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CSHR 9/14

Washington
Jany 14th/55
[1855/01/14]

My dear Daughter.
[EES]

Your Mother forwarded me your letter a day or two ago, with out writing me anything, but she will herself tell you of the state of things at home- I am enjoying good health. My sciatica occasionally troubles me, though but little -Charley is in attendance on Doct Maynard, who does not find his teeth as far gone as we had feared- he will have to get three of his upper front teeth replaced.

I have made up my mind, all things considered, that it will be best for you to leave the children if you have some one on whom you can fully rely to trust them with, & come home & see us in the spring & you must not come however unless you have a good escort & pleasant companions for the voyage, & can get on vessel not occupied by Pirates like the Yankee Blade- We will some of us meet you in New York & you must then stay with us until you get home sick Back again- the fine health of your little fellows on the Pacific coast will warrant you in leaving them for a full summer visit. When you return you will find many changes, of which your mother has kept you informed, & you will miss many valued friends, still the old home itself & its inmates are much as you left them -

Kiss the children for me & try if you can make Lizzie remember her Gram Pa. I suppose she cannot even with the aid of Daguerrotypes-

Your loving Father

T. Ewing
[TE]

Lancaster
Nov 31st/55
[1855/11/31]

My Dear Daughter
[EES]

We heard day before yesterday of the George Law -- in the offing at New York & yesterday that she was aground & detained for some hours but that she got into port in the evening. We expect your letters from Panama -- in a day or two & earnestly hope that you had a pleasant voyage & are now at home with your little family- We have missed you very much but comfort ourselves with the hope that you are well & happy- Indeed I have no doubt that San Francisco is much more of a home to you now on your return than it was before your visit here-

I have enjoyed excellent health during the past month- have been most of the time in Cincinnati attending court & find myself quite sufficient for business- I however avoid exposure & take such care of my health- a wise precaution which like most men of strong constitutions I did not learn to take quite early enough- but I have learned it well now-

Minnie is in the finest health imaginable- She has been sick but twice since you left & those were short paroxisms which occurred early in the morning when her Grandmother would not wake to take her in her bed- This difficulty being removed the recovery was as sudden as the attack- Tommy spends more of his time over here with her & they are on the best possible terms-

I saw Mr. Stoddard a few days ago at Cincinnati- He has been spending some time in St. Louis & speaks very encouragingly of Boyle.

And from my own observation I am satisfied that Tom is doing remarkably well- He has had some business in the circuit court which he dispatched quite to the satisfaction of the Judges.

I go to Columbus tomorrow & in a few days to Washington where I will spend a month or two & where you must write me.

Tom will be married in Philadelphia early in January.

Give my love to Cump & kiss Lizzie & Willy for their Grand Pa & believe me always,

Your loving Father

T. Ewing
[TE]

San Francisco Cal;
Feb. 25th 1855
[1855/02/25]

Dearest Father:
[TE]

Your welcome letter of the 14th of January reached me a week ago and since the receipt of it I feel more settled in my plan of leaving the children here next Summer and visiting home without them. I am making every proper effort to leave them under the care of my kind friend Mrs. Bowman and I feel now every assurance that I shall be able to enjoy my visit without them. Of course it cannot be as long as I would love to have it.

You will have full accounts by the papers of the excessive excitement that has prevailed here for the past few days. On the 22nd- Page Bacon & Co. "Suspended" but owing to the celebrations of the day nothing alarming occurred during that day. But the next morning a "run" upon all the banks (except that of Palmer Cook & Co.) was commenced at the hour of opening & kept up all day. Adams and Co. closed their doors in the morning as did also Wells Fargo & Co. and several other smaller establishments. The confidence of the laboring classes was entirely gone and the merchants were ungenerous. Those who owed the Bank had no money to pay but all who had deposits hastened to withdraw them. On the 23rd three hundred and forty odd, thousand dollars - in coin & bullion was drawn from the Bank of Lucas Turner & Co. and only a few thousand deposited. The excitement was intense and it was generally believed that no bank in the place could stand it. By great exertions Cump was at the opening of the Bank yesterday morning prepared to meet every demand that could have been made upon him in the country. As it is, they have come out with flying colors and take their place from this time as the first Banking house in this State. Cump seems delighted to have gained the victory in the struggle where many things combined to destroy, and his friends have offered their congratulations and given me in glowing terms their accounts of the excitement and their own interest during the time.

I am making every preparation for my visit home and shall write but little henceforth. Please dear Father deliver the enclosed note to Charley and rather than have any one but himself see it please destroy it with the seal unbroken. I write to Mother as usual but it is raining so hard that I cannot send out for Minnie's gold dollar. Poor Lissie has no recollection of those her mother loves so dearly in the good old home. She will be quite a large child before she enjoys the happiness of her dear and honored Grand Parents society. She has forgotten Minnie before we reached the Pacific coast. The impression of you seemed to leave her mind only to sink more deeply into my heart. So wide and so painful do I find the separation here that only the hope of reunion in Heaven can console me.

Willy grows constantly and he is now as healthy fine a looking child as you could desire to see, with a smile so sweet that it rewards every effort made to amuse or please him. Cump congratulates himself that good news goes home to you, of his business success.

Believe me always, Your truly affectionate,

Ellen.
[EES]

San Francisco Cal;
Feb 25th 1855
[1855/02/25]

Dearest Father;
[TE]

You welcome letter of the 14th of January reached me a week ago and since the receipt of it I feel more settled in my plan of leaving the children here next Summer and visiting home without them. I am making every proper effort to leave them under the care of my kind friend Mrs. Bowman and I feel now every assurance that I shall be able to enjoy my visit without them. Of course it cannot be as long as I would love to have it.

You will have full accounts by the papers of the excessive excitement that has prevailed here for the past few days. On the 22nd -- Page Bacon & Co. "Suspended" but owing to the celebrations of the day nothing alarming occurred during that day. But the next morning a 'run' upon all the banks (except that of Palmer Cook & Co) was commenced at the hours of opening & kept up all day. Adams & Co. closed their doors in the morning as did also Wells Fargo & Co and several other smaller establishments. The confidence of the laboring classes was entirely gone and the merchants were ungenerous. Those who owed the bank had no money to pay.but all who had deposits hastened to withdraw them. On the 23rd three hundred and forty odd, thousand dollars -- in coin and bullion was drawn from the Bank of Lucas Turner & Co and only a few thousand deposited. The excitement was intense and it was generally believed that no Bank in the place could stand it. By great excertions Cump was at the opening of the Bank yesterday morning prepared to meet every demand that could have been made upon him in the country. As it is, they have come out with flying colors and take their place from this time as the first Banking house in this State. Cump seems delighted to have gained the victory in the struggle where many things combined to destroy, and his friends have offered their congratulations and given me in glowing terms their accounts of the excitement and their own interest during the time.

