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CSHR 9/13

Lancaster
28th Novembre 1833
[1833/11/28]

Mon chére Papa
[TE]

Je n'ai pas reçu une lettre de vous il-y-a bien long temps mais J'espére qu'il ne sera pas long temps avant que J'en recvrais de vous, Je sais impatienté de recevoir des petits livres que vous m'avait prommee, ma Tant Madame Denman est parti, [?] va a l'ecole de Musique et a l'ecole Francaise Je tacherai de faire bien de progrés pour vous plaire quand vou retournevez, La santé de mon Oncle Monsieur Beecher est mieux, Monsieur David Irvin wast en ville mais il ira a Washington a deux ou trois semaines, Madamoiselle Abby et Madamoiselle Rachel, s'enjouir tres bien en allant a des assemblés avec la jeune épouse de Monsieur Creed, adieu mon chére papa

je vous aime de tout mon coeur

votre fille affectionne

Ellen B. Ewing
[EES]

Washington City
Dec. 15, 1835
[1835/12/15]

My dear Ellen.
[EES]

I send you by this mail enclosed under a separate cover a very pretty copy of Paul & Virginia which you may send to your young friend Miss Virginia Briggs as a Christmas gift - After writing on the title page what you please you may send it directed to her father Benj. Briggs who is post master & it will go free - I shall send you a Christmas gift soon.

Your loving Father

T. Ewing
[TE]

Lancaster
March 18th, 1836
[1836/03/18]

My Dear Father
[TE]

I hope you will excuse me for not writing to you, for such a long time I have been engaged preparing for a grand concert and for Mr. Steinhaeurs examination- you told me to write you, what I had been studying this winter and how I liked Dancing school. I have been studying French and English, with Mr. Steinhaeur and Music, with Mrs. Redman. I was very much pleased with Dancing school.

Give my love to Bubby and tell him, we all want to see him very much.

Your affectionate Daughter,

Ellen B. Ewing.
[TE]

Academy of the Visitation Georgetown,
February 1840
[1840/02/00]

My dear Father:
[TE]

Mr. Corwin called to see me on Saturday and handed me your very short letter which contained some sad news for me, though I was very happy to hear my dear Mother enjoys good health, but I was greatly disappointed that you had given up your visit to the City this winter. Cecelia Bond called to see me a few days since and desired to give her love to all when I wrote and to tell you she would return to Lancaster with you as she has grown tired of Washington. You asked me what studies I pursue and what I am reading. We have contrary to your expectations very little time for reading except on Sunday and you know we Catholics think it out duty to spend the greater part of that day in prayer and other religious duties. Though after dancing lessons are over I think I can read on Wednesday & Saturday evenings. I have commenced a very popular work called Geraldine and when I finish it I would like you to write me and tell me what you would wish me to read. I am studying the history of England but I am rather tired of it. If it will not tire you, I will give you an account of each days lessons.

On Monday morning we go to our different classes of history, arithmetic and composition. On Tuesday to Grammer, Astronomy, Arithmetic, on Wednesday to Geography arithmetic and Mythology and in the afternoon [letter torn] we write and go to french class. We are now using the history of France in our french class. Please excuse my writing I had my letter nicely written when, according to custom, I blotted my paper and was obliged hurry with this.

Give my love to all the family and tell Mother I am very anxious to hear from her.

Your devoted Daughter

Ellen
[EES]

Washington
May 23d 1850
[1850/05/23]

My dear Daughter:
[EES]

We are rejoiced to know by your several letters, that you have performed your journey thus far in safety, health & comfort; & trust a Kind Providence may continue to guard you in the possession of all these homely, but most choice blessings.

We are lonely since you left us- Your Mother however, has been much occupied with calls & other cares & I with business - constantly receiving, endless business - so that I have had hardly time, except at meals & the time for our evening ride, fully to realize your loss. You know Elly I always relied on you at dinner & you never disappointed me. Now we have a vacant seat- a vacant chamber & a vacant place in both coach & parlor- & what is more, there are some roses, that want picking, sadly & no one to attend to them- & then the birds who is to see that they do not split thir throats I would be very glad if Cump could be stationed in Washington during the time that we remain here. I have not yet attempted to ascertain whether he can, or not, as I do not know whether it would be acceptable to him, and however gratifying it might be to your Mother & myself to have you & him with us, his feelings & judgment should at last control in the matter, & I would not wish in any wise to thwart them- I am afraid, however, of St. Louis- It is a sickly place- all the old inhabitants whom I know so pronounce it- I have friends there who have buried all their children & are left alone in their old age- and it is no uncommon thing- in addition to the ordinary fatality of the climate, the cholera occasionally visits them with great severity. I would not advise the permanent selection of St. Louis. Cincinnati is much better - and it may be that the post which Cump has in his mind, at Jefferson Barracks which is some miles from St. Louis & a rural situation is also better. I visited the Barracks when at St. Louis four years ago, & was much pleased with the situation & everything there.

