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Tunesassah 6 mo
My dear Parents,
About two weeks ago I wrote to you and sent it by an Indian that was going to Pittsburgh for the things their Committee has sent for us, in which I promised to give a more full account of our Journey by Wm. Embree when he returned, and I feel myself so indebted to Father, as renders it requesite for me to comply with his request, but on looking over the notes which I have kept, seeing how imperfectly they are, it has almost discouraged my attempting, for I cannot concieve they will be anyway entertaining, excepting a little bare information, I often feel myself very defect in literary knowledge, and my Ideas in matters of Consequence, much confined, let those whose genius are more bright, have Charity, and accept, dear Father, my communication flowing from the Sincerity of the heart, [illegible] Mind has felt very much weary
[2] [page ripped]... the World’s applause, knowing that it is not human literature, or the acquirements of Man, we are to be enriched with, but with the blessings of the Poor in Spirit. I frequently look towards my native home, with loving desires to hear from you, not having heard a word from Chester County since we left there. My dear B. has not been very well since we came here, tho mostly keeps about, Jacob Taylor often charges him to take care of himself. Until he becomes accustomed to the Climate and Water, Cousin and myself have been bravely. ––– The young Men had moved into their new House about two weeks before we came, which when finished will be a very comfortable one, and a pleasant situation, those lately (?) cleared, that it looks rough ob(?) have yet, and the Garden [illegible] will not be very productive this season, They have two Men hired, one a Carpenter finishing the Mill, the other diging or mending [page torn] so that we are kept very busy
[3] at home so far, together with housework and sewing for the young Men, indeed, was time for them to have some females [something in margin] among them, their Situation was trying, let those who are favored with all the conveniencies, and necessaries of Life calmly reflect on the many advantages they enjoy, and the Obligations they are under to their gracious benefactor. I salute you all in near affection, hoping to hear from you before long, and I wish to be affectionately remembered to all enquiring friends and relations, not forgetting GrandMother, in which my husband and Cousin Joins. I mentioned it was thought letters would come this summer on the State Road, but that communication will be entirely stoped in the Winter Season, Pepe or Abner Barker at Pittsburgh will take care to forward letters to us. I hope thou wilt not expose my notes, tho have no Objection to some of my near relations seeing them, if I get time I propose making out a short draught for Brother Ezra, a [illegible] to him. I had intended
[4] to have written to my Brothers and Sisters, but, could not to all except comprised in one letter, therefore must postpone it at present, and perhaps may send an answer when they write to me.
6 mo 30
When I wrote the foregoing, I expected J Thomas and Wm Embree would have set off sometime last week, but Jonathan was desirous to see the Indian return from Pittsburgh, and it is probable he may come to day or tomorrow, but Wm being uneasy, I expect they will set of early tomorrow Morning whether the Indian returns or not, and I hope when he comes, I shall not be disappointed of hearing from Chester County, we are enjoying a pretty good state of Health in near Affection, I remain,
Your Daughter Rachel Coope
Tunesassa 6th 23rd 1804
Esteemed Parents,
About two weeks ago I wrote and sent by an Indian that was going to Pittsburgh for the things the committee sent for us, in which I promised to give a more full account of our journey by Wm Embree, and I felt myself so indebted to father as rendered it requisite for me to comply with his request, but looking over and seeing how imperfectly it was, almost discouraged me attempting, for I cannot concieve it will be any way entertaining excepting a little bare information. I often feel myself very defective in literary knowledge and my Ideas in matters of consequence much confined, let those whose genius are more brightened have charity and accept dear father my communications flowing from the sincerity of the heart, my mind has felt very much wean’d (?) from the world’s applause
[2] knowing it is not human literature or the invention of man we are to be enriched with but the blessings of the poor in spirit– I frequently look toward my native home with longing desires to hear from you, having nor heard from Chester C since we left there, my dear B has not been very well since we came here tho mostly keeps about. J Taylor often charges him to take care of himself till he becomes a little accustomed to the climate and water, I have been bravely, cousin also. They had moved into their new house about two weeks before we came which will be a very comfortable one when it is finished and a pleasant situation there lately clear’d that the garden [symbol?] will not be very productive this season. They have two men hired, one a carpenter finishing the mill and another digging [3] or mending. The [?] that we are kept very busy at home so far, together with housework and sewing for the young men, indeed it was time for them to have females among them, their situation was trying, let those who are favored with all the necessaries of life calmly reflect on the advantages they possess and the necessity of rendering thanks to their gracious benefactor. I salute you all in near affection hoping to hear from you before long, and wish to be remembered to all enquiring friends, and never forgetting dear Grandmother, in which my husband and cousin joins. I mention’d it was that letter would come this summer on the state road that, communication will be entirely stoped in the winter. Pepe (?) or Abner Barker at Pittsburg will take care to forward letters to us. I hope thou wilt not expose
[4] my history, have no objection to some of my near relations seeing it, if I get time shall draw a short draught for B Ezra as I intend writing to him, I had some thoughts of writing to my own brothers and sisters but could not write to all excepting comprised in one, therefore must post pone it at the present and perhaps will send an answer when they write to me. 6th mo 30th When I wrote the foregoing I expected J Thomas and Wm E would have set off sometime last week but Jn was desirous waiting till the Indian returns from Pittsburg its probably he may get here today or to morrow but Wm being uneasy I believe they will set off early tomorrow whether he comes or no. I hope I shall not be disappointed when the Indian comes of hearing from C. County. We are enjoying a reasonable state of health. I am, in near affection,
your dutiful [?] daughter, R Coope
In the fall of the year 1804 my dear husband and I inform’d friends of Bradford mo meeting of a concern that had attended our minds to go and reside some time with the Indian natives near the Allegheny River, to endeavor to instruct them in agriculture, spinning, dairies, & etc; Obtaining the unity and sympathy of our friends at home, also the convenience of the yearly meetings committee on Indian affairs, H. Jackson likewise having a minute from Newgarden mo meeting to accompany us.
