Augusta County: Cyrus Alexander to John H. McCue,
December 12, 1859
Summary:
Dr. Cyrus Alexander writes John H. McCue, saying that a Miss Lucy has left
Virginia for Ohio with her "Catnip." Alexander also writes of a possible nurse
for McCue, John Brown's Raid, and expresses his support for Millard Filmore and
opposition to Wise, Seward, and Douglass.
December 12, 1859
Waynesboro
Dear John
Yours of --- is to hand, and I am sorry to say that your friend Miss Lucy is no longer an inhabitant of this Commonwealth, for some unknown cause -- probably because the "Species were not propagated fast enough in this region. She emigrated to Ohio last Spring, with no intention of ever returning. Does it not make you weep to think that you have forever lost the services of Lucy & her "Catnip". As she has [added: always] been a necessary institution in your Domestic affairs, I see no other channel for you in the future, than to "shut up shop" and discontinue the Business. Tell Liz. that I have some idea of paying her a Visit about the first of the new year, & that if she will make her arrangements to that time, that I will carry with me some Catnip, & that you & I will put her through all the phases of Lucy & the Catnip.
I know of no one whose services as nurse could be had, except your Aunt Ginnie Martin -- she is a fine woman & an excellent nurse, but I do not know whether she could be induced to go so far from home. Sarah is quite smart, but is slightly afflicted with the same epidemic under which [unclear: Liz.] is labouring.
No news of interest. Times are dull & weather cold. There is considerable War Spirit in this country. We are seeing in the Harpers Ferry affair, the legitimate consequences of the John Letcher's election -- that result justified Old Brown & friends in believing that a Majority of Virginians were ready to join them. The Democracy are responsible for it, & should be held so, for all this slavery agitation they have kept it alive for years. Elect Millard Fillmore President, & I would guarantee that before the expiration of his term all would be quiet. I would like to see Wise, Seward, Douglass and a few others Hanged as high as was John Brown.
Why don't you come over. all Well. Love to Liz & children
Yours
C. Alexander
