[Published on 9/7/22 by Digital Imaging Lab (1142)] It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any copyright clearances. Permission to publish material from this/these transcript(s) must be obtained from the Supervisor of Reference Services and/or the L. Tom Perry Special Collection Coordinating Committee. [Notes added by transcribers are in square brackets. Dashes in square brackets indicate unclear words or letters. indicate words the author inserted to a previously written line.] VMSS 792 Box 12 - Kane Collection Papers (Intermediate) Number of Pages: 176 ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F11_I1_p001.jpg) Washington, June 15, 1850 Dear Sir— I wish to say to you & through you to your brother & the rest of your household that I feel very much obliged & honored by your kind at- tentions whilst I was in Phil- adelphia. When we left you at your father's I expected to see you again & I called a day or two afterwards to see you & your brother & found your brother absent. I hoped that you would call at Mr. Motts during the week but was disap- pointed. Mrs [---] & myself both felt somewhat unpleasant about the sudden & to us unexpected ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F11_I1_p002.jpg) termination of our social intercourse with you, & appre- hensive that we had unconsciously been guilty of some impropriety which occasioned it. If this is so & their offence is suggested I can ready to make any reasonable ac- knowledments. I am naturally a little suspicious, of which fact this letter may convince you without my telling you. I did not however feel perfectly sat- isfied without stateing my sus- picions to you & asking the favor of a reply on receipt of this Most truly Yours Geo. W. Julian ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F12_I1_p001.jpg) Barretts, April 25. 1854 My dear Elisha: When I was of your age, I used to be horridly homesick. The worst of homesickness is that you think you are not going to see your home and the people you love again. But I have been very homesick a dozen of times and seen everybody I cared about seeing a dozen times afterwards. I have been very homesick indeed this month past. I have the rheumatism, and I can't move about as I used to; and feel as if I was living all my life in a cage. But I say I will soon see them again when the snow is gone and the rains have fallen. I will see Mother and Harriet and Elisha and Jane and Evan & Willie. And they will be as glad to see me as I to see them. I am much obliged for your handsome stag. Stags have not half as handsome antlers in the woods. Give my love to Uncle John and Aunt Mabel and thank them for their kindness to you. Your father Thomas L. Kane Mr. Elisha Kent Kane ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F12_I1_p002.jpg) Mr. Elisha Kent Kane ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F13_I1_p001.jpg) P. S. Redg ways. 2 PM Monday— Tell Mamma, I was entirely successful at the Sheriff's Dale. buying all my lands in at a trifle. This means Expect to see me before Sunday. [--] Sunday night. Nov. 15. 1874 My dear darling Harrie, my own precious little dearie: Kind Uncle John might scold if I were to speak to you too much: but he cannot forbid my writing to Mother any quantity, that she may read out to you, one passage—just a single scraping of apple like—at a time. And forbid it or not, he shall not prevent me from declaring that I love you—oh; 35[-]: to Philadelphia and 28 miles farther to Wilmington makes it—yes, 384 times more than I ever did before in my life. In the perfect quiet here, with no one to interrupt my thinking, I see how good you have always been to dear Mother and me, and how your being so good always, helped to make mother happy and helped to make me happy, and helped us to create and build up the fortune which we now hope ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F13_I1_p002.jpg) to spend and to enjoy. Princeton, Clinton, woodside; and such dresses and presents and flowers! I must positively run on to see Charlotte as soon as I come down. But Kane Summit, or whatever you and Mother agree to call our grand home, is a beautiful and completely beautiful place, let me tell you. The leaves are on the ground now, which I suppose is part of the reason why every thing here looks spruced up around the house. But besides, the men and the women have been raking and scrubbing and putting things nicely to rights. You should see the splendid by lake there is at the new ice pond: an extra sky shining at you wherever you go. The Hotel vista is cleared too, all to a few logs nearly in front of the Hotel which the blue smoke simmers from. When I walked up from the Station yesterday afternoon, the sun was reflected from one set of freshly washed window panes after another, so brightly that I could hardly see the House. Even the civil engineers instruments and the croquet mallets had gone from the porch. Everything ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F13_I1_p003.jpg) said: Well Sir, you see we have been doing our best, now Where's Miss Harry and Mrs. Kane? So I walked around and inspected every spot in detail. Told the Coast it would not be expected to work this winter: promised St Clair repairs: arranged with them all in short for next summer. The ice house was pleased with the notion of better ice from the deep pond: the garden to think of the new rose bushes which are to be planted there: but the trees, your trees and mine, Harrie, they were best satisfied of all. For I gave them my word of honor as a gentleman, that they should not, a sapling of them, be cut down before the sweet little Dryad returned who has ever been their protector; that there should not one limb bow bend or fall without an approving smile for its devotion from my pet, my beauty, my sweet bright little Rose in June.— Whose other name "Loyale je serai" ask mother to print in a kiss for me right upon the middle of your forehead. Your cross old music teacher Your proud old father. Thomas L. Kane ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F14_I1_p001.jpg) Sunday Night Jan (?) 1850 My dear Mother, Dear knows, I intended when I left home, writing a long letter to you, every day, but every day has brought with it its own labors and fatigues and the very dulness of the few scraps I have succeeded in getting off to you, will show with what weariness, physi= cal, moral, and mental, I have gone into the small hours of every night. This night is the last I shall travel by Mail, and I find I am really sorry that it is so- that I have failed so utterly in my purpose of being amiable if not entertaining, in your poor sore eyes, and have left another balance to be carried over to my old debtor account under the Fifth Commandment. My business troubles though, have been a sufficient espiatory penance. The peck of them I have been in, has been more than any ordinary four quarts, dry measure. I will not therefore confess to the hearing of that great book keeper, the recording angel, that my last week has been past in pleasure, if com= pared with any of its predecessors that I have loitered away in the sort of moody despondency rapidly growing to be constitutional with me. Nor will I add, except ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F14_I1_p002.jpg) for the benefit of those irreclaimable radicals Robert V. John K. and William L. ["}" is written to the right of the above three lines with the following line to the right] Kane, Esquires what very great satisfaction I have had in the Society of our glorious little band of Free Democrats. For the first set visit to Washington, for the first time, I feel as if every verb of action of mine did not agree with its nominative, "We Rogues." So fearless, so honest, so independent, so candid, so united, so impracticable!. I grieve for the time when success is to make them more as other men are. When B. (by B. I mean Beatus, or the Blessed) Durkee of Wisconsin first arrived here, he was un- happy, under the notion of being powerful and paid. He saw his seat in the Capitol Palace and his desk and his stationary and his box at the Post office, and saw felt and sounded the literal 'pieces of Silver' which Congressmen have a right to receive for per diem and mileage. And he continued unhappy, and very unhappy, till the protracted disagreement on the Speaker question, when the Democrats (F.) found themselves a minoritette of a minority ball[---] polling over and over again the same vote, without hope or chance of gain, except in scoffing and ill will. Then his comfort returned. His round face beamed & his black eyes danced fire, as he would cry out aloud with delight—imagine how gratefully to Southern ears, Mamma,—"By Jove, this is as good as old Liberty Party days" "Oh Giddings, ain't this fine!" When men set about it they mutually corrupt debase or elevate each other. Where distrust reigns, it ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F14_I1_p003.jpg) gives rise to deceit and distrust, and these by their mutual reaction, beget the horrid brood in the likeness of both, which Providence uses it would seem as a general agent to hasten the [illegible deletion] decomposition of rotten organizations. But where there is such a glorious confidence as common principle will bring forth, if common trial will give it a Spartan Education to manhood, you should see, by the mere example of our free soil faction here, how even the most vulgar humanity can ennoble itself—if its own peers agree to its assumptions of honor. It's as good to me as going to church, to attend a blessed little caucus in Pres= ton King's room. Every man seems to come away brighter braver and godlier than he went in.—What I regret, as the loss, by the Fall, is always, the advantage of the Eden, Society; but, sometimes, I think, if we had no selfish ulterior views, we would be allowed to regain this, and many other forfeited advantages. It is as though the Angel still stood at the door of the beautiful garden, brandishing his flaming sword like a conscientious beadle, yet saying, in his good nature, "Come in all you boys that will promise not to pocket the apples!" But its the rascally apples everywhere, are the ruin of human fine fellowship. If Satan only would eat them up himself, we still would have the trees to frolic under. So I am in strong for stripping every power of patronage.—etc. etc. (v. Buffalo Platform 1848) —I am not well, and I know the reason. I had no day of rest from my working week. I unsuccessfully tried to patch the thing up by stopping my boring, and letting myself be bored instead; ss. by Mr. Chase, who like myself has a weakness of talking good, though after his own fashion. ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F14_I1_p004.jpg) I also went to Church. Call Bessie to you[-]—for I love to shock her, and read out that I went to Catholic Church, to Papist Roman Catholic Chapel in fact. Tell her that I walked through slush, way beyond the Patent office, to give myself the privilege. The Patent Office stands by itself on a fine hill; what they call a pile (and a very big and very ugly pile it is too,) of brown sandstone that owes as much to an architect as George Thomas to a dancing master. Like that great structure also, the Patent office has a swagger expressive of a Pourceaug- nac's unsconsciousness of the fact. The Chapel is in the hollow below, a sort of corps de logis of a mass of buildings more, or less, unlike a barn; in several respects,— and is built of brick not the least of the colour of the unchaste foreign lady to whom Protestants suppose it dedicate. For it is plain, old, and dirty, and has wood= work about it shockingly in want of paint, and it was cheap brick when it was burnt, and that must have been before the burning of the Capitol. I preferred the Chapel to the Patent Office, most probably, Miss Bessie, because of a miserable effort at lancet pointing the arches of the windows, and the sticking a stick of a black cross & on the gable. ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F14_I1_p005.jpg) "What did I go there for?"—I told Miss Sally Grier at dinner in answer to this question, "In part, to confirm "my mind in ultra Anti Slavery resolves, and plot the downfall "of the present power of the Union"_! which speech, when I explained it in detail, and in the Romish connexion, made her Fathers daughter almost sick with a mixture of awe and disgust.— To Confess the truth, as a tall man named Julian said to me yesterday, as we were walking down Pennsylvania Avenue, this Washington is no place for such sorts of hardihood. The Parliament Castle, proud on its terraced height, looks down upon every dwelling. The glory of the power of our united millions radiates from it into the heart of every American soul, more bright and more dreadful than the flashing lightning of the Capitoline Jove. Shall we, if we dare do it, unleague the strengths of these our own banded monarchs; Shall we unbind the charmed bundle of our Eagle's arrows—we, throw down in idle heaps for rust and canker the severed links of our God-forged shining chain?—Ought we even brave the risk of such a calamity "for the sake of a mere abstract proposition; in its remotest consequences, hardly influencing the fate of a single human being"?" Forbid it Heaven; et cætera.—On which account, remind me of two cases noted in my Smorltork memorandum book, when I return;—cases literal of abstraction. "Joe." (probably Joanna or Josephine), light mulatto, (qu. mulatta(?)) aged something over 20, probably, and Charles Lee æ. 85, very dark and remarkable for a curiously c[-]rved figure. Both Joe & Charles inhabitants of "The District." ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F14_I1_p006.jpg) Part of my errand to Church, also, I suppose, was to see it. This was the sooner accomplished as there was little to be seen. An affectation of vaulting the low ceiling, and a supporting the same by big main mast logs that operated as material impediments to the view, were the sole ornamentation of the nave. The Perpetual Lamp was the fellow of our old Fourth Street one—ground glass you remember, with vine leaves & grape clusters cut upon it. And the chancel was in modest keeping. They had an oak pulpit and some chairs, inside the rail, also a little statue of a religious with a bishop's fool's cap on, also a venerable ten plate stove whose pipe went out of doors by this statues head, also three painted muslin shades that being hung against windows made better substitutes for stained glass than tallow candle for cold cream, but not as good as butter instead of milk for tea, and Indian meal in place of Soap. Also their devotional upholstery and trimmings wanted washing and a general fixing of petticoats in a more maidenly and less old girly manner. But they had a full shrine service, and the proper supply of consecrated gewgaws, and ritual books and the dear flowers, and quite galore of candles, whose red gold flame spots illuminated a dark centre picture of the noble Saviour bowing under a crushing cross, but by their contrast deepened its gloom. This may have been —may be I should say; a good picture, but it, and three others; (a full length handsome fellow in Eastern dress, a great historical subject hidden down a dark aisle, and a Virgin adoring Christ—not the first Mother by a longshot that worshipped her child)—I could not get near enough ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F14_I1_p007.jpg) to see, by reason of the congregation crowded in between us. I could have waited for them to disperse, but that after one Mass, a vile coxcomb took his perch in the oak pulpit and did preacher dandyisms that had not one good point to redeem them. I am not religious, and therefore cannot understand how a human worm in the presence of his maker, invoking His sacred name whereat demons quake and cherubs quiver, and even claiming to be His representative and the messenger to others of His word, can remember his own wretched exist= ence at all, without impertinence approaching blasphemy. When such a one, on such an occasion, combining the p[---]= plaited costume of a milliner with the airs and graces literary and oratorical of his college club, joins to them the motus Ionicos and ice cream booth oglings of an amorous fop, I can't help running away to escape from pulling his nose. This is not as good writing as you will find in Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, and Shirley, but then it is equally sincere. Do you see it is announced these novels are by a Miss Bron te Bronte, an English woman of straitened circumstances about whom there is nothing to tell that is interesting—She ought to be ashamed of herself being found out to be a female. So far as she is a Man, "I blush for my sex." And now Good—Bad it is—Night. Thomas L. Kane. Say to Father I told Mr. Mason of Va. I had asked him to write him a letter in favor of Lewis, and Mason said he could do a great deal of good with it—("service", I think he said) T. L. K. ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F15_I1_p001.jpg) May 28th 1846 My Dear Cousin I am emboldened by the interest you take in researches concerning our family history, to ask you to do me the favor of sending me a Copy of the letter, from, Sir [-]. Betham, which you mentioned in your letter to Walter Wood. I should like to see what he says about the O'Cahans—and then to [---]ite him, in accordance with your advice, for further information— Our Great Uncle Mr James Kane who is the only surviving son of Old John Kane. must know something of his father's History: he has an extraordinary memory and talks of 50 and 60 years ago as if it were yesterday Mr Wood told me a, Day or two ago that he had heard twice, since he ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F15_I1_p002.jpg) came into the family, that our Great Grandfather was taken away from Trinity College, Dublin, where he had been educated, and sent to this to prevent his claiming a large estate, to which he might fall heir— If there is any truth in this report, it is indeed a most singular story, and ought to be inqu[--]red into—He was a very great classical scholar, and could quote readily any line of Horace, as well as other ancient authors— Mrs Russell saw a paragraph in some magazine many years ago—which after giving a description of Shane's Castle belonging to Lord O'Neill—said that the O'Kanes who emigrated to this Country in the year 1751 (I think) and have been the next heirs to the Earldom but that they had since become extinct I should like to find this magazine but Mrs R cannot recollect it's name She saw it at Albany— This account would seem to correspond in some Degree, with the ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F15_I1_p003.jpg) repent of my Great Grandfather's having been sent out here to prevent his claiming an estate, as the persons who were interested in sending him—, would no doubt circulate stories of his family being extinct— I intend visiting to Mr James Kane tomorrow. to know what he recollects of his father, and if he ever heard him speak of his Irish relations—Will you also be so kind as to send me [---] W. Bethany's address as I should like to write him by the next steamer. My old history of Ireland makes the O'Cahans, descendants of Milesius and I am glad to hear from you that it is really authentic and is still preserved in Ulster. I will [---] quite a few lines from it. "In Ulster—[--]achty—Cahan comprising nearly the whole of the County of Derry, the patrimony of the O'Cahans of the race of Heremon, son of Milesius—by the monarch Niall. Noygiollach and Eogan his son—Towards the end of the 13th century Magnus brother of O'Cahan possessed that part of the County, now called the [---] of Coleraine, situated on both sides of the river Bann—at that time ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F15_I1_p004.jpg) called Douhy—Planna Magnus. His eldest son named Henry, gave to his poste the name of Mac Henry. His second son pettled on the river Buash, incRoute, in the Country of Antrins, and his descen dants always Preserved the name of [---] they were called Clann Magnus na Bua[-] to distinguish them the Clann Ma[---] na Banna, who though the eldest [---] bear the name of Mac-Henry— O'Cahan was dispossessed in the be ginning of the 17th century and Mac-He[---] in 1641 by Cromwell"— I was very glad to hear that the report [---] our Cousin Elias Kane's Death was untrue a[---] that he is at length safe in Gen. Taylor's Camp— I hope you will find an apology for my troubling you in this way—but [-] have always been anxious to discover who [---] Irish ancestors were—and am happ[-] find that you feel a similar interest I beg you will present my respects your family with whom I hope [---] [---] is become acquainted. Your very truly [---] Kane Mr. T. L. Kane ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F16_I1_p001.jpg) My dear Father & Mother & Bessie, I shd. have written to you before this but for a certain hope that I have had of returning some time this week,—(and but for my having torn up two half finished letters which I found unfit to send). I shall not now perhaps be home before Wednesday. Bessie <(W.)> was as glad to see her friends as they were delighted to see her. The country road is very picturesque and the walks and drives so varied that I am sure Bessie Kane wd. like it. They want her very much to come. What I may not be called upon to tear up this brilliant composition like its predecessors, I conclude— remaining. Dear [illegible deletion] people Yours faithfully, Thomas L. Kane ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F16_I1_p002.jpg) Bessie's reluctance to have me go on the Genealogy Trip has postponed it so far. I may however perhaps get off this afternoon or tomorrow morning New Rochelle. June 30, 1853 ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F16_I1_p003.jpg) 38 38 Miss Bessie Kane Box 526. Philadelphia ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F17_I1_p001.jpg) October 12th Dear Tom I promised to write you a longer letter as soon as I could get time to do it. Saturday night I finished the last of those duplicates; but Sunday I thought I ought to answer two letters one from Miss Lizzie M. the other from Moss both of which were over a week old. There have been so many heavy rains & so much misty weather after them in which we were unable to do any observing that I am afraid we shant get back as soon as we expected, indeed if it keeps on this way will have to stay till after snow. I have seen snow already not only on Mount Washing= ton but on Mount Blue within 20 miles of me. This rainy weather has been of service to me however for it has enabled me to bring up all the back work; so that now by working pretty hard all the morning I generally manage to get some part of the afternoon to my self, which part I generally spend in taking long walks, & making vain efforts to sketch rock scenery. I am sorry to hear that you are in low spirits, try and shake them off old fellow, it is ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F17_I1_p002.jpg) wrong to let them prey upon your health, do take care of your self, take, regular exercise, & dont write when you have a headache. I am like yourself I never had pleasant associations with those white sunshiney North Wester's till now in one of them as I sit writing to you and hear the rustling of the leaves & see the bright sun shining upon them and "thowing a checkered shadow on the ground. I seem to be at Rensselaer on Saturday when there is no school. I am with you all the office, the sunlight streming in warm through the little corner window by the book case; Father is sitting at the table writing with mother sewing beside him, Bessie is there, pressing leaves in those big books on the window sill, while you are down on the floor, looking out some word in Father's Webster. [illegible deletion] I can see it all even to two red apples on the mantle peice. presently I hear a clear ringing laugh & little Willie comes bounding in with his hands & pockets full of chestnuts which every one must share with him.—Then old fellow when I think of that hot sultry august. wind with it's cloud's of dust, & [illegible deletion] the rattle of the carts over the stones, & in a darkened room, see that same dear generous hearted little Willie; with his face thin ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F17_I1_p003.jpg) & pale from sickness pressing us to share his min= =eral water with him.—I turn feel to the North= =wester like a dear old friend & turn to it with a feeling of relief. Tom I wrote this for the purpose of keeping you from giving way to low spirits dont let it have the opposite effect, Try & think well of all you can, & what you cant think well of, think how much worse it might be. Dont abuse even the North= =Westers. The other day I took a drive with Mr Snowbridge down to a place called bald head. ostensibly to see the temperature of the sea, but really to see the ocean which at some tides is well worth going to see; we were so lucky as to have Strong wind & heavy sea & I declare it was one of the grandest sights I ever saw. the sea for a half a mile out was one mass of white foam through which we could see every now & then as the waves passed over them the sharp black points of rocks. It is a frightful coast to be wrecked on this coast of Maine, there are so many sunken rocks. when the sea is heavy you can see breakers in some places as much as a mile from shore. Do dear Tom take care of your health ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F17_I1_p004.jpg) If you find our wind too cutting cant you go South & take Elish with you? You could mutually take care of each other. I am sorry to hear poor dear Elish is sick: if you hear from him let me know how he is by the next letter from home. Good by with love to all I remain John K. Kane [---] ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F18_I1_p001.jpg) U. S. Court Room. Oct Nov 13:[-]3 My dear Tom, I have your note and am glad you have made no final disposition of your Chicago as yet. Yesterday I would have been out to see you; but was held in Court all day. I will be engaged in the same case to-day and probably all of tomorrow. I had made arrangements to re-transfer your stock on the 17th. Oct?; but it would have subjected me to inconvenience, temporary to be sure, but which I should mention to you before incurring. John, who was in my office on the 14th. seemed to think that you would be rightly put out unless told so. Can't you come in [---] with me and spend the night, bringing Bessie? Did Bessie receive a note from Lily? I wish she would consider its [---] if it came [---]— [---] R. P. K. Gen. T. L. Kane ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F18_I1_p002.jpg) Struthers is in town and meets some of our Board tomorrow. I cannot be present at the interview~ [written upside down] Gen. 'Thomas L. Kane Greenwood [illegible deletion] King[---] [---] [written rightside up] Mr. W[-]. Beddle has past been here to ask for warrant of 3131.~It is I believe in G. W. B's fireproof and he is in New York. Have you it among yr. papers? Sorry to leave from Mr. Biddle that your letter to him states that you were under the weather. ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F18_I2_p001.jpg) My dear Tom, I have your statement of account showing a balance due you of $494.27. Mother is out of town; but when she returns I will see her and have this amount secured to your satisfaction. I will at the same time have for her to execute a formal release to you as Executor of Elisha's estate. [---] affectionately Robert P. Kane Decr 31: 1863 Thomas L. Kane E. [-]. 18[-]7 May 5 Addition "It was invested by me in Chicago Gas Stock." ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F18_I2_p002.jpg) Thomas L. Kane Esq. Greenwood R. [--]. ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F18_I3_p001.jpg) [the following is written in the portrait direction] Formal for we [---] proud of our blood and name—But you and I have gone through much trouble and our wives do not understand that 1805 Delaney Plac Nov 30: 18[-]4 My dear brother Tom and my dear sister and friend Bessie Wood. [---] [---] my little boy this afternoon. How deeply I sympa thised with you, my dear brothers, I have told my family. I was pained to send through [---] Harry Wharton so [---] and so astound ing a despatch. I would rather have broken the matter to you mor[-] gentry; but the feeling came over me that the first word should go to the oldest brother and to the head of the horse. [-] [---] [the following is written in the landscape direction on the left side of the page] the death of a male child of the Kanes. [the following is written in the landscape direction on the right side of the page] but for them and the deep love we bear them we would before this have grown very weary. We cling to each other and our only greeting can be a God bless you! al- though this can only be for what it may be worth R. P. [-]. ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F18_I3_p002.jpg) have requested John Bronte yo[-] in detail. You know that I would have felt myself com- pelled, save for the exercise of my own sound reason which controlled me, to have delayed the last rites until my brother Tom could have come and placed my pet in the family resting place. God I trust may save you from this fearful experience; but, should it come, you will understand how clam[-]ish a man becomes and how he shrinks back, shelfish fashion to his armour of his own breed and species of crustaceous home. I thought of both of you often in my trouble. I trust that Harry ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F18_I3_p003.jpg) Harry as I requested placed this in his telegram. Lily lies sleeping well & she has the comfort of her prayer book and bible. I feel great comfort in the belief that these will carry her through. My dear Tom, you must not leave the business to come down here. I read your last letter, and although I do not understand it, will read [illegible] the correspondence at the Mine hill office and you may rest assured will find out what you wish me to do and do it. Dear Tom, I feel for you, almost more than I feel for myself. I remember when your first boy was ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F18_I3_p004.jpg) was born, how rejoiced I was—how I felt that you and I who had gotten almost half under ground were beginning to grow the family once more. Do you know that your present to me of Hamilton's picture of the rock is at this moment standing before me. I took it down from the wall to show it for the first time to Lily with the survey lines on the back of the lot. She asked me to read her the lines verses from Ossiar you had written. The chair was not tall enough for me to reach the nail to re-place, so I stood it on my table and strange here at midnight it stands just within reach of my pen-point. In my trouble I am almost deep [---] to sign myself as an older brother mourning the death of a male child of the Kanes. ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F18_I3_p005.jpg) but for them and the deep love we bear them we would before this have grown very weary. We cling to each other and our only greeting can be a God bless you. Al- though this can only be for what it may be worth R. P. [-]. [written upside down on the opposite edge of the page] the death of a male child of the Kanes. ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F18_I4_p001.jpg) My dear Tom and Bess, I have just finished my last duty to dear Mother; the passing of the minutes of the three last meetings of the "Widows' Board" It is nearly three of the mor- ning—But I still feel stronger than I did when I got out of bed yesterday morning. Piddick has left me to accompany me to New York, so that I may see her notes neatly engrossed in the minute book before I leave. I cannot tell you how heart- broken I am: and not one tear have I shed since she died. L ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F18_I4_p002.jpg) I have work to do before I leave and I have men to meet me on my arrival at the "Brev[---]t House" and I am very weary. So I cannot write letters to all, although in my little mem[--] card I have all your dear names. Lily will let you know the names of our bankers. I have not had time to talk with Mr. Fisher, trusting to the chance of our [---] [---] [---] to Mr Depot on the morning. Please write to me. Lily will give you the proper address. [---]: as always, R. P. K. [---] Dear Bessie, I have just returned from seeing Pat off to the cars, & ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F18_I4_p003.jpg) send you these few hurried lines as I know you will be glad to find that he did not forget you before leaving. When you write to him, address to the care of Miss J. M Morales & Co. Havana. With love to the children, I am ever Your affectionate Sister E. F. Kane I shall be glad to hear from you whenever you have time to write. ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F18_I4_p004.jpg) Gen. T. L. Kane Kane P. O. Mc Kean County Pennsylvania ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F18_I5_p001.jpg) Brevoort House Feby: 28: 66 I leave in a quarter of an hour. Peddrick finished ingressing the minutes this A. M. before we went to bed. I have placed them in the Hotel safe and he takes them in tomorrow for delivery to Mrs. Stenge. The little old green bag I have taken the Liberty of instructing him to re[---]. If the minute books in her own hand belong to the Society, we are surely [---]lled to the bag that held them and which most probably years ago was made by herself. You will I am sure write to me Kiss the little ones! Ys, affectionately Mr. & Mrs. T. L. Kane R. P. K. ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F18_I5_p002.jpg) General Thomas L. Kane "Kane" Mc Kean County Pennsylvania R. P. K. ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F18_I6_p001.jpg) Wilmington April 5 : 66 My dear Tom and Bess, I arrived in Philadelphia yesterday afternoon and ran down this evening to see John who I am glad to say is convalescent. A mistake in the hour of starting has prevented my taking him back with me—the ten o'clock train in- posing us too much the night air. Bessie passes the night with us at Delancey Place. I will ar- rive too late to see her before the morn- ing. Lily tells me that Shields has taken the Stockton Room and that Bessie is anxious for Mrs. Dwight to give up her furniture. I had only one letter from you & from Tom at work in New York. No news however is good news. My ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F18_I6_p002.jpg) My [---] has done me much good. With love to the little ones [---] affectionate brother Robert P. Ka[---] ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F18_I6_p003.jpg) General Thomas L. Kane Kane Mc Kean County Penna. R. P. K. [3 cent U. S. postage stamp in upper left corner] ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F18_I7_p001.jpg) My dear Pat: I h[--]mered a business letter The men I think of what I ought to write, <[---]> the men I think my shortest method is to by you to hurry fr. [---]. up [---]. If you cannot, I will come down to Philadelphia; But the effort will be a costly one. I am just rallying wh and wd unbend in the journey all the returning strength Indulge much [---] to reputate Which my disordered affairs here, so much need Which I need cannot tell you how much to reputate my disordered affairs here. The snow is off the ground except in the deep woods. Today is bright though windy; and the air is filled with flying pigeons and The sap is among [-] the sugar maples, So we may hope look at last for Spring. Please write early answer. Your [---] ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F18_I7_p002.jpg) KW. R. P. K April 19, 1866 ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F18_I8_p001.jpg) General T. L. Kane My dear Tom, The family portraits which I sent you were a gift from mother to you and have no part in the distribution of the Estate. I hesitated about my right to send to "Kane" portraits of mother and father. It seems to me however that the same motive that kept the older portraits together should certainly place the best likenesses of Father and Mother which we have in their compa- ny. I have no vote in the matter; but I am sure that both John and Bess will agree with me in the opinion that you should take the por- traits of Mother and Father which are esteemed the best as a gift and not as a share. Yours affectionatey Robert P. Kane Feby: 13: 186[-] ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F18_I8_p002.jpg) [written in the landscape direction] Shows how T. L. K became possessed of the Family Portaits [written in the landscape direction] Major General Kane R. P. K. ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F19_I1_p001.jpg) My dear Colonel Before I leave the city permits me in plain terms to bestow my thanks for your constant and unwearied Kind ness to me. In every particular I found in you a friend, with all the becoming qualities that character- ize a gentleman, a true friend. Your career is marked in the future with a hilliant pathway, and although what remains to me is post Meredian, yet I hope yet to live to see you enjoying the highest honours of our glorious country. Heaven bless you, and if at any time you may deem me of the slightest service to you, I pray you unhesita- tingly command me. With sincere respect Your friend & Servant George Keim. Philad June 1 1849 ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F1_I1_p001.jpg) Quaker hil[-] because of R. I. My dear Sir: June 11. 1845 I and him [-]ight says the "scoffer"—of [---] people get from [---] so for 42 to 95 & upwards. I have been quite ravinous to hear from you lest your journey had not ended well, or you had supposed from its consequences. Nothing was wanting to [---] you to join the 5 or [---] any other [---] & dangers but to stay the summer out with me—now the Bishop elect with have to later a place you might have been physically qualified for! After the disagreables of G[--]at heard our this has I came [---] an elysian station; the st[---] has actually ben banished; N. Easte[--] & Mister have been replaced by zephyrs; [---] by fo[-]s. "The dieing" has ben either [--]y force or none at all, & we have lived through too much with out frost or N. E rain, Our [---] human has had few trials. Our friends at her port have been kind & libral of their society. I can [-] a true within sight. Water a ra[---]. H[---] to hear that to them who like steady walls a [---] was always p[---]. You have but every thing by grip—& m[-] alas! We have lost—you. When may we ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F1_I1_p002.jpg) expect you back? Poor Bonl[-]ter the victim of you young men. Walker falls sick & he is obliged to heliotrope. H[--]d[---] falls sick—Kane deserts—& he is obliged to record—& next & worst of all Kane [-]urns his tent & he is obliged to go to Cambridge to see his (Bonl[-]ter's) trip & babies! Poor Bonl[-]ter. The Quarter master under me the plemi[--] account Kane, there is but one Kane to him, therefore, Kane Jr. It would not be republican much less democratic to say Kane Esq, or Mr. Kane, &—Kane Esq. is decidedly awkward, therefore again Kane Jr. Pay for month of May $15.00 the [---] [---] & Allowance for board 10.00 how Kane puts to Fare fr. Phil and Ga[--]ton 7.00 be Mister Kane is to Conveyance fr. Ta[---] to Gr. M. 2.00 be explained by the fact Port[---] .50 that when Kane, he 34.50 [---] Jr for 0, when Deduct board in camp. 7.04 W Kane fr $2746 <[---]> Due Mr Kane 27.46. A sort of camp millionaire. But how to strip Mr. Kane of all title, this hand earned I [--] [-]ic shi[---]s, R. R, Comes C. O. Bonl[-]ter Org, A[-]ist. U. S. Coast Su[--]y, with a [-]ile life for [---]en [-]ripe ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F1_I1_p003.jpg) Item's so numerous that I must beg the P[---] [---] to copy the same, for the luxury of a good pen is [---] [---]ing me. Items so numerous—so [---]le classified. Tot. $90 50/100. This is not an account with T. L. Kane Esq. but simply "a memorandum of property destroyed R. R. R. R.." Then comes my account Cash advanced [---] T. L. Kane, $1 75/100, as far as my memory serves for truly the pain of parting obliterated the precise number of cents, & it may L[--] h[--] ¼ more or life. So T. L. K. Dr. $92.25 T. L. K. Cr. $27.46. Balance against T. L. K. (& which I [---] to Papa to make him work out by the shiver of morning [---], & the [---] [---]ns of evening shakes, walks grati[--]) $64.79 E. E. Which amount you may send me, or if more convenient deposit to my Credit in the Bank U. Am. (Dr. D. A. Lucher has my bank [---].) OR come back & gain health, strength, funds, Mc. Donnell's friends hip you have, gain— let me laugh once more—once more see thin pretty [---] figures—in which request & with regards the ladies of the woods, f[---]ds & rocks unite with me. Regards to "Papa" Yours most truly A. D. Bache. T. L. Kane Esq. ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F1_I1_p004.jpg) [Top of page, portrait direction] Memorandum of property injured & destroyed by fire in tent at Great Meadow Station. [Column 1] Wearing apparel Cloak $22.50 Black working coat (new!) 5.00 Dressing gown 1.50 5. shirts at $1.25 6.25 1. pr drawers 2.25 4. Handkerchiefs at 0.75. 3.[-]0 4. Towels at 0.25 1.00 1. undershirt 1.50 Best woolen night-cap 1.00 velvet study cap 0.50 $44.50. [Column 2] Tent Furniture Cot $2.7[-] Mattress & Pillow 6.00 Blankets 5.00 Buffalo-robe (lined) 5.00 Quilts & sheets 3.25 Table & table cover 3.00 Dressing case (injured but not destroyed) 5.00 Glasses and tins 1.50 31.50 [middle] [2 stamps; one says FREE and other says WASHINGTON CITY JUN] Co[--]purey [---] Department R Melke[-] T. L. Kane E[--] Philadelphia [the following is written upside down at the bottom of the page] Mrs D.! case [Bottom of the page, portrait direction] [Column 1] Books Ha[---] Log. Tables $1.50 1 vol. Living Age. 1.25 Bu[---] 1.25 Portfolio 3.00 2 vols U. S. Almanac 1.00 2 vols. Goldsmith 0.75 1 set " Punch 1.00 $9.75 [Column 2] Miscellaneous Repairs to blk. Leather trunk $2.50 " " Study Lamp 1.50 Indian [---] travelling bag 1.50 $5.50 Whole Amount $90.50! ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F1_I2_p001.jpg) Washington Dear General, May 26. 1863 Will you be so good as to let me know by yourself or your excellent amanners is how you do, & whether any fruit came from the shrub which you intrusted to Mr Leifer. I expect to go to the East Ward on my Coast Sunny trip for the season is about a week. Could I not tempt you to a Coast Sunny Camp to recruit your health? We shall be near Woltcottville in Conn! Not far by rail from Bridgeport, by the Naugatuck R. R. Truly Yours Genl. J. L. Kane. A. D. Barb ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F20_I1_p001.jpg) Newp[-]t, June 25 - 1849 Dear Sir, I received, a day or two ago, from obliging communication on the subject of my father's descent. [---] remarks on the table, which Mr Wood furnished me, appear to me to be quite correct, and I have, myself, suppose, that, there even mistaken in his list. I am going to New-England this summer, & may perhaps be able to find something authentic of the persons of whom you speak, which it [---] give me pleasure to [---]icate. I have the [---] to be from [---] [---] T. L. Kane Esq. W. K[---] ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F21_I1_p001.jpg) Philadelphia Jan 2[-] 184[-] My dear Thomas, The intense anxiety we have felt for you, could not have been borne by some of your friends, had it not have been for that cheering hope, which springs eternal in the human breast" Our fears were not with out ground, it seems, for from your last letters lately recd we find you have suffered more than we even dreaded but we rejoice your foot a, well as life is spared & that we now have every prospect of being blessed by your safe return. This affliction will not pass by without its uses dear Tom, & may I hope that any regret that is stature you are far short of a great many will be banished from your thought, & recollect that as the "mind: the standard of the man" you have a high place in the estimation of all whose opinion is worth professing—We have all reason to bless God you are spared to us, & particularly to Parents who so do at o[-] their children & are so deserving of good children—You have a fine budget of letters every opportunity I know, I have all the news, but I felt inclined to add my congratulations at your improving health & to scribble a little of passing matters—You have had an account of the late wedding, so I shall say but little on that subject it has caused me to pass a week at your Fathers very pleasant[--] & enabled me to see a good many old friends—we have been in such a whirl great part of the time, that it was not easy to find time to write ever to you. All my family are in town Thomas & John at their Uncle Taylors' Anne with the bride & Elisabeth at E. Campbells' Mary you have heard is at Miss Smiths school & I think improving. Martha & George are with me here & very happy with their cousins Johnny & George are inseperable & remind me of yourself & John who has just called to see me ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F21_I1_p002.jpg) & says he wishes to write a few lines in my letter he is a poor scribe but were he to be absent as you have been, I think he would learn to prize the privilege of writing, as well as reading letters. My Brother Richard & Sister Henrietta are in town which is very agreeable to me as I see them every day My dear Mother has been very delicate this winter but is regaining her strength & a proof of her being much better, was Sister H leaving her— Mr. Leiper myself & little George spent two weeks in Bal & went on as far as Richmond to pay a visit to aunt Leiper we were much gratified by the delight she expressed at seeing us, & agreed that it was a pleasant mode of passing the time. When we could talk of bye gone days when little had occurred that was not agreeable. I was pleased with the city of Richmond particularly with its situation—& the rail road now brings it so near us that I think I shall spend a longer time there before a great while. Aunt had many enquiries to make & the story of your travels & accidents was told at lenght by me—you have been a hero in good earnest may all end in happiness for you here as well as hereafter. Jan 28th another interuption prevented my going on with my letter & I have now to say your health was drank yesterday (your birth day) in the best Madeira your Father has—& good wishes for you & for your safe return to us. I feel very grateful to your kind relation with whom you sojourn for his good- ness to you but as I know you can be very good company I have little doubt that he is well satisfied to have you. I hope you will pass most of your time in recreation I do not want you to study. You will improve in health faster than if your mind is all the time labouring to attain knowledge. Elisha & Dr. McPheeters have just been here & dressed for one of the Bridal Parties he looks very well & I hope will get strong as he grows older he is very near an interesting period, & your Mother has fixed her party for his birth day when he will be 21. I well recollect being at a dance given on your Uncle George's birth day when he was 21 it was a serious occasion for him for he was smitten too deeply for his comfort. What a droll business it would be if Elisha should be fixed in such a dilemma! but as I know of no impression being made on his heart yet, an evening acquaintance will not place him in much danger—he has written to you ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F21_I1_p003.jpg) we spent the day at George Thomas with the wedding party they (George & Ann) are very happy & seem really suited for each other at Whilby Hall they still look gloomy Uncle Thomas' death has left a blank nothing can fill—Aunts health has been poor since, she has her old headache very often. Patty G[---] is always an invalid, but manages to keep about to attend to Aunt Thomas. Your dear Mother who is writing by me says she thinks no one has told you who were Emma's attendants so I will give that important intelligence Our Ann was her first brides maid & Mr. Vannest 1st groomsman & here I may remark that Mr. V. is a great favourite with us all & I think Ann will be very happy with him, no time is fixed for their marriage yet. I hope you will be home & witness that. 2nd bridesmaid Matilda Campbell & Mr Justice groomsman 3rd Helen Patterson & Mr Davis they all perform their parts to admiration, & I think deserve credit for not being tired out—the groomsmen sent beautiful pyra -mids of flowers for the supper table the night of the wedding & bouquets for each bridesmaid, & every evening since a bouquet is brought for each young lady the flowers are rare & the cost is from $3 to 5 rather too much my old fashioned notion is for so fading ornaments—I really regret extravagance in our country, but it is progressing rapidly Old Mr Vaughan has been ill your Father has been frequently to see him & contrary to expectation he is convalescing. I do not know whether John will write to you I have no room for him & if he & James Taylor have not a joint letter (which was the last intention I heard of) it is likely he has postponed Thomas & he will both be farmers I expect it is often a happy life & tho' they may never be very distinguished characters I hope they may be useful & good members of society. Thomas takes the farm into his own hand this spring. John attends to his Father's concern, & reads a good deal which pleases me My Mary is the studious one, she stands high in her school & bids fair to be a fine intelligent girl. She had several of her schoolmates to spend the Christmas holidays & I had James Taylor Col Lewis Henry Janeway & Patterson besides others who came & spent the day but the aforesaid staid all the time—they all seemed to enjoy themselves with various amusements within doors & sleighing & on the ice &c. John drove four young ladies in the sleigh & owing to the geering of the horses improperly where they visited managed to runaway for several miles & at length upset no one was much hurt John's shoulder a little & the sleigh broke to pieces ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F21_I1_p004.jpg) I think I may say all our family joins me in love to you Some of them are at a party, which I declined a I felt tired. There is a great deal of preaching in the diff Churches at this time & some of my evenings I have spent in listening. I expect you have heard that Joh Janeway is forced for a time at Leipersnills to preach us he is jealous & improving—In looking over my letter I I have not told you that your Uncle George is as well & cheerful a [written vertically in the middle of the page] Aunt Eliza's Letter Mr. Thomas L Kane ever & very much interested in your welfare— I expect they have told you too that Thomas Janeway is settled up town & has a large congregation I can hardly give you any news but my letter will have interest as it com from a dear Aunt who loves her nephew Tom very dearly & May the Almighty continue his protection & disperse his choicest blessings on you is the earnest wish of your Affection[---] Eliza L Leiper ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F22_I1_p001.jpg) Feb 7. 