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One of the most prolific letter writers of the 1700's was the articulate American surveyor, Andrew Ellicott. The letters he sent to his wife, Sarah, were later compiled by a descendant' and published. Below is a letter Sarah received while living in Baltimore.
Ellicott was one of the four surveyors commissioned to run the line from the southwestern corner of Pennsylvania to the Ohio river. He was one of the two employed by Virginia. They thus established Beaver County's western boundary line below the Ohio river.
Ellicott had also been hired earlier by Pennsylvania to finish the line from the Ohio river to Lake Erie. After forty or fifty miles winter weather made it necessary to suspend operations. He did not return the following spring. But the extent of his work still made him the key figure in the placement of Beaver County's western boundary line on the map.
August 24, 1785
"My DEAR
We now lay encamped on the Banks of the Ohio (near Georgetown, PA) and intend Crossing it Tomorrow
The Boundary Line between the State of Virginia,( now West Virginia) and Pennsylvania was compleated on the 23 Day of this Month it makes a most beautifull appearance from the Hills being between 60 and 70 Miles due North and cut very wide and perfectly straight. The Indians appear very peacable and I do not apprehend there can be any danger within the compass of our business from them-many Families are now settled over the River and are not apprehensive of being interrupted
I have enclosed my Account against the State of Virginia In the Letter directed to Messrs Usher and Donaldson who will let you have what Money you want to finish and furnish the House- I want Carpets for the Entry and Front Room they may be Had of Usher and Donaldson- the other things I shall leave intirely to your judgement and Taste
I expect my pay this Season will enable me to put my Affairs in such a situation thatt Money will never have charms sufficient to draw me from you another Season- Many are the Solotory Hours I spend in traversing vast Woods and I never take a walk, but find the want of your Comapny- . . .
My principle Companion is Mr David Rittenhouse (of Philadelphia) who is a Gentleman I daily find new reasons for Admiring; but how fluctuating is Human Happiness? this good Man will leave us in September
I would choose you should get one Looking Glass of Mr William Murphey Book Seller in Market Street; but this is medeling with things which belong to your Department
I am My Dear Your
Affectionate Husband."
Matthews, Catharine Van Cortlandt. Andrew Ellicott-his life and letters. Now York: The Grafton Press 1908.