The Winterthur Library

 The Joseph Downs Collection of Manuscripts and Printed Ephemera

Henry Francis du Pont Winterthur Museum

5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, Delaware  19735

302-888-4600 or 800-448-3883

 

 

OVERVIEW OF THE COLLECTION

 

Creator:         Muhlenberg family                            

Title:               Muhlenberg family papers

Dates:             1768-1895, bulk: 1780-1812, 1829-1848

Call No.:         Col. 851

Acc. No.:        09x42; 09x45; 09x60; 09x61; 12x55; 13x102

Quantity:        2 boxes, 2 folders (ca. 312 items)

Location:        17 J 4, map case 3, drawer 3

 

 

 

BIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT

 

Henry Melchior Muhlenberg was the patriarch of the family represented in this collection.  He came to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from Germany in 1742 to serve as pastor of several Lutheran churches.  He was born in Einbeck, Hanover, in 1711, the son of Nicholas M. Muhlenberg.  Pastor Muhlenberg served churches in Philadelphia, Providence (Trappe), and New Hanover (Falckner’s Swamp), in Montgomery County.  In 1745 he married Anna Maria Weiser, the daughter of Conrad Weiser.  Their children included three sons: Peter (John Peter Gabriel, 1746-1807, who became a general), Frederick Augustus Conrad (1750-1801, who became first speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives), and Gotthilf Henry Ernst (1753-1815, usually referred to as Henry, Jr.; he became a renowned botanist, called the American Linnaeus).  Daughters included Eva Elisabeth (1748-1808; married Pastor Christopher Emanuel Schultze), Margaretta Henrietta (Peggy, 1751-1831; married John Christopher Kunze), Maria Catherine (Mary, 1755-1812; married Francis Swaine), and Maria Salome (Sally, 1766-1827, married Matthias Richards, Jr.)

 

Henry Muhlenberg, Jr., married Mary Catherine Hall.  He served as a Lutheran pastor in Philadelphia, but fled the city when the British approached.  He moved to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in 1780, to become pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church and died there in 1815.  One of his sons was Henry Augustus Philip Muhlenberg (1782-1844), who also became a Lutheran pastor and served a church in Reading, Pennsylvania.  Feeling his health was no longer up to his pastoral duties, Henry August Philip Muhlenberg resigned his pastoral position.  He was esteemed by many citizens in the area, and they asked that he serve in the United States Congress, which he did between 1829 and 1838.  He was a strong supporter of Andrew Jackson and a friend of Martin van Buren.  In 1835, he was defeated in his race for governor of Pennsylvania.  He was the first United States minister to Austria, 1838-1840.  He ran for governor again in 1844, but died during the campaign.

 

Henry Augustus Philip Muhlenberg married first Mary Elizabeth Hiester (1784-1806), a daughter of Joseph Hiester (1752-1832).  Their one child, also named Mary Elizabeth Hiester, survived childbirth, but the mother did not.  He then married his sister-in-law Rebecca Hiester, with whom he had six children: two named Emma Elizabeth, two named Henry Augustus, Hiester Henry, and Rosa Catherine.  Joseph Hiester was elected governor of Pennsylvania in 1820, and he encouraged his son-in-law’s interest in politics.  Hiester Henry Muhlenberg (1812-1886) studied medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.  He married Amelia Hanold in 1840.

 

Mary Elizabeth Hiester Muhlenberg, the daughter of Henry Augustus Muhlenberg and his first wife Mary Elizabeth Hiester, was born in March 1806.  Her mother died giving birth to her.  In 1834, Mary Elizabeth married Ehrgott Jonathan Deininger (1801-1881), and they then visited Germany.  They had a daughter Emma Muhlenberg Deininger (1835-1837), and Mrs. Deininger died in 1838.  Ehrgott Jonathan Deininger was born in Germany.  He and his parents came to Pennsylvania in 1819.  In census records, he was listed as a farmer; he died in Berks County in 1881. 

 

 

SCOPE AND CONTENT

 

Collection of papers, chiefly letters, pertaining to several generations of the Muhlenberg family of Pennsylvania.  The papers are divided into two series, based on acquisition.

 

Letters written in 1829-1848 (but concentrated in 1832) to Hiester Henry Muhlenberg from his father, mother, brother, and sisters form the bulk of Series I.  In 1829-1832, Hiester was studying at Dickinson College in Carlisle, Penn. or was studying medicine in Philadelphia.  His father was a U.S. Congressman, representing Pennsylvania.  Father Henry Augustus wrote his son about politics, particularly about the tariff bill of 1832, the re-chartering of the Bank of the United States, and the election of 1832.  Henry A. Muhlenberg was a strong supporter of Andrew Jackson.  The rest of the family wrote about family and local affairs of Reading and Lancaster.  The family was saddened by two deaths, a cousin John and Rebecca H. Muhlenberg’s father Joseph Hiester.  Rebecca frequently noted that the press of house work, sewing, and knitting kept her too busy to write.  In 1845, brother Henry wrote Hiester during a trip in which he visited Montreal, Quebec, and went as far west as St. Louis. 

 

As well, the collection includes a letter (1807) from Henry Augustus to Joseph Hiester requesting permission to marry Rebecca, and a letter (1832) from Henry Augustus to wife Rebecca, reflecting on his 50th birthday. 

 

Another group of letters were written by Rebecca Muhlenberg and her daughter Rosa to Rebecca’s niece and Rosa’s cousin Catherine Spayd Brooke, who lived in Reading.  Most of these letters were written while the Muhlenbergs were in Europe.  They describe their travels (through France to Vienna, and then through the Tyrol, Italy, and other parts of Europe), meals in Vienna, the custom of ladies calling, and noted other aspects of living and traveling abroad.

 

 Hiester kept a journal of a trip he made with his mother, sister Rosa, and a family friend, traveling through western Pennsylvania to Niagara Falls, and then through New York state.  He noted several modes of transportation (canals, rails, steam boat, stage coaches) and commented on accommodations and scenery.  One Sunday was spent watching the Mount Lebanon Shakers worship service, which Hiester described in some detail.  

 

Series I also includes a manuscript music book kept by Rebecca Hiester and then given to her daughter Rosa C. Muhlenberg.  In the book are found minuets, allegros, songs with words, and other forms of music.  Two slim recipe books kept by Mary Elizabeth Hiester Muhlenberg Deininger are part of the collection.  One of the books is in English, and the other mostly in German.  The German book also includes drawings of a pudding form (or mold), a pole screen, and the plan for a garden in Frankfurt.  A genealogy of the Muhlenberg family assembled by an unknown person and digests of journals kept by Henry Melchior Muhlenberg between 1761 and 1787 are part of the collection as well.  Reports from Dickinson College inform Hiester’s father of his progress.  Finally, there is a copy of the newspaper Northampton Farmer with an article about the Muhlenberg family and endorsements of Henry Augustus Muhlenberg as candidate for governor.

 

Series II relates chiefly to Henry Melchior Muhlenberg and his sons and daughters and their spouses.  Mostly, these are family letters, carrying news of family and friends; a number of the 18th century letters are written in German.   Also found in this series are a pamphlet written by Henry A. Muhlenberg, a tribute to him written after his death, and a poster announcing a political rally in Reading in 1847.

 

 

ORGANIZATION

 

The papers are in two series, divided by accession number.  The first series mostly pertains to the family of Congressman Henry Augustus Muhlenberg (1782-1844), especially his wife Rebecca, his son Hiester Henry, and his daughter Rosa.  Also found are copies of journals kept by Henry Melchior Muhlenberg.  It includes those items acquired in 2009, 2013, and 2016. 

 

Series II pertains mostly to Henry Melchior Muhlenberg and his children.   Some items relate to Congressman Henry Augustus Muhlenberg (1782-1844).  Accession 12x55 is in this series.

 

 

LANGUAGE OF MATERIALS

 

The materials are in English and German.

 

 

RESTRICTIONS ON ACCESS

 

Collection is open to the public.  Copyright restrictions may apply.

 

A number of the 18th century letters are brittle and great care must be exercised in using them.

           

 

RELATED MATERIALS

 

Additional Muhlenberg family papers are held by the Historical Society of Berks County, Dickinson College, Muhlenberg College, the Lutheran Archives Center in Philadelphia, and by the American Philosophical Society.

 

Winterthur Museum owns a sampler executed by Mary Elizabeth Hiester [later Muhlenberg] in 1795.  As well, the Museum owns a portrait of Mary Elizabeth or Rebecca Hiester and a portrait miniature of Mary Elizabeth Hiester Muhlenberg (Mrs. Ehrgott Jonathan Deininger).

 

Joseph Hiester daybook for 1796 is Fol. 64 at this repository.  Hiester’s daughters were the first and second wives of Henry Augustus Muhlenberg.

