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

March 21, 1849

Calvin Wilder   (letter to brother, Josiah P. Wilder)

b March 18, 1806 , d. In Cal.1852

New York, Mar. 21, 1849

Dear Brother,

I am not yet off to California, but on Saturday next shall sail, weather right. There are 80 stalwart fellows. We shall sail in the Bark Golinda. Captain Macy (a fine man), Captain Coffin, first mate, an old captain in the Pacific - has been to San Francisco 5 times. We own in equal shares the vessel and cargo containing 18 mos. provisions. The whole cost- about $21,000. The vessel is 2 years old, substantial, and a fast sailer and with fair luck will take us to the end of our voyage in 5 mos. 

I am in good courage but cool, calm, and with a determination to perform my duty. I will here say to you that in case I should ever have any property and should die leaving the same, I have made a will and in that will have appointed you executor of the same. The will I shall place in the hands of Mr. Edward Cook, who is my consignee here and resides at 45 Dominick St.  I shall give him your address. Mr. Cook is a wealthy man of upwards of 60 years of age. All my business shall be done through him and you would find him (should you have anything to do with him) a high minded and honorable gentleman. 

I want you to write me whenever you should hear from me. Mails will soon go regularly from N.Y. to California, but do not write until you hear again.

I have left a box containing some articles for your wife and John’s wife with Mr. Cook, 45 Dominick St., but not to be sent for except on condition of my demise. And now if I could only see you all I should be gratified, but as that is denied me, I send you my daguerreotype by mail- which I have taken this day and is correct as I appear now. I have had many handsome presents made me, and leave my friends with regret, but I have 100 or more acquaintances that have gone out, and of course will meet some of them.

I have a letter to Colonel Stevenson and others of some importance.

April 7th New York Bay

I am now on the sea. You will take notice that I have appointed Mr. Edward Cook with yourself as executor of my will which I leave in his possession.  In F. L. T.

C. R. W.

Photo Archives

Portrait of an unidentified couple

James Roger diary entry

19^th February 1913

Frost; fair and milder; wind west. David at Greenville for grain, meal, rice, fish & cups in forenoon and teaming freight from depot to Stone farm, then bringing coal to Miss Taylor in afternoon. Got letter from Alice saying she wrote last week.

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