Tileston family fonds, 1777-1857, n.d.
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Cameron, Chantal
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Abstract
Fonds consists of correspondence; a letter copy book describing an 1817 voyage from Newbern, North Carolina, to Charleston, South Carolina; bills; receipts; invoices; and wills. The financial records such as bills, invoices and receipts record the personal and business activities of Thomas Tileston Sr., who had a business as a house builder. The correspondence, letter copy book, and wills belonged to Thomas Tileston Jr. and document his activities. Some of the letters refer to events from the War of 1812.
Description
Fonds consists of correspondence; a letter copy book describing an 1817 voyage from Newbern, North Carolina, to Charleston, South Carolina; bills; receipts; invoices; and wills. The financial records such as bills, invoices and receipts record the personal and business activities of Thomas Tileston Sr., who had a business as a house builder. The correspondence, letter copy book, and wills belonged to Thomas Tileston Jr. and document his activities. Some of the letters refer to events from the War of 1812.
A letter dated September 2, 1813, states that “… You have undoubtedly heard of our alarm by the British presume the particulars would be a repetition and knowing that to be very grating to your nerves will only say, I think that I behaved very heroic – perhaps it was because I had no property to be destroyed by the uncivilized soldiers. The destruction of public property appears to be their object consequently I feel that the inhabitants of Essex can apprehend but little or no fear from them in future.”
A letter dated September 3, 1814, refers to the British invasion of Washington on August 24, 1814. The British set fire to the White House, Capitol Building, and other local landmarks. The letter states that “I duly recd yours of the 29 ulto with the enclosed, communicating the unpleasant news from the South. I assure you I do not regret the loss of the Capitol, President’s house and every other one, so much as the loss to our little Navy & in sum what have they been about this two years or even months after they knew they would shortly have a visit from the British. I almost wish with you that they had blown up Jimmy & let them try Old Mass and see what the result will be as we are not at all alarm’d here at present, every thing goes on much in same old way …”