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CSHR 9/15

Lancaster Ohio;
June 20, 1860.
[1860/06/20]

Dearest Father:
[TE]

Since you left home I have received money from Cump, and am now prepared to return the fifty dollars, you kindly lent me, and also to pay my Leavenworth taxes. Tom writes me that he has made Cump an offer for my property there, but he must be aware that Cump cannot sell what is mine, and moreover, that I would not trust to Cump's judgement implicitly, where the sale of property is concerned. I am not anxious to get it off my hands, nor am I unwilling to pay taxes, through a polite agent. If Boyle cannot sell his St. Louis property (what he has in the market) before fall, I would be glad to invest my California money in it, or a part of it. Cump thinks, now, that I will get that money and he suggests that I invest a part of it in slaves for our household work. I have written that I could not in conscience buy or sell a man and that I would consider it a poor investment of money. Cump writes that the season has been so terribly dry that water is failing them. He will go to Washington & New York in August and spend September and a part of October here. Give my love to Mother and tell her I write her tomorrow giving an account of Sis's delightful party which came off night before last. Give my love to Tom & Ellen and all the friends. Tommy got paper & pencil yesterday and said he has writing to Grand Pa & Grand Ma to come home.

Ever yr. affectionate

Ellen
[EES]

Washington
Jany 23/61
[1861/01/23]

My Dear Daughter
[EES]

I have not leased to Lynch and one reason why I did not was, I thought it probable both Cump & Hugh might be well employed there & with my farm & with the shipping & sale of salt- I have no doubt money will be made at the Salt Works this Year & if Cump can be content with it he will do better than soldiering- I am very well & expect to be at home the last of next week

Affectionately

T. Ewing
[TE]

St. Louis; Mo;
May 11th 1861
[1861/05/11]

Dearest Father;
[TE]

You will have seen a full account of the military movements here, yesterday, long before this reaches you. I send this morning's Republican to you, by today's mail. About three o'clock yesterday afternoon Charley & John Hunter came up to the house in great excitement & told me that Capt. Lyons was marching on Camp Jackson for the purpose of taking the arms which had been received by Capt. Frost from the South. Charley John & Hugh against all remonstrance, joined the crowd that was rushing out- they would not wait to take any dinner. After dinner Cump ascertained that Frost had surrendered the arms without resistence. Beleiving the difficulty to be entirely over he then took Willy and went out to the Camp where he joined Hugh Charley & John. They were in front of a line of Government troops and between the two parties when unexpectedly to them the firing commenced. Charley knocked Willy down instantly & then fell on the ground himself, covering Willy from the fire. Cump's first impulse was to run with Willy but when he found Charley had him down he too fell on the ground & the two completely sheltered Willy. Shots whistled past them and, as you will learn from the papers, quite a number were killed among them several little children. They were all shocked at their temerity in going to such a place, and I think they will not again unnecessarily expose their lives again. What will be the result of all this you will learn by telegraph before you get my letter.

The papers say that Cump is to be offered a good position in the regular service. If offered a suitable position, he will instantly accept it, in which case we will all be back in Lancaster again. In taking a house for me I would like to bind myself only for six months rent.

Cump wants you to send him the deed of trust to the property of Harding & Allen. I believe he has sent you the money collected on the last note. Please give my love to all and my congratulations to Philemon & Mary on the birth of the little daughter. Tell Henrietta Boyle looks remarkably well since the battle yesterday. He is down street now with his loaded pistols on.

Believe me now, as ever, dearest Father, Your truly affectionate,

Ellen.
[EES]

Memphis Tenn.
Nov 5th 1862 Thursday night.
[1862/11/05]

This evening, dearest Father, Cump & I were in the parlor with Majors Taylor & Sanger & Captains McCoy & Taylor & Dayton when were ushered in a troop of officers with Gen'l Morgan L. Smith Col. Stuart & Col T. Kilby Smith at the head. In they passed until the room was crowded and I retreated to a corner where Major Sanger whispered to me that it was to be a sword presentation. One of the gentlemen having at that moment brought forward the sword, quite conspicuously, it dawn'd upon Cump that there might be a scene coming & in the midst of his embarrasment he step'd up to me & whispered to me to retire. Supposing the speeches would be short I slipped out to make arrangements for some refreshments & segars but I managed to have an ear at the door long enough to catch some very touching parts of the speeches delivered by Colonel Stuart & Cump. - Cump is very much gratified & really it is a pretty compliment & the heart that was evidently in it makes it invaluable. I never saw more smiling & happy faces than they all wore on entering. All the newspaper compliments in the world would have failed to gratify Cump half as much as this evidence of attachment & confidence on the part of his tried & valued officers - Brave & gallant men that they are, they for the most part have been overlooked by their government. Cump has earnestly recommended Colonels Stuart & Buckland. for promotion but I think his recommendation will have little weight whilst McClellan's blighting influence stands behind the throne.