 

John C. (John Christopher) Kunze notebook, 1785-1793, is Doc. 571 at this repository.  Kunze was married to Margaretta Henrietta Muhlenberg.

 

Henry and Rebecca Muhlenberg signed Susan A. Musser's commonplace book, Doc. 419 at this repository.  The signature H.H.M. is perhaps that of Hiester Henry Muhlenberg.

 

 

PROVENANCE

           

Accession 09x42: purchased from Pook & Pook auction house.

Accession 09x45: purchased from Swann Auction Galleries.

Accessions 09x60 and 09x61 purchased from William Woys Weaver.

Accession 12x55 gift of Peter N. Goetz.  (These are in Series II.)

Accession 13x102 purchased from Book Place, Baltimore Pike, Oxford, Penn.

Accession 16x10.1-.2 purchased from Rachel Lee Stoll, Philenor Rare Books.

 

 

ACCESS POINTS

 

People:

            Hiester, Joseph, 1752-1832.

Muhlenberg, H. H. (Hiester Henry), 1812-1886.

            Muhlenberg family.

 

Topics:

United States. Congress - Records and correspondence.

Democratic Party (Reading, Pa.)

Dickinson College.

Shakers – New York (State) – New Lebanon.

Shakers – Religious life.

 

Baking pans – Pictorial works.

Cooking, American – Pennsylvania.

Cooking, German – Pennsylvania.

Molds (Cookware) – Pictorial works.

Screens – Pictorial works.

Recipes.

 

Ambassadors’ spouses.

Boys - Correspondence.

            Boys - Social life and customs.

Canals – Pennsylvania.

Clergy - Pennsylvania.

            College students.

            Domestics - Pennsylvania.

Family - Correspondence.

            Family – Pennsylvania.

Girls - Correspondence.

Girls - Social life and customs.

Housekeeping.

Legislators - United States.

            Men - Diaries.

            Music.

Ocean travel.

            Political parties - Pennsylvania.

Railroad travel.

Religious communities – New York (State) – New Lebanon.

Travel costs.

Voyages and travel.

Women - Correspondence.

Women travelers.

 

Austria – Description and travel.

France – Description and travel.

Italy – Description and travel.

            Lancaster (Pa.) - Social life and customs.

New York (State) – Description and travel.

Pennsylvania – Description and travel.

Pennsylvania - Politics and government - 1775-1865.

Reading (Pa.) - Social life and customs.

United States - Politics and government - 1829-1837.

United States - History - Revolution, 1775-1783 - Women.

Vienna (Austria) – Social life and customs.

 

Recipes.

Housewives.

Politicians.

 

Additional authors:

 

            Deininger, Mary Elizabeth Hiester Muhlenberg, 1806-1838.

            Muhlenberg, Henry Augustus Philip, 1782-1844.

            Muhlenberg, Henry Melchior, 1711-1787.

Muhlenberg, Rebecca Hiester, 1781-1841.

Nicholls, Rosa Catherine Muhlenberg, 1819-1867.

           

 

 

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE COLLECTION

 

Location:        17 J 4, map case 3, drawer 3

 

 

Series I:

 

Box 1:

 

Folder 1:          Music book; front label reads: Rebecca Hiester, Sept. 28th, 1791, Rosa C. Muhlenberg, 1831.  The name Maria Hiester is found written on pages inside.

                        (acc. 09x60)

 

                        A manuscript volume containing a variety of music, all neatly copied by hand.  The first three pages contain examples of notes and some exercises.  The pieces include various minuets, andantes, a ballet, allegros, adagios, a march, an air with words beginning “I rejoice with gladness in the Lord each day,” a chorus by Rolle (beginning with the words “We join united in the spirit”), and pieces with distinct titles: “Youth the Season Made for Joy,” “Spring,” “Evening Hymn,” “Rose Tree,” “Labour in Vain,” “Good Morrow to Your Night Cap,” and “Overture to La Bella Seana” (the latter two do not have words).  One piece has words in German.

 

The volume is hand-made.  The covers are made from a decorative paper, possibly a wall paper.  The first page is torn.  Two loose pages are laid into the back of the volume.

 

Folder 2:          Letters from Henry Augustus Muhlenberg, to General Joseph Hiester (1807), and to Rebecca Hiester Muhlenberg (1832)

                       

09x42 (museum accession no. 2009.0010)     letter, Henry Augustus Muhlenberg, no place, to General Joseph Hiester, no place, December 6, 1807.

                                    Muhlenberg requests Hiester’s consent to marry his daughter Rebecca. 

(Rebecca and Henry Augustus were married on June 7, 1808.)

 

09x45.51         letter from Henry Augustus Muhlenberg, Washington, to wife Rebecca, May 13, 1832. 

Reflections on 50th birthday and the blessings he has received, chief among them being her.  Anna Hiester and her company are in town, but he is not pleased with them.  Glad Dr. Otto has been called in to see her father.  Recently finished the Houston case.  Hopes that when warm weather arrives the House will fix an adjournment date. 

 

 

Folder 3:          “The Muhlenberg Family in 1852, one hundred and ten years after the landing in America of Henry Melchior Muhlenberg.”

                        (acc. 09x45.1)

                                    A hand-written account following the descendants of Peter, Frederick, and Henry Ernestus to the sixth generation, and the descendants of their sisters to the fifth.   Inside the back cover is a list of “church yards to be examined.”  The compiler is not named. 

                        [Volume covered with marbled card stock and a fabric spine.]

 

                        Typed copy of genealogy of Joseph Hiester (died 1832, governor of Penn.) [no acc. no.];

 

                        Typed copy of inventory of estate of Frederick Augustus Muhlenberg (1750-1801) [no acc. no.];

 

 

Folder 4:          Journal [copy] of Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, December 7, 1761-October 18, 1777.

(acc. 09x45.2)

 

                        Not a complete copy of Muhlenberg’s journal.  It is written in a copybook printed by R. Wilson Desilver of Philadelphia.  The front cover has a decorative border and a picture of a couple under a tree, while two men look on, and a courting couple is half-hidden by the tree.  On the back is another decorative border, with the poem “The Rose,” stereotyped by L. Johnson.  Written on the front cover: no. 9, digested.

 

Folder 5:          Journal [copy] of Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, December, 19, 1777-May 20, 1784.

(acc. 09x45.3)

 

                        Not a complete copy of Muhlenberg’s journal.  It is written in a copybook.  The front cover has a decorative border, a picture of an elephant, and pictures of two ships.  A space is left for the owner to write his or her name.  On the back is another decorative border, with a picture of a naval battle.  Written on the front cover: no. 10, digested.

 

Folder 6:          Journal [copy] of Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, June 25, 1784-April 18, 1787. (acc. 09x45.4)

 

                        Not a complete copy of Muhlenberg’s journal.  It is written in a copybook printed by R. Wilson Desilver of Philadelphia.  The front cover has a decorative border, two pictures of ships, and “No. 2.”   On the back is another decorative border, with the poem “The Rose,” stereotyped by L. Johnson.  [Same back as acc. 09x45.2.]  Most of this book is blank.

 

Folder 7:          Dickinson College, Carlisle, Penn., 1827-1829

                        (acc. 13x102.9a-e)

 

                        Acc. 13x102.9a-d are reports about Hiester Henry Muhlenberg, addressed to his father Henry A. Muhlenberg, in Reading; the reports are dated April 13 and Sept. 27, 1827, and April 8 and Sept. 24, 1828.  All were signed by President William Neill.  Hiester’s rank in scholarship and behavior are given.  Reference is made to misconduct in April 1828, but no details are given.

 

                        Acc. 13x102.9e is the commencement program for Sept. 23, 1829.  Heister graduated, but did not give an oration.

 

Folder 8:          Letters to Hiester Henry Muhlenberg, 1829-1831; some to Carlisle, some to Philadelphia.

                        (acc. 13x102.10a-L; also 09x45.50)

 

                        These are to Hiester at Dickinson College, Carlisle:

 

                        .10a     from father H. A. Muhlenberg, Reading, Feb. 19, 1829. 

Refers to Hiester’s “best course in your late Carlisle frolic,” but gives no details.  Encloses money (but warns him not to expect much more).  “Do not forget to take exercise.”

 

                        .10b     from father H. A. Muhlenberg, Reading, March 4, 1829. 

Prefers that Hiester remain at Dickinson (to finish out the term), but if he is truly ill, then he may return home.  Recommends exercise. 

 

                        .10c     from father H. A. Muhlenberg, no place, June 1, 1829. 

Recommends exercise and delaying French lessons until winter.  Dr. Hiester recommends some treatments for his pain.  Write your mother often.  Family news.

