Letters of Jock Liddell

Date: About 1845 to about 1865
Location: Troy, Rensselaer, New York, United States

Contents 1 Repository 2 The Letters of Jock Liddell 2.1 Jessie Liddell, 25 Sep 1861, Troy NY 2.1.1 Notes 2.2 Barbara Liddle, 1859, Clifton, York, England 2.2.1 Notes 2.3 Francis John "Frank" Liddle, 24 Mar 1859, Corfu 2.3.1 Notes 2.4 Nephew, 1860, Glasgow 2.4.1 Notes 2.5 Jock Liddell, 28 Oct 1861, Arlington Heights VA 2.5.1 Notes 2.6 Jessie Liddell, 6 Jan 1862, Troy NY 2.6.1 Notes 2.7 William Liddell, 23 Aug 1857, Placer County, California 2.7.1 Notes 2.8 Donald McT. Monroe, 17 Feb 1854, Spezzia, Sardinia 2.8.1 Notes 3 Index of Letters 4 Sources

Repository

• From the McKay family collection, the papers of Jock Liddell (1817-1868) and his wife, Jessie (Munro) Liddell (1820-1884), who lived in Troy, New York between about 1845 and 1865.
• Liddell migrated from Glasgow to New York in 1844. He and Jessie were married about 1847, and their eldest child, Maggie was born in 1848. He was a Union Army officer in the American Civil War between Sep 1861 and Oct 1862, serving with the New York 2nd Cavalry. By trade he was a "malter" in the brewery industry.
• The collection includes several examples of Jock's poetry and songs, including the congenial, "My Front Stoop."
• The accession numbers and index at the end of this page date from the December-2021 collection of scans.
• Contact information upon request.

The Letters of Jock Liddell

Jessie Liddell, 25 Sep 1861, Troy NY

• Date: 25 Sep 1861
• Place: Troy NY
• From: Jessie (Munro) Liddell
• To: Jock Liddell
• Reference: JL001, three images of the original letter
• Topics: Six children of Jock and Jessie; shipping a trunk to Jock while he is away in the Army

[JL001_01] "Troy, Sept 25 - 1861. My Dear Husband: You will think I am taking a long time two (sic) answer your letter, but I did not want to write before I had the trunk ready and packed, and it will go by express on Thursday. I have made you two new shirts without any plaited bossoms, as you will be buttoned up to the throat it won't matter as long as you have changes. You must tell me how you like them. Shan(?) stitched your slippers and sends his best respects to you. Mr. Lindsay send some ___ and ___ and some Mountain New. Pat Mallory sends ..."

[JL001_02, in two columns, 1st column] "... Brandy. Mr. Oldfield bought a lot of ___ from Haynes, ink and envelopes, pencils, and Mr Virgil will send the trunk by express. My Dear Jock, be sure and write as soon as you receive it, a long letter, and tell me how you get along. I send your drawers and undershirts. You must buy another when you get money. Oldfield says he is getting along slow but sure with your business. There is hardly any news ___. Mr Brennan was buried yesterday. Mrs Knight send Adam a parcel and says she would feel much obliged to you if you will give it out to him. And there is some tobacco for Johnson that his wife sends. There is a parcel [2nd column] for Charlie if you see him or any of his intimate friends, but do not run the chance of sending it to him as there is some Santa Cruz in it that Betsy has sent him. I will send you some of Flemings best, some cheese and crackers that you can take a bite before you go out in the morning, but dinner be ___ ___, but save it for a rainy day. Dear Jock, you must not know how lonesome I am at times. The longer you are away, the more I feel it, altho I strive all I can to be cheerful there are times when I am fairly overcome. All the children are well, with the exception of colds. The weather is very changeable and chilly."

[JL001_03] "Maggie sends a kiss and her love, and Willie wanted you to send a little colt [Colt?] to him. Katinka, Jessie, Cora and Isabella all send love. The baby can say 'Papa' quite plain, and there is not a night that they are not talking about you. Maggie wants to know what name you have given your horse."

"There is a box of cigars that Miles sends you. Forrester has joined an Albany band, to go with the Peoples Ellworth Regiment. They start next for the seat of Mar(?). Mr Read and family are all well. Be sure and send me a long letter and quick. You will find the key sewed out the canveas under the card. I thought you would like a pipe, so I sent you a few."

Notes

• Jock Liddell was commissioned in 1861 ("enlisted 12 Sep 1861), so this appears to be shortly after he deployed. We could establish a time line by corroborating with other letters.
• Three pages of letter are in the repository for JL001. The fourth page (with the letter's closing) appears to be missing.
• According to family lore, Jock's horse was named 'Samson'.