5th month 20th 1805 2nd day
After a time of comfortable quiet, wherein we were in some degree favored to feel the overshadowing of divine regard to be near a considerable number of our near relations and friends, being present, we took leave of these in feeling embraces of endearing love, Father Coope and Brother Ezra bearing us in company to M. Embree’s, there bid farewell to dear James and Wife and parted with father, a close trial, tears flowed in abundance under a feeling sympathy for him, and ardent desires were raised in my heart that he might participate of that peace which is the precious enjoyment of all the sincere hearted, now in his lonesome and advanced
[2] stage of life, Brother continuing with us to Wm Truman’s 11m where we lodged, my dear husband and B took their repose in the waggon, Cousin and I were comfortably accomodated with a good bed, I soon fell asleep, near 3 o clock awakening the recollection of the parting seasons prevented and so forcibly revived that tears flowed from my eyes and sleep departed. Thou O my God has at seasons been pleased in thy unmerited goodness to make bare thy arm and in times of trial afford sweet consolations, as patience was abode in, under a humble sense. Thereof may I a little intercede for a renewed continuation of thy love.
21st 3rd day
A fine morning, after a smart shower, taking breakfast parted with our brother, and set off at 6, went 11 m to the rising sun tavern, fed our horses and took some refreshment in the waggon, then pursuing on travelled 8 m and stoped at Wm Brinton’s door, him nor wide not at home, we were willing to go on, but the daughter and grandmother insisted on our going in and an excellent dish of coffee was soon prepared, which was grateful to the [illegible– four letters, starting with “pa”] late, they proceeding on, got to out
[3] Brother G John 1 m about 1 (?) o clock and lodged here. Wm Embree met us agreeably to appointment.
22nd 4th (?) day Breakfasted and set off half past 5, Brother and sister going with us, stop’d at the door of J Gibbons and bid farewell, proceeded to Lancaster 7m, gave the horses a little feed while we got some necessaries for our journey, set off brother going a piece (?) to put us in the right road, 3 m from Linoped little Conestoga, proceeded along being entire strangers. The roads exceedingly badly cut in ugly holes and very muddy, the country beautiful, fine grain and clover, crossed big chaques creek, a huge (?) stream 9 m from L. got some refreshment for our selves and horses at Christian Hellers 8 m keep 1/2 past 2 proceeded on our journey to Elizabethtown where we arrived a while before sunset 9 m, lodged at the black bear tavern, the road continuing bad, the land good tho more hilly than nearer L. My attention has been so employed in viewing the roads and country that I have scarcely had any time for serious reflection, tho have not felt much anxious unpleasant
[4] sensation, nor enjoyed a large portion of that precious consolation that is so desirable. O that I may abide in the patience with an eye single to him whose fatherly protection is a wall around those who are sincerely devoted to serve him wherever their lots may be cast.
23rd 5th dat
A fine morn, rose earl, set out around 6 (?), crossed Connowags mountains and creek, the hills exceedingly rocky, the roads rather better near Middletown, some of the land good, forded over sweet arrow Creek, a very large water, it ran into the bed of the waggon, it was of a considerable width. Got to Middletown in dauphin County to breakfast 8 am, met with Richard Tunes send a few lines home. 9 o clock proceeded on our journey. Thus a beautiful valley and very fertile soil for several m, came in sight of the river about 11 o clock, the prospect of the country on the right hand was soon after obstructed by a large ridge of limestone mountains, some places the Rocks were 30 or 40 feet high from the surface of the ground and continued til we came near on the bank of the river, got in sight of Harrisburg about 1 o clock. 9 m, stoped under the shade of a tree
[5] bought grab for our horses and took some refreshment in the waggon. 1/2 past 2 on proceeded on, crossed a small creek called paxton over an elegant stone bridge, then passed thro Harrisburg, a very considerable, & beautiful situation, having a fine prospect of the river, travelled 7 m close on the bank thereof, a distance of fine cultivated land on the right hand , the river on the left, a great many Locust trees in full bloom on each side together with the prospect of the water made it delightful, but after a calm comes a storm, crossed a Large stream called fishing creek and for 3m it is astonishing, to behold just one path along bank of the river and great rocks hanging from 400 to 600 feet high almost over our heads, the roads exceedingly stony but not dangerous, we crossed stony creek, & just in at David Elder’s tavern 10 m here we were just at the foot of cattabima or blue mountain, came round it, by the side of Susquehanna, it is computed to be 600 feet high, I could scarce keep my eyes off it, the prospect was so wonderful.
