Subject: Canals
From Boxes 1 & 2
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[Addressed to] Mr. Ebenezer Burr
Norfolk
Litchfield Co.
Conn. [Connecticut]Prairieville [Wisconsin] June 2, 1843
My dear Parents, Sister & Brothers,
We are now in Wisconsin at cousin Levi’s [Levi Grant]. I can’t realize it I dont seem possible. We arrive this morning about 9 oclock were received quite cordially by Mr. & Mrs. Grant who said they had been looking for us two or three weeks Levi is not quite as tall or large as Daniel, blazing red hair freckled face & hands, butternut colored eyes, Smooth voice & converses very well — his wife [Lucinda Octavia Tryton Grant] about my height perhaps a little taller rather more fleshy, though her face not much if any larger — complexion neither very dark or light hair dark as my own, blue eyes very mild, pretty voice, looks a little like Catie Wright but prettier <though perhaps not much more than I do> her name was Lucinda Tryon — parents now reside in Ohio — removed thither from Southington Hartford Co. Conn [Connecticut] am really quite pleased with her — think I shall enjoy her society considerably — age 22 last March her husband 25 last Sept — They have been married more than 2 1/2 years — have a little daughter Frances Augusta 11 months runs around — fat little thing — black eyes — rather sandy hair — quite large & active for one of her age —
It is now nearly 1/2 past 7 Friday eve — laid my writing aside an hour or so during a shower of rain & hail, accompanied by wind, thunder & lightning — they say such storms are frequent & violent some think so much thunder & lightning to be attributed to the minerals abounding here Mrs. Grant & myself were alone our husbands being gone to Milwaukie [Milwaukee, Wisconsin] for our goods — I felt very calm this time but dread them some
Sat. morn. Daniel & Levi started for Milwaukie yesterday after dinner & will not probably be at home until to day noon — we rise about 6. had for breakfast some codfish very nice — potato mashed warm wheat cake & butter & tea. Lucinda is now getting her little child asleep —
I suppose you feel anxious to know about our journey — I will first briefly say we left Albany Sat. noon reached Buffalo in one week from that time sailed from B [Buffalo]. Sat P.M. arrived at Milwaukie Thursday Morn 15 days from the time we left home had on the whole a very pleasant prosperous time — what was the most vexatious was being detained in Albany nearly 2 days before starting & then getting along so very slow on the canal boat — suppose we might just as well have been in Buffalo a day or two sooner I do not feel nearly as tired as I anticipated — but about as usual — very well —
Our passage here has cost us <between 50> 61 dollars & little more D [Daniel]. has an exact account from Albany to Buffalo ‘twas nearly $18 — our fare $3 each & board ourselves — freight nearly $12 — little more than 26 hundred. 45 cts. hund. From B [Buffalo]. to Milwaukie the freight exclusive of the wagon was called 15 barrel bulk — $1 barrel & the waggon $5 making $20 for freight from Buf [Buffalo] our fare from B [Buffalo]. was $9 each — deck passage — cabin passage would have been twice as much — it would have been much more pleasant but think we shall be glad of our $11 or $13 saved — Daniel was not sick at all on the Lake — & I not but very little — it cost us little more than $6 getting from Milwaukie here — storage of the goods in M [Milwaukie] $1.50 — horse hire to come here $150 — D [Daniel].& L [Levi]. stay in M [Milwaukie]. & our [...] $3 & more — & now after we have fairly got here Daniel has left $184 — for which he owes no one — he has also that $100. note of his father —
It was not very convenient for me to write much on the boat, so I just noted down a little now & then on a slip of paper which I will transcribe after writing a little before we left Albany — We just drove up to Mr. Butlers & talked a few moments with Jennette she said Ann Phelps was going to Chicago soon 90 miles from us — called at the school house & <just> said “Good Bye” to Desiah — as we passed along a little below Mr. Sam Gaylords Daniel sung Bounding Billows &c. several verses — some quite pretty & appropriate — it did me good — perhaps you can get them of some one — The first day as you probably learned of Joel, D [Daniel]. rode with him some leaving me to drive then Joel rode with me a little way saw no pleasanter farms coming to Wisconsin than in Sheffield & beyond — the next morning Joel & I went on to Albany 26 miles had a good visit reached there about 10 — called at a public house where I remained until 2 o’clock then I went on