Barbara Liddle, 1859, Clifton, York, England

• Date: 19 Feb 1859
• Place: Clifton, Yorkshire, England
• From: Barbara Liddle (sic)
• To: Jock Liddell (Barbara's brother-in-law)
• Reference:
  • JL002; 9822-9828, from 20191014G; seven images of transcriptions, rather than the original document; JL002_01 corresponds to 9822, etc.
  • JL002 from Dec-2021 scans: Original letter is four handwritten pages, scanned across eight images JL002_001 to _008.
• Topics:
  • Barbara's gravely ill husband Andrew was Jock's brother
  • Jock's mother, Elizabeth
  • Jock's sister, Isabella ("Bell")

"There is nothing in the world to hinder you from coming to England for a few weeks if you choose."

[JL002_001 & _002] Clifton York February 19th 1859

My dear Brother and much respected sister Jessy,

I now sit down to write a few lines to you hoping that they reach you sometime for I think we have had time enough to answer since we last heard from you. We received your very welcome letter and news paper likewise the gallant song, all the old soldiers of the 7th Hussars saw it, likewise Old Perry. There is not a man left scarcely in them that you know. The remaining are all young men. They are at Camp at present and the Waggon train Companys are at York Barracks at present. There is nothing in the world to hinder you from coming to England for a few weeks if you choose. My dear brother I hope all your family is well for a I am sorry to inform you we have had very disastrous house this sometime and even Jock trod on a nail. Itt went in the ball and came out the ankle. He was laid up 6 weeks with itt and he had but been a fortnight at the railway when your brother Andrew was coming home. He thought he would get a ride on the Buss and itt was very frosty and slope. His foot slipped and he fell, the Buss going over him and nearly crushed him to pieces. He has been at the County hospital every since 13 weeks come Saturday the 21st of this month.

[JL002_003 & _004] His life was despaired of and very bad he has been and his yet he is still in his bed yet and God only knows when he will be able to rise. There is a loose piece of bone in one leg that must come out and until then the leg cannot get better. If he was once better the doctor says it won't hinder him of riding, but that is all to try. But please God we hope he will be able for his situation -- if not it will be a very bad job for us indeed.

Dear Brother now for a few lines from your soon old mother [ Elizabeth (Russell) Liddell ], forgotten and neglected by all sons. Particularly I am to tell you that she is 85 in May and she is just the same as though she had never been there, has not one that even sends a single letter to her much as she has done for them all. Not even one William that took her last pound and left her penny less, never sends her a single shilling. But your mother thinks that both him [William] and Andrew must be dead for it is 3 years since she heard from either of them. She wonders very much at Andrew not writing after all the promises they made. She says she thought _you_ would have sent her the price of a _peckle_ of _snuff._ But much may you have and little may she need itt. She has been 2 years with us and she's anxious to go back to Glasgow. But poor old creature she has nothing to go there and if Andrew only gets better to keep his situation she shall never go back and if not it will be quite out of my power to hinder her, for the apprentices (lads) here only ...

[JL002_005 & _006] ... gets a week in their last years of apprenticeship, so that the whole of us are depending on the father. But as long as she is with us she shall never want, for if we have only little she shall have her share. There is not a bit of difference in Andrew than when he was in the regiment. Nothing troubles him come day gading[?]. But if you saw him now you would never know him. I hope you will let us hear hear from you as soon as you can and I'll try if possible to get some information about Wiliam and Andrew and Mary's family.

Your poor old mother says altho you have all forgot her she never shall forget you. Your Uncle James Russell and your mother has never spoke to each other since she bought William (William Liddell?) off from the Greys. He says there never was a barbarian used by a family as your Mother has been used by her family. Dear Brother William and you and Andrew and Mary's family are never out of her mind. Soon and late she is thinking of you. If you was dead she knows you could not return, but as long as you are in far Country she will ever bemoan you. But I think you ought to try to come to England. There is nothing to fear. I am sure your Mother would die happy if she could just see your face once more. I am to tell you it is 24 years since she saw you, not quite so bad yet as poor Andrew for it was 29 years before she saw him, and I am confident he would never have gone had I not for ever been at him going to see her and fetch her back with him. Ok, Johnny, when we get old and none of our bairns cares a button about us I am sure we will think it hard times.

Elizabeth (Russell) Liddell

[JL002_007 & _008] Dear Brother you must excuse me writing all particulars for Andrew promised us first one time and then another but now he cannot and your poor Old Mother was very anxious you should konw how things stood with us. I was thinking of getting her likeness took in photographie and sending it to you if you wish in our next letter. You would never tire of looking upon itt. She is wonderful at her age but there is a faintness comes over her at times when she thinks a deal and she says herself she shall go off when she dies in one of those faints.

We had a letter from Scotland last week. They are all well. Your sister Bell had her second son named a fortnight ago. He is just 19 years of age. He has two years of his apprenticeship to serve yet so mother will likely to be great-grandmother again. Tell poor sister Jessey how very much I should like to see her and tell her the "little Jock" that she used to bring the bits of pudding for is a fine young man now, and a bonny lad as ever sun shone on. He often talks how he should like to come to his Uncle Jock.

Lou O'Donell, Jack O'Donnal's Mrs, you know she sends her very best respects to you. She married to a very respectable tradesman in York. He is a Methodist preacher.

You will not the newspaper this week.