 

.10d     from sister Emma E. Muhlenberg, Reading, June 13, 1829. 

Mentions visit of Cousin Caroline (and lots of parties resulting from this).  Dance at sister Mary’s.   Mentions others visitors as well.  Father too busy to invite men to the dance so the women had to dance together.  Cousin Elisa played for the dance and made ice cream for the party.  Sends other news of family and friends.

 

.10e     address wrapper for letter above

 

.10f      part of a letter, from mother [although not signed]; date of June 23 1828 or 1829 is penciled in [from context, 1829 is probably correct].  Mentioned Hiester’s health to Dr. Hiester, who said it is important to take exercise.  Avoid night air and do not eat ice cream.  Father is helping the haymakers as he thinks they work better when he works alongside them.  Mentions Caroline’s visit and Mary’s dance, and the controversy that arose when the Miss Biddles were not invited to one party.

 

.10g     from father H. A. Muhlenberg, no place, June 24, 1829.  

            Dr. Hiester thinks that Hiester’s illness is mostly imaginary and is certainly not consumption.  Hiester may leave college only if Dickinson will give him a diploma.  If he really thinks he is too ill to stay, he may return home but father advises against this as he will not have a degree, and the money will have been wasted.

 

.10h     from father H. A. Muhlenberg, Lancaster, July 10, 1829.  

            Glad the doctor does not think Hiester is as poorly as he thinks himself to be; believes regular exercise will soon make him better, and that he will be able to finish his college course.  Caroline continues her visit to Reading, and all are well.      Penciled on the address sheet are some men’s names and their meanings: Alfred, Edmund, Edwin, Edward, and Edgar.   

 

.10i      from mother Rebecca Muhlenberg, Reading, July 27, 1829.

            Glad he is better and that college is almost over.  Made a visit to Lancaster.  Caroline has had to return home.  News of family and friends.  Mary will “take the Panacea” for the lump as blistering and leeching have not helped.  Mary Hiester “has been at her old pranks” [shop lifting] and disgraces her children thereby.

 

 

These are to Hiester in Philadelphia:

 

.10j      end of a letter from sister Emma, Reading, late October 1830.

            Aunt Ann died.

            A later note, written in pencil, is found on the address side of the paper.

 

.10k     from sister Emma, Reading, November 23, 1831.

            Dr. Nagle and Miss Duffin[?] are married.  The Muhlenbergs have but one maid so Emma has to help with house work.  Other news of family and friends.

 

                        09x45.50         from mother, [Reading,] Saturday night, no year; “1832 or 33” is penciled in, but the letter was written before cousin John died, which was before April 26, 1832.  Also, the letter discusses things mentioned in Emma’s letter above, so the date seems to be Nov. 26 or Dec. 3, 1831, not 1832 or 33. 

Father is bringing him five shirts – please let her know if the collars have been properly altered.  Dreads husband’s leaving.  Servant is not very active, so she and Emma have work to do.  Butchered on Monday so have much meat.  Local and family news.

 

.10L     from father Henry A. Muhlenberg, Washington City, Dec. 11, 1831. 

            Glad Hiester is gaining weight.  Has a bad cold.  Gives correct news of Pennsylvania delegation’s vote for the Speaker.  HAM has been appointed chair of the committee on Revolutionary claims.  News about the Bank of the United States.

 

 

Folder 9:          Letters to Hiester Henry Muhlenberg, January-June 1832.

                        (acc. 09x45.5-.28)

 

                        All letters are addressed to Hiester in Philadelphia.  He was studying medicine at the University of Pennsylvania at this time.  His father was serving in the U.S. House of Representatives.  At home in Reading were his mother Rebecca, sisters Mary (who appears to be living with grandfather Hiester), Emma, Rosa, and brother Henry.

 

                        .5         from sister Emma, Reading, January 8.  Her visit to Orwigsburg - describes people met and parties attended.  Influenza in Reading; deaths.  Town news.

 

                        .6         from father, Washington, January 16.  Encloses $5 for birthday present.  Only had a few moments with Dr. Harris as committee work and House business kept him busy.  “You can tell John that I have written to Wolf & Binder on his account.”  [John was a cousin.]

 

                        .7         from brother Henry, no place, January 27.  About his studies – is looking forward to starting Latin.  He and other children made a slide in the yard, and all fell down.   Sends birthday greetings.

 

                        .8         from father, Washington, February 5.  Will send copy of Colonization Society report when it is published.  Was not a delegate to the January 8 convention in Baltimore.  [Discusses some of the issues raised there.]  Committee work is beginning to ease up.  “The rejection of v. Buren was brought about by a coalition between Clay & Calhoun…. Webster says he regrets his vote….”

 

                        .9         from mother, Reading, February 6.  Hopes he will come home for a visit at the end of term.  Time filled with sewing and knitting.  She is more afraid of cholera than the comet.  Rumor that Rebecca Adams’ death was caused by too-tight lacing.  Please bring ointment for ringworm.  Family news.

 

                        .10       from sister Emma, Reading, February 10.  Amelia Spayd wishes to borrow a book.  She needs to work on her spelling.  Family and town news.

 

                        .11         from sister Emma, Reading, February 19.  Please give enclosed [money] to Aunt Susan as she needs it before her upcoming move to Lancaster.  Family news.

 

                        .12       from father, Washington, February 26.  Encloses money so Hiester can go home at end of term.  Recently delivered a speech about Mrs. Decatur’s case which earned praised from the Speaker of the House.

 

                        .13       from father, Washington, March 14.  Just over a bad case of influenza.  More about the Baltimore convention and party politics.  Afraid of disruption of the Union because no one willing to compromise: Southerners threaten to go, some Easterners say let them, and “the manufacturing interest are not willing to give up anything for the sake of harmony & peace.”  Indian question adds to the issue.  Knows Major Barry, but not Mrs. Barry.  Will call on Mrs. Harris.

 

                        .14       from mother, Reading, March 22.  John very ill.  Family news.  Mulberry trees seem to have life still. 

 

                        .15       from mother, Reading, March 25.  John somewhat better.  Grandpa [Joseph Hiester] still troubled by ague.  Please write longer letters.

 

                        .16       from father, Washington, March 26.  Flaxseed tea helped him feel better.  Has seen Mrs. Harris several times.  Mentions reports on the territory west of the Rockies, Indian Territory, and Colonization Society.  Does not expect anything more to be done in Georgia Indian case this year.

 

                        .17       from Joseph H. Spayd, Reading, April 4.  Writing on John’s behalf about the Alms House position.  John is better, but too weak to take up a position right away.

 

                        .18       from father, Washington, April 8.  His cold is gone; encloses some money.

 

                        .19       from father, Washington, April 26.  Am writing from the House, where “the attorney for Houston is addressing the House on its privileges.”  Advice on diet and exercise so Hiester may avoid John’s fate (he recently died).  Details his exertions to get John the Alms House position.  Family news.

 

                        .20       from mother, Reading, May 3.  Enjoyed his recent visit [apparently came after John’s death].  Be sure to exercise and stay in health.  Information about Pa’s [i.e. her father Joseph Hiester] ague and what he is doing about it.  Don’t be extravagant with his money. 

           

                        .21       from father, Washington, May 17.  Has been working much on an apportionment bill, and then was assigned to a committee to investigate fraud between Eaton, Houston, the President, and others.  The tariff and bank questions linger on.  Family news.

 

                        .22       from sister Emma, Reading, May 23.  Social news.  Don’t buy earrings for her, but would like a set of dumbbells.  Grandpa is not doing well.  Family news. 

 

                        .23       from father, Washington, June 5.  Senate should soon decide bank question, and the House decide the tariff question (if a decision can be made).  Have not found any proof of fraud on part of Eaton and Houston.  Washington seems to change men for the worse.  Tariff question important in Pennsylvania politics as well.

 

                        .24       from mother, Reading, June 9.  Father Hiester is dying and hopes son can come home. 

 

                        .25       from mother, [Reading, June 10 – added in red at a later time].  Joseph Hiester has died.  Please let David Muhlenberg know.

 

                        .26       from father, Washington, June 24.  Arrival in Washington was delayed by strong winds on the bay.  Cholera has arrived; if it hits Philadelphia hard, then please leave.  Philadelphia Naval Asylum bill has passed, as well as one to relieve insolvent debtors.  Work on tariff bill still continues. 

 

                        .27       from mother, Reading, June 27.  Misses her father.  Relieved that husband arrived safely after the great storm.  Has cleaned stored vegetables out of the cellar.  Railroad runs through grandmama’s farm.  Family news.

 

                        .28       from father, Washington, June 28.  Tariff bill has passed after “a desperate struggle.”  “I am nearly worn out with fatigue, anxiety, vexation, excitement.”

