Letters of C. R. Wilder

New Ipswich Historical Society

We are taking a quick break from the obituaries with a few letters from C.R. Wilder (New Ipswich) - transcribed by Sharon Rosenfelder

June 14, 1849

From New York to Rio de Janeiro (Addressed to Josiah P. Wilder)

June 14, 1849                    

Dear Friends,

Arrived June 8 after 60 days passage. 6 days gale after reaching Gulf Stream. We made Cape Verde Islands on 30th day out. They lie on Coast of Africa and passed them about 15 meters distant. Becalmed some 20 days during passage. We caught a porpoise, some dolphins, and other fish. The flying fish came aboard on the wings. Sometimes a flash of them.

We came near being destroyed by a water spout. I had many a good bath while passing over the equator, jumping overboard clean over one’s head, and not touching bottom at that.

I wrote you last from N. Y. Bay on board the Bark Galindo. Now on board the same Bark in the most beautiful of all bays- the Bay of Rio, 7000 miles from N.Y.  Spend part of my time in the city, but we lay 2 ½ miles out in the harbor and go to town in small boats. They have no docks in Rio, the largest town in South America - about 200,000 people.

I was not seasick on the voyage, although for one week, we were driven over 1400 miles before the wind on decks constantly delayed with water, but meeting with no serious accident.

Journey around the bay and city is beyond description. Nature has bestowed her gifts with a lavish hand, but the effect of slavery and bad government is traceable in every direction. Have been about 5 miles out of town winding my way up beautiful ravines. It is now in the middle of winter, but is summer perpetual. Have been in the principal cathedrals here.  Massive gold and silver furniture, altars and ornaments are past belief. Their religion runs the government and keeps the people in ignorance.

Saw the priests in robes and cimeters going to a bull fight and to a menagerie. Higher classes ride in cabrileans drawn by two dirty looking mules, drove by a slave riding the near one.

Very few horses seen here and then very small. Richer people are very proud and dressy, wearing a profusion of jewelry and ornaments. Jewelry shops are seen at every stop. Streets are narrow but very clean. Houses are low and built of real sandstone and brick. Some buildings all covered with tiles, giving a very rusty appearance. People are the cleanest in person I ever saw.

If I had come to this place 5 years ago, I might have been a rich man now by my own business. If I had not started in California, would stay here. I am in love with this place. There are many splendid gardens and out-grounds. The Emperor’s is among the first, so they say. I have not, as yet, seen it.

Inform the rest of our friends of the progress I have made toward California. Hope we will have a good time getting around the Horn, and if we do, will clear it in 4 weeks. Have had to write in haste with poor convenience. My love to all.  You must write me as soon as you get this and direct it to San Francisco, Cal.  I may get it on my arrival there.

This town is full of soldiers. Our boys knock them about at their pleasure and it is all right. “Americans all right.” I have been treated with all the politeness I could wish and so will anyone who behaves himself.

The language is Portuguese principally. I believe though they are a mixed race of Portuguese, Brazilians, and French, 10 black to one white.

The women wear no hats but a few dress much like English.

Brother C.R. Wilder

Photo Archives

Portrait of an unidentified woman.

James Roger diary entry

18^th February 1913

Hard frost; below zero; very cold north wind. David teaming ice for D. Maynard. Got letter from Hamish, who has caught cold, and one from Milan Taylor with six dollars in payment of his share of grading lots in cemetery and caring for old lot. David got a letter also from C. Newcomb, Boston.

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