Franklin County: E. to Edward McPherson, April 9,
1857
Summary:
E. asks about the health of Edward McPherson's mother, mentions the death of a
friend, and disruptive problems involving a member (Mr. Van Wycke) of
McPherson's church.
April 9th 1857
Fredericksburg
My Dear Edward
In your letter, received a short time ago, I think you are somewhat mistaken,
when you say, I was in your debt. I had written once to you & twice to
your Mother before I received an answer-- however, that would not have made any
difference with me, had I been well, but I had been suffering for a week or two
with rheumatism in my shoulders, though the primary cause was too constant
knitting, which produced great soreness of the muscles; as the needles &
the work were both heavy. Last week, Ellen Birnie came down to pay us a short
visit, & on Tuesday of this week, the Presbytery of Baltimore met here,
& that occupied most of our time until today,
for we not only attended the religious services, but the business meetings,
which I think very interesting. And we were very much favored with delightful weather all the time, until yesterday [deleted: ].
[page 2]
It is very unfortunate that there is any
dissatisfaction in your church towards Mr. Van Wycke, & I am surprised
he remains under the circumstances, for it must greatly interfere with his
usefulness. These crooked sticks in a congregation do a great deal of mischief,
& though they are to be found everywhere,
I think you have a large share of them. We hope Aunt continues better &
that you both will be able to pay us the promised visit, but it must be before
the middle of July as your cousin C-- expects to go to Georgetown & P-
George's, at that time when John's vacation commences. I was truly sorry to hear
of Louisa Gillespie's death. I remember her well and admired her very much. You
must [unclear: expect] a dull letter. You perceive I have run out of paper & have to take any in the
house; All join me in much love to you & Aunt. Mine to all friends-- I
did not expect your bank officers to be liberal in their
offer for your house-- they would not survive any such
act. Write very soon--
Yours as ever
E
