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ORIGINAL JANUARY 1843 SCHROON, ESSEX COUNTY, NEW YORK LETTER
An interesting original handwritten letter dated January 22, 1843, from Schroon, Essex County, New York. The writer, who signs with the initials “J.L.K.,” describes winter travel through the Adirondack region, his accommodations at an unnamed tavern or lodging house beside the lake, and his journey through Schroon and Ticonderoga.
The letter was addressed to “Mrs. E. C. Knox,” apparently in care of Arthur W. Hopkins in Troy, New York. The folded address panel bears a Ticonderoga postmark dated January 23, one day after the letter was written.
CONTENT HIGHLIGHTS
The writer discusses:
• Staying at a tavern or lodging house near Schroon Lake
• Winter travel through Essex County and the Adirondacks
• A trip to Ticonderoga
• Plans involving Port Henry, Burlington and other regional destinations
• Visits with friends, including a Mr. Thurman, his wife Sarah and Miss M. Elliott
• Family members referred to as Father, Mother, Henry and Harry
• His wife Elizabeth and their young child, Thomas or “Tom”
• Personal observations about the countryside, weather, roads and local hospitality
FAMILY IDENTIFICATION
The available evidence suggests that the writer was a man named J. L. Knox and that the recipient was his wife, Elizabeth C. Knox. Their young son is identified in the letter as Thomas, familiarly called Tom. Arthur W. Hopkins may have been a relative or family friend with whom Elizabeth was staying in Troy, although that relationship has not been conclusively established.
HISTORICAL INTEREST
This is a useful firsthand account of travel in the Adirondack region before Schroon Lake developed into a major resort destination. In 1843, travelers generally depended upon taverns, stage stops, farmhouses and private lodging rather than the large commercial hotels that appeared later in the nineteenth century.
The writer does not name his lodging establishment. The early Schroon Lake House and Lockwood Tavern are possible regional candidates, but no definitive identification is claimed.
Transcription:Schroon, Essex County, N.Y.Sunday A.M., 22 Jan’y ’43
My dear Elizabeth,
Here I am, in a small tavern by the side of a lake, surrounded by mountains, with perhaps a dozen houses in sight—a beautiful spot in summer, but rather dreary now. I am very comfortable, however—a good bed last night, nice trout for supper & breakfast, & a warm fire to sit by while writing.
I staid at Centre [75 from home—115 miles before] two days. I met Mr. K. Thurman at the village Friday, rode out to his place, 3 miles, & spent the night. Had a very pleasant visit. His wife & Miss M. Elliott, my old [friends], they were happy to see me & treated me with great hospitality.
Sarah thought I might have brought you & the baby & staid with them until my return—as they have no neighbors, it is quite a relief to have a visitor. They live very pleasantly, comfortably—as near as we can judge from outward appearances. Sarah has been more fortunate than most girls. I think John a fine man. He has changed materially since his marriage—always honest & well meaning, he has become very thoughtful, wishes to be good himself, & have his influence make others so.
About 9 P.M. the household were called together. He read a chapter in the Bible, & then prayer—in the morning the same. It seemed to have an effect. Everything was quiet & orderly.
They have a fine child. It came to me & I had a fine frolic with it—very healthy, weighs 21 lbs. It brought to mind our dear little one, & caused me to think more of home. How I should enjoy being with you today. It appears so long since I left you—not hearing either—but I hope to, at Ticonderoga, where I expect to get this afternoon.
I shall send this from there, & will let you know where to write to me next. Do write me good long letters—how you are, & all about Tom.
I have been delayed in my journey thus far, snow & way breaking taking longer to accomplish than I expected.
I arrived here last night, 6 hours from Schroon—21 miles—part of the way in a sleigh & the other in a wagon. Very tedious. This is a miserable place to stay in—nothing to eat that is “eatable.”
The weather is delightfully warm—but too much so for the travelling. You may write me first to Plattsville, then to Burlington, Vt.
Kiss our little darling many times for me. Hunt him in mind often [so] that he may not forget me. Love to Father, Mother, Henry, Harry, & your dear self.
I have not got letters here, but could not much expect them, as the last mail left N.Y. Friday. I hope to get them tomorrow, when there will be another mail. I also have not forwarded, as I shall leave here today for Port Henry.
I am very well—the travelling agrees with me. Hoping you are all well.
I am your dear loving husband,
J.L.K.
Address panel
Miss E. C. [surname uncertain]
Care of Arthur W. Hopkins
Troy, N.Y.
Red circular postmark:
TICONDEROGA, N.Y.
JAN 23
Manuscript postal rate marking: 25
The sheet also bears a red wax-seal remnant and a later receiving or filing notation.
A few expressions remain uncertain, particularly “snow & way breaking” and part of the instruction concerning their child. The principal content, locations, dates and travel narrative are nevertheless quite clear.
