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John S. Whitall diary

 Collection
Identifier: HC.MC-975-01-091

Scope and Contents

This collection is comprised of the single handwritten diary of John S. Whitall's diary of his voyage from New York to France in 1785. Whitall kept the diary for his sister, to whom he addresses the majority of his entries. Entries include quotes from scripture, Quaker sermons, and poetry, as well as descriptions of the voyage by sea, notably the ship’s celebration of Saint Louis. During his time in France, entries describe Whitall's travels to Nantes and Bordeaux, as well as visits with Friends in France. Throughout his diary, Whitall repeatedly describes how he is routinely mistaken for an Irish priest, an Englishman, a Dutchman, and even a ship Captain.

Dates

  • Creation: 1785

Creator

Access Restrictions

The collection is open for research use.

Use Restrictions

Standard Federal Copyright Laws Apply (U.S. Title 17).

Biographical Note

John Siddons Whitall (1757-1843) was born to Quaker parents on May 31, 1757, in Woodbury, New Jersey, the son of James and Anna Whitall. In 1783, he married Sarah Mickle and the couple had ten children: Elizabeth Estaugh Whitall (1789), Ann Cooper Whitall (1791), Caroline Whitall (1793), Israel Franklin Whitall (1795), Hannah Mickle Whitall (1797-1848), James Whitall (1799), John Mickle Whitall (1800), Sarah Whitall (1803), Caroline Whitall (1806), and Elizabeth Whitall (1806). John Whitall died on December 19, 1843 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at the age of 86.

Extent

0.04 linear ft. (1 volume)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Whitall kept this diary for his sister, to whom he addresses the majority of his entries. Entries include quotes from scripture, Quaker sermons, and poetry, as well as descriptions of his voyage from New York to France by sea. During his time in France, entries describe Whitall's travels to Nantes and Bordeaux, as well as visits with Friends in France.

Acquisition

Unknown.

Related Materials

  • HC.MC.1191 Morris-Shinn-Maier collection
  • HC.MC.1184 Families of Philadelphia collection

Processing Information

Processed by Kara Flynn; completed July, 2015.

Title
John S. Whitall diary, 1785
Author
Kara Flynn
Date
July, 2015
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
English

Find It at the Library

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Haverford PA 19041 USA US