852 and a very handsome tombstone erected by his widow bears testimony to the fact. I am glad to find that Jane and her boys
are well and would like to have a letter from herself. We all send our love to you and friends. I remain your affectionate brother,
Robert Stewart
Dear George when you write I would be happy for a statement of the rent account from Nov 1847, where A. Green statement ends, to the present time, if you can afford time to make it
out. The money can be remitted by paying it in to any branch of the Northern Banking Company Belfast and taking this draft on Messers Bowen and Brown Philadelphia payable to my
order.
Your, R.S.
P.S
Elizabeth Wilson requests me to make enquiry of you if her father George Wilson is still living. She heard it reported that he was dead, you will please see to it and let us
hear by next letter
R.S
August 1, 1859
St. John N.B
Dear Friend,
I feel almost ashamed to write you after my long silence. I have often thought that you could not have got my last letter (written you in May last) as I had then
stated that I had sent the book by a friend who was going to Philadelphia on business. I am almost afraid that it has met with the same fate as the last (which will be
another disappointment) as I heard from Philadelphia - through our Mr. Kirkpatricks brother the party to whom I sent the book to Phila -who gave it to the bookkeeper of the hotel
where he was stopping to deliver it as addressed, but when he was writing to his brother it had not come to hand. But our Mr. K has since wrote to his brother for to make a further
search.
Father has received a letter from Ireland which I will give you some of the particulars one of which you will be sorry to hear of the great change that has come over Mrs.
John Greens family since I last wrote you. William who conducted the business has failed in about 9,000 pounds and has offered a composition of 7/6 to the pound or 37 ½ cent on
the dollar. Some of his creditors has taken that dividend. But at the same time you will be glad to hear that Uncle Finley or family is not in any way liable for them.
Uncle David has been very poorly this last months so much so that he requires assistance to raise him in his chair and to assist him in walking about his room. You must know
that he must be very low when he cannot write, he made an effort to sign his name to the letter that Andrew Green wrote, we could not make it out.
Fathers business is rather better this season than formerly, and he is enjoying tolerable good health. My eldest and youngest brothers is with him and my next brother is in
the shop with me. Our business since we commenced has surpassed in sales, that in the same months of last year. Our spring importations were more, however I think upon the whole it
will turn out better this year.
I feel thankful that I have not as yet (this season) had a return of the fever, and agree infact we are all enjoying our health which I trust this will find all yours
enjoying the same
Believe me to be your
Affectionate Cousin,
William Stewart
PS I had just gone to the post office to mail this when I observed there was a letter from you, the contents I will note in future.
Yours respectfully,
WS
Kennington Green
Kennington Park S.E
GRAHAM 29th Dec, 1874
AND AT
51 BURTON CRESCENT
My dear Uncle,
Your letter to mother makes me think that I ought to write to you again. I communicate regularly with Uncle George and I have such very nice letters from him.
My cousin Robert - this Uncles son - has been seen in Philadelphia. His father has invited him home, and it appears at present, as though he does not want to come home now,
I suppose you have heard of his marriage.
I am sorry and deeply grieved to hear that you are in difficulties, I hope the conflagration did not do you any serious harm.
This Christmas has been a very dull one, but I must not complain as I never make it a merriful festival.
My cousin - Mrs Sharpe - who got married two years ago is coming over to see us in about 4 to 6 weeks time, she lives at present in New Foundland.
I intend going into some other business from what I am at present engaged in - in my uncles office - it being incompatible.
My brother Gonville (this spelling is ?) Is getting on well at his business, having been in his present situation for upwards of two years. But for some unknown reason which
neither Mother, himself nor I can account for Uncle never speaks to him and just lately Gonny finds he is not to come to the house, but see Mother elsewhere.
My dear uncle, I hope I shall not keep you so long again without a letter, and though late, I wish you all the compts of the season.
Wishing you all good health, with fondest love to Aunt, cousins and yourself. I am Dear Uncle,
your ever affectionate nephew.
George? Graham
Fort Hamilton
March 2, 1858
Dear Robert,
Your affectionate letter of the 17th I received on the 25th of ?. and I need not tell you gave me unspeakable pleasure, not only to hear of you all being well, but the
pleasure I anticipate of embracing you and your dear daughter next month, if God only spares me to enjoy the sweet felicity. You state that I said nothing about my health in my
last and from the tone of it, you inferred my health was tolerable good, I would to God your inference had been as you would wish. I thank God that he has in his own wise
providence spared me so long and enable me to look on my affliction as a means of bringing me to a knowledge of himself. Dear Robert, my health is very precarious and were you to
know what I suffered and still suffer since I last saw you no doubt you would join me in saying that it is miraculous that I have lived so long if the Almighty spares me
through the present month (which you know is very trying on invalids, especially with my disease) my hopes will revive, and may that Being who has preserved me through a life of
rebellion enable me to be reconciled to his will, and if it is his pleasure to call me hence before I have the pleasure of seeing you I sincerely trust we shall meet in a happier
land where parting shall be no more.
