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CSHR 9/17

St. Louis Mo.
Jan. 4th 1869.
[1869/01/04]

Dearest Father:
[TE]

I had a good letter from Charley lately, indeed it was written on your birthday and he says that thought I would write to you on that day. I never forget it but I dislike to feel that you are growing old & I therefore dwell upon it as little as possible in a way which seems to mark the time or bring it before me. One comfort is, that I am growing older every year and my prayer and absorbing hope now is, that we will spend together and in bliss the long long day of eternity. I had the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass offered for your dear Soul, on that day, and I offered my Holy Communion for your temporal & eternal weal. Our Heavenly Father cannot refuse what we have implored of Him so often, through His Son, our blessed Redeemer. That Mary our human advocate may present & urge our petitions on high, that our own little saints in heaven - Willy Charley & my dear little brother George, may intercede for us without ceasing & that dear Mother's prayers may be heard in our behalf is the constant hope of your loving daughter

Ellen
[EES]

St. Louis Mo.
Jan 11th 1869.
[1869/01/11]

Dearest Father:
[TE]

Cump "on the rampage" one day about taxes, wrote to Callahan, without my knowledge and told him to offer all my L. property in the market. Callahan replied promptly with an offer and deed made out ready to sign. When I went into HdQuarters one morning the deed was on the table ready for me to sign, and, this being the first I knew of it, he explained what had gone before. I demurred somewhat, but afterwards consented, as an emigration to South America would have been the desperate suggestion following a futther refusal. I hope it may all turn out for the best. He gives $1840. for it cash down & pays taxes now due which amount to about $160. I presume Cump has himself written to you on the subject.

Genl Grant writes Cump that some New York gentlemen propose to pay him $65000. for his home & furniture & present it to Cump. I do not feel certain of anything until I get it but this would be a great thing for us. Cump had begun to growl fearfully about expenses and had indulged in various absurd and provoking assertions as to our future- how we would have to live on bread & water and entertain company and other such vagaries that wise men are prone to indulge in. I think it will all turn out right in the end. There could be a delightful room fitted up for you in that house, the library- and that could be transferred to the second story. Give my love to all and believe me as ever your loving Daughter

Ellen E. Sherman.
[EES]

St. Louis.
Jan. 16th 1869
[1869/01/16]

Dearest Father;
[TE]

It has been some time since I heard from you last but a short letter from Charley informs me that you are perfectly well. We are having a delightful winter, with now & then a rainy day, and an occasional keen wind from the bleak north. Cump is in high feather and considers himself a rich man, since he sold my property at a ruinous price. As it all depends upon our opinion of things I dont know but he is rich, but I fear it will not last long. The children are all well. Tommy's legs are grown to such a length that he is fast assuming the appearance of a brother Jonathen, although persons still constantly express the opinion that he is a Ewing. Elly has the reputation at school of being the keenest brightest little talker there - one of Eire's own - Rachel is out-growing her. Cumpy talks fluently but not the finest english. He is nearly through Mother Goose and will soon be ready for the High School. He spells his own name "tum, tum, pi py, Tumpy". He has some little respect for me but he rules the rest of the household with a rod of iron- his Father being his most obsequious slave. I am nearly over my bad cold and my health is excellent. I am growing very anxious to see you and shall seize the first opportunity to do so. With love to all, ever dear Father Your truly affectionate

Ellen
[EES]

St. Louis
Feb. 5th 1869.
[1869/02/05]

Dearest Father;
[TE]

A dispatch has been received addressed to Cump, by Mr. Parrot of San Francisco the person to whom we sent the deed for Lizzie's lot. He says he will not deliver the deed to Dana. That no title can pass by the deed we sent & that the property is worth $7,000 in gold with good title. He adds that he will write. So that affair is not as thoroughly off his hands as Cump flattered himself it would be by this time. I have come to the conclusion that Genl Grant was premature in writing to Cump about that house. I told Cump at the time not to feel certain of it until the presentation was actually made, but he thought there could be no doubt about it or Grant would not have written. I think it will go no farther., but I have no doubt we shall get along quite nicely.