1840 Dear Tom I can scarcely believe that I have allowed so many weeks to pass without fulfilling the promise I made at parting with you—but, really the monotony of a winter in the country has so little of interest to any one engaged as you are in seeking amuse ment in a large city that if I could not communicate the pleasant intelligence of 'all well at home' I should be tempted to let you forget I had ever said I would write—the pleasure of communing with you dear Tom in this imperfect way to me is great for I certainly feel the affection of sister for you—and distance I think always increases the ardour of our feelings— The latest news from your dear Mother was brought by Elisha who accompanied us from the City! on Wed. in a sliegh/all than well/for [---] last we hadve had snow enough to enjoy a sleighing of 5 days—last night a warm rain melted it all away & the ground this morning had changed its robe of virgin white for one of sombre brown—we dreaded an other freshet but, so far it has been quite moderate—Your Mother and cousin Mary took advantage of the snow to pay the little boys a visit— Your Father has been in Harrisburg but, is now in Washington—There is great excitement in this part of world among the poloticians relative to the [---]sumption of specie payment, a succession of meetings approving and disapproving the Gov: proclamation but, you no doubt have seen all the late papers & my news is therefore rather stale— ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F22_I1_p002.jpg) I hope in a few days to hear if not from you at least of you that you had a pleasant voyage &c—and speaking of your voyage reminds me of the dismal saturday night preceeding your departure. I hope never to pass a night of as much anxiety for you again. I felt truly thankful to the kind providence that protected you through that awful storm. Do you expect to visit Galveston? if you see my brother (& if you go there you must find him out) write directly to me, if you can, and tell me what you think of the place and what prospect he has of engaging in business, for I hear that the Texian Navy is done away with for the present. I feel very great solicitude on his account thrown among strangers as he is, without a friend—it is a hard struggle between pride & poverty, always and with us it has been ever so—but, brighter days must come. I look forward to a very different situation in world for him yet. A few years of industry and self denial may make a rich man of him in such a country as Texas. Leiper Patterson paid us a visit of a day & night before he left for Cumberland. E. Taylor spent Wednesday with me & sister Ann & her 'spouse adored' spent the afternoon with us. M Hart took Emma out to Greenwood the day before. I hear nothing of John C so I presume he is off for the present. John Leiper is at your Fathers reading—law I suppose. The girls are still in New York. Brother and sister waiting not patiently for their return to set off on their visit to Baltimore. I expect you have Don Juan by heart before this. I have never read the whole poem being prohibited from so doing by ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F22_I1_p003.jpg) my husband—but, the extracts I have seen were beautiful and if I had not been a most dutiful wife my curiosity would have overcome my own scruples and I should have been well acquainted with the 'Fair Haidee' and all the rest of Don Juan's flames long ago—what a suscep[---] youth he must have been—but, I must not forget that your Uncle Sam wishes to add a P. S. to write to me soon—my little ones are all well—little Jeanine is becoming quite accomplished for one of her months— I must bid you good bye—I pray God to bless you & guide you safely both now and forever— I remain very sincerely Your affectionate Aunt Mary— Mr T. L. Kane—Leipers Mills Feb[---] 7th 184[-]. Dr Tom, I wished to add a postscript to this letter, but having looked over it, I see that Your aunt has given you the news of the concern, so that I shall have but little to say. The excitement which yr aunt speaks of, as exciting in the political world, has been caused by a message, sent by Gov. Porter, to the legislature, on the subject of the State loan, & incidentally of the resumption of specie payments. It may be considered of a conservative cast, highly Pennsylvanian, and such as your Father and all of us folks approve altogether, and I have no doubt that he will be sustained in the State, some radical. movements in the country of Philada to the contrary notwithstanding. You must remember that in the above count[-]y, they are rather of the Spruce been order & are apt soon to burst, so that any little on [---] there surprises no one. Let us hear from you soon. very sincerly Yor Samuel [-] Leiper ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F23_I1_p001.jpg) Balt. May. 8. 74 Genl T. Kane, I want to say to you that your brother is progressing splen- didly. He has accommodated himself to our ways & associations with remarkable facility, & has in no instance forfeited the confidence I have placed in him. You, & all his family & friends. I feel sure, will be fortified with his improvement. I write you this, knowing it will be a Comfort to you, even to have this brief message from Yours very truly Joseph Parrish ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F23_I1_p002.jpg) BALTIMORE MAY 8 2 PM M D. [Stamp with George Washington] THREE 3 CENTS Genl. T. L. Kane Kane McKean Co Penn ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F24_I1_p001.jpg) Dated Washington D. C. July 15 1870 Received at Kane Pa 330 the July 15th To Thos L. Kane Come on here to act in regard to Artic expedition. It is of vital importance that you be the directive power Answer C. P. Patterson U. S. N. ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F24_I1_p002.jpg) T L K Capt. C. P. Patterson U S N. July 15, 1870 ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F25_I1_p001.jpg) My dear friend, I am in your [---] and will ordered Metropolis, in my way to the seat of the governer when my official duties as minister from our french Republic calls me. I rejoice at the idea of meeting again, in the occasion, my old acquaintances in your two houses; I hope, most earnestly hope, through individual exertions, to make them seaside of the imperative duty for our american Legislators to show themselves, by actual acts, the true friends of the young french Republic. It is, no doubt, a very good thing to wish well to a good neighbor but tis much better again to prove the good we wish. (this [---] [---]). I despond in seeing, as usual, your pub live on the London & time ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F25_I1_p002.jpg) usually as appreciation of in—You should never forget. that we have grown [---] in from in admiration of your well regulated Society, if the good your glorious [---] [---] have permitted you to write— and we, I am sure, are able as you, to d[---] the same advantage from our [---] organisation, although not alike yours, in many respects, but found on us, by our precedures and our particular si[---] a two in old Europe—the light is producing its effect, we are meeting on— we shall not retrograde, we shall improve, I have no doubts of that! and, although as half are american by my education and very interpretative ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F25_I1_p003.jpg) of liberty and of Democracy or a government, I still accept the present constitution as susaptible of doing its time; a few years practice often General [---] and our people, I am Sure, will prove themselves, equal to our american democrats in all respects.— I am leaving town to morrow Sunday for Washington— Do let me hear from you I long to see you, but at all [---] let me read you [---] I may each [---] verbally all what I have to say. truly Your E[---] [---] Hotil, Saturday 2 [---] ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F25_I1_p004.jpg) Mr. L. Kane Esq State [---] office Philadelph ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F26_I1_p001.jpg) My Dear Sir I thank you for your letters & two Papers & rejoice that your gallant Ulalene has escaped from the [---] by which [--] was so Sharply renamed— I Said your—Soul with an Article on a very difficul Sage & I [---] [---] [---] [---] & dabut & [---] (indeed adding there to a little known fraternal) I am, Sincerely Your Theodore Sa[---] NYork Apl. 15 [---]. T. L. Kane Esq. Philadelphia— ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F27_I1_p001.jpg) viz. Miss Craig and Episc. Doane. Which van[-]ty do you prefer? In one place you can have the advantage of the company of the Misses (Cock)Roach of Philadelphia in. In the other of the similarly redolent Miss Mary Pat- terson of the same place. When you let me know that you have burnt this missiv[-] I will send you another: Make haste for I shall be at Avendale the middle of next week or thereabouts. T. L. K. My dear Bessie, Nothing to say, and no time to say it in. We have Elisha's last letter and farewell, dated "22 miles from Cape Henry", which however tells us nothing more than that he was alive and somewhat sea-sick. He has sent a good bye and God bless you for Miss Kane which she will receive by the bearer from out of the coat tail pocket wherein I saw it just now safely deposited.—But let her be sure she asks for it, for I have known many a good epistle remain in that warm nest, so long, that [-] dint of alternate sitting upon it and letting it become cool again, it has been finally produced to the demandant—dirty, addled, and stale. I came in from Aunt Ann's the day before yesterday. Little took place during my sojourn there of an exciting interest. What time was not spent in talking to Mr. & Mrs. T., I employed for the most part in eating meals, stealing sponge cake, making a noise upon the stiff necked keyed piano or in strolling about. After you left, I walked once to Whit- by, twice to Cobb's creek, three times to the gate—four times to the Barn—and once in fine to the Omnibus. Add that I found an egg, and saw a garter snake, and chased two crows of ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F27_I1_p002.jpg) of bad character away from the corn field, and visited Bartram's garden, and you will see what a life I led.~ That walk to Bartram's garden!—Mr. E. W. Thomas. solicited to be my companion and I consented—Cousin Patty Ga[-]b said that evening. "I don't know who enjoyed it most. Willy or yourself"—Truly if I were well assured that he was as uncomfortable as myself, I should be content. He began his system of aggression immediately after dinner nor ceased it till he reached his home. "We will go" said I in a conciliatorily cheerful manner. "We will go as soon as the cool of the afternoon comes on." 1½ P. M. he presented himself with face soap shining—and clad in clean collar, and apron of well starched gingham and insisted upon it that mid day means afternoon because dinner was despatched. I, being busily employed in the rocking chair, digesting a mixture of shad, pudding, aspar= agus, sugar, butter, preserves and water on which my gullet gates had lately closed, refused him; but would you believe it he pestered Aunt & Uncle till I was actually obliged to take all my load of food out of doors, and carry it through the broiling sun, all the way to the nursery ground which the good boy desired to see. He has a strong taste for the beauties of nature.~—'Samuel' Calls—A[-]on— How my young friend ran away from a little bark= ing whippet—and how the whippet chased him, and how in consequence he was so scared as to lean fifty pounds worth upon my shoulder the whole journey—and how I was tormented with questions after the manner of Thos. Leiperto. —and how I was not allowed to look at any thing leisurely, being forced to aid in the search after, unfindable gold fish— ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F27_I1_p003.jpg) "a tree with dear little oranges on it" and a "little house full of pigeons" out by the stable—and how every moment I was asked if "the men" wouldn't whip us" (He was as great a dread of a 'man' as any virgin of fifty)—or if I was sure we were on a path as the 'Notice' directs—and how at last he hurried me away in a fright, homewards, but not home, alas—and how he stopped where there was a Bridge over the Railway from which he could see a Locomotive steaming ½ a mile off—and how thinking that the cars would be along soon, he was determined to wait for them—and how he kept me cooking in the heat for ever so long—and how at last, he having murder- ed a wasp and flung it over the railing. I asked him how he would fancy being flung over after it—and how either the threat or the lecture on the VI. Commandme[--] which [---]ceeded it, alarmed him so that he endea[---] to abscond—and how, by following him up. I got saf[---] to the head of Gray's lane—and how, there he became so tame as to consent to play a game of Aristarcho= vigisticus—which I told him was so named after the great General of that name, who once upon a time swam a river having hold of his horse's tail—and how I personated the warrior—and his stick the noble animal's fly brush (this and a moistening of the sugar tit's feet in the River mud, being the sole pleasures I had)—and how he found the amusement slightly fatiguing by the time I had 'swum' a short half mile—all this I have not time to detail to you, since Mr. Leiper has called for me already three times. Therefore, dear Bessie no more doth write Thine affectionate brother T. L. Kane. Miss Bessie Kane. ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F27_I1_p004.jpg) "What atrocious horror!"—The winged Mercury—who used to carry so unfaithfully Mr. J. K. Kane's love letters, has gone off without bearing that of Mr. T. L. Kane to his beloved one. So much for my desire to write you a long letter. Never mind—I feel desparate—you shall have my devotional writing—even if It cost me a 'levenpenny bit and a walk to the 'P.O.' "accompanied by perspiration and great [Written on the folded front] PHILADELPHIA Pa MAY 28 PAID Miss Bessie Kane. Care of the Hon. Judge Leiper Leiperville. Mr. Leiper.} sense of fatigue." If one Uncle Sam be not found to carry this little parcel, I will hire another—"I will Mrs. Craddock, I will." God bless. Pretty Bess. & Pretty Boy—By the way, I fear you will have to leave the U. States for New Jersey pretty soon—the matter seems to lie between two grannies of that Country— ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F27_I2_p001.jpg) Friday June 4th, 1843. Respectable Elizabeth, In a letter dated the 28th. ultims. I stated to you that when you had consigned the said letter to the flames and had sent to me a written affirmation that you had done so; I would forward to you another of the same kind; differing therefrom, intrinsi- cally, only in being a newer and therefore more saleable article. This is to inform you, there- fore, that I have not received the written affirmation aforesaid, and ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F27_I2_p002.jpg) therefore shall not write to you till it is forwarded, pursuant to instructions. I remain your Very obedient servant T. L. K. (For the firm of Thomas, Leiper, Kane, & Co.) Elizabeth Kane Spinster-late of the city & county of Philadelphia ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F27_I2_p003.jpg) 2 Miss Eliza. Kane. Care of the Hon JudgeLeiper Leiperville Delaware Co. ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F27_I3_p001.jpg) Friday July, 1943 Wherefore does the most delec- table, attempt to persuade me that her sweet 'poulet'--was incubated, lucubrated, or any way produced, by that odious Miss Minsc. No! "Miss Minsc" is nothing like your name, incarnation of [---] Miss [---]nstick is the nearest resembling epithet to it I can find in the vo- cabulary, appropriate to you. my sweet heart, who art Honey; "Nam Nam", Sugar Plum-Sugar Can- dy. 'Jam', Goodies, -- everything that is sweet and pleasant in my eyes. The villainous, sour, vinegar-faced ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F27_I3_p002.jpg) verjuice, verdigris, crab apple, aqua- fortis, bitter, 'gall-bladder busted,' worm- wood Brother.