I received a letter from my niece who came to see me last summer and stopped with me when her brother William paid you a visit. She argues her point nobly and also her
brother Williams, the latter in not writing you , she says her brother wrote two letters to you, and that the one I received from her was her 3rd without an answer, it is somewhat
strange, that so many should miscary, however I am glad you got one and I got one out of so many, the smalless favors (these hard times) is thankfully received and greatfully
acknowledged. She also shields her Papas negligence in not writing me by quoting her cousin Roberts (you) remark"that it is an inherent failing of the Stewart family",
that her Papa of course included, this idea she borrowed from a remark you made about her brother Wm not writing you. I wrote to you, you recollect that I took the liberty of
sending William an extract from your letter to prompt him to write you.
I am sorry to inform you that the Primary School my daughter is at was burned on the 10th of ? but is refitted up and reopened last Monday - there was 16 piano - burned
together with the furniture, this was a mere item so long as no lives were lost fortunately the fire broke out in the night, had it been while the children were at school I might
have to write you heart broken tidings, thank God that I am spared that unhappy task. Dear Robert to conclude I have been raising dark clotted blood for the last two days but by
keeping common salt in my mouth I have thank God checked the raising of blood and am somewhat hopeful this morning though very nervous as you will perceive by this scrawl. I need
not again repeat the unbounded pleasure I enjoy on receiving a letter from you but here add the sacred pleasure I equally indulge in while answering yours there is not a time I
take my pen to write you that my eyes are not bathed in tears - not tears of sorrow, but of joy that I am spared to address a dear cousin one that I love dearer than any brother I
ever had and this is not since we became men but from childhood to the present and it is most gratifying to know that my affection is reciprocated I really believe so.
I thank you for your Christian suggestion relating to have Bridget rebaptized by a Protestant Minister as I would prefer it myself, but the mother would never consent when I
spoke of applying to the Legislature ( she the mother) thought it better to wait until Bridget would be confirmed by the RC Bishop as at this ceremony in the C Church the child has
a choice of what name they wish to add to the one they have - but as they have to have their Catechism perfect before confirmation Bridget has not a chance of learning it
while she is at the excellent school she is in, and as soon as qualified to enter the Free Academy. She is to be placed there to get as polished an education as any merchant in NY
can give his daughter, this last offer was voluntarily proposed to me by a merchant in NY that I have dealt with a long time and Bridget being always a great favorite of his, as he
is one of the School Commissioners, he will have no trouble to place her there, thus you see that she has a flattering prospect of a finished education. My wife and daughter ( I
saw her yesterday) join me in love to you Mrs Stewart and family and believe me to be your loving cousin.
Thos Stewart
September 25, 1855
Fort Hamilton
Dear Robert,
Your of the 12th came to hand on the 22nd (where delayed I know not) it gave us great pleasure to hear of your getting home safe and finding your family well. You requested
me to find your brother John and what he was doing agreeable to your request, I have just returned from the City of NY. I saw D. Conolly who put me on his track. I found him at
work in the same marble manufacturer where Dan worked. He is earning ten shilllings per day but says he has enough to do to get along everything being so dear. When Conolly worked
there and when John first went there they worked piece work and often he says he earned a dollar after the usual time for leaving off, but that is all done away with now and
nothing but working by the day at the above price. He has got a wife and two children to support which keep him busy. He works with an old Quaker on the corner of Beach and
Washington St. and I regret exceedingly that when you were on that I did not see D. Connolly as the easiest course to find him, and John would have been so glad to see you, he is
the same good natured soul as ever, but still hangs on to (looks like Hanson?) for he says he was with him last Sunday. I think you have better write to John in my care until he
answers it, he promised to come down on Sunday and if he does not I will take your letter to him. I had a letter from my brother James announcing his safe arrival home with the
good state of his and families health. He wrote that on his way home the first person he met in Boston was my brother Anthony and his two daughters hunting a situation. Anthony he
says was astonished to hear of me being living, and promised to come and see me. He has not arrived yet in my next probably I will be able to tell you more. My cough is much
better, and if it continues to improve be not alarmed to see me ere 6 months pay you a visit. My brother James sent me an unexpected present of Blackbroad cloth and so much that I
wrote him , that with his permission I would present it to Bishop Hugh to make a clerical cloak and so doing it would secure he and I with a free passport to heaven when we quit
this mortal coil by the way some person wrote my brother David an letter saying that I had turned Catholic. The old fellow would not believe it and told James there was as much
certainty of his turning Catholic as his brother Thomas poor deluded soul. I will write him a long letter to persuade him to turn to the right path before he dies, but Robert
should he take it into his head to turn Catholic what a hell of a lot of oil it will take to anoint him. Good Night
Remember me affectionately to your dear wife and family, Mrs Green and believe to be with every sentiment of esteem and affection.
Your loving cousin,
Thos. Stewart
My two Bridgets ( wife and daughter) join their regards to you and family.