I am making every preparation for my visit home and shall write but little henceforth. Please dear Father deliver the enclosed note to Charley and rather than have any one but himself see it please destroy it with the seal unbroken. I write to Mother as usual but it is raining so hard that I cannot send out for Minnie's gold dollar. Poor Lissie has no recollection of those her Mother loves so dealy in the good old home. She will be quite a large child before she enjoys the happiness of her dear and honored grand Parents' society. She had forgotten Minnie before we reached the Pacific coast. The impression of you all seemed to leave her mind only to sink more deeply into my heart. To wide and to painful do I find the seperation here that only the hope of a union in Heaven can console me.

Willy grows constantly and he is now as healthy fine looking child as you could desire to see; with a Smile so Sweet that it rewards every effort made to amuse or please him. Cump congratulates himself that good news goes home to you, of his business success.

Believe me always, Yours truly affectionate,

Ellen.
[EES]

San Francisco Cal;
May 18th, 1856.
[1856/05/18]

My beloved Father:
[TE]

The newspaper reports will awaken your interest in the events of the past few days in this miserable city. You will of course desire to know Cump's true position and as he will I fear have no time to give it to you in detail I shall copy a letter which he has just written to Major Turner and, with his permission, send it to you adding whatever may occur between this hour and the sailing of the Steamer day after tomorrow.

"This steamer will bring you news of most distressing character growing out of the Shooting of James King of here. (Editor of the evening Bulletin) by Casey Editor of the Sunday Times the same man who so recklessly attacked all the Bankers and decent people of the city. I will send you so many newspaper extracts that I may confine my letter to my own personal history and I beg you to preserve this in view of any untoward events in which in spite of all caution I may become involved.

Shortly after the sailing of the last steamer, several gentlemen connected with the volunteer companies, of the city, mentioned that Gov. Johnson would offer me the appointment of Major General of the 2nd Division Cal. Militia. I expressed a strong disinclination to do anything at all, and hoped the Governor would do no such thing. The Gov. soon after called in person and offered me the appointment. I expressed a dislike to do anything that might distract my attention from business. He assured me that the Legislature had passed a law re-organizing the militia making it imperative on him to make some high military appointments, among whom he proposed Ned Beal, Woodworth myself & others- that it was simply for the purpose of organization & that no expense would be incurred & little time needed to perform its duties. I gave a reluctant consent which, at the time, I felt to be imprudent. Last Saturday, feeling the want of exercise, I crossed the Bay to Oakland, got a horse & took a ride over the mountain towards Monte Diablo & making a circuit back to the city. On my arrival, on Monday, I found a commission awaiting me, which I accepted and wrote for a copy of the laws governing the militia, meaning to take my time to appoint a Staff and do what seemed requisite. On Wednesday, after Bank hours I came home and about half past eight o'clock. Bainbridge & Helland came out & told me that King had been shot by Casey & that excitement ran high. King's articles have all been provoking & I have long expected him to be attacked & therefore was not astonished, and had the populace got Casey that night & hung him, I would have rejoiced, but Casey was smart enough to have himself confined to the Jail before feeling had become concentrated. The Mayor called out the Volunteer Companies- three of infantry, amounting to some sixty men turned out - a few straggling mounted men and about a dozen men stood by two guns, 6 pds. Thad night paper off without violence, and next morning, Thursday I went to the Bank as usual, when I found every body intensely excited, threats to take Casey & Cora & hang them & a revival of the old vigilance committee. A public call was made for the old members of that Committee, at a certain room, round which was gathered all day a large crowd. I went to the Mayor - Van Ness - a large good man, but as usual so mussed up & involved in old business that he could do nothing. I then saw the officers of the volunteer companies & found them wavering. I went to the Jail & found the Sheriff, a strong, gross, bluff athletic man, surrounded by his deputies in a kind of ante-room, excited & apprehending an attack on the Jail each moment. I examined the Jail & found it utterly indefensible- its rear wall flush with the ground & overlooked in all its parts by houses all around- a perfect trap, in which a small body of men could do nothing. I suggested to the Sheriff the immediate procurement of plank & materials to parapet the walls and make it tenable against a mob attack every moment apprehended. I then became satisfied that volunteers could not be depended on and so informed the Mayor & that I would not identify myself with them and that though I held the Governor's commission I should not attempt any exercise of military authority. To have done so would have been to make myself odious & ridiculous - I informed the Mayor that the Jail could not be defended, that the mob could occupy a few of the buildings, and completely drive out any posse the Sheriff might command. What complicated matters was that the Sheriff & his friends are shoulder strikers- the very class against which is raised this storm of indignation. Col. West, Maj. Johnson and a few of the Volunteer officers thought maybe in the course of the day, they could prevail on some of the Volunteers to act, when I pointed out to them that the only possible way to hold the Jail against a mob was for the Sheriff to occupy the Jail with his deputies, the police and such citizens as would serve as a posse, and the military companies, to occupy such buildings round about as would prevent their occupation by the mob. I then went about my business, but went down town that night with musket in holster about town & found as I expected that the volunteer companies had not turned out, that there had been no mob but that the Vigilance Committee were in session enrolling men, and keeping up a secret dread of some violence. Friday was the same, continued excitement, but no direct attack on the Jail or direct interference with the civil authorities. On Friday afternoon, the Mayor called on me, saying he had telegraphed to Gov. Johnson to come down, & had received an answer that he would be down that evening, and he requested me to meet the Gov. at the Boat at half past nine. About the same time a formal writ was served on me coomanding me to meet the Sheriff at the 4th District Court room at half past three P.M. I went & found about a hundred people who had been summoned. The Sheriff called out the names of all on which the writ was served, and it seemed about one third had come. These were mostly lawyers & persons in some way friends to those in Jail. There were some exceptions, Judge Norton, Thornton Peachy Billings McAllister Baldwin & others. The Sheriff commanded all to accompany him to the Jail to obey the Law and prevent rescue. I did not go, but told the Sheriff that I had to be at the Sacramento Boat on its arrival: I came home to dinner and before leaving the table Hall McAllister & another gentleman came out & said that the posse comitated at the Jail composed of some sixty gentlemen had organised at the Jail by electing me as Captain, that it was understood to be indefensible and all wanted to see me. I explained to him that I could not act as Captain of a Sheriff posse, that the Sheriff was of Law and necessity to command their services, that I was Major General or nothing, that there were no forces & I could not exercise military command at all that I had an appointment to meet the Governor with whom I should probably be engaged all night, but that I had no objection to give my advice and counsel. I went with them to the Jail, found there the Sheriff, his deputies & policemen amounting to about 30 men and the citizen posse. They clustered around me anxious and concerned. The duty was a most disagreeable one, to defend a Jail against an infuriated mob, to defend two such scoundrels as Casey and Cora. I told them frankly that the only influence their presence could excite was a moral one, the consciousness of sacrificing their comfort and endangering their lives in the maintenence of organised law, as against the violence of a mob. I pointed out the weak points, and concluded that to defend the Jail successfully certain buildings outside must be occupied. Upon examination this move was too late for the vigilance committee had them all filled. There was no alternative but to desert or stay in that open corral. The night was bright moonlight and beautifully serene, contrasting with the tremulous fears of the doubtful & the growing passions of the determined. I became satisfied that unless King (from whom bulletins of health came forth about every hour) died, there would be no direct attack upon the Jail until the vigilance committee had strengthened themselves by enrolling their entire force. At half past nine oclock Friday night I went to the Sac. Boat to meet the Governor found his brother & Captain Ganison waiting for him too. The Senator" came along the wharf, we stood at the after gangway but the Governor did not come ashore: Soon we heard he had passed up the wharf having landed from the lower deck at the forward gang plank, so we followed him up to the International Hotel and there found him. Johnson is a young man very pleasing in his manners, a lawyer of intelligence and I am satisfied if he had the power, would sustain the law. We told him all that had occurred, described to him the position of things, the small civil force the sheriff had the danger of the posse if good citizens who at his call, were now gathered together at the Jail. We went thither when he saw for himself how utterly indefensible the Jail yard was open to the rear, overlooked on all sides by brick houses with parapet walls- no part of the interior of the Jail safe from shots but the cells which are full of prisoners - the wall at one corner almost undermined, a large wooden gate on a side alley which could be cut through in a minute - indeed if I were forced to meet an armed mob I would rather be in an open prairie than in that Jail - The Governor saw the entire mass of people arrayed against the Civil Authorities, the only military force in existence sharing the feelings of the people, the cause of the civil authorities being a bare naked principle with two such wretches as Casey & Cora as its exponents- All this time the Vigilance Committee was strengthening its numbers then 2500 now 5000 having at its head such men as Wm. T. Coleman, the brothers Amington, Flint of Flint Peabody & Co., Myras Truett & indeed all the large merchants, active controlling members, whilst most of the rich men are contributing means and sustenance Sub Rosa. I suggested to Johnson for us to go right to their headquarters at the Turn Verein Hall in Bush St., & we all concluded to go. Jamison, the Governor & his brother and myself. We reached the Hall about eleven o'clock at night, found it lighted up & a stream of people coming & going - At the door we found H. Channing Beals, to whom we announced ourselves; after a little delay we were admitted into the Bar Room at the right where we sat down and Mr. Coleman President of the Vigilance Committee sat down and had a very general conversation in which Coleman said the purpose of the association was not designed to subvert the law but to assist it in purging the community of the clique of shoulder strikers Ballot box stuffers & political tricksters generally that the courts & juries had become of no use & that they must be purged or spurred on, that they did not meditate violence, and were willing to await King's fate - if he dies Casey to be tried and speedily executed. All this was fair and we almost coincided with him in opinion.- At first he intimated a desire that Casey should be given up to them, but Gov. Johnson told him distinctly that he would enforce the law as speedily as its forms would allow, but he would never consent to Casey being taken from the Sheriff's custody, but that if the committee felt any uncertainty about Casey's being safe in custody, there was no objection to a few men of their number being admitted, who were to be considered an assistant guard, but under control of the Sheriff. It was then agreed that if such an arrangement were made that the Committee should pledge themselves that those of the committee so admitted should not attempt any violence or leage with those outside, but if a change of purpose became necessary the committee men should be withdrawn & reasonable notice given Coleman then went into the large Hall, and after some time returned with six other gentlemen, with whom further conversation was held, all to the same effect, and the treaty was made verbally- Governor Johnson telling them that he treated with them as individuals & not in their capacity as a body of men leagued together for a purpose unknown to the Law. We were there till half past one at night & parted with a clear distinct understanding that no mob violence was contemplated at all and no demonstration on the Jail should be made until their guard was withdrawn and reasonable time hereafter to enable the Sheriff to resume the Statu quo. We agreet to meet at the Jail at 2 o'clock to admit their ten men, the sheriff being at liberty to keep as many as he pleased. We went to the jail found the Sheriff disinclined to admit the enemy but as he could not depend on the citizens to defend the Jail he became satisfied, his only chance of life was to save time, & therefore consented. At two o'clock Friday night, ten men of the vigilance committee were introduced & a room in the Jail placed at their service & one or two of them were allowed to stand or sit near the cell door in which Casey is confined. Coleman & Truett came with their posse assured themselves that Casey was there & we all left, thinking, that, under the circumstances, it was the best thing then at our choice. We all parted Friday night at 3 o'clock, satisfied to await King's fate & believing that the community at large would be satisfied - - - -

