1825 Dr Jonathan Barber Philadelphia Manuscript Archive Handwritten Letters

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1825 Dr Jonathan Barber Philadelphia Manuscript Archive Handwritten Letters:
$300.00

Grouping of three handwritten letters

*Philadelphia October 18, 1825 to Major Gardner York (Pennsylvania) by Jonathan Barber

*York 19 Oct. 1825 to The Right Rev. Bishop White in Philadelphia By an anonymous hand - a scathing letter about Jonathan Barber.

*Philadelphia October 25, 1825 to Major Gardner York Pennsylvania from Jonathan Barber

I transcribed the letters to the best of my ability. There were only a few words undistinguishable.

Transcribed Letter

York 19 Oct 1825

Rev Sir,

The writer of this would beg leave to caution you against a man who calls himself by Jon. Barber, and is a man in your city said Barber has resided for some time in this place and I believe when you were last here you were introduced to him, it is unnecessary for me to go into a lengthy detail of this mans character, suffice it to say, that he is an abundant profligate totally destitute of all moral - and unworthy the notice or confidence of any good man, should ye have any doubts as to the facts of this you can be more-informed by applying to any of your (torn from seal) friends at Washington or any of the heads of your church at this place, cursing, - and fighting with almost every one An- his -- amusements And in Washington he recently took the benefit of the - Law, and in Hanover he resided for some time he had left his emotions to prevail their credibility no doubt it will be the same with his creditors of this place in a short time.

(an anonymous letter)

Transcribed Letter from Barber to John Gardner

Major Gardner York

My dear sir

Philadelphia Oct 18, 1825

I know what sincere pleasure it will give you to learn my prospects in this city are not only good but flattering. The clergy are forming a distinct class by themselves, and their influence is such a practical exhibition of their opinion of my system will insure me success in other quarters. Your letters have been of great use to me. Mr Meredith Mr Graff, Genl. Caldwallders\' son indeed all yours & Genl. Ash\'s friends shew me great attention and kindness. Genl. Patterson, I shall see today & have made appointment with Mr Graff to see the Water Works

Mr Jaudon, an influential teacher here, has promised me his encouragement in a word, I am satisfied that in 6 weeks from this time, I shall be in full employ, among the first classes here.

[Page 2]

I am also forming a class of ladies with M Muhlenberg\'s assistance. I found at Lancaster, great -- had been employed to injure both me and my dear Mrs B. I believe by Franklin I wish I could ascertain it to a certainty. Genl. Ash, however, has greatly turned the scale and I left Lancaster with as many friends as I had before.

I find Gnl. Ash has been disappointed of his friends here, but he has kindly promised me $150 in bank which I am anxious to receive as soon as possible. As I have borrowed something of Mrs. Muhlenberg - which I am anxious to return. Permit me to constitute you guardian for my character in my absence, if you should see Dr. Athee (sp??) give him if you please a concentrate ? (??) of circumstances. He had been misled.

[ page 3]

Accept herewith my acknowledgment of the thirty doll., you so kindly lent me, if you require them to take out of the 150 or make it $120 in Bank, unless it be perfectly convenient to wait till my tickets are issued. Thus I leave entirely to yourself. In all events permit me to assure you of the warm and grateful friendship , I entertain & must always feel toward you. I --( loss from broken seal) express a hope , that, \" in a still time when there shall be no chiding\" in the words of Milton, I may enjoy u allowed the pleasure and advantage of your friendship & society . Adieu dear sir. Believe me now & ever

Yr. frd.& Sert. ( your friend and servant)

Jonathan Barber

PS I am anxious --(? Gnl. ?) take the Book

Transcribed letter from Jonathan Barber to Major Gardner York Pennsylvania

October 25, 1825

My dear sir!

You will be able to judge by the enclosed of the meanest and malignity of my enemies at York. I should be glad if possible to discover the author the hand does not seem (?) signed(?)

