Carol Knowles Carol Ann Knowles (F36955221)

October 2017

To the readers of these transcriptions of family letters:

My father, Loren M. Knowles (F3695522), entrusted the family archives to me in 1990. I was concerned about preserving those priceless artifacts, since I could not store them in a suitable temperature-, light- and humidity-controlled environment. I suggested to Dad that I transcribe the letters on a computer so at least their content would endure the test of time and could be searched. He readily agreed. It was an arduous project for both of us – I did the initial transcriptions; and Dad proofread them, adding comments and cataloguing identification numbers for many people mentioned that I subsequently incorporated in the computer file. (He did his part without the benefit of a computer!)

The transcriptions were initially done in DOS and then later converted to a .pdf format in Windows. When the original letters were to be donated to The Newberry Library as part of the Loren M. Knowles Family Papers collection, they had to be re-typed to include additional notations by my father from years past. Because of the size of the files, they have been divided into sections chronologically.

A lion’s effort has been made to assure accuracy, but it is readily acknowledged the transcriptions are not perfect. I tried to type the contents exactly as they were written (misspellings and all), only to discover that SpellCheck was sporadically “cleaning up after me”. So, some survived -- some did not.

I checked the cataloguing numbers to make certain they correlate with the name of each relative to which they were assigned in my father’s archives of information. Those compilations are in separate files under KNOWLES (relatives on my father’s side) and KAUFFMAN (those on the side of Betty Lorraine Kauffman Knowles, my father’s first wife and my mother). The cataloguing numbers for those descendants with direct ties to family members begin with a capital letter. Those who are related by marriage or were known to a family member have each been assigned a number followed by a lower case letter. I found some inconsistencies and corrected as many of them as I could, based on the records available to me. (EXAMPLE: Some of the original letters have F36953 listed for Sarah E. Knowles (maiden name Sarah E. Clark) – the appropriate number is 145f.) For reasons unknown, my father frequently misspelled the name Hannibal as “Hannible” on the original letters and/or envelopes. Not all names include a correlating cataloguing number. I suggest cross-referencing any family member mentioned in the transcriptions with the compilations of information also available to you online.

With few exceptions, a copy of the original letter is provided with the corresponding transcription.

I have included additional information in brackets and at the end of some letters that I believe is pertinent to unrelated parties mentioned in them. That information has been garnered from online sources. I recommend further research to make certain it is appropriate and accurate.

TO DO A SEARCH OF THESE .PDF DOCUMENTS:

• For PC users, hold down the CTRL key and then press F. • For Mac users, hold down the COMMAND key and then press F. • Type in the desired name, word or number in the FIND box in the upper right-hand corner and then • press ENTER or RETURN.

Carol Knowles Carol Ann Knowles (F36955221)

Letter addressed to Mr. Asa Adgate Esquire (C1887), Chesterfield, County Essex N.Y from Benjamin Bacon (318C) [husband of Hannah Bacon (maiden name Hannah Adgate) (C1886)]. Written in the upper left-hand corner of the address face is: 17, New Lebanon NY 5 April 1814.

Canaan 30th March 1814

Dear Sir. According to your request and my inclination I now with pleasure attempt to fulfilling my obligations although a longer time has elapsed without writing you than was my intention at your departure. Truly procrastination is the thief of time. We delay from doing today not only the performance of relative duties but often our everlasting concerns. I have the pleasure to acquaint you that Hannah [C1886] has been recovering her health since you left here and is now almost rested to her former health. She was able in the space of two weeks to ride abroad and has made several visits in the neighbourhood and is now able to attend to light labour. She has not had but one breast lanced and the pain in her ancle in a few days subsided The rest of our family are well. Eunice requests her love to you and to her Brother and sister She has as yet the appearance of contentment. It is a time of health news at present the Patterson's [see C1889] and Esq Lord's [213c] families are well Philuny Hawley [probably relative of 263c -- see C1883] is at Carlile with her Brothers is expected her this spring We have been anxiously waiting to hear from you but have not as yet received any letter as I have not had an opportunity of sending to the post office for a week just I fancy that I shall now meet its reception and as we have the means of transmiting to each other by epistolany communication such information, as we desire the privilege of which I should wish might be oftener improved by us than it has heretofore been Please to remember us to your Father and the family generally

With sentiments of respect - Yours &c

Benjamin H Bacon

Mr Asa Adgate

Letter from Asa Adgate (C1887) to Hone R. J. Meigs J [Return J. Meigs, Jr.] - Esquire, Post Master Genl. Undated, but pertinent to the time period of 3/1815 to 3/1817.