Governor Johnson has just sent for me. He is at the International Hotel on Jackson St. My belief is that the leaders are not able to control their men, & that they will be forced to extremity. I believe Casey & Cora to be doomed, if the sheriff resists & blood is shed no man can foresee the result. All the elements of the Paris Committee of Safety are here, & once put in motion they cannot be stopped. I regret having been placed in this position but I am bound in honor to serve the Governor of the State to the best of my means & ability. 2¼ - P.M. I have just returned to my home. I went to the International & on my way saw crowds hurrying in the same direction, when I reached the Hotel I found the Governor & Mayor on the roof along with many others. He simply pointed towards the Jail- all the houses commanding a view were covered with people. Telegraph hill was black with them & the streets were a complete jam. He told me that the committee had sent him word at half past ten that they would withdraw their men & the treaty was at an end. Johnson went immediately to the Jail & found the Sheriff with his deputies & a few citizens. The Sheriff has been firm & constant, and he very properly asked the Governor to give him some orders how to act in case the committee demanded his prisoners. The Governor told him then, if they approached with sufficient force to make resistence idle he might surrender his prisoner under protest. If the Sheriff should fire on that mob, the immediate result would be terrific whatever the future effect & consequences yet in the lap of futurity may be - well- shortly after the masses of people began to move towards the Jail covering all the houses & hills, soon followed by the committee in full organization 2,500 armed with muskets, rifles, a field piece, besides as many more arm in arm, silent & quiet whilst at least five thousand men flocked up as to a show. When I reached the roof of the Hotel there must have been at least ten thousand people within a rifle shot of the Jail. Soon a man rode by on a white horse, followed by a carriage, which stopped at the Jail door. Soon a shout announced success and the procession began to move from the Jail down Kearny to Pacific, Pacific to Montgomery, Montgomery towards Sacramento when I lost sight of them. It was headed by two platoons of about 60 or 80 men with bright muskets, then the carriage with Casey with two files of armed men on each side, then followed by a promiscuous crowd. A great many armed men appeared to remain at the Jail. This vigilance committee seem to take the old one of '52 as their model and as that one hung their prisoner at 3 P.M. on Sunday I take it for granted that before the ink dries on my sheet Casey will be hanging from some beam, out of some committee room of that power that now governs San Francisco. Soon after the passage of the crowd Sheriff Scannell & his deputy Hamson came on the roof of the Hotel to see the Governor but he had disappeared, we descended the roof to his room but he was not there. We searched through the Hotel without success, whilst this was transpiring Scannell told me that Coleman & Truett were the spokesmen that they demanded Casey, whom he surrendered under protest. They took Casey from the Jail & despatched him in the manner I have stated & then demanded possession of the Jail. This not being contemplated his intructions did not cover the case, so he and his deputy ran down to see the Governor & thus far he has not seen him. But I did not stay long. I came home. San Francisco is now governed by an irresponsible organization claiming to be armed with absolute power by the people. The Government is powerless and at an end- I dont care if they take the Jail, the courts & what they please. Coleman told me he thought they could control the movement. I doubt it, for reasons I will now proceed to explain in continuation of the events of yesterday. On Friday night we made an agreement with the controlling members of the vigilance committee that to be assured of no complicity of the Sheriff with his prisoner, that they should have a force of 10 men nominally under the orders of the Sheriff. Yesterday the Sheriff suggested to Johnson to try & get the number diminished to five when he would reduce his force in proportion- this under the supposition that no attempt to take the prisoner would be made until King's fate were determined. So yesterday at one P.M. the Sheriff asked me to walk with him to the committee to make the proposition- we found new men - a new tone- and a positive refusal to reduce the number- in reannouncing the conditions agreed on the night before we claimed that reasonable notice should be given, that too they denied- New elements were at work and outside pressure was brought against them which they could not resist- an absolute issue of fact presented itself and Gov. Johnson found himself in a most delicate position; to have conferred with an illegal body: to have admitted spies & enemies in the Jail: we asserted so positively this change of promise this want of truth that we agreed to bring Ganison - we found him about 4 P.M. & his memory was positive & with him we again went to the committee rooms- again a change of men more rabid than ever asserting that they never contemplated a trial of Casey save by themselves. This was so utterly at variance with their stipulations of the night before that we sent for Coleman and Amington & one other who was present the night before & there had to confirm our version of the agreement- quite an angry debate followed among themselves showing a division of purpose, the very object we had in view. But as always, the most violent prevailed & the honorable stipulations of Friday night were then thrown on Mr. Coleman individually. Coleman reiterated them and as no conclusion could be come to they asked to advise with the Society and agreed to come to the Hotel at half past eight last evening. They did not get there till quarter past nine & made short work of it. The society had overruled Coleman and would make no promises or pledges, but simply agreed to give the Governor notice before they withdrew their men which we all knew was to be the signal of attack. This morning's notice & the taking of Casey are told.