board the canal boat. Brockport, Capt. Chappel <Capt> when we reached Albany Joel went immediately to ascertain about a passage for us. Daniel arrived with the goods past 12 — & for some reason I was taken to the boat without looking for any carpet filling — J [Joel Grant] said he would get some I want to know about it I did not get any sacking for the settee because I thought we could get it here without the money & Joel said he presume ‘twould be as cheap. Soon after we went onto the boat Jo [Joel]. came down & almost immediately word was given that we were to go to the other side of the river — So he bid us good bye & hastened out — an hour or so after Capt. brought from him a note saying that he had been looking at some stoves & thought twould be well for us to get one — D. [Daniel] looked & purchased one for $16 — funnel two spit boxes $5. I think it a very pretty stove — should think rather smaller than Uncle Silas’ & much handsomer —
The furniture of the stove consists of a tin boiler with copper bottoms, a copper tea kettle larger than ours at home a pot. larger than yours an iron kettle not very heavy which will hold about 8 quarts — a spider very pretty & not as heavy as ours — an iron dripping pan — two long tin platters for pies, two 3 pint basins & a dipper which holds about a pint with a handle going straight up for several inches & then curved —
When we went on the boat the Capt. said he should start that night or the next morning — but he waited & waited for more passengers & freight & finally went out Sat. noon — I spent my time in looking & going about & seeing every thing that was going on — I did not feel very impatient, but [D?] felt as if he wanted to be going
Friday morning there went on the boat three sisters going about 200 miles on the canal, quite pleasant young ladies, or rather old maids, Also Mr. Stanberg from N.Y. city [New York City], his sons & daughter 16 going to Chicago Ill. — believe he was a mason — were rather gay, full of life, but had no religion nor much principle, liked to play cards, go to Theatre, read novels &c. — yet still I found I thought a good deal of meeting them on the steam boat on the lake — as we knew no other face —
Friday P.M. there went on board a family of Jewetts from Northampton Mass — Old Mr. & Mrs. Jewett, their daughter Isabella about 22. I think, sons Albert 18. & Edward 16 & a married son with two children George 5 & Mary 14 months — lovely children — Mary one of the sweetest [...] things I ever saw. They were all very pleasant & good company I felt quite attached to them — particularly Mrs. Henry Jewett — were going to Bricksville Ohio — not far from Cleveland — we left them at Buffalo —
There was also Mrs. Jackson on the boat from Northampton going to visit her married daughters in Ohio & N. York — left her husband & daughter at home.
Sat. 1/4 before 12 — Have got fairly started from Albany just passed the first lock, When the country through which a canal passes is not level locks are necessary in order for the boats to ascend or descend — when we got in sight of a lock there are gates which would seem to prevent our passing, but on approaching they are thrown open by large levers, log like & we pass on they are then closed & we find another gate in front — then we are completely penned — with gates before & behind & walls of stone on each side — from 8 to 6 feet in height though generally about 10 & Ralph how do you think we get out? By machinery, raising iron rods the water comes foaming, roaring, dashing in & raises us <the top of> to a level with the wall, the gates are then opened & on we pass or if we wish to descend the water is let out & we go down several feet —
Nearly 10 o’clock — are passing through Troy — which is on both sides of the river — cannot get a sight of Mrs. Willards Sem. [Troy Female Seminary, started by Emma Willard] — are now off the boat while it is being weighed — freight & boat** boat weights 30 tons
exclusive of the passengers about 52 tons for which the Capt. has to pay about $86 totl. It is considered a light load — In West Troy is an arsenal — are several buildings — do not think they are quite as handsome as those in Springfield — between 3 & 4 P.M. passed Cohose falls — thought of [M?] Calo. Butler & the little mineral on the shelf — the falls are no great sight — though very pretty —
Sat Eve — past 8 the cook has just come to the cabin to make the [berths?] there are 18 put up — in the ladies cabin & 12 in the gentleman’s — the cabin is one room except a division of a curtain — the smaller room is called the Ladies Cabin I took an upper berth slept soundly —