Honble – R. J. Meigs J. Esqr. Post Master Gen’l

Sir -

Yours of the 9th June I am incloseing a letter from W. Edson proposing an alteration in the Post Rout from Elizabeth Town to the Town of Willsborough in the county of Essex I have Received in Regard to the alteration I must beg leave to observe that if the Petition for a Post Route from the Town of Essex South on the west side of Lake Champlain to Ticonderoga & from thense South westerly on the East side of Lake George to the Town of Calwell in the County of Warren Which is now before the Committee of Post office & Post Rodes; should be granted which I think unquestionably will be; I have a doubt wheather the circutous Rout of 16 miles North East to the Town of Essex & from these 15 miles Northwest to Chesterfield will be so beneficial Either to the Revenue of the Post office or to the Public convenience, as it would be to continue the Rout North on a good Road 18 miles to the office of Alvah Boswerth in the Town of Chesterfield when Either Route must come in - the Relative Geographical situation of those Town, and the Roads Leading through there are undoubtedly sufficiently disignated on the Map to Give a general view should any more Particular Information however be wished Respecting the Roads or the Settlements in those Towns I shall be happy sir to give it either by a Personal Interview or by writing as Shall be most agreeable I am sir Very Respectfuly Your obt Hum______[obedient humble servant?] A Adgate

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON R.J. MEIGS, JR.: Return Jonathan Meigs, Jr. (November 17, 1764 – March 29, 1825) was a Democratic-Republican politician from Ohio. He served as the fourth Governor of Ohio, fifth United States Postmaster General, and as a United States Senator.

Meigs was born in Middletown, Connecticut, the son of Return J. Meigs, Sr. and the descendant of early Puritan settlers in Massachusetts. He graduated from Yale College in 1785 and studied law there. In 1788, after being admitted to the bar in Connecticut, he moved to Marietta, Ohio, where his father had been one of the first settlers, arriving earlier that year.

In Marietta, Meigs was a lawyer, storekeeper and farmer, as well as serving in public offices. He was appointed the first court clerk for the court established at Marietta in 1788. When a post office was established in Marietta in 1794, he became its first postmaster. In 1798 he was named to a judgeship on the Northwest Territory's territorial court, and in 1799 he won election to the territorial legislature.

In 1803 he was appointed the first Chief Justice of the Ohio State Supreme Court. He served in that position for a year before serving as a judge in the Louisiana Territory and Michigan Territory. He returned to Ohio in 1807 to run for governor. He won the election, but was declared ineligible for failing to meet the residency requirements. He then was appointed to the U.S. Senate to finish the term of John Smith and was re-elected to his own term a year later. He resigned in late 1810 after winning the governorship.

He served two two-year terms, resigning in April 1814 when appointed Postmaster general by President Madison. His service as Postmaster General was not without controversy. Congress investigated him twice, and he was cleared both times. The size of the Post office doubled during his tenure, which implicated financial difficulties. He served until 1823, when he retired due to ill health and returned to Marietta. Meigs died in Marietta on March 29, 1825, and is buried in Marietta's Mound Cemetery.

This is a portion of a letter, believed to have been written by Asa Adgate (C1887) around 1815. Letter is written on watermarked paper which reads "Ruse & Turners 1815". No envelope.

Dear Sir

I have not forgoten Your Request not my own Engagement to write to you on my arrival home; but the badness of the Roads and the Ise in the Lake has prevented the male from crossing for about two weeks past - and I now improved the first opertuni of informing you that I arrived at my place of Residence on the 7th or 8th of the Present month I found my friends all well; their is a general complaint of hard times in this part of the country and many Poor People are much Put to it to Live; the contrast between the collage of the Poor & the Pallace of the President or the Nabols of the South is to great to pass unnoticed & would to heaven the scene were Reversed at Long enough to give the latter a tast of the Bitter cup of Poverty & want…

Letter addressed to the Honb Asa Adgate Esq (C1887), Member of Congress, Washington City from Reuben Whallon.

Albany 22d Nov 1815

Sir

Solomon Southweck [Southwick] wishes the office of Post Master for this city with Mr Southweck [Southwick] I presume you have long been acquainted therefore on the subject of his merits I need not say any thing but hope you will cheerfully hand him your _____ tance in procuring the appointment. Mr Knox[?] the Late Postmaster died Last night and I think the appointment of Wm Southwick would be well received by the body of the citizens of this place -

Will you have the goodness to advise me from time to time of the movement at the seat of Government and believe me your friend & huml Sert

Reuben Whallon

A Adgate Esqr

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON REUBEN WHALLON: A search of online old books from this time period include the name of a Reuben Whallon as post master. There is no reference to this in the Wikipedia information under the same name. Reuben Whallon apparently had a grandson bearing his namesake, but no reference was found of an earlier descendant of this Reuben Whallon whose age would be appropriate and pertinent to the letter above.

