Franklin County: Edward McPherson to John B.
McPherson, January 27, 1857
Summary:
In a letter to his father, Edward McPherson talks of the impending death of E. (a
female relative) and objections to Governor Curtin's renomination of Dewitt.
January 27. 57.
Harrisburg
My dear Father
I arrived today about 3 o'clock, & found E. extremely ill.-- At one time this afternoon, before my arrival, it was thought she was dying; but she rallied a little.- She thinks, & so said, that she would not die until probably tomorrow. She has a marvelous knowledge of her symptoms & the extent of her strength. She & the rest -- the children especially -- were very glad to see me, & appear comforted by my presence. Mr. Briggs, Mr. Orth & many others are assiduous in their attentions. All their wants are supplied so far as they can be. The Doctor said this evening about tea time that she might go off suddenly or might linger a day or two. She is entirely resigned & composed. The change within the past two weeks is very great, & startled me when I saw it. The seal of Death is upon her now.-- She has lost her voice almost, but her mind is as clear & active as ever. I am going [unclear: around] there to stay, as she requests.-- Mr. Wallace is pretty well, as the rest are.--
It began to rain on us about Petersburg, but Captain
Irwin bought an umbrella, & I did not get
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wet. The ride is
not agreeable, as the roads are in bad condition. I expect to return the other
route, taking the morning train & reaching home by tea time.-- I cannot
say when I will start.-- We had several passengers, & several others
came on in a chartered machine.-- All could not be carried on our sleigh.-- I
forgot to bring your cloak, which is at George's hanging up.-- I did not need
it, but would have brought it if it had not escaped my memory.
The Governor & Mr. Curtin are absent, but are expected tomorrow [deleted: afternoon] evening.-- My friends are in good spirits, but I had heard little. I meet some of them in a few moments.-- 17 Senators [added: I learn] have signed a remonstrance against the reappointment of Mr. Dewitt; and the Governor is said to have mentioned that if he does not renominate him, he will not nominate any citizen of Harrisburg; which, if true, will rule out Reverend Mr. Colder. But in a few days the [deleted: ] will be resolved. Fortunately, I am prepared for either result -- Give my love to Mother & Charles & [illeg.]
Yours truly
Edward