Sab. [Sabbath] morn awoke & found our boat going — notwithstanding we understood [...] to stop on the Sabbath — All along the canal [...] & shops were open — if I had not remembered it as Sunday I should not have known it — it seemed dreadful I felt wicked enough — conscience smitten — afraid but I could not help myself — Daniel spoke to the Capt about stopping — he said a little & went off — [on?] — D [Daniel]. staid in the cabin most of the day & we read in the Bible & the Reformation Book & slept some for the first few days I sat down on the Settee & slept an hour or so each day
& slept soundly nights too — so you see I got rested Sab. [Sabbath] P.M. we came in sight of a place that reminded us of the gorge between Holyoke & [Tom?] — it really looked beautifully & more — as we approached it & passed between the mountains & saw the ledges of rocks the trees & shrubs on the mountain side — 150 feet perhaps was conscious of emotions of sublimity — I enjoyed it much — very much —
Monday — This morning when I awoke found our boat passing through a lock — it is said there are 99 between Albany & Buffalo — about 9 o’clock came to another — got off the boat & walked with Daniel 2 or 3 miles — felt refreshed — dined at 1 — ate bread & butter tongue & — Half past 1 just entered Utica which is on both sides the canal — the part of the city that we [saw?] is not handsome — looks as if there was a good deal of business done — about a mile <this side> out of the city is the state lunatic asylum — a large stone building very handsome
This P.M. sat on deck some & sewed some on sheets I dont work or read much for I cannot confine my mind to reading & I liked better to see all I can than to sew — though we could work as well most of the time for all the motion of the boat as in a house To day a boat was nearly with us containing I believe 45 or 50 mormons going to Nauvoo, Ill. A priest came on board & spent a few hours, laboring to convert I suppose eat for supper bread & butter, cake & pie
Tues. morn [...] last night [...] rain the first we have had since we left [...] — breakfasted on bread cake & sweetened water — D [Daniel]. has <just> purchased 2 lbs. beef steak 5 cts lb. shall have some for dinner — sat on deck an hour or two — & after sewed some — Past 2 o’clock are passing through Lodi — the rail road passes under the canal here I think Clarisa Eastman lived in Lodi — D [Daniel]. enquired but could hear nothing of her or her family — Possibly she never resided here as there is another tower of the same name in the state —
3 o’clock are now in Syracuse — many handsome houses — like the appearance of the place better than I do Utica — though it is not as large — about 6 o’clock just left Syracuse — rained most of the time while there — there came on board there Mr. John Hall, his wife & 4 small children — thought them an interesting family — he was not Elisa’s brother — A little out of Syracuse are the salt works of Salina & Gettysburg — The last is on the canal — In my next think I will tell you more about them in my next letter —
Wed. Just heard the small pox in Syracuse where we called yesterday — but I dont fear it much — 5 o’clock — our boat just passed under a bridge one end of which had settled & was so low as to take some of the baggage from the deck into the canal — believe it was all recovered — this morning before breakfast put my person in order — read in the Bible &c. & sewed some breakfasted at 8 on steak, bread & butter most of the day it has been quite windy — P.M. finished my sheets then sat on deck a little while — eat for supper [rusk?] & milk & cake
Thurs. morn. Are now within 16 miles of Rochester by way of the canal & 8 the stage road — Daniel & another gentleman have got off the boat to walk there as they wished to look around & D [Daniel]. though he needed the exercise —
4 o’clock — now in Rochester — canal passes through city — good many large buildings enquired after [...] Sibley Alling — found that <she> her husband kept a shoe store & that they lived with her Father a mile from the canal — I would have been very happy to have seen her, but we feared the boat would not stop long enough for us, & beside D [Daniel]. had a severe head ache — but we staied 3 hours or more & had we known we should might have gone — we learned before we got to Buffalo not to place much, if any dependence on what the Capt. said —
Friday — our progress to day is faster than any preceding <...> at 9 in the evening reached Lockport — we sat up waiting to go out & see the locks as there are 5 or 6 together that is we got from one right into the other [...] rise in some of [...] but the banks are very high — [...]