PS Excuse my spelling for I have a d-d bad pen
TS
May 9, 1859
St John NB
Dear Friend,
Your much esteemed favor of the 9th of March was duly received . I was in hope that in this I would have some Irish news to relate to you. I am sorry to say that our friends
the Greens are not such good correspondents as Uncle David was, which we regret very much. The last letter which he sent us (3 years ago) was written by a friend, although he
endeavored to put his signature to it, we could hardly make it out. At the time I received your last we received from the old country a newspaper and a few circulars one of which I
enclosed to you in the paper. I sent the book this day week by a friend of mine that was going to Phila on business, but before proceeding thence he would stop a few days in Boston
and NY. I expect by the time this will reach you the book will be at the place that I directed him to leave it, which is at Mr Loughlins corner of 13th and Vine St in Phila. I
trust that you will receive this time alright. Also the contents will meet your views, it is admitted by the most learned that all the doctrines of the Fathers of Church of Rome ,
some of them have written 20 volumes which are condensed into the speeches of Mr French which Dr. Cummings has taken up and overthrown the whole theory and left him not one foot to
stand upon, consequently the whole fabric is upset. I suppose your business will be slacking off now as the warm weather is approaching. I do not remember of ever witnessing a more
pleasant spring than the portion of what we have had, an Uncle of ours on my mothers side of the house came from NY yesterday, he states that the spring as far as agriculture is
rather more backward there then it is here. I most thank you for the encomium passed on me, I hope that business will be as remunerative as the last firm, as the senior partner
retired with about 15,000 pounds and leaves in the present firm 6,000 pounds on simple interest payable in yearly installments. That with the junior partners capital will give us a
good start, another thing to be considered is that when I went into business there was not one penny of debt to the firm, and we have good credit at home, now as we have the means
and credit the only thing remaining is to put our trust in providence. I would like to know whether Elizabeth S. is under her wards care in NY or whether she has gone back to Fort
Hamilton. I know that you feel equally interested about her, in fact I would not like to see her brought up a Roman Catholic nor even any of my friends to that creed. We are all
enjoying tolerable good health with the exception of father who has had a cough which has hung on longer than we had expected, but I think it has now a tendency to improve. They
all join me in love to you all. I am your affectionate cousin.
William Stewart
PO Box 74
St John NB
St. John N.B
April 3rd 1858
Dear Friend,
Sir
Your much esteemed favor of the 3rd of Feb I received in due course. You have reason to reproach me as I have left your letter so
long unanswered. I most confess that my delay is truly culpable, I had nothing particular to say, however I was tempted to wait to hear of my employers arrival in England that I
might give you some information concerning the book that I sent for you by him, we only hear of his arrival today, he had a very long passage, it was not until the 8th of March
that he arrived in Liverpool. He proposes leaving on the 3rd of April by the New York Steamers. He writes to say that he intends on going to Philadelphia. I will write when in New
York, that if he has brought the book with him and goes to Phila to address it to you, and leave it at Messer. Thomas Richards and Brothers corner Fronte and High Street.
It is strange you did not get my first letter that I directed to their company, reason for doing so was because I was not certain whether it was Basto or Batsto. However I
thought by directing to your employers there would be no difficulty. Shortly afterwards I found in Harpers Gazetteer it was Batsto Burlington County New Jersey.
My sister Emma (she who was with me in N.Y) has received a letter from uncle Thomas (since you wrote me) stating the particulars of the severe attacks he had on the first of
January. He has been really a great sufferer, and has every reason to be thankful to God for prolonging his life. I trust he has found grace in his sight. He writes to sister in a
very Christian like manner and states he was recovering, but while he was writing had every two or three minutes to put salt on his mouth to prevent the frequent discharge of blood
from his lungs, we expect a visit from him as father has written for him to come as soon as his health and the weather permits. We are all pleased to hear of his total renunciation
of all that belongs to Popery, and also his daughters own free will to cooperate with him.
I have little or nothing of importance to inform you concerning the news from Ireland. Capt. Green he who lost his vessel in the Bay of Fundy (N.B) has him a vessel sailing
out of Belfast. I noticed in an Irish paper the death of Mrs. Green relict of the late Andrew Green of Balintra aged 91 years.
Father received a letter from home that stated a brother of David Stewarts at the bridge is dead leaving two children.
As regards the weather there I understand it has been disagreeable and a great quantity of snow fell.
We have had with few exceptions a most delightful winter the snow is entirely gone and the streets are as dry as in the month of June, and as the spring has opened so
favorably I trust business with improve, we have felt the commercial crisis here as well as in the other parts of the world, although I do not think to the same extent in some of
the cities in the United States.
Nothing more at present. Give my compliments to Mrs. Stewart and family, father wishes particularly to be remembered to them, and let us always have your friendship. I am
most sincerely , Dear Sir your affectionate.
William ? Stewart PS you will please direct your next to me employers(they having a box in the Post Office say to me are of Charles Patton& Co Prince William St St.John NB
Know all men by these presents that I Robert Stewart of the county of Burlington and State of New Jersey do here by constitute and appoint George Stewart of Ballyshannon in
the county of Donegal Ireland my true and lawful attorney for me and in my behalf. Where as the lands of Dunmuckrun = Stewart = held by Mes. Robert Sr, Geo. Johnson, John
Allingham and myself as co-leasers under a lease of lives renewable for ever : now the said leases in order to save the trouble of renewing hereafter agree to hold their lease in
the form of a free farm grant. I hereto authorize George Stewart aforesaid to sign any documents which will be necessary for, the accomplishment of the above named object.
New York Dec 9th 55
Dear Brother,
I received your letter of the 28th with 10 dollars enclosed which came in good time. I had the first weeks wages in my hand in five when I received your ten which I will pay
you yours if employment continues which at present is very scare in New York.