The regiments have been reduced by battle disease & sanitary committees until they have not one half their original number & yet no favor is shown them at home & no advantages are acceded them. Can you influence Gov. Tod. in any way to further the interests of the regiments in this Division- the 54th for instance has a fine Colonel T. Kilby Smith - Colonels Buckland & Cockrill Cols. Sullivan & Walcott & other Ohio Colonels would be rejoiced to add to their thinned ranks. It was stated in the papers that the drafted men would be assigned to the old regiments. If they are I think the eight Ohio regiments here in this Division, who went through Shiloh, the siege of Corinth & the weary way from Corinth here & who have so well held this place in peace & safety ought to have a fair proportion of those men. They would soon make good soldiers of them. If convenient I wish you would say a word for them.

I forgot to say that with the beautiful sword & belt there was a suspension sash- yellow- the first that Cump has had. I did not hear what the sword cost but the sash was forty dollars. Cump received a letter from New York about the sword & he wrote to them to send it to Lancaster. If it should arrive whilst I am here you will please take care of it. I am very anxious to have you press Philemon's appointment & to get him assigned to Cump if possible. I think you can accomplish it through Stanton & Halleck. I cannot think much of the President's heart or judgement now that he persists in sustaining that horrible opiate McClellan - If you cannot get that appointment for him I wish you & he would get Gov. Tod to appoint him Major & assign him to Cump's staff where he can perform the duty of Judge Advocate. That perhaps can be easier done than the other. Cump is sadly in need of some one with Philemon's education & ability. I have not heard from home for some time & I begin to feel anxious about the children. I may hear by the Boat now due. Give my best love to all & believe me, dearest Father

Your truly affectionate daughter

Ellen
[EES]

South Bend Ind.
Dec. 14th 1864
[1864/12/14]

My dearest Father,
[TE]

Sr. Angela wrote you I presume the particulars of dear Charley's last hour. I will send you soon a notice of the funeral. I had so long expected his death that I was in a measure prepared for my loss. It was hard to witness his sufferings which grew intense, but to know that he passed to infinite and eternal joys, without delay of any sort, is a consolation that cheers me when I would feel lonely and sad in my now desolate room.

I am thankful that you are so well after your long journey. I trust you may continue so. For Cump I feel just now no uneasiness. He is evidently doing well or great disasters would have been reported in the Southern papers. I have not yet written to him but I think I will write tomorrow. The children of both families at school and with me are very well & the momentary grief of childhood for Charley's death passed they are gay and happy.

I have had several letters from Lancaster and presume you hear often from there. I hope you will write to me frequently as I am always anxious about you. Ever your truly affectionate.

Ellen.
[EES]

St. Louis Mo.
Sep. 7th 1865 Thursday evening.
[1865/09/07]

Dearest Father;
[TE]

I wrote you last evening and was interrupted by company & compelled to close my letter rather abruptly. Today I have again been very busy the whole day long and have just got a quiet room and it is nearly bed time, but as I must go out again tomorrow I cannot defer this sequel to my story of last evening. Charley spent two days here and then went down the river to report to Genl. Slocum. I brought Minnie in from the convent to spend the day with us today and she told me that Uncle Charley thought he would be up again in October. It is Minnie's private opinion that he is engaged to Miss Slevin but she does not know that he is. I was exceedingly well pleased with the school where Minnie is placed. She however thinks it a little too strict. She looks well & is placed in high classes and from what the Superior tells me I think they will make her learn. Lizzie's heart still grows faint at the suggestion of joining Minnie but I think we will send her to day school for the present. Cump has a first rate carriage - old Sam and a mate for him which make a handsome team and a fine driver. We rode out yesterday morning and after looking at many pieces of property in the market we went to the Nicholson house and all through it. We came back determined to take it & I have been pricing furniture today and estimating what it would cost us to furnish. We get the house at twenty five thousand five hundred which leave five thousand & five hundred for furniture. The house suits me as well as if the architect had consulted my taste before drawing his plan. It has vestibule & then a fine hall & stairs with double parlours on one side & library & dining room on the other. A little side hall & pantry and then the kitchen. Up Stairs there are five large rooms besides a room over the hall and the room over the kitchen. In the attic there is one plastered well furnished room & the rest of the space is in fine order for storing. The cellar is excellent with a good wash room in it below the kitchen- the rest extends under the whole house, Cump has the use of the stable in the lot to the rear and thinks he can buy the lot on reasonable terms when Mr. Nicholson returns from Europe.

