Archive Record
Images
Metadata
Object ID |
2013.106.818 |
Title |
Letter from Andrew Leonard Emerson to his parents |
Object Name |
Letter |
Dates of Creation |
January 2, 1859 |
Scope & Content |
Handwritten letter dated January 2, 1859 from Andrew Leonard Emerson in San Francisco, California to his parents Charles O. Emerson and Harriet (Phillips) Emerson in York. Letter includes an envelope. Leonard writes that he is sorry his letter is so late, they have been out at sea without a stop in port for almost 6 months. They are under crewed due to scurvy. He's unsure when the ship will be leaving, but they will possibly go to New York if the Captain can accomplish that. They were offered to take passengers to Hong Kong, but haven't decided to take it. He is sorry to hear that his brother Edward O. Emerson had an accident, and he wants his uncle Edward Augustus Emerson to know that he will try and find a Dr. Tewksbury. Transcription: Dear Parents, I suppose by this time you have given me up for lost, well, I can't much wonder at it. We arrived the 29th after a long tedious passage of one hundred and seventy four days, nearly six months at sea without once going into port. Ten of our men have been down with scurvy for the last two months, so you can form some kind of and idea Father what hard work it was to sail this big ship with only half a crew. I don't know what we should have done if we had them out much longer, as for myself, my health is first rate, never better. I received your letters all safe tho last one came the same day we arrived. It is impossible for me to tell with any kind of certainty when this ship will go from here. Capt. K. is trying to get them to take her for New York to follow the "Queen of the Pacific." & I hope he will succeed but am afraid he will not. If we do not we shall lay here two months yet. We had an offer to take passengers for Hong Kong but have not decided to take it. If we go across the Pacific we should be likely to come back here. I will write by the next steamer and let you know better about it. You had better answer this. So in case I should lay here two months I might get the letter. I wish I could give you a description of San Francisco but you know I am not naturally "given that way". So please excuse it. Tell uncle Augustus [Edward Augustus Emerson] that I have not seen that Dr. Tewksbury yet. But I know where he lives and am "coming down on him" the first opportunity. I was very sorry to hear of the accident that happened to Ed [Edward O. Emerson], hope he has recovered on this. Give my love to him when you write and also to Frank. As i have to write so many letters today I must now close, with much love to you all. I remain, as your affec. son Leonard. |
Collection |
Emerson Family Collection |
People |
Emerson Family Emerson, Andrew Leonard, Capt., 1837-1909 Emerson, Charles Octavius, 1799-1863 Emerson, Edward Octavius, Sr., 1834-1912 Emerson, Francis "Frank" Phillips, Capt., 1831-1887 Emerson, Harriet Jane (née Philips), 1808-1890 |
Search Terms |
19th century Hong Kong New York, NY San Fransisco, CA York |
Subjects |
Diseases Family letters Illnesses Maritime history Sailors Shipping Ships Travel |