Reuben Whallon (December 7, 1776 – April 15, 1843) was a U.S. Representative from New York. Born in Bedminster, New Jersey, Whallon attended the common schools. He moved to Argyle, Washington County, New York. He was appointed Justice of the Peace for the township of Argyle March 13, 1806, and served until 1811. He then moved to Essex, New York, in 1814. He was a large landowner, farmer, merchant, mill owner, and ironmaster. He served as captain and major in the New York State Militia in 1803–1814. He served as member of the State assembly in 1808, 1809, and 1811. Supervisor of the town of Essex in 1818, 1819, 1827, and 1828. First judge of Essex County Court of Common Pleas 1831–1838. Whallon was elected as a Jacksonian to the Twenty-third Congress (March 4, 1833 – March 3, 1835). He served as chairman of the Committee on Expenditures on Public Buildings (Twenty-third Congress). He again engaged in his former business pursuits. He died on his estate at Whallons Bay, town of Essex, New York, on April 15, 1843. He was interred in Whallons Bay Cemetery.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON SOLOMON SOUTHWICK, JR.: Solomon Southwick, Jr. was educated in Newport and initially apprenticed as a baker. He briefly pursued training as a commercial sailor, and moved to New York City in 1791 to become apprenticed as a printer. In 1792 he relocated to Albany, New York to work for the Albany Register, a newspaper aligned with the Democratic-Republican Party, which was owned by Robert and John Barber. His older brother Henry Southwick had also settled in Albany to begin a career as a printer, which likely influenced Solomon Southwick’s decision to move from New York City. Henry Southwick later worked with Solomon Southwick on the Albany Register. Robert Barber left the Albany Register later in 1792, and Solomon Southwick became a partner in the newspaper and its associated printing business. In 1795 he married Jane Barber, the sister of Robert and John Barber.

In addition to editing the Albany Register, Southwick became active in civic life and took part in politics as a Democratic-Republican. He served on Albany’s volunteer fire department beginning in 1801, and was Clerk of the New York State Assembly from 1803 to 1806, and Clerk of the New York State Senate from 1807 to 1808.

From 1808 to 1810 Southwick served as Albany County Sheriff. In 1812 he was appointed to the New York State Board of Regents, and he served until 1823. Southwick studied law with Harmanus Bleecker, and was admitted to the bar in 1813. He was the official state printer, and continued to serve in local offices, including Postmaster of Albany. At the founding of the Farmers’ and Mechanics’ Bank in 1811, Southwick was elected to serve as its President. In 1812 Southwick was tried for the charge of attempting to bribe Assembly Speaker Alexander Sheldon to procure Assembly votes in favor of a new central bank to replace the First Bank of the United States after the first bank’s charter had expired. Southwick appeared in court in Johnstown to face Judge James Kent. He was prosecuted by Thomas Addis Emmet, and defended by Aaron Burr, Daniel Cady, Abraham Van Vechten and Ebenezer Foote. The trial ended with Southwick’s acquittal.

By 1817 or 1818 Southwick’s political views were no longer in line with those of the Democratic-Republicans, and he ceased publication of the Albany Register. He then published several specialty newspapers, including The Plough Boy, a publication that provided information about farming in New York and advocated the creation of local, county and state agricultural societies. He also published and edited the Christian Visitant, a religious magazine, and the National Democrat, a political newspaper that opposed the Democratic- Republicans. Southwick also ran quixotic campaigns for the United States House of Representatives and Governor of New York in 1822 as the candidate of the National Democrats (also called the National Republican Party). In addition, Southwick opened an office that organized and operated lotteries to raise money for state projects and programs. According to Thurlow Weed and other contemporaries, Southwick appeared in the mid-1820s to have become eccentric, and consulted fortune tellers and mystics in an effort to obtain winning lottery numbers for contests held in other states. Weed and others indicate that Southwick acted for several years as though every time he checked his mail, he was sure to be notified that he had won a large sum; but he never did. When Southwick sustained personal financial losses in operating New York's lotteries, the state reimbursed him.

At the founding of the Anti-Masonic Party, Southwick became one of its chief organizers and proponents. He published the National Observer, an Anti-Masonic newspaper -- he ran unsuccessfully for Governor as an Anti-Mason in 1828.

