A Child of Misfortunes - Part Four - Letters Four and Five

By TRB

It is difficult to describe Rebecca Codwise of St. Croix as anything other than a victim. It is even more difficult, however, to ignore the heroic efforts of this woman for whom life should have gone much more smoothly. She complains often in her letters, but those complaints are based on real feelings of loss. She has been forced to send her children to New York City to live with friends and relatives, because her husband James Codwise has spent all of her dowry and inheritance and refuses to work. She now wants him out of her life so she can move to America to be with her children, but instead finds herself running a large sugar plantation by herself. In here spare time she send presents - food, sweetmeats, candy - to the people taking care of her children. To make sure it gets there she develops a friendship with every ship's captain who comes to port. That way she can ask them to hand deliver her goods in New York City. They are always on the lookout for letters to her as well. Living on the island has become more difficult as each day passes.A slave rebellion is brewing and she finds herself on the side of the slaves. She has come to see slavery as evil and is opposed to it for both political and religious reasons. She is host to a group of abolitionist ministers from New England who are staying at Mount Victory, and whose influence she has come under. She is still having physical problems and problems caused by stress which she attempts to fight with opium. As a result, her sickness becomes worse. Still, she does not give up hope.

A footed sterling bowl given to Rebecca Codwise on her wedding day. It is engraved "R.C" on one side and "1797" on the other. The bowl was made by John David of Philidelphia.

Doct. Geo.W. Codwise

Naval Hospital Brooklyn New York

St. Croix July 19 1827

In vain do I go from room to room looking for my Dearest George. But it is all imagination he is no where to be found. He is gone perhaps forever from the tender embraces of his distracted Mother. You must excuse this scrawl as my mind is greatly agitated but I could not let the chance go without writing you a few lines as I know not how long you may remain where I can have an opportunity of conversing with you if it is only on paper it is still a comfort to me.

Do ask your Uncle [David Codwise, her brother in-law, who was an attorney in NYC.] to try and get the benefit of the account so that we may come on and live, for I shall die if I remain here much longer, as I am perfectly disgusted with the place and its inhabitants for I think it is not fit for young girls to live in for there is nothing but trouble going on [slave rebellions] and very justly I fear.

Captain Baxter dined with us on Sunday and I hope you will use him. I could not sit up all the time but had a pillow on the Sophia [A ship. She had placed all her packages in the hold and was exhausted.] where I layed down occasionally to rest myself. I have sent the sweetmeats for thanking friends of mine. Their names are marked on the boxes.

Oh my son your image is now before me, thou eyes that always looked so wicked I still see in imagination but that is all. I must now conclude as my eyes are very weak.

In your box I sent Cornelia Strong 8 pats of preserves, her name is on them. The rain still continues. I am not able to ride out as Steadman [the family doctor] ordered me to do, for the want of exercise. My feet begin to swell in the evenings. I am now taking the Quinine pill that you made me as I have had a little trouble and Steadman recommended them to me.

I hope you have seen Mary before this reaches you, remember me affectionately to her.

Let her know I shall expect her in the fall as Mr. Atterbury promised. I shall try to keep up for the sake of your poor father and all your sisters. Make my love to James

[The oldest son who was in New York looking for employment. ed.] and tell him by returnof the Packet or Chase I will send him a few pots of preserves. Cornelia joins me in love to yourself and the boys.

Your affectionate Mother R. Codwise

Doct. George W. Codwise Naval Hospital Brooklyn

Care of David Codwise Esq

Counselor at Law New York (on the Emelia)

St. Croix November 23 1827

My Dearest Son

I have just this moment received your letter by the Jupiter, our package had gone by the Emelia before the receipt of yours. I perceive you are still in New York and trust you may yet obtain a situation on land. Every member of our family have written you by this opportunity; and finding I have sufficient time I have again dropped you a few lines. In your letter to me you say nothing respecting the boys.

I am extremely anxious to know the state of dear little John's health. I have by this vessel sent another box of shells to Miss Atterbury. I almost regret it however, since you mention how high the duties are on them. Your father was not at home when your letter arrived, but if the vessel does not sail before he returns from Bessin, I will ask his opinion whether it is best to send them or not.I have on a blister. It has drawn extremely well and hope it will be of benefit to me. The great discharge from it weakens me however.

Anna has been quite ill, but I am happy to say she is this morning infinitely better.

All the family join with me in kind love to you.

Your truly affectionate Mother

R. Codwise