My Mother's kindest love to your wife, and a kiss for all her grandchildren tho she will never see any of you. She will ever think of you and pray for you. Andrew sends his love to you all. I saw him today in the hospital. Receive (?) my kind love to you all and I hope I shall have better news in my next letter. Do write as soon as you possible can and send all particulars. So no more at present from your affectionate sister

Barbara Liddle, Clifton, York

[PS] What will I do if anything happens to Andrew?

Notes

• Prior transcription has date of "1869" but this is obviously an error. Comparison to the original confirms 19 Feb 1859.
• New transcription based on original handwriting was posted here on 2 Jan 2022.
• "Mary's family": In the context of the Liddell brothers, this may refer to Mary (Munn) Liddell (1807-) widow of their brother David Liddell (1811-).

Francis John "Frank" Liddle, 24 Mar 1859, Corfu

• Date: 24 March 1859
• Place: The Citadel [Old Fortress], Corfu
• From: A handwritten letter from Francis John "Frank" Liddle (1840-1924)
• To: Jock & Jessie Liddell, Troy NY
• Reference: JL015_001-004 (four jpg scans of the original)
• Topics:
  • The Queen's Royals
  • Demotion from Corporal
  • Father's health
  • Flora and Robert managing the home
  • Engineering and tools
  • 14 months' service with the Regiment
  • Fond closing

[JL015_001] Dearest Uncle and Aunt:

I now take the opportunity of writing these few lines to you - hoping to find you in good health as it leaves me at present thank God for it. I have been in the 2nd Battalion of the 2nd of "Queens Royals" about 15 months and I like the Regiment very well so far as yet. But I have had very bad luck since I have been in them so far. I was reduced from full Corporal on the 4th of this month which I have been 6 months full and 4 months Lance Corporal. But it will happen and misfortune will occur.

I heard from home the last mail they are all quite well except my father who has been ill [JL015_002] and had a very bad leg this 12 months. But thank God he is getting better fast. He still keeps his situation - which you know is a very good one, and Flora and Robert grows fast and manages (sic) the pigs, poultry, rabbits and all the garden and house at home. They have got a fine garden of about 2 acres, and the house has got 3 rooms above, large parlour below, front kitchen, small cooking D° [ditto] and small back kitchen, cow house, 3 pig styes and small fields. But I had to[o] good a home. I was not content with my birth and I only had 2 more years to serve and then I was a loose man. I was learning to be a thorough engineer and I think I had as fine a little spot at home [JL015_003] as you would wish to see. And as for a shed of tools, I just left at home with ___ amounted to about £70. The lathe I made myself was worth £20; the materials only £7. But it cannot be helped. They will be at home for me when I go back. But thank God there is a good Colonel, and taken into consideration the officers the top to the bottom they are a fine set of gentlemen, and the Regiment is new but no mistake is a fine young lot of fellows. But we have rose more 18 months, and we have been 14 D° out on station.

I hope all our family is quite well and in good health and at the same time I hope we shall meet again some day [JL015_004] if it is longer first. But give my best love to Aunt Jessie and all my cousins. Wishing you will write to me in return and believe me to be your affectionate nephew.

Number 767

Frank Jno Liddle

___ Company

"2nd Battalion, 2nd "Queen's Royals"

Corfu

Ionian Islands

Mediterranean

Notes

• Corfu (Κέρκυρα) is a Greek island in the Ionian Sea
• The Citadel, where British soldiers were garrisoned in the 19th century, was rebuilt after massive munitions explosions in 1718.
• Frank was part of the 2nd Battalion of the 2nd (The Queen's Royal) Regiment of Foot, enlisted about Dec 1857.
  • "In 1857, the regiment formed a 2nd Battalion. This spent the following 30 years on garrison duties in England, Malta, Gibraltar, Bermuda, Ireland and India."
  • https://www.nam.ac.uk/explore/queens-royal-regiment-west-surrey
• Jock Liddell was Frank's uncle.
• Flora and [David] Robert were Frank's younger sister and brother.
• Frank's father, Andrew Liddell (1805 - 1859), died 2 Mar 1859 in Yorkshire, but evidently Frank had not yet received word.
• New verbatim transciption posted here 7 May 2024 by D. Brodeur.

Nephew, 1860, Glasgow

• Date: 24 Jan 1860
• Place: Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland
• From:
  • Uncertain nephew of both Jock and Andrew (signature is difficult to discern)
  • Refers to 'Uncle Jock,' and 'Aunt Barbara'
  • "Your affectionate nephew," possibly Dugald McCorkindale (1829-1903)
• To: Jock Liddell in Troy NY
• Ref: JL003, four images of the original document
• Topics:
  • Jock's late brother, Andrew
  • Jock's mother, Elizabeth
  • Jock's sisters, Isobel and Margaret.

