Posted by Seamus on July 24, 2001 at 08:17:03:
July ye 24th, 1759
To: Many Flags and Magdalena
Three Tales and TwoBottle
near Allemangel, in Berks County
Dear Cousins!
It is with the most joyful song in my heart that I inform you of the birth of our child, our son, whom we have chosen to call “Caleb!” I also must tell you that Nancy is doing well after her ordeal of birthing. She had a comparatively easy time of it; much easier, it seems, than I, who had to listen to my poor love going through all the pains and all that she endured for hours, and was not able to do a thing to help. The doctor from the fort said I helped best by staying out of the way, and that remark was endorsed by old Mrs. Lontz and the other women, Gloria and Miss Katherine, the seamstress, who came along to help the doctor.
When I heard him cry out for the first time, my heart stopped. I cannot describe the feeling, except to say that I have never heard anything like it in my life, nor ever have I felt the rush of pure love that erupted from my very depths and flowed over me. I could not wait to see and hold him! Thank God Timothy was with me. He has been through this before, and was quite valuable to me.
After what seemed like an eternity I was allowed back into the cabin, and I fairly ran into the small room where they were. It was a sight I will never forget, Cousins! Nancy was lying on the bed covered with a new sheet we bought just for this day, and she was smiling through the tears at me. I asked her how she was, and she replied that she was just fine. In her arms was a small bundle, all wrapped in a new flannel blanket and just this little tiny red face peeked out at me. “Seamus,” she said, “this is your son. Would you like to hold him?” I very gingerly picked up the tiny bundle and held it up where I could see it well, and after gazing into that tiny little face, I brought him into my arms, and, I must say, I was afraid I might squash him. He is so tiny and fragile... and not much bigger than my hand.
I simply stared, fascinated, at my son and as I did so, a tear made its way from my eye and down across my cheek. I looked at Nancy and she was smiling at me and telling me that we needed to name him. I said that he was beautiful, and that I had never held a baby before and was a bit anxious about it. The doctor laughed over his shoulder at me and said, “You’ll learn...”
We sent for Chaplain-Lieutenant Harris, from Ft. Augusta, and when he arrived we discussed some good Biblical names, and settled on Caleb.
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Caleb comes from the Hebrew keleb, or "dog.” In the Old Testament, in Numbers 13, 14, 34; and Joshua 14-15, we are told that Caleb was a member of the Israelite tribe of Judah. After Moses and Aaron had led the Israelites out of Egypt to the borders of Canaan, the promised land, Moses appointed Caleb and others, including Joshua, to reconnoiter the land. All but Caleb and Joshua brought back a false and discouraging report on the walled cities and warlike inhabitants of Canaan. On the basis of the false report, the Israelites refused to enter Canaan, defying their leaders and God. God, however, put down the revolt and ordained that no Israelite over the age of 20 who had spoken out against him should live to enter Canaan. He also caused the immediate death of all who had gone ahead to spy out the land of Canaan, excepting Caleb and Joshua. Before he died, Moses distributed the lands of Canaan among the tribes, and Joshua and Caleb led in their conquest.
We felt Caleb had the qualities we wanted in our son, and thus the name. Now it will be up to us to see that those qualities do, indeed, get instilled in our Caleb. He will be a warrior, like his father...someday he may need to be, but I pray that he doesn’t... and a leader of men, honest and forthright.
Chaplain-Lt. Harris then baptized our Caleb and stayed to visit awhile.
Cousins, we are ALL well. He is sleeping now, and Nancy is getting a much needed nap, herself. The ladies are preparing dinner while I sit on the porch in the waning daylight writing this. Chaplain Harris has gone back with the doctor and Timothy, and my son and I are here with all these women! I am sure they will take good care of us...Caleb and me. I am told they will be here for a few days until Nancy regains her strength.
Mrs. Lontz said dinner is just about ready, so I will close for now. If you can see your way clear, we would love to have you visit in a few weeks or so. Nancy sends her love to you all...and so does Caleb, my son.
Pax aye!
Seamus