Franklin County: E. to H. G. McPherson, October 21,
1858
Summary:
E. writes to her aunt, Edward McPherson's mother, congratulating her on Edward's
election to Congress. She also gives a general report of their circle of friends
including Lizzie Law, Nannie, and Mr. Page, and the bad health of Dr. Tyler.
October 21st, 1858
Frederick
My Dear Aunt
I returned home on Tuesday last from Baltimore when I received your last letter.
For some days before leaving there, I was not very well, or I should have
written to Ned to congratulate him on his Election -- it is not too late yet,
however & we all beg he will accept our heartiest congratulations on
this great event -- I am quite uplifted at the idea of a Member of Congress in the family, &
my being a great Aunt. Cousin was still suffering with
her arm when I left. We both felt very much grieved that we missed seeing you
when in Baltimore. I had sent to Barnum's a short time before, thinking it was
about the time for your return. We are very glad to hear you are so much
improved by your visit to Old Point & hope you will pass a comfortable
winter.
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At any rate, we hope you will get to see us while you are
enjoying the benefit of it -- you find now by experience that you can bear
travelling. I had a letter from Lizzie Law from Marietta -- they were well
& expected to leave in a few days. Why do they return to New York if Mr. M. has resigned his office? Thursday of
last week we spent at I. Stevenson's to have a jollification over Ned's
election, as he expected to hear certainly by that time, of the result -- but we
could hear nothing certain, so we rejoiced in anticipating. We found Mrs.
[unclear: Luann] there, & Miss Nancy, the picture of woe or dignity, I could scarcely decide which -- the girls
could not get over her looks & manner. It was not so new to me. John
& M are so kind & hospitable, we enjoy a visit there very much.
Mary Emma & Linnie Williams were in Baltimore a week or ten days, during
my stay there-- We passed some very pleasant time together, & I have a
very pressing invitation to the wedding. I was very glad to hear through them of
Kate & her little family. Nannie Page resides on the Track-- She is to
be in town soon, to remain
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during Lucretia's absence. Nellie is
growing almost as fast as Miss Mary. I think she weighs
160 pounds-- Mr. Tyler had made up his mind to try
Baltimore as his residence-- of course, we cannot go until he clears his way-
living is much more expensive there, than here. Whatever my own feelings may be,
I would not throw a straw in the way of his going wherever he may see an opening
for a better support for his family. I will not indulge in painful feelings
until the time arrives, when they are called for. Lizzie & the babe were
well when we heard from them. She had had a good deal of experience already in
housekeeping, having had to do her own cooking for some days, but she continues
very cheerful & does not complain in the least. I did not know of Mrs.
Wallace's death until I saw the Williams! Kitty forgot to tell me after you
wrote. I wrote to Mr. W. from Baltimore & had
a reply since my return. It is a very pretty letter. I do feel truly sorry for
him. I think he has made the wisest disposition of the children he could. Excuse
a short letter, I have to go down street to see some friends from the North. All
join me in much love to you & Ned-- write soon --
Yours affectionately
E
