Physician turned investor; met President John Q. Adams

Recipient

Date Written

Sept. 18, 1828

Member of Series

John Whipple Clark was 29 years old when this was written.
The recipient, Bryant Burwell, was 32 when it was received.

John Whipple Clark died 44 years, 2 months, 7 days after writing this.
It was written 195 years, 17 days ago.
It was a Thursday.

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

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