Letter: Dr. Samuel Allen McCoskry to his brother, 1817

Letter Dr. Samuel Allen McCoskry to his brother
Dr. William McCoskry in Detroit, 18171

Dr. Samuel Allen McCoskry (1751-1818) was one of the first children born in Carlisle. He was a physician, Revolutionary War surgeon, member of the Society of the Society of Cincinnati, Trustee of Dickinson College, and son-in-law of its first president Charles Nisbet. He writes to his brother Dr. William McCoskry (1763-1831) that he and his wife are concerned about their son William’s debts and conduct as well as the impaired heath of the family.

Dear Sir,
Carlisle August 28, 1817
In consequence of Dickinson College being broken up last Spring, I sent William to Washington, from which he has been expelled. Mr. Hoge wrote me concerning him, and a list of the debts which with the money he took with him amounts to upwards of five hundred dollars, exclusive of his books which no doubt he has sold. He has not wrote for several months. Mr. Ross Wilkins wrote to Charles by last mail that he [William] had gone to Detroit. His tavern bill at Pittsburgh has been forwarded amounting to upwards of forty dollars. I am afraid he is lost. While with you, I beg you keep him close to some business and grant him no indulgence. In case of bad conduct, send him home as soon as possible. His mother is in the greatest distress. The utmost care had been taken by her respecting his conduct which was irreproachable in Carlisle.

Our town and country has been remarkably healthy for three years. There are seven physicians, one might attend to the whole business. The expense of my family has been upwards of a thousand dollars exclusive of the money received several years past. My health is much impaired, frequently confined. Mrs. McCoskry is greatly afflicted with the Rheumatism; Eliza is in delicate health. The whole family presents their compliments to you. Write as soon as possible.
Your affectionate Brother, Samuel A. McCoskry

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References (Sources Available at CCHS in bold)

1 Burton Historical Society, Detroit, Michigan.
2 William McCoskry (1800-1823) son of Dr. Samuel and his wife Allison eventually became a doctor and died in St. Augustine, Florida in 1823.
3 John Hoge (1760-1824) and his brother established the city of Washington, Pennsylvania in 1781; the home of Washington & Jefferson College.
4 Dr. Charles McCoskry, son of Dr. Samuel and Allison, joined the Army and was sent to St. Augustine, Florida in 1821 and died there, possibly of the fever.
5 Dr. McCoskry’s second wife was Allison Nisbet whom he married on Christmas day 1794. She was the daughter of Dickinson College President Dr. Charles Nisbet.
6 Eliza McCoskry died unmarried in Philadelphia in 1835.

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