Yesterday I received letters from Cump & Minnie mailed at Vicksburgh at Memphis I mean on the 2nd inst. They were getting along very slowly but they were well and quite comfortable on the Boat. We are all well here but Lizzie who has sore throat & is at home is consequence. The weather is a little colder & has been somewhat stormy. I presume the days are now too long for very severe weather, & the winter thus far has been unusually mild. I am so anxious to see you that I am making arrangements to go on with Cump, but I dislike to leave the children to the mercy of St. Louis servants, whom neither Effie nor Minnie could govern. All send love to you. Tom blushes to think he wrote you so poor a latin letter. He is growing strong & tall and never hurts himself studying although he keeps his place as leader of the Class.

Ever your loving daughter

Ellen E. Sherman
[EES]

St. Louis,
Feb. 12th 1869.
[1869/02/12]

Dearest Father;
[TE]

I was delighted to receive your letter of the 7th which proved to me that you were well again. I feel very unhappy when I know that you are sick. Nothing goes to my heart like that. Feb. 13th I was interrupted at this point yesterday, dearest Father and now I have barely time to write a few lines for the mail today. I have gone through quite an excitement this morning. The papers announce the burning of the Steamer Mittie Stephens on Red River last night. Cump & Minnie were to have left New Orleans day before yesterday for Alexandria. I sent off a dispatch to Genl Buchannan Commanding at New Orleans to ascertain what Boat Cump took but since my messenger left I have found on reference to the map, that the point on the River where the accident occurred is above Alexandria. So now my panic is over. I was not very apprehensive but still I felt that there was a strong probability of their having been on the Boat, yet even so, I imagined them among the saved.

Cump Jr. is suffering from fever, from what cause arising neither the Doctor nor I can tell. He has sore throat & lung difficulty. The Erisipelas symptoms have disappeared from the several members of the family that seemed to be getting the miserable disease. The vigorous use of disinfectants is abated and we recovered our tranquility of mind. One of the girls (Mary) still presents the air of an Indian but more from the Iodine painting over the face than from a lingering illness. Please give my love to all & believe me ever your loving daughter

Ellen E. Sherman
[EES]

St. Louis
Feb. 18th 1869.
[1869/02/18]

Dearest Father;
[TE]

I have this moment received your letter of the 15th enclosing one from Hugh, which I will return to you in my next. We have been very fortunate in escaping Erisipelas thus far and the panic being over we feel proportionally secure. It is high or low tide with us ever. Cump & Minnie will no doubt be home on the 21st. Genl Grant has written for Cump to come on as soon as possible so he will probably go next week and I fear it will not be easy for me to leave home that much sooner than I had expected. I am notified that it is safe to promise myself the Grant House. With love to all, ever your truly affectionate daughter

Ellen E. Sherman.
[EES]

St. Louis,
March 28th, 1869
[1869/03/28]

Dearest Father:
[TE]

I have just received your letter the 24th offering me the Stern pictures. I will have them revarnished and very handsomely framed, and shall hold them in great veneration. The oil painting I have of you, here, which was taken by Walcott in 1840, is in my opinion an excellent picture and likeness but I think it better to have those also which are companion pictures.

I have received the paper with the article marked on overworking the young mind. Tom's legs seem to be developing just now, as rapidly as his mind. They have had a number of holidays at the school lately, and he tells me he has long and excellent plays, on days when they study most. He never seems over-tasked now but gets his lessons in moderate time & without any nervous anxiety. I write this evening to Mrs. Bowman for my linens &c in New York and shall expect to get away from here by the 12th or 17th of April. I hope, we may find some desirable place on the sea shore, or in the mountains, where we may spend the hot months together. The house at Newport will cost me too much; the rent being $1200. Minnie & Lizzie are anxious to make a visit at Lancaster, before going east, & I have written to Sis, to know if she can entertain them for awhile. They have several invitations, separately, to visit Mrs. Reese, Mrs. Daugherty & others but for the present I prefer they should visit Sis together. She may still have scarlet fever in her family in which case they will not go now to Lancaster.