The hanging of Casey & Cora are trifles compared with what may follow. The V.C. are now in full possession of San Francisco & in a free American country where we pay taxes of four per cent on full valuation we now are at the mercy of irresponsible masses. To be sure the heads & guiders of this mischief are deemed some of our worthiest & best men who profess to missuse in the law and its administration. They may succeed- they say they did so succeed in '52 & a few days or weeks will demonstrate. There are vast numbers of men here, desparate, too lazy to work in the mines, unable to go away, strong for mischief & powerless for good. This class did not exist in '52. At all events I am not implicated with it and, though it may be impossible I will endeavor not to provoke the special enmity of our New Rulers."

As I have told Mother, my dear Father, King died this afternoon and it is supposed that the mob will hang Casey and Cora tomorrow. Nothing has yet been heard of the Golden Age except that the report that she had not reached Panama in time was incorrect. She got there safely with her luggage freight & passengers. San Francisco is a more disagreable place to me now than ever before. I have written to Mother and Minnie & I have sent presents home by Mr. Crine. It has been more than six weeks since I had a word of news from home.

Believe me dearest Father, your most affectionate

Ellen
[EES]

Cincinnati
July 1/56
[1856/07/01]

My Dear Daughter,
[EES]

I intended to have written you & Cump, each a long letter, giving my views of the condition of things, in San Francisco, both present & future, but I was unexpectedly called here & detained in a trial which is not yet closed.

I will say in brief, that I do not think, order & quiet will ever be attained in your city, until you have a political revolution & the establishment of an absolute government- either a Doge & a council of ten as Venice- an absolute sovereign with the power of life & death, or some such device as potent & as prompt- you are on the borders of three distinct forms of civilation- on the borders of a vast ocean swarming with outcasts of the world- there is an immense amount wealth always in your city, & it cannot be protected! nor can life be protected by the application of our laws & our forms of administrating them - Hence your present state of anarchy, which I consider as substantially fixed and fastened upon the city until it is relieved from it by martial law or some other form of despotism - There may be occasional returns to order, but they will not last, & civil war will become the rule & order the exception- I wish you all well out of it & earnestly hope that Cump will think it best to send you & the children home, at least till he feels that there is a government there to protect you- He may think person & property safe under the present ruling power- but in cases of anarchy & civil war the fiercest & the worst do always at some time or other get the ascendency and hold it long enough to do their work of mischief- I would be highly gratified if Cump, could bring you all home, even if he could stay but a month, that we might talk over future arrangements and prospects -

I am very well- Must cut short my letter & to to court.

Your loving Father

T. Ewing
[TE]

Lancaster
July 23d/56
[1856/07/23]

My Dear Daughter
[EES]

We are quite in earnest expecting you home this winter- Minnie says she will have two children to take care of, & will have no time to nurse her dolls- There was a difficulty yesterday between her & her grandmother- She was out in the sun with her arms & shoulders exposed, & when called in Kitty was sent for switch- She was slow in bringing it & poor Minnie was crying in anticipation. When I came in- she said her grandma would certainly whip her- she was sure to whip her- I got the cry all washed off her face & took her into the parlor & shut both doors & we talked the matter all over - she said if we kept right still her grandma would forget it after a while- I asked her what she would do if her Grandma should call her- She said, she would not answer- she thought her Grandma would forget it in about an hour- She was sometimes bad to her & sometimes good, but more times good than bad. I then proposed to go & enquire of her Grandma whether she had forgotten yet, & she said that would just make her remember- We talked something about going to California, & she gathered together a few items of her property, but it was found that she could not pack up without running into immediate danger, so that was dropped- It was then concluded that she & I would move to the office & live there, but before we closed our arrangements, peace was made, & she was Grandma's darling little pet- She keeps very well & still grows tall & handsome-

I am about to take a North Eastern tour with Boyle & Sissy - Will probably go to Quebec - across -- from that to Boston & New York & home- Will write you again before the steamer goes-

If Cump is willing you should do so come to us this fall & give him a chance to lay up some cash

Your loving Father

T. Ewing
[TE]

Cincinnati
Oct 15/56
[1856/10/15]

My Dear Son
[WTS]

I received Ellens letter & your short note with the fine specimen of quartz, for which I thank you- I have several specimens from North Carolina & Virginia but this is by far the finest I have seen- It will occupy an honored place in my collection - I left home this morning- The family & friends all very well- My own health is excellent-

I have been at St. Louis & saw your partner there & was much satisfied at the expressed purpose to establish a house in New York & place you as the head of it- Ellen will then be within a days journey of home & you will find business much more satisfactory there than in San Francisco.

