This page is an example of a crossed letter. To save money on postage, nineteenth-century correspondents would sometimes write over a page they had previously covered with text. The second time the handwriting would go up and down instead of left to right. With a little practice one can read it.
The first seven lines of Jack's letter to Jeanie are shown in the image at the head of this page. A transcription follows:
Washington July 8th 1853
My dear Jeanie,
In the spring of 1848, the recently promoted Commodore Charles Wilkes and his youngest son, Edmund, traveled south to investigate the estate of his uncle, William Renwick, who had left behind an interest in a gold mine near Charlotte, North Carolina.
Jack was still away at sea.
Washington March 11th 1853
My dearest own Jeanie,
Devasego July 10th My dear Jack, Your letter of the 6th which I received yesterday has made me sad & thoughtful all day, & I feel too much the need of a talk with you to postpone the writing till tomorrow. Do not let my saying that it made me sad, induce you to tear up your “blue letters,” or refrain from writing for while the thoughts suggested may be sad it is very pleasant to feel that it all moods & at all times you take pleasure in writing to me & confiding each feeling as it arise to me.
New York March 13th (1853)
Dear Jack,
Between March 9 and 29, 1846, Jack Wilkes served aboard the USS Mississippi, a paddle frigate, that was part of the West Indian Squadron. Commodore Matthew Perry was the lead officer. The frigate provided support for General Zachary Taylor’s attack on Vera Cruz.Parts of this Exhibit:The Intertwined Ancestries of John and Jane Wilkes Jack and Jeanie's Early Years Courtship, Wedding, and Relocation to Charlotte BackHome Next
New York
June 2nd 1853
Dear Jack,
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