[JL003_001] "Glasgow, Jan 24th/60 [24 Jan 1860]. My dear Uncle:"

... "I suppose you have heard that your brother Andrew departed into the spiritual world on March 2nd 1859. He did not die from the immediate effects of the injury he received a twelve months before his death. His death was the result of heart disease brought on or at least exacerbated by his previously received injuries. Aunt Barbra in writing to me shortly after his death said that his mind was made up for death that he felt a peaceful tranquility and a firm faith in the overflowing love of his Saviour."

[JL003_002 & _003] are 'moralizing' about death and salvation: "Now that I have done moralizing, I shall proceed to give you the general news." (at the bottom of JL003_003)

[JL003_004] "Grandmother [Jock and Andrew's mother, Elizabeth (Russell) Liddell] is in the enjoyment of very good health yet, although she is now growing very feeble from old age. When she comes over to see me, I think that she cannot live much longer. She appears so done up with the exertion of the walking the short distance of a quarter of a mile. She desired me to mention that she has still a mother's love and feeling for you, and that her heart naturally yearns toward you and looks for a son's duty and affection from you. She says that the opportunity you have for showing it will soon be lost and she would like you to embrace it e'er it be too late, as much for you own sake as for hers.

Uncle Andrew's widow and that portion of the family who are with her are well. William the eldest is working at some distance from her and therefore can not live with his mother. John the next is in the Island of Vido[?]. Flora the oldest girl has got married a few days ago. So that she that is Aunt Barbra has only got the three youngest with her. She gets a living by washing and drying for the gentry about Clifton. Aunty Bell [ Isobel ] and family well, Margaret and family well, only she [Margaret] is molested by that scamp David Russell threatening to make her circumstances worse than they are, and heaven knows they are had enough of. She does not comply with some foolish notions of his regarding the bringing up of the children, and your other friends are well all. I thought it folly to send you newspapers as I saw by one that you sent me, that you had all the news of the county, and in greater detail than we have in some instances.

Give my Aunt [ Jessie ] my best love and tell her if she likes to come over to old Scotland to see her friends, that I will make her welcome and give her a home as long as she likes to stay.

Sent by your affectionate nephew, [illegible signature]

PS Don't forget to write soon.

Nephew's signature, possibly Dugald McCorkindale (1829-1903)

Notes

• The writer is a nephew to both Jock and Andrew. The signature is illegible, but he also refers to "Aunt Barbra", Andrew's wife.
  • The current best guess for the signature is "D McC ": Dugald McCorkindale (1829-1903), son of Duncan McCorkindale (1804–1840) and Jock's sister, Janet Liddell (1809–1901).
• From the context, he also appears to be a nephew of both Isabella and Margaret, unless he is referring to his own mother as, "Margaret."
• Addressed to "My dear Uncle", and signed, "Your affectionate nephew." Written to Jock, evidently, as the letter comes from his papers.
• Andrew Liddell b. 23 Oct 1805, bpt. 10 Dec 1805 Barony, Lanark; parents, William Liddel and Elizabeth Russel. FHL Film Num 1041477. Died 2 March 1859 in York, England, about thirteen weeks after a bus accident.
• Barbara Kendell/Kendall (1815 York - Oct 1874 York) (daughter of Francis Kendell [1772-1825] and Miriam Hornsey [1786-abt. 1871]). Eldest child William was b. 1838.
• 1851 Census of England; St-Maurice, Walmgate, York. Class: HO107; Piece: 2355; Folio: 25; Page: 42; GSU roll: 87620-87621; Household schedule number 174. FHL Film Num 101796257, image 054.
  • Miriam Kendell 65 Mother-in-law, School mistress, b. Yorkshire, Sissenham
  • Andrew "Siddle" [Liddle, indexing error] 42 Head, Pensioner, b. Scotland
  • Barbara 38 Wife, Laundress, b. Yorkshire, York
  • William 13
  • Francis J[ohn] 11
  • Flora J 11
  • David R 4
  • [Andrew] Russell 1
  • [Joseph, the youngest was b. 1852]
  • https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:SG12-FW6
  • Ancestry Record 8860 #10906957
• In her separate letter, JL002, Andrew's wife Barbara said that Andrew had been sick for about thirteen weeks in late February 1859, and he died a few weeks later. The nephew-writer of the above letter may have meant twelve weeks rather than twelve months.

Jock Liddell, 28 Oct 1861, Arlington Heights VA

• Date: 28 Oct 1861
• Place: Arlington Heights, Virginia, "Camp Palmer"
• From: Jock Liddell
• To: Jessie (Munro) Liddell
• Place: Troy NY
• Reference: JL005, two images of the original letter, handwritten by Jock while away in the Army
• Topics: Six children; Murphy Brewery

[JL005_01] 28 Oct 1861 Arlington Heights, Virginia, "Camp Palmer" Dear Wife and Children:

This is probably the only short letter you willl have from me in some time to come, as we are under orders to advance tomorrow morning at 9 o'clock. Our onward movement will probably be to Leesburgh, then to Fairfax, and on to Manassas Junction. Our regiment now belongs to General McDonald's division. I think there is any amount of fight and able generalship in ___, providing he has good division officers. However be as it may we are going to have a universal grand march before long. There will be any amount of gravel to be dug, ___ to be mended, fore-legs to be amputated and hindlegs to be mended.