I sold property at auction to the amount of some $27,000- It produced something more than double the price at which it was bid in- The South half of block 48 produced $19,017- averaging a fraction over $39 - a foot front- There was a handsome little city grown up on that part of the tract. St Louis is going ahead very rapidly, fine permanent improvements going on in every part of it-

I am glad to know that there is an end of your Vigilence Committee- The Members would do wisely to get themselves indicted for murder in the several cases of execution by their committee that they might be tried & acquitted while they have power to control the jury; for they may otherwise find trouble some five or ten years hence-

I am here preparing for the Circuit court- It is quite a pleasant morningsride from Lancaster- Give my love to Ellen- her Mother will write her all the news

Affectionately Yours

T. Ewing
[TE]

Lancaster
Oct 31st/56
[1856/10/31]

My Dear Daughter
[EES]

We were delighted today by the early receipt of your letters; & especially their intelligence of your continued good health- Your Mother had just finished writing hers to you when they came in- We have told you all about our trip to St. Louis & how your property there is improving in value- but under the belief that you would got to New York instead of St. Louis on your return I sold the lots on the corner of Locust Street & Ewing Avenue which I had intended for your residence- However, should your destination be there, I have still as good a corner in the same neighborhood- on Ohio & Ewing Avenue which I will for the present save for you-

The warrant you sent will not buy Leavenworth land as it sells only for money & it depends on circumstances whether I shall purchase any there; if I do & am able to make a right good investment for you I will do so to the amount of the warrant in money- Or if a very good quarter section can be found near Charleys land in Missouri I will have Hampton who is there locate it for you-

I find our Rail Road the greatest imaginable convenience- The mornings ride to or from Cincinnati is mere pleasureable exercise & takes but five hours time including omnibus if yout get to New York it will be but little more than a days ride & St Louis a little less-

Tell Lizzie that I intend to have her for my little girl- that Minnie is such a big thing she wont do any longer- I want a little girl that I can nurse, & must have one-

Minnie is very apt in the quotation of poetry, though her acquaintance with the best authors is not very varied or extensive. In Mother Goose- Puss in boots- Beauty & the beast & Tom Thumn she is quite at home- Last evening she & Kitty took their sewing & went into the dining room to work- She called Anne and had her light the second burner- Things went on quietly for a little while, when a difficulty arose the nature of which has never yet been fully explained- She came rushing into her Grandmothers room exclaiming with great vehemence "Grand Ma Kitty lets her angry passions rise" - This as you know was directly against the admonition of the poet & Kitty had to be rebuked-

I send you a slip from the State Journal containing a criticism of the style of Mrs. Stowe which you will find to be just as it is severe- She cannot. or certainly does not write the English language.

Farewell My dear Daughter, I will wait anxiously the next arrival hoping for happy tidings from you.

Your loving Father

T. Ewing
[TE]

San Francisco Cal:
May 18th 1856.
[1856/05/18]

My beloved Father:
[TE]

The newspaper reports will awaken your interest in the events of the past few days in this miserable City. You will of course desire to know Cump's true position and as he will I fear have no time to give it to you in detail I shall copy a letter which he has just written to Major Turner and, with his permission, send it to you adding whatever may occur between this hour and the sailing of the Steamer day after tomorrow.

"This Steamer will bring news of most distressing character growing out of the shooting of James King of here. (Editor of the Evening Bulletin) by Casey Editor of the Sunday Times The same man, who so recklessly attacked all the Bankers and decent people of City. I will send you so many newspaper extracts that I may confine my letter to my own personal history and I beg you to preserve this in view of any awkward events in which in spite of all caution I may become involved.