— Papa calls to me to stop writing— He didn't, he says, give me leave to do so; but only ordered me to envelope as quick as possible the formal 'horse' enclosed. You will perceive by it that J. J. is screwed up to concert—(or consort) pitch at last, and as his parents are all in this city combined to keep [illegible line] the sticking [illegible line] I should not be surprised if he should fail to 'backslide' after all, especial- ly as there will be few bystanders to scare him off—and Rachel W. will be present to scare him on. 'Old Prussic Acid' will not give his benediction, being engaged to take a drive in his "sulky," "when fulness- of time is come"—But to my duty ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F27_I3_p003.jpg) If there be an opportunity, or "if you can make one"—to come up this afternoon—journey to attend the marriage ceremony of to morrow— whether by 'Cars' or otherwise— you will not have Mr. Wethermill, but you may find some 'poundcake and lemonade'—the which at the early hour of 8½ precisely, will be 'gratifying to the feelings', and wholesome for the stomach. I must [---]sitively wind up. Excuse the broken condition of [---] string of compliments, I was about to [---] As for the adjectives of quality— the names—"In linked sweetness long drawn —as they say of 'Belly G.'—I meant them as earnestly as Emperor Chris- tophe of Hayti, when he gave to his two principal nigger nobles the eu- ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F27_I3_p004.jpg) phonious titles of Duke of Mar- malade & Count Limonade— Your brother T. L. Kane. [written sideways] 4 Miss Bessie Kane Care of the Hon. Judge Leiper of Leiperville ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F27_I4_p001.jpg) St Thomas W. I. In Last Feb. 19. 1853 My dear Bessie, Have you none of you written to me? But for a mention of Mother in Bessie Wood's letter I should fear everything for you all. And now I am not altogether certain that I am framing my plans rightly? I am off to Jamaica probably this afternoon. I can be in Savannah in little more than a week; but I shall probably break my journey by resting on the Island a while;— ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F27_I4_p002.jpg) not in Kingston wh. is unhealthy, but in the Mountain or upland Country. Be thankful for me in your dear way: I am marvelously, al= most, regaining my strength; and now can see that I shall soon be with you once more. Perhaps I shd. not regret too much my illness; at all events there is nothing like a sick bed to teach you whom you have to love. You will not believe how often and how I think of you. I have had the Second Sight again, but can never bring you in. Last ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F27_I4_p003.jpg) night, I thought I had a glimpse of you through an opened door; but you wd. not come in. Perhaps you are so guarded by good angels as to be outside my influence; but I rather think it was the Musquitoes. They were so unusually bad that I had to kick and s[--]ear myself into a fresh posture every couple of minutes. I have counted on me as many as Ten of their Punctures to the Square Inch.—all made through my stockings under one gentleman's dinner table. I will be the death of some of them some day if they don't look sharper ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F27_I4_p004.jpg) or bite less so. What am I wasting my other piece of paper upon?—I meant to tell you of my love, and so forth; and already I have consumed my time and space; and a man that is waiting for me shows he is impatient to be off. I shall try and write to you soon again, and to Sarah Butler whom, with you and "Gods good people" it is my lay me down to Sleep imprecation that He will bless continually. God indeed bless you and keep me ever as proud of you as I am now and always Your loving brother Thomas L. Kane Let them send me a line to Care of Messrs Barclay Kingston Jamaica ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F27_I4_p005.jpg) 35 35 Hon. Judge Kane Philadelphia ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F27_I4_p006.jpg) ROBERT SWIFT ST: THOMAS ST-THOMAS FE 20 1853 ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F2_I1_p001.jpg) Ashland 19h December 1822 My dear Brother My friend F. P. Blair Esq. who will present you this letter is advised to pap a winter in New Orleans, on account of his health. I esteem him as one of my best friends, in whose welfare I take the greatest interest. I have to request therefore that you will receive him accordingly, and introduce him to my sister, Mrs. Clay, whose intimate acquaintance I am very desirous he should make; as I am that he should consider your house as a sort of home. I am affectionately Yours H. Clay Mr. Jno. Clay ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F2_I1_p002.jpg) John Clay Eq New Orleans ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F2_I2_p001.jpg) Washn. 14 July '68. Genl. T. L. Kane My dear Genl. Your fine presents of venison never could have come more acceptably—more in the nick of time—than they did, just to give what to two successive dinner par -ties, which the arrival of some friend from the west,—made <[it]> oppor tune to honor with some marked hospitality. It makes a man proud to say over a feast that a friend at a distance had been so thoughtful of him as to enable him to parade such a rarity to treat his company [--]th—and then at a second dinner, make another with the saddle of a big buck & a similar c[---] [---]d, why, it seemed somewhat providential. You may be sure I did not lose the ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F2_I2_p002.jpg) of making a little exhibition of [---]ily when I had such a natural & very proper occasion to execute it. It was necessary to let the company know that venison was fresh, select, fine, just from the mountains, that I did know which of my friends had made so happy in enjoy ing it with my "Old Kentucky" relatives & other acquaintances." And indeed this was true, for I had seen no card if any had been attached. It was not un- til I got the second, that I conjectured that you were the giver, because I was convinced that I had no other ac quaintance in any wilderness, who, instead of doing things by halves, did them by doubles. Stables who came to the , a few days ago, was not able to solve the problem, but [-]aid [-]elod by writing to [---]ks, and ascertaining if the came from that quarter,—if so, he was sure they came from you. Now if you & [---] Kane will come to washing for this winter to visit us or next spring at our ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F2_I2_p003.jpg) country home, you shall see how gratef[-] we are for your cumbrance of us—Tom shall have some of your own Mountain game preserved to give a relish to your tea. But if you would have the [---] welcome from my wife you must bring her Dear favorite, your youngest boy for her and the rest for Blair Lee & me. The whole family of the Mountain top, with its sublime forest & ground prospects, are endeared, by the im- pressions, they left with us. Give my love to Mrs. Kane I regret that she denied me Kind thoughts, which almost induced her to write to me. Much as I bragged over your remembrances, I must say to you that nothing touches my heart so much as the expression of affection even a little sympathy for me by a fine intellectual good woman. With my sincerest friendship for her & for you I am [---] [---] [---] [-]P. Blair [written in the left margin] P.S.S—I neglected to write t olet you know I had recd the paper, so graphic of your region's & [-] prophetic of its future wealth— ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F2_I2_p004.jpg) Gen T.L. Kane. 4 W. 18 St. New York. ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F2_I3_p001.jpg) Washn. 13 April '68 Gen T. L. Kane My Dear Genl. I recd a few days since from the Post Office as a dead letter, my acknowledgement of your Courtesies which marks the advent of the New Year—You see I am [---]ed not to allow the grateful [---]ling which I know cult[---] for your family & which you have by your Kindness revived for yourself, to be turned into a dead letter—[illegible deletion] It turns up to you as [-] in some sort a resurrection, at Kane;—where I hope it will find, however unexpectedly & out of time, as hearty a welcome, as did its writer when he first vi- sited your high domain—I hear indirectly from Mr. Meeks, through Mr. Stabler, that you have reach- ed home again, somewhat out of health. This linger- ing winter of snows, has kept me also, enveloped in its sackcloth & ashes of hail & Sleet & dirty frozen mud & frosts, minced together by thawing days & freezing nights, un- til I am really reduced to beggarly health. I am now getting up out of my ragged nap & dressing for Spring, and hope to find you also reinstated, sound & well to do, on your Empy[---], sometime during May or June. I received your note with the notice of your move- ment for the benefit of Alaska, I trust your [---] that new state will yet prove sucessful for that region & for your fame—Count on me to assist your desires, in which you must instruct me. With most affectionate regards from my wife to Mrs Kane, believe us ever [---] F P. Blair ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F2_I3_p002.jpg) Gen Thor L. Kane Kane Pa ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F2_I3_p003.jpg) Post-Office Department RETURN LETTER OFFICE FREE. WASHINGTO. APR 6 FREE O F. P. Blair Cane Hm. Montgmery Blair President's Square Washington D.C. ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F2_I4_p001.jpg) Washington 20. December. '68 Genl. T. L. Kane: My Dear [--]nl. your kind letter is before me, making me sensible in this bleak, wintry, snowy of christmas, how much the Soul is independant of the body, when informed by it that you long for Alaska in spirit, when I know that your body wrecked with bullets can hardly maintain its circulation amid the rigors of your moun- tain home, although surrounded with all the com- forts of wealth & the warmth of a happy fireside & the endearments of family affections. My Grand son Andrew,—Frank's young Se[-]t of the Navy, has just got here from Sitka. His description of that horrid year of ice & colder rocks and brutal savages makes Dante's Infernal fires a paradise. But you Krughl E[---]t's consider the most dreadful scenes & ad[---] [---]es, terrible shocks, tumbles & broken bones as merely sensational. I am at this moment reading Don Qui[--]te embellish ed with Dore's admirable engravings & I assure you it goes hard with me to enjoy the extravagant disaster he undergoes though I have them at second hand. I cannot enjoy your pangs "in thick ribbed [--]" ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F2_I4_p002.jpg) As you ask for old Hickory's autograph, I send you one and two of his greatest autographs. They were both my friends. Clay the earliest & the latest, for although we parted when he [--] my advise to elect Jackson rather than Adams the former having the preference of Kentucky and we came together after the death of the old Hess-- They were alike in their high feelings- vehement patriotism and unconquerable courage. Then political quarrel would not have kept close hostility alive through life, for they both of magnani -mous & forgiving natures, had not Jackson believed that Clay instigated the slander in Hammond Cincinnati Gazette on Mr. Jackson- a gentle- man in whom the General implicitly confided apon red him of the fact, giving the particulars in confidence but absolutely on condition that his name should not be revealed. The General wrote a note to Mr. Clay stating the facts communicated to him, asking an answer - Mr. Clay in the most positive manner declared ever parleck of the statement utterly false - The General having cal -led Mr. Clay to the stand way recepanly compelled to take the denial for the truth. And yet he believed the man who would not confront Mr. Clay [-] his testimony. No doubt haunted his mind and he ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F2_I4_p003.jpg) could not dissipate the feeling it produced. This made an unpassable chasm between them. Burr's [-]op of General Jackson's confidence grew out of the treason plotted against the [---] in which that first conspirater against it, sought to m[---] the General.—He visited the General at home in Tennessee—explained his scheme so far as to make the impression that his de- sign of liberating Mexico but after a w[---] though he had refused to entertain the prospect although opened up in its most favorable aspect—When however he discovered that his first step was [illegible deletion] the rob- bery if the Banks at New Orleans for the m[---] of mission & a dissalution of the [---] to [---]it an [---]ny to make the whole valley of the Mississippi a [---] to civil war with Mexico as a conquest to enrich all his parl[---] & inflame their ambition Jack son denounced him & appeared as a witness against [---] at Richmond—. He came after -wards to despise Burr more than he hated him for his contemplated treason. Burr's fine plausible ma[---] & high position enabled him to [---] the af bid[---] of women & he always betrayed them. S[--] Jackson soul was filled with honorable gallantry ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F2_I4_p004.jpg) & fidelity to the sex, is it could never brook a betra -yal of plighted faith & I have myself witnessed a daily devotion to his wife's memory, that was almost idolatry. Whenever he went to bed he drew her mini- ature from his bosom which hung round his neck by a ribbon and set it up, lodged against her bible & prayer book ( used by her until <&> worn & black with age,) so that his eye could rest on it from his pillow. I always found it so placed when I found in bed, morning or night & it stood there all day when confined in sickness— His biographer Parton knew nothing of the man. I knew him from his election to the presidency to his death—lived for months with my family in the House on his retreat from Washington in the Summer to Rif Rafs in Hampton Roads. I never saw a man of gent- ler manners or kinder heart. I never heard him "roar" or exclaim, "by the eternal"—no man had better command of his passions—Skakespere questions on two lines— "He was lofty & sour to those who loved him not, To those who sought him, he was sweet as summer" To his household, to his kinswomen of his wife's family that sur -rounded <[---] he was> always kindly affectionate—and to the poorest lady of his neighborhood courteous as to the highest—to his Slaves the most generous master & protector—They were to him as children Even to his enemies he was magnanimous. When he shot Dick[---]on the [-]ealist who forced him to be the challenger, he sent his own Sar- geant all his appliances before he allowed his own wound to be dressed though [illegible deletion] badly wounded. Burr turned his back on Hamilton & went to breakfast. Kiss for Dear[-] Mrs. Kane. [illegible line] F P. Blair ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F2_I5_p001.jpg) Silver Spring 6 May 69 My Dear General Kane, I must thank you again for your fine present of plants, which are to be the pride of silver spring, and indeed of the capital grounds on the nations botanical arbor[---] around its conservatory. I asked you to send me a little black birch seedling bush from your alpine home with you might have put in a sugar Box & you have forwarded two immense Boxes containing cargoes of young trees, all sort of Bir[---] black, yellow, cherry, golden, Beeches purple & copper colored. Mountain ashes, [---] so that I have not only adorned Silver Spring & Montgomery's Folkland with the glories of the deciduous forest ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F2_I5_p002.jpg) trees of your mountain home but have called out Mr Smith the Congressional Gardner I sent him back several of the finest to plant on his central from the Capitol Gate to his [---] tory, so the where he has given them a cruciferous place as "Kane's Memorial Trees"—When you come to congress as Senator or Representative, or little Willie some 20 or 30 years hence, there will stand some grand specimens to prove that you were not a man of half measures, even in the matter presents in the way of Courtesy, to gratify the pride of a friends, but would make him to generous to the nation. I hope you & yours will live ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F2_I5_p003.jpg) to enjoy the shade & fragrance of the giant offspring of your Allegh[---]is both at Silver Spring & city Gardens— L[--]d I tall you of the noble faq[---] which your Bear skin [---] plays in my equipage? You know I meant to use for trappings to my saddle to be in keeping with Frank's Black horse, which [---] batt[---] bickbury where he was shot down & sent to me cure & keep. him. He got well, & ride him constant -ly, but the skin was too big for the purpose designed. I sent it to New York where draped & garnished all round, with fine furred wolf-skins & it makes a mighty show with my driver in the front of my carriage. You you see I make good use of the [---]ery of your [--]ed do main <[---]> R[---]p