 

Folder 10:        Letters to Hiester Henry Muhlenberg, July-December 1832.

                        (acc. 09x45.29-.49 and 13x102.11)

 

                        All letters are addressed to Hiester in Philadelphia.  He was studying medicine at the University of Pennsylvania at this time.  His father was serving in the U.S. House of Representatives.  At home in Reading were his mother Rebecca, sisters Mary (who appears to live elsewhere), Emma, Rosa and brother Henry.

 

                        .29       from father, [Washington,] July 3. 

Bank bill has passed, but expects president [Andrew Jackson] will veto it.  The Senate has made amendments to the tariff bill, which he fears the House will not accept.  “I asked to be excused from voting on the Bank Bill, having become interested by your Grandfather’s death.”  [Joseph Hiester had an interest in the bank.]

 

                        13x102.11       from father, Washington, July 7. 

Unable to adjourn because the Senate still has not decided on the tariff bill.  Gives permission for Hiester to return to Reading if there is cholera in Philadelphia.   President [Jackson] still has not vetoed the Bank bill. 

 

                        .30       from mother, Reading, July 8. 

Emma too tired to write after teaching Sunday School.  Has read so many remedies for cholera that she is confused by them all.  Please recommend treatment for Rosa and Mary, who are costive.  Henry is visiting Orwigsburg, and Muhlenberg Hiester is ill.  Mary goes nowhere, despite invitations.

 

                        .31       from father, [Washington,] July 11. 

Day of adjournment set, and plans to stop in Philadelphia on the way to Reading.  President has vetoed bank bill.  House has not agreed to all of Senate’s amendments to tariff bill, and fears they will not be able to compromise.  “There is a terrible storm in the House upon a question of order raised by a most outrageous conduct of Stanberry [sic, William Stanbery].”

 

                        .32       from father, Washington, July 13. 

Amended tariff bill passed.  “It alone is worth our long session.  It will save the Union, altho South Carolina may kick up a dust.” 

           

                        .33       from mother, Reading, July 24. 

Please bring a pair of earrings for sister Mary.  Is glad his essay is finished; would like to read it but supposes she would not understand it.  He may bring Mr. McCrea with him, but “he must put up with family fare.”  Cannot have company because of recent death of Joseph Hiester.

 

                        .34       from mother, [Reading, September]. 

Emma is visiting in Lancaster, but could have used her at home as one of the servants quit.  Comments on chores to be done and other servants.  Local and family news. 

 

                        .35       from father, Reading, September 8(?).

Results of delegate meeting: “Dr. Dav. Hottenstein was nominated as a candidate … & [they] unanimously nominated me as member of Congress.”

 

 

                        .36       from sister Mary, [Reading,] September 25. 

Please try to find her some nice prints of heads and landscapes which she can use for transferring; also a screen.   

                                    [paper watermarked M & K]

 

                        .37       from Emma, Lancaster, September [postmark: 21]. 

Plans to leave Lancaster next week.  Races have commenced and town is full of people and noisy with violins and carriages.  News of family and friends.  Did not particularly enjoy the parties she attended.     

 

                        .38       from Emma, Lancaster, September 26. 

Am writing “just to give Henry Otto your direction”; Henry wishes to go into business in Philadelphia, but does not speak English well.  News from Lancaster.

                                    P.S. written by CAM [Carry, a cousin]. 

 

                        .39       from father, Reading, October 11. 

Encloses the election returns as far as received.  He expects to win, although iron interests were against him.

 

                        .40       from father, Reading, October 20. 

Have been in Lancaster, where there was cholera.  “If we can turn out our people, we shall have a majority of 3000 for Jackson in November.”

 

                        .41       from mother, Reading, October 31. 

Household chores [gives some details of them] have occupied her.  Gives details of a carriage accident in Lancaster, in which a tree was broken and the steps of the Moravian Church were run over.  Family news, especially of family in Lancaster.  News of Reading people, including engagements and weddings.  Father is busy with committee work and reelection. 

 

.42       from father, Reading, November 3 [written in red pencil and on postmark]. Encloses unofficial returns of election in Berks County. 

 

                        .43       from father, Reading, November 9. 

Still very busy even though the election is over.  Plans to go through Philadelphia about Dec. 1, on his way to Washington.  Election turn out smaller than hoped because harvest was behind and it was a good day for field work and because there was so little opposition that people did not think their votes were needed.  Will impress on Geiger how he wants him to vote. 

 

                        .44       from mother, Reading, November 25. 

His flannel drawers are in father’s trunk – be sure to get them.  Gives washing instructions.   Please purchase a French dictionary for Rosa.  Mary has had trees planted at church.  Father has been collecting money to put a steeple on the church.  Valeria Obrien marries tomorrow [to Dr. Taliaferro of Virginia]. 

 

                        .45       from sister Emma, Reading, November 27.  

Went to Valeria Obrien’s wedding [describes wedding dress and dinner].  Other upcoming weddings.  Mary’s trees and the church steeple.  Mentions a commission for Mary, but doesn’t say what it is. 

 

                        .46       from father, Washington, December 11. 

Called on the Secretary of the Navy about George W. Evans, but the Board of Examiners does not meet until January, so will not make the application until receives further instructions.  Did not like the president’s message very much; prefers the president’s “proclamation,” which should also be popular in Pennsylvania.  Sorry that Mr. Wolf did not succeed in Harrisburg; he had written on his account.

 

                        .47         from sister Rosa, [postmark: Reading, Dec. 11, [1832]; written in red: 1832 or 1833.] 

Mother and Emma are preparing for cousin Augusta’s wedding [Henrietta Augusta Musser married Zephaniah McLenegan(?) on December 20, 1832].   Sorry that is he not planning to be home for Christmas.  Mary will be returning some books which did not suit.  “I suppose we shall have no Twenty Second this year for nearly all the young ladies are in mourning.”  Jim found a pepper, a gingerbread, an onion, and a pig’s tail tied to the door knocker this morning.

 

                        .48       from brother Henry and mother, Reading, December 17.

                                    Henry: $2120 collected for church steeple and for painting.  Young Dr. Otto and Emma Otto have been ill.  The Reading Artillerists and the Greys “intend to offer their services to march against the Nullifiers.”  Can’t have their game of shiney(?) on account of the rain. 

                                    Mother: will soon be too busy with Christmas baking and wedding preparations to write.  Both he and she spend money too easily.  Christmas and New Year greetings.

 

                        .49       from father, Washington, December 25. 

Hopes Hiester was able to spend an enjoyable Christmas in Reading – wishes he could have been there, too.  Does not expect any modification of the tariff during present session.  Thinks tariffs could be reduced without injury to American manufacturers.  If South Carolina follows through with threat of nullification, force will be brought to bear on that state.  Congress will support the Executive Branch.  Other Southern states are pressuring South Carolina not to carry out threat.  “Upon the whole, I think it fortunate that Old Hic [Old Hickory, i.e. Jackson] is at the head of affairs.  If Clay had gone in, the whole South would have gone & nothing could have preserved the Union.”  His name was put up for Senator without his knowledge, but he will not withdraw it. 

 

 

Folder 11:        letters to Hiester Henry Muhlenberg, 1833-1848

                        (acc. 13x102.12a-k)

 

                        .12a     from father, Washington, March 1, 1833, to Hiester in Philadelphia.

                                    Just passed what is called “the enforcement bill” [this was part of the nullification crisis].  Hopes to be able to leave soon and will stop in Philadelphia on way home.

 

                        .12b     to “dear Cousin” [Hiester Muhlenberg], from Mary Sperry, Philadelphia, Dec. 3, 1833. 

                                    Letter of condolence; urges him to cheer his parents.

                                    [Hiester’s sister Emma Muhlenberg died Nov. 25, 1833.]

 

                        .12c     from father, Washington, June 17, 1834, to Hiester in Reading.

                                    Discussion about what to do with a hay field.  Chastises Hiester for his extravagance. 

 

                        .12d     part of a letter from father, Washington, Feb. 2, 1836, to Hiester in Reading.

                                    Political discussion, including mention of vice president, the Bank, appropriations to the states, and Burden’s vote. 

 

                        .12e     from Henry A. Muhlenberg [brother], Canonsburg, [Penn.], July 9. 1838.

                                    Requests money for college expenses [Jefferson College was in Canonsburg at this time].  Is considering transferring to Dickinson College.

 

                        .12f      from Henry A. Muhlenberg [brother], Reading, Dec. 22, 1838; Hiester’s location is unknown.

                                    Another man’s note endorsed by Hiester has been protested and Hiester is responsible for it.  Mentions the huge fire in Reading the night before.

 

                        .12g     from sister Rosa, on board a steamer on the St. Lawrence River heading for Kingston, Ontario, June 23, 1845, to Hiester in Reading.