I wrote to Genl Grant about Hugh, and to Genl Cox about Hamp, and I have expected to hear from Tom on these and several subjects but I presume he has a multiplicity of such things to attend to. Give my love to them all and believe me, dearest Father

Your truly affectionate daughter

Ellen E. Sherman.
[EES]

Washington
March 31/69
[1869/03/31]

My Dear Daughter
[EES]

Sissys little son Clemy died today noon of the scarlet fever - It is a terrible plague. the worst with which our land is infected- Poor Siss must be greatly distressed- he was a fine boy-

Ellen* went to see your new house today and to execute some of your orders- I suppose she has written you-

Affectionately Your Father

T Ewing
[TE]

St. Louis,
March 31st 1869.
[1869/03/31]

Dearest Father:
[TE]

I received your letter of the 25th and was very glad indeed to get it. I have news that little Clemency Steele is very low of Scarlet fever & I feel very nervous about it, for it is hard to think the little fellow may be going through the agonies of death. I forgot to tell you that I wrote lately to Aunt Jane & sent her a present. I have not heard from Cump for some days past. The Quartermaster's men are packing my books and pictures and "household gods", and each day brings on confusion more confounded; especially as spring garments are to be looked after, farewell visits to be made and a dozen or more forlorn old Soldiers to be taken care of. I have written often to Cump & as of yore, I have ordered linens from New York & shall attend to my carriage & piano &c. Ever your loving daughter

Ellen
[EES]

Washington
June 11th 1869
[1869/06/11]

Dearest Father:
[TE]

The morning being a charming one, Cump and I rode out in his Buggy behind the Fairfield Co. colts to Silver Spring where Mrs. Genl Comstock (Miss Betty Blair) is living with her Grand Parents. The old couple were wonderfully polite to me. I had to take the old gentleman's arm (how ugly he is !) and walk down to the spring & through the garden where he plucked some roses for me, among them "the Giant of Battles" which he said should be consecrated to my Husband. He spoke of you & said you & he had taken different roads to the same end, that you had both been patriots &c. &c. and had lived to see the triumph of Government against her enemies. Secretary Cox made a long call at No. 12 the evening you left when Charley entertained him. He was greatly disappointed to find you gone and was particularly anxious that Charley should report his visit & convey his regrets at not meeting you. He had been endeavoring to get up for some time. I am very busy and can write no more today. I have not seen Ellen since you left. It seems too lonely to think of the home up there now. Hampy & Beall are playing in the yard now with Cumpy. Give my love to Sis & Philemon and tell them I think they ought to write. Ever your loving daughter

Ellen
[EES]

Washington,
July 2nd 1869.
[1869/07/02]

Dearest Father:
[TE]

Cump telegraphed me yesterday from Chicago, whither he had gone, from St. Louis, to meet Genl Sheridan. I had expected him home on Sunday but he has to return to St. Louis to see about his house there and will not get here before Tuesday morning. Thus far we have had but one letter from Lizzie but as letters make slow progress from Lancaster here we hold her excused. I was glad to get Sis's dispatch telling me of Lizzie's safe arrival. I know she will enjoy her visit. I want to go out next week but I am not sure that I can get away. I have not been well and there are so many cares to leave behind.

Lew Wolfley is staying with us and is quite sick.

The Doctor thinks he will soon be out however. Ellen & family got off yesterday morning at 6 o'clock with Charley as an escort. Tom had been called into the country somewhere quite unexpectedly to be absent two weeks. I believe it is on railroad business he has gone. Ellen had been very unwell but she was improving. Genl & Mrs. Bowman write glowing accounts of the place and will be delighted to see Ellen there. Charley will not be gone long. He was here the evening before they left looking very well and very bright. We are all quite well and I am beginning to feel very anxious to get out to Lancaster. All send best love. Ever your truly affectionate daughter.

Ellen E. Sherman.
[EES]

Washington,
July 12th 1869.
[1869/07/12]

Dearest Father:
[TE]

I was on the point of writing to you yesterday when I was called to Tommy's room and found that he had a threaded needle run in his foot, eye foremost, and it had broken off, so that there was nothing to take hold of but the double thread. He had tried to get it out and I found that it could not be got out by any skilful hands. I went to the stable myself & started Dick on horseback for the first responsible Doctor he should meet. He returned in fifteen minutes with a former Dr. of the Army whom he met in his buggy. After examining the foot he went for instruments and brought another Doctor with him, when they put Tommy in the bed gave him ether and dug it or rather cut it out. It is necessary to keep it poulticed and in an elevated position for two or three days until all danger of inflammation & fear of lockjaw be passed. He is rather enjoying his state of distinguished seclusion, whilst Elly & Rachel are happy to play Hebe to his Lordship. I shall not lose a day in starting to Ohio after Cump returns from his trip. I have oceans of small talk & gossip and would write half of it if I had time, but I am very busy all the time. I hope Lizzie continues well and enjoys herself still. Give my love to her & to Sis and all. I am ever dearest Father,

