Franklin County: E. to Edward McPherson, April 1,
1859
Summary:
E. reports Jane Boggs's death to Edward McPherson and mentions good news about
Kate, Edward's sister. E. urges McPherson to become a practicing Christian, so
he can better serve his country. She also announces that Mr. Page is broke and
that Cousin C. is not better.
April 1st, 1859
Frederick
My Dear Edward
After receiving your last letter, I felt
fine writing very soon in return, but that very day
brought some sad news from Baltimore & ever since, my letters have been
directed there; Jane declined very rapidly in the last two months yet she was
not confined up stairs to her room or her bed until
two days before her death. She was down in the parlour last morning weak
& the following (last Thursday) died, in great peace rejoicing in the
preciousness of the Lord Jesus, whom she loved. Being the household pet
& much loved by all her relatives for her gentle confiding disposition
it is a sore affliction & to her sister, it is like taking part of
herself, for they were very closely united to each other & not only
sisters, but friends in all their intercourse. I longed to be with them, but it
was impossible for many reasons -- but they were not alone --
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they
have many devoted friends in the city & Jane's most intimate friend
Margt Breckenridge from Princeton
(granddaughter of old Dr. Miller) went on some weeks ago to make them visit,
& as Jane declined so rapidly, she remained until all was over,
& will be with them for two or three weeks yet. She has been a great
comfort to them all, in every way, as she is a very attractive girl & of
great excellence of character. I cannot express, my Dear Edwd my delight & gratitude, when I read the pleasing
tidings of Kate contained in your last. I cannot say I was much surprised, for I
had been hoping & praying for it, encouraged too by the spirit &
tone of her letter to me, soon after your dear Mother's death. However, my
impression two years ago was, that there was a preparation work going on, her
views & feelings on the subject of religion were so much changed for the
better. Of Elizabeth I have not heard, though I wrote some time ago -- Lizzie
Howe expects her to make her a visit soon, of course, what impression sorrow has
made on her, I know not. I can only trust & pray. As for yourself Dear
Ed. let me say, that before you enter upon the
public service of your country, I long to see you enlisted in the service of
Him, by "whom Kings reign & princes rule". This is the best
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preparation for such a trying, responsible work. A letter from Lizzie just
after yours, told us of your visit to them, & how much gratified they
were. I am very sorry you had so much trouble to find them. Mr. Tyler is
preparing to go to the District very soon. Your cousin C- does not improve,
though she is about the house. All are in much trouble at the Dr's. Polly is
very ill & what will surprise & grieve you most, Mr. Page wrote
yesterday to the Dr. to say that he was entirely broken up, without a cent,
& no place to take Nannie. Just exactly what the Dr. predicted, when he
made his objections to the marriage. They have been here nearly all the time,
have just left, & of course will have to return. Do you not pity the Dr.
most truly. Mr. P- is totally inefficient, one of the women-men, would rather sit up stairs with
the ladies, in a rocking chair. Yet a gentleman, well educated &
correct. What is to become of them? We hope to see you very soon now. Will you
not come this way to Hagerstown? I should think it would be most pleasant-- I
must stop-- All send love & hope to see you as soon as you can leave
home. Love to Miss Polly & all friends. Thanks for your good,
satisfactory letters-
Ever yours affecty
E
