Franklin County: E. to Edward McPherson, December
21, 1857
Summary:
E. refers to the approaching death of a Mr. Ramsey and expresses her concern for
Edward McPherson's father's declining health. She also discusses the Gettysburg
Presbyterian Church's problem with a Mr. Van Wycke, noting Edward's fondness for
the man.
December 21st, 1857
Frederick
My Dear Edward
I have just been sick enough for the last two weeks to make letter writing, too
much of a task for me to undertake, & this is the reason you have not
heard from me since your last was received. I took cold, but unlike the
prevailing influenza, which runs its course in a few days very severely,
& then is over, mine has been obstinate, attended by slow fever, loss of
appetite &c all symptoms I had four or five years ago, since when, my
lungs have never been strong. I feel better for two days just & if there
was not so much dampness in the atmosphere would venture out. But I must be very
prudent.
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John is also in the house with a bad cold & our
neighbor Dr. Dorsey is very low with pneumonia. Lizzie came last Thursday night
& to our great disappointment without Lizzie Law, who wrote she could
not possibly get away from Virginia before Christmas.--Her young female friends
& all the beaux besides ourselves are filled with consternation. Mr.
Williams cannot be here until Thursday night & then must return to
Georgetown on Saturday -- business always before pleasure with him -- this is a
good sign in these degenerate times, don't you think so? Lizzie will remain
until the last day of the year when her Mother & Father expect to go
with her; the latter on his way to Annapolis once more to try his fortune. So
John & myself will be reigning monarchs. Mr. Ramsey is expected to die
every day. For the last five or six weeks there has been a very favorable change
in the state of his mind: from being very fretful & rebellious, he has
become very
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gentle & submissive -- peacefully &
calmly waiting the great change- his Bible his constant companion. Nannie was
just here she desires her love & says she will write soon. She has been
suffering with a gathering in her ear. We are truly glad to hear, that Aunt is
as well as usual again- but much grieved to hear Uncle is so much more feeble. I
have so much desire to see him once more, & hoped at the last, it would
be my privilege to assist in ministering to his comfort. But there is no need of
me, & there is comfort in that to me, since Providence seems to have
tied me down now as regards health, & in other ways. C. Mchaffey, will
of course, be on soon & Kate also, if she can leave her little charge,
so that, you will not feel so lonely. I often think with sad pleasure of the
many little social chats, he & I had the fall I was there, sitting by
the light of the fire. No matter how feeble & wearied he was, whenever I
entered the room, he always
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looked up & gave me such a
pleasant welcome which made me feel that I could
contribute somewhat to his pleasure when so lonely during your absence. What you
mentioned respecting the Winrott's gratified me exceedingly & is just as
I expected he would feel & act. In the end, what does all this
alienation & bitterness of feeling amount to? It invariably brings
sorrow & regret at last, after having caused much that is painful
& unpleasant through years that have past, however justifiable the
course pursued. I am very glad you like Mr Van Wyck-- There will always be some
disaffected ones in a congregation -- yet it is very unfortunate -- at least, so
it seems to us-- As to Mr. McClean's step, if only proven that his
Presbyterianism was not very deep, & such are
never a very great loss. Tell Aunt I intended to address this letter to her, but
did not think of it when I commenced-- We wish we could meet with someone going over at Christmas to send your father some jelly-- All join me
in much love to you, Uncle & Aunt with all friends.
Yours ever affectionately
E
Accept the compliments of the season-- We regret so much you cannot be with us at Christmas --