24th 6th day
Set out this morn 20m past 6 (?), had a very good road, a little uphill and down with some spots of cultivated land for about 2m, then cross’d Clarks creek and prepared to ascend Peter mountain, the [6] road good, we were one hour and quarter going over it, about a mile up, remarkable to see several lively springs so near the top, after we left this mountain we cross’d a large stream of water called howlls Creek, and had an excellent road to Hallifax a small town 10 m some party cultivated, the grain chiefly rye, some fields of a changeable red, with spring clover the soil rather gravelly, and of a reddish colour. Got breakfast at John Ewig’s tavern, here we came on the river again, proceeded from off about 9 & crossed armstrong Creek, with some rain we pass’d along a very rough road close on the river at the foot of Berry’s mountain, cross’d wishinisky creek considerably larger than Brandywine no we began to get among the pines, a few places here and there cultivated, the soil not very productive, poor looking houses, stoped by the road side to regale ourselves and horses. 10m, set out again at 2, had a good Road, 8m, to Magantance mountains, 1/2 an hour going over, cross’d Magantanga creek over a high frame bridge, a large stream, the road turning as much east seemed surprises, but found it was to go thro [illegible, maybe crossed out?] in several places between great mountains, indeed for many miles there is very little but mountains, got to a dutch man’s a while before sunset 10 m, and lodged, but everything looked so dirty I knew not what to do, however we [7] prepared of our own a supper, and went to bed, but the greatest mortification of all was, the land lady sent two men who were travellers to the other bed as usual, our men as usual in the waggon, we were very quiet & rose before day.
25th 7th day
Set off at 4, had a very rough road between mountains 4 m, came to the reading road at Houstons tavern, where we wished to have gotten last night, cross’d Green Briar. Cross’d (?) along thro the woods, except a small cultivated spot where we saw some fine wheat growing for a a rarity, came on the bank of Mahoney & went up the side of it a considerable distance between wonderful mountains, cross’d over it, being a very large stream, proceeded and came to the Mahoney mountain 5 m going over, rather different from the others, we ascend’d all so far with leaving the ridge on the left hand, & when on the top made a short turn and went down with the ridge on the left hand, & when on the top made a short turn and went down with the ridge on same ride, but this we travelled a considerable distance on the top a fence on one side and went down in the of an X, it was amazing to see the steepness on the north side, stoped 11 m and fed our horses made some chocolate for breakfast, proceeded on 1/2 past 9,
[8] had a rough road, cross’d Shamekin C past thro Sunbury the capital of Northumberland Country, ferryed over the river in 1/2 an hour a mile a crop, fed our horses in Northumberland town 8 m proceeded along thro rather a barren soil, tho considerably cultivated, cross’d Chilasquaky C. came on the bank of the west branch of Susquehanna, the land good, as also the road, got to Milton about 6 a small town 12 m put up at John Brady’s tavern, I being very uneasy took a little medicine, soaked my feet and went to bed before sunset without supper. Cousin being very kind in waiting on me, they call’d for their supper. It being a time of frolicing a great many men were there drinking and fighting most of the night, that we could not take our rest, indeed it did so impress my mind with sorrow that I could not refrain from weeping.
26th 1st day
Set out at 4, travelled several m on the bank of the river, good road, cool morn considerable white frost, stoped at David Shannon 8 m, got a very good breakfast and grain for the horses, as soon as I went into the house I discover’d something ailed the landlord, he he made such heavy moans, and query’d
[9] what was the matter, he said he had got about building, and thought so much, that he had got low in his mind. I told him he had a fine barn a good looking place and materials ready for building his house and had no cause to be discouraged, he said he had been a hard working industrious man and helped thro many difficulties by the hand of providence, but all was nothing to him now. We told him that hand that had helped would yet, if we did but trust, he said he had strived all he could but could not help it, if he was as he once was and saw one of us so, he would have thought we might help it, but we knew no till we were tried, he seemed very sensible of his situation and possess’d of tender feelings.
Indeed I felt a near sympathy for him and it revived a stronger impression in my Mind of our own weakness than I almost ever felt before unless aided by a power superior to my own. half past 8 proceeded, passed thro a small village, crossed muncey (?) C, & got to Wm Ellis’s half past 12, 10 m, they were gone to meeting, it seemed pleasant to get amongst friends, having scarcely saw the sight of one since we left Lancaster. This afternoon wrote home, in the evening the family was collected Wm Ellis [illegible[ read several chapters in the testament
[10] wherein a comfortable time of silence was witnessed to prevail.
Journal and Correspondence
Rachel Coope (1771-1807) was a Quaker who became a teacher among the Seneca of the Allegheny region in New York State in 1805 until her death in 1807. One of two manuscript compilations of her letters and journal by her father, Jonathan Sharpless.
Coope, Rachel, 1771-1807
1807
36 pps.
reformatted digital
MSS003/043