a thunder shower came up & prevent — Sat at 12 reach Buffalo — [...] 4 miles on the lake — You have probably concluded before this that we did not go to the falls. If our old Capt. had only [...] in Rochester 1 hour sooner than he was we might have gone from there for 25 cents each! there were 2 boats went out — opposition then did however a [Cat?] go out at 7 in the evening in which we might have gone — the fare was more considerable (dont remember how much) but suppose we might have gone from R [Rochester]. that day to Buffalo for 7 or 8 dollars — now I suppose you’ll say, why didn’t you go? We did not know what was best to do. hesitated & doubted — the reason of our doubt was, that if our boat went as fast as the Capt. affirmed it should, we might go from Lockport with probably 4 or 5 dollars less expence — be in season there to take the Sat. morning cars — but we did not know as it was best to depend upon him — thought if we went from Rochester we should be sure of it — & might possibly be sorry if we didnt but we concluded to try him once more & went on — & he went beyond our expectations so that we arrived at Lockport several hours <several hours> before we anticipated about an hour after the evening cars left — we might have got off & staid over night & taken the morning cars at 9 — but the Capt. declared we should be in Buffalo before that time, said he should wish to unload the boat that day, & we were afraid some of our things would be lost were we not there to attend to them — thought we might get to B [Buffalo]. in season to attend to [...] things & go to the falls from there — but we were unexpectedly detained a few hours, after we left Lockport as we met a boat that was very heavily loaded & had struck a ground so we could not pass it[page torn] [...] about noon the cards had [...] was a boat going out to Milwaukie that P.M. & we got on it, for [...] we had [...] & gone to the falls Mon. did not know when we could go to Milwaukie as they could not tell when a boat would go out — want to know what you think about it all — do not you feel troubled — do not feel very badly — I do not feel as [...] gentleman did, “that he could not die till he had seen Niagara” — D. [Daniel] is sorry we did not go from Rochester — he told me then, if I said go, we would do so, but after all I thought he didn’t quite think ‘twas best — say I must keep my $5. to go with some future time —
Will tell the rest of my journey in my next — I feel in very good spirits — have had but 4 or 5 crying spells since I left home — love D. [Daniel] better & better — my health is good — shall send another letter soon as I can write it for I could fill a [...] folio now — the mail only goes from here once in 7 days — Sundays — I want to hear from you — very particular — I thought of Mary [Mary Burr Hill] & Ralph [Ralph E. Burr] on their birth days —Friday June 9 — We moved into our house yesterday — not being in readiness before — think it will be comfortable Daniel said I must tell you that he is quite pleased with Wisc thinks we have a very good farm — that he has bought a yoke of the best oxen in Wisconsin great things, with a yoke on a good cow & [calves?] 6 weeks old for $70 — [try?] call the oxen $60. w[...] cattle are much higher here than Joel represented [...]
Levi folks seb[...]perets — to relative — all my love to every body — want to know about Wm. Nortons [Cat?]
I want to know how much Ma [Pamela Benton Burr] has been sick Love to father Grants [Elijah Grant] people — how does Ralph feel & all of you my dear dear parents sister & brothers —
There are several plum trees near our house — a great many strawberry blossoms, & wild flowers — I enjoy them much believe there is most every thing to be bought in Milwaukie — such as dried applies. peaches &c — believe lard is here 5 or 6 cts. lb. [tallow?] twice that — wheat [flour?] $4 or 5 barrel — Muscovado sugar 8 cts — molasses 62 gale — butter 12 1/2 usually & 25 the last winter no shakes have been seen this spring but expect they will be plenty — musquetos are thick better get that broad cloth from Miss Dowd Want to know how much that brown broad cloth was worth in N. also how much strained pails cost. Levi’s folks want one of ours very much — there is about 9 2/3 yds. of that black cotton cloth All that we had broken was largest looking glass, wh. was broken very fine, one tumbler, one light, <tea> cup. one quart bowl, one white deep plate, one blue pie plate, & our blue edged pie plate can mend most of them with little trouble — Dont feel bad about me — think I shall feel well enough if you do
Very aff. [affectionately] Caroline-~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
[Addressed to] Mr. Ebenezer Burr
Norfolk
Litchfield Co.
Conn.[Connecticut][Note at the left side of address leaf] Caroline Grant
Apr […] 1849.
I think my children & Grant children may
like to read this.Waukesha [Wisconsin], Apr. 2, ’49.
