Auction Date:2009 Jun 24 @ 10:00 (UTC-04:00 : AST/EDT)
Location:6270 Este Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio, 45232, United States
1805-1860. 32 items (11 ALsS, 11 DS, 2 poems, a manuscript and printed Hildreth genealogy, and 6 miscellaneous items).
A prominent figure in Ohio during the early Republic, Samuel P. Hildreth was a physician and devoted antiquarian, writing a steady stream of essays and books on the history of white settlement in the Ohio Valley. This small collection relating to Hildreth and his family includes a mix of personal and business correspondence, with a few highlights.
The earliest letter in the collection is also the one that is hardest to place, a letter from Joseph Bennett to "dear madam." In a delightful piece of early Americana, Bennett -- apparently a young friend of the family -- moans about his frustrated longing to be married: Since your mama's family left N. Bedford, I have scarcely a single wish to visit there, and when I do, I always feel "like a cat in a strange garret," for every things appears "as weak as dish-water." There are no young Ladies, for whom I care a sixpence, except one, who (not to call names) lives one door south of Mr. Bennett's. She, when compared with the rest, in my opinion stands above them all internal & external accomplishments, as far as the planet Herschel from that of Mercury. But, to tell you the truth, Madam, I am rather inclined at present to think that Mr. Hymen will never bring forward his "silken bands" to knot us together; contrary to your opinion…
The collection includes only one letter from Samuel P. Hildreth, which coincidentally also considers the topic of frustration and marriage -- in this case, Hildreth's sadness at being separated from his wife. It makes me feel quite splenetic to see Mr. Woodbridge so gay and contented with his wife, he wrote, on whose bosom he can sleep so quietly every night, while I poor soul have to sleep all alone -- tho sometimes the goddess of fancy blesses me with your company, while under the dominion of the leaden god, Morpheus -- but I comfort myself with this reflection, that he has no children to double his joys while at home, and therefore needs the company of his wife constantly to put him on a par with me, but I hope it will not be many weeks before I can be as happy as I was want to be in the society of my little family...
A few letters relate to Hildreth's antiquarian interests in the history of the Ohio Valley, including a fine letter from a "revisory reader," L.G. Brigham, advising Hildreth on improvements to his manuscript on Ohio history, including the massacre of the Christian Indians (presumably at Gnadenhutten), which Brigham says hundreds of youth who will read your book, will have no knowledge on this thrilling topic -- and will be disappointed that you pass it by. Other items include a wedding certificate for Israel Putnam and Elisabeth Wiser, signed boldly by Philander Chase, Aug. 25, 1821; and at the head of one of the poems is a fine pen drawing with perspective straight out of M.C. Escher, depicting a ship docked at a wharf.
Finally, the collection includes a highly unusual item in postal history, a document attesting that Arselas Gates, post rider, was detained one day on the account of high water at Jacksonville and could not possably make his rout without swimming his horse, signed Seth Van Matre, Adams Co., Ohio, July 5, 1822. Neither snow, nor rain, perhaps, but apparently high water was another matter, and one that required a note to excuse.
A mixed assemblage of correspondence relating to the family of a noted nineteenth century historian.
Descended Directly in the Putnam-Hildreth Families of Marietta, Ohio
Condition: Good condition throughout with expected wear and tear and a few letters showing minor separation along the folds, age toning, and soiling.
Auction Location:
6270 Este Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio, 45232, United States
Previewing Details:
Tuesday, June 23, 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday, June 24 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Taxes:
| Tax | Rate | Desc. |
| Ohio |
5.5% |
Ohio State Tax |
Buyer's Premiums:
| From (Incl.) | To (Excl.) | Premium |
| 0.00 |
Infinite |
17.5% |
Additional Fees:
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