Person:Frederick Neville (2)

1837-ltr to Robert Kennedy from Frederick Neville written shortly after the birth of Frederick A Neville-address side shows: black postmark: Spring(?) PO Sep 29 single 25 Robert Kennedy, Esqr. Navy Store Keeper Navy Yard – Philadelphia Mail Pa.

Springfield (Clarke Co) Ohio Sept. 28th 1837 My dear Sir) We received your letter some time ago & were highly gratified to find that tho’ separated we are still remembered – I delayed writing to you until now, in consequence of a desire that Ann should get safely over all her trials, that I might communicate no gloomy news. This thank God is now the case. Two weeks ago she presented me with the finest son I almost ever saw weighing ten pounds four hours after birth - & as long as a cricket – Ann has quite recovered & looks as though nothing had happened – She had every comfort that was in my power to obtain. I went all the way to Cincinnati for a nurse & succeeded in getting a very superior one for this country – in fact she had come off better on the occasion than on any former one of the like nature. The trunks did not arrive until within the last ten days – but is now safe & in good order – for which I beg you to accept our thanks – We were sorry to hear of your domestic troubles as regard the nurse; I thought that she was a very decently behaved woman indeed, & should never for a moment have suspected her of indulging in the ardent, however outward appearances frequently deceive us. We were rejoiced to hear such cheering news concerning Robert as you imparted in your letter – what a blessing it would prove should he reform & by good fortune become a useful & respectable member of Society such things have occurred but they are by no means frequent – My brother Frank is also in Texas & his condition is or was very little better than Roberts. I fervently hope they may both come to sense of the folly of their past ways & turn to the path of reason & comfort – I am sorry that all my endeavors to procure a situation for Charles have proved unavailing. It appears to me that every situation which would at all suit him is more than filled, In this village there are a great many young men from the East, first rate clerks & salesmen – getting only $10 per month & in fact some get nothing but their board. It appears to be the great anxiety of all fathers in this country that they do not know how to dispose of their sons advantageously – even the professions of Law & Phisic are literally starving – there being more Doctors & Lawyers – than patients & clients – I have used every endeavour to get any thing for Charles to do at first so that he could get clear of Phila & make a man of himself – but I have entirely failed & I know of nothing that would warrant his coming to this part of the country. – We are fixed here for the winter & will expect to hear from you very often. I would wish you to visit Ronaldson’s Cemetary & see that all is well there, as well as to enquire at the Post Office if there be any letters & if so to forward them on – Believe me most affectionaly F. A. Neville Ann will write you as soon as she feels able.

1861-1864-American Civil War-Frederick A. Neville served with the 23rd Regiment Volunteers of Pennsylvania, 4th Brigade, 1st Division, 6th Corps.

1864-Civil War letter

Jonson’s Island April 21st 1864 Dear GrandFather, I found it inexpedient to remain longer in the City or otherwise I should have seen you again and also have had the pleasure of seeing Uncle Charley and his whole family Please give them my regrets and Explain why I could not keepe my engagement. I have this evening written my first letter to Father since my arrival on the Island. As soon as I returned I found that affairs had not gone on quite as systematically as I could have wished and so I had plenty of work before me. Affairs are going well at present and this Evening is my first opportunity to do any thing for myself. On my arrival I found that three Regiments of my Brigade had left Sandusky to report to the Army of the Potomac. I have no doubt that we will follow them shortly. The PayMaster was here during my absence and at the time of my arriving here had finished paying the Brigade. If I had been one day earlier I could have collected my money as it is I will have to wait till next pay day which is in May next. If we are on the move and there is any probability of an engagement with the Enemy he will postpone payment till the Army is settled. I will therefore have to ask your patience till that time. I assure you that it was my honest conviction that I would be able to pay you soon after my arrival at Sandusky. Father can explain it to you when you see him. I will write to Samuel tomorrow and also to Presley. I should like to see you on Lake Erie now that the fishing season has begun. Fish of all sizes and kinds are caught by the ship loads and are very cheap in consequence of the abundance. The weather has become more settled and the Island quite dry; before the mud was more than anckle deep. It is quite pleasant during the day but at nights the breeze from the Lake makes an overcoat quite comfortable. Please tell little Mary and Charles Green and the family in general that I would like to hear from them. Write soon yourself and tell me whether you have heard from Sam and whether he has moved from his last address which you gave me. I will write to him anyhow and trust to fortune for the safe delivery of the letter. It is now quite late so I will say good night. Yours Gratefully Fredk. A. Neville 23rd Regt. Penna. Vols. 4th Brigade 1st Division 6th Corps

28 Sep 1837 ltr written at birth

pg 2 of ltr

pg 3 of ltr

Civil War letter 1864 pg1

Civil War letter 1864 pg2

Civil War letter 1864 pg3