Our troops are all in the best of spirits, and long for an onward march as the campgrounds in Virginia are getting very cold and wet. We are encamped right opposite Washington, only the Potomac betwen us and the domains of Gen Lee of the Rebel Army, a most beautiful paradise of red cedar, the boughs of which make our bed, and the trunks of the most valuable cedar is used for our camp fires.

I saw Charlie the other. He is well. I also saw Mr Forrester and he had just time to shake hands as we were coming in from the field and saw each other.

A little leave is granted. ...

[JL005_02] ... If we should not march tomorrow and I can get in to Washington on pass for six hours, I will forward you by this lettter $200, either in money or a check on one of the Troy banks. If it does not come by this, I will send it the first opportunity I get. What money you do not require for family use, leave it with Mr Read and then you can draw it as your wants require you. I need not impress opon your mind to be frugal and careful of the children, mind you are now the only head they have to direct their young footsteps in the paths of industry and virtue.

My Dear Wife and Children, I will say but little more at present as I am stealing the time from sleep. I received your last in due time. Give my love to Magge, Katinka, Jessie, Willie, Cora Linn, and kiss the baby for me. If Willie is cold this winter, you can make a suit for him out of the Tartan Kilt as the Highland gear is all my own. I bought it from Mr Cook when he first went to Fortress Monroe.

Write to me as soon as you receive this and let me know how all the neighbors are. Give my warmest wishes to Mr Read, Mr Oldfield, Mr Parke, and Clifford and all the boys in the Brewerey. Also to Mr and Mrs Murphy.

Good night and God bless you my dear wife and Children, is the short but ernest prayer of your Husband and father. Jock Liddell

Notes

• Jock worked as a malter in a brewery, with "Clifford and all the boys." From the context, Mr and Mrs Murphy seem to be the proprietors. Beer brewing in Troy dates back to 1793.^[1][2][3] In the 1857 City Directory, Edward Murphy Sr was associated with Cleary & Murphy Brewery, likely with his brother-in-law, Kyran Cleary Sr (1816-1861),^[4][5] while his son Edward Jr was listed as a bookkeeper, living with his parents. In the 1863 City Directory, the "Edward Murphy Brewery" was located at "Second c. Canal av." The business changed hands many times, but by Nov 1867 was operated by William Kennedy and Edward Murphy Jr. "Kennedy and Murphy" was on Ferry Street, east of Fifth Avenue.^[6]
• In 1861, Jock is likely referring here to Edward Murphy Sr and his wife Mary.

Jessie Liddell, 6 Jan 1862, Troy NY

• Date: 6 Jan 1862
• Place: Troy NY
• From: Jessie Liddell
• To: Jock Liddell
• Place: Army
• Reference: JL006, two images of a transcription
• Topics: protecting children; Donald & Maria

[JL006_01]

My Dear Husband

We have received your welcome letters and truly happy I am to hearsay of your being in such good health and spirits. I have read your reproof with the greatest attention. Maggie was at no party, only a family dinner and was at home by eight o'clock. And as for me, I have never been anywhere unless an evening to Lindsays and once to Forresters with all the family since you left. And as my dear Jock being adequate for the task set before me I daresay I often fall short but with God's help I shall always do as far right as I know how towards my family and leave the rest with God. Parties or company I do not approve of, and the children were never kept closer indoors than they are now.

I had a call on the 2nd day of the year from the double ex-Mayor and Capt Buck, which I suppose the latter gentleman has informed you of. So you can see I'm getting quite aristocratic!

I hope my dear Jock you will try all you can to get a furlough. If not it will be a great disappointment to me and the children.

Ligget is still in New York and her health is pretty good. This winter Donald is well, and so is Maria, but I can't say much ...

[JL006_02]

... about the thriving part. I see no signs. I don't see them often sometimes when ___ ___ ___ is spread he gives us a call. The children are all well and looking eagerly forward to your coming home. All the folks round are well. The weather has been very cold, but it is a little warmer now, and I am very glad of it as the cold and me don't agree. What about the note I sent you with Aleck Loudon, for Tish his sister has been here inquiring about him. I hear Eliza Donelling is married at the ___ Factory. I have not seen any of the Lourdon's family in some time.

Maggie sends her love to you and wishes you a happy New Year. Katinka, Jessie, Willie and Cora are all so full of the fun they are to have when you come that they think of nothing else. They make Isabella call, "Papa," tweny times a day. I cannot think of anything else; there is no news stirring. We have never spent such a dull New Year, but we will make up for it if you come home.

