Franklin County: E. to Edward McPherson, December 2,
1857
Summary:
E. responds to Edward McPherson's letter mentioning his parents' poor health. She
describes the scattering of friends after the Tyler wedding and mentions the
care of some (apparently) orphaned children.
December 2. 1857
Frederick
My Dear Edward
It was very cheering to me to receive a letter from you once more, though it did
contain such discouraging accounts of your Father & Mother-- however, we
hope by this time, both are more comfortable, if not restored to their usual
health-- this, we can scarcely expect, regarding Uncle, as he has never been so
feeble since his health first failed. All that can be done in his case, I
suppose, is to soothe for the time. I do trust he may be gently dealt with,
& mentally, as well as bodily, receive that strength, which God alone
can give
[page 2]
with "that inward peace, the world can neither give, nor
take away." I should have written before, but about the time, your letter was
received C Reynolds was sick & required my attendance, & after
that, I was not at all well myself & quite unfit for letter writing. We
do not cease to regret you could not be with us at the wedding, though we knew
you were in the path of duty. We hear from them all very frequently. Now Lizzie
is comparatively alone. Jane has gone to Baltimore on
her way to Frederick. Bettie returned on Tuesday
night, & Lizzie Law left for Virginia on Tuesday, her Pa having gone on
for her, she is to join Lizzie at Christmas to spend it here, & then
return with her to Georgetown. She is perfectly delighted, with everything & everybody & the other girls say, she is more admired than any one
they ever saw. When
[page 3]
they come here, parties are to be given at Mr.
Maulsby's & Mr. [unclear: Bungh's]. Jane & Bettie will
probably go back with them. Very likely Lizzie Law has written you all about her
visit. They all insist upon your cousin C - returning to Georgetown with them,
which she hopes to do & then John & I will have the house to
ourselves [added: for a while], as Mr.
[unclear: Tyler] will have to go to Annapolis the 1st of January to stay during the Session of the
Legislature. All are as well as usual at the Dr.'s -- also at the Colonel's. I have not seen any of them since the
wedding. I have so much head ache today, that you must
excuse this hurried letter. I cannot notice all the news you give me in your
letter I had a letter from Sarah the other day. As regards those children I am
greatly interested about them & feel much for
[page 4]
Mr. and Mrs
Wallace. To me, the best plan would be to place them at the Schools at Thorndale
and [unclear: Glenburn], under the care of the [illeg.]. They
would be near each other & as well-cared for in every respect, as if
with their mother. The Session has just commenced, & they could not be
received if desired, for both are full--but application ought to be made early
for the Spring Session commencing in May. You can thing about it. All write in
much love to you, Uncle & Aunt. I suppose Mrs McC. is at home again.
Write very soon--
Ever yours
E