Dear Robert I am happy to hear of you having such fine a family of boys and girls, and ? to know you one all in the full enjoyment of good health, and am also glad to hear
of Mrs. Stewarts mother being well.
Dear Robert I have not seen Thomas or heard from him since my last to you, for whereas I am out of work, I am not fond of writing. I am happy to hear from George and Jane,
and that they are in good health.
Robert I am sorry to hear that you received nothing from your friends that you rented your farm to, and as you justly remark it is high time. Robert as I know where you are,
I will write to George letting him know you and your family is well.
Dear brother the next time you visit to New York call at ?86 Greenwich St and if am not there you will be directed to my residence.
As you enquired for the members of my family which consists of two a boy & girl, the oldest Jane is eleven years old, John is nine years old.
We lost a boy three years last May aged 3 ½ years. My wife join me in love to you and your family.
I remain your affectionate brother,
John Stewart
Fort Hamilton
Dec 6, 1857 (Sunday)
Dear Robert,
Yours of the 2 ? came to hand last evening (3 days from Batsto) and how so long coming I can't account for however I assure you its receipt relieved my mind for I began to
feel very uneasy from your long silence in not writing that one time I would say Robert must gone west to purchase land for if he was home he would not keep me so anxiously waiting
to hear from him, on the other hand I would say even if he is gone west Andrew or Mrs S would write me. I must say that I never during my life felt so anxious to hear from you or
any person, I suppose it must be from the weak state of my nerves as you will see by this scrawl that they are not very strong, yet my health otherwise is much improved thank God.
I beg you to receive my warmest thanks for the flattering compliment you pay my nephew in your letter. I only wish you had seen his youngest sister who stayed with me while he was
on to your place (though only 15 years old) you could not find any young lady (especially so young) better accomplished. I need not tell you the pleasure it gave me that you have a
daughter capable of teaching a school, by the way I had a visit from your brother John's family his wife son & daughter, the daughter is preparing to be a teacher so that the
female part of the Stewart family are determined to do all they can to sustain the illustrious name they bear.
Dear Robert I am happy to hear you say that the doubts you labored under relative to your money is somewhat removed but I must say that you a man blessed with good sound
sense should allow your money to remain so long in the hands of your employers you will say I did not want it, this is the worst argument you could produce. If the Lord blessed you
with one economical industrious wife was that any reason why you should not draw your salary regularly as it became due certainly not - you had a very good excuse you had a wife
and family your own time been taken up in your employers business you could not give any attention to your own affairs and worse still leaving the compensation you were promised
for said time in the hands of any employer when any doubt of obtaining it might occur, the recent panic in the money market and the heavy ? that have failed , I trust
will prompt you to get your money as soon as practicable and when you get it you can invest in western lands where you can retire to in your old age even if you never live on it ,
it will pay better interest than any other investment. Why it was only a few months since I read in the papers of a man only 5 year ago purchasing 500 acres of land a little south
of Dubuque for $625 ( Govt price) and without even laying out a dollar in improvements he refused lately over $100,000 this is not an every day occurrence but land is the only safe
investment. I hope you will pardon the liberty I have thus taken as you know there is none can give a better advice than an old spendthrift, and like all the rest of my kind say I
wish I could only live my life over again
As the Sabbath is wet and stormy preventing me of going to Church I may as sell fill this page and proceed to do so by thanking God sincerely for his many blessings to me for
I do assure you Robert that were you eye witness to the heavy affliction I have passed through you would say with me that nothing but the miraculous mercy of God brought me through
and spared me, I trust even yet to glorify Him the only inducement I ever had during my long affliction of praying to God to spare my life yet a little longer was solely on my
little daughters account as I would wish to see her educated and amply provided for before my death.In my former letter I mentioned to you my renouncing the dogmas of the Catholic
Church when I announced my intention to my wife it caused her great grief and still to add more to it my little daughter had come to see me at the time the mother wanted to go to
church. I don't want to go to the Catholic Church the Protestant Church is the best, my fathers a Protestant and I'll be one said she to her mother, this I assure you was no
prompting of mine but the instinct of her own mind. Your brother John's daughter told her mother the same and his wife says that John is changed very much for the better poor
fellow I have not heard from him since so many has been thrown out of work. I hope though to be able soon to go to N.Y. and find out if he's to work as I would not let him want as
long as I have enough and to spare.
My wife and daughter join me in love to you , Mrs. S. and family ( Mrs. Green included) and believe me to be your affectionate cousin,
Thos. Stewart
P.S. I don't know if my nephew informed you of David Wood being in New York for the last 3 years, I was astonished to hear it. He told my brother James when in St John that my
brother in law (FG) made himself too officious, because Finley would not let him cheat your brother George of what he owed him, by the way I am going to open a correspondence with
George, please send me his address, you know there is another George (my uncles Son)
T.S
Ballyshannnon
4th April 1856
Dear Robert,
I suppose you are thinking by this time that I have become bankrupt as I have not complied with your request to remit you the amount of rents, be in my hands, but I shall
endeavor to explain the cause, - when I entered into partnership with Mr Green I was not able of myself to put as much cash into the trade as he required and should, and your cash
I put in as it came into my hands to meet some demands against me whilst I supposed you would not require it for some time, and I do not like to speak of raising the cash now
before the close of our business year which will be on the 1st of September, when I shall send you the amount with many thanks- I have two reasons for not asking the money
until the close of the year, first it might give him, Mr Green, some offence as I know he does not like any confusion, and it might curtail my profits at the close of the year. I
hope you may be satisfied with this explanation, if not drop me a line an you shall have a letter of credit for the amount by return of boat as I would suffer loss rather than you
should be any way inconvenienced. Present my love to Margaret and the juvenile members of the family.