Answer this on receipt, and let us know if there is any chance of you coming. And now my dear husband I conclude and that God may Bless and Protect you dear Jock, to the ernest prayers of you devoted wife and children. -- Jessie Liddell

Notes

• "Donald & Maria" are likely Jessie's brother and sister-in-law, who also lived in Troy:
  • Donald McTavish Munro (1830-1884), m. abt. 1855 to
  • Lydia Mariah "Maria" Buckingham (1834-1906)

William Liddell, 23 Aug 1857, Placer County, California

• JL008
• Date of the Letter: 1857-08-23
• Letter Writer: William L Liddell (1820-1875), Jock's younger brother
• Place of Writing: Iowa Hill, Placer County, California (post office); "Grizzly Flat" (homestead)
• Letter Recipient: Jock Liddell
• Place of Recipient: Troy NY
• Pages in Original Letter: 3

• Topics:
  • William's wife, "Cirsty", Christina MacNeal (1825-1899)
  • Death of son, "Little John", in Apr 1855
  • Children: Willie, Elizabeth, and Jennet
  • Gold mining in California: he arrived abt. Apr 1854; his wife and children arrived abt. Jul 1857.
  • Brother, Andrew, and mother Elizabeth, living in York, England
  • Jock living in Troy NY
  • Golden rings being sent with Mr. Call to Troy

[JL008_001]

Iowa Hill August 23rd 1857

Dear Brother, I take the opportunity of sending this letter with Mr Mrs Call. He leaves here on the sixth of next month for the Atlantic States. He knew you in Troy before he came to this County. I will not give you any news about this County. Mr C can give you all the particulars. When you see him it is three years past in April since I came to California the last time. The first time I came out I took the Panama fever and the fever and Ague, and as soon as felt able to stand the passage home I cleared out to Cirsty, and as soon as I got well I started back again and has been healthy ever since. Cirsty and the young ones arrived here on the 2nd of last month all in good health. We have three children living. Willie, Elizabeth and Jennet. Our dear Little John died on April 29th 1855 with inflammation on the bowels. Andrew and his family was well when Cirsty left. He had a notion of coming to this Country.

[JL008_002]

I sent money to bring him out with my family but he declined on account of his family being too large for _____ (Girlez?) to get along with in his absence. They have four children. I will send a ring for you and one for Jessey with Mr Mrs Call. I have not time to get them made of the dust from my own diggings or I would of done it, but they will be California Speciment rings made in Iowa Hill. I am living on Grizzley Flats three miles from the Hill and has got a good house of my own and my digging ___ (loases?) very well so far. Cirsty got word from our mother about eight months ago she was well and was living with our Brother Andrew in York England. If you wish to write, address Andrew Liddell.

[JL008_003]

Be shure and write and let me know how you are getting on or if you intend staying in Troy all your lifetime. It strikes me you have got religion, you have been so quiet and reserved for a long time. If you have not you must be a wild old man Jock. This lives us all healthy, hoping it will find you all ___ ___ the same. Comfort.

Do not forget to write by return of the mail.

Address Wm Liddell

Iowa Hill Placer County California

This is from your affectionate and well wishing Brother

Wm Liddell

William Liddell

Notes

• Lived in "Grizzly Flat," region of Wisconsin Hill and Prospect Hill (abt. three miles southeast of Iowa Hill), in Placer County California, later called "Township No. 7".
  • Roughly, 39.089314, -120.833465
  • In 1870, the Post Office was Bath.
• "Cirsty": William's wife,Christina MacNeal, b. 16 May 1825 Scotland, d. 25 May 1899 Bath, Placer, California
• William is present on the 1870 Census, but absent on the 1880: d. abt. 1875 Placer County CA
• Son, William, b. abt. 1846 Scotland; aged 4 on the 1850 Census in Schuylkill PA.
• William reports "Panama fever" and "Ague" in his first attempt to reach California from Pennsylvania. Perhaps he was making a land crossing of Panama when he contracted yellow fever and/or malaria?

"In 1847, the east–west transit across the isthmus was by native dugout canoe (and later by modified lifeboats) up the often dangerous Chagres River. Travelers had to go overland by mules for the final 20 miles (32 km) over the old Spanish trails. The trails had fallen into serious disrepair after some 50 years of little or no maintenance; the 120 inches (3 m) of rain each year in the April–December rainy season also made the trails hard to maintain. A transit from the Atlantic to the Pacific or vice versa would usually take four to eight days by dugout canoe and mule. The transit was fraught with dangers, and travelers were subject to contracting tropical diseases along the way." ^[7] The trans-isthmus railroad operated directly from sea to sea beginning in January 1855.

• Perhaps "They have four children" refers to Andrew and Barbara's four youngest. Andrew died in March 1859, but the two oldest were boys who moved away from Yorkshire for work. See JL003, the letter from Jock's nephew.