Friday morning. I am ready to start out again dear Father. Cump is in favor of "rapid movements" and said when he bought the house he would "give me five days to get in it". I told I thought I should be obliged to take more time. I think we can get into the house in two or three weeks. Furniture is very high. I am glad I have my own piano to begin with. I will have to have Emily before very long otherwise I should be obliged to get some one in her place and that would be inconvenient. We are all very well. I begin to feel anxious to hear from home. I hope you have felt no farther inconvenience from the hot weather. Rachel is broken out with the heat. She fretted about home on the way here and said she must turn back. Now she and Elly both say they will return in a few weeks. Rachel says she thinks Tommy Steele is crying for her and Elly now. Give my love to Sis & Fanny & a kiss to little Tommy. My love to Philemon Mary and all the family; also to Mrs. Daugherty. I will write to Sis this evening & tell her the price of carpets &c. just by way of amusement. Believe me ever Your truly affectionate daughter

Ellen
[EES]

Washington
Feby 7/66
[1866/02/07]

My Dear Daughter-
[EES]

Since I received your last letter I had a call from Col Bowman- He explains the defects in the method & arrangement of his book by the haste in which he was compelled to put it together in advance of rival publications- and defects in substance he attributes to his publisher who was afraid of his shadow- He says they had at one time so mutilated and altered his manuscript, that he refused to permit them to publish & threatened them with an injunction- The book as it is was the result of a compromise, but he promises better things of the next edition- We had a very pleasant visit from the General- he is now on his way home & will probably be about a day behind this letter- Charley writes me that Siss will be in Cincinnati today- She & Tommy Steele have had a delightful visit. Hugh made a little lake at None Such, where he winters, and a ship for his children to sail in- He invited the children to name it & by unanimous vote they named it Tommy Teele- They all seem very happy out there- Hugh goes West in the Spring- All well here

Your loving Father

T. Ewing
[TE]

St. Louis Mo.
May 25, 1866 Friday morning.
[1866/05/25]

Dearest Father:
[TE]

We arrived yesterday at one o'clock and found all well at home. Patrick had Rachel in the carriage waiting for us at the Lindell. Minnie and Elly had got home from school when we arrived at the house but Lizzie's class was being examined, or receiving particular instructions and she could not get home before the usual hour. They are all heartily rejoiced to have me back. I found everything looking delightfully. Rachel asked to be permitted to go to see Maud Reber, before I had been at home an hour. When I reproached her as pathetically as possible, for being willing to leave me immediately she replied with the utmost simplicity & in the blandest tones - that she had seen me long enough for that day. I fear she is very much of a Sherman. I presented Elly the little bottle of cologne, that you sent to my room, as a present from you where upon she smiled sweetly & looked very much flattered & put on innumerable little airs.

The children are very anxious to see you. The house is cooler than I supposed it would be and now that we have no fires it seems much cleaner. I think you would be comfortable here at any time and I sincerely trust you may find it pleasant to be with us a great deal hereafter. I will try and save money enough to get a more roomy carriage.

My hand is very nervous today from the fatigue of the trip and I hope you will excuse my crooked letters. Tommy has made a great display of his books; six volumes from Uncle Philemon and five from Grand Pa. I got Peter Pa[?]ley in five volumes for something over the five dollars. I found your letter with enclosures on my table. Please give my love to all and believe me as ever your truly affectionate daughter

Ellen.
[EES]

St. Louis Mo.
Oct 25th, 1866
[1866/10/25]

Dearest Father;
[TE]

Since Sunday, I have been quite unwell and very busy, and therefore have not written to you as I intended. It rained nearly all day Sunday and in the afternoon a terrible storm swept over the city doing considerable damage. Although Cump & Tommy and I were out in it we suffered no inconvenience from it for where we were at the time it was not so violent. Cump insisted upon me going with him to select a lot at the Cemetery. The ride was long and very rough, and after the fatigue of attending late Mass in the morning it was too much for me. Until yesterday afternoon I have not felt able to leave the house, or scarcely to sit up since, but I believe I am now fairly over it, or as you say, "rested through".

I was very much gratified by the visit of Hugh and his family. I never saw better children nor a better mother. Surely Hugh is blessed in his family. Father DeSmet gave me a letter to forward to Hugh which will introduce him to the Superior General of the Jesuits in Holland who will be able to give him information on any subject and to introduce to him members of noble families from all parts of Europe who are frequently visiting at the Hague. Father De Smet says the place will suit Hugh admirably - that he will be very happy there.

Poor Cump had a very short rest at home, being called imperatively by telegram to Washington. He left with great reluctance and will return as soon as he can. He will most probably attend Hampton's wedding on Tuesday morning. If he gets home next month, he will come by Lancaster and bring with him, from there, the sacred remains of our little Saint, Willy. Afterwards he will go to Chicago and Notre Dame for the Baby's. He has selected a beautiful lot here in the Catholic Cemetery, for which he is to pay $150. I am sorry that I did not succeed in my efforts to get the graves removed and the monuments erected in Lancaster, when Cump would have let the matter rest. As it is I could not oppose him longer.

Give my love to all the family. Please tell Teresa that Minnie is very much pleased with the present she sent, and evidently considers it becoming, as I saw several stealthy glances at the mirror before she started to school with them on this morning. Moreover the remainder of her toilet was evidently arranged with a view to correspond.

