Items

• David McDonogh to Walter Lowrie

  David has not received answers to his letters nor any money to pay his debts. "The people who work for me are poor and cannot wait very long for their money...You know Sir, that it is hard for the Black man to get anything done Even when he is both ready and willing to pay for it." John had always sent David and Washington a little money at Christmas time, but David has not written him in four months. John thinks David has forgotten him, and has sent him nothing. David asks if he should by a lancet for 50 cents. About three months ago, David sent Mr. Johnson the name and address of a new subscriber for the chronicles, but he has not yet attended to it. David has been letting Mr. C E Thaw read his for the last three months. He would like this corrected. ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• David McDonogh to Daniel Wells

  "They will not allow us any Holiday on Christmas - I think they might. Because I am almost worn out." "I have to study every night until 12 o'clock." David asks for school supplies to be sent to him by Mr. Thompson. ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• John McDonogh to Walter Lowrie

  John asks about David and his progress in his studies. John seeks assurance that David will graduate in eight months, and leave for Africa soon after. John laments the idea of David going to medical school. "I confess I should be sorry to learn (on account of time) that he would have to remain away from usefulness, one hour longer than the completion of his college course, let alone, three years." John is happy to hear of Thomas Durnford and his success at school, but warns him to behave as economically as possible. Thomas's father is "embarrassed in his affairs" and may ask Thomas to leave. ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• John McDonogh to Rev. John Yeomans

  A check for $150.00 is enclosed. John thanks Yeomans for his opinion on John's last letter about Slave Labor. "The most pleasing account on the subject, reach me from every part of the Southern States; and some of the French planters even of Louisiana...adopting the system." Thomas Durnford needs more sufficient funds. Thomas was absent from 49 of 140 class sessions. 15 of his absences were for "satisfactory reasons." John wants David to explain the cause of Thomas's 34 unexcused absences in his next letter. ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• David McDonogh to Walter Lowrie

  David describes his studies, including Camp and Bell's Philosophy of Rhetoric, Whattey's Sofie's and Abercrombies' Intellectual Philosophy and Mental Philosophy in the last term. David laments that this busy schedule took him from his medical study. David speaks of Commodore Perry and his war in Africa. "It would be far better for him and also his country if he had been devoting his ill spended time and strength in colonizing or otherwise ameliorating the wretched condition of the poor Blacks in the United States, than carrying war in Africa." "It shows very little Bravery in the Commodore to attack those poor ignorant natives when they were unprepared and not disposed to fight him. This movement of the Commodore is cracked up, by the papers, as a splendid display of Bravery. IF this is American Bravery I am a shame of my Birth Place and will despair for America if she is ever attacked with real Bravery." "It seems that it is no strange phenomenon among Americans to see today, a certain portion of a particular department of this would be great nation, Blown as it were into mince meat and inconsequence the whole nation is thrown into mourning- and tomorrow arrives another portion of the same department- showing their accursed hands having been steeped in, and Reeking with the Blood of their fellows! Is there no connection between these two events?" "It seems that Africa is not the land for the White Man." David asks to know how Washington and the Rev Mr. Wilson are doing. David also wishes to know what he is going to do after he graduates next fall. "Am I to go right to the Theological Seminary? Or tend the Medical lectures first. Either will suit me." ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• David McDonogh to Daniel Wells

  David has received Wells' letter containing $20. He used the money to pay for trimmings, oil, washing, mending, shoes, one lock, and appendages for his room door. David is pleased with all of his clothes except his overcoat, which almost weighs him down. The weather is getting very cold. ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• John McDonogh to Walter Lowrie

  John understands that David has great advantages at Easton, but he is subjected to considerable expenses. John considers finding a cheaper school. "Permit him (David) on no account, to open an account with any store or to go in debt with any one, in any way...Few young men can be entrusted with means, without abusing them." John urges Lowrie to only let David have items purchased and sent by Lowrie himself. John asks about Thomas Dunford's progress and prospects. "David writes me, that he, that is, Thomas, is very fat and heavy; from that I understand that he does not apply himself, or is not industrious." John asks about the ship Mariposa's arrival in Liberia. "I am extremely anxious to hear of her safety." ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• David McDonogh to Walter Lowrie