Donald McT. Monroe, 17 Feb 1854, Spezzia, Sardinia

• Date: 17 Feb 1854
• Place: USS St Louis, Spezzia, Sardinia
• From: Donald McTavish Monroe (1832-1883), brother of Jessie (Monroe) Liddell (1820-1884)
• To: Jock Liddell (1817-1868), Troy NY, husband of Jessie (Monroe) Liddell
• References:
  • JL028: See the Repository note.
  • Four page handwritten letter: JL028_001.jpg to JL028_004.jpg
  • Three pages of handwritten transcription from an unknown author: LiddellTranscriptions_1854_Page_1.jpg to LiddellTranscriptions_1854_Page_3.jpg
• Topics:
  • No word from home, despite writing previous letters
  • Travels in the Mediterranean aboard the USS St Louis
  • Early events in the Crimean War
  • The Costa/Koszta Affair, 1853
  • Greetings to family and friends

"I sometimes feel that I should like to be home with you, rather than roaming in this way, and I think that when I get through with this that I shall settle contentedly down."

[JL028_001] US Ship of War St Louis, Spezzia, Sardinia, Feb 17th, 1854

Dear Brother in law:

I here undertake to send you a line, although it seems much like shooting a bow at a venture, for although I have written three letters previous to this to you, yet up to this time I have not received or heard a single word from you, and you can judge for yourself how I must feel about it, for whether you are still a the same place, or perhaps moved from Troy, or whether perhaps that you are sick and unable to send or even dead, I cannot tell. Indeed, I do not know what to think; But supposing that maybe they have failed to arrive there, I write again hoping that this will go right, and find you in the enjoyment of excellent health and spirits, as well as your wife and family.

You doubtless would like to know how I am getting along here. Well, so far as to my health, I can say that I never enjoyed better, as well as spirits; and that although I cannot say that I altogether like being penned up for so long [JL028_002] a time. Still, I must say that I have easy times enough, and a good deal to please, amuse, and instruct in going from one port to another in this great old sea, which binds together Europe, Asia and Africa and where all the events, scenes, and persons, that figured in the world's ancient history have taken place. The first place we came to when we first came out was the Rock of Gibraltar, from there we came to this place [Spezzia], after which went to Malta, Mahone [Mahón, Menorca], Marseilles in France, Genoa in Italy, Leghorn [Livorno] in Sardinia, Alexandria the capital of Egypt (indeed we have been there several times), Joppa in the Holy Land withing thirty miles of Jerusalem where Christ was crucified, and while we were there a good many of us had the privilege of visiting the old city for four days, rode in a body armed on Arabian steeds, and enjoyed the privilege of seeing what a good many of the wealthy at home would give almost there whole fortune to see; but of that and a good many other sights I would hope to have the opportunity before a year is past to sit down and tell together. From Joppa in Asia to Beirut in Asia, from there to an island in the Asiatic Archipelago called Milo [Milos?], from there to Athens in Greece where all the ancient temples still stand although the lower part of the old city had sunk below the surface of the sea;we met the French fleet in [JL028_003] there, but they soon after sailed up to the seat of war Constantinople, where, as you doubtless know they are combined with the English and Turks to make war with Russia, and where they have the passage called the Dardanelles stopped up so that the Russian vessels cannot get down. They are now provisioning ships for to go up there to remain for six or eight months. The Americans keep a man-of-war there all the time to watch proceedings, and protect their commerce. There are a great many other large and small ports that we have been to, and many, many happy hours have I had ashore in there, particularly did I enjoy myself last winter the whole winter through in Marseilles, France.

You have heard of the Smyrna affair of ours, where our ship bluffed fine Austrian ships, and got the prisoner, Costa, the Hungarian, at the cannon's mouth, frightened them so as that they gave him up. But you have certainly read all the particulars [at] home, and I will only say that we all expected we would have to fight, and were eager for it as a hungry man would be for his dinner, although had we went into it, as we would have in ten minutes more, there would have been a terrible sacrifice of life, for nearly all of us were lying within fifty yards of each other, and would have fired [JL028_004] straight into each others' hulls. Our Captain [Ingraham] has had the privilege of going home for that affair but he has refused to do so until he brings the ship with him which he thinks he will be able to do this fall or the coming winter. I sometimes feel that I should like to be home with you, rather than roaming in this way, and I think that when I get through with this that I shall settle contentedly down.

You will be kind as to give my best respects to Jimmy Duell and the other boys, and tenderly also to my sister and brother, and all enquiring friends.

I am _very very anxious_ to hear from you. God bless you and bring us together again to see each others' faces and spend together many happy days.

Affectionately your brother, Donald Monroe

P.S. Please to send to me before the first of June, for if you leave it until after that we will have moved to some other place--til then direct to: Donald Monroe, US Ship St Louis, Mediterranean Square (?), Constantinople, Turkey.

When you write after June 1st direct to: Donald Monroe, US Ship St Louis, Med. Square, Care American Naval Storekeeper, Spezzia, Sardinia. //end

Notes

• Timeline
  • Donald McTavish Monroe was b. abt. 1830 in Scotland, son of John Munroe and Margaret McTavish.
  • Donald is listed on the 1850 Census of Troy NY as age 23, and a laborer. He was then living in an extended household with his sister and brother-in-law.
  • Donald appears to have served a stint in the US Navy from 1852-1855 aboard the USS St Louis, sailing in the Mediterranean Sea. If fact, he had a first-hand view of the "Koszta Affair" from aboard ship in Smyrna, Turkey, June & July 1853. Wikipedia, The Koszta Affair.
  • Served as a Corporal in the Union Army from 1862-1865, during the War Between the States.
  • Married Lydia Mariah Buckingham in 1865. No record of children.
  • Following the War, he worked at the Burden Iron Works in Troy until his death in 1883 of pulmonary consumption.