At any rate if it can be arranged without loss of promotion, or any other injury to his advancement, that Cump can remain here a year, or two, or even during the coming winter, we will make up our minds to let you both go wheresoever good fortune may invite you- I will write to Cump in a week or two-

I do not yet certainly know whether I can get to Ohio this summer- I wish to come out in July & will if Congress adjourn - possibly if they do not- but I cannot rely confidently on seeing you unless you return to us-

I took a long walk this evening on your suggestion & feel the better for it- the city & especially the public grounds are very beautiful, decked out as they are in all the bloom & freshness of early summer- You are much, & very kindly enquired for by all the friends I meet -

Give my best love to Cump. Tell him I agree with him entirely as to Boyles contemplated voyage; & will write him by the next steamer- Write me often

Your loving Father

T. Ewing
[TE]

Washington
Feby 26th/52
[1852/02/26]

My Dear Daughter
[EES]

Your welcome letter was received this evening- I have no doubt that little Maria now she is on her feet is in all manner of mischief & furnishes you abundent employment- [?] will be delighted to see you & her early in the season- I saw Genl Gibson since I wrote last- He thinks Cump will be ordered to Ft. Leavinworth-

I sent Boyle, about a year ago, nearly claims enough to pay his way home & authorized him to draw on me for any deficiency- He collected the claims & sent me the proceeds & has from time to time sent Phil on account of advances in all about $500- Still I think he is scarce of cash but too pround to admit it- I consequently made an arrangement about a week ago, by which he can return home free of charge by the April steamer, & have no doubt he will return by her- so you will meet him at home in May-

I hope to get away from here in about ten days- Phil left me some time ago-

Your acquaintances in Washington express a strong desire to see you- though between ourselves I dont think they care much about it- The city is gay as ever- Your loving Father

T. Ewing.
[TE]

Washington
March 13th/52
[1852/03/13]

My Dear Daughter
[EES]

Tom has been very sick & I have remainded here with him, until he is now well enough to take care of himself- I will return home next week- He will come & spend a month at home to revive before going to Cambridge- and he is very anxious to see you & little Maria before he leaves home again. You must try & come home early as we all will be most anxious to see you, & if Cump can do so have him arrange to spend a week or two with us- My health is very good- I will have to return to Washington in May.

Your loving Father

T. Ewing
[TE]

Lancaster
Oct 15/53
[1853/10/15]

My Dear Daughter:
[EES]

We have been all much gratified with the letters showing your safe arrival in good health at, or within a few hours run of the mouth of the St. Juan del Norte R. & I consider you very fortunate in having escaped so well from sea sickness in a first voyage- I have no doubt it will make you bold in venturing on another-

We are all very well- my own health better than it has been for many years- Minny is as fat as a little pig, and all the time in motion- You seem to consider her a kind of Mythic personage, but it is a mistake- She is a living, laughing, romping reality, and a very substantial one- She has a good many quarrels with her Grand Ma, in which she either appeals to me, or threatens to tell "My Mama" - but on the whole she is the best little girl in the world (except Lizie) & not yet entirely spoiled-

I am just about to go to Columbus where I have several weeks work before me, and expect to reach Washington about the first day of Jany where I wish you to write me- a long letter- not so long as that to your Mother, but a good long letter, telling me all about yourself & Cump & Lizie- your situation & impressions of the Country, & such friends as you may meet there-

I am with affectionate regard

Your loving Father

T. Ewing
[TE]

Washington
Dec 26th/53
[1853/12/26]

My Dear Daughter
[EES]

I read your two long letters to your Mother with deep interest- The first gives the most graphic picture I have yet met with, of a voyage to California- I had hoped you would encounter less hardship & suffering on the way, but that is happily past - and your pic nic after passing the summit- where you bathed dear little Lizie in the clear mountain stream by the shore of the Pacific was almost worth the hardships & perils of the voyage- It was a scene for a painter- It puts our picnic, on the way to Columbus, when the fiend in human shape took Boyles sandwich, quite in the back ground- though that with all its accompanyments was not bad - I am sorry to find you homesick- I do not wish you to forget home, but that you should not be sad when you think of it- All at home are exceedingly well & my own health excellent- I am not so fleshly as formerly, having lost about 20 lbs of my weight, but have more perfect health & more capacity for exercise & business than I have enjoyed for ten or twelve years- I still live on low diet- a bowl of boiled milk, with crackers being my standing bill of fare three times a day- and you can hardly imagine how perfectly it satisfies & how well it agrees with me.

Minnie is growing handsome- she is quite a little beauty- not gimblit eyed- It is but fair to tell you, however, that there are occasional difficulties, between her and her Dam Ma- and generally when the controversy waxes warm, she calls John Smily and gives him special directions how he shall dispose of her adversary- Sometime she will run to the door in the night & call him- but the least noise in the hall will make her feet pat back like little drum sticks- I dont know how the matter will end between them, while I am away, but rather think Minnie will hold her own.

