Finding Aid for the John L. Davidson Letter, 1850 October 1


MS-3102

University of Tennessee Special Collections Library, Knoxville, TN


Collection processed by: Will Dewey, June 28, 2007
Finding Aid written by: Will Dewey, June 28, 2007
Encoded by: Will Dewey, June 28, 2007

Summary Information
Title: John L. Davidson Letter

Date/Date Range :   1850 October 1

Extent: 0.1 linear feet

Abstract:
This collection consists of a letter from John L. Davidson of Nashville, dated October 1st, 1850, to his sister Harriet Ann Davidson of Logan City, Kentucky. John discusses his job in a dry goods store, dancing, love affairs, and family news.

Call number: MS-3102

Repository: University of Tennessee Special Collections Library, Knoxville, TN

Access and Use
Aquisition Information:
Collection was purchased by Special Collections on February 14, 2007.
Access Restrictions:
Collection is open for research.
Copyright:
The copyright interests in this collection remain with the creator. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library.
Preferred Citation:
[Identification of Item], John L. Davidson Letter, MS-3102. University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Special Collections Library.

Arrangement

Collection consists of a single oversized folder.


Biography / History

John L. Davidson worked in a dry goods store in Nashville, TN.


Collection Scope and Content Note

This collection consists of a letter from John L. Davidson of Nashville, dated October 1st, 1850 to his sister Harriet Ann Davidson of Logan City, Kentucky. John discusses his job in a dry goods store, dancing, love affairs, and family news.

Subject Terms

  • Nashville (Tenn.) -- History.
  • Dry-goods -- Tennessee.
  • Nashville (Tenn.) -- Manners and customs.
  • Stores, Retail -- Tennessee.
Contents List
Box   1     Folder   1    
John L. Davidson Letter, 1850 October 1

Scope Note:

Nashville Oct. 1st 1850

Dear Sister

I have treated your letter so long with silence that I hardly know how to begin to answer it at this late a day. But here you for some sort of answer; you know that I always jump at any thing that I go at even if it is as small a thing as pretty Girl who I want to kiss don't shaw non; for I have given up all the girls and am going to making money that giver of the world, You no doubt will be surprised learn the I am living in this city. I have been living here for three weeks in a wholesale dry goods store with a very clever gentleman by the name of Meredith. I am getting a pretty good salary $300 a year and my board which is a $150. I will get next year 6 or 700 and then I will be able to carry out a project I have had in mind about you but was not enabled to carry it out for the want of funds

It takes a good deal more to dress and support a young genteely here than it does in . I will save all I can though and dress decently. I was very much assured at your account of you life at Aunt Louisse who is one of the best women in the world. I should liked very much to have been there to have to have broke you. You know I would have scolded you soundly and when that would do no good I would have resorted to the and made you dance around worse than you did. I am afraid that you will not have a chance to dance at my wedding as I fell ou with one of me sweethearts which made me give up all the balance but never mind I will pick up another one before long.

I wrote to sis about two days ago but have not received an answer yet--I got some very bad news from Brother Frank. The other I heard that had turned him off for giving to I am afraid that he not doing right. I intent to get into business here if I can but it is bad chance. I am afraid I will watch and if an opening occurs I can get him in.

Give sincere love to Aunt Jane and tell not let that Black Eyed guy of her forget how to dance as I want to make a dancing master out of him. Also give my love to Uncle Hiram. I will be over this Winter and take a bigheart with him--my love to all the Boys kiss little sis for me.

I have not time to write any more. I have written this in about twenty minutes and have not time correct the mistakes. Write immediately to your affectionate Brother,

J. L. Davidson.

P.S. My respects to Miss Cooper and Sally

John