John Pershouse correspondence and papers, 1749-1899

Mss.B.P43

Date: 1749-1899 | Size: 5 volume(s), 62 item(s)

Abstract

This correspondence is principally concerned with business between Pershouse and his brother James in England, with comments on conditions and events in the United States, including anti-British feeling, Thomas Paine's return to America, Jefferson's administration, and immigration. The papers include Pershouse's journal (1800-1838), which includes accounts of travels in England, France, and the United States, letterbooks (1836-1862) of Henry Pershouse, nephew of John, chiefly on business matters, and two volumes of Pershouse genealogical data, compiled by B.M. Pershouse Bayley (1899).

Background note

John Pershouse was a Philadelphia merchant.

Collection Information

Physical description

5 volumes; 62 items.

5 volumes; 62 items.

Provenance

Purchased and accessioned, 1958 (1958 1433ms).

Alternate formats available

This material is also available on microfilm (Film 1370).

Early American History Note

This collection contains five volumes of data relating to John Pershouse and his family. The collection contains two volumes of genealogical data from the later eighteenth century; the remaining three volumes all date to the early republic and consist of a travel journal and two letter books thought to belong to his nephew Henry. Of particular interest are the letters from Pershouse in Philadelphia to his brother in England. His letters often discuss many of the major political and social events happening in the early republic. He discusses immigration, Jefferson's administration, and the culture of Philadelphia during this period.

Indexing Terms


Family Name(s)

  • Pershouse, James.

Genre(s)

  • Business Records and Accounts
  • Family Correspondence
  • Genealogies.
  • General Correspondence
  • Journals (notebooks).
  • Letterbooks.
  • Political Correspondence
  • Travel Narratives and Journals

Geographic Name(s)

  • England -- Description and travel.
  • United States -- Description and travel.
  • United States -- Politics and government -- 1783-1809.

Personal Name(s)

  • Bayley, Benjamin Matthew Pursehouse, 1864-1948
  • Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826
  • Paine, Thomas, 1737-1809
  • Pershouse, Henry
  • Pershouse, John,1769-1841.

Subject(s)

  • Diplomatic History
  • Early National Politics
  • International Travel
  • Philadelphia History
  • Social Life and Custom
  • Travel

Collection overview

1794-1899 

D. 62 letters and documents and 5 ms. vols. Various sizes. Letters and documents are individually catalogued; 1794-1841. Vols.are: (John Pershouse. Journal; Feb. 1800-1838: B.M.P.Bayley. Genealogical data of the Pershouse family; 1899 and H. Pershouse. Letterbooks; 1836-1862.



Detailed Inventory

 Papers
1794-1899 

D. 62 letters and documents and 5 ms. vols. Various sizes. Letters and documents are individually catalogued; 1794-1841. Vols.are: (John Pershouse. Journal; Feb. 1800-1838: B.M.P.Bayley. Genealogical data of the Pershouse family; 1899 and H. Pershouse. Letterbooks; 1836-1862.

 Pershouse, John, 1769-1841.
Letter to James Pershouse;
March 6, 17949-3/4x7-1/2

Manchester, A.L.S. 1p.and add.,end. (see John Pershouse. Letters...) Concerning the possible sale of land.

General physical description: 9-3/4x7-1/2

 Pershouse, John, 1769-1841.
Letter to James Pershouse, Chorley, Lancashire;
April 16, 17988x7-1/2

Nuremberg, A.L. 3p.and add.,end. Mutilated. (see John Pershouse. Letters...) Concerning his travels in Europe.

General physical description: 8x7-1/2

 Pershouse, John, 1769-1841.
Letter to [James] Pershouse, Chorley, Lancashire;
May 5, 180110x8

Philadelphia, A.L.S. 3p.and add.,end. (see John Pershouse. Letters...) Ships flour. Concerning the price of provisions in England. Concerning Jefferson as president. Concerning political news in England. Concerning Pitt.

General physical description: 10x8

 Pershouse, John, 1769-1841.
Letter to [James] Pershouse, Chorley, Lancashire;
June 30, 180110x8

Philadelphia, A.L.S. 4p.,add.,end. (see John Pershouse. Letters...) Concerning the price of food in England and the need for care of land. Concerning his travels in the U.S.