  David forgot to tell Lowrie in his last letter about the books he needs for the upcoming session. David buys a lock for his door on credit. He is upset that neither Lowrie nor Wells have been responding to his letters. David needs money and clothing. ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• David McDonogh to Walter Lowrie

  The winter session began on November 2nd. David has his room fixed up for winter. He did not make it through Anatomy. David requests the latest edition of Here's Chemistry and Gumer's Astronomy. ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• John McDonogh to Walter Lowrie

  John apologizes for not writing. He has moved residences and is worn down. He expresses his satisfaction and gratitude towards Lowrie. John will pay $353 for Lowrie's Estimate of Expenses. "This is in those times of pressure and difficulty, a very heavy sum, and I am hard pressed to provide it, I assure you Sir, I have however accomplished it, and now remit it to you." The Bill of Exchange is drawn by George See. ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• David McDonogh to Daniel Wells

  Winter is on its way and David needs to the proper clothing. He asks for an overcoat, dress coat, one pair of pants, and one pair of shoes. David is on vacation, but he still has to study just as hard because Dr. Abernethy wants him to get through with Anatomy. David asks Mr. Wells to remind Mr. Lowrie that he still needs a lancet. ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• David McDonogh to Walter Lowrie

  David shakes the hand of Reverend J.B. Pinney. David explains the event that caused the President to want him to give up Sunday School. David had put an old colored man in charge (Mr. Wilson) of the Sabbath School. Several students were displeased and wanted David to conduct the classes. David invited Mr. Bannatyne down to see the school. My Wilson was angry that David did not consult him first. Mr. Wilson called a prayer meeting at his house, but instead, it ended up being an election. He wished the teachers to be elected as Superintendent of the School. Mr. Wilson said David was too young and incapable of conducting a Sabbath School. A teacher stood up for David, but Mr. Wilson accused him of being scared of David. David also stood up to Mr. Wilson, but then Mr. Wilson told the President. Mr. Lloyd, Mr. Bannatyne, and Mr. Book sided with David, but the President was prejudiced in favor of Mr. Wilson because he made shoes for Yeomans and his family. David expresses doubts over having a room next session due to the college being crowded. President Yeomans thinks it will be fine, but if the situation arises, he will try to accommodate David with another. David wants winter clothing. He will send a list to Mr. Wells. ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• David McDonogh to Walter Lowrie

  David writes a letter of complaints to Lowrie in which he takes issue with President Yeomans. "He wants me to submit to all the rules and regulation of college, where as I enjoy none of the privileges...He forbids me going to Sabbath School, this I told him, I could not submit to..." David also lists two advantages of attending Lafayette. "Here I am so situated that I can pursue the regular college studies, and also my medical studies with the molestation on any one...I am acquainted by all the students and professors." David emphasizes his passion and devotion to his studies- both medical and theology. "I will go with a glad and overflowing heart, to that once enlightened, but now benighted country, with my box of medicine in one hand and my Bible in the other." David also complains that the students wanted the campus illuminated for Dr. Junkin's visit, but the President forbade them from doing so. ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• David McDonogh to Daniel Wells

  David tells of a religious revival at Lafayette in which several students appear to be "convicted of their Great Sin; and two of them, we hope and trust, have come over to the flock of the Lord Jesus Christ." The two he speaks of are Mr. C.E. thaws of Philadelphia and himself. David is happy to hear that Washington was in good spirits when he left. David is getting along well in his medical studies. He got a 72 in languages. "Dr. Abernethy says that he wants me to begin Bleeding and drawing Teeth; and he says that I must get a good Spring Lancet." David asks for postage money- he is a dollar in debt. ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• John McDonogh to Walter Lowrie