By 1831 Anti-Masonic influence in New York was on the wane, and Southwick decided to take no further part in politics. He became a popular moralizer and sermonizer on the statewide lecture circuit and frequently delivered addresses including The Bible, Temperance, and Self-Education, many of which were also reproduced as pamphlets. From 1837 to 1839 he was associated with the Family Newspaper, a periodical that was published by his son, Alfred.

Southwick died suddenly in Albany on November 18, 1839. He was originally buried in Episcopal Church Cemetery on State Street in Albany and then later reinterred in Albany Rural Cemetery.

Letter addressed to Honble Asa Adgate Esqr, Member of Congress, Washington City (C1887) from David B. McNeil of Essex, dated 1/1/1816. Marked “Free” in handwriting in upper right-hand corner.

Sir

The mail is now in operation, which leads from the head of Lake George to this place -

The proper of Crownpoint [Crown Point] some time since petitioned the Post Master General to appoint Elijah Grosvenor Junior Post Master for that Town. You must be sensible, that it is of importance to the inhabitants of Crownpoint to have a Post office in their Town, as letters mailed for that Town have already come to the Essex Post office & have been sent back to Mariah Post office, as being nearest the Town of Crownpoint. There is no Town upon the lake shore, that has suffered more inconvenience since the settlement of this County for the want of the privileges & benefitt of a mail than the Town of Crownpoint. Their condition in this respect is but little , if without they can have the benefit of a Post office in their Town. At the request of a friend in Crownpoint I have taken the liberty to address you on the subject in question & hope that it will be in your power speedily to gratify the inhabitants of that Town with a Post Master, that they may derive the benefits they contemplated in the establishment of a mail rout through their Town - Yours with respect & esteem - David B. McNeil

Hon A. Adgate Esqr

Letter to Honl A. Adgate [Asa Adgate] (C1887), House of R. from R.J. Meigs Jr. [Post Master General at that time]

Genl Post Office Jany 9th 1816

Sir

Enclosed you have a letter from the lake post Master at Essex on the subject of a Mail route, which I will thank you to examine and return with your opinion thereon,

I am Sir Yours &c. Respectfully R.J. Meigs J

Honl A Adgate House of R

Letter addressed to Asa Adgate (C1887) Esqr M,C, in Congress, Washington on the folded paper. Additionally there is a circular stamping in brownish red ink that reads PHI at the top, 22 in the center, and PA at the bottom. In the same color of ink is handwritten “Free”.

Philadelphia JanY 22. 1816

Dear Sir

We having left Germantown for more than two Months. Your polite envelope with my Father's Letter did not come to hand untill last week - Please to accept our best thanks for your kind attention in forwarding the same - Should you be writinq home be so qood as to mention that you have heard from me that through divine goodness I am better. That I last week send a letter to Father by the Mail enclosinq a Twenty Dollar Bank Bill - we now reside as above dated at N° 371 - North-front - Where on your return we shall be very glad to see you & do hope you will make our Dwelling your Home should you make any stay in Philadelphia - wishing you health & happiness & the Blessing of Heaven on all your deliberation & discussions Believe me to be most respectfully your obliged &c

Thomas Dunn

To Asa Adgate Esqr in Congress, Washington

Letter addressed to The Hon Asa Adgate (C1887) in Congress, Washington from A. Drury [not believed to be a relative]. Address on the folded paper also bears a circular cancellation stamp of reddish-brown ink, the readable parts of which are ALBANY Ja__ stamp appears in the lower left-hand corner. In the upper right-hand corner in the same reddish-brown ink is handwritten "Free".

Albany Jany 29th 1816

Dear Sir improving the first opportunity that has offerd sinc I left washington to inform you the evening that I left you I went to Mr Davis [Davuses?] and could not get Lodging I was obliged to return to Mrs Smoots[?] where I Boarded in the morning the servant man came into the room to call me and I Expect that he took the Letters out of my pocket which you gave me after I got into the stage I mist the Letters and imediatly made search but I Could not finde them I wish you would call at Mrs Smoots[?] and see if they have been Discovered, if there was anything that was important in them I wish you to write me

Your most obedent Servt

A Drury Hon Asa Adgate

Handwritten document, dated 2/27/1816, that is self-explanatory.