General physical description: 10x8

 Pershouse, John, 1769-1841.
Letter to [James] Pershouse, Chorley, Lancashire;
Nov. 20, 180110x8

Philadelphia, A.L. 4p.,add.,end. (see John Pershouse. Letters...) Concerning internal affairs in the U.S. Concerning English foreign affairs. Concerning vaccination in the U.S. Immigration to the U.S.

General physical description: 10x8

 Pershouse, John, 1769-1841.
Letter to [James] Pershouse, Chorley, Lancashire;
Dec. 2, 18019-3/4x7-3/4

Philadelphia, A.L.S. 4p.,add.,end. (see John Pershouse. Letters...) Internal affairs and prosperity of the U.S. Value of land in England. Current events. Refers to Porcupine, Franklin and Paine. Business in the U.S.

General physical description: 9-3/4x7-3/4

 Pershouse, John, 1769-1841.
Letter to [James] Pershouse, Chorley, England;
Feb. 26, 180210-1/2x8-1/4

Philadelphia, A.L.S.with initials. 4p.,add.,end. (see John Pershouse. Letters...) Will stay longer in the U.S. Friendly advice on going into trade. Concerning congress and Jefferson. Refers to the Indians. Growth of cotton in the U.S.

General physical description: 10-1/2x8-1/4

 Pershouse, John, 1769-1841.
Letter to [James] Pershouse, Chorley, England;
June 14, 180210x8

Philadelphia, A.L.S. 4p.,add.,end. (see John Pershouse. Letters...) Concerning some immigrants who return to England. State of commerce in the U.S. Hatred between North and South and fear that France, in Louisiana, will take the West, forecasts dissolution of the U.S.

General physical description: 10x8

 Pershouse, John, 1769-1841.
Letter to [James] Pershouse, Chorley, England;
Sept. 20, 180213x7-1/2

New York, A.L. 4p.,add.,end. (see John Pershouse. Letters...) Concerning his travels through New York state. Concerning T. Paine.

General physical description: 13x7-1/2

 Pershouse, John, 1769-1841.
Letter to [James] Pershouse, Chorley, Lancashire;
Dec. 28, 18029-3/4x7-3/4

Philadelphia, A.L.S. 4p.,add.,end. (see John Pershouse. Letters...) Business. Concerning the French in Louisiana and Jefferson. Refers to Paine.

General physical description: 9-3/4x7-3/4

 Pershouse, John, 1769-1841.
Letter to James Pershouse;
Dec. 28, 18029-3/4x8

Philadelphia, A.L.S. 1p. Copy. (see John Pershouse. Letters...) Business. On same sheet as letter from John Pershouse to James Pershouse; Jan. 1, 1803.

General physical description: 9-3/4x8

 Pershouse, John, 1769-1841.
Letter to [James] Pershouse, Chorley, England;
[1802]10-1/2x8

A.L.S. 3p.and add.,end. (see John Pershouse. Letters. . .) Concerning Paine and his coming to the U.S. Refers to Whitefield and Priestley. Business.

General physical description: 10-1/2x8

 Pershouse, John, 1769-1841.
Letter to [James] Pershouse, Chorley, Lancashire;
Jan. 1, 18039-3/4x8

Philadelphia, A.L.S.with initials. 3p.,add.,end. (see John Pershouse. Letters.) Business. On same sheet is letter from John Pershouse to James Pershouse; Dec. 28, 1802.

General physical description: 9-3/4x8

 Pershouse, John, 1769-1841.
Letter to [James] Pershouse, Chorley, England;
April 8, 180310x8

Philadelphia, A.L.S. 4p.,and.,end. (see John Pershouse. Letters...) Business. Concerning Louisiana and the West. Refers to Paine and Jefferson. Priestley given dinner by the APS.

General physical description: 10x8

 Pershouse, John, 1769-1841.
Letter to [James] Pershouse, Chorley, Lancashire;
July 23, 180313x7-3/4

Philadelphia, A.L.S. 2p.,add.,end. (see John Pershouse. Letters...) Business. Swiss immigrantion to the U.S.

