Items

• David McDonogh to Daniel Wells

  David and Washington have received the money from Mr. Wells and have paid off their expenses. "We paid as follows; first to James Wilson's dry good store, for trimmings and some other articles...fourteen dollars and thirty seven and a half cents...Secondly, to John Johnson, the taylor, for making all our winter clothing eight dollars. thirdly, to Thomas Lulich for binding wool and for one Dementedness & Aeschines, one Blank Book, one Young's Analytical Geometry, ink, Quills at four dollars eighty one cents..." David asks for Mr. Wells to tell Mr. Lowrie that he is in the Sophomore class now, and "am (with few exceptions) recognized as a regular member of the class." "We got sixteen students at the beginning of this session, and are now getting on very fine." ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• David & Washington to Daniel Wells

  Part I: Washington to Daniel Wells "...it is said that there is about two hundred sick at present in EAston there is scarcely a day but what there is not a funeral." Part II: David to Daniel Wells David asks for a philosophy book for the next session. ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• John McDonogh to Walter Lowrie

  "In relation to our sons...your letter has given me unspeakable pleasure, and gratification to know that they bid fair with God's blessing, to become all we anticipated, or hoped, fills me with joy and delight." John says that although Washington is dull, compared with David, "he has many sterling points of character, which will make him useful, and respectable in life...his disposition is amicable: with a good deal of calm patience and perseverance, which will carry him forward with increasing strength." By next Spring, Washington will be fully prepared to take charge of a school in Africa. "David I trust, will become great in the "Regeneration of Africa" as soon as his Education is completed where he is; we will perfect him at Princeton, in the Hebrew and Arabic." Lowrie entrusts David with fifty dollars, "twas a proof of the confidence shown him, which he will remember, and which will stimulate him, by the conduct of his future life, to merit." John encloses a check of two hundred and thirty dollars. ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• David McDonogh to Daniel Wells

  David is happy about the clothing and dictionaries he received. He asks for more warm clothing and history books. David spent his vacation writing about Africa and teaching Washington and Mr. Wilson (an old colored gentleman) about arithmetic, grammar, and the history of Rome. David also built an important cooking furnace in the college, and did a good deal of masoning. David asks about Mr. Lowrie. ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• David McDonogh to Daniel Wells

  "I am now writing a description of Africa, to send home for those people who expect to sail for that country next Spring...And when I finish it, shall begin to teach Washington, and help him on as much as possible this vacation. Because he, also, expects to leave this next Spring for the land of his forefathers." David asks for the rest of his African Repositories. ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• David McDonogh to Daniel Wells

  The summer session has ended. "Vacation, a word that sounds so sweet in every students ear, and cheers their hearts and brighten their countenances a month before it actually comes, is but a name to me. Because when I am here, my books look so charming, that I cannot possibly avoid studying..." David wishes his tailor, a member of the Presbyterian Church, would work for cheaper. ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• David McDonogh to Walter Lowrie

  David requests more cloth to have a pair of pants made for himself and Washington, since the weather is turning colder. He also asks for a couple of waistcoats and socks or stockings. David is in debt to Mr. Snodgrass for some Italian books which he bought for him. David would like to pay him before he leaves Lafayette. "Our father has been very sick; but he is quite well again, and send his best wishes to you." ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• Washington McDonogh to Walter Lowrie

  Washington states that the Examination of the Senior Class commenced that morning, but it "is a very small class to what it was in 1840." ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• David & Washington to Daniel Wells

  Part I: Washington to Daniel Wells Dr. Junkin has not yet left Lafayette. John McDonogh sent Washington a letter letting him know that all was well. John told Washington that he will remain at school until 1842 so he can continue his learning. Currently, there are 31 students at the college. Part II: David to Daniel Wells David requests half a dozen shirts since they have not had any since they arrived in Easton. ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• David McDonogh to Walter Lowrie

  David received Lowrie's letter from May 5th. He is happy to hear that Lowrie has seen John McDonogh. David regrets that Lowrie " didn't have the time to cross the river and see the rest of our friends." David tells Lowrie that he and Washington are still occupying the same rooms, but during vacation Mr. Lerch (superintendent of boarding) boarded David and Washington himself and presented his Bill. David has professor named "Book." He may get another teacher because Professor Book has three other classes to teach. The rest of the letter is missing. ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• John McDonogh to Walter Lowrie

  John tells Mr. Lowrie that David is upset because "there appears to be a plot formed to injure him, by a Mr. Serch (perhaps jealous of his merit, as a colored youth; or instigated it maybe by some students) who was left by Doctor Junkin to receive his letters: and I am much displeased to find, that Washington has joined in it, as it would appear." David has been tricked into thinking that John does not care for him, but only Washington. For that reason, John will begin to write David and Washington individually, so they do not doubt how much he cares for them. John asks Lowrie to tell Washington of his displeasure and to reassure David "that my affections have suffered no discrimination for him; nor can they, so long as his conduct is correct, and virtuous." ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• David & Washington to Daniel Wells