  The Ship Mariposa and Captain Chase will be leaving from Norfolk, Virginia to go to Louisiana in Liberia. There are about 100 emigrants on board (81 of McDonogh's slaves). "Washington may proceed at once to Norfolk...and join his Mother, Brothers, sisters, relatives, and friends, and proceed with them to their fatherland." John is pleased with David's decision to study medicine at Lowrie's recommendation. "It will vastly tend to, and augment his powers of usefulness, in becoming master of that noble science." ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• David McDonogh to Daniel Wells

  David has enclosed a list of medical books that he wants for his studies. He also asks for a little money to buy handkerchiefs and books to send with Washington to his young friends in Liberia. ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• David & Washington to Daniel Wells

  Part I: Washington to Daniel Wells Washington is still pursuing his studies. "I am very glad to hear that the time is so near at hand when I shall leave this place for the Land of my fathers." Washington thinks he will be leaving around June 1st. He asks for one or two days notice. Part II: David to Daniel Wells "I am now handling the bones of dead men! And I have nearly learned their names." ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• David McDonogh to Walter Lowrie

  Today, David begins studying medicine. His first book is called Horner's Special Anatomy. Volume 1st. Summer session began last Thursday. Lafayette has 13 or 14 new students. David wants Mr. Johnson to see the agent of the African Repository and to send him David's numbers for March, April, and May. ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• David McDonogh to Walter Lowrie

  David and his classmates are taking a summer math class. He is also studying the human skeleton and has some uneasy feelings about it. He is alarmed to have the bones in his room. David asks about Washington's current status. "The students and people here, seemed to be very much affected at the departure of Washington." ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• Washington McDonogh to Walter Lowrie

  "I hope that we may one day boste of Liberty as strong as any American if it be the will of him who created all things." The summer session will commence of the 4th of May. Washington would like to know whether he is to continue at school "or not as my time is short I would like to se little of the country before I leave." ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• David McDonogh to Walter Lowrie

  David traveled by steam boat. He met men from the Board of Foreign Mission. One old gentleman advised David in regard to his studies and future usefulness. Once he arrived in Elizabeth town, he took a steam car to Somerville, where he continued to Easton. David conversed with Doctor H.H. Abernathy on the subject of studying medicine with him. David plans to study under Dr. Abernathy for two hours a day. At that rate, he would be able to graduate in three years. "I want to get at it as soon and I can." David and Washington's summer session begins next Thursday. "Mr. J.M.L. is here with us." ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• Joseph Vogele to Walter Lowrie

  Vogele sends Lowrie a check for $2,000. It is a grant from the board to be distributed in Northern India. ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• Washington McDonogh to Daniel Wells

  David has been very unwell, but he is getting better. "I am very glad to hear that our friends will be ready to set sail on the first of May." "I will be very glad if you would let me know when I am to leave this place." ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• John McDonogh to Walter Lowrie

  John reports that about 80 friends and family of Washington and David will leave for Liberia on May 1st. "I am daily looking for the Reverend Mr. McLean, agent of the American Colonization Society, from Washington, here, to attend to their embarcation and departure." "Washington can depart int he first good vessel from your port, for you Mission Station, on that Coast, where he can remain with Mess, Canfield and Sawyer, until the arrival of his friends: when he can join them and open a school at once." John clarifies that the William Grove Hotel was occupied as a private residence, by a Mr. Massy. It was flooded but he (and David) did not own it. ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• David McDonogh to Walter Lowrie

  "I have been very busily engaged, all the vacation, in writing a letter to my friends at home; who are now about to leave this hostile country for the hospitable land of their forefathers." "I told them, in my farewell address, that I would rather be a servant in the colony of Liberia, than to be a freeman in America. And so I would; and I think every sensible colored man ought to have the same feeling." "It is true, we were all born in America; but, as strangers from a foreign land, we are oppressed, abused, and in fine we enjoy no political rights or privileges...In fact we are looked upon, by all grades of men, as something made expressly to wait upon the white man!" "But I contend, that they are totally wrong, we were not made for that purpose, as we will show them when we become naturalized citizens in the colony of Liberia." David has now finished his letter and it ready to come to New York. ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)