General physical description: 13x7-3/4

 Pershouse, John, 1769-1841.
Letter to [James] Pershouse, Stourbridge, England;
Sept. 23, 18039-3/4x8

Germantown, A.L.S. 4p.,add.,end. (see John Pershouse. Letters...) Yellow fever in Philadelphia. Business. Recommends he immigrate to the U.S. Concerning Jerome Bonaparte and T. Paine.

General physical description: 9-3/4x8

 Pershouse, John, 1769-1841.
Letter to [James] Pershouse, Stourbridge;
Dec. 15, 18039x7-1/2

Philadelphia, A.L.S. 4p.,add.,end. (see John Pershouse. Letters...) Business. Results of the yellow fever epidemic. Slaves in the U.S.

General physical description: 9x7-1/2

 Pershouse, John, 1769-1841.
Letter to [James] Pershouse, Chorley;
[1803]10x8

Philadelphia, A.L.S. 4p.,add.,end. (see John Pershouse. Letters...) Business. Concerning internal improvements (roads and canals) of the U.S.

General physical description: 10x8

 Pershouse, John, 1769-1841.
Letter to [James] Pershouse, Stourbridge, England;
Jan. 20, 18049-1/2x8

Philadelphia, A.L.S.with initials. 4p.,add.,end. (see John Pershouse. Letters...) Business. Revival of slave trade in the U.S. Current events. Refers to T. Jefferson. Jerome Bonaparte's marriage.

General physical description: 9-1/2x8

 Pershouse, John, 1769-1841.
Letter to [James] Pershouse, Stourbridge;
May 4, 180410x8

Philadelphia, A.L.S. 4p.,add.,end. (see John Pershouse. Letters...) Praises the U.S. and urges him to immigrate. Refers to Jerome Bonaparte. Refers to Jefferson and Paine.

General physical description: 10x8

 Pershouse, John, 1769-1841.
Letter to [James] Pershouse, Stourbridge, England;
Sept. 10, 18049-1/2x7-3/4

Philadelphia, A.L.S. 4p.,add.,end. (see John Pershouse. Letters...) Friendly letter. Concerning Jerome Bonaparte. Influx of immigrants. Will become a citizen. Refers to Priestley.

General physical description: 9-1/2x7-3/4

 Pershouse, John, 1769-1841.
Letter to [James] Pershouse, Stourbridge;
Sept. 24, 18049-1/2x7-1/2

Philadelphia, A.L.S. 3p.and add.,end. (see John Pershouse. Letters...) Business.

General physical description: 9-1/2x7-1/2

 Pershouse, John, 1769-1841.
Letter to Ja[me]s Pershouse, Stourbridge;
March 10, 180510-1/4x8

Philadelphia, A.L.S. 4p.add.,end. (see John Pershouse. Letters...) Business. Concerning a trip in Pennsylvania. Refers to Priestley.

General physical description: 10-1/4x8

 Pershouse, John, 1760-1841.
Letter to [James] Pershouse, Stourbridge;
May 25, 180510-1/4x8

Philadelphia, A.L.S. 3p.and add.,end. (see John Pershouse. Letters...) Business. Will stay in America. Concerning Paine.

General physical description: 10-1/4x8

 Pershouse, John, 1769-1841.
Letter to [James] Pershouse, Stourbridge;
Oct. 26, 180510-1/4x8

Philadelphia, A.L.S. 4p.,add.,end. (see John Pershouse. Letters...) Concerning T. Paine. Business. Concerning yellow fever. Current events.

General physical description: 10-1/4x8

 Pershouse, John, 1769-1841.
Letter to [James] Pershouse, Stourbridge;
Dec. 10, 180510-1/4x8

Philadelphia, A.L.S. 4p.,add.,end. (see John Pershouse. Letters...) Business. Jefferson's speech to congress. Refers to T. Paine.

General physical description: 10-1/4x8

 Pershouse, John, 1769-1841.
Letter to [James] Pershouse, Stourbridge;
Dec. 15, 180510-1/4x8

Philadelphia, A.L.S. 2p.and add.,end. (see John Pershouse. Letters...) Business. Rising feeling against impressment in the U.S.

