1838 LITTLE ROCK ARK Stampless Folded Letter SUPERB CONTENT TRAVEL BOWIE KNIVES

Description

1838 stampless folded letter with black
LITTLE-ROCK/ARKs.
("s" high) cds and manuscript "25" rate, addressed to Nathan W. Williams, at Plainfield, Connecticut.
Lengthy, 4 pg. letter contents, approx. 7-7/8" x  9-7/8", dated at
Little Rock, Arkansas, March 27, 1838
, (no year date in dateline, but confirmed as 1838 in the recipient's docketing on the back), from Edwin L. Martin, to his friend Nathan W. Williams.
Superb content
from this young Rhode Islander who has travelled to the South to seek his fortune. Great descriptions of his travels, the country, the people of the South, writing that
"there is scarcely a man in any of these Southern States and particularly in Arkansas that does not go armed with a bowie-knife and or pistol, and usually with both"
; Of how most of the Southern men gamble, and of having his life threatened by a gang of 30 gamblers. He writes of his intention to go to Fort Smith to open with 2 other men a wholesale & retail variety store, and expects that most of their customers will be
Indians
.  Much more good content.
Includes:
"Friend Nathan:
It is now eight weeks since I received your kind letter, which I took from the office the day I arrived in Little Rock. The pleasure I received when it was opened, to find that it was from Friend Nathan, was heightened by the fact, that I had not heard a word from home for more than a month. You said you knew not where it would find me, but hoped 'somewhere in the wilds of Arkansas'. I can assure you, your wish was gratified, for although I received it in a city, the Capital of a large State, yet it is but a small spot of land, the trees cut down, the stumps, however, left standing and covered with log houses - situated three hundred miles into the depths of a dense forest, the only outlet of which is the river. Very true, we little thought during the last summer, when we were enjoying the pleasures of the social circle, that ever that season should again arrive, thousands of miles would separate us - but alas! how transitory, how uncertain are all human events....
You did not seem to like the idea of carrying arms - neither did I, and before I had owned them two weeks, I disposed of them, and felt much relieved when I had done so, but I can assure you, there is scarcely a man in any of these Southern States, and particularly in Arkansas, that does not go armed with a bowie-knife and or pistol, and usually with both. But I detest the practice, it is contrary to my taste and principle.
You wished me on the reception of your letter, to sit down and write you all the particulars of my stay in Louisville, my journey to Arks., present situation, business prospects, &c. I shall take pleasure in complying with your requests. My stay in Louisville was anything but pleasant. I labored under one continued series of hope, suspense and disappointment. My object in stopping there was to look [for] a situation in some mercantile house, but to my sorrow, I found some fifty young men on the same errand, which rendered it almost useless to look at all. I met with encouragement one day, only to have it followed by disappointment the next. After remaining in this very unpleasant situation about two weeks, I became acquainted with "Prentice' of the Louisville Journal
[George D. Prentice, founder & editor of the Louisville Journal]
, who offered me a situation in his Office. As this would not interfere with my looking [for] a situation more congenial to my wishes, I accepted it. As this situation would last but three weeks, I made every exertion to obtain another, but without success. And added to these discouragements, I had my life threatened, for
daring
when called upon, to
assert
and
act
my principles, by a club of some thirty young men, or rather a set of dissipated young gamblers; and by the by, there is very few men in the south that does not gamble. You will admit that this was a trying situation for a Yankee boy, who had just emerged from a society of acquaintances who were all bound together by the sacred ties of friendship, and who was willing to believe others a honest as himself. But I was not discouraged, no, I shall eve
fearlessly speak and act
my principles when called upon to do so, long as my life is spared! ]
At this time, Mr. Silas Sisson Esqr., and brother, the gentleman by whose influence I was led to stop in Louisville, was making preparations to take a boat load of Boots and Shoes, to sell at wholesale at the villages along the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, and from thence to go to Arks., to establish business, and gave me an invitation to accompany him. Not finding any other situation, I readily accepted it; and in a few days was on my way, floating down the beautiful Ohio. Nothing particular worthy of note took place during the first month of our voyage. When it was calm we could float about three miles an hour. We stopped at every town, village and landing - when the wind blowed, and when it rained. Although at times it was rather tedious, yet on the whole, we had a very pleasant voyage. When we arrived in Paducah, at the mouth of the Tennessee river, I thought it a favorable time to satisfy a very strong desire I had to see Thomas, some other friends in Alton, and the country about there. After consulting with the Messrs. Sisson, I made arrangements to be gone five days and meet them at Columbia, on the Miss. In two days I was in the beautiful city of Alton. But imagine my disappointment, for I cannot describe it, when I found that Thomas had left two days before for Jacksonville. I like Alton much better than any other place I have seen since I left New England. I remained there three days, and should had Thomas been there, have had a very pleasant visit.
After I returned to the boat, I was taken sick, but soon recovered and am now enjoying first rate health.
I am now in Little Rock, Ark., but expect in about a week to [go] up to Fort Smith, about three hundred miles up the river. We are to open a wholesale and retail variety Store. Expect our customers will be mostly Indians. Fort Smith is spoken of as being quite a healthy place. Think I shall fully realize your supposition that I should have but few privileges for religious instruction. Yes, I fear it will be a long day ere I shall again hear the Sabbath morn ushered in by the pleasant notes of the church going bell. To be deprived, Sabbath after Sabbath, of the privilege of attending church, is the greatest obstacle I have to staying in Arks. My prospects in a pecuniary point of view is very good, and I think this climate will agree with my constitution. I never enjoyed better health or spirits, than at present...
Often do I wish I could spend the summer with you in R.I., but as it is utterly impossible, I strive to be contented with my lot...Had I room, I could give you a history of the manners and customs of the inhabitants of Arks., and at several balls and parties I have attended - but for the want of which I must forebear. Please answer as convenient - give me a particular description of your visit home, in vacation - of our Warren friends - and of all others - nothing that has transpired in R.I. can fail to be interesting to me. If you should go to R.I. soon, please make my complements agreeable to all.
In my next I will give you a description of my situation; until when I will subscribe myself your sincere friend and well wisher,
Edwin L. Martin"
The letter has a few partial fold splits, neatly repaired with archival document tape. Fine.
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