Autograph signed letters from Dr. George Goodell to Abram and John W. Brown

Folder

Autograph signed letters from Dr. George Goodell to Abram and John W. Brown

• February 14, 1838 (Vervaardig)
• March 24, 1838 (Vervaardig)

"Pair of manuscript letters, February 14 and March 24, 1838, written by University of Pennsylvania Medical School graduate (Class of 1835) Dr. George Goodell from St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, and Mycatea, Venezuela, respectively, to Abram and John W. Brown at Mt. Holly, New Jersey, partly to keep them apprised of the health of their son and brother (Goodell's medical school classmate) Alexander Brown (d. 1859), who was traveling with Goodell's help at least partly to slow his demise from a tubercular lung condition. As recorded here, good air and exercise began to improve Alexander Brown's health as early as their departure from St. Croix. In Venezuela, they settled into the small coastal village of Mycatea (15 miles from Caracas and 1 mile west of Laguira), where they rented a furnished residence with a cook. Goodell describes the still evident effects of the 1812 earthquake on the inhabitants and with a cook. Goodell describes the still evident effects of the 1812 earthquake on the inhabitants and buildings of Laguira (portions of the town-including cathedral -where 'the poor wretches fled...in crowds to prostrate themselves before the hallowed images of the saints.'- still in ruins containing hundreds of skeletal remains. Some aspects of Venezuelan life and culture struck Goodell as different rom those of the Middle Atlantic states early in the Victorian era, e.g., 'Widows are so innumerable and in some cases they have actually offered their daughters for sale to the highest bidder...In no country is there such licentiousness among the male population - and female too.' And yet...'So far as personal charms are concerned I think the Spanish Creoles of South America are unrivalled.'" –Description from Carmen D. Valentino American Historical Manuscripts