Shortly after the sailing of the last Steamer, several gentleman connected with the volunteer Companies, of the City, mentioned that Gov. Johnson would offer me the appointment of Major General of the 2nd Division Cal. Militia. I expressed a strong disinclination to do anything at all, and hoped the Governor would do no such thing. The Gov. soon after called in person and offered me the appointment. I expressed a dislike to do anything that might distract my attention from business. He assured me that the Legislature had passed a law reorganizing the militia making it imperative in him to make some high military appointment among them he proposed Ned Beal, Woodworth myself & others -- that is was simply for the purpose of organization & that no expense would be incurred & little time needed to perform its duties. I gave a reluctant consent, which, at the time, I felt to be imprudent. Last Saturday, feeling the want of exercise I crossed the Bay to Oakland got a horse & took a ride over the mountain towards Monte Diablo & making a circuit back to the City. On my arrival on Monday, I found a commission awaiting me, which I accepted and wrote for a copy of the laws governing the militia, meaning to take my time to appoint a Staff and do what seemed requisite. On Wednesday, after Bank hours I came home and about half past eight o'clock Bainbridge & Helland came out & told me that King had been shot by Casey & that excitement ran high. King's articles have all been provoking & I have long expected him to be attacked & therefore was not astonished, and had the populace got Casey that night & hung him, I would have rejoiced, but Casey was smart enough to have himself confined to the Jail before feeling had become concentrated. The Mayor called out the Volunteer Companies -- three of infantry, amounting to some sixty men turned out -- a few straggling mounted men and about a dozen men stood by two guns, 6 pds. That night passed off without violence, and next Morning, Thursday I went to the Bank as usual, when I found everybody intensely excited, threats to take Casey & Cora & hang them & a revival of the old vigilance committee. A public call was made for the old members of that Committee, at a certain room, round which was gathered all day a large crowd. I went to the Mayor -- Van Ness -- a large good man, but as usual so mussed up & involved in old business that he could do nothing. I then saw the officers of the volunteer companies & found them wavering. I went to the Jail & found the Sheriff, a strong, gross, bluff athletic man, surrounded by his deputies in a kind of ante room, excited & apprehending an attack on the Jail each moment. I examined the Jail & found it utterly indefensible -- its rear wall flush with the ground and overlooked in all its parts by houses all around -- a perfect trap, in which a small body of men could do nothing. I suggested to the Sheriff the immediate procurement of plank & materials to parapet the walls and make it tenable against a mob attack every moment apprehended. I then became satisfied that volunteers could not be depended on and so informed the Mayor & that I would not identify myself with them and that though I held the Governor's Authority. To have done so would have been to make myself odious & ridiculous. I informed the Mayor that the Jail could not be defended, that the mob could occupy a few of the buildings, and completely drive out any posse the Sheriff might command. What complicated matters was that the Sheriff & his friends are shoulder strikers -- the very class against which is raised this storm of indignation. Col. West, Maj. Johnson and a few of the Volunteer officers thought maybe in the course of the day, they could prevail on some of the volunteers to act. When I pointed out to them that the only possible way to hold the Jail against a mob was for the sheriff to occupy the Jail with his deputies, the police and such citizens as would serve as a posse, and the military companies, to occupy such buildings round about as would prevent their occupation by the mob. I then went about my business but went down town that night with [?]isbet about town & found as I expected that the volunteer companies had not turned out, that there had been no mod but that the vigilance committee were in session enrolling men, and keeping up a secret dread of some violence. Friday was the same, continued excitement, but no direct attack on the Jail or direct interference with the civil authority. On Friday afternoon, the Mayor called on me, saying he had telegraphed to Gov. Johnson to come down, & had received an answer that he would be down that evening, and, he requested me to meet the Gov. at the Boat at half past nine About the same time a formal note was served on me commanding me to meet the Sheriff at the 4th district Court room at half past three P.M. I went & found about a hundred people who had been summoned. The Sheriff called out the names of all on whom the writ was served and it seemed about one third, had come. These were mostly lawyers, persons in some way friends to those in Jail. There were some exceptions, Judge Norton, Thornton Peachy Billings McAllister Baldwin & others. The Sheriff commanded all to accompany him to the Jail to obey the Law and prevent rescue. I did not go, but told the Sheriff that I had to be at the Sacramento Boat on its arrival: I came home to dinner and before leaving the table, Hall McAllister & another gentlemen came out & said that the posse comitates at the Jail composed of some sixty gentlemen had organised at the Jail by electing me as captain, that it was understood to be indefensible and all wanted to see me. I explained to him that I could not act as Captain of a Sheriff(s) posse, that the Sheriff was of law and necessity to command their service, that I was Major or nothing, that there were no forces & I could not exercise military command at all, that I had an appointment to meet the Governor with whom I should probably be engaged all night, but that I had no objection to give my advice and counsel. I went with them to the Jail, found there the sherriff his deputies & policemen amounting to about 30 men and the citizen posse. They clustered around me anxious and concerned. The duty was a most disagreeable one, to defend a Jail against an infuriated mob, to defend two such scoundrels as Casey and Cora. I told them frankly that the only influence their presence could excite was a moral one, the consciousness of sacrificing their comfort and endangering their lives in the maintenance of organized law as against the violence of a mob. I pointed out the weak points and concluded that to defend the Jail successfully certain buildings outside must be occupied. Upon examination this move was too late for the vigilance committees had them all filled. There was no alternative but to desert or stay in that open corral. The night was bright moonlight and beautifully serene. Contrasting with the tremendous fears of the doubtful & the growing passions of the determined. I became satisfied that unless King (from whom bulletins of health came forth almost every hour) died, there would be no direct attack upon the Jail until the vigilance committee had strengthened themselves by enrolling their entire force: At half past nine o'clock Friday night I went to the Sac Boat to meet the Governor found his brother & Captain Gamisen waiting for him too. The "Senator" came along the wharf. we stood together at the after gangway but the Governor did not come ashore: Soon we heard he had passed up the wharf having landed from the lower deck at the at the forward gang plank. So we followed him up to the International Hotel and there found him. Johnson is a young man very pleasing in his manners a lawyer of intelligence and I am satisfied if he had the power, would sustain the law. We told him all that had occurred described to him the position of things, the small civil force the sheriff had the danger of the posse of good citizens who at his call were now gathered together at the Jail. We went thither where we saw for himself how utterly indefensible the Jail yard was open to the rear, overlooked on all sides by brick houses with parapet walls -- no part of the interior of the Jail safe from shots but the cells which are full of prisoners -- the wall at one corner almost undermined, a large wooden gate, in a side alley which could be cut through in a minute. Indeed if I were forced to meet an armed mob, I would rather be in an open prairie than in that Jail. The Governor saw the entire mass of people amassed against the Civil Authorities, the only military force in existence showing the feelings of the people, the cause of the Civil Authorities being a bare naked principle with two such witches as Casey & Cora as its exponents. All this time the vigilence committee was strengthening its numbers then 2300 now 5000 having at its head such men as Wm. T. Coleman, the brothers Armington, Fleet of Fleet Peabody & Co. Myras Frett & indeed all the large merchants, a active controlling members, whilst ((Passett Ralston, Drexel Lather & Church &)) most ((of the)) rich men are contributing means and circumstance Sub Rosa. I suggested to Johnson, for us to go right to their headquarters at the Turn Verein Hall on Bush Street & we all concluded to go. Jamison, the Governor & his brother and myself -- we reached the Hall about eleven o'clock at night