Letter: Christmas Day 1832. To Joseph A. Murray in Pittsburgh
from his Father George Murray, Carlisle1
“The Varioloid is rapidly declining in Carlisle… and I would wish you to get vaxinated [sic].”
Joseph was staying with his relatives, the Harmar Denny family in Pittsburgh, while he attended the Western University of Pennsylvania. He later attended the Western Theological Seminary at Allegheny City and became a Presbyterian minister. It was Joseph A. Murray who rescued thousands0f historical documents from the rag man which comprise the James Hamilton Collection.
Carlisle 25th December 1832
Dear Son
I received your letter of the 22nd instant and feel happy you enjoyed a warm reception by your friends there and again when I find you labouring under disagreeable feelings it also makes me feel unhappy for you. You ought not to entertain any such feelings of the kind. My son there is nothing I would more desire than your happiness. When I reflect back on your younger days I feel happy to know that you was a dutiful and obedient son.
You ask for forgiveness but I cannot know what for. I pray you be lively and cheerful let no reflections of the kind disturb your happiness. When you are happy your mother and father feel happy likewise. You say that you felt home sick when you thought that if you would not visit Carlisle before a year you might not see our faces in this world. It is a comfort to know that there is nothing that comes by chance. We know that we cannot live beyond the time that God hath fixed and determined we have an appointed time upon earth and beyond that we cannot go till the number of our days and months be fulfilled death cannot surprise us. It is a comfort that all events are in so good a hand in the hand of our God who loves you and stands engaged for you in an everlasting covenant. Oh how well it is for you that it is so. It is he that hath appointed and cut out your lot and condition for you my son then trust in the Lord.
I am happy to tell you thank the Lord we all enjoy good health. The Varioloid2 is rapidly declining in Carlisle and we anxiously hope that providence in his mercy will relieve our town from the chastening rod of affliction. Mr. and Mrs. Comfort and William, Charles, and George have all been vaxinated [sic] since you left us and I would wish you to get vaxinated also. George Comfort you know had the varioloid. Ann has them now though slightly.
This is a fine pleasant Christmas day, and we wish you a happy one. Give my respect to all our friends. Your Mother and brothers send their love to you.
My son I remain your most affectionate Father,
George Murray
NS: Aunt Boyd wishes Aunt Nancy to write to her
Letter: Aunt Nancy Denny to her nephew Joseph A. Murray in Pittsburgh, 1834. “We had a splendid dinner at three o'clock. Rachel Baker was my chief cook and bottle washer and everything was in [style].”
1 James Hamilton Collection, #1612, Historical Society of PA, Microfilm Roll #37 Box 67, 296. Microfilm at CCHS.
2 A mild form of small pox occurring in persons who have been vaccinated or who have had small pox.