General physical description: 10-1/4x8

 Pershouse, John, 1769-1841.
Letter to [James] Pershouse, Stourbridge;
Feb. 23, 180610-1/4x8-1/4

Philadelphia, A.L.S. 3p.and add.,end. Contains pencilled note in German on add. sheet. (see John Pershouse. Letters...) Sends gift of flour. Concerning T. Paine. Business. Growth of population in the U.S.

General physical description: 10-1/4x8-1/4

 Pershouse, John, 1769-1841.
Letter to [James] Pershouse, Stourbridge;
April 4, 180610-1/2x8

Philadelphia, A.L.S. 4p.,add.,end. (see John Pershouse. Letters...) Business.

General physical description: 10-1/2x8

 Pershouse, John, 1769-1841.
Letter to [James] Pershouse, Stourbridge;
June 18, 180610-1/2x8

Philadelphia, A.L.S. 4p.,add.,end. (see John Pershouse. Letters...) Business. Concerning immigration to the U.S.

General physical description: 10-1/2x8

 Pershouse, John, 1769-1841.
Letter to [James] Pershouse, Stourbridge;
Oct. 24, Oct. 30, 18069-1/2x7-1/2

Philadelphia, A.L.S. 4p.,add.,end. (see John Pershouse. Letters...) Business.

General physical description: 9-1/2x7-1/2

 Pershouse, John, 1769-1841.
Letter to [James] Pershouse, Stourbridge;
Dec. 5, 180613x8

Philadelphia, A.L.S. 2p.add.,end. (see John Pershouse. Letters...) Business. Refers to Jefferson. Concerning business in the U.S.

General physical description: 13x8

 Pershouse, John, 1769-1841.
Letter to [James] Pershouse, Stourbridge;
April 1, 180710x7-3/4

Philadelphia, A.L.S. 3p.and add.,end. (see John Pershouse. Letters...) Business. Friendly letter. Refers to an article in the Port Folio.

General physical description: 10x7-3/4

 Pershouse, John, 1769-1841.
Letter to [James Pershouse];
May 10, 180710x8

Philadelphia, A.L.S. 2p. (see John Pershouse. Letters...) Business. Friendly letter. Concerning Thomas Paine.

General physical description: 10x8

 Pershouse, John, 1769-1841.
Letter to [James] Pershouse, Stourbridge;
Oct. 8, 180710x8

Philadelphia, A.L.S. 4p.,add., end. (see John Pershouse. Letters...) Business. Concerning the Chesapeake and the Leopard affair. Refers to Jefferson. Concerning a comet.

General physical description: 10x8

 Pershouse, John, 1769-1841.
Letter to [James] Pershouse, Kingswinford;
Feb. 5, 180810x8

Philadelphia, A.L.S. 4p.,add.,end. (see John Pershouse. Letters...) Business. Concerning Anglo-American relations.

General physical description: 10x8

 Pershouse, John, 1769-1841.
Letter to [James] Pershouse, Stourbridge;
April 26, 180810x8

Philadelphia, A.L.S. 4p.,add.,end. (see John Pershouse. Letters...) Business. Concerning the Embargo.

General physical description: 10x8

 Pershouse, John, 1769-1841.
Letter to [James] Pershouse, Stourbridge;
Oct. 31, 180810x8

Philadelphia, A.L.S. 4p.,add.,end. (see John Pershouse. Letters...) Business. Concerning Anglo-American relations.

General physical description: 10x8

 Pershouse, John, 1769-1841.
Letter to [James] Pershouse, Stourbridge;
Dec. 3, 180810x8

Philadelphia, A.L.S.with initials. 4p.,add.,end. (see John Pershouse. Letters...) Business. Concerning the Embargo.

General physical description: 10x8

 Pershouse, John, 1769-1841.
Letter to [James] Pershouse, Bridgnorth, England;
Nov. 11, 180910x8

Philadelphia, A.L.S. 4p.,add.,end. (see John Pershouse. Letters...) Business.