• Seven Navy warships has have been named USS St Louis, including the most recent, LCS-19, commissioned in 2020. The "St Louis" cited in this 1854 letter was a fast-sailing US Navy corvette commissioned in 1828. Wikipedia, USS St Louis (1828).
• "Spezzia" (La Spezia) is in coastal Italy on the Ligurian Sea, rather than in Sardinia, which is reachable from La Spezia by ferry. La Spezia has served as a commerical and military harbor for centuries. "St Louis" used La Spezia for repairs and resupply during its wide-ranging patrols of the Mediterranean.

• Ingraham, DN, Commander. "Letter Book of US Corvette St Louis, 1852-1855." Discovered and rebound in 1881 by Samuel Peacock. Currently held by Wichita State University, the Special Collections and University Archives of the University Libraries. https://specialcollections.wichita.edu/collections/pdf/87-6-a.pdf
  • "Most of Commander D[uncan] N Ingraham’s letters deal with disciplinary problems relating to his crew on the U.S. Corvette St. Louis, a fast sailing war ship, but a portion deals with the "Martin Costa (Koszta) Affair." Koszta, a Hungarian nationalist, was kidnapped by Austrian officials, but had declared U.S. citizenship. While U.S. diplomats tried to fight for Koszta's release, the Austrians planned to take him to Austria to stand trial for revolutionary activities. At this point, Ingraham demanded his release. Finally, the diplomats managed to get Koszta under joint custody of the French, American, and Austrian consulates until his citizenship could be decided. This is an early example of "gunboat diplomacy." Ingraham was praised, and Koszta was allowed to return to the United States." Ingraham went on to receive a Congressional Gold Medal for his handling of the Affair.
    • The "St Louis" sailed from Norfolk VA in Aug 1852.
    • By Feb 1853 it had arrived in Spezia, Sardinia to take on supplies as part of its duties to sail in the Mediterranean.
    • 24 Jun 1853, Smyrna [İzmir], Turkey: "Ingraham informs American consul at Smyrna Edward Offley that he is outraged by the conduct of the Austrian consul upon Martin Costa [Koszta], to take him by force to an Austrian warship [the "Hussar"], since he [Costa] claimed to be an American citizen. Unfortunately, he has no passport and has not strictly lived up to the regulations to become an American citizen. Yet Ingraham desires [to] help." "[Costa] is an Austrian subject, but he signed an intention for U. S. citizenship [July 1852, NY], but under U. S. law [residency requirements] he cannot be technically protected by the U. S. government. Also, Ottoman officials will not help in this matter." "[Eventually,] Costa is released into the joint custody of the French, American, and Austrian consulates until Costa's citizenship can be determined." Because both American ideology, and the safety of other US citizens was at stake, Ingraham obtained Koszta's release by an ultimatum and show of force in the Smyrna harbor.
    • May 1854, Constantinople: 18,000 British troops are stationed in Constantinople in the run-up to the Crimean War. Ingraham notes that the "St Louis" will not need to sail to the Bosphorus "to protect American interests, since the British troops are in the area."
    • The "St Louis" returned to Philadelphia in May 1855.

• Greetings to Jimmy Duell (?), "and the other boys." Perhaps Jimmy was a relative of Charles' wife, Elizabeth Duell/Doyle.
• Greetings to sister, Jessie, and brother, Charles J Munro

• In Feb 1854, he expressed the hope that he would be home in Troy within a year. But the ship did not physically return to Philadelphia until May 1855.

Index of Letters

Sources

1. ↑ Troy Irish Genealogical Society, "Brewing of Beer." (n.d.) https://troyirish.org/troy-area-history/local-history/local-history-articles/brewing-of-beer
2. ↑ Rittner, Don. (1998) Images of America: Troy. Mount Pleasant SC: Arcadia Pub. p. 54.
3. ↑ Weise, JA. (1891) "Troy's One Hundred Years, 1789-1889." Troy: WH Young. p. 276. https://www.google.com/books/edition/Troy_s_One_Hundred_Years_1789_1889/O5ZHAAAAYAAJ
4. ↑ Kyran Cleary Sr, b. abt. 1830 Ireland, arriv. US abt. 1840, was a brewer in Troy NY. He was married to Edward Sr's sister Margaret.
5. ↑ Anderson, GB. (1897) "Landmarks of Rensselaer County, New York." US: D. Mason & Co. p.263.
6. ↑ JE Siebel, ed. "One Hundred Years of Brewing." (1901). Chicago: H.S. Rich & Company. p. 187. https://www.google.com/books/edition/One_Hundred_Years_of_Brewing/1JFOAQAAMAAJ
7. ↑ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panama_Canal_Railway

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