                                    About travels from Saratoga, through Lake George, Fort Ticonderoga, Lake Champlain, and on to Montreal.  Celebrations at Montreal to celebrate the anniversary of Waterloo.  Then traveled to Quebec, where discusses gardens and poor hotel.  On way to Kingston and Niagara Falls.  [traveling with brother Henry and with someone named Clymer]

 

                        .12h     from brother Henry, Niagara Falls, June 24, 1845, to Hiester in Reading.

                                    Further description of the Waterloo celebrations in Montreal.  The French Canadians do not like the British, nor do the Irish.  Were given a tour of the Citadel [in Quebec].  Discusses some of the politics and economics of Canada.  “The general opinion here is that there will be no war on the Oregon Question.” 

 

                        .12i      from brother Henry, St. Louis, July 11, 1845, to Hiester in Reading.

                                    Glad to get letter from Reading because he’s homesick.  Did not enjoy stage trip from Chicago to Galena.  Likes St. Louis better.  Gives plan for travel home (Louisville, Mammoth Cave, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh).  So far trip has cost $280-290.  Met a  former schoolmate of Hiester’s, who has given Henry a porcupine quill decorated robe to bring home to Hiester.

 

                        .12j      from brother Henry, Cincinnati, July 21, 1845, to Hiester in Reading.

                                    Was awed by Mammoth Cave.  Clymer left them at Louisville to visit Mr. Clay [probably Henry Clay].  Too hot to smoke.  Has gathered a lot of information about how much it would cost to start a farm on the prairies.

                                    A later note written in pencil: epitaph for HAM. 

 

                        .12k     from sister Rosa, Abbey View, [Ireland], Feb. 24, 1848, to Hiester in Reading.     

                                    Did not like Liverpool, but does like Dublin and Ireland, although the poor live in miserable conditions.  The Anglo-Saxons are the cleanest people in the world.  Tell George to trim raspberries and gooseberries; mentions other gardening chores which must be done.  While she is gone would be a good time to paint her room.

                                   

                                   

           

Folder 12:        letters to Henry A. Muhlenberg, father and son, 1848 and no date (acc. 13x102.13a-f)

 

                        .13a     address sheet, addressed to Henry A. Muhlenberg, Member of Congress, Reading; postmarked Orange, N.J.; endorsed Jno. L. Blake, ans. May 14;

a later hand wrote these names: Conrad Weiser, Gov. Hiester, Gov. Shulze, C.E. Shulze

 

                        .13e     part of a letter, to Henry A. Muhlenberg, Reading, from G. A. Nicolls, [Ireland or possibly England], March 8, 1848.  (Letter has 6 stamps on it.)

                                    About the Irish.  Troubles on continent have made the Nicolls party decide not to visit Paris.

                                    [Rosa Catharine Muhlenberg (b.1819) married Gustavus Anthony Nicolls (b.1817) in 1846.]

 

 

Folder 13:        letters to and from Mrs. Catherine Brooke (“Cousin Kate”) of Reading, 1835-1840 (acc. 13x102.14a-r)

                        [Catherine Spayd Brooke (b.1801) was the daughter of Catherine Hiester and Judge John Spayd, and a granddaughter of Governor Joseph Hiester.  She married John Brooke, who died in 1834.  They had a son named John.]

 

.14a     letter to Mrs. Mary E. Deininger [neé Muhlenberg], care of Revd. Wilhelm Dininger, Heidenheim, Wurttemberg, from cousin Kate [i.e. Catherine Brooke], Reading, Dec. 27, 1834.  Endorsed “Recd. Heidenheim Feb. 8th 1835.” 

                                    Since they last met, Kate has lost the love of her life [her husband], and must devote herself more closely to God.  Alludes to Mary’s marriage [to Jonathan Deininger].  Mary’s mother [i.e. step-mother Rebecca] is recovering.  Enjoys her baby John.  Living with Amelia but plans to move into her own home in the spring.  Mentions politics and death of Lafayette.  News of home.

 

                        .14b     to Catherine Brooke, Reading, from cousin Mary [Mary Elizabeth Hiester Muhlenberg Deininger], Heidenheim [Germany], March 21, 1835.

                                    Must receive comfort from God in our afflictions.  In Wurttemberg, women in labor use a birthing chair and rarely need a doctor’s assistance.  Nurses here study midwifery.  Mentions a threatened war between the U.S. and France, but does not believe Jackson intends one.  Plan to soon leave Heidenheim for Italy.  Went to a masked ball.  Family news.

                                   

                        .14c     letter to “Dear Coz” [Kate, i.e. Catherine Brooke], from Rosa C. Muhlenberg, Washington, Dec. 7, 1837. 

                                    Made and was paid a number of visits while in Philadelphia and went to a circus.  An unknown person sent her the book “Young Christian” with a poem written in it.  Have also made and have been paid calls in Washington.  Amelia is certain that Mr. K will never have a matrimonial interest in anyone.  Father gave her a new inkstand and a subscription to a circulating library.  Don’t share her letters with anyone.

 

                        .14d     letter to “Dear Cous” [Kate, i.e. Catherine Brooke], from R. [Rosa C.] Muhlenberg, Washington, Jan. 9, 1838. 

                                    Shocked to hear of death of Hetty Keim, but now Hetty has been spared many evils.  Has been to some parties, and describes the crowd at a dance she attended.  Talks about dress.  Has gotten over her jealousy of Miss Blair in their rivalry for the same man.  Mr. E’s poetry.  May visit Richmond.  Please burn her letters.

           

                        .14e     letter to “Dear Cousin” [Kate, i.e. Catherine Brooke], from R. [Rosa C.] Muhlenberg, Washington, Jan. 21, 1838. 

                                    Was getting ready to nod off when decided to write her instead.  Describes Elizabeth Blair and her family [the Francis Preston Blair family].  Has decided it is wiser to love a pet than a man and plans to marry for money if she marries at all.  Family news.  Mentions what she is reading (Sam Slick, Pickwick Papers, Mme Sevigne).

 

                        .14f      letter to Kitty [i.e. Catherine Brooke], Reading, from aunt Rebecca Muhlenberg, at sea, May 19, 1838 (24th day at sea) [the letter was finished after arriving in Paris]

                                    Voyage has been rough and cold – captain says the worst spring voyage in 30 years at sea.  Rosa and Sally have been very seasick.  Have a very nice cabin – curly maple and mahogany woodwork, damask upholstery, a Turkey carpet, although once they sailed, the furniture was covered with muslin slipcovers and the Turkey carpets replaced by ingrain ones.  Fellow passengers are mostly pleasant.  American consul at Le Havre has been attentive.  Describes Le Havre, the countryside they passed on their way through Rouen to Paris, and Paris.  They are not enjoying Paris because they do not speak French.  Remember her to all her friends [a long list follows].

 

                        .14g     letter to Catherine Brooke, Reading, from Rosa C. Muhlenberg, Paris, June 18, 1838.  Forwarded by the U.S. Consulate in Paris, signed by Daniel Brent.

                                    Have rented furnished lodgings for a month.  [Describes their rooms.] Most houses in Paris have highly polished wood floors, but their drawing room has a carpet.  They are near the Tuileries Gardens, a popular place to walk.  Smelly streets; noise from hurdy-gurdy players; much shopping.  Cannot wear black to court.  Describes dresses and father’s court uniform.  Have visited the Louvre, Versailles, and many other sites, and haven’t time to describe everything they’ve seen.  They and Mr. Clay soon leave for Vienna.  Young ladies in Europe are not allowed any freedom until they are married.

 

                        .14h     letter to Kitty (Catherine Brooke), Reading, from R. [Rebecca] Muhlenberg, Vienna, Sept. 20, 1838.

                                    Was overcome with emotion while reading her letter – have only had 4 letters from home in the 5 months they have been gone.  Sorry to hear of illnesses of Mrs. Evans and Mrs. Reeve and that the springs did not do Catherine as much good as hoped.  Describes their apartment [called a suite], furniture, and some of the servants’ work.  Had to make bed and table linens.  Have waxed floors and fears they will be cold in winter without carpets.  Have porcelain stoves.  Had to buy china and silver and plan to ship that home.  Have been sightseeing in Vienna.  Visited the Greselius[?] family.

 

                        .14i      letter to “Coz” [Catherine Brooke], Reading, from [Rosa Muhlenberg], Vienna, Dec. 16, 1838.

                                    Describes parents’ presentations at court, including her mother’s dress.  As Rosa is unmarried, she could not be presented.  Hopes to go to court ball next month.  Is shocked at the immorality of society.  Goes out much at night and is studying during the day.  Parents are homesick. 

