Valley Personal Papers


Return to Browse | Return to Search

Bibliographic Information | Original Version

Franklin County: E. to Edward McPherson, November 29, 1858

Summary:
E. mentions to Edward McPherson her Southern pride, reports on their circle of friends and relatives, tells of Lizzie Law's engagement, and comments on Van Wycke's continuing presence in the Church.


November 29. 1858

Frederick

My Dear Ned

I received a nice letter from your Mother a few days ago, but as I was still indebted to you, I concluded to address this to you, supposing, you are by this time once more in Gettysburg. I was very glad to receive such a complimentary article on Honorable Edward McPherson-- I think he is a mighty nice fellow, notwithstanding his politics, & I feel all the joy & pride, consequent upon the election to a high office, of one who has such a large share in my affections. My sojourn at the North this summer, has not made me think more favorably of that

[page 2]
great political question of the day -- on the contrary, I am more Southern than ever in all my feelings, while at the same [added: time] I saw & heard a great deal, independent of that matter, to remember with pleasure & delight. I hope the "gentleman from Pennsylvania" will not think the less of me, for this avowel.-- Rather more than two weeks ago, Lizzie Law wrote her Cousin C.- of her engagement to Captain Howe, at the same time hoping we had not heard of it from any one else. But she was too tardy for that, for between August & November a rumour had time to reach Texas & I heard it in Baltimore just after she passed through that city - of course, I did not speak of it first, as you were all silent on the subject. That we were surprised beyond measure, you could not wonder, did you know how she spoke of him to us, when here, & afterwards in a letter

[page 3]
to me from Baltimore on her way to Old Point. If we have any distrust, it is all owing to herself, for we did not know there was such a being on earth as Captain Howe until she spoke of him in such terms as I will not now repeat. None will be more delighted than ourselves, if he proves to be all she now thinks him, for she is greatly loved by us all, & of course our interest in everything that concerns her is very great. Whatever opinion we had formed of him, is entirely her own. Kitty was in Georgetown when the letter came, & is still. She expects to be at home this week. We hope you & Aunt will not fail to come on whenever you can. We will do all we can to make her comfortable. Lizzie came home last week & spent two or three days, while her Mother remained to take care of the little boy, who is represented as a great

[page 4]
beauty by every one who has seen him. I am most truly grieved at the state of things in your church & hope Mr. Van Wycke will not remain. I only wish he had gone some time ago. For his own sake, as well as for the welfare of the church, for under such circumstances no good can be done. Mrs. Tyler has been very ill, but is getting better. Tell Aunt I will write to her very soon. Love to our friends- Mr. T. & John join me in love to Aunt & yourself--

Yours ever affectionately

E

I forgot to say, I had an invitation to the Rose-Hill wedding--



Return to Full Valley Archive