All desire dear love to Grand Pa. Ever your truly affectionate daughter

Ellen E. Sherman
[EES]

St. Louis Mo.
Nov. 5th 1866.
[1866/11/05]

Dearest Father;
[TE]

Cump sets out to-morrow on his Mexican Expedition which is tolerable to him on two accounts- first because it keeps him out of Washington and second, because it gives him an opportunity of seeing a part of the world he has never yet visited. I feel greatly disappointed that he cannot be at home with us but he leaves us surrounded by every comfort. I will devote myself to the children as I had intended to do this winter. We already have pleasant home evenings. Minnie Lizzie & I with our sewing- two at work whilst one reads aloud. Tommy enjoys the reading until his early bed time comes and even Elly slips in to listen for a little while, but Tom finds the attraction to Rachel and her plays too strong for resistence.

Cump will send out to me today a fine new carriage costing ($1250.) twelve hundred and fifty dollars. It is not built in the coach style but is a real family carriage, with two large seats well enclosed and the top extending over the Driver's seat in front which is also well protected, at the sides with curtains. The carriage is light ,for the size and is the very thing I want. It can be made quite open in Summer so as to catch every breeze. We will keep the carriage we have too so that when Spring comes all the family can ride according to their taste. You will find the new carriage a great improvement over the one we rode in last fall.

Tomorrow is election day here but I believe there is not much apprehension of trouble as there was.

Please give my love to Tom & Ellen. I will write soon to Ellen. I am so glad to hear of your very good condition of health. I hope Rosy is well.

Ever your affectionate daughter

Ellen.
[EES]

Lancaster
July 11/67
[1867/07/11]

My Dear Daughter
[EES]

I have been at home about a week. Am very well and well rested - I hope this will find you settled- the bustle of moving over- and all in health - come and see me soon- the country is very pleasant & the roads good - I do not boast of a carriage except so far as comfort is concerned, but my horses are of the best- Phils children are now all at home- a fine healthy family- the girls are pretty & Tom is a fine scholar- I have no news - all well

Affectionately Your Father

T Ewing
[TE]

Lancaster Monday Morning

My Dear Daughter
[EES]

I do not know where to write you but will try St. Louis- The Children are all doing well- Cumpy had a cold but has gotten over it, and is one of my most interesting companions in my rides- he has to sit forward where he can attend to the horses, and from that favorable point of view calls my attention to many things which I would not otherwise see- Elly was indisposed for a day or two, but is quite well this morning- Telegraph me promptly when you get to St. Louis- Your dispatch from Omaha relieved me of much anxiety

Affectionately your Father

T. Ewing
[TE]

St. Louis Mo.
Jan. 4th 1867.
[1867/01/04]

Dearest Father:
[TE]

This morning your welcome letter of the 1st was received enclosing a letter to Elly. I put Elly's letter in an envelope & directed it to her, imitating your hand sufficiently to deceive her unpracticed little eye, put on an old stamp & sealed it tight. When she came into the room afterwards I said, "here is a letter for you Elly"- "Oh! who from?" - "Why I think from Grand Pa" said I, to "whom have you written"? Only to Grand Pa she said. I gave it to her and her little hand trembled with pleasure as she broke the seal. Then I read it to her and Rachel & the latter manifested quite as much pleasure as Elly. Indeed she was much more demonstrative, jumping & clapping her hands when I read that you were coming out in the Spring to see them. Minnie & Tommy have started to school again but I do not send Elly. Here I was interupted dearest Father and yesterday my entire time was engrossed with cares of the house which seemed to accumulate into one vast heap, and finally culminated in a terrific quarrel between the three girls down stairs, who wound the whole affair up with an Irish fight and will be tomorrow no doubt as good friends as ever. Emily feels quite rejoiced to have been up stairs safely out of the difficulty. I am not fortunate in having a very good cook this winter and I therefore have less satisfaction in entertaining my friends. Charley arrived on Friday but as he is supposed to be living on love - "his food being Dora"- it much less difference with him. The girl is so kind to the children and Cump has such an abhorrance of domestic changes that I keep the poor cook for the present. On Friday Cump received a telegram from Grant saying that the President wished to see him. He replied that he could not conveniently leave home just now but if the President's orders were preemptory he would start at once. To my great satisfaction he received a reply to the effect that there was no immediate necessity for his presence there. I presume he will go on within a month from this time.

I do not know how long Charley will stay but I presume he will desert us for the Slevin party when they start next week. We have had two days of very beautiful weather which I hope you have enjoyed.

Cump was determined to have open house on New Years day and Minnie was obliged to take position in the parlour in full dress at eleven o'clock, where she remained until between eight & nine in the evening. She received nearly seventy calls and seemed to have enjoyed it. Her dress was very becoming and her manner self possessed but modest & Cump had so many compliments from his friends in regard to her manner of receiving them, that he feels very proud and happy. I am glad she will so soon be able to releive me of a duty that is irksome and too much in addition to my other cares, for my present age. Between thirty & forty I could accomplish more than I ever will again.

Cump says the entire people of the South treated him with marked respect and attention- all classes & sorts flocked to see him where he was detained on the road offering civilities & hospitalities. Bragg called to see him & manifested the feelings of friendship &c that the rest had. He says he is so poor as to be living on the kindness of others and he has no employment. Cump came up by Rail through the very country in which he had marched his army.