Know all men by these presents that I Peter Chalmers late a Corporal in Captain R.R. Kendalls Company in the thirty fourth Regiment of Infantry who was inlisted the twentieth day of April one Thousand eight hundred and fourteen to serve dureing the war and honorably discharged from the Army of the United States on the twenty second day of July one thousand eight hundred and fifteen and? will more fully appear by my original discharge hereunto annexed Have and by these presents Do nominate Constitute Y appoint Asa Adgate Equire (C1887) my True and Lawful Attorney for me and in my name, and in my behalf to procure and receive from such officer, person or persons, as shall be legally Authorised to grant the same, a Warrant for the quantity of land to which I am entitled for the services rendered by me as a Corporal in the Army of the United States during the late war, pursuant to the laws of the United States in such case made and provided, and I do further hereby empower the said Asa Adgate to do and to perform, all such acts and things, and to give such a receipt or Receipts or Execute such instrument or instruments in Writing as shall be required, in as full and ample a manner as I could myself do were I personally present. And I do further empower him to constitute & appoint an attorney or attorneys under him for the said purposes & also at his pleasure to revoke the same, and do hereby ratify and confirm whatever my said attorney or his substitute shall lawfully do in the premises. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal at Peru in the County of Clinton of State of New York this 27th day of February one Thousand Eight hundred and Sixteen

Signed Sealed and Delivered Peter Chalmers in presence of

William Green Charles Haight

State of New York and County of Clinton ______

Peter Chalmers being duly sworn doth despose and say that he is the same person described in and who executed the above power of attorney and that the same is his own free and voluntary act for the purposes mentioned therein.

Sworn to and Subscribed this 27th day Peter Chalmers of February 1816 before me

Abijah N. Ketchum J. Peace

State of New York and William Green & Charles Haight County of Clinton

being Duly sworn, depose and say that they and each of them are personally Acquainted with the above named Peter Chalmers and well know him to be the person described in the above power of attorney

Sworn & Subscribed this William Green day of February 1816 Charles Haight before me Abijah N. Ketchum J. Peace state of New York County of Clinton

I certify the above named Wm Green and Charles Height [Haight] are credible witnesses Dated the 27 day of February 1816

Abijah N. Ketchum J. Peru

I Charles Platt clerk of the County of Clinton & State of New York do hereby certify that Abijah N Ketchum before whom the above affidavits appear to have been made is a ______acting under the authority of this State and that the above is his signature

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto let my hand and affixed the seal of the said County &c this 28 day of February one Thousand Eight hundred and Sixteen

Chas Platt Clerk of Clinton County

On the outside of the document, on one of the folds, it reads:

Peter Chalmers

To. Powers of Attorney

Asa Adgate to receive Bounty Lands

Letter to Asa Adgate (C1887) Esquire, Member of Congress, Washington City from James McIntyre (not believed to be a relative).

Fair Haven 11th March 1816

Dear Sir

When on my way down to this place, the enclosed Petition was handed me to forward to Congress. I therefore take the liberty of sending it to you, with the expectation that you will be so good as pay the necessary attention to it.

I have recd your polite answer to my letter on the subject of the internal duties - for which you will be pleased to accept of my thanks.

I am Sir very Respectfully Your Obliged Humble servant

James McIntyre

Asa Adgate Esq

Handwritten document, dated March 26, 1816, that is self-explanatory. No envelope.

Know all men by these Presents that I. John P. Baker late a private of the twenty sixth Regiment of Infantry who was enlisted on the Sixth day of February eighteen hundred and Fifteen to Serve during the war and Honorably discharged from the Army of the United States on the third day of May eighteen hundred and fifteen as will more fully appear by my original discharge hereunto annexed - - - Have and by these presents do nominate, constitute and appoint Asa Adgate Esquire [C1887] (now a representative in the congress of the United States of America from the Twelfth Congressional district of the State of New York) My true and Lawful attorney for me and in my behalf to procure and receive from Such officer, Person or Persons as shall be legally authorized to grant or warrant for the quantity of Land to which I am entitled for the Servises rendered as a private in the army of the United States During the late war - Pursuant to the Law of the United States in such case made and provided - And I do further hereby authorize the Said Asa Adgate to do and perform all such acts and things and to give ' such Receipt or Receipts or execute Such instrument or instruments in writing as Shall be required in as full and ample a manner as I myself could do were I personally present And I do further empower him to constitute and appoint an attorney or attorneys under him for the Said purposes and also at pleasure to revoke the Same, And I do further hereby ratify and confirm whatever my Said Attorney or his Substitutes Shall Lawfully do in the premises In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the 26 Day of March in the year one thousand eight hundred and sixteen

Signed Sealed and John P Baker Delivered in presence of

E C Gross

State of New York and county of Essex

John P. Baker being Duly Sworn doth depose and Say that he is the Same person described in and executed the above power of Attorney and that the Same is his own voluntary act for the purposes above mentioned therein Sworn to and Subscribed this 26 day of March one thousand eight hundred and Sixteen before me -