Your affectionate brother, Geo Stewart
All our relatives here are well, there is not any very interesting in the way of news.Hugh Chittish has left a few days ago for New Orleans, he first calls at Philadelphia
where he will remain a day or two, I had a great desire if circumstances had permitted to accompany him as far as Philadelphia for the purpose of making a visit to you for a short
time, you are aware we had a visit from Mr. James Stewart of St. John after an absence of 38 years. He was very gay and cheerful, he had a bad sickness after he got
home but is now better, if you hear anything of Thos. Stewart I would be glad to know through your next letter, Jane Graham (our sister) is quite well and happy. She has been
invited on a visit to London to her brother-in-laws, but she will hardly go
Love to all,
George
Batsto, N.J
Dec 7, 1857
Dear Brother,
Our correspondence has taken a long rest, the fault is mine I acknowledge it freely, indeed I have nothing of importance to transmit to you and now before entering on the New
Year I thought of letting you know that we are all living and in good health. Andrew and myself are still in the employment of the Messers. Richard, my daughter Ann Jane is
teaching school in this village so you see there are three of us earning something - The business is very slow(?) In this place it has been so ever since the death of old Mr.
Richards but more so this year in consequence of the derangement of the Bank in this country. I some time ago had my fears of the safety of my money in the hands of my employers -
they tell me they will be able to meet all their liabilities so that the prospect looks some what better now.
I received a Ballyshannon Herald from you since your last letter I find the Hearld has passed into the hands of some of the Greens, it is much better conducted now than
formerly. I had a letter from Thos. Stewart lately, he has just recovered from a long and painful illness, he seems to be cheerful and says he has renounced the errors of Romans (
I think he never embraced the errors excepting a little outwardly) - I had a short visit last summer from William Stewart, a son of James of St John
Fort Hamilton
Nov 10, 1857
Dear Cousin,
My long protracted illness is the only apology I can make for not writing you before this and during the many months that have elapsed since you last wrote I had been
flattering myself with the hope of you coming to see me as I was not able to go to see you. If you could spare the time I could give no idea the pleasure such a visit would give
me. I am at a loss for language to express my gratitude to Almighty God for sparing me so long no doubt for his own wise purpose only one week today I had two doctors
attending me and both gave me up indeed - I myself believed my dissolution certain but thanks and praise to the great Physician of both soul and body, he rebuked the disease and
put the opinion of my doctors and my own fear to flight so that in the short space above alluded to I am enabled to address you (though very nervous) and tell you I feel a
miraculous change in my health for the better. I had a letter the other day from my nephew (whom I requested to call and see you and bring me word how you & your family were)
in his letter he says they had no direct news from Ballyshannon, but that my brother James had seen a sea captain from Donegal who told him that Finley Green had purchased the and
type and press of the Ballyshannon Herald. My little daughter is at one of the best schools in New York and progress's rapidly in learning, she has obtained a medal and got
promoted to a higher class lately these marks of progress has a wonderful tendency of giving her an unusual zest for learning, that young as she is when she come to see us
occasionally her mother will say Bridget stay another day . Mother my Papa will soon be better and come and see me because if I stay away from school I would lose my medal.
Business here has been very dull not owing to the money panic but the removal of the troops to Utah. My new store has done remarkably well up to the present. I was fortunate to get
a faithful man to manage it for me and now we anticipate a good business this winter as the headquarters of the 2nd artillery are daily expected at the place together with 2
companies and soldiers must get their pay and spend it too no matter whether Banks suspend or not. Dear Cousin if my health continues to improve until next spring I certainly
intend visiting you for a few days and now before closing this scroll I must tell you that when I thought I was about dying I thought it high time to renounce the dogmas of the
Catholic Church and die in the faith that I was born and brought up in, and since I came to and formed the resolution my health has been gaining daily since indeed it was
only to mortify my brother David that I turned Catholic but it was only in name for I never thought that any priest could pardon my sins or any others body's together with the
doctrine of ? " the Immaculate conception, praying to Saints, etc". These dogmas I considered I should openly renounce before quitting this world.
Must now conclude by requesting you look over my errors in this miserable scroll and write me on receipt of this and if I am not punctual in answering one letter write a
second and even a third without waiting on a feeble old man for his reply and do not exact letter for letter as I am not aware of any cause why you should be so long writing my
reply.
My wife and daughter join me in love to you, Mrs. Stewart and all your family and believe me to be your affectionate cousin,
Thos. Stewart
Script to the letter to her unknown but beloved cousin - if you write to Jane there is nothing that would give her a greater pleasure, her address is Mrs. J. Graham 64 Jno
Street Sligo. I am taking a notion of getting married will you come to my wedding if you get due notice? I heard of James a few days ago he is in Toronto living happily among a
little colony of his friends. I do not know his address. Mrs. Porteus Johnston was delighted to hear of you all, particularly of Mrs. Green. Mrs J. is a very industrious and good
kind of person and a great favorite of mine. She has 500 pounds lodged in the bank for the daughter as a marriage portion, what if Andrew George would come on and
propose for her? She has a large farm with comfortable houses on each of them for each of the ? I sent you a Herald sometime, I would take it as a compliment if you would send me
an illustrated paper. Wishing you all a happy New Year.