Please give my love to Teresa and tell her I will write tomorrow in acknowledgement of the pretty present I received on Friday. All unite in love & best wishes of the season.

Ever your affectionate daughter

Ellen
[EES]

St. Louis Mo.
Jan. 20, 1867 Sunday evening.
[1867/01/20]

Dearest Father:
[TE]

I received your very kind letter a few days ago and have acted upon your advice and although the baby is now eleven days old have sat up but for one hour & that not until this afternoon. I was sick so long - from Sunday noon until Wednesday night & my labour was attended with so much anxiety for the safety of the child & we had to submit to such very rough treatment that I felt disposed to take a longer rest than usual and the doctor insisted upon it. The child is thriving finely and I have had no back-set so we may well feel thankful after all. I have got a goat & feed the baby with the bottle having but little nourishment for him yet. I am still in great hopes of being able to nurse almost entirely when I get able to ride out.

The children are all very happy to have a little Brother but none more so than Tommy. Rachel is very uneasy when he cries and always says to me with an expression of anxiety on her face, "but you will keep him any how won't you?" She is rather suspicious of the nurse and insists upon my having the baby baptised Sherman in addition to the Philemon Tecumseh. I have an excellent nurse and one of the first Physicians of the city. The rest of the family are fortunately all very well & I have no cause of anxiety or annoyance to keep me nervous or weak & consequently hope for a speedy recovery of strength. Cump is very much pleased with his boy and well he may be for the child is large & strong & healthy and exactly like him. The Doctor says had the child been less strong he could not have saved him and as it was two minutes longer & he would have perished beyond recall- He did not breathe for some time after his birth.

We have had an extraordinary fall of snow, which is so deep today that the cars have not been running. It cleared off at sun set I believe. Charley is still with us. I have not heard him say when he is going but I presume he could not start for a few days in consequence of the snow on the R-Road. I do not think Cump will be obliged to go to Washington this winter. I hope not.

Mrs. Reese has been weather bound at Mag's and I have not seen her for several days. Mag has got quite well, or had at last reports. She may have taken cold & had a relapse since the weather became so bad. I believe I told Sis about Mrs. Felts young son. Albert Tennant- Mrs. Nillock's brother died at the Lindell a day or two ago, I presume you have heard of Col. Sanyer's death. I think I mentioned it. With love to all ever dearest Father your truly affectionate

Ellen
[EES]

St. Louis Mo.
Feb. 7th 1867 Thursday evening
[1867/02/07]

Dearest Father;
[TE]

Your welcome letter of the 5th was received today. I was rejoiced to see your hand writing again & find you well enough to writ e so long a letter with so steady a hand. I have written to Teresa and to Philemon several times since your illness and I wrote to you before you were taken so very sick after I began to gain strength.

I am now quite strong and although the baby is not yet quite a month old I have already been out to ride once. The weather continues very fine and I felt tempted to ride again yesterday and today but the roads are rough and I felt the jolting a little too much. In another week I hope to be able to ride, and walk a little too, and I am anxiously looking forward to that, as a means of increasing milk, which is extremely limited in quantity thus far. According to your suggestion I have got a goat which the man milks twice a day. The baby feeds well with the spoon and thus far he has got along very nicely. He has grown a little more plump than he was at his birth but otherwise he is not yet much larger. They seldom take a real good start within six weeks. My nurse, who is very efficient, is with me yet and everything goes on smoothly above stairs.

I have been greatly annoyed by Servants this winter but now I flatter myself I have a pretty good corps. Whether this be a delusion time will show. I am very anxious to have a good cook before youcome out. Patrick became very out-breaking and insolent and I was obliged to dismiss him from the house. I now get along with one man. Lizzie goes to school of mornings now receites her lessons & is home by noon. Cump could not bear to have her losing so much time. Minnie is making very good progress in her studies. Tommy stands high in his classes, and high in the esteem and affection of his teachers. Elly & Rachel are busy little bodies and very happy ones. Their pattering feet and laughing merry voices make the house cheerful and happy. They burst in together sometimes to see little Philemon, and sometimes Elly comes stealing in alone to rook his cradle or to talk to him. As long as she is alone, her visits may be extended to any length, but when Rachel comes with her, or rushes in pursuit, I seek an early excuse for getting them out of the room. Cump did not intend to go to Washington but he may be so invited that he cannot well refuse. I do not know exactly when to expect him home. He is constantly out visiting even when at home. Charley seems to be taking it easy. He is quite well I do not know when he is going. Please give my love to all and beleive me ever your truly affectionate daughter

Ellen
[EES]

St. Louis Mo.
Feb. 23rd 1867
[1867/02/23]

Dearest Father;
[TE]