found it lighted up a stream of people coming & going -- at the door we found H. Chaning Beals to whom we announced ourselves; after a little delay we were admitted into the Bar Room at the right where we sat down and Mr. Coleman President of the Vigilance Committee sat down and had a very general conversation in which Coleman said the purpose of the association was not designed to subvert the law but to assist it in purging the community of the clique of shoulder strikers Ballet box stuffers & political tricksters generally that the courts & juries had become of no use & that they must be purged or spurred on, that they did not meditate violence, and were willing to await King's fate -- if he dies Casey to be tried and speedily executed. All this was fair and we almost coincided with him in opinion. At first he intimated a desire that Casey should be given up to them, but Gov. Johnson told him distinctly that he would enforce the law as speedily as its forms would allow, but he would never consent to Casey being taken from the Sheriff's custody, but that if the committee felt any uncertainty about Casey's being safe in custody, there was no objection to a few men of their number being admitted, who were to be considered an assistant guard((s)), but under control of the Sheriff. It was then agreed that if such an arrangement were made that the committee should pledge themselves that those of the committee so admitted should not attempt any violence or league with those outside, but if a change of purpose became necessary the committee men should be withdrawn & reasonable notice given -- Coleman then went into the large Hall, and after some time returned with six other gentlemen, with whom further conversation was held, all to the same effect, and the treaty was made verbally Governor Johnson telling them that he treated with them as individuals & not in their capacity as a body of men leagued together for a purpose unknown to the Law. We were there till half past one at night & parted with a clear distinct understanding that no such violence was contemplated at all and no demonstration on the Jail should be made until their guard was withdrawn and reasonable time thereafter to enable the Sheriff to resume the Statis quo. We agreed to meet at the Jail at 2 o'clock to admit their ten men, the Sheriff being at liberty to keep as many as he pleased. We went to the Jail found the Sheriff disinclined to admit the enemy but as he could not depend on the Citizens to defend the Jail he became satisfied, his only chance of life was to save time, & therefore con[?]ented. At two o'clock Friday night, ten men of the vigilance committee were introduced & a room in the Jail placed at their service & one or two of them were allowed to stand or sit near the cell door in which Casey is confined. Coleman & Frett came with their posse assured themselves that Casey is there [illegible] we all left, thinking, that, under the circumstances it was the best thing then at our choice. We all parted Friday night at 3 o'clock, satisfied to await King's fate [illegible] & believing that the community at large would be satisfied . . . . Governor Johnson has just sent for me. He is at the International Hotel on Jackson St. My belief is that the leaders are not able to control their men & that they will be forced to extremity. I believe Casey & Cora to be doomed if the Sheriff resists & blood is shed no man can foresee the result. All the elements of the Paris Committed of safety are here, & once put in motion they cannot be stopped. I regret having been placed in this position but I am bound in honor to serve the Governor of the State to the best of my means & ability. 2¼ -- P.M. I have just returned to my house. I went to the International & [?]n my way saw crowds hurrying in the same direction, when I reached the Hotel I found the Governor & Mayor on the roof along with many others. He simply pointed towards the Jail -- all the houses commanding a view were covered with people. Telegraph hill was black with them & the streets were a complete jam. He told me that the committed had sent him word at half past ten that they would withdraw their men & the treaty was at an end. Johnson went immediately to the Jail & found the Sheriff with his deputies & a few citizens. The Sheriff has been firm & constant, and he very properly asked the Governor to give him some orders how to act in case the committee demanded his prisoners. The Governor told him then, if they appeared with sufficient force to make resistence idle he might surrender his prisoner under protest. If the Sheriff should fire in that mob, the immediate result would be terrific whatever the future effect & consequences yet in the lap of fiturity may be -- well -- shortly after the masses of people began to move towards the Jail covering all the houses & hills soon followed by the committee in full organization 2500 armed with muskets rifles, a field piece, besides as many more arm in arm, silent & quiet whilst at least five thousand men flocked up as to a show. When I reached the roof of the Hotel there must have been at least ten thousand people within a rifle shot of the Jail. Soon a man rode by [?]n a white horse, followed by a carriage which stopped at the Jail door: Soon a shout announced success and the procession began to move from the Jail, down Keavny to Pacific Pacific to Montgomery, Montgomery towards Sacramento when I lost sight of them. It was headed by two platoons of about 60 or 80 men with bright muskets, then the carriage with Casey two files of armed men on each side, there followed by a promiscious crowd. A great many armed men appeared to remain at the Jail. This vigilance committee seem to take the old one of '52 as their model and as that one hung their prisoner at 3 P.M. on Sunday I take it for granted that before the ink dries in my sheet Casey will be hanging from some beam, out of some Committee room if that power that now governs San Francisco. -- Soon after the passage of the crowd Sheriff Scannell & his deputy Hamson came on the roof of the Hotel to see the Governor but he had dissappeared, we descended the roof to his room but he was not there we searched through the Hotel without success. Whilst this was transpiring Scannell told me that Coleman & Grett were the spokemen that they demanded Casey, whom he surrendered under protest. They took Casey from the Jail & despatched him in the manner I have stated & then demanded possession of the Jail. This not being contemplated his instructions did not cover the case, so he and his deputy ran down to see the Governor & thus far he has not seen him But I did not stay long. I came home. San Francisco is now governed by an irresponsible organization claiming to be armed with absolute power by the people. The Government is powerless and at an end. I dont care if they take the Jail, the courts & what they please. Coleman told me he thought they could control the movement I doubt it, for reasons I will now proceed to explain in continuation of the events of yesterday. On Friday night we made an agreement with the controlling members of the vigilance committee that to be assured of no complicity of the Sheriff with his prisoner, that they should have a force of ten men nominally under the orders of the Sheriff. Yesterday the Sheriff suggested to Johnson to try & get the number diminished to five where he would reduce his force in proportion, -- this under the supposition that no attempt to take the prisoners would be made until King's fate were determined. So yesterday at at one P.M. the Sheriff asked me to walk with him to the committee to make the proposition. We found new men -- a new tone -- and a positive refusal to reduce the number -- in reanouncing the conditions agreed on the night before we claimed that reasonable notice should be given, that too they desired -- New elements were at work and outside pressure was brought against them which they could not resist, an absolute issue of fact presented itself and Gov. Johnson found himself in a most delicate position: to have conferred with an illegal body: to have admitted spies & enemies in the Jail: we asserted so positively this change of promise this want of truth that we agreed to bring Jamison, we found him about 4 P.M. & his memory was positive & with him we again went to the committee rooms again a change of men more rabid than ever asserting that they never contemplated a trial of Casey, save by themselves. This was so utterly at variance with their stipulations of the night before that we sent for Coleman and Armington & one other who was present the night before & there had to confirm our version of the agreement, quite an angry debate follwed among themselves showing a division of purpose, the very object we had in mind. But as always, the most violent prevailed & the honorable stipulations of Friday night were thrown on Mr Coleman individually. Coleman reiterated them and as no conclusions could be come to they asked to advise with the Society and agreed to come to the Hotel at half past eight last evening. They did not get there till quarter past nine & made short work of it. The society had overruled Coleman & would make no promises or pledges, but simply agreed to give the Governor notice before they withdrew their men which we all knew was to be the signal of attack. This morning's notice ((&)) the taking ((of)) Casey are told.