I conclude with love to all, your affectionate brother,
George Stewart
June 9, 1858
Fort Hamilton
Dear Robert,
Your favor of the 7th is just handed me by my beloved daughter whom I brought home to be present at my death. I avail myself of a lull in the flow of blood today to answer
your welcome letter for I assure you that since my last letter to you I have one, two and sometimes three attaches but thanks to the great physician he has blessed the means
resorted to by my earthly physician and prolonged my life a little longer. Indeed were you to see the quantity of blood I lost for the week you would join me in thanks to God that
I am living and how I could live after losing so much unless by his gracious forbearance in order that I should repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. I have heard from Mr.
Searles since last I wrote you and would write before getting yours as above if my feebleness of body had not prevented, to give a conversation that passed between Doctor Bailey
and I about property the Doctor has been trying to exchange a farm of 65 acres he has at Sacketts harbor for Fort Hamilton property. He says said land is a rich soil and worth 100
dollars per acre. Now my object in writing before that was to say to you buy the "Griswold" property and as Mrs S. would like more land you may make and exchange which
would be in your favor if you can get 65 acres worth 100 per for property that will cost you 2000 or a little more without expending a dollar. It would give you a large dividend as
you can see by going into a few figures. Your remarks relative for the time of paying for this Griswold property is correct, still I must say that Mrs. S when she offered 2000
added that it would be "cash" and no delay in the payment whether Mrs. Clapp or her agent will consider the dates you mention Nov 58 and Jan 59 the same as cash remains
to be known and from my critical state of health may be too late as they may close with some other. Dear Robert the last week has been the most trying in all my life as my wife's
conduct since Saturday till yesterday was perfectly insane and all on my wanting to send for the Minister as soon as I mentioned his name she commenced cursing me and all who would
not die Catholic. You may judge from my feelings and reflections apparently ? . The Doctor begging of her to keep quiet as quiet was the only chance I had of surviving. Still the
bigot would tear the hair from her head, scream and go on her knees calling on God to damn my immortal soul, and turn a new leaf of abuse on me that I had willed all my property to
her only during her life and that at her demise said property would go to my daughter and robbed her sons (my step-sons) and in order to be let to die in peace I had to get Mr.
Sears, my lawyer to make a new will dividing it equally between her and my child. This you see by marrying a Catholic to be revenge or torture my brother as I foolishly imagined I
am the greatest sufferer myself and especially at the time I want peace. Whilst writing this I had to drop to let the blood flow which was the greatest I had yet, as in ½ hour not
less than 2 quarts came from my lungs. My lawsuit I was not able to attend on Monday, Mr. Sears told me to not allow it to annoy me as it looks more in my favor now than at first.
My wife since left her half of my estate has got quiet and came to my bedside this morning, went on her knees and asked God my pardon and prayed God would reverse the curses. I
thought the time favorable one to mention how I intend to bring up Elizabeth B. but alas the storm came near breaking out a new. I have it written in the will that she will be
educated at a Protestant School. My executor will attend to this and I shall keep quiet. My wife and daughter join me in love to you, Mrs.S and all your family. Believing me to be
your affectionate cousin. Thos. Stewart P.S. Write soon or come on and secure the Griswold property. ** The Irish is of a forgiving disposition T.S
St. John N.B.
July 23, 1858
Dear Cousin,
I received you letter in due time with the mournful tidings of the death of Uncle Thomas. We all think it strange that we have not heard anything from Fort Hamilton relative
to Uncles death. The grief which we all feel for the loss of a very kind and affectionate brother and uncle(particularly those of us that have seen him) is sufficient to make me
know how much you feel by the death of an affectionate cousin. Poor uncle I have often thought of what he told me, that he had seen more hardships than would kill most of his
friends.
In his last to me he stated that God had forborne with him, and had brought him now to a sense of feeling of his often rebellion and he was now determined to seek his
forgiveness and endeavor to live in him the rest of his day's.
He also wrote me that he had written to his brother David emploring his forgiveness and hoped that he would receive his letter before he left this world for a better.
On receipt of yours father wrote to Uncle David and Aunt Green of the death of their affectionate brother. And at the same time wishing them to write him with the
particulars concerning his friends in that quarter, and in receipt of them I will impart to you what news that will concern you.
Father wishes me to mention to you that he is rather jealous with you on account of you making so many visits to Fort Hamilton and not favoring him with one particularly
when the facilities for traveling are so good for instance you could leave Batsto on any Wednesday morning so as to leave N.Y. at 6 P.M in any of the Sound of ? River Boats and be
in St. John on the Friday following or say you would leave Batsto on Saturday morning you would be in Boston at 6 A.M on Sunday so you will have all ? in Boston than leave on
Monday at 9A.M. and you will be in St. John on Tuesday at 3 P.M.
The delay in not answering your much esteemed long e'er this was that I wanted to find out whether I could hear of any information concerning that wonderful book. I wrote to
the Post Master at Calais Maine, I received an answer this day of which there was no tidings of the book. He stated that it was forwarded on to the address. However if you do not
get it will send for another this fall.
