John T. Blackwell, Correspondence / Letters Received, 1794-1827, and undated

Summary: FROM LEWIS BLACKWELL (BROTHER), 1800-1810 and undated (4 folders)

38 Letters. Includes letters from Lewis that were written when he was living in Trenton and Philadelphia, where he worked as a journeyman for various printers. The Letters span from 1800 until Lewis' death in 1810. Subjects include: family and personal health (one mention of smallpox), a desire to see family and also the status of mutual friends. Many of the letters talk about his employment situations working for different printers. Places or people he mentions working for or with include: Gershom Craft, Sherman, Mershon & Thomas, William W. Woodward, Hugh Maxwell, and Mr. Wilson. The working relationship Lewis had with Sherman, Mershon & Thomas was very hostile and there are a few letters in 1801 that deal with his leave of their employ.

One letter included here is from Lewis' wife Margaret, informing Rev. John and J.T. Blackwell of Lewis' death dated May 30, 1810 from Philadelphia. The letter reports that Lewis dies after a few days' illness and that he was buried in the Second Street Baptist burying ground "where his child had been inter'd."

FROM BENJAMIN ARMITAGE, 1794-1817 (1 folder)

15 letters. Letters from Benjamin Armitage span the years of 1794 to 1817. It is indicated that he and John T. Blackwell were frequent correspondents in a letter dated July 9, 1797 where Armitage asks him that they write each other once a month (Armitage on the 1st and Blackwell would respond on the 15th). In that same letter, Armitage mentions that New York is "closed" for Yellow Fever. Armitage's letters were written when he was in either New York (city) or Albany, NY

Many letters from Armitage include his opinion about the state of affairs in America, France, and the rest of the world. He talks about political affairs often and in his earlier letters ends with "Vive La liberty." These early letters also mention quotes from political magazines. One quote was from the first edition of "United States Magazine" (letter dated June 28, 1794). Other content includes business dealings, especially in regard to New York City, and also he tells John of his marriage in a letter dated January 21, 1788.

There is a long gap in correspondence from 1788 and 1816. In the letter dated March 25, 1816, Armitage mentions the years of them being out of touch, and his tone is much more subdued. Mostly he mentions all of the people who have passed (including John's father) and how that makes him not want to visit Hopewell anymore. He also says that the "neighborhood is destroyed by violent Party Politics the Bane of this Country: the Spirit of Party is undermining the Prosperity of the United States & the conduct of our Environment is calculated…"

In his last letter in the collection, dated April 23, 1817, Armitage mentions the Stamp Act, a tax on Whiskey. Armitage was originally from England and indicates in this last letter that he has not seen any of his family, except his brother since 1793

One letter included here is to Benjamin Armitage from J.T. Blackwell.

FROM ISAAC ROBERDEAU, 1822 (1 folder)

8 letters. Roberdeau, an engineer from Philadelphia, served in the Army in the War of 1812 as a major of topographical engineers. After the war, Roberdeau was appointed by the Secretary of War to head the newly created Topographical Bureau of the War Department. He was given the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel in 1823. Roberdeau served as Chief of the Topographical Bureau from 1818 to his death in 1829.

It was during the time of Roberdeau's position as Chief of the Topographical Bureau that he corresponded with John T. Blackwell. There are 8 letters and they all contain information about Roberdeau getting Blackwell's son (probably Oliver) an appointment to West Point in part by speaking to the Secretary of War (he was successful). Roberdeau mentions through the course of the letters that in return for helping John get his son into West Point, he would like a favor from John. The favor involves helping Roberdeau's brother-in-law, who is in need of assistance. The resolution included the attainment of the "Oxford Company" land. Letters dated March 24, 1822 and March 25, 1822 include further detail of the finalized appointment of the son to West Point and also the Oxford Company deal.

FROM SAMUEL SOUTHARD, 1816-1823 (2 folders)

25 letters. Samuel Lewis Southard (1787-1842) was an important political figure of the 1800's and held many state and one federal office. His positions included: member of New Jersey Congress (twice), New Jersey State Assemblyman, Justice of the New Jersey State Supreme Court, United States Senator (elected first in 1821 and again in 1833), named Secretary of the Navy by President James Monroe (and stayed in that position through the presidential administration of John Quincy Adams), New Jersey State Attorney General and New Jersey State Governor.

Letters from Samuel Southard are an interesting part of the collection, due to that fact that Southard was such a prominent politician at that time. The letters from him therefore are different from most others in the collection. As opposed to the often light, everyday content that exits within most of the collection, Southard's letters seem serious in tone and content. Most of the letters include the subject of local and national politics. In earlier letters, Southard freely discussed opinions of his about people and laws in politics. Southard (who later becomes New Jersey governor) writes in a letter dated Oct 11, 1817 that "so little do I want to be Governor that I do not think I could be tempted or persuaded to take the place." In later letters, as Southard's political position becomes more visible, he becomes more guarded. One letter dated November 9, 1827 is marked Confidential, and Southard makes mention of the fact that he is not supposed to write personal letters.

FROM VARIOUS CORRESPONDENTS, 1795-1827 (1 folder)

There are eight letters included here. One letter is dated six days after John's marriage to Sarah Hunt and was sent by friend John Stout (Sept. 22, 1795). Stout congratulates Blackwell on his marriage and hopes that their wives will spend leisure time together. Two letters from Henry Southard are regarding land warrants for a soldier. One letter is from Oliver Blackwell (Son) discusses that Oliver has been surveying and also mentions surveying equipment. One letter is possibly from a Mr. Hyer, but is difficult to read and therefore spelling is not certain. The letter is recommending that John Blackwell's son be appointed to the office of surrogate. One letter is from friend Lucy R., and the content is mainly personal, except one mention of a "rumor" that Hartford will be making a canal. Two letters from James Paul are regarding the estate of Lila Hart on Virginia.