Your truly affectionate,

Ellen
[EES]

Washington D.C.
August 9th, 1869.
[1869/08/09]

Dearest Father:
[TE]

I telegraphed you today that I had written, for I thought that I would have written to you, by the time my messenger (who was not a winged messenger) would have reached the telegraph office. But alas for human veracity! I have not written yet and it is nine o'clock at night and the evening mail has gone out and you are in receipt of the dispatch several hours since. I was called from my room then and I have been very constantly engaged ever since. This evening Cump took Elly & Rachel and Tommy and our little negro boy Douglas , to the Circus and I flattered myself, when I saw them starting, that I would have a few hours of quiet but several different sets of callers have been here and I could not well be excused.

We had rather a rough dusty ride on, without sleeping car, but we got a good breakfast at Cumberland and were well refreshed when we reached home, where all were delighted to see us. We were travelling between the Relay House & Washington during the eclipse which lasted from 5.20 till 6.19 and which we witnessed to our entire satisfaction from our seats, some gentleman being kind enough to hand us a colored glass. I could see it plainly and without inconvenience with the naked eye, although (as in the case of the strawberries in Cincinnati in years gone by) I would not permit Lizzie or Tommy to look at it in that way. I did not get back any too soon for there was a wonderful jealousy between Effie & Joanna very nearly approaching a great state of discord and between the two Cumpy is well spoiled and quite a baby. He was so ill on the Monday that I was with you, that Cump was anxious to telegraph me but the Doctor's care & application restored him. He is now perfectly well again. The weather is so cool that I shall not hasten my departure for the Springs and may possibly merely make an excursion into the country in carriages, and perhaps go as far as Frederick. Cump and Minnie will leave on Friday & go by Rail to Philadelphia, where they meet the vessel and join the party aboard on their extended cruise to be absent three or four weeks. If I do not go to the Springs, I shall be the earlier ready to await your command in the direction of Newport.

A letter from Mr. Scott to Cump informs us that "Genl Ewing and his friend Col. Wolfley" had spent a week at the Catskill, and seemed so well pleased that they hoped to see them back by Monday or Tuesday of this week, from the White Mountains, whither they had gone. If I do not forget, I shall enclose Mary Collamer's letter in this. Give my love to Sis and tell her I shall write to the Colonel tomorrow morning and to her immediately afterwards. I had a delightful visit, and feel that it was only too short but it is well that I came home. Cump still suffers some from asthma and I apprehended that a cruise on the north eastern coast will greatly aggravate it but he will go and you know a "wilful man must have his way".

The day the children spent at Mr. Wallack's in the country, when at dinner late in the afternoon, Cumpy folded two pieces of bread in his napkin and insisted upon carrying them home "to Papa and Mama". Tommy has told him a great deal of Tommy Steele and he seems deeply interested in him & seems to know that he is coming to see him. I hope Anne will not be a "Sassy Sing" any longer. Dear little Maria I hope is well. All send love to you dearest Father. Ever your loving daughter

Ellen.
[EES]

Washington, D.C.,
August 15th 1869.
[1869/08/15]

Dearest Father:
[TE]

I have written once to Sis, since writing to you and I would have written to you again but for two days past I have been quite indisposed. Cump & Minnie left on Friday morning to join the "Talapoosa" at Philadelphia and they will probably be absent between two and three weeks. Tomorrow (Monday) morning I start with the family for the country. Luke will drive the colts in the Buggy taking one of the family and the rest will go in my St. Louis carriage which is in no danger of "falling asunder" as it has been thoroughly repaired and has a set of good new wheels. We go to a Quaker Settlement eighteen miles on the turnpike where families go to board for the Summer. I do not know that we can get accomodations but if we cannot we can go further on. I do not feel smart enough to fit up for the Springs and the City is too hot and dusty to be tolerated. I shall write you my first day's experience and hope to have a letter from you sent out with the first mail.