This leaves our family enjoying their ? health with each of their best respects to you.
I remain your affectionate
Cousin William Stewart
St John N.B
May 29, 1858
Dear Friend
Sir
I received yours of the 28th of April in due time. I should have answered it long err this excuse do not do at all times, but I must say that business has interfered ,
the trade for this month has been very good consequently we have had very late hours. I am sorry to say the information concerning the Messers. Richards ? not being your employers
was to late, as I had sent the book this day ( Saturday) five weeks ago which was about ten days previous to the receipt of yours of the 8th. I have felt very anxious for sometime
back (as the mails from the U.S. to St. John are daily) to know whether you had received the book ? I first intended to send it be express but I found that they exchange to others
when they get to Boston. I then thought it a better plan to send it by mail ? ? at our Post Office, the information I received their was that it would go to Phila. Free of expense
by leaving the ends exposed I accordingly sent it and left the same address on it say Mr. Robert Stewart Batsto Post Office Burlington Co New Jersey care of Messers Thomas Richards
and Brothers corner of Fronte and High Street Phila. I wrote you the following Monday ( not to the care of the Richards) but as the mails and steam boat closed at 7 P.M. I was
rather late to post it here. However I gave it to an acquaintance of mine that was going to Boston by the same boat to post it on his arrival in Boston. I enquired a few days ago
in our Post Office as to the safety of the book they told me it was all right to the lines. I took the liberty to write your name in side of the book to show that is was not for
sale as it was a copywrite and told them in our Post Office that his parties name was written in side they said that did not make any matter. I wish to give you all the information
so as to ? it out. Hoping that you will receive this and that it will find all your family enjoying their usual health as this leaves all our so
Yours Most Respectfully
William Stewart
Fort Hamilton
Dec 17, 1857
Dear Robert,
Your much esteemed letter of the 11th I received on the 12th and with it one from my nephew from St. John, so that you judge of the joyful Saturday night I had ? both.
In reply to my nephews I took the liberty of sending him an extract from yours of the 2nd merely to show him the very flattering compliment you paid him and prepare him to
offer the best apology for his neglect in writing you as he promised, poor fellow I hope you will forgive him as I know you would were you to read his last letter to me, it
is a continuation of pious exhortations directing me to the only hope of Salvation its affects was the cause of humbling me to the very dust to think that one so many years my
junior would have occasion to direct me to the path of duty I so recklessly strayed from before he was born. I was glad to hear you even express a hope that your money now in the
hands if your employers is safe an again I would take the liberty to say to you as a friend that I hold dearer than any brother I have - though he may be gentleman of good
character and possessed large landed property that said property might be mortgaged for more than its worth and you through their bookkeeper might not know it therefore get your
money as soon as practicable. Dear Robert there are hundreds in New York that this time last year was worth hundreds of thousands of dollars yea millions, that are not worth one
dollar now and this is not confined to N.Y. but all over the union, however we must hope for better times, indeed there is some prospect of it our New York Banks resuming ? payment
has had the good effect of causing Albany and Boston Banks to do the same and it is to be hoped that all other suspended banks will all resume so that we may naturally hope for a
brisk spring trade this appears to be the general opinion everywhere.
I for my own part have every reason to be thankful as we never done better than at the height of the panic when every one in New York was complaining of the stagnation in
business my new store was doing a thriving business while my old store never did better since first opening it owing to the Headquarters of the 2nd artillery been established here
and soldiers being my principle customers.
You requested me to inform you who your brother Johns wife is or where did she come from in reply all I know of her is she's Irish from what Co. I know not. She is much
older than John and my wife says a clean good housekeeper. I never was in their place as I understand they did not live happy. She told my wife when she visited them that from the
day she married John up to that time she never got a dollar of his earnings and from Saturday night till Monday he was always drunk cursing the Catholics ( the wife being one) and
calling her every thing but a virtuous woman the last charge I believe be unjust the whole cause of John acting so bad the wife says is because she unfortunately has a illegitimate
child some 8 or 9 years before they were married and this child now a young woman of probably 22 always lives with the mother and is the chief support of the family she is a book
folder and earns some 5 or 6 dollars a week. I must say that John is much to blame why did he marry her when he knew her creed and of her having this girl, by the way from what the
wife say's she has the worst of the bargain though in the visit she paid me as I stated in my former letter he changed so much for the better that I was delighted to hear it
indeed. Robert in regard to his not assisting to support his family I believe to be true, as I will give you an instance of it - he came down to me the winter of 1854 and told me
he was not working had plenty to eat but no coal to cook it I immediately gave him a ten dollar gold piece the price of 2 tons of coal, then to prevent him breaking it before
getting the coal I gave him 50 cents to pay his fare. I am sorry to tell you after all my precautions the ten dollars went the same way all his own hard earnings went before
without buying a pound of coal so that if ever he asks again I shall order the coal delivered and pay for it myself. I must now close by telling you that you need not boast of
writing two letters in two or three days when I tell you that this is my 2nd in one day the other filled 4 pages - me thinks I hear you say Thos. Has a dying kick in him yet.