General physical description: 10x8

 Pershouse, John, 1769-1841.
Letter to [James] Pershouse, Bridgnorth, England;
June 10, 18109-3/4x8

Philadelphia, A.L.S. 4p.,add.,end. (see John Pershouse. Letters...) Current events. Describes expanding economy of the U.S. Death of Paine. Business.

General physical description: 9-3/4x8

 Pershouse, John, 1769-1841.
Letter to [James] Pershouse, Bridgnorth;
Nov. 27, 18109-3/4x7-3/4

Philadelphia, A.L.S. 4p.,add.,end. (see John Pershouse. Letters...) Business. Describes trip through Albany to Canada.

General physical description: 9-3/4x7-3/4

 Pershouse, John, 1769-1841.
Letter to [James] Pershouse, Bridgnorth, England;
Jan. 26, 181110x8

Philadelphia, A.L.S. 3p.and. add.,end. (see John Pershouse. Letters...) Describes how a poor man may prosper in the U.S. Business. Concerning Dunkers. Concerning Indians of Canada.

General physical description: 10x8

 Pershouse, John, 1769-1841.
Letter to [James] Pershouse, Bridgnorth;
July 5, 181110x8

Philadelphia, A.L.S. 3p.and add.,end. (see John Pershouse. Letters...) Concerning immigration to the U.S. Business. Describes a visit to Maryland. Current events.

General physical description: 10x8

 Pershouse, John, 1769-1841.
Letter to [James] Pershouse, Bridgnorth, England;
Dec. 12, 181110x8

Philadelphia, A.L.S. 4p.,add. (see John Pershouse. Letters...) Business. Development of manufactures in the U.S.

General physical description: 10x8

 How and Marsham, Stock-Brokers.
Letter to James Pershouse, Bridgenorth;
March 17, 18129x7-1/2

London, Printed D.filled in in ms.and L. 2p. and add.,end. (See John Pershouse. Letters...) Business.

General physical description: 9x7-1/2

 Pershouse, John, 1769-1841.
Letter to [James] Pershouse, Bridgnorth, England;
June 2, 181210x8

Philadelphia, A.L.S. 2p.and add. (see John Pershouse. Letters...) Business. Possibility of war with Great Britain.

General physical description: 10x8

 Pershouse, John, 1769-1841.
Letter to [James] Pershouse, Bridgnorth, England;
Aug. 10, 181210x8

Philadelphia, A.L.S. 4p.,add.,end. (see John Pershouse. Letters...) Concerning the war. Possible rise of manufactures in the U.S.

General physical description: 10x8

 Pershouse, John, 1769-1841.
Letter to [James] Pershouse, Bridgnorth;
Dec. 20, 181310x8-1/4

Philadelphia, A.L.S. 4p.,add.,end. (see John Pershouse. Letters...) Concerning the war. Concerning internal affairs of the U.S.

General physical description: 10x8-1/4

 Pershouse, John, 1769-1841.
Letter to [James] Pershouse, Bridgnorth;
June 17, 18159-1/2x8

Philadelphia, A.L.S. 3p.and add. (see John Pershouse. Letters...) Concerning the peace and the development of the U.S. His plans to return to England.

General physical description: 9-1/2x8

 Pershouse, John, 1769-1841.
Letter to [James] Pershouse, Bridgnorth;
Aug. 14, 181510x8

Philadelphia, A.L.S.with initials. 4p.,add. (see John Pershouse. Letters...) Business. Returns soon to England. Growth of the U.S. Return of Bonaparte.

General physical description: 10x8

 Pershouse, John, 1769-1841.
Letter to [James] Pershouse, Bridgnorth;
Dec. 30, 18159x7-1/4

London, A.L.S. 1p.and add.,end. (see John Pershouse. Letters...) Is in England and will visit him.

General physical description: 9x7-1/4

 Pershouse, Elizabeth Pilling.
Letter to H[enry] Pershouse, Manchester;
Nov. 2, 18179-1/2x7-1/2

A.L.S. 3p. and add.with P.S. by J[ames] Pershouse. (see John Pershouse. Letters...) Friendly letter.

