Article #107 - “The Cottage on the Hill”

“The Cottage on the Hill”

                        Rondout Ulster Co.

                                    NY

                                    July 24  52

My dear friends

            We arrived here on Saturday [??] by the “Mary Powell” steam boat from New York. We had a delightful sail up the Hudson River, unsurpassed for scenery! I never had so fine a view, nor had I an adequate idea of its beauty. Gentleman’s Seats are studded on the Banks for upwards of 100 miles mostly on the east side, and Towns & Cities located on either side, all busy with Cares & pursuits. This place Rondout has a population in and around including Kingston of about 16,000. The Delaware & Hudson Canal terminates here: an immense

amount of Coal & Cement is exported by Ship & Railroad, so that every body seems fully

occupied. Our location is on a Hill overlooking the River & Town, the situation is delightful. We have a Cottage containing 6 Rooms on the ground floor and two above with all necessary conveniences. There is quite a piece of Ground, with a variety of Fruit & ornamental Trees.

Plenty of Plums, Peaches, some Apples and other fruit, but in a sadly neglected state: with your

skillful management and judicious Pruning, might be turned to considerable profit & pleasure. My Mother & Son in Law, has rented the Premises ‘till April next for 100 dollars which, I am told is moderate compared with other places around. There is no lack of [??--maybe some sort of tavern] Shops, there being almost within a stone’s throw no less than 7! Alas for us poor Sinners. Unfortunately, there is no Friends’ Meeting House that I can hear of. I suppose they are like Angels’ Visits, few and far between. Whoever therefore wants Religion in its purity had

better bring that commodity with them, or “walk according to the light within.” This must be Mary, and your ?consation when you pay us a visit. I have written to the Office, and am waiting their reply, which I expect will contain the needful to enable me to fit up the Rooms for our mutual comfort. From present appearances I shall be detained here until Saturday or Monday, when Business will be resumed. Most likely, as you were informed before we parted my scene of operations will be Montgomery Co. My wifes health is about the  same as when we left she has

had another slight attack, but better today. No doubt quietude & a Daughter’s care, will naturally

help to restore her. She intends writing Mary in a few days, when she will give her all particulars

not herein narrated. It is most fitting, and due to you both that I should express my honest and sincere thanks for the disinterested and continued kindness evinced by you both. I shall never cease to respect & love you both, and in whatever situation I might be placed, or thru whatever fluctuations I and mine may pass the recollection of Chester Co friends, always uppermost in our minds yourselves, can never be effaced from the grateful heart of

            Yours in friendships

            best Bonds

                        W. Parker

We all unite in kindest regards

P.S. Write soon, and address me at the Coe as usual.