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Description

James Ricketts Jr. wrote from Hammersmith, England to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. James had penned six letters to his aunt, Susan but surmised that she had not received any of them. James recounted his and his family’s 28-day voyage to Weymouth, England where they had an opportunity to see the King’s yacht, which was painted in an elegant style, and all of the hull was gilt with gold. James described their encounter with French Privateers. At first daylight after arriving at Weymouth, they were roused by a gunshot. After making his way upon deck, he saw a sloop. Another shot whistled past them. They were alarmed at first but their Captain reassured them that he would not let anything happen to their boat if he could help it. James was immediately discharged for cartridges and began loading guns. They were certain it was French Privateers. James’ mother, Sarah, and his sister, Maria, asked the Captain not to fight. The Captain decided to stay idle for a day until a privateer came on board their ship and demanded the Captain come on board their ship with his papers, which he declined. James went on to describe his stay in England at Mr. Bell’s home, which was not very large but very beautiful. The walls were painted with very handsome landscapes and the ceilings were painted like clouds. Mr. Bell also had a handsome green house and everyone stopped to look at the avenue as they passed. James rode through Hyde Park and commented on how beautiful the Kensington Gardens were. St. Paul’s Church was elegant. James was frustrated with the boys selling shoe strings and watch chains and how they continuously asked him to make a purchase after he repeatedly told them no. James discussed mutual friends and acquaintances and asked that Susan remember him kindly to their family and friends in Elizabethtown.

People mentioned: King George III, Mr. and Mrs. Otto, Mr. Bell, Sarah Ricketts, Maria Ricketts, and Mr. Jackson.

Places mentioned: Weymouth, England, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, St. Paul’s Church.

Note: This letter is written in cross-writing or cross-hatch. The author wrote across the page from top to bottom, then turned the paper 90 degrees and wrote between the lines.

Author/Creator

James Ricketts, Jr.

Recipient

Susan Ursin Niemcewicz, formerly Susan Livingston and Susan Kean (1759-1833)

Creation Date

1805-08-23

Creation Date

8-23-1805

Document Type

Manuscript

Location

Hammersmith, England

Collection

Liberty Hall Collection, 1711-1847 (bulk 1790-1830)

Inventory Location

103 C

Rights

This collection is open to the public for research use. Copyright remains with Kean University. Credit this material. Personal photographs may be made for research purposes. Inquiries regarding publishing material from the collection should be directed to the Special Collections Research Library and Archive at keanscrla@kean.edu.

Publishing Repository

Special Collections Research Library and Archive, Kean University

James Ricketts, Jr. to Susan Niemcewicz, August 23, 1805

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