Foote Papers; 1840

Letter from Rensselaer William Foote from his brother Charles, Delhi, New York, 3 April, 1840

My dear Charles,
Enclosed I send You the $4 I borrowed of You,— I would have sent it Yesterday afternoon but an accident happened on the Rail Road and I did not get over to Newark until to-day— We did'nt get to Catskill till one o'clock at night and at N York Till Wednesday night— I am happy to day Uncle Jesse let me have $50 to-day, and in a few days let me have 50 more, which is all I want. The folks are well as usual, and Uncle Jesse says he is anxious to have the property divided when You and Mr. Marvine come down. I am afraid to ask about little Charley—I fear he is dead— I am at Lovejoys for the present— Perhaps I shall be here when you come down, at any rate You can put a letter in the Post office for me— Bring a little sugar with you— I went to the Tabernacle this afternoon to see Aunt Louisa and Emily, whos went to to hear Mr. Hick preach, and in the morning I have got to call on them — My love to all.
Your affectionate brother Rensselaer
10 1/2 o'clock at night

• Collection, Ebenezer Foote Papers, Mss. department, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

New York Sun, 21 September, 1840, p. 1

From Florida.— From the St. Augustine Herald of the 5th int., we take the following:

The Express rider from Palatka to Fort King, was fired upon by Indians on the 30th, when about 8 miles from Palatka, and wounded in the arm.
A party of 10 men while on their way from Fort Tarver to Micanopy with a sick soldier, were attacked on the 31st by a number of Indians, who killed 3 of the party. One Indian was wounded by the sick man. The Indians killed a mule and burnt the wagon.

Two men were fired on within 3 miles of Black Creek, and one named Parsons was killed, and his body horribly mangled. His companion escaped.

James Bond's plantation, near Tallahassee, was attacked by Indians, who shot at his overseer, killed two negroes, and took four more.
The man who was taken by Indians from Col. Harney, made his escape. He was tied to a tree by the Indians, who were preparing to shoot him, when the approach of Lieut. Lawton, 2d dragoons, obliged them to take to their heels, and leave him. Lieut. L. returned without having discovered him. He remained tied three or four days, when his flesh had shrunk so as to enable him to extricate himself. After wandering about for 20 days he made his way to Fort Reed. He says a white man and a negro, were with the Indians.

The Soldiers at Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, are said to be very unhealthy, and many of them are deserting.

Letter from E.A. Calkins(presumed) Galway Saratoga County to Mr Charles A Foote 1 October, 1840

Mr Charles A Foote
Dear Sir
Being alone this evening and feeling very lonesome I thought I would write a few lines to an old friend. And I have been trying to think what the reason was that you did not write to me But I am at a loss to assign any reason unless it be that you are angry with me But why you should be angry I cannot tell. If you are displeased with me on any account you will confer a favor on me by informing me of it.
Perhaps it would be pleasing to you to hear what I am doing- I am attending the Galway Accademy preparing to teach School this Winter and Shall probably follow it for a living But there is one thing I should like and must tell you of it. Probably you have heard of it before know, in April last I received a letter from Juliaet. Saying she wished to have our engagements broken it is as she wished. And perhaps it is all for the best I have been informed that she and Lyman will probably unite, I believe she is too good for Lyman
Dear Sir I hope you will answer this and inform me why you have not written to me before and another reason why I want you to write is this, I do actually intend to come out to your place this fall winter if my life and health is spared And if you do not want to see me I want you to write and tell me of it
But I know I want to see you and have good reason to believe you would be pleased to see me
I want to see you and have a long talk about old times and some other things to numerous to specify on paper
Please answer this and direct to Glenville Schenectady, Co
I remain
Yours in Sincerity
Mr E A Calkins

letter from cousin Emily Newark, N.J. to Leut R.W. Foote USA 106 Leonard St N.Y. circa 7 October, 1840

Wednesday morning
Dear Rensselaer
Did I not think you would be very much disappointed at not receiving my promised note I certainly should not now be searching my brain for something to say to you
The morning is so bright and beautiful and everything without looks so inviting that I suppose you are by this time trying to escape from the noise and bustle of the busy world to enjoy your own undisturbed reflections—
Well now what are you thinking of? I wish I could devine your thoughts. are they of young beautiful gifted woman or of the savage Indian. with the latter I fear you will have the most to do and so it behoves you to let him have some share in your day dreams. but perhaps you are thinking of your cousin as she was, so wild and mischievous and as she is, so (?) and melancholy. I will trace your thoughts no further but what ever they are may they be happy and pleasant.
Grandma is well and was very glad we stayed to enjoy ourselves, she says that she (vouches?) that you would take so much trouble for two such wild girls
I hope you will take advantage of the delightful weather and make us a visit. you must take a lesson from me in keeping promises. Eben sends his love to you and says you must come over as soon and as often as convenient we shall expect you Saturday if not before.
That you may enjoy health and happiness and every other blessing is the sincere wish of your
Cousin
Emily

letter from Rensselaer Foote, New York, N.Y. to "My dear brother and sisters", addressed to Mr. Charles A. Foote, Delhi, Delaware County, New York, 13 December, 1840

My dear Brother and Sisters,
My calculations are somewhat disappointed, and I am going to Florida on Tuesday without being able to see you again.

Letter from "Head Qrs Us Service New York Dec 14. 1840"

Sir
Having seen an article in the New York American intimating that an officer of the 6th Inf had been loafing about the City of New York and making himself conspicuous in the late electioneering campaign, and believing that you was the officer referred to, I take the present opportunity to say that the remarks if intended to apply to you were in my opinion, entirely without foundation— and that your health up to nearly the present time has been such as to render it very [essential?] for you to remain in this City— I have seen you frequently and am satisfied that your health has been very bad— I am also satisfied that you have been desirous to join your Regt, and would have left here before this time if I had not advised you to the contrary—
That you have ever endeavored to exert any political influence or have interfered in the recent elections I do not for a moment believe—
With my best wishes for your health and a pleasant voyage to Florida I am Sir,
Your Obt Serv. J? H?___ 3d NY Sup.?

“Troops FOR FLORIDA,” New York Herald, Thursday, 17 December, 1840

The Liverpool sailed yesterday for Savannah. She has on board one hundred and six recruits for the 21 regiment of infantry in Florida. Capt. J. Dimick, 1st artillery, command* the detachment. Lt J.W. Penrose, 2d infantry, and R.W. Foote, 6th infantry, are attached to the command.