Letter from Varnum Noyes to Lois Noyes, March 5, 1839
Subject
Wives; Travel; Class actions (Civil procedure)
Description
In this letter to his wife, Varnum writes about his unpleasant travels to Philadelphia. He discusses a lawsuit he is testifying in that it appears he traveled for. The case is taking very long and it is probable that he will not be home till the end of March. He misses his congregation and wishes his wife well with all their kids.
Creator
Noyes, Varnum
Source
Loose, The College of Wooster, Special Collections, Noyes Collection
Publisher
Unpublished
Date
1839-03-05
Contributor
Council on Library and Information Resources Hidden Special Collections Grant
Philadelphia March 5, 1839
Having but little to do
this afternoon I have thought I would com
mence a letter to you though I may write
a day or two before I put it in the mail
in hopes of having a line from you. I arri
ved here last evening after a tedious journey
I found the traveling exceedingly bad. I left
Wooster on Saturday and got as far as Paris
a distance of about forty miles about mid
night and concluded there to spend the Sab
bath. The rest of the passengers went on Sab
bath morning. Here owing to the [?badomen?] of
the roads and the consequent derangement
of the stages I was obliged to stay till tues
day morning Tuesday we proceeded on
as far as New Lisbon a distance of 26 or
28 miles and no urgency could prevail on
them to carry me any farther that night.
Thursday morning we proceeded on our
journey and arrived at Smith's Ferry on the
Ohio about 1 o clock in the afternoon. There
were two steam boats in sight but they had
gone by and so I had to tarry there till night
About dark I made out to get aboard of a
boat and arrived in Pittsburg thursday
morning at 1 oclock. Was detained in Pittsburg
till Friday morning, when I took the stage
for Philadelphia. Owing to the
mud and snow our progress was slow.
Was in the stage all of the first night
and most of the second. Spent the Sab
bath in Huntington. The day of rest was
very acceptable though I was so sleepy I
could scarcely keep awake at meeting.
Heard an agent of the Assemblies board of
Foreign Missions in the day time and an
agent of the Seamen [?friends?] society in the
evening. Monday morning took the stage.
The weather was extremely cold though
pleasant through the day. Travelled all
night and arrived in Harrisburg just in
time to take the morning cars which brought
us to Philadelphia last evening about 6
o clock. Last night I [?turned?] at Dr Greens
and to day have taken lodging in the
family of a Mr Evans where I receive
the kindest attention. The law suit has
made but little progress. They have com
menced taking testimony to day. The pros
pect is that the case will be rather
tedious and what will be the decision
we of course know not. My health is good
with the exception of fatigue. I hope that
during my absence you may enjoy the
smiles of providence and the consolations
of religion. It is perhaps a good thing at
times to put the effects of our own weak
men. But I know of nothing better for
christians than to trust in the Lord and
go forward in the path of duty.
Though he slay me yet will I trust in
him is the language of an ancient saint
and it should be the language of every
child of God. I shall reserve the remainder
a day or two in hopes of a letter from you
9th Called this morning at the post office in hopes
of finding a letter from you but found none.
Trust you are getting along well. The law suit
progresses tardily almost a week is gone and
the testimony on the part of the prosecution is
not yet finished. So I may rest for the present
[illegible] I shall not probably be called up
till the last part of next week. I am at present
inclined to think that I shall not go to
New England, but return to Ohio as soon as I
can be spared. A number of my old friends
are here, Mr Sathrop, Judge Brown &c.
How the case will terminate I know not.
The Lord reigneth and let him reign. Such
business as I am now engaged in is not
very congenial to my feelings. My people
need not much expect me home till about
the last of March. I hope they will not
cease to assemble together for prayer and
religious worship. Take good care of yourself
and our dear children till my return. Take a
cathartic occasionally if necessary. Your affection
ate husband Varnum Noyes