My dear Parents,
My dear husband has this day taken his departure for California, & you will of course know that I do not feel much like writing – but I wish to ask some questions & have you write back before I wish to start for Ct. [Connecticut] do not now know just when that will be – probably sometime in May, perhaps the fore part of it. I will not now rehearse the reasons wh. [which] led D. [Daniel] to <the conclusion> decide to go, but he felt that it was best to go — Joel wrote us a letter approving of it – but, O dear – Father & Mother Grant are very decidedly opposed to it & D. [Daniel] says you all are. R. [Ralph] excepted – rece’d [received] her letter & yours a few days since & had two or three days previously recd one from her – poor Mother I am sorry she feels so badly & Daniel was, but he had all his a[rrange]ments made had put in some money, & it was di[ffi]cult to “back out.” The company were not willing he should and he did not know as it was best – though he said if he could get his pay back he did not [know?] but he would stay on account of her feelings** he is afraid it will wear upon her & shorten her life.
— he has good company – in the wagon with him is a physician & wife from this place, one of our <...> best ones, & a conscientious Christian man.
Should we live we know not whether we shall wish to live in Wis. [Wisconsin] & we have concluded that I had better take with me one or two boxes at least of the best of our things. I shall probably go on the canal though I now feel that should the cholera rage much I shall wish to take the railroad — Should I <...> take the cars (& I dont know but if I should not) my box ought to be directed Daniel only to the care of the owner of the depot at Canaan I think. I do not know his name, probably R. Battell or Wm Lawrence & others [etc.] & will you ascertain soon as possibly convenient & write to me — I shall not sell the bed – dont know whether it is best to take it – can leave it with a neat nice woman who will take good care of it & use it for a spare bed, & has but little company, & we could send for it <if> when we wish<ed> to – if there is any thing in particular that you wish me to take please make it known – shall I take the seive & that little 2 qt [quart] brass bottle? — We are going to let our stove go but have reserved the copper tea kettle – shall I take it? Shall box up nearly all of the things that I leave – shall take the good bed clothes. What shall I do with the blue crockery? suppose I could sell it if best. I know not the price of it – could you send me the bill? have sold the largest rocking chair for $2.25 cash – intend to take the other along – do not intend to sell things at much sacrifice – how much is the table that we have worth?
Mother Grant requested us to write to her immediately on receiving her letter I have had no time until now, & I do not feel as if I could write to her but she will probably receive one within two or three weeks after you receive this, as Daniel said he would partly fill a sheet & send to me to fill it & send on — I expect to suffer a great deal from loneliness I suppose Mary is now in New Jersey – hope I shall receive letter from her before I leave Wis. [Wisconsin] – hope you will have some tomatoes growing – children are both well Abby [Abigail E. Grant Burr] talks a great deal about going to Neticut It has been a job to get Daniel ready – have been obliged to hire considerable sewing done.
Love to Erastus, Nancy & little May Ellen, Ralph and all — You must not reckon too much on seeing us you know some or all of us may be taken away before we meet —
Yours aff. [affectionately]
Caroline
I hope it will not be too much trouble for you to write within two or three days after receiving this, for perhaps I may find company or for some other reason be very anxious to go —-~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
[Addressed to] Mr. Daniel Grant
Mill Brook
Litchfield Co.
Conn. [Connecticut]Piketon Ohio Sept 24, 1842
Dear Brother,
As I have now been rather more than a fortnight from home, I presume you feel anxious to hear from me. Cousin Wm. [William] and I arrived at Conneaunt, about eight miles from Kingsville, Saturday morning Sept. 10, from which place we were carried by Mr. Hall, one of Williams’ friends, to Kingsville. We called at Niagara falls, where we spent nine hours in viewing the wonders of the place which are truly astonishing, but nothing worth worrying to see. At Kingsville I visited Uncle Calvin’s family, [Aurin?] Wakefield’s, Nathan Wakefield’s, Harvey Nettleton’s, Alpha Nettleton’s, Roger Nettleton’s, Cousin Milton’s, Cousin Barnard’s and a Mr. Newton’s who married a daughter of Roger Nettleton, but whose wife is now dead. I staid at Kingsville till Wednesday morning Sept, 14, when in William’s company I started for Vienna, where Mr. Chamberlain who married Mary Ann Cowles lives. On our way we passed through Hartford, where Esquire Beebee and his son Dr. Beebee live, and with them we passed the night very pleasantly. Thursday morning we went to Vienna where cousin Mw. staid till after dinner, and I till the next morning. William, who brought me in his father’s waggon, came partly to bring me, partly to see <Mar> Mrs. Chamberlain and partly to visit some relations who live in a neighboring town. He returned the next day, and will probably reach home before you receive this.