John P Baker

E C Gross Justice of the Peace

I Clerk of the County of Essex and State of New York do hereby certify that Ezra C. Gross - before whom the within affidavits appears to have been made is a Justice of the peace acting under the authority of this State and that the within is his Signature

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the Said County of Essex this 26th day of March in the year one thousand eight hundred and Sixteen -

Thomas Stower Clerk

______State Depy

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THOMAS STOWER: Thomas Stower was born 3/10/1767 and by his wife, Lois Hoffnagle, had 14 children. He was Sheriff of Essex County, NY in 1799 and a member of the New York State Assembly in 1803. He subsequently held the office of County Clerk of Essex County from 1813 to 1821 and died 1/30/1858.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON E.C. GROSS: Ezra Carter Gross (July 11, 1787 Hartford, Windsor County, Vermont – April 9, 1829 Albany, New York) was an American lawyer and politician from New York. He graduated from the University of Vermont in 1806. Then he studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1810, and practiced first in Elizabethtown and later in Keeseville, both in Essex County, New York. He was appointed a Master in Chancery in 1812. He served in the War of 1812, and held a commission in the New York Militia from 1814 to 1821. He was Surrogate of Essex County from 1815 to 1819. He was Town Supervisor of Elizabethtown in 1818, 1823 and 1824. Gross was elected as a Democratic- Republican to the 16th United States Congress, holding office from March 4, 1819, to March 3, 1821. Afterwards he resumed the practice of law. He was a member from Essex Co. of the New York State Assembly in 1828 and 1829, and died during the legislative session in Albany on April 9, 1829. He was buried in Evergreen Cemetery in Keeseville.

Document folded in half and then folded in fourths. Dated 3/26/1816, re: Power of attorney given to Asa Adgate (C1887). No envelope.

Know all men by these presents that I Peter Mochrie Late a private of Capt Danvers[?] company of the twentyninth Regiment of United States Infantry who was enlisted on the fifteenth Day of Decr eighteen hundred and fourteen to Serve during the war [presumed to reference the War of 1812], and honorably Discharged from the Army of the United States aforesaid on the Twenty ninth day of June eighteen hundred and fifteen, as will more fully appear by my original discharge hereunto annexed - Have and by these presents do nominate constitute and appoint Asa Adgate [C1887] Esqr (now a representative in the Congress of the United States of America from the Twelfth Congressional District of the State of New York) my true and lawful attorney for me and in my name and behalf to procure and receive from such officer - Person or Persons as shall be legally authorized to grant a warrant for the quantity of Land to which I am entitled for the Servises rendered as a private in the Army of the Untied States During the last war Pursuant to the law of the United States in such case made and provided - And I do further hereby authorize the said Asa Adgate to do and perform all such acts and things and to give such receipt or Receipts or execute such instrument or instruments in writing as shall be required in as full and ample a manner as I myself could do were I personally present - And I do further empower him to constitute and appoint an attorney or attorneys under him for the said purposes and also at pleasure to revoke the same - And I do further hereby ratify and confirm whatever my said attorney or his substitutes shall Lawfully do in the premises. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal the 26 Day of March in the year one thousand eight hundred and sixteen . . . .

Signed Sealed and Delivered in presence of Peter Mochrie [signature] EC Gross [signature]

State of New York and county of Essex _____ Peter Mochrie being duly sworn doth depose and say that he is the same person described and who executed the above power of Attorney and that the same is his own Voluntary act for the purposes above mentioned therein Sworn to and Subscribed this 26 Day of March one thousand eight hundred and Sixteen Peter Mochrie [signature]

EC Gross Justice of the Peace [signature]

Continued on reverse side of this page, in a format consistent with that of the original document:

J. Thomas Stower Clerk of the county of Essex and State of New York do hereby certify that Ezra C Gross - before whom the within affidavit appears to have ben made is a Justice of the peace acting under the Authority of this State and that the within is his signature -

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said County of Essex this 26th Day of March in the year one thousand eight hundred and Sixteen

Thomas Stower Clerk, [signature] N York State Depy

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THOMAS STOWER: Thomas Stower was Sheriff of Essex County in 1799, member of the NY State Assembly in 1803 and the County Clerk in 1815.

Letter, not in an envelope, is folded and written in the upper left-hand corner is "Essex NY Apr 4” in the right-hand corner "Free" and it is addressed to Hon. Asa Adgate (C1887) Esqr, Member of Congress, Washington.

