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.
Nov. 29. 1858
Fred-k
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 Hon.
Edwd.
McP-- 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
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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 Penna" 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 Cap.
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 Aug. &
Nov. a rumour had time to reach Texas
& I heard it in Balt. 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
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to me from Balt. 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 Cap-n.
H. 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 every
thing 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
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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 affecty
E
I forgot to say, I had an invitation to the Rose-Hill wedding--