                       

                        .14j      letter to Kitty (Catherine Brooke), Reading, from Rebecca Muhlenberg, Vienna, Jan. 16, 1839.

                                    Death of James Pawling and his intemperance.  Describes her presentations to the Empress, the Empress Mother, and the Archduchess Sopia and what they were wearing.  Carnival season has begun and have attended two balls.  Women dress extravagantly.  Sally does not do marketing for them as that is part of the cook’s job.  Regrets that she was not with her daughter Mary when she died [in Feb. 1838].

           

                        .14k     letter to “Coz” [Catherine Brooke], Reading, from Rosa [Muhlenberg], Vienna, Jan. 18[?], 1839.

                                    [Responds to news Catherine has sent about friends in Pennsylvania.]  Likes Vienna but misses her homeland.  The titled of Austria do not always behave well.  Rosa blushes to think of what some are said to have done.  Father is dining with the pope’s ambassador.  Be careful what you write as Ma and Pa read her letters.

 

                        .14L     letter to Kitty (Catherine Brooke), Reading, from aunt Rebecca Muhlenberg, Vienna, June 16, 1839.

                                    Her uncle [the ambassador] is doing well, but both he and she suffer from homesickness.  Am losing teeth.  Doesn’t like the Sunday amusements; saints’ days are kept more strictly.  Could not say this if letter were going by post (for all letters are opened and read), but their letters go by courier.  Declines Kitty’s offer to make currant jelly as will not be home to consume it.  Joe [a nephew] and Hiester need to marry soon or they will be too old to attract wives.  The Vienna season is over and nobility have retreated to country.  The Muhlenbergs enjoy visiting the near-by gardens and villages.  Plan to go to Italy in August.  Rosa busy with lessons but still unable to sing because of inflamed windpipe. 

 

                        .14m    letter to Kate [Catherine Brooke, Reading], from Rosa [Muhlenberg], Vienna, Nov. 5, 1839.

                                    Have just returned from Italy.  Left in early August and passed through the mountainous parts of Austria, which were beautiful.  The Tyroleans are happy people and wear beautiful costumes [which she describes].  Haven’t time to write about Italy.  Expecting some Americans tonight and must prepare for them. 

 

                        .14n     letter to Kitty (Catherine Brooke), Reading, from aunt R. [Rebecca] Muhlenberg, Vienna, Dec. 15, 1839.

                                    Saw so much that doesn’t remember it all.  An American artist in Rome for 7 years told them it gets cold there.  Rosa much benefitted by travel.  Bought engravings of sites they visited and of the local costumes.  Describes the Viennese breakfast and the custom of serving waffles for dessert after dinner.  Enjoyed the scenery of the Tyrol.  Mountain roads were scary.  Thoughts from visit to Pompeii and Herculaneum.  Is now missing 3 front teeth.  Sends greetings to family.

 

                        .14o     letter to cousin [Catherine Brooke, Reading], from R.C.M. [Rosa Muhlenberg], Vienna, March 8, 1840.

                                    Catherine’s last letter contained melancholy news and did not feel like writing.  She will find Reading much changed when she returns.  Maryat’s recent book on America is full of lies.  Has passed a mostly dull winter.  Thinks they will begin return trip home in July or August.  Inquiries about people in Reading.

 

                        .14p     letter to Kitty (Catherine Brooke), Philadelphia [changed from Reading], from R. [Rebecca] Muhlenberg, Vienna, May 5 & 8, 1840.

                                    Memory is bad so doesn’t remember well what she has seen in travels.  Describes a typical soiree (which she does not enjoy).  Surprised that Mary Replier left her widowed mother, who needs her, to enter a cloister.  Responds to news about other family and friends.  Deplores Kitty’s politics.  Rosa not well but won’t exercise as much as doctor recommends because she is busy studying music and Italian and doing embroidery work.  May visit Prague and Dresden.  Describes a group of Hungarians who came to a church to pray for rain. 

           

                        .14q     letter to cousin [Catherine Brooke, Reading], from Rosa C. [Muhlenberg], Vienna, July 8, 1840.

                                    This will be her last letter.  Wishes she had never left Reading, and once she returns, plans to remain there.  Have started packing.  Recently returned from visit to Bohemia and Saxony.  Describes the galleries of ceramics in Dresden.  Also visited Berlin, where the streets are too wide, and other places in Germany.

 

                        .14r      letter to Kitty (Catherine Brooke), Reading, from R. [Rebecca] Muhlenberg, Frankfurt, Sept. 16, 1840.  [Sept. 20 added at end of letter.]

                                    Mr. Muhlenberg had to return to Vienna to introduce Mr. Clay as chargé d’affaires until the new minister arrives.  Frankfurt very busy because it is the time of the fall fair.  Had a hard time getting through Austria and Switzerland because heavy rains and floods had washed out the roads in places. 

 

 

Folder 14:        Journal and expense record of a journey taken July 16-August 24, 1836 (13x102.8a-b)

 

                        The journal is not signed but it was kept by Hiester Muhlenberg.  His travel companions were his mother Rebecca Muhlenberg, sister Rosa Muhlenberg, and Miss Hetty Keim.

 

                        The party went by stage coach from Reading to Harrisburg, then by canal boat to Hollidaysburgh, then by rail [often drawn by horses rather than locomotives] to Johnstown, then by canal again to Pittsburgh.  The journal keeper described the modes of transportation, their accommodations, the scenery, and the places visited in Pittsburgh.

 

                        Next, the party went by stage to Erie, where the hotel was bad, and they took the first steamboat they could to Buffalo.  They visited a nearby Indian reservation before taking a stage for Niagara Falls. 

 

                        Then the party went by stage to Lockport, Rochester, Auburn, Syracuse, and Utica, sightseeing along the way.  From Utica, they took the railroad to Saratoga Springs, passing through Schenectady.  They stayed at the Congress Hall hotel, where they met Mr. [Martin] Van Buren and Secretary of State [John] Forsyth.  They also visited the scene of Burgoyne’s surrender at Schuylerville. 

 

                        Afterwards, the party traveled to Lake George, where they visited sites from the French and Indian War and the Revolution.  Returning to Saratoga, they boarded the rail cars for Troy and then afterwards to Lebanon Springs.  Here, they took a coach to the Shaker village, where they made purchases at the store but were not able to visit the workshops.  They return to the Shaker village on Sunday, and there follows a long description of their meeting house and worship service, including a synopsis of a sermon.

                                   

                        After this, the party went to Albany, where they took a boat to Catskill and went to the Catskill Mountain House, where all enjoyed the views.  Here, Hiester was called to assist a woman who suffered a miscarriage.   Next, they stopped at West Point and saw the cadets at drill.  Then they took the boat to New York City, where they had difficulty finding hotel rooms.  They saw the burnt district [from the great fire of December 1835].  After a short stay, they took a boat for Philadelphia, arriving there on August 20.  The journal ends on Aug. 22, with the travelers still in Philadelphia.  On the last page of the journal is a tall of the distances traveled, estimated to be 1501 miles.

 

                        The expense account records fares, meal and lodging expenses.  A few other expenses are noted, such as “prison purchases” (at Auburn), the purchase of “petrifications,” the hire of a guide, washing, books, and some other miscellaneous items.

 

Folder 15:        photographs of the Trappe Lutheran Church, exterior and interior, taken 1933.  (acc. 13x102.1a-e)

                        [Henry Melchior Muhlenberg was minister here and is buried here.  The building is now part of Augustus Lutheran Church]

 

Folder 16:        photographs of Europe, “bought by Grandmother M and her party in Europe in the 1890s” (acc. 13x102.2-.70

                                    .2a-h    Norway

                                    .3a-k    Nuremberg, Germany

                                    .4a-c    Munich, Germany

                                    .5a-g    Innsbruck and Salzburg, Austria

                                    .6a-f     other places using the German language

                                    .7a-f     Italy (Venice, Florence)

 

Folder 17:        Deininger, Mary Elizabeth Hiester Muhlenberg: “Some Receipts for Cooking,” circa 1830s.  (acc. 16x10.1)

                                    A small collection of recipes, including liver, bologna, various puddings, apple butter, Sally Lunn buns, pea soup, hash, fastnachts, Welsh rabbit, mangoes, etc.  A few recipes are noted as being from a family member.

Mrs. Deininger wrote her name several times at the bottom of the first page: Mary E. H. Deininger.  The name Jonathan E. Deininger is written at the bottom of the second page.  The volume was made by folding paper and sewing along the fold line.  The cover page has parted along the fold lines.

