Archive Record
Images

Metadata
Object ID |
2013.106.811 |
Title |
Letter from Andrew Leonard Emerson to his parents |
Object Name |
Letter |
Dates of Creation |
April 9, 1854 |
Scope & Content |
Handwritten letter dated April 9, 1854 from Andrew Leonard Emerson in New Orleans to his parents Charles O. Emerson and Harriet (Phillips) Emerson in York. The first mate offered to teach him navigation on the ship. The "Ocean Star" is also in port with them and will go to Liverpool. Leonard complains about the hot weather and wishes for "cold winds" like home. He mentions the loss of the ship "Chs. Humberston". The second mate got drunk ashore and was nearly murdered, brought back with sever head injuries "should learn to leave the rum alone". Transcription: Dear Parents, We arrived here last Tuesday after a passage of 22 days, I should have written when we first got in but have been waiting to hear from you. I received your letter this morning and was very glad to hear that you were all well. We should commence loading for Liverpool this week, it will take from three to four weeks to load her so you will so that you will have time to answer this letter. I like the Capt. and officers very well. The master says he will take me into his watch after we leave here and teach me Navigation if I would like to. I thanked him and told him I should very much. The "Ocean Star" is here, she has taken up for Liverpool and will get away about the time we do. There is no one in her that I know but the Capt. and I have not seen him yet. It is very warm here, I should like to have a little of your cold winds you speak of mother. It would be very agreeable. I suppose you have seen by the paper that the Ch. Humberston is lost. Capt. Williams was not in her I believe. Our 2nd mate went ashore yesterday and got drunk and was nearly murdered. When he was brought aboard his face and head was all mangled to pieces. I should think if anything would learn him to let rum alone this would, what kind of pleasure people can take in such scrapes? Is more than I can tell. Those that let liquor alone are the best off in such a place as this is especially. I suppose the Capt. will turn him ashore tomorrow. I am very glad your paper is so well sustained and hope it always will be, but think it doubtful when it comes warm weather. It is in such an effort to write I was a little surprised to hear that match between J. Ramsdell & Martha Brooks, but don't, see why they should not got spliced[?] as well as Col B did ten years ago. Give my love to all the family, and do answer soon Your's tc. Leonard. |
Collection |
Emerson Family Collection |
People |
Emerson Family Emerson, Andrew Leonard, Capt., 1837-1909 Emerson, Charles Octavius, 1799-1863 Emerson, Harriet Jane (née Philips), 1808-1890 |
Search Terms |
19th century Liverpool, UK New Orleans, LA Ocean Star (ship) York |
Subjects |
Drunkenness Family letters Maritime history Navigation Sailors Shipping Ships Travel Weather |