of its Master. Love to his wife from your [---] F. P. Blair ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F2_I5_p004.jpg) P.S. I longed to say that the norway pines and the Hemlock are planted down the walk to the spring as flan[---] to probed the I from the winter's wind. The Cane sugar trees are sufficient cover [---] ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F2_I5_p005.jpg) General T. L. Kane Kane Pa ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F2_I6_p001.jpg) Silver Spring 12: Sep. 69 My dear Tom Kane. I recd your note in which you tell me that you have heard my first [---] announcing the next presidential campaign. & you call [illegible deletion] old John Adams to sp[-]ke it. Well, I think of the old man could break his ceremants, & rise from the grave, he would hail my Battery as levelled against those Bank, which in the passage you quote, he so strongly [---]malage, & in which I so cordially thoroughly concur—all Banking powers monopoliz- ed by a class, will be employed in robbing the map of the people. But when these powers are em ployed by a popular G[---] responsable to the people for the benefit of the people, it is not apt to connected it to such purpose abuse; & cannot abused it for a long time, if the people are capable of Self-Government, they will change their Agenda, punish the fa[---] & put the Bank for the Commonweal on the right tack— ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F2_I6_p002.jpg) I have always been opposed to every [---] of Banking contrived to take money out of the pockets of the people to put it into private coff[---]. I never my [---]; & that was established to raise a voluntary tax form No people, to supply an exhausted public Treas =ury. Your Kind beckoning will I think bring me to Kane S[---]t about the fourth of oct. yet if the weather [---], I may cower from present h[---] & stick to my armed chair—I want much to see dear Mrs Kane again & her pretty little [illegible deletion] & I should like to talk over with you over [---]: British design,—I think we agree on that as we have ever done in most pu[---] propecy—ever Dr Lee [---] [-]. P. Blair ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F2_I6_p003.jpg) Gen Kane Kane PA ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F2_I6_p004.jpg) SilverSpring 12 Sep. 69 My dear Col. Kane: I rec^d your note in which you tell me that you have heard my first Gun announcing the next presidential campaign, & you call out old John Adams to spike it. Well, I think if the old man could break his cerements & rise from the grave he would hail my battery as levelled against those Bank, which in the passage you quote, he so strongly anathematized, & in which I so cordially thoroughly concur. All Banking powers monopolized by a class, will be employed in robbing the mass of the people - But when these powers are employed by a popular Govt responsible to the people for the benefit of the people it is not apt to be converted to such abuse; & cannot be so abused for a long time, if the people are capable of self- government.. They will change their agents, punish the false ones & put the Bank for the Commonweal on the right track - I have always been opposed to every system of Banking con- trived to take money out of the pockets of the people to put it into private coffers. I never favoured any bank & that was established to raise a voluntary tax from the people, to supply an exhausted public treasury. Your kind beckoning will I think bring me to Kane Summit about the first of Oct. Yet if the weather pinches, I may cower from present hardihood, & stick to my armed chair. I want much to see dear Mrs. Kane again & her pretty little ones & I should like to talk over with you our anti-British designs I think we agree on that as we have ever done in most patriotic purposes. Yours J. P. Blair ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F2_I7_p001.jpg) —[---]— Andrew Jackson— Francis. P. Blair Esq[-]. Nashvill Tennessee— To the care of Genl R. Armstrong, if Mr. Blair has left Nashville to be returned to A. J— ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F2_I7_p002.jpg) Gen T.L. Kane Kane Pa ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F3_I1_p001.jpg) Philadelphia 19 Apr 1869 My dear Sir What has occurred in a conversation of today induces me to think that as few of those who had especial Knowlege of Your patriotic devotion to our Country's interests in 1857 and 1858 survive, and my own life Cannot endure long, it may be a duty on my part to send you this attestation of the Great value of your public services at that period. It is true that their importance and value were concisely Stated ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F3_I1_p002.jpg) in the President's message to Congress. But this valuable memorial may not render private testimony of public merit useless, where the [-]ituess possesses the knowlege which is accidentally mine. I write therefore to State that I believe that your previous associations with the Mormons made you the only person in the United States possessing the Confidence of our government who could have undertaken your delicate and important mission to Utah, with the slightest chance of success; and that I am convinced that to your efforts, which I designate as ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F3_I1_p003.jpg) unaided is due the pacific settlement of our difficulties with that people. They confided in you; and this confidence enabled you to avert a bloody war at the crisis of imminent peril. I say nothing of the personal danger to yourself of the expedition which you conducted alone. That is a [---] [--] upon which it would be better that I should confer with others Very Truly Yr friend [---] Cadwalader General Thomas L. Kane ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F4_I1_p001.jpg) Liverpool 23 July 1840 Dear Sir When in Philadelphia in March last I have the pleasure of meeting some of Your friends and learned that you had gone to N. [---] and Mobile in the Ship "Stephen Baldwin" and that in all probability you would come in that Vessel to Liverpool—I wrote you on the 30 May from London D[---] before the Ships arrival. Requesting you would Come over and spend some time in D[---]. but Not having heard from you since, I Conclude my letter has not been received by you— I have now been here for the last three weeks and have seen Capt. Gledda[-] and Miss. Humphrys & Biddle, and M Nord, the latter informs me that you are now in London or Norwich, and I hope you are pleased with your [---] for so few— I will feel much [---] by your writing me saying when you expect to be in Liverpool, and at what time you intend Coming [-]n to Deny. I will be here for a week yet and if you Could arange it do as to accompany me over, it would afford me much pleasure— Expecting soon to hear from you and soon to have the pleasure of seeing you I remain Thomas L. Kane Esq Dear Sir Your Sincerely [---] [---] My address here Stuart Christio Can David King Esq Liverpool ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F4_I1_p002.jpg) Thomas L. Kane Esq Can L. Landon Esq. London [postage stamp on the right side with the following text on it and a drawing of a woman's profile] POSTAGE J ONE PENNY J ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F5_I1_p001.jpg) Á l'auteur anonyme de l'envoi de trois cents francs qui a été remis chez mon portier, en mon absence, le Lundi 20 Descartes 63 (27 Octobre 1851). Monsieur, je regrette qu'une modestie trop serupuleuse me cache le nom de l'éminent citoyen de Philadelphie d'où émane la noble souscription que j'ai recue hier. Mais je n'en suis que plus touché de cette lointaine participation au subside réparateur qui fut si dignement institué, il y a trois ans, par mon éminent collègue M. Littré. Quoique cette honorable sauvegarde ne foît pay encore devenue suffisante, elle m'infoîre une pleine confiance dans la paisible activité du peu d'anncés de vigueur complète qui me restent pour achever l'immense rénovation à laguelle j'ai voué ma vie. Les baines aveugles qui, en attentant à mes ressources matérielles, espéraient arrêter ma missiôn philosophique et sociale, n'auront ainsi produit d'autre réfultat final que me placer déjà dary la situation la plus normale, en faisant vivre le fondateur de la Religion de l'Humanité par la libre assistance des dignes partisans de la doctrine régénératrice. Ce début décisif assure maintenant la juste indépendance qui convient au nouveau sacerdoce. Salut et Fraternité Paris, le Mardi 21 Descartes 63. (28 Octobre 1851.) Auguste Comte (10, rue Monsieur-le-Prince.) ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F5_I1_p002.jpg) À Monsieur À Philadelphie. (Etats-Unis d'Amerique.) ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F5_I1_p003.jpg) Last letters from my two best friends [circle with the number 1 inside] Auguite Compte ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F6_I1_p001.jpg) My dear Aunt Alida, I have received your Tribune's translation of good Priest Ventura's letter upon the outrages of Rome. I am sorry to think you misapprehend my sentiments with regard to the matter. If I err in being an ultra republican, I am at least a consistent one. My sympathies are with all freedom loving people from Paris to Patagonia, and my antipathies attach themselves as naturally to all their foes, as well the Narvaez & Nicholases who act of their own black impulses, as those who are too feeble to resist those of evil coun- sellors such as Louis Napoleon and Pious the Ninth. As for poor Pius, however, letters from France give me reason to believe that at the present time, he is of all Italian men the most miserable and to be pitied. For he considers himself the incendiary that lit the first flames ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F6_I1_p002.jpg) of liberty of the hopeful year 1848, and which its follower of 1849 forces him to see quenched in so much innocent blood. It is in the nervous despair of a heart nearly broken that he has surrendered himself soul and body to the keeping of the unprincipled scoundrels who make him their instrument of crime. This is what I incline to think of this unfortun- ate character. My friends have as little cause to mistake my views as to the Papal religion as the Pope, and I think it strange that you or any others should have done so. For I am one who proclaim openly my utter refusal of the modern so called, Virtue of Toleration, and my belief that it is of necessity upon all questions of import, the synonyms of lukewarmness or indifference. What is not for God, I have learned is against him. What is not of good is of evil, and I cannot understand love for good without a corresponding hate for evil. Those who do not dislike intemperance are apt to be but moderately temperate, and I have also observed that little confidence is to be placed in the strongest professions of their love for clean- liness of those persons who do not regard a dirty shirt or dirty skin with the feelings more or less of hate. Now just so much as I love my own religion, I must be intolerant of the Catholic in all that it differs from it. But as it is one thing to hate a dogma and another those who profess to receive it; so it is one thing to hate Papacy and another to hate Papists. ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F6_I1_p003.jpg) The Creator in organizing all men more or less after his own image gave them the like general good dispositions physical moral and intellectual. He has not willed that because a man has an evil tendency to rob that he must be equally disposed to commit murder; neither where from moral or mental derangement he has erroneous opinions as to the nature of one crime that he may not be perfectly sound with regard to another. This divine law, too has so great an extension that even where a fundamental principle is radically tainted we find that other important principles can subsist subordinate and maintain their operative efficiency altogether unimpaired. The History of Science tells us ^this which is but the history of successive advances in truth under the standard of principles primarily erroneous and yet promotive of the very attainments of truth that lead eventually to their own rectification. The same is true of all that people call Moral Philosophy. A whole nation; a whole sect including many nations may go astray upon leading rules of conduct yet cultivate minor ones with perfect safety and success. And it is what some would consider minor rules (for many, these include all that go to unite instead of dividing mankind) that happily have most to do with the routine of every day life. The Parsee and Gentoo Merchants of Calcutta may quarrel invariably about the respective holinesses of Fire and Cows but they will unite in a common honesty upon the 8th commandment that regulates their trade. ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F6_I1_p004.jpg) Can you guess from this what is the measure of my tolerance for "The Catholics". I should hold myself deserving little success as a theoretic explorator, if in a particular branch of Natural Philosophy (Meteorology for instance) I should refuse to accept the contributions of fact of a conscientious observer, because of a want of correspondence between his theory of Cosmogony and my own. And I would think myself equally unphilosophical (not to say un-Christian) to refuse to believe in the moral facts of the sincere man's life who upon abstract matters has picked up to formulize his little stock of notions an eccentric local or antiquated creed. I should as soon think of refusing a good workman's chair to sit upon, because of his entertaining vulgar or heterodox notions relating to the general furniture of a house. Aunt Alida, once upon a time, no matter how, I was queerly thrown in among a little knot of noble persons who managed to keep an altar to virtue brightly burning in one of the most mephitic caverns of the French City of Catacombs. Surrounded by those whose unnatural depravity seemed to me striving to transcend that of the ancient Citizens of the Plain, they subsisted, as far as it is given mortal beings, a ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F6_I1_p005.jpg) constant type of the beauty in holiness of the inhabitants of the City of the Heavens. Their lives were passed praying and praising God, purifying soul and body, feeding and clothing the poor, nursing the sick and comforting the dying. And all this in putrid Paris, sink of the civilized world. True they occasionally did frequent the interior of a large and highly ornamented building, where, in front of a marble table with a lace edged embroidered cover on which was spread a service of gold, a man in rich robes read from a decorated book Latin words- more impressive doubtless to their ears than my own. And between times his useless voice would be altogether drowned in the thunders of a great organ overhanging an elevated loft from which would also come the notes of children's voices falling soft like dropping flowers. Sorrowful confession. They were Catholics. They were worse- in Theory- worse, to me: they were bigoted "Legitimists" who held their young Prince Hen- ry, King by the Grace of God- my Democracy, Antichrist by the favor of Hell. Yet in practice they could love me for all; and in Practice I certainly loved them. And sometimes; as now that I write this letter when my thoughts go back to those consecrated days when I knew and felt the full beauty of youthful life, I condemn myself for many an unchristian ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F6_I1_p006.jpg) tendency to intolerance, practical, and have to strive hard to escape the conviction that, judging only from the fruits we both have borne, if my Democracy is as a rule of Conduct no more excelling their Absolutism in Politics than my Protestantism their Absolutism in Religion, they, not I, have found the True Doctrine of God and the True Law of Perfect Liberty. Dear Aunt, you must regard it a proof of affection that I have written to you on this dirty blotted desk paper at such tedious length, at the time when, having given my Chief Clerk his Summer's holiday, I am burdened down with harassing business. I have done so, because I am aware of the heavy bearing of even the most inconsiderable differences of opinion upon friendly relations. In our country where we do not hesitate to stimulate the most serious discordances upon points of religion and politics, a short time serves to make strangers of the members of the most united families. Owing to the mere tendency of our people to shift their circumstances and theatres of life, too many necessarily arise for us to be willing to increase their reckoning by misapprehension. I know you agree with me in opinion; and I am eager to satisfy ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F6_I1_p007.jpg) you of it. - Whence arose in your warm heart your affection for me, I cannot tell, nor why you have continued it to me, when I had so small opportunity of deserving or showing myself deserving of it. I know that the years go by, as I sail forward on my Life voyage, bearing with them the persons who surround me at the moment like mere motes and scum on the waters surface: I feel that I am thus learning to prize more & more those few who retaining their places at my side I may hope to find to receive as an awkward assurance of the uncostumed affection of Your loving nephew J.O. ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F6_I1_p008.jpg) Thomas L. Kane. ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F6_I1_p009.jpg) COPY AND RETURN To SYBIL KENT KANE 107 EDGAR ST KANE, PA [Column 1] Mrs. Alida V. R. Constable Schenectady N. Y. [Column 2] From PHILA. Sept 10, 1849 and Prior. ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F6_I2_p001.jpg) ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F6_I2_p002.jpg) selfish reason. I know now that you are in good condition to have your portrait painted! I did not confess it ^ you, nor in truth to myself; but I was dissatisfied with the Photographer's effort, for no reason so much as that it told of the languor, oppression even, under which you suffered when it was taken. Now your health has returned, your strength and elasticity of expression with it, and you are sure to look like yourself. We don't want to have a mechanical picture this time; but the work of an Artist if such a thing is to be had in Philadelphia. Aunt Ann has sent us a gift we highly value the portraits of her most worthy husband, who was a personal friend of mine, and herself. But it makes our gallery of Oils here number Thirteen; and we have a right by Superstition to spend money to break it. - So I hope I will find the Cap I admired still fresh when my next visit is paid Philadelphia. ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F6_I2_p003.jpg) It does not do for a man to leave home such times as these are, or I would come down next month. Your attached nephew Thomas S. Kane ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F6_I3_p001.jpg) Kane, Decem. 24. '73 My dear Aunt Alida: I hold the Receipt for a good Saddle of doe venison expressed to you yesterday. As rogues on the trains cheat by substituting poor carcasses for choice ones, look for a nick. Cut in the left hoof of the left leg.- "Kane Summit to 1304 Wal= nut Street: Compliments of the Season! I do not mean to let Episco= pal theatricals disgust me with the 25th. of December. In better days I used to devote all Christmas week to remembering and commemorating afresh old family re= collections and traditions, and tomorrow I intend to turn the conversation of the day on the worthies whose blood is in our Mrs. A.V. R. Constable. ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F6_I3_p002.jpg) our veins, their merits and demerits. I shall not shrink from speaking the truth if any of my young ones need to be warned against their errors. Nor shall I fear to challenge their vote upon the ques tion if I have done my part in my own day and generation to uphold the Kane name and honor. I will open the Cherry Chest and take out with some show of Ceremony the Folio Bible, and the Great Record Book, now swollen with its accumu= lation of Trees, and seals, and manu= scripts. There I will find more than one letter in your handwriting, my dear Aunt! Yes! Our dear Aunt. You are alone. And we are far away. But you shall not doubt how often we will be thinking of you : how truly we all love you. My wife sends her love to you. - I ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F6_I3_p003.jpg) I call the children around me in turn. - Harriet expresses her love : Elisha his love: Evan and Willy, theirs too. I make up the packet asserting myself Your attached nephew Thomas L. Kane ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F6_I4_p001.jpg) My dear Aunt Alida: It touches me to receive your Evangelist today, reminding me that you will not suffer us to think we are forgotten. You ask : how is Harriet? A letter from Wilmington yesterday speaks of her as better. I am to blame if I have supposed wrong= ly that my poor wife was keeping you informed of the progress of our distress and alarm. It is a fault of my character to indulge in gloomy forebodings; but not to hasten to impart them to others. I passed your door on Tuesday last; but had the fortitude to deny myself the comfort of your sympathy. ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F6_I4_p002.jpg) I am here on the mountain now with only my two little fellows, Evan and Willie. When the pressure of my business is over, I will discharge the servants and close the house. I trust devoutly we may look forward to passing a cheerful winter East. In any event I may hope to see you, my dear Aunt, often. Your attached nephew Thomas L. Kane Kane, Octo. 12. 1874. ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F6_I5_p001.jpg) Kane, Octo. 19. '74 My dear Aunt Alida: Another newspaper : to say that although Bessie is away, you have not forgotten me! Has Bessie dutifully apprised you how much better is Harriet, and what a triumph it is considered to be for me, the Cause I have gained in the Supreme Court. I dar not indulge myself : for the last strain of my law work has impaired my vision. Even as I write this, a cloud comes and goes before my eyes. It is probably symptomatic of neuralgia : for which there is no cure like rest. Order me to take it! Your attached nephew Thomas L. Kane ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F6_I5_p002.jpg) Mrs. A. V. R. Constable 1304 Walnut St. Philadelphia ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F6_I6_p001.jpg) In Cameron County, 50 miles East from Kane, Nov. 21. '78 My dear Aunt Alida: I left home this afternoon believing Harriet to be decidedly better. On Sunday two weeks had passed since her last relapse, but there was no sign apparent of another impending. I am here at a miserable little inn, at the foot of a mountain which, by waiting until four in the morning, I can cross over by rail. ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F6_I6_p002.jpg) I shall not reach my destination before tomorrow afternoon, but I am thankful, at any loss of time, to escape from the necessity of travelling by carriage. The roads from my place, being used for the carriage of oil well implements, are cut as deep as if they had been ploughed by can= non. They are hardly safe for the strongest lumber wagons. My dear Aunt Alida, how can we thank you enough for your goodness! Our hearts have been so very heavy with our ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F6_I6_p003.jpg) sorrow, and we have had reason to feel so lonely. The little slip you sent Aunt Ann urging us to come to your house was so deeply touching. I shall preserve and cherish it long. Your grateful and attached nephew Thomas L. Kane ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F6_I6_p004.jpg) Mrs A.V. R. Constable 1304 Walnut Street Philadelphia ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F6_I7_p001.jpg) Kane, Dec. 28. '79 My dear Aunt Alida: I did not need your reminder on the Ledger you send Elisha to suggest the duty of a business man to acknowledge your Check. But I am puzzled what to do with it. It is too large a present for me to accept even at Christmas tide, and it is Mrs. Constable ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F6_I7_p002.jpg) certainly not in the least my own. You would have a right to think that I did not value your gift of the Pew, if I suffered you to bear the expense of keeping it. On reflection, I will hold the check until I can consult your wishes farther. Yet I am the richer by your pretty note enclosing it: which I shall preserve as my ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F6_I7_p003.jpg) own especial New Year's offering. The cold is abating: it was at zero : and father and mother and children we shall enter with heart upon the work of 1880. Faithfully always yours Thomas L. Kane ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F6_I8_p001.jpg) Kane, Nov. 25 My dear Aunt Alida : I almost could wish you to be as lonely as we are, that you might appreciate how much it cheers us to be remembered by you. Your presents speak as orders, to us too, to be cheerful and feel grateful on Thanksgiving Day. ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F6_I8_p002.jpg) Well! we have more to rejoice over than the remem= brances of your unchanged affection. We cannot be deceiving ourselves in thinking that Harriet is better. When I returned from Court, Satur= day night, I thought I observed an entire change in the expression of her countenance. The pained pinched anxious look was almost wholly gone. ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F6_I8_p003.jpg) We pray, dear Aunt Alida, that you may enjoy next Thursday and many another well deserved Thanksgiving day. Your attached nephew Thomas L. Kane ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F7_I1_p001.jpg) 14 oct. 50 Dear friend You will recollect that I made no charge against Mr. Plitt of [---] any warrant or warrants. My Our notion of him (Rough but slightly acquainted with him, is) But he is not the Man to boast of such an act, as to perform it with a relish and alacrity—I state only my [illegible deletion] decided impression of his character when I hesitate to construe his position and relations to this ugly [---] severely. Mr Plitt must Choose his own course and like every other man must take such [---] as the world will render about it. I am under the impression now that he did issue warrants, four or five, but I did not say so publickly because I had no sufficient proof of the fact. I will be most happy to Know that I am wrong in this impression—and understand me against to say that I have not said in public or private that he did issue any warrants for the apprehension of fugitive— How is it that the fact is [---] into doubt. I repeat, my impression now is that he did do so—and I do not Know that he contr[-]dicts it ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F7_I1_p002.jpg) Yet your note seems some how to imply a denial! Sincerely, I wish from the bottom of my soul that he may refuse to act under that law. I have received civilities from him as often as we have met since [---] acquaintance began. [---], I have really liked him, and you will remember that you bespoke a friendly feeling towards him when I first asked you about him. If he can, or you or any friend for him can, disavow the alleged journey of th[-]se warrants I will go to the pre[---] this Evening and ask from its Editor, a[-]e demand from him, a fair and unequivocal acquittance in the most public manner. I am sure now that the Editor's statement made yesterday (for it was the Editor of the freeman not myself who made the charge) about Mr Plitt harms [---] off one fugitive is an Ent[---] mistake, a colored man today who was present when the [---] was reported days & was a constable [--] deputy Marshall, named Smith he thinks, who made the brag. Let me repeat how gladly I would believe Mr P. clear in all this matter, how happy to Know another man who cannot be evidenced to obey that call as its agent any more than he would as its victim. ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F7_I1_p003.jpg) I will see Mr. Plitt cheerfully any where in time and for any purpose which he can wish or I ought to wish. In a great hurry and under great prepare of affairs Thos. L Kane Esq. William Elder The Freeman goes to press tomorrow I think—you know I have no control of it, but its Editor will be prompt to do what is right. ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F7_I1_p004.jpg) R L. K. Esq ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F7_I2_p001.jpg) Tuesday March 9. 52 Dear Co[-]lonel On monday of last week, my wife was seized with fever (she had been ill somewhat for a week before). Three days & nights it continued most unremittingly and malignantly—The next day an ugly but very Equivocal [---] [---] appeared wh[---] by Saturday last demonstrated itself clearly Varioloid with an emphasis— she is doing very well now, but fairly [illegible deletion] Eusphered in the aroma of the diseased and tomorrow or next day I suppose the process of Exfoliation will [---]——Under the circumstances I have thought it best to put myself in quarantine—Hence the reserve of the last 9 days. I have had admirable opportunities for nursing and improved them accordingly. I dont Know how far the Matter may go well [-]s but I suppose Jessie safe as she had varioloid at 2 years old and I have neither to escaped contagion when quite as much Ephered [---]—Bridget says she had it in Ireland and is used with it besides ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F7_I2_p002.jpg) Yesterday after being out in the air for two hours quite I encountered an old aquaintance and she did make me feel what it is to be unclean—How odd it seemed to be avoided as if leprous—I would not have missed it for anything— Jessie disc[---] school & [---] school Harry is [---] to our own gutter, and I am making apologies to friends and [---] people, I lay my hand on my mouth and cry unclear, unclean, when in fact, I never did feel so handsome in my life— Last week was a week to me—during the first 3 days of it I feared either fatal issue, [---] or a typhoid wreck and a long long confinement—You cannot Reach how I welcomed the blotches with the [---] of fever. I congratulated Job on the matter of the [---], and found the [---] [---] in the oracles. On Sunday I sat down to pull the sleep out of my brain (it really stuck in it in chunks) and calculate the case—I concluded that it avereged the happiest week of my life!!! I have been married too long to be left alone, alone—God left me how silent and heavy and deep the sky ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F7_I2_p003.jpg) looked after day break in the nights of my most anxious watching—what a difference between the threatening & the eve having unforitude of the night feeling!! I could semsed the universe and found it every where dead empty.—not a live presence any where. grey and cold and still. with the [--]keleton mathematics grinning out where ever I gazed—Any soul of damnation —vulgar fire & brimstone is—infinetely better than fate and Eternal law, in a Roasting there is [---] Rough a little of The Keenest.: One might come to delight in demons.