Lengthy Letter Between Two Cousins Discussing the Cold Yankee Character and the Differences Between New England and New Jersey, as Well as Current Events, 1838

Claremont, 1838. Stampless letter with circular Claremont, New Hampshire postmark and 18 ½ cent rate. Fine condition. Fine. An entertaining letter written by Marion Richards of Claremont, New Hampshire, defending the northern way of life and describing the relative calm in New Hampshire during the Panic of 1837, which apparently had been the subject of previous correspondence between the two. She makes an interesting reference to "female rights," which she says she does not support, perhaps also in reference to an earlier conversation. She writes, "Your father speaks of the severe effects the course of the administration has had upon your city, and consequently upon the high-raised hopes of her citizens; this, undoubtedly is true in regard to all; all have been involved as it were in one general ruin and all have suffered. We, as individuals, it is true, felt the change and with others echoed the cry, 'hard times', but still in comparison with many, suffered little. Embarked in no dangerous enterprise, we retrenched our expenses, adopting this plain sentiment, 'to want no more than may suffice and make that little do'. Politics, however, interest me only as it affects my father's purse and deprives me of pleasure. Not very patriotic, I confess, but being neither an advocate of female rights, and having a proper sense of the small amount of my influence, I leave such like, to father and Congress. "

The next section contains a detailed defense of the yankee character:"And now allow me to follow somewhat in your train of thought and speak a good word for the Yankees. With that characteristic trait of a 'thorough-going-Yankee-Down-Easter' I have guessed that you, Cousin, suppose us to be an antisocial class of people, & in order to lead you to a different conclusion, I will attempt a slight delineation of sectional character. That we are cautious in the choice of friends, is true; & that this caution may be carried so far as to give the impression that we are cold and retiring in our feelings, is perhaps equally so; but may not this, in the end, result to mutual benefit? if a friendship is longer in maturing, will it not stand a longer & severer test? and are not the pleasures arising from a friendship founded on a knowledge of character greater, than those based upon supposed merit, liable to be broken by any trivial occurrence? A cold climate has not exerted its influences over the generous sympathies of our hearts & the social feelings, though concealed by a cold exterior, can be aroused and glow with as much warmth as in a softer clime. 'Nestled among the mountains', we have imbibed a free, independent spirit both in thought & action." She also discusses the prospect of visiting Newark, and writes that it is perhaps more appealing in her imagination than in reality.

Overall an interesting rumination on the culture of New England and a woman's perception of life further south during the period.

$300

Full transcription follows:

My Dear Cousin,

The receipt of your kind letter was to me a new and fertile source of gratification. Crowding thoughts that stranger hearts might yet be endeared in the sweet influences of friendship, that we though far separated might commune on themes of kindred interest and kindred feeling, that I occupied a place in the memory and affections of one under the fond appellation, Cousin, combined to excite deep and lively emotions and brighten the pleasing visions of the future. As long-tried friends, we cannot recall the thoughts and sports of our school-going days; the past is a blank in our acquaintance, which memory regrets, but for which the present, will most cheerfully make amends. Natural impulses of feeling prompt me to lay aside reserve and must excuse me, if I betray a spirit of egotism, or selfishness by placing ourselves first in importance and write of present plans and expectations.

Your father speaks of the severe effects the course of the administration has had upon your city, and consequently upon the high-raised hopes of her citizens; this, undoubtedly is true in regard to all; all have been involved as it were in one general ruin and all have suffered. We, as individuals, it is true, felt the change and with others echoed the cry, 'hard times', but still in comparison with many, suffered little. Embarked in no dangerous enterprise, we retrenched our expenses, adopting this plain sentiment, 'to want no more than may suffice and make that little do'. Politics, however, interest me only as it affects my father's purse and deprives me of pleasure. Not very patriotic, I confess, but being neither an advocate of female rights, and having a proper sense of the small amount of my influence, I leave such like, to father and Congress. In regard to our long contemplated visit, I am allowed Hobson's choice, or in other words may stay at home and be content. A dear Aunt in the last stages of consumption has required the close attention of my mother for the last four weeks; this, with the advanced state of the season, the numerous calls in my father's profession will render a journey for the present altogether impracticable.

Of the general character of the society of your more favored region I have ever entertained the highest opinion. Where superior natural advantages exist, we are accustomed to associate with them, ideas of a people of a truly open-hearted, warm and generous temperament & in so doing are seldom mistaken. Newark and its sister city has, in imagination, presented many attractions. The unrivalled beauty of the scenery of New York and its environs, the works of art as well as nature, a desire of novelty, have contributed to form a very agreeable picture & make me ardently wish to partake of the hospitality and luxuries of your land; but those I must forego and persuade myself that the pleasures of anticipation are greater than those of participation until circumstances are favorable or I can show a more adventurous spirit than at present.

And now allow me to follow somewhat in your train of thought and speak a good word for the Yankees. With that characteristic trait of a 'thorough-going-Yankee-Down-Easter' I have guessed that you, Cousin, suppose us to be an antisocial class of people, & in order to lead you to a different conclusion, I will attempt a slight delineation of sectional character. That we are cautious in the choice of friends, is true; & that this caution may be carried so far as to give the impression that we are cold and retiring in our feelings, is perhaps equally so; but may not this, in the end, result to mutual benefit? if a friendship is longer in maturing, will it not stand a longer & severer test? and are not the pleasures arising from a friendship founded on a knowledge of character greater, than those based upon supposed merit, liable to be broken by any trivial occurrence? A cold climate has not exerted its influences over the generous sympathies of our hearts & the social feelings, though concealed by a cold exterior, can be aroused and glow with as much warmth as in a softer clime. 'Nestled among the mountains', we have imbibed a free, independent spirit both in thought & action. As to honesty, little can be said; the venders of wooden nutmegs and pumpkin seeds have in this point injured us much. Pumpkin seeds, reminds me of a partial promise of a "Pumpkin Pie'. Now I can pledge you, in return, not only a pie from one of the sweetest pumpkins of the valley of the Connecticut, but the many good things that accompany it, & which make it so grateful to the true Yankee. I would mention some of the peculiarities & delights of N.E., but my limits will not permit.

Accept my warmest thanks for opening a correspondence, & be assured that I will cheerfully, very cheerfully contribute in my sober way as often as is agreeable to yo. Remember that a friendly letter from you will beguile the long evenings that are fast coming & receive the best wishes of us all.

Affectionately Yours,
Marion Richards

[to]

Sarah C. Richards.

Claremont, Oct. 11th, 1838.