You no doubt think me very careless to have suffered so many days to pass without writing home but I am sure you will excuse me when I tell you that it has been unintentional and really unavoidable. I have had a good deal of trouble of nights with the baby, for a week or more past and that has made my days very short and rendered me unfit for more than the duties pressing upon me each moment. The goat gave out in milk and I have had to use cows milk which is I think the cause of the difficulty. Today I commenced getting the milk of a splendid fresh goat from a woman who lives near & is interested in selling to me. Her goat has not been fresh until this week and we have just commenced using the milk. I have great hopes that it will agree entirely with the baby & I will have no more trouble from that cause. He grows (notwithstanding the little trouble) and is plump and fat and seems very bright and intelligent - or as my Irish nurse girl says- "he seems very nise, God bless him," There never was a child more generally petted and caressed than he is by all the household including the servants. Even Cump attempts to alter his tone of voice in speaking to him (when there is no one by) and to assume the tender & pursuasive but he makes a horrible failire of it; however he has never yet frightened the child by the attempts so the good nature which prompts him, may lurk somewhere in the sound & save it from utter want of harmony. Philemon Tecumseh seems to me now as familiar a name as any that I know. We generally call the little fellow Cumpy but sometimes Philemon and we all agree that Phil Sherman will be a very fine name for him as he grows up.

Night before last I attended the public Exhibition at the College and had great reason to feel proud of Tommy. The testimonials of good conduct were first distributed and he got one. Then a list was read of names of those who had distinguished themselves in the examination and his name was there. There was one medal given in each class in each Dep't. and he got three. Sixty is the maximum number of merit marks in his Dep't. and he got fifty nine, losing only one during the session. He felt very happy and is determined to persevere. He was very proud when his Uncle Charley told him that Grand Pa had written that he "had great hopes of him".

Charley talks of going very soon but he has no doubt written to you himself. He spends a good deal of his time with the Pattersons. Elly has become quite a graceful little dancer. Rachel is rude & unpleasing as a boy- there is Sherman enough in her.

I have now, I really hope & believe a good cook and a reliable woman altho' I cannot say much for her theological opinions- She is so indignant that the colored man eats heartily that she boldly proclaims that "niggers have no souls" and refers to the Scriptures for proof. She is Scotch presbyterian and very stingy - she hates to see the poor nigger eat enough and both Cump & I have to enjoin upon her the necessity of giving him a certain quantity. She is an odd creature; calls Cump "the Master" - (which is an absurdity, as in every well regulated family the woman is Master) and gives each a name of her own fancy. Minnie is "Miss Mart" - Lizzie, "Miss Eliza" - Elly, "Miss Alice" and Rachel "Miss Grace" - Tommy is "the young Master" and all are treated very kindly but not allowed to invade her dominions.

Cump goes to so many parties he cannot keep well but the children are all in good condition. This letter will weary you so much you will hope for another long rest between my letters perhaps. With love to all I am as ever dearest Father, your truly affectionate

Ellen.
[EES]

St. Louis Mo.
May 13, 1867.
[1867/05/13]

Dearest Father;
[TE]

It has been longer since I wrote you than I have been willing to have it but really it has been almost impossible for me to write. Several times I have sat down to write & have been interrupted and kept constantly occupied until too late for that mail. Tommy has been quite sick with the measles but he is not able to go out a little. The baby has had measles & whooping-cough & been vaccinated & now Elly and Rachel have had the premonitary symptoms of measles for three days and are only this morning at all broken out. For three nights they have coughed incessantly & suffered very much. I hope they will soon be better now.

Philemon arrived on Saturday, very much to my gratification but I was sorry he could not have come a day or two sooner to meet Cump or perhaps accompany him on his trip to Fort Harker. He & Lizzie got off with their party on Friday. They were to be gone ten days and Lizzie's heart failed her when the time for parting came & she left in tears of real distress but I presume they were soon dried.

Please tell Charley that I am delighted with my present from him & that I will write in a day or two. Give my love to Tom & Ellen. Cump will certainly take Minnie to see you before they sail. Grant was written to him to come to Washington & he can manage to get him his full pay during his absence. I begin to dread the long separation from them & the dangers to which they will be exposed. Soon after they leave I think I will take the rest of the family to Madison Wis: where Tom Reynolds has agreed to board us all at $50 a week. Minnie & Tommy join me in dear love to all. I am as ever dearest Father

Your truly affectionate

Ellen
[EES]

St. Louis Mo.
June 6th 1867
[1867/06/06]

Dearest Father:
[TE]

Genl. Nichols, Cump's Adjutant General, told me yesterday "that Genl Grant had written for Genl Sherman to come on to Washington" Genl N. thinks he will go as he forwarded the letter and telegraphed the passport. It is getting very warm here and Rachel being very weak I think I shall soon get off to Madison. I am told it is a delightful place and perhaps you will feel like going there but should you not I will leave the greater part of the family there and go to see you, stopping at Notre Dame en route. Minnie has been quite unwell since Saturday but I hope she will be no worse. She is not confined to bed. The baby grows splendidly & has more vim than any child I ever had the care of. He is in constant danger from his habit of springing and jumping. He is very social too- talks by the half hour and fancies we understand him. He is fat and large and healthy & cries just enough to keep us in mind that there is a baby in the house. My health continues quite good. I am very happy to know that you are so well and that dear Charley is doing well. With best love to Ellen tell her I will write soon. I hope she will be in Lancaster during the summer. I want to see her & the children but particularly Willy and that splendid little boy Hampton. My Willy would be thirteen years old day after tomorrow were he with us still. He is better off and I thank he is safe and happy for eternity. with love to Charley Tom & the children I am as ever dearest Father your truly affectionate