—if there were no other live [---] for the worlds. I am very well—very well this morning— and I wonder how you are—I expect that you are not so— Drop me a line, I want a nibble. When I say varioloid of a severe type you understand that it is severe— How is the [---] & Pat, and the people and all the household—[-] and whatsoever else amuses you? I long to hear from you every thing else is pleasant now—every thing else that I can think of— Yours ever M[--]iam Eeden ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F7_I3_p001.jpg) Saturday Noon. 20th March /52 Dear Coln The Lord be with thee—Amen. Mrs Townsend is with me—Selah The day looks brightly in the out peep through the window that I have of it—for I am setting up, shared and dreped man fashion, and in my right mind. & my heart is with thee therefore, for the true religion is a fact, and a force, and the realities of the world hang by it. My life floats steadily forth in the faith. I do love the Lord with all my heart mind and strength, in a most natural and practicable way. Jessie is setting up the morning beside new, convalescing family. Mrs. Elder's Eyes are got within certain control, and Mrs. F[---] is our insurance, and in faith the amount is so fully equivalent to me that I don't care whether the [---]ey or the the premium is forfeited—Now I am under some temptation to suffer the top, for the sake of the separation—I now saw such a nurse and I am specially enthusiastic this morning after learning that she is absolutely quarantined for her [---] contact with the infected crew of my little barque—for instance a relative was outrageous with her whore child the nurse[-] through ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F7_I3_p002.jpg) scarlet fever and even put it into its coffin. That was some years ago, and he acknowledged he had forgotten the fact, out and out.!!! The [---]loid is not a bad thing. The use of the Devil—the Garden of Eden and the trial of Job. all [---]re the necessity of Evils [---] the direllant force of Evils, and generally the agency essential to the separation of sealy people from shabby ones. Yes I affirm that the [---]loid is a good thing and that every [---] them an ought to know it. He take it again if even I [--]de happen to need a distinguisher & d[--] seemed. Well I am very well. Very, though as men say in their last [--]lls in a weak state of health but of sound mind and memory. I am glad of that night, musing, v[---] glad- I did not need assistance but I did need a presence, and I would not have been well to have had any other than them there my friend—God bless you— The recollection will remain with me forever offices of personal necessity cordially rendered, personal touch. The love-[--]use awakened! Well. That is the word of words, tra[---]ected into I am content, it is my message this bright [---]al day from my heart to there my friend Thomas L Kane, William [---] ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F7_I4_p001.jpg) Monday March 22, 52 Dear Coln All is well, very well, Mrs Elder's Eye which troubled her has been completely relieved, "and she is "about. late and early," Lessil slept soundly last night and is very well today—I am as well as ever I was. Mrs Townsend, watched and missed us Tuesday & Wednesday nights. of last week, Thursday night when you released her, she did not sleep she says, which at the least must prove that she did not sleep well, Friday night Mr. T. came hence from Balltmore with Newalge[--], so she slept [---] that night, Saturday night she was kept up till 1' oclock waiting the arrival of a friend by the cars—which friend did not come, and accordingly I found her with all souls of Chile & fever [---] & a splitting head-acke yesterday afternoon—She slept next to home last night, but is much better on Easter today, tonight she must sleep & well I doubt not. Nothing else [-]ils her but morbid [---] and that will give [---]—In my turn I am able to play Medico-nurse for her, and I welcome the opportunity— ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F7_I4_p002.jpg) But how are you, Colnl, & where? I must know about this, you must,—I do not say put yourself within my reach,— but answerable to my call. Don't be queer with me nor peculiar let me love you my way—with my eyes & hands, for I am Carnal, spiritual and (a) devilish good fellow. I have pleasant things on hand, and I want a little communication from you of "the things which make for your peace" I write this with mine own hand to certify you of my being and attributes, and will carry it to your door myself so consider yourself hailed, from the highway, But I say the varioloid is not a bad thing—The slight effort is cause (thank Heaven) infected to some, and so separated to the elect— Ever thine William Elder Thos L Kane Esqr ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F7_I5_p001.jpg) 11. [---] 24 July 5[-] Dear Colnl When I found this letter on my table yesterday evening. I first recognized the handwriting of my friend W. H. Channing I know it well, next I saw your name and mine which I read thus "Thos L Kane Esq or William Elder Please forward)" Now it was so natural that a letter from him should come to me had so unlikely that a letter to you should be d[--]ided to my care, and it was so natural to suppose that we were some how in part[---] about a lett[--] so [---] [--]id and from such [---] that without reflecting further I opened it and Even when I read the first lines which could be addressed to you only I was not [---] Enough to get over my first [---] [---] and so I went on till it was manefist that I was not in the programme and then— I have an excuse. to make—Im glad that there was nothing Exclusive in the [---]. And I am glad that it was written—I rejioce I find you Known to each other, I would as leave find a new friend in W. H. Channings heart and rather find an old one there there in any other su[-]lunary spot. ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F7_I5_p002.jpg) I have a beautiful superstition about Channing—that I need not expound to you. But he is the only man living who could "consecrate the elements of the Eucharist' for [---]—for you sad fellow you would not do it in faith." Only yesterday I wrote to a dear good fellow in California and told him that the only personal news I had for him has that I had found Channing and you since he left me years ago—and here came this mutual sacramental letter from Channing! '[-]' faith it was a conicidence and it was right morally & prudentally for me to open it. You never would let me tell you what I thought of that Mormon Book of yours—for your dep[---] closed my thought—I don't like doubts of my truth in compliment to my Kinship much better than for other reasons supposed to the house ones. But Channing's word echos my thought as well as he is able to [---] it— I believe the story to be the best in every quality of authorship that I ever read and letter in the in [---] of personal character as the author than any story having the high qualities of composition and grandeur of effect, nor extant— ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F7_I5_p003.jpg) It is a romance of the heart and head if Tom Kane actualized in a mark extraordinary experience— Lueden borg—(Lueden borg again), says that each man's heaven is the out[---] of his own soul and so he has the fruition of his souls wishes ever about him in the spirit world—he proves its probability by the [---] and of M[--]ica a [---]—and the glorious conditions and Circumstances that E[---] noble natures—[---] figurations on the mountains so I Know that the infinite wishes into right arrangements and display the [---] after outer to the c[---] of the wives put on the lightning of hearer Enter a [---] battering— May you live in beauty. Come and see me— William Elder ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F8_I1_p001.jpg) Philada Dec 27 01/8/19 My dear General Your favor of 22nd at hand this morning— The Venison arrived safely on Friday & splendid it was; for your kind rememberance at this festive season receive our warmest thanks. Our Christmas dinner was at Robert Patterson's, where the immediate family was assembled, it was a pleasant gathering & the good feeling was not confined to those present, but went out to all near & dear to us, the absent ones were remem- -bered & very feelingly mentioned by dear old Mother, who occasion to all them up vividly before us, bless her dear kind heart— ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F8_I1_p002.jpg) It did not need any reminder to my wife & myself to bring you & yours into close sympathy with us, you are always present in our thoughts. I cannot refrain from expressing my pleasure in receiving such a bright cheery letter from you, it has done me more good than anything that has occurred to me for many a day, for from it I can see that even to your skeptic vision, the light is apparent & that you are beginning to realize, that you are near the new and of your many years of patient love, nay almost agonizing labor. & hence you can understand something of my joy & delight. I, who have been such an admiring witness of your fortitude & tenacity & for that dear wife of yours too, who has been the subject of such admiration to us ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F8_I1_p003.jpg) all, for her supurb brightness & cheerfulness, under her many trials & isolation from her loved ones. If our Seventh Street friends cannot now see it to their interest to avail of the prospective opening & give all that may be required at their hands, when the way is being opened, without an effort on their part, I shall be disposed to take a hand in having them incarcerated in some secure retreat, for the cure of mental derangement. Now I have only to reiterate, that if your health will permit, bend all your energies to having these interests so kept before the third parties, that they will give it then prompt attention for now while the [---] is hot, is the time to strike. With many wishes for a Happy Year to you all. Surely Yours Gen Tho L Kane. Sameul Field. ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F8_I1_p004.jpg) T. L. K. Samuel Field Esquire Dec. 27. 18[-]9 ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F8_I2_p001.jpg) Philada' Nov 5th 18[-]4. My dear General, Your letter of [--] inst has had very serious attention. As in all probability I will be with you at the close of next week. I defer anything that suggests itself, until a personal interview, which I look forward to with a great deal of pleasure. You doubtless are in high feather over the Election returns. Our community acquiesce in the decision and hope good results will flow from it, while at the same time expressing great doubts. All well with us. Truly yours, Gen' Kane. Samuel Field ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F8_I2_p002.jpg) PHILADELPHIA NOV 5 [---] General Kane, [Column 1] 841 Market St Wilmington Del. [Column 2] Kane, McKean County Pennsylvania. ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F9_I1_p001.jpg) Phila Nov. 26th 1840 My dear Tom, I rejoice to hear your foot is in such a fair way of doing well much anxiety has been felt by us all since we heard of your accident but I trust and hope by this time you are able to move as [---] as I have seen you in your well days And God grant your days may all be well days. You appear to be in such delightful quarters remainded by so many home comforts we can have no uneasiness that you are not well taken care of but when you do come back to us we shall give you a most hearty welcome. My heart is very sad the loss of dear William is to me that of a very dear child I hardly knew how intimately my father was connected with him till he was taken from me. I looked forward to his success in life with pride that it would be owing to his own persivering industry and from present prospects his desire for improvements in his [---] which he was planning I anticipated certain success that he must be one of the very first in the [---], But the Almighty has seen put to order otherwise and fervently hope I may be forgiven for the deep regret I cannot help feeling that such a noble character has been taken from us. You know how modest and unobtrusive he was that ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F9_I1_p002.jpg) I hardly supposed he had so many friends to hear such testimony in his favor as has been expressed by all who know him. Elisha has told you all the sad partic- ulars he was with him in the last hours of his life and I feel as if Elisha was drawn very near to me joining with us in administering to the last wants of one so dear to my heart. But I must stop. I think of hardly anything else and I would not write to you feeling as I do if I did not know the feeling of affection that subsisted between my dear child and yourself and therefore you can sympathise with me. George Taylor is in town today he is looking very well. [---] Lei[---] and himself were riding a few weeks and had a fine upset sprained the young lady's foot but the gentleman was unhurt. Rather ungallant that he did not hurt himself instead of her. However she is walking about again and Mr. Van [---] has been paying her a visit to see she was not quite killed and finding her so well is anxious for her to visit New York But that at present she has declined They are all well at Lapiden. I [---] [---] you old news & I suppose when I mention Livingston January being at the Mills the resident Minister and that he is very much liked and that your Uncle Samuel has joined the church and two or three weeks since was ordained an elder of the church. I never saw Samuel looking happier and better than he did a few days since so he feels satisfied with what he has done. There is nothing in this ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F9_I1_p003.jpg) world to produce lasting happiness it is heaven alone to be found. "The world can never give the bliss for which we sigh." I wish I could be more entertaining to you. I can tell you how well all those you love best are for your Mother and Patterson were here drinking that the evening before last and reported favorably of the [---]t. Our old friend Mrs Ewing also came in looking very well she is one of those who never will be old she moves about like a young girl. Elisha also made his appearance he bears the fatigue of his [---] in the Alms house and better than I expected. Elisabeth Holmes and her family are well. Your Aunt Ann seems to be enjoying as much happiness as any one I know so you see better late than never. As to your Uncle William P[---] is the lady of his home. I am sorry for it for I never did like old Bachelors [illegible—hole in page] not do for me to say I do not like old Maids [illegible—hole in page] Taylor and his family I am thankful to say are well James is in his Fathers store doing what he can to assist him. Thomas is at home at present. The little boys as we call them are doing very well at school. [-]obert we heard from lately he was quite well but very much troubled as well he might be in lo[-]ing such a brother. Robert will pay us a visit I hope before long. Can you read this dear You? What a scrawl to come from any one who had ever written [-]ecently. [---] are family join in kindest love to you. To the kind relation with whom you are staying I would send my [---] for his affectionate attentions to you Believe me dear Your your sincerely attached cousin Mary B. Gray. ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F9_I1_p004.jpg) [---] Mr. Thomas L. Kane, Care of Ar[--]? Morrison Esq. of Eaton Hall, Near Norwich, England [written diagonally to the left of the above] [-]av[-] by E. C[---] Esq ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F9_I2_p001.jpg) Ph[-]ia Feb 25th 1841 Dear Tom, The time will not I hope be long before we have you among us again and what a heap will you have to tell us of your wand- erings round the world. Your thoughts need not run in one channel for you have such a variety to think about. We go on here pretty much in the usual style when you left us. I know of little variety in our lives. To be sure you will find some changes in our family circle that of course that must be expected. The sad change in this family where I am makes me feel the great loss of dear William more than I can tell any human being— God only knows how dearly I loved that child but I must say no more on this subject. We are looking daily for Robert Taylor from Tennessee he is a fine fellow and I shall be rejoiced to see him. If it should so happen that you should make your appearance at home before Robert leaves it will be most agreeable to all parties concerned. ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F9_I2_p002.jpg) I have not seen your Mother this week which is something uncommon considering three days of it have passed that she has had a cold and the weather has not been such as I could venture out Some time has elapsed since my illness but I am still on the goodfornothing order, for I cannot [-]ear the least exposure so much for being old. Now look at Emma very sick indeed she was the week before last but is now well enough to go down stairs every day; and looks though not so far very well indeed: so much for being young. Remember you young folks have some advan- tages over old folks: the lightness of spirits that [---] care to the [-]inds is the happy privilege of youth; enjoy it dear Tom, and when you grow old you and I will moralise together. George Taylor was in town for a day or two he is thinking of changing his location for it is such a healthy place, he does not get practice enough, & perhaps what he does get, is not very profitable; for in the neighborhood of [---]ville, you may remember most of the inhabtants are working people. Where he will next go is undetermined. I wish you could see my three boys, [---] not their Mother, I am very sure I feel a great deal of a Mother's love and pride in those dear children. God grant they may be good and useful members of society. ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F9_I2_p003.jpg) Thomas Taylor has been staying with his Uncle Samuel. Tom's idea is to learn the art and mystery of farming. Livingston Jan[---]y is [---] there and will I hope do a great deal of good in th[--] nighborhood he has increased the congregation very much. Your Uncle George and family are in their usual Winter style the girls visiting about among their relations the rest staying at home enjoying the quiet. Your Aunt Ann and Uncle George seem as if change c[---] have no charms for them as they are so perfectly satisfied with their present situation. Your relations generally are in the enjoyment of health. I wish you could hear my three birds how sweetly they are singing over my head I might fancy it was May instead of February if I did not look out of the window and see the snow on the ground. Our immediate family at present is small Mr Taylor, James and myself with the domestics are all the inhabitants of the mansion. Mr Taylor [-] James join me in the kindest remembrances to you dear Tom and when the right time comes for you to come home no one will be beter pleased to see you than Your affectionate Cousin M. B. Gray. ----- new page (VMSS792_S2_SS5_B12_F9_I2_p004.jpg) [Column 1] Steamer, via Boston ["}" written to the right of the above two lines] [Column 2] [---] Mr. Thomas L. Kane, care of Archd Morrison Esq. of Eaton Hall, near Norwich Engld.