1841: Ebenezer Crocker to Alicia (Cobb) Crocker

New York Fire of 1845 involving Crocker & Warren Warehouse

This letter was written by Ebenezer (“Eben”) Crocker (1811-????), the son of David Crocker (1779-1843) and Rachell Bacon (1791-1848). He wrote the letter to his wife, the former Alicia D. Cobb (1817-1913), daughter of Matthew Cobb. The couple had at least two children: Caroline Crocker (1852-1941) and Mary Crocker (1841-1911).

At the time the letter was written in 1841, the recently married couple were living in Sandwich, Barnstable, Massachusetts. Later, the couple moved to New York City where Eben was the senior partner of the firm Crocker & Warren, Merchants. Their warehouse, located at 38 Broad Street, was consumed by a great fire in 1845 that started in an oil store about a block away. Unfortunately, Crocker & Warren had a new shipment of saltpetre stored in the warehouse which resulted in such a massive explosion that it was heard miles away. Click here for a great story about the catastrophe.

Stampless Cover

Letter (courtesy of Tom Clarke)

TRANSCRIPTION

[Addressed to Mrs. Ebenezer Crocker, Sandwich, Massachusetts]

Boston [Massachusetts]
March 29th 1841

My Dear Wife,

This will inform you of my safe arrival after a long and tedious passage, and I wish I could clasp you in my arms. I would give you a good squees but it will be the matter of a week before I can get clear. And if you should come up, it would only be an agravation for I can not leave day or night until the cargo is out and I have a very unpleasant man for a master witch makes it very bad. I can’t ask any favours. Do write the first mail. I am so drove that I can hardly find time to write, but when I get home I will tell you all.

I saw Uncle Pope’s family. They are all well. Thomas thinks he shall come down with me and I can’t say no for they have been good to me — very more than I deserve. I shall be out of business as soon as I have this ship and I shall not be in a hurry to look for more.

But there, some one calls and I must close with thanks to Providence for restoreing us so near each other again. And I hope to see you looking as well as when I sailed, but its more than I can say for myself, however. I enjoy pretty good health. If there is any thing that you want, write me and I will get it. Give my love to all friends.

Believe me your affectionate husband, — Eben Crocker

Engraving of David Crocker (1779-1843)