Is it Bowie? I know he is an enemy of mine. It has entirely failed of its object. I showed the Bishop my English and the letters as the best reply to it. I write however, partly, to say to you that some of my friends here, Mr. Ridgley and the Rev Mr Boyd, especially, that if you and the General would write to Bishop White, stating that you are fully acquainted with the circumstances out of which this attack on my character originated and that you had, not withstanding introduced me to your friends here, that such a letter might be shewn to the clergy here & would completely settle the matter. The clergy are forming an exclusive class. D. Mitchell, a very promising and rising man here and five other physicians have incorporated themselves in a class, gentlemen of the Bar have also become pupils, among others Mr Ash, the Genls brother .. In a word

[page 2]

My success here is certain & will be very extensive. I shall also introduce my book in schools. The principal of the Quaker College is now learning the system and has promised to introduce it immediately. On Saturday last I lectured to 500 people & a most respectable audience. I have been requested to repeat the lecture in the Musical ---- Society\'s hall which will hold 2000. I have little doubt it will be full. Your friend Mr Meredith offered the other night to introduce me to the Wistar Club, but my lecture prevented. I shall see the gentlemen at their next meeting on Friday Night I am to meet the gentlemen of the philosophical society. I could not as yet have heard from Genl. Ash but presume I shall in a day or two. I hope he has recd the books. Very unexpectedly met with a Brother from England, a surgeon in the English Navy. He is employed to sell Estates in Cuba and Jamaica & is busy on procuring documents, he has introductions (?) to the first (finest?) people in New York ..

[page 3]

Baltimore, Philadelphia & Washington they have been of great service to me here.

This indignation(?) at my treatments is such, that I dare not trust him in York, unless I were at his elbow for he has the family failing of bent a fighting man, pray -- & Major let me hear from you if it be only a few lines & fulfill my request about the Bishop. I have written to Gen. Jones to desire he will be so good, also as with to him I would wish the crew at York to know that their attempts to injure me have utterly failed. I shall remain here some months and shall have much more than I can do after (small loss from seal) next lecture, I am satisfied.

Do you ever see my little boy, I told him to call upon you . My wife is well & pleased with Phila

It is probable we will not leave the city till the summer.

I have written very hastily, but beg to assure you of my grateful & constant remembrances.

Very truly yours, Jonathan Barber (JonatBarber)

Present me most kindly to Genl Ash& my -- (? Congrats ? Compts?) to his lady.

My best respects to Kelly when you see him?

[Last page]

PS I have been thinking perhaps, Major would let me have Genl. Jones\'s letter if he were asked to do so. I am unwilling to trouble the Genl. again so soon: when you write to me at all events mention your (?) seen that letter & I will hold the letter. I have written to him -

{Also on back}

Major Gardner York Pennsylvania

Doctor Barber

I received your answer. I have told the Bishop there is such a letter & that you have seen it, adieu

Jonathan Barber, son of a pharmacist, was born in 1784 in Scarborough, England, practiced medicine there and in London as a member of the Royal College of Surgeons, and immigrated to the U. S. in 1820 and he died in 1864. After leaving England in 1820, he practiced medicine for several years in Washington, following which he changed his focus to literary pursuits, especially literature and elocution. He taught at Yale, and then in 1829-30 became an instructor at Harvard, teaching in the Department of Rhetoric and Oratory until the close of 1834.

The Book Barber was referencing was \"Exercises in reading and recitation\" published in York Pennsylvania in 1825

William White (The Bishop) 1748-1836, was the first and fourth Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal church of the United States. He was the first Bishop of the diocese of Pennsylvania. Philanthropist, he and friend and neighbor Richard Rush remained in Philadelphia to help tend to the ill of yellow fever in the 1790s when other wealthy prominent citizens fled.

the Water Works Constructed between 1812-1815 following series of yellow fever epidemics.

From estate of heirs of John Gardner of York Pennsylvania who practiced law in the early 1800s.

Condition

Original - unrestored

Creased from generations of being stored in a document box

Minor stains or foxing

Age toning

Some loss from wax seals

Minor holes in folds

For almost 200 years old- good

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