Thomas Mullett, London, to Henry Wheaton, Providence, [Rhode Island], 31 March 1807, with accompanying note by Mullett’s son-in-law (and nephew), Joseph Jeffries Evans of London, dated the same day. 

London 31 March 1807

Dear Sir,

   In consequence of your esteemed favor 20 Novemr we have paid to Mr Chas Murray on your Account £21.2/. taking his receipt for the same, & which forms the balance in our hands agreeable to our Letter of 28 July—

   Your kind acknowledgments of the little attentions we were able to shew you here, are very grateful to us. Be assured of our continued wishes for your welfare & that we shall hear of your Prosperity & happiness with much pleasure.

   We are with Esteem

                     Dear Sir

                                 yours very truly

                                             Tho. Mullett & Co

P.S. You will find a few lines annexed, from our J. J. E.

My dear Sir

   The friendly lines which you added to your Letter to the house, afforded me much gratification; because they led me to believe that the regard in which I have held you from the first of our acquaintance, may have been in some degree mutual. Believe me, tho’ the occupations of business prevent much of that friendly correspondence which it were otherwise delightful to indulge, I shall never be unconcerned about your affairs, but always desirous to know that you are in every respect prospering & you would wish, & as I am assured you will deserve.

   Your remark that Europe offers you “many things to learn, & many things to learn to avoid,” proves that you have not travelled in vain; which too many alas! of your younger Countrymen do: but the foundation of a good Education, of good moral principles, & habits of domestic association are excellent barriers against the inroads of vice, whilst they are powerful assistants in the pursuit of what is valuable. The Knowledge & the Industry of Europe offer unbounded fields for improvement; her vices & her follies may be important warnings to the prudent & the wise.

   Agreeing as I do with you generally on American politics, I cannot but assent to the remarks you have made thereon. The Signature of a treaty between our two Governments will I trust cement the Union of the Countries, tho’ I am not without fears, that the imbecile ministry, which have put you so unworthily succeeded to the return of affairs, are not altogether so well disposed toward the US, as were the late administration; who had many amongst them, tho’ of high notions, yet men of sense, of probity, & of humanity.

   Our families are in general well. Mine has an addition of a little boy since you left us, who will I hope in due time brighten the chain with his friends in America. Mrs Evans & her Sisters join in every good wish for you; & your happiness will never be indifferent to

         Dear Sir,

               Yours very truly

                           J. J. Evans

   London 31 March 1807.

P.S.

Be so good as to remember me to my old friends Col: Bowen Mr Tillinghast & Mr Bucklin1

Note

1 Most likely William E. Tillinghast (1777-1817), a partner of Benjamin Gorton (1765-1822) in a shipping business. The Tillinghasts were a Baptist family. The others are possibly Daniel or Joseph Bucklin. Several Bowens and Wheatons lived in Providence at that time. It is possible this is Henry Wheaton (1785-1848), later a prominent lawyer and Congregationalist in Providence, a graduate of Brown who spent time in London c. 1805-06, which is probably when he met Mullett and Evans. See http://www.rihs.org/mssinv/Mss754.htm  and http://hylbom.com /family/paternal-lines/paternal-sh-to-ti/tillinghast-2614/ and http://bucklinsociety.net/colonial-history/1770-providence-property-owners/

Text: Wheaton Papers, MA 995, Pierpont Morgan Library and Museum, New York.