The hanging ((of)) Casey & Cora are trifles compared with what may follow. The V.C. are now in full possession of San Francisco & in a free American country where we pay yaxes at four percent on full valuation we now are at the mercy of irresponsible masses. To be sure the heads & guiders of this business are deemed some of our worthiest & best men who profess to impose on the law and its administration. They may succeed -- they day they did so succeed in '52 & a few days or weeks will demonstrate. There are vast numbers of men here desperate, too lazy to work in the mines, unable to go away, strong for mischief & powerless for good. This class did not exist in 52. At all events I am not implicated with it and, though it may be impossible I will endeavor not to provoke the special enmity of our New Rulers.

As I have told Mother, my dear Father, King died this afternoon and it is supposed that the mob will hang Casey and Cora tomorrow. Nothing has yet been heard of the Golden Age except that the report that she had not reached Panama in time was incorrect. She got there safely with her baggage freight & passengers. San Francisco is a more disagreeable place to me now than ever before. I have written to Mother and Minnie & I have sent presents home by McCrum. It has been more than six weeks since I had a word of new from home

Believe me dearest Father, Your most affectionate

Ellen.
[EES]

Washington
Feby 1/57
[1857/02/01]

My Dear Daughter
[EES]

I have been in Washington some three weeks, very closely engaged in preparing business for the courts & can hardly allow myself time to write even you a letter. I have just read one from Cump which I cannot answer until the next mail- But after disposing of my business at present on hand I intend to quit practice & if my health continues good as at present make a voyage to Europe. My business has been lately very successful- a case that I argued this winter in Columbus, in which Judge Reed was in his life time counsel with me has I understand within a few days been decided in my favor. The fee will be worth not less than $15,000. in city property in Cincinnati. The estate of Judge Reed, in consequence of a transfer of part of the property made to him has a still larger interest in the recovery. My cases now pending here, if successful will be quite productive- Boyle & Tom have determined to settle at Leavenworth- They attended the sales of the Deleware Trust lands by my directions & made pretty large investments for the different members of the family- I suppose about $11,000- If the city grows as it now promises the investments are excellent with indeed ten times the cost.- So far you come in for a very small share- about $600. including the proceeds of your land, warrant, but as I have sold your favorite building spot in St. Louis, I must make remuneration by enlarging your estate in Kansas- It was with some hesitation that I permitted Tom to leave Cincinnati- He has gotten into a very good practice there especially in the circuit court of the United States & has been very successful, but the fever of adventure seized him & he must go- At Leavenworth Boyle & Tom are to practice law- and Hamp, Boyle & Tom to engage in Lang Agency, which will for a few years doubtless be very profitable as Toms extensive acquaintance, of which he is making the best possible use, will give them a commanding position in business. Charley, after getting through College, intends to remain at home & take charge of home affairs, & farm & the down Hocking property. Indeed I believe he expects to a kind of "Lord of the valley"- Next summer it will be less than a day from Lancaster to St. Louis & but a little more than a day to Jefferson City or two days & a half to Leavenworth, so that if Cump is well enough for you to be content to bring your little family with you & come home, the family circle will hardly be broken by distance.

A company has been organized for the construction of a RailRoad from Leavenworth to Lawrence & thence up the Kansas river to some point about 100 miles distant & Boyle is chosen President- He is now sick in Cincinnati, on his way here, to procure a grant of land for the road. I do not understand that his indisposition is serious, but it is sufficient to detain him- I do not think well of the project- It is premature & must prove a failure- Give my love to Cump- tell him not to sacrifice his health to business, which is comparatively of very small value- Kiss the little ones for me & tell Lizzie that her Grand Pa wants to see her very much- Willie I suspect is something of a savage & as to little Tommy I have not yet made his acquaintance-

God keep you my dear Daughter & may he give to you & your household continued happiness & health

Your loving Father

T. Ewing
[TE]

Lancaster
Feby 27th/57
[1857/02/27]

My Dear Daughter
[EES]

I approve entirely of your & Cumps proposed return- I am confident he will do as well here as he ought reasonably to desire, either with or without his connexion with Lucas Turner & Co - and he need not fear to be a supernummary any where- First rate business capacity is always in request & will be worth its value to the owner- We are all anxious for your coming- Your Mother & Minnie are making the necessary household & family arrangements- Minnie will have her hands full with the three children & she has given me notice that she cant be my little girl after they come- she will be too busy.

I have made your Kansas fund $1000- and the boys have invested it in 10 acres of land in what they call there Budd tract- a recent purchase & a very good one. It is now a mile and a quarter from the city limits- lies handsomely & is in the direction in which the City must first extend - a population of 15,000 will extend over it from the river- I send a plat

Your loving Father

T. Ewing
[TE]

Lancaster
April 1/57
[1857/04/01]

My Dear Daughter:
[EES]

I have this moment received your letter and am greatly gratified with its contents. There is, just at this moment quite an excitement on this subject in the family- Your rooms will soon be ready, as the ladies of the family, two generations of them at least are at work with renewed energy in their preparation-

I informed Cump by the last mail of the sale of a portion of the family investment near Leavenworth. The price received for the sale of the one thrice, which was just double its cost is no criterion of the value of the investmentO Its object was give an impulse to the growth of the town by putting up a number of houses, & by interesting an active & efficient firm in its prosperity- and further to place the boys in funds for future operations. They have gone out with about $6000- of money which they feel to be their own earnings, besides the remaining two thirds of their lands, which is now worth four times its cost- I intend going out in the early summer to see how they prosper- Come early if you can, I want to see you here well domesticated before I go- Tell Cump to be under no uneasiness whatever, about business or location I know he can fix bimself where he pleases & do as well as he ought to desire.

Your loving Father

T. Ewing
[TE]

Washington
Feby 8th 1859
[1859/02/08]

My Dear Daughter
[EES]

I am very glad to hear that your health is improving- it is of much more importance than an increase of business, or a rise of property- Take good care of yourself & I hope you will soon be well-

I have made up my mind definitely that you had better come as soon as the travelling is pleasant & spend the summer at home- You & all the children, & leave Cump to build a house & plant garden & prepare all necessary comforts for you before you return- I have made full provision for the summer- Will have a fine supply of everything, the earliest & best that a farm & garden & dairy can produce, & it will be pity to suffer it all to waste unused- and for our visit to Leavenworth & our Summer there we will wait a year & you will then be ready to take care of us without inconvenience- If I can do so I want to send you a few hundred choice peach trees - some dwarf pears & some currants - I will watch for a boat going through from Cincinnati & send by it- Have Cump plant out this spring a good lot of straw-berries & they will be in full bearing next year, and if there are black berries growing on the lot he should save & cultivate a patch of them also- of straw-berry vines I could send him a good lot of the choicest variety- Hoo'eys Seedlings, but if he can get equally good plants at home it will be better as they will probably be injured by transportation.

Charley is the great Bos of the farm, and is attending to it very diligently- Cain is the gardener & [illegible] has charge of the fruit trees- You know we brought the Pine Grove Spring down to the house our pipes stood the winter well & we will have a fine spring house well watered for our domestic dairy- It will be a great place for the children- There are not many bears there for Willy to hunt, but there are plenty of foxes & we will also depend on him to hunt hens nests- Lizzy shall have the prettiest calf & the nicest pony on the farm, & when she rides in the carriage she may sit on the seat & jump and not be slapped for it- I think Tommy can hunt foxes & I am almost sure he can help Willy hunt hens nests- besides he will be an able hand at picking blackberries- Do you hold a family counsel- let all vote, and I am sure there will be a clear majority in favor of the visit- Farewell

Your loving Father

T. Ewing
[TE]