Ellen.
[EES]

Madison Wis;
July 11th, 1867.
[1867/07/11]

Dearest Father:
[TE]

I was happy to hear of your safe return home as I did on Wednesday evening from Philemon's letter received then. We got here on Tuesday at half past three in the afternoon. Col. Reynolds was waiting for us at the Depot with a carriage and a baggage wagon and we drove over a charming road along the edge of the lake to his delightful house so beautifully situated. We have four comfortable rooms all on one floor, have five beds and a cradle, plenty of closets and drawers and every convenience and have no strangers about to destroy the homelike serenity of the house and grounds. The grounds are lovely; as I sit here in my room now I look out through the shade & soft shadows of fine forest trees, down onto the blue waters of the lake and over into the City with its good buildings of stone, all on commanding heights. After leaving the heat of the city it really seems cool here. The children are now on the lake with Col. R. who is making them happy - I should say supremely by a row over the clear blue waters. They are beaming with happiness all the time and none of them seem more full of intense pleasure than the baby. They have not heard a cry from him yet and I presume we will not if he continues well as I trust he may in this very healthy place. We have loads of chickens, ducks and turkeys & a pair of pea-fowls with four young ones. Although the cock struts and spreads his magnificent tail and his feathers glisten in the sun the baby prefers the ducks, perhaps because they talk to him, or he thinks they do which is the same thing. The Pattersons are in the city & other acquaintances from St. Louis. When I got here, & felt that I had left my own home & was no nearer yours I felt a sense of desolation I believe I never felt before - another chord broke- but the blessed cares & annoyances of each day fill up the time and I am content & happy. Tell Philemon I will answer his welcome letter tomorrow. Love to Sis & all Ever your truly affectionate daughter

Ellen
[EES]

New York
Sep. 8th 1867.
[1867/09/08]

Dearest Father;
[TE]

We arrived here safely on Saturday (yesterday) morning. Mr. Bowman met us at the Depot on the other side of the Ferry and had a handsome carriage waiting for us on this side. We rode to the house in fine spirits found a good breakfast hot and ready and felt truly refreshed & grateful after we had partaken. We had a most comfortable journey but at the best it is very fatiguing. In Cincinnati we had only time to drive to the Burnett House and wash & brush up for tea and then go directly to the other Depot, so I did not get to see Marien Garaghty as I had intended. Col. Moulton met us at the Burnet House steps and saw us off at the other Depot, assisting Charley in stowing us away & in checking the trunks. Fanny Moulton & her little daughter Minnie also came to the Depot to see us. The Steward at the Bennet House knew me & when I told him we were a little pressed for time he hurried up as good as supper as I care ever to have, so we got off quite refreshed. Col. Moulton had a Stateroom in the Sleeping car engaged for me & Minnie. We got a berth outside for Tommy. We did not change cars from Cin: to N. York. I suffered from headache & cold in my head & throat during the journey but now I am very much releived. Tom is keen for a sight of all the wonders in this great metropolis & I find that his knowledge of the geography & general plans of the city & vicinity will enable him to get about without trouble. He seems to desire to see objects not people, but I will introduce him among people also. I think I shall go over to Jersey City to see Dr. Bronson. We called on the Paulist Fathers today and attended church there. If Henry Ward Beecher is here, I intend to go to hear him preach some evening or afternoon. I find the schools do not open before the 23rd inst; so I shall not hurry away from here unless I feel anxious about the children. I have not dreamed of them since I left them except with my eyes open. Mr. Brennan is really disappointed that I did not bring Tommy. He says I ought to have brought both the Toms. We are made most kindly welcome here and will have a nice time if you all keep well at home. The weather here is charming. Tom Ewing has not made his appearance- is not in the city. If I do not see him tomorrow I will go to Rye on Tuesday. He is not at the Astor House. Mr. B. wrote to him that I was coming on the 7th, but he has probably not received his note. Minnie is quite glad of the prospect of getting to Rye with me which she could not do were the schools now ready to open. I have not yet seen much to tempt me to spend money but I have no doubt I shall go home utterly bankrupt as I always do from a city. We enjoyed Teresa's delightful lunch on the way. Please give my love to her & to the dear children ever your affectionate

Ellen
[EES]

St. Louis Mo.
Oct. 5th 1867
[1867/10/05]

Dearest Father:
[TE]

Cump left yesterday morning for Washington by order of the President. He got two dispatches the last one requiring him to come at once in spite of any previous arrangements of the Commissioners. Cump tried to get off on the plea. He went with great reluctance and will not remain longer than he can help. He read your letter on the subject, and it accorded with his own views. He is in very good health & spirits, but I think it is doubtful if he returns as well.