From Vienna Mr. Chamberlain carried me to Warren, the county Seat of Trumbull Co., from whence I hoped to be able to find my way somewhere by means of a stage, as a vehicle of that kind visits Vienna only, once a week. We arrived at Vienna Friday forenoon, and I found that no stages were to leave in any direction which I wished to go before Monday morning. However as that day there was a Whig “Mass meeting” at Warren, at which “[Tom?] Corwin” the Governor of Ohio was to mount the stump, I concluded to be as patient as possible and make the most of my forced stay. I managed to occupy the time during the day pretty well, and at night I left word with the collector of the canal to send for me if any boat should come along, going to Akron. Accordingly about one o’clock I was called up, and took passage on a [line?] boat (on that canal they have no others) which, whatever other good qualities it might have, -- deserved no commendation for its speed. The Captain said he had about 55 tons of wheat on board and for all that load he had but two horses. However we moved along at a snails pace and about 6 o’clock Sunday morning I arrived at Akron which is about 45 miles from Warren. Here I spent the Sabbath very pleasantly with the family of Sidney Bass, and on Monday started for Canton. I found brother Phelps had gone to Court and therefore concluded to come here, as soon as on my return, I left Canton Tuesday morning and visited Wyllys Griswold, and at three o’clock in the afternoon took the packet, and about one o’clock Thursday night reached Waverly from whence I came here on foot yesterday.
Brother Phelps and family are well. They have a daughter three weeks old who is healthy, and Susan is so smart as to sit up a great part of the day. She is very cheerful and is doing well. Dr. Whiting with Mrs. Whiting and his brother Julius made a visit there the evening I arrived. They are all well.
Mr. Burton’s family are also well Sister’s eyes are better, though far from sound, and her children, Mary and Philander are doing well. Philander walks as well as any one, and talks very well also. Sister says they find a farm more agreeable than their former mode of life, although rather more laborious.
I found Mr. Bass’ family well. Mrs. Bass appears to be a very amiable, pleasant woman, and all the family are cheerful and happy. They have only one child which is but a few months old. A sister of Mrs. Bass was in the family when I was there.
I suppose you are anxious to know how I get along in looking up a place To this I can at present only answer that I have not yet satisfied myself. I have seen places, however which I think are better suited to you both in price and quality than any that I know of at the east, but before buying them I have concluded to go to Wisconsin. There is plenty of good land in Ohio, but the fact that it is held at a price rather above its value cannot be denied. This is not, however, more the case here than at the east, but all things considered I believe it best for you to go to Wisconsin. All accounts agree in representing it as a delightful country which is at least as healthy as New England. On board the packet I met an individual who <has> is a surgeon in U.S. Army, and who has been stationed in various parts of Wisconsin and Iowa, and has travelled in all parts of them. From his [description?] I judge the prairies of Wisconsin to be something like the pampas of the Rio de la Plata in their fertility and dry healthy air. Mr. Burton tells me that he has seen some persons from there who complain in the same manner Eastern people do of the damp chilly nights of Ohio. By the way these nights are horrid. I no longer wonder that people are sick with agues, or that constitutions are undermined by the great changes which take place between noon and midnight. It is without exception the worst climate I ever saw if the few days I have been here are a fair specimen.
It is no great undertaking to go to Wisconsin not so much as to go to Piketon, or at most, very little more. From Buffalo the passage is from four to six days, cabin passage $16 deck passage $10 to Chicago which is 70 miles beyond Milwaukee. But if I do not find better places there than here, I shall return to Ohio, or Indiana or Illinois.
I shall start day after tomorrow (Monday) on my return <from whenc> to Brother Phelps, from whence I shall go to cousin Harvey Grants and endeavor to call on Wm. Swift, and then to Cleveland from whence I shall start for Wisconsin I will write again from Cleveland.
Your affectionate brother
Joel Grant.
If you would like to write me any thing, I presume you can do it by directing to Cleveland. I do not think I shall leave there before Monday Oct. 10, and if you can mail a letter by Oct. 3 I shall doubtless receive it.
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