  Part I: Washington to Daniel Wells "...Sir I would like to know how long I have to remain in Easton I wish you would let me know when you write again. Sir the people of this says that New Orleans is the worse place in the united states, but I say that it is not as bad as this place for on Saturday night light there was six men put in prison for beating a man, they did not kill him but he is very low, this place is worse then Louisiana accorden to its size." Part II: David to Daniel Wells Neither David nor Washington has had a Sunday coat since they've been at Lafayette. David requests a coat and a pair of pants for himself and Washington. ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• John McDonogh to Walter Lowrie

  John forwards Lowrie a $20 check "for the use of Washington." He wishes for the money to be used to purchase 12 or 15 dozen children's spelling books and paper- for the use of the scholars of Washington's school. ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• David McDonogh to Walter Lowrie

  The winter term has ended. David has not heard from Lowrie since last year. He and Washington desperately need socks. They are indebted to the wash women and J. Milson's store. Mr. Bannatyne is on his way to New York. David is writing a letter to his friends at home about African life, customs, and manners. It will take him three or four days to finish it. Then, he will be ready to come to New York. ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• David McDonogh to Daniel Wells

  David thanks Daniel Wells for the books and for responding to his letter. David expresses frustration with his studies. He claims that he does not see what improvements he is making, "to be sure, I am as good as any in my class, but still it appears that I go to bed every night as ignorant as I was when I arose in the morning." David and Washington do not board in town anymore. They moved from the town on October 29, 1839 up to the college where they now board. David also complains that Wells did not send him a musical instrument. ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• David McDonogh to Daniel Wells

  David is sick and not prepared to go to class today. "I have promised myself not to let a minute of my time pass unoccupied therefore I embrace this hour in which I ought to be reciting, as a fit opportunity of writing you a few lines..." "We are all lamenting...the loss of our respected president, He expects to leave us, and the institution in April next and we do not know who we will get for a president..." "Please let us, know whether we will have to remain here, or go with Dr. Junkin...I will also inquire of our father and see what his opinion is concerning this matter. But I suppose he will rather, that we should go with Dr. Junkin..." David requests some more books and requests a musical instrument, either a German Flute or the blaronette (clarinet?). David and Washington hope to hear from Wells soon. They have not had a letter from him for a while and they are afraid that he has "entirely forgotten them." ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• David & Washington to Daniel Wells

  Washington says he will write the 1st Monday of every month, but never more since time does not permit. David requests that they receive the Chronicles regularly. They have not received any since October. ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• David McDonogh to Daniel Wells

  David explains how busy his studies are keeping him. He hopes that Mr. Wells will excuse him for not having written sooner or more often. "We are extremely obliged to you for the cloth." "I have just entered the freshman class this session and I have to study very hard both day and night, I hardly ever go to bed before midnight." ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• David McDonogh to Daniel Wells

  Walter Lowrie went to New Orleans for business and Daniel Wells, Esquire, took on a temporary role of the boys' guardian. David predicts a cold and severe winter; "therefore I wish you would be so good as to purchase for us some good thick cloth to make us overcoats. We would get it here, but we cannot find anything here fit for an overcoat excepting fine cloth; and moreover the price is too high. I know that in the city you can get better stuff, and get it cheaper than we can here." "We prefer something dark or in other words any thing that is not white." David also asks for Wells to forward the Missionary Chronicles which has been missing since August. ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• Washington McDonogh to Walter Lowrie

  Washington is thankful that he has been well ever since he left home two years ago. The first winter he was in Easton, he did fall down and was "laid up" for two weeks, but since then he has been in good health. Washington requests a little pocket money. ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• David McDonogh to Walter Lowrie

  "I have read Ovid and Sallust this season and completed Graeca Minora and read considerable in Xenophon, and I intend to read Vigil this vacation, therefore I will be ready for the freshman class next winter." "Abraham and Washington have got on very well with their several studies...We were examined on Monday the 21st before the faculty, the Reverend Mr. Gray, and several other strangers; they all appeared to be very well pleased." David asks Lowrie for a manual of Classical Literature and to please send it the first chance he gets. He also mentions that he has still not yet received the chronicles for the present month. ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• Washington McDonogh to Walter Lowrie

  Washington tells that his studies are coming along well. He read the Bible history through once this summer and it going through it for a second time by reading a chapter or two every night. "It is almost cold enough to sit by the fire today." He tells of a poor man killed Monday by an accident. Some workers were raising iron by pulling it from below with a rope. The rope broke and twenty workers escaped except for the one man. ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• David McDonogh to Walter Lowrie

  David has received the Missionary Chronicles and thanks Lowrie for sending them. David explains how they were accidentally delivered to Dr. Junkin, and they were in Easton eight days before he got them. David asks again what the numbers of their grades were for the previous session. He would also like to know the date of the month Lowrie will return to Easton. ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• Washington McDonogh to Walter Lowrie

  The tension between David and Abraham is due to Abraham's inability to read well. Abraham is prideful and became angry when David asked him to read a letter that Abraham had been holding onto for some time. David asked to hear him read it out loud so he could hear Abraham's progress. Abraham refused and would not let David read the letter himself. Abraham stormed off to find some other student who would read it to him. ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)
• David McDonogh to Walter Lowrie

  David had to borrow a "Graeca Majora" from a professor or student. The three men are happy about Lowrie's visit to them. David desires to receive his books more quickly. He remarks that yet again the Missionary Chronicles have not arrived. David inquires "what was the number of our grade for the last session." ... Original letter at the PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Philadelphia)