My wife joins me in love to you Mrs Stewart and family and believe me to be your affectionate cousin,
Thos. Stewart
excuse errors omissions and bad grammar
Fort Hamilton
April 10, 1856
Dear Robert,
I know not how to begin to apologize for my long silence you might task me with carelessness or ingratitude on any thing but promptness - suffice it to say I have been both
busy and sick since the receipt of your affectionate letter enclosing one to your brother John in the 1st place I made a purchase of a house barn and near an acre of ground about a
½ mile from where I live and to the house I added 24 feet making now a front of 54 feet, the addition I had fitted up for a store and if my health admits will open it about the
1st of May. I paid a thousand dollars for the property and expended another on it and now I would not take less than three thousand for it. For in addition to what I expended in it
a road has been surveyed from Brooklyn which comes or is to come along side of my fence not only making it a corner lot but throwing the whole side to said new street if so I could
sell a few lots off that would pay for the front and all I expended on it.
Dear Cousin I mentioned in my last that I expected a visit from my brother Anthony and just on or about the receipt of your letter he came and remained with us all winter he
has left a few weeks back for Boston where he says his 3 daughters reside between you and I he is a miserable wretch. The first time I went to New York after receiving your letter
I intentionally forgot Johns letter and called on him and asked him down for it and bring his children. He came himself but did not bring the children and I must tell you that this
trio of the Illustrious Stewarts spent a very happy night together indeed my brother James had a severe attack of sickness getting home but was better when he wrote he had a letter
from Ballyshannon he said, and all our friends were well and my sister Green who was very delicate when he was there had improved very much - I have had another attack of hemmorage
of the lungs on the 29th of Feb. which very near put a period to my existence but thank God I am much better today this being only the 2nd day I have been down stairs since the
attack. I now begin to hope as the weather gets better to get round once more and greet you ten thousand times welcome before the summer is out at Fort Hamilton. I did intend that
my brother Anthony and my eldest stepson would carry on the business where we are and my wife and younger stepson and myself attend the new place but Anthony is either too lazy or
too independent to work for a living the height of his ambition is apparently smoking tobacco and reading newspapers.
You mentioned to me of lots you seen for sale on this Island and justly remarked that there could not be much chance of a bargain so near the city, if my health was as good
as yours I would prefer the West but here with delicate health I must remain and do the best I can.
My new place has quite an imposing appearance I did intend to call it North Sebastopol but having no son the Royal name would become extinct here, so I have concluded to
call it Stewartville my next I trust shall be dated from there. I hope you will excuse this scroll - for I assure you I am so nervous that I can hardly hold the pen. My little
daughter progresses in learning rapidly, she can read well and will write and figure fair in a very short time if my health improves . She has never got any instruction but what I
gave her. My wife enjoins me to give her love to Mrs Stewart and expects her to make an apology for not coming on this summer to see her and stop a little longer than you did last
year. If possible I would very much like you would come with Mrs Stewart as I would like to see you once more before I die.
My wife and daughter join me in love to you Mrs Stewart and family and last but not least Mrs Green.I remain with sincere esteem and regards. Your affectionate Cousin, Thos.
Stewart
Ballyshannon
27th January 1874
Dear Robert,
I beg to acknowledge the receipt of yours of the 27th Dec 73. I am sorry at your despondence on account of your monies but by using every legitimate means as I know you will
I hope matters may turn out to your satisfaction. I am sorry you have changed your mind about visiting this country your visit would have given my wife, George and myself the
greatest pleasure I thank you for offering me the land without putting it up for public sale - therefore I cannot object to the value you have left on it so will accept it bearing
all the expenses the papers and will forward in due time directed to yourself I am glad to find your family are in good health and hope Mrs. Green may shortly be restored to health
again when George heard your ? he was quite amazed, he too has had his leases first with Mr Wood 300 pounds second in Sligo 1500 pounds a bond of his uncle with Mr Allen of Pettigo
700 pounds also with the late Mr Edward Gibson 100 pounds he lost 60 pounds by Carickhnohome? besides other smaller sums that would amount to 1500 pounds, he simple and trusting
might not have suffered so much if he had been more vigilant, however he seems partly content though I feel very much for him on account of his limited monies, poor fellow his
motto was always owe no man anything, and he feels his short coming with you very much. My wife and I forward our love to you and family and George joins in our love with gratful
thanks.
Your affectionate cousin
David Stewart
Sunday
March 25, 1866
My Dearest Brother,
Your esteemed letter came to hand on Saturday 24th, it cheered me greatly to hear from you and sister. I am sorry you and children are afflicted as well as
myself , as to my prospects I have no earthly friend but my brother in London. I proposed selling out my little stock and going to live in London to be near him for everyone
strives to take me in and when I sell out it will bring me about a hundred and fifty. I have lost the ? for the last year, the young man I had conducting my business did not
understand it for leather is a difficult business to know. The oldest son I have at school and I am trying my best to educate them well. I never have a line from George But I hear
he is getting more steady and is in a situation with William Green selling provisions. I am surprised he has not sent you your rents would it not be worth your while to come over
to settle affairs as ? is so much now.
I would be glad if you would send me your and sisters likeness and the children and I will send you mine then Robert. Gonville was home at Easter - you did not tell me A.J.
husbands name do so in your next, but love to sister, nephews and niece and believe me your ?
Jane Graham
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