General physical description: 9-1/2x7-1/2

 Barlow, Elizabeth.
Letter to Mrs. H. Pershouse, Manchester;
Aug. 24, 18259-1/4x7-1/2

A.L.S. 3p. and add. (see John Pershouse. Letters...) Friendly letter.

General physical description: 9-1/4x7-1/2

 Protection Insurance Company.
Policy issued to John Pershouse;
May 20, 182620-1/2x16-1/2OS

Hartsford, Printed D.filled in in ms.S.: T.C.Perkins, secy., Wm.W.Ellsworth, pres. and John Boardman, agent. 1p. (see John Pershouse. Letters...)

General physical description: 20-1/2x16-1/2

 Netherlands.
Passport issued to John Pershouse;
Sept. 8, 182816x12-3/4OS

London, Printed D.filled in in ms.S.: J.W.May. and John Pershouse. 1p.and end. In French. (see John Pershouse. Letters...)

General physical description: 16x12-3/4

 France.
Passport issued to John Pershouse;
Aug. 28, 182917x10-1/2OS

London, Printed D.filled in in ms.S.: John Pershouse. A. Billing,sec. 1p.and end. In French. (see John Pershouse. Letters. . .)

General physical description: 17x10-1/2

 Ticket to Paris
July 20, 1830 

1 item, printed with Mss filled in. Ticket to Paris, issued by English and Foreign Coach Office.

 Pershouse, John, 1769-1841.
Statement of property;
March 1, 183310x8

A.D. 4p. (see John Pershouse. Letters...)

General physical description: 10x8

 Bayard, James A. (James Asheton), 1799-1880.
Letter to R[obert] Ewing;
June 4, 184110x8

Philadelphia, L. 1p. Copy. (see John Pershouse. Letters...) Advises mode of settling John Pershouse's estate. On same sheet as letter from R.Ewing to H.Pershouse; June 11, 1841.

General physical description: 10x8

 Ewing, Robert.
Letter to Henry Pershouse, Manchester;
June 11, 184110x8

Philadelphia, A.L.S. 2p.and add.,end. (see John Pershouse. Letters. . .) Death of John Pershouse. Statement of John Pershouse's estate. Enclose copy of letter advising mode of settling the estate. On same sheet is copy of letter from J. Bayard to R. Ewing; June 4, 1841.

General physical description: 10x8

 Ewing, Robert.
Letter to Henry Pershouse, Manchester;
June 28, 18419-3/4x7-3/4

Philadelphia, A.L.S. 1p.and add.,end. (see John Pershouse. Letters...) Concerning the settlement of John Pershouse's estate.

General physical description: 9-3/4x7-3/4

 Analysis of the will of the late Henry Pershouse.
[1862] 

A.D. 4p.

 Catholic Church. Archdiocese of Canterbury (England).
Decision concerning the will of James Taylor.
Undated17x18OS

D.S.: Geo[rge] Goslling, Nath[anie]l Goslling and R.C.Cresswell, Deputy Registers. 1p. Stamped. Parchment. (see John Pershouse. Letter...)

General physical description: 17x18

B P43.1 Pershouse, John, 1769-1841.
Journal
Feb. 1800-18387-1/4x4-1/2

A.D.S. 128p. of which 70 contain writing. End.: Henry Pershouse and G.H. Bradney Pershouse. Contains entries of his travels in the U.S.

General physical description: 7-1/4x4-1/2

B P43.2 Bayley, Benjamin Matthew Pursehouse, 1864-1948.
Genealogical data of the Pershouse family
18997x4-1/2 and 8-3/4x7-1/4

A.D.S. 2 vols. Contains references to John and James Pershouse.

General physical description: 7x4-1/2 and 8-3/4x7-1/4

B P43.3 Pershouse, Henry, 1799-1862.
Letterbooks
1834-183711x9, 12-3/4x8

A.L.S. 2 volumes. Vol. 1 contains comments on books which he read, dated: 1834-1837. Vol. 2 contains entry on death of John Pershouse. Letters are mostly business letters.

General physical description: 11x9, 12-3/4x8