Before he knew he would be called to Washington, he had invited the Commissioners & some officers to a supper here at 9o'c. tonight I have called in Col. McCoy to act in the General's place & the supper is to come off.

Ticknor promised to have your wrapper finished by this time. I will send it next week. After a season of horrible dust heat and sickness we have at last had rain, and now the air is cool clear and delicious. Tommy was taken very ill on Thursday just as Cump started for Washington. He felt so uneasy about him that on receipt of a dispatch, (which was handed him just before the omnibus started), he turned back & remained until yesterday morning. The Doctor gave Tommy such prompt treatment that he is now quite well. Elly has also been indisposed & I had most violent symptoms for an hour or so on Monday which yeilded to very prompt & strong & persistent remedies. Now we all are safe, from cholera at least. Give my love to all. Tell Sis to write. Tell Tommy I want to know how many "dood boys" there are at your house.

Ever your truly affectionate Daughter

Ellen.
[EES]

St. Louis Mo.
Oct. 25th 1867
[1867/10/25]

Dearest Father;
[TE]

On Monday I got my horses & as a great number of visits had accumulated up to that time, I have spent each day since in returning them, until yesterday when I took Tommy & Rachel to the Arsenal, where walnuts had been gathered for Tommy & where he & Rachel had the pleasure of gathering hickory nuts themselves. Cump has had a houseful of visitors since his return & this evening we expect ten guests to dinner. To-morrow my trial comes off for "the unlawful possession of Mr. McGrath's cow" & damages therefore, & Sunday evening I may go up to Chicago with Cump who expects to start there for Omaha and Laramie. He may not go quite so soon. I am going to spend a day with Mrs. Amington and return either Tuesday or Tuesday night. As soon thereafter as possible I must go up to see poor Aunt Denman. We are all well. I have been waiting to write to Philemon & Lis but must ask you to excuse me to them for a day or two. Little Philemon Tecumseh grows in spite of his name, and bids fair to be "the noblest Roman of them all" The cold weather makes him as mettlesome as a little racer. Tommy is hard at the latin & great interested in all his studies & makes his debut on the stage - the forum or what not, tomorrow, when he has a part in a dialogue. He had selected Scott's apostrophe "Breathes there a man with soul so dead &c" but his teacher probably thought he had better appear first in a dialogue. I had nothing to do with the matter but hope he may not get stage struck.

Many enquiries are made of you dear Father by persons that I meet & I find I am still regarded as Mr. Ewing's daughter rather than as Gen. Sherman's wife. Give my best love to all & if there be a remarkably "dood boy" about your establishment kiss him for me. It is seldom we meet a pre-eminently good boy.

Ever your truly affectionate

Ellen
[EES]

St. Louis Mo.
Dec 8th 1867.
[1867/12/08]

Dearest Father:
[TE]

It has been some time since I received a letter from you. I hope you are not ill. By this time you have seen Cump and you probably know from the state of political affairs whether he is likely to be kept there all winter or whether we may hope to have him with us at Christmas. Cumpy Jr. has been quite ill for a few days, but he is improving now. On reflection I believe it was only night before last that he had fever first. His brain seemed greatly excited & from the twitchings & startings in his sleep I apprehended spasms, but fortunately he did not have any. He is cutting his eye teeth & that is probably the cause of his trouble. I am much pleased to see the impeachment bill defeated. It is a good thing for the country that it was defeated. I am anxious to get Dr. Bigelow appointed Surgeon of the Marine Hospital in Detroit, the present incumbent being a dissipated man. I wrote to the President making application, & Mr. Stanbery was kind enough to present my letter. Can you do anything to remind them of it now? Please do if you can without inconvenience or annoyance. The President must feel in very good humor at present & will probably remember his friends.

Minnie is anxious to visit you this winter but if Cump should come home before Christmas I think he will not let her leave New York. I would love to go on also but I could not leave the children, without subjecting myself to great anxiety. Give my love to all & believe me ever Your truly affectionate daughter

Ellen E. Sherman
[EES]

St. Louis,
Dec. 16th 1867.
[1867/12/16]

Dearest Father:
[TE]

I have yours of the 11th from which I infer that one or two of mine to you written before the 8th must have miscarried. I am suffering from a severe cold which will soon pass off I hope. The baby is quite well again and very bright and charming. Tommy is kept from school & church since Friday on account of sore throat: - not to lose habits of discipline he is "keeping school" himself with Elly & Rachel as pupils. I am not sending Elly to school now, the weather is severe and the distance great. She has come out in a new role lately, viz: as an operatic performer. She tells Lizzie, in confidence, that she "really would like to go on the stage if Mama would let her." She is a little Miss who will need guiding with a tight rein. Fortunately she is inclined to be governed by pious motives when seriously dealt with.

Will no one help me in getting poor Dr. Bigelow in office in Detroit? Tell me how I shall proceed, for the President must keep his promise & grant my request.

Give my love to all & tell Ellen I want to write her this evening and if my head is no worse I will do so. I have work to attend to now.

Ever dear Father, Your truly affectionate

Ellen.
[EES]