March 30, 1816

Dear Sir:

I am requested to inform one of the inhabitants of Elisabethtown that the petition lately sent to you for a mail to be carried from Ticonderoga directly to the Court house to was in my opinion designed to defeat the petition for a mail through the lake towns - Should it be deemed inexpedient however to allow of both routes We submit to you judgment whether the one to the Court house or that on the margin of the lake be the most expedient

Yours respectfully

G. Stow

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON GARDNER STOW: Gardner Stow was the son of Timothy Stow. The family moved first to Warrensburg, and in 1802 to Bolton, New York. In 1806, he went to Sandy Hill, New York to study law and made the acquaintance there of Esek Cowen who was a fellow student and later became a judge of the Fourth Circuit Court. When Cowen was admitted to the bar and commenced practice, Stow continued his studies in the office of Gansevoort and Cowen in Gansevoort's Mills, Saratoga County, New York and was admitted to the bar in 1811. He commenced practice in Elizabethtown, New York; and in 1829, he was Postmaster there and Essex County Treasurer. In 1834, in an address delivered before a Temperance Society in Keeseville, he was "the first man to advocate legislation to prohibit all traffic in intoxicating liquor, as a beverage." Later he lived in Keeseville, New York, and was District Attorney of Essex County from 1838 to 1844. Later he moved to Troy, New York. After the resignation of Levi S. Chatfield, Stow was appointed New York State Attorney General by Governor Horatio Seymour on December 8, 1853, to fill the vacancy until the end of the year.

Letter addressed to Asa Adgate Esqr, (C1887) Member of Congress, Washington, from Benj. Mooers (not believed to be a relative).

Albany 6 April 1816

Sir Yours of the I received the date I however forgot. not having the Letter at hand our Legislature is near the time to adjourn the 15. Such is agreed on by resolutions of North House. We have two important Bills now before us the Canaling & militia organizations the latter we are informed is now before Congress I really hope Congress will Establish a uniform sistem and organisation through out the United States and now in my opinion is the most proper time to go into the measure - with respect to the Canals the center & northern Connecting the waters of Erie & the Hudson & of Champlain and the Hudson are of Great magnitude the State wishes the completion of them but how to bring that about is yet to be devised and I have no doubt but some measures will be adopted before we break up for carrying into Effect there that Great objective I could wish to see the United States taking a part in this measure - the connecting the waters of Champlain and the Hudson is Easily accomplished & perhaps half a million of dollars would affect the object there is one other object in our Northern section that the United States ought in my opinion to take a part in that is the Roads say from Lake George to the Canada Line it makes it the more necessary as a military post is to be Established on Lake Champlain and one other road from Plattsburgh to the westend leading to Locketts Harbour those roads in case of war with Great Britian would be very assential I see that the provisions are about to be made for the payment of the debts of the United States accorded in the late war the republican part of our Government is suffering very much by the delay - our northern section is not the least in their suffering, in that respect had the army been paid some benefits would have been received therefore but an army without money creates misery not only in camp but to all the citizens near to them - in the Quartermasters departments teams & Labours have been finished with Expectations of immediate payment many of whome have been received it has a tendancy to through the Government into the hands of other Rulers - it is believed there is no ______at present of the means but for some reason I think not however why this neglect I hope you will be able to get some thing for our roads - and for Clinton County to rebuild the Court house Burnt by our troops to dislodge the Enemy all have strong claims on Government to be made good - please drop me a line when convenient directed to Plattsburgh

Your Hon Serv Benj Mooers

P.S. please to make my respects to Mr Savage till I have received his letter & intend droping him a line before I leave [?] this

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON BENJAMIN MOOERS: General Benjamin Mooers (April 1, 1758 – February 20, 1838) was born in Haverhill, Massachusetts. He was a lieutenant in the New York militia and the 2nd Canadian Regiment during the American Revolutionary War. In 1783 he settled in the vicinity of Plattsburgh, New York, a frontier settlement at the time. Mooers was a presidential elector in 1808. Gen. Mooers commanded the New York Militia at the Battle of Plattsburgh, September 11, 1814, and later served as a member of the New York legislature. Mooers died on February 20, 1838 and was buried in Riverside Cemetery.

Letter addressed to Hon David Adgate [perhaps Daniel Adgate?], Chesterfield, Essex County from O.C. [Oliver Cromwell] Comstock. Marked "O.C. Comstock M.C.” with "Free" handwritten above it in the upper right-hand corner.