 

Folder 18:        Deininger, Mary Elizabeth Hiester Muhlenberg: “Koch Buck  fur Mary E. H. Deininger,” circa 1830-1855.  (acc. 16x10.2)

                                    Another small collection of recipes, these written in German.  Breads, puddings, tortes, waffles, and others are included.  Towards the end of the volume are a couple of recipes written in English, including a recipe for Jenny Lind Suppe from the Saturday Post of Dec. 8, 1855.  Several drawings are found on the next-to-the-last page: a pudding form and its cover, a spiral-shape item (the description of which is in German), a pole screen, and the plan for a garden in Frankfurt.

                                    Mrs. Deininger wrote her name on the front cover.  It is not known who added the recipe from 1855.  A volume formed by folding pieces of paper; the covers have parted along the fold line.

 

 

Note: the following is an oversize folder, in map case

 

Folder 19:       newspaper: Northampton Farmer, Easton, Penn.  July 21, 1835, vol. 1, no. 2.  With long article entitled “Historical Sketch of Hen. A. Muhlenberg,” giving details about his ancestors Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, Conrad Weiser, and three sons of Henry Melchior, namely Peter, Frederick Augustus, and Henry Ernestus Muhlenberg.  Also articles expressing support of Muhlenberg as candidate for governor of Pennsylvania.

(acc. 09x61)


Series II:

 

Box 2:

 

Folder 1:          Journal of Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, no date.  In German.  (acc. 12x55.1)

 

Folder 2:          Letters, Henry Melchior Muhlenberg to daughter Eva Elisabeth Schultze, Tulpehocken, 1775-1784 and undated.  In German.   (acc. 12x55.2-.12)

 

Folder 3:          Letters, Henry Melchior Muhlenberg to son-in-law Emanuel Schultze, Philadelphia, Providence (Trappe), and Tulpehocken, 1770-1784.  In German.  (acc. 12x55.13-.18, .34)

 

Folder 4:          Letters, Henry Melchior Muhlenberg to “Colleague in Christ,” i.e. son-in-law Emanuel Schultze, 1769-1780 and no date.  In German.  (acc. 12x55.19-.33)

 

Folder 5:          Letters, Henry Melchior Muhlenberg to unknown persons, but probably to family members, possibly many are addressed to Emanuel Schultze, 1774-1787 and no date.  In German; part of one letter is in English – this part is signed Emanuel Schultze.  (acc. 12x55.35-46)

 

                        Also in this folder are bits and pieces broken off from the letters found in folders 2-5.  These bits are not individually numbered.

 

Folder 6:          Letters, to Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, from various people. (acc. 12x55.47, .105-.106)

 

.47       from Jenkin Davis, 1783.  Part of letter only and possibly a copy.  Davis describes the bad behavior of Mr. Triebner in connection with a Lutheran congregation in Ebenezer, [Georgia].   Asks for news of his father.  In English and German. 

.105     from Adam Simon Kuhn of Lancaster, 1768(?).  In German.

                        .106     from Mr. Beyerle of Tulpehocken township, 1773.  In German.

 

Folder 7:          Certificates naming John Frederick Ernst and Henry Moeller [so named in certificate, but signed as Henry Miller] as Lutheran ministers, 1780, 1782.  Both signed by Henry Melchior Muhlenberg and others.  In English.  (acc. 12x55.48-.49)

 

Folder 8:          Letters, Anna Maria Muhlenberg to family members.  All in German.  All signed Mary or Maria Muhlenberg.  (acc. 12x55.50-.55)

 

                        acc. 12x55.50: to husband Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, no year.

                        acc. 12x55.51: to son, August 19, 1772.

                        acc. 12x55.52-.55: to daughter [Eva Elisabeth Muhlenberg Schultz], 1774-1775, 1779, no year.

 

Folder 9:          Letter, Frederick Muhlenberg, New Hanover, to his brother Peter Muhlenberg, Jan. 12, 1778.  Mentions brother Henry Jr. and Goshenhoppen. (acc. 12x55.56a-b)

 

Folder 10:        Letters, addressed to Rev. Dr. Henry Muhlenberg, Lancaster, [i.e. Henry Ernestus Muhlenberg], 1768(?), 1773, 1799 and no date.  In German.  (acc. 12x55.57-.58)

 

                        .57       from William Carpenter, Jr., Culpeper, May 1799.

                        .58       from Emanuel Schultze, no date.

 

Folder 11:        Letters, Frederick A. Muhlenberg to sister Elisabeth Schultze, Tulpehocken, 1788- 1791.  In English.  Signed Frederick or Fritz.  (acc. 12x55.59-.62)

                       

                        .59       Jan. 11, 1788.   Addressed to Emanuel Schultze, but headed “Dr Brother & Sister.”  Sends 10 gallons of spirits.  Must return to town because brother-in-law John Shaffer [also spelled Schaeffer] is in jail.   Will be in Reading soon on business.

.60       February 14, 1788.  Although in Reading on business, must return home before he can visit her because of illness of Mr. Swaine.

.61       October 17, 1790.  Is sending sugar.  Is recuperating from his “old disorder” and cannot visit.  Wife has been ill and must get rooms ready before Congress sits.  Mrs. Muhlenberg would like to have the butter.

.62       May 4, 1791.  Has consulted with doctors, who recommend valerian root and moderate exercise for her [unnamed] condition.  Will send sugar when it is ready.  News of friends; plans to come visit in 2 weeks.

 

Folder 12:        Letters, Frederick A. Muhlenberg to brother-in-law Emanuel Schultze, Tulpehocken, 1781-1795.  (One letter addressed to “Bruder” is also in this folder.)  In German.  (acc. 12x55.63-.79)

 

Folder 13:        Letters, Elisabeth Schultze, Philadelphia and no place, to husband Emanuel Schultze, Tulpehocken and Lebanon, no dates.  In English.  (acc. 12x55.80-.81)

 

                        .80       Father’s illness and other family matters.  Perhaps written from Providence.

                        .81       Written from Philadelphia to husband in Lebanon.  Family news.  Send money to “the trap” [i.e. Trappe, Penn.]

 

Folder 14:        Letters, Francis Swaine, various places, to Emanuel Schultze, Tulpehocken, 1786-1807 and no date.  In English.  (acc. 12x55.82-.86)

 

                        .82       Oct. 25, 1786, from Montgomery.  Family news, especially about Andrew Schultze.

                        .83       March 10, 1791, from Providence.  Plans to open a store here this spring.  Offers to take Henry [Schultze] for 3 years, to teach him store keeping.  Additional business matters.

                        .84       Feb. 4, 1796, from Providence.  At present, unable to pay back the money he owes (which Schultze wants in order to set Henry up in business).  Family news.

                        .85       July 28, 1807, from Norristown.  News of death of the Rev. Dr. Kunze [husband of Margaret Henrietta Muhlenberg].    General Muhlenberg’s health continues as it has been.

                        .86       No date, no place.  Sends bonds by the General [John Peter Gabriel Muhlenberg].  “Do use your influence with him, to go no further than Fort Pitt…”; he is too weak to go further.  “Mrs. Swain is bawling…” because the General is leaving.  

On back: Quitclaim document, February 7-8, 1770, signed H.M., Min. of Ph. [i.e. Henry Melchior Muhlenberg] and M.M. [Maria Muhlenberg, his wife]. Mentions St. Michael’s Corporation and the Rev. M.E.S. [Minister Emanuel Schultze]

 

Folder 15:        Account, Emanuel Schultze in account with Francis Swain, 1791-1792.  Includes letter from Swaine to Elisabeth Schultze.  In English.  (acc. 12x55.87)

                       

Charges are for such items as shoes, ribbon, stockings, buckles, textiles, handkerchiefs, crockery, brushes.  Some items are noted as being for Henry and Andrew.

                                    The letter: Swaine requests wheat.  Plans to stay where he is: “I shall set down and be satisfied.”  Charges half a guinea to marry a couple [in his role as magistrate].  Family news.  

 

Folder 16:        Letters to Eva Elisabeth Muhlenberg Schultze, from sister Mary Catherine Muhlenberg Swaine, no date.  In English.  (acc. 12x55.88-.89)

 

                        .88       No date, written from Norris [i.e. Norristown].  Wishes Elisabeth would write.  Might come visit in September.  Family news.

                        .89       Oct. 26, no year, no place.  Mrs. McCape[?] wants to set up a store in Newmanstown, but Mrs. Swaine thinks she could make more by sewing and knitting.  Mentions danger of smoking in a store stocking gunpowder.  Mentions price of flax.

 

Folder 17:        Letters to Eva Elisabeth Muhlenberg Schultze, from brother Peter Muhlenberg 1793, 1795.  In English.  (acc. 12x55.90-.91)

 

                        .90       Jan. 15, 1793, Montgomery.  Won’t be able to visit this winter unless receive enough snow to use the sleigh.  Family matters, including money for Mr. Swaine’s store.

