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Title: John Chambers, New York to Robert Simms, Belfast.
ID602
CollectionIrish Emigration Database
FileChambers, John/8
Year1821
SenderChambers, John
Sender Gendermale
Sender Occupationunknown
Sender Religionunknown
OriginNew York, USA
DestinationBelfast, N.Ireland
RecipientSimms, Robert
Recipient Gendermale
Relationshipfriends
SourceT 1815/22: Copied by Permission of the Presbyterian Historical Society, Fisherwick Place, Belfast.
ArchiveThe Public Record Office, Northern Ireland.
Doc. No.8809121
Date25/05/1821
Partial Date
Doc. TypeEMG
LogDocument added by JM 29:09:1993.
Word Count655
Genre
Note
TranscriptTo
Robt Simms Esq.,
Belfast

New York 25th May 1821
John Chambers


Dear Simms

I have received your very acceptable letter by our friend
Wm. [William?] Bailie whom worth & integrity render him entitled to
better fortune than he has experienced for some time but
will be strong recommendation to his renewed efforts in
life.

The tranquil tenor of our progress in national Affairs,
affords little matter for observation. The accession of the
Florida's rounds of our southern quarter-parts an end to our
fretful collisions with Spain, & wipes off a portion of the
robberies committed on us by that arch tyrant, Master
Bonaparte.

There is a feverish itch for Manufactures amongst some of
our people, whilst we have hundreds of Millions of acres of
unoccupied lands. But these folk do not know so much of
their baneful moral & political mischief, as you & I do -
who have witnessed their effects in Manchester, Birmingham,
&c &c.

I congratulate you on the return of quiet & silence on the
Queen's Affairs, which was an unlucky prelude to a New
Reign, But then, Sir, his Majesty's Visit to Pat! - twice
fill all your pockets with money - & all your [minds?] with
transport & tranquility! - No grumbling hereafter, Pat.
Yes, - the holy Alliance has given a pretty specimen of
their views. Not that I ever expected much from the Arms of
the public spirit, of Italians - but they have really made a
poor short-lived Affair of it - Italy appears to be good for
nothing but Painting & Singing & [Paying?] for some hundred
of years. Italy formerly was considered the grave of the
French, from whence they never returned - but laterally they
have walked into it, & rode over it - & the Austrians will
do the same to the end of the Chapter.

As for the Spaniards & Portuguese, they may go on better,
merely because they are - unmolested - They have [doubly?]
some enlightened men amongst them; - but 99 in 100 are
incapable of filling their places under a liberal
#PAGE 2
Government; & it is hard to teach Men a science against
previous prepossessions, where the scholars are so numerous,
and the Instructors so few, - but I wish I may prove wrong
in these opinions, & that our sons may see so many Millions
added to the supporters of public liberty. From France my
friends write me, she had never so fair a chance of
obtaining & maintaining a liberal system, fitted to their
light & fickle character, than at the present moment -
indeed better, than that character qualifies them for. For
Millions [pant?] be again under the rigours & robberies, &
splendours of the late [?].

I have had a serious trail of illness. Eight months
confinement to room has been one of the consequences of a
severe attack of Dysentry in September last, from which
thank God, I am (tho' [though?] [slowly?) recovering. This
subject naturally recalls your kind felicitations on my
Marriage, which has proved one of the happiest events
of my life. - Medical aid had done all that art coud
[could?] do - but the affectionate solicitude of a good wife
has been more efficacious to me, than the whole of their
pharmacopoeia. - Mrs C [Chambers?] has full as much respect, & regard,
& good wishes, for your Daughter, as I have for her father - &
desires to be affectionately remembered to her & to herself.

I see your estimable [son?] Robert, whenever he comes to N.
York, & generally spends the day with us. I am happy to
add, that in my judgement, he possesses all the qualities
necessary to render him a successful & respectable man of
business.

Accept my best regards, & believe me
Dr Simms, Yours Sincerely

J Chambers


Mrs C [Chambers?] requests she may have her best compliments & respects
presented to Miss Cunningham - for whom she has a high esteem.