Poe Archive

Philadelphia
Sept 18, 1828

My D. Brother,

Most unconsciously the time has slipped along since I wrote you from Lexbridge. Together with my attention to my main business in that country I visited a great number of extension manufacturing establishments of various kinds. Maj. Mann & Maj. Scott & several others. Mr. Cook for one accompanied me to Boston. Saw many beautiful siats [sights] on the way among which was of the Hon. Mr. Russell. Passed through the state [?] commons, principal streets, Faneuil Hall, Market --took a prospective view from top of state lands of the harbors & surrounding towns & bridges, etc.—Visited navy yard at Charleston. State’s prison, the monument at Bunker Hill—went to Cambridge College to the tide mill dams & works—theatre.

At all of this Maj. Mann would not allow me to pay a farthing for anything—I took with Maj. Mann a gig, a low ride to visit all Mr. Scott’s people at Cumberland—Much tears were shed by the old lady & Miss Balcom & many expressions of gratitude to be communicated to you & Ann & Aurilla & Olive, much solicitude about Aurilla’s health. Many market[s] so bad in that country that Mr. Capron & I concluded to visit his brother near the city & try what success here.

I had the pleasure of an introduction to the president, John Q. Adams, at Providence & his company to this place—He is a very plain, common sense farmer & statesman sort of man.

It is a week since I came into town during which time I have been most of the time in the country north. When I have a delightsome visit at Mr. Capran’s brothers & he has carried us all over the country to the water works. Point No Point, Manaunk, Frankfort, Holmsburg, Bustletown, etc, etc. & he is making all possible interest for us in the way of our business. His lady has been extremely polite to me & I have visited as agreeably as I could at home.

I have accidentally fallen in with a Philadelphian who came out of Buffalo with me & was my company to Utica. He invited me to his house & I shall claim his attention to my business.

I am fellow lodger with a Mr. Cornell who has some wealth & acquaintances—He is making some interest for me & it is not impossible but he may join me in the Pratt & Leach farms as I proposed to Wadsworth.

There are fourteen millions of dollars of private deposits in the U.S. Bank without use & it is thought there are many millions more in the different banks without use—I have just commenced my operations & report no success yet, but I should think the business might be effected. I don’t think of returning till I do something. Doct. Bristol must try to be patient & we shall endeavor to remit that shortly.

Supposing I should be home earlier & did not commit to Mr. Allen concerning the note we gave. I think he will have the goodness to receive your note perhaps with Mr. Thomway by way of [?].

Please get some money on Gates Note or of Wilcox & Smith an article (tell them it is my particular request & all shall be made right) & look at certain taxes unpaid & advertised for sale on first October pay the same & take receipt—there are lots we sold & taxed to others but it will [be] the same trouble if they are paid—out lots 78-79, 80, 81, 82, 83, & 84 are on our plot—some of 82 is not ours—you will understand the tax roll. I have good faith that I shall return to Buffalo prepared to do business & if any are solicitous to know my prospects, you may communicate my opinion.

I have faith, hope, & charity. I saw Mr. Ruxton & lady at New York—Mrs. R told me that Doct. Burwell was very much engaged—that Doct. C. had the misfortune to fracture the thigh in two places. I could hear nothing of Armilla. I learn that you have had a great flood but not equal to the troubles east. As 44 South sixth is very pleasant heart of the city & I have passed there frequently. I think calling sometime & give an account of you. I presume I shall introduce myself to Doct. Horace. I got acquainted, on way from N.Y. with a Doct. Clark late from a 3 yr. tour of Europe just arrived here. He was with the young Doct. [?] when he died at London. Attended the 4th July with [?] at Paris—attended the review of the Russian Army when this prince joined them, etc, etc. The first acquaintance he met at the wharf changed his aspect from intends hope & expectation to tears by telling him his Father died a few days since. I hope to start in a few days for home—continue to write to Newport.

I would be remembered with affection to Ann, [?], George & Esther. To Aurilla & Olive & to Doct. Chapin’s family & to our neighbors. Excuse bad spelling & writing for I have not time to review. I have remarkable good health. Eat & sleep my allowance & have gained several lbs. in weight.

Yours sincerely,
J. W. Clark

B. B. MD