1829 PHILADELPHIA LETTER - GREAT RELIGIOUS CONTENT MARTHA C MASTERS TO FATHER

Pricing & History

Sold for
Start Free Trial or Sign In to see what it's worth.
Sold Date
Source eBay

Lengthy, 3+ pgs. letter, approx. 7-7/8" x 9-3/4", dated at Philadelphia, Pa., Aug. 22, 1829 , from Martha Caldwell Masters, (signed with initials, "M.C.M."), to her father, Thomas Masters, at New York City. Folded letter has red "PHIL" cds postmark and manuscript "12-1/2" rate. The writer of this letter , Martha Caldwell Masters, (1808-1884), was the daughter of Thomas Masters, (1781-1844) and Isabella Caldwell Masters (1783-1841), who were married in Philadelphia in 1807. Thomas Masters was in the mercantile business, in partnership since 1810 with his brother-in-law, Francis Markoe (1774-1848) in New York City, as Masters & Markoe (the letter is addressed to Thomas Masters, care of Masters & Markoe). In 1832, 3 years after this letter was written, Martha C. Masters married Henry Wyllys Taylor, (1798-1888), an 1816 Yale graduate, who practiced law in Canandaigua, NY, and served several terms in the NY State Assembly in the 1830's. Martha & Henry moved to Marshall, Michigan in the 1840's, and Henry served in the Michigan State Senate in 1847. They moved back to Canandaigua, NY shortly after, and in 1856, Henry was appointed by the Gov. of NY to the N.Y. Supreme Court, where he sat until 1860. A well-written letter from 21 year old Martha C. Masters to her father, with superb religious content , in which Martha is practically overwhelmed with religious fervor during a visit to cousins in Philadelphia, and is anxiously awaiting her return home to New York City. A large lock of brown hair is tucked inside the folded letter - probably Martha's hair (see the 2nd photo to show the position of the lock of hair in the letter). Includes: "I am once more in the city, my beloved Parent, after having spent the last few days as delightfully as my heart could wish; would that I could say as profitably as my God required, from the privileges, choice privileges he then bestowed upon me. Religion! what treasures untold reside in that Heavenly word. I think I never could have known its loveliness and power before this visit to P., for so many bright and hallowed evidences are set before me that I felt something as if my sinful soul must quail under the light of God's countenance, which was shining so brilliantly upon the hearts around me. The girls are most devotedly engaged in the cause they have professed, to serve and, as you say, Finneyism by them is rendered vital piety . I felt tonight, I think, somewhat as Jacob did at Bethel. The Lord is in this place.... Were I at your bedside tonight, tired as I am, I think I could guard even your ordinary sleepy eyelids from the ready influence of Morpheus, by talking to you by the hour, for my heart is full almost to bursting, and a sense of loneliness is now pressing upon me, for in this hour (though all is devoted kindness and affection), with my present feelings, there is no congeniality. Whenever I meet you, however, prepare your heart to be gladdened, for I have tidings of great joy to give you, in reference to our lovely cousins....like Jacob...I may have set up a memorial, not consisting of stones, but of fine and heaven born desires which shall recognize day by day this kind providence of my Heavenly Father. I received your letter this evening, and am very thankful for it. You have somewhat disappointed me by not being able to come on for me, but to appear merely as an escort for your daughter would never do. John Mason is here, and will remain to attend Mary Hazlebrush and myself to New York, and in case anything prevented him, Isaac would have gone on with us. However, I have now made up my mind that on Wednesday or Thursday of next week, you may expect us. I will write to you on Sunday to let you know which day it will be. My friends here kindly urge me to stay, but I felt almost a pang when I read the sentence in your letter that mine 'cheered your solitude'. The thought that you were alone , when I was here merely for pleasure, was painful to me, and I determined to return home as soon as possible, for Oh... read more

Items in the Price Guide are obtained exclusively from licensors and partners solely for our members’ research needs.

Flag item for content or copyright

If this item contains incorrect or inappropriate information please contact us here to flag it for review.

If you are the originator/copyright holder of this photo/item and would prefer it be excluded from our community, contact us here for removal.