Trumansburg May 25th 16

Dear Sir,

Notwithstanding I had only partially recovered from the ravages of my complaint, I ventured to leave the city on the 7th & arrived at home on the 10th inst. [an archaic expression for “instant”] since which I have experienced a relapse of my complaint, from which I have not perfectly recovered. The other members of my family are in usual health. Contrary to my desire, communicated in oral & written language to my friends & promulgated through the district, I am elected a member of the 15th congress You know the ground of opposition to Wm T. The disapprobation of a certain vote he gave, was not confined to a few as, I had been informed, but was universally felt and manifested. In my county he only obtained five votes - but more of this when I have the happiness to see you. I trust we shall not forget in our separated situations that refined friendship, emenating from congeniality of moral disposition, strengthened by social intercourse & reciprocal kind offers [offices?], during our efforts together to promote the happiness & exalt the destinies of our beloved country.

I have the honor to remain Sir, Your real friend. -

O. C. Comstock

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON O.C. COMSTOCK: Investigation into records of the Fourteenth Congress of the United States Federal Government (March 4, 1815 to March 3, 1817) revealed that O.C. Comstock was the Representative in the House for Trumansburg, New York. Oliver Cromwell Comstock was born in Warwick, R.I. on March 1, 1780. He was a member of the N.Y. State Assembly from 1810-1812; the first judge of common pleas for Seneca County, N.Y. from 1812-1815. He was elected as a Democrat to the 13th, 14th, and 15th Congresses (March 4, 1813-March 3, 1819) and was not a candidate for re- nomination in 1818. He was the first judge of the court of common pleas for Tompkins County in 1817 and 1818. He abandoned the practice of medicine and studied theology. He was ordained in the Baptist ministry and served as the pastor of the First Baptist Church in Rochester, New York from 1825 to 1834. He was elected Chaplain of the National House of Representatives on December 20, 1836 and served until March 3, 1837. Mr. Comstock then moved to Michigan where he resumed ministerial duties in Detroit in 1839. Later he served as regent of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor from 1841-1843 and State

superintendent of public instruction from 1843-1845. He died in Marshall, Michigan on January 11, 1860 and was buried in the Oakridge Cemetery there.

Mr. Comstock is not known to be related to the Knowles or Adgate families.

Letter addressed to Miss Julia F. Adgate (C18871), Chesterfield from Fanny Lord (C18441). An ink spot covers the last two digits of the year.

Canaan Sept 17th 1816[?]

Dear Cousin

I avail myself of this opportunity by Mr Patterson [336c] to remind you of your old friend Fanny whom by your long silence I suppose you have long since forgotten but who won't forget her Cousin Julia nor that pleasant place called Essex why haven’t you written to me I have been anxiously waiting this six months to hear from the Dear inhabitants of the north but have not heard one word until ______received Uncle Martins [C1883] letter he did not write anything in particular excepting that you were all well I have began this letter and know not what to write I have no news there is nothing going on in Canaan, it is a general time of health tho there have been some deaths Aunt Warner died last month she died of the dropsy the family tho deeply afflicted appear resigned to the will of Cathirine tries to fill the place of her Mother in domestic duties she lives a very confined life but appears cheerful she lives in the enjoyment of Religion which will soon carry her through this world of troubls and land her soul in the Miss regions of heaven were troubles are unknown Religion is in a low state in it Canaan this season which is very much to be lamented tho I dont take as deep an interest in it as I ought yet I believe the cause of Christ is precious to me Julia I can think any thing to write I am almost sick and my thoughts are meandering from my letter too often to have any connextion with it I cant think of any thing that has been transacted since I came home though I presume If I could see you I think of enough to talk of a month I anticipated visiting Essex Summer but have entirely given up the idea it would be a great gratification to me to see those dear children how do they do have forgotten me I wish to be remembered to them Mrs Patterson can tell you more than I can write if I write all the week do pray excuse this and write me a long letter by Mrs Patterson and let me know every particular respecting Essex and Chesterfield this letter does not look nor sound like me it appears to be studied and I don't know but it is for I have been an hour and a half writing it. I am ashamed to send it but havent time to write another tell Eunice if my time wont permit I should certainly to her altho I dont feel indebted to her as I have received no answer to my two last letters which I wrote her as for Theodore and Abigail I dont know what to say to them they say nothing to me but I believe I must wish them all the happiness they can possibly enjoy and let them alone tell Cousin Harry to come to Canaan and bring you do come to Canaan this fall dont see why you wont you would really be a welcome visitor I must stop give my love to all inquiring friends and accept a large share from your affectionate Cousin Fanny

PS tell Eunice to write to me by the bearer and her letter shall be answered by me dont let this be seen by any person