Scope and Contents

A brief parental letter, directed to James Loughead aboard the brig Olango.

Scope and Contents

A brief parental letter, directed to James Loughead aboard the brig General Jackson.

Scope and Contents

A brief parental letter.

Scope and Contents

A brief parental letter.

Scope and Contents

The first of the surviving letters from James Loughead to his wife Elizabeth. Personal and maritime news, and expressions of passion.

Scope and Contents

Written from quarantine in Boston, after a 25-day voyage from New Orleans plagued by smallpox.

Scope and Contents

A letter directed to James Loughead as first officer of the ship Margaret Forbes of Boston. Personal and family news; also mentions the great New York City fire of 16-17 December 1835.

Scope and Contents

Loughead mentions that he is now earning $75 per month aboard the steam packet Convoy, running between New Orleans and Mobile.

Scope and Contents

Loughead writes of a possible voyage to New York.

Scope and Contents

Loughead mentions that he has been made first mate of the steamer Friendship, running between Galveston and Houston.

Scope and Contents

Personal and professional news. Loughead encourages Elizabeth to seek her father's assistance in financing the construction of a house.

Scope and Contents

Loughead again encourages his wife to borrow from her parents to begin building a home for them in Philadelphia.

Scope and Contents

Loughead sends Elizabeth 131 dollars via the ship Ohio: ". . .i wish It was more but i must keep a little in case of Sickness [i.e., yellow fever]. . . ."

Scope and Contents

Elizabeth reports to James that she has "indeed got Religion", and that it need not be a source of contention between them, despite his stated disregard for his immortal soul. "I hope you will forgive me if i hurt your feelings But i will Declare Before the whole world that i am a Methodist in heart if not in dress and i intend to live and die one. . . ." Directed to James Loughead as first officer aboard the steamer Columbia.

Scope and Contents

Loughead mentions that "i would not have Staid here So long if it was not for the Debt We owe. . . ."

Scope and Contents

The author, the American consul in Londonderry and the recipient's father, comments on his new post. Of Derry he remarks ". . .this is a dull place & verry little business a dowing [doing]. . . ." He also mentions the potato blight: "Living here is verry high & the rot has commenced in the potatoes very bad. . . ."

Scope and Contents

Loughead notes the high prices for foodstuffs because of the famine, and encourages his son to have A. C. Craig ship him corn meal, beans, peas, or other commodities. Loughead also inquires about a bill in Congress that would provide U. S. consuls with salaries.

Scope and Contents Loughead becomes more insistent in his requests that his son arrange for foodstuffs to be sent to Londonderry from the U. S., and outlines courses of action. "[T]here is a chance now of Making Money. [P]urchase immediately on receipt of this Letter. . .for there is nothing here but starvation. Dozens dying a day with hunger; let it be sent by Glasgow, Sligo, Belfast, Liverpool but to Londonderry if possible. . . . " In a postscript, Loughead begs that the letter be kept a secret, except to...

Scope and Contents

More enumerations of prices and requests for shipments of food: ". . .the poore are dying in dozens, and God only knows what the result will be. . ."

Scope and Contents

Loughead remarks that prices for most foodstuffs have fallen, and regrets missed opportunities for profit.

Scope and Contents

Instructions regarding the purchase and shipping of cigars, apples, and other goods.

Scope and Contents

Family news, and requests for items for personal use.

Scope and Contents

Letter is lacking. Date is that of the Derry postmark.