                        .91       April 24, 1795, Providence.  Announces birth of a son [Francis S.]

 

Folder 18:        Letters to Eva Elisabeth Muhlenberg Schultze, from sister Peggy Kunze [Margaret Henrietta Muhlenberg Kunze], mostly not dated, but a couple were apparently written during the American Revolution.  In English; two letters in German.  (acc. 12x55.92-.104)

                       

.92       April 22, 1773.  In German.  From Henry Muhlenberg, Jr.

.93       Jan. 21, 1785, New York.  Glad sister and her husband are better.  Hope Elisabeth likes living in Philadelphia better than she did; Peggy prefers New York.  Makes comments about false people. 

.94       Jan. 28.  In German.  Actually addressed to Emanuel Schultze.  From Margaretta Henrietta Kunze.

.95       March 20.  Family news.  “Mr. Kunze has prayers all this week in the Asemble and Sennate….”  [Bottom part of letter was cut off.]

.96       April 24.  Butter received.  Discusses wool cards; sister can pay for them with butter and cheese.  People are leaving town [before the British soldiers arrive].  The Kunzes plan to stay where they are.  Send butter and cheese quickly, while supplies can still reach city.  Smallpox is spreading.  This might be her last letter. 

.97       May, Whitsunday.  Has 2 pairs of stockings ready to send her; can pay for them with cheese.  It is too warm.  (Notes in German written in another hand also found on letter.)

.98       June 11.  Has purchased tea.  Also mentions having shoes made and buying chocolate.  Other family news.

.99       July 11.  The church is looking empty because all the men are going away (to avoid jail or being tarred and feathered).  The shoemakers and tailors are all gone.

.100     October 2, [1781 or later].   Her little boy’s name is Charles Henry.  Mentions costs of items, particularly textiles and handkerchiefs.  Has bought some items and wishes to be reimbursed with butter.  News of friends and family.

.101a-b            Nov. 2.  Please send more butter and tallow.  Also mentions medicine, shoes, balsam.  Sends an account of items.  Family news.  [letter is damaged]

.102     27th.  People are expecting something bad to happen.  Sending a few pineapples and other things; no one selling tea now – would be tarred and feathered if he did.  Pen is bad.  Family news. 

.103     Has bought some items for her, including diaper cloth.  Family news.

.104     [partial letter only.]  Family news.

 

Folder 19:        Letters to Eva Elisabeth Muhlenberg Schultze, 1799 and no date.  In German (acc. 12x55.107-.108)

 

                        .107     from Elisabeth Hiester, 1799.

                        .108     from Henry Melchior Muhlenberg.   

 

Folder 20:        Letters to Eva and Emanuel Schultze, from various people, 1768-1807 and no date.  In German, except one in English (acc. 12x55.109-.108)         

 

                        .109     17-5 [1765?].             

.110     May 1768, addressed to Schultze in Lancaster, from someone in Heidelberg. 

.111     1768.  Written in German but addressed in French, to Schultze in Philadelphia.

.112     Jan. 12, 1771, from Johann Friedrick Salz[?] in Ober Germanton [Upper Germantown]

.113     Aug. 11, 1784. From Johannes Kriss, Philadelphia.

.114     March 1786.  From Nicholas Brosius, Reading; in English.  Has recently seen a number of members of the Muhlenberg family, and all are well.  Has bought textiles, thread, and buttons.  Peggy wishes to know whether she is to come home or spend another quarter [at school].  Includes a note from Andrew [surname illegible] to his “dearest anty.” 

 .115a-b           May 27, 1793.  Part of a printed document signed by Schultze.  With seal of German Lutheran Church.

.116     1798.  Christian [Streit], Winchester, addressed to Lebanon.

.117     1799.  Christian Streit, Winchester, addressed to president of the German Lutheran Ministry, Lancaster. 

                        .118     Oct. 24, 1802, Johann F. [Friedrich] Eyer, Vincent township, Chester County.

                        .119     July 25, 1807, nephew [Philip E.] Muhlenberg, Tulpehocken.

                        .120     undated, from Henry Melchior Muhlenberg.  In German.

                        .121     envelope addressed to Schultze in Philadelphia, from Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, with note on back.

 

Folder 21:        Letters, Matthias Richards to Elisabeth and Emanuel Schultze, 1787, 1790.  In German.  (acc. 12x55.122-.123)

           

                        .122     Feb. 3, 1787, to Elisabeth Schultze, written from Douglass.

                        .123     March 24, 1790, to Emanuel Schultze, written from Colebrookdale.

 

Folder 22:        Letters, John Christopher Kunze to Emanuel Schultze, 1771-1805.  In German.  (acc. 12x55.124-.136)

 

                        (John Christopher Kunze was married to Margaret Henrietta (Peggy) Muhlenberg, the sister of Elisabeth Muhlenberg Schultze.) 

 

The 1776, 1784, and possibly the 1771, letters were written from Philadelphia.  The 1777 letter was written from Trappe.  The letters dated 1788-1805 were written from New York.

 

Folder 23:        Letters, Henry [Ernestus] Muhlenberg, Lancaster, to Emanuel Schultze, 1774-1807 and no date.  In German.  (acc. 12x55.137-167)

 

Folder 24:        Letters, to Frederick Schultze, 1804, 1806.  In English.  (acc. 12x55.168-.169)

 

                        (Frederick Augustus Schultze (1777-1836) was a son of Elisabeth and Emanuel Schultze.  He married Maria Rosina Hiester and lived in Womelsdorf.)

 

                        .168     Aug. 2, 1804.  John Hart(? Ford?), Philadelphia.  Received the hair and the ring into which hair is to be set.  “When the above shall be finish’d and to you deliver’d, I shall expect to know at whose captivating charms you bow….”

 

                        .169     [no month] 5, 1806, [Brother] H. L. Schultze, Lancaster.   Sends political news about the assembly and senate.  Presly Carr Lane is speaker in the senate, and Simon Snyder in the assembly.  Love to Sister.

 

Folder 25:        Letters, from Henry A. Muhlenberg, 1806, 1838.  (acc. 12x55.170-.171)

 

.170     to aunt Elisabeth Schultze, Tulpehocken, November 2, 1806.  Informs aunt of death of her sister-in-law, the wife of General Peter Muhlenberg.  His own daughter “grows finely.”   Written from Reading.

 

.171a-b            to the Hon. M. Dickerson, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D.D., February 13, 1838.   Recommending the appointment of Thorowgood Smith Stith [also spelled Sith] as a midshipman.  Written from Philadelphia.  Includes a wrapper with Muhlenberg’s name on it.  A later penciled note on the letter indicates it was written “just before [he sailed] as first minister to Austria.”

 

Folder 26:        pamphlet: Busstags-predigt, gelahlten Donnerstags, den 20sten August 1812…, by Henry A. Muhlenberg.  (Reading, Penn.: Johann Ritter und Comp., 1812)  (acc. 12x55.172)

 

Folder 27:        Biographical Memoir of the late Henry A. Muhlenberg.  No place, no date (1844 or later).  Two copies.  (acc. 12x55.173-.174)

 

Folder 28:        Letter, Henry A. Muhlenberg, Reading, to M. S. Henry(?), November 8, 1851. 

 

Is not in a position to loan him money.  (acc. 12x55.175)

                       

A penciled note added to this letter indicates that this Henry A. Muhlenberg was born in 1823 and died in 1854; thus he was the son of Henry August Philip Muhlenberg (1782-1844).

 

Folder 29:        printed wedding invitation, with envelope and 2 enclosed cards; Mrs. William T. Snodgrass invites Henry A. Muhlenberg to the wedding of Ada F. Snodgrass and Frank Muhlenberg, October 21, 1875, probably Philadelphia.  (acc. 12x55.176a-d)

 

Folder 30:        typed letter, William F. Harrity, Secretary of the Commonwealth [of Pennsylvania], Harrisburg, to Henry A. Muhlenberg, Reading, June 8, 1893.  Governor has appointed Muhlenberg a Commissioner of Valley Forge Park.

                        Enclosed with letter are two printed certificates naming Muhlenberg a Commissioner of Valley Forge Park, one date 1893, the other 1895.  Also the envelope which contained the letter and the 1893 certificate.  (acc. 12x55.177a-d)

 

 

Note: the following is an oversize folder, in map case.

 

Folder 31:       campaign poster, September 16, 1847.  (12x55.178)

                        Text: Shunk, Longstreth, and Democracy.   Democrats, Rally!  A meeting of the Democratic City Club will be held at Goodhart’s “Military Garden,” this evening, Thursday, September 16th, inst.  The meeting will be addressed by Ellis B. Schnabel, Esq., of Philadelphia, and H. A. Muhlenberg, Esq.  Reading, September 16, 1847.