I have seen several of your friends here who enquired for you- Mrs. Stevinson is at Mr. P.M.G. Cambells- seems to be enjoying herself well- Sarah goddard is keeping house- looks forlorn & widowed- I did not see her daughter, but her son is a very fine boy- Sarah wishes to be remembered to you. Mrs. Graham I understand is well, though I have not seen her-

I hope to hear from you again soon, & find you cheerful & contented, and I wait anxiously for the time that is to bring us your promised visit.

Your loving Father

T. Ewing
[TE]

Lancaster
Sept 16th/54
[1854/09/16]

My Dear Daughter.
[EES]

I have had a very long & painful confinement, all arriving from some disease of one of the principal nerves of the hip; much of the time unable to sit or stand more than five minutes at a time, though my general health was all the while good- I am now nearly well, & quite able to ride out & attend to business- The family are all well- Minnie is light of foot & of spirit as ever- She has just got Lizzie Coffee again for a nurse after several weeks absence & is greatly delighted with her-

We have just received your letter by the August Packet, in which you ask my opinion, whether you should have the children, when you visit us & return again or bring them with you & remain- I am for many reasons of opinion that you had better bring them- You cannot pass your time happily if you leave them, as you will be constantly uneasy & troubled with the belief that nobody but a Mother or Grand Mother can properly care for them- besides we want to see them as well as you- and if Cump & yourself are satisfied then it should be so, it is better that you should not return to California again- the fatigue of the voyage is great- the ride something & the expense, which is to be taken into account by prudent people who are engaged in amassing a fortune, must necessarily be large- Cump can afford time to visit you once or twice during his engagement there & it will make your Mother & myself very happy to have you & the children with us-

Adieu my dear daughter- Give my love to Cump & kiss little Lizie & Will for me

Your loving Father

T. Ewing
[TE]

Lancaster
Nov. 16th/54
[1854/11/16]

My Dear Daughter.
[EES]

We were shocked by the accounts, which we received in your letter & accompanying papers of the shipwreck, piracy & loss of life which has so lately occurred on the Pacific Coast- There were not such a multitude of human beings sacrificed as in the Ar[?]ctic, about the same time, but the scene was if possible more horrid- In view of all chances I do not wish you to attempt a voyage till Cump can come with you, at least to the Isthmus, and I would not at all consent to your making three voyages instead of one. The piracy was a very natural consequence of the shipwreck, & of the gold on board, & though I do not think this vessel was purposely cast away, yet without great care to prevent it there is danger of vessels richly freighted being seized by desparadoes on the voyage & officers & passengers massacred- These desparadoes are always well enough known & the officers of a Steam Boat ought not to take them, or any suspected passenger on board, without requiring him to deliver up his weapons & locking them up safely for the voyage- A precaution of this kind would probably have saved many lives in the late disaster- On the whole if you & Cump do not think it best for you to come home in the spring- bring the children & stay with us till he returns, I would prefer that you should remain in California till fall, or the next Spring which would much shorten the time of separation from your Husband.

My health is well reestablished, though I am occasionally reminded that I once had the sciatica- Your mother is very well & Minnie's lips are as red as cherries- A month and a half ago she was for a while, pale & languid and Doct White prescribed iron and oil, which, you perhaps remember, is not palatable- Lizzie was required to give it to her, and after trying it once she refused to take it & appealed to me- I took her between my knees & talked -- to her- told her she must take it & it would make her well- that she must swallow it quick & then take the syrup & it would take away all the bad taste, and then her Dam Ma would call her a sweet bird & love her- She refused to take it-It was poured into coffee & dipped with a tea spoon from the surface, and the little soul took three or four tea spoonfuls in succession as it was dipped up without even making a face - & so always afterwards till we ceased to give it to her- We found it necessary to deny her fruit for some time, but one morning she ran out & got a fine apple & Lizzie caught her with the prize- she insisted on coming to me, and as I was lying in the room I heard her in the hall tell Lizie "I'll go to my Dam, Pa & I'll say, Dam Pa May I have a litty bit of apple! dest, a litty bit- and Dam Pa will say- CERTAINLY" - Giving strong emphasis to the word- so she came in and made the request in as modest a way as she had proposed, but I felt constrained to refuse her, & she gave it up without a murmur & went about her play - so you see she is a little heroine - Last evening I was lying on the sofa by the fire & she drew up her chair close to my head & insisted on my telling her a story- I told her I could not tell a story; that I did not know any- She said I must read some stories in her little book, which I did, and among the rest, of a little foundling girl, who when her adopted Father got old & sick, nursed & read to him- her eyes sparkled while I was reading it and when I got through she said "Dam Pa, when you get sick & cant work Ill nurse you & read to you; wont I Dam Pa". I told her she should & that I would not have any body else nurse me or read to me- so I kissed her & Lizzie took her off to bed - There was not so much in her words as the manner & the glow of feeling & intelligence with which they were spoken.

I go to Washington in about two weeks & intend to take Charley with me. You will write to me there- Give my love to Cump & kiss dear little Lizzy & Will for me- Dont you come home without them - Farewell

Your loving Father

T. Ewing
[TE]