Ever your loving daughter

Ellen.
[EES]

Washington, D.C.
August 19th, 1869
[1869/08/19]

Dearest Father:
[TE]

I wrote Sis yesterday an account of our adventures in quest of comfort in the vicinity of Sandy Springs. We were glad to get home and have since held in higher estimation, our green yard and shady trees, our hose and well sprinkled pavement, and our good bathrooms with their generous supply of water. Now that Cump is gone & cannot keep the house full of company when the thermometer stands at 90 or 95. and I can enjoy a loose and cool repose in my room "with no man to molest me or make me afraid" I have finally determined to abandon this season, all thoughts of Berkely. For exercise and diversion for the children, I have planned a day at "Silver Spring" returning home to four o'clock dinner, a day at "Marshall Brown's" of Marshall Brown's pups" noteriety) country seat and a day at the residence of Mrs. Ann H. Dorsay whose only son was killed in the war. Luke is with us yet and I feel much better satisfied to have him here. He takes the reins in the Buggy with Tommy or Lizzie to accompany him leaving me room in the carriage for Master Cumpy's nurse.

Yesterday I received a long and cheerful letter from Lew Wolfley written at Lake George whither he and Charley had gone last Wednesday. He wrote on Sunday and said they would go from there to the White Mountains but he did not say at what time. They went from here to Long Branch & attended the Ball which Minnie & Cump attended on the 26th ultimo; from there they went to New York, thence to Mr. Scott's new hotel at Catskill & then to Lake George. Cump & Minnie write me from New York Harbor, where their vessel lay several days. Tom Ewing was at the Fifth Avenue Hotel at the same time I do not believe they met, neither party knowing that the other was there. Mr. Dilly, formerly of Newark, called to see me lately and enquired very particularly after you as all my visitors, nearly, do. I am beginning preparations for Elly's boarding school paraphernalia and her heart is beginning to quaver a little although she is too proud to own that her courage could ever fail. Lancaster seemed rather unhealthy when I was there but I hope it has not grown worse. There is a good deal of fever here but I think not an undue proportion of deaths. Mr. Hugh B. Sweeney & his eldest daughter were buried yesterday. I have not received a line from you, since I left Lancaster two weeks ago tomorrow. With love to all, ever your truly affectionate daughter

Ellen E. Sherman
[EES]

Berkeley Springs, Va.
August 31st, 1869
[1869/08/31]

Dearest Father;
[TE]

I was very glad to receive yesterday, your letter of the 28th as it is the first time I have had from you since I left Lancaster on the 6th although I have written at least seven times. It is so unusual for you to neglect your correspondents, in that way, that I began to feel very uneasy, and was sure you were offended with me. I knew that you were well as usual and as I wrote two weeks ago that I was greatly disappointed at not hearing from you I made up my mind you were not unconsciously omitting to write. Sis tells me in a letter received yesterday that you had written so the letters must have been misssent. We are very comfortable here, there being no extremely fashionable people and no follies to fatigue & weary. The children have a good number of little playmates. Cumpy lives out doors with other children and is growing less timid. He took cold when it rained on Saturday, and has had a severe attack of asthma with symptoms of croup. For two nights I was awake nearly all night with him; his fever was so high & his breathing so difficult, but last night he slept better and seems determined to run about the grove this morning although he is still wheezing like an old man - he looks like Mr. Charles Hoyt. There is quite a change in the weather and unless it becomes very warm again, I shall return to the city on Friday or Saturday. Cump & Minnie will be home by that time. Berkeley is a very old place - has been a county seat for fifty years as you are probably aware, although I did not know it until I came here. Mrs. Bonnecastle and several families of Pendletons are living here in the town and seem to be very fine people. A Mr. Defrees & a Mr. Dole, from Indiana, also have cottages here for their summer residence. They have, I think held office in Washington & probably board there in winter. The Minister of the Argentine Republic is here with a very interesting family and many Baltimoreans and a number from Washington, Frederick Cumberland & Martinsburgh. The children enjoy the Band, the dancing, croquet, ten-pins and the bath. I enjoy the latter, and love to sit in the well shaded Grove & hear the babbling of the stream of beautiful clear water which flows over a peebly bottom nearly the full length of the Grove. There I read or sit quietly & drink in the sunshine and the sound of the water. I try to be amiable to ladies who make advances, but I fear they find me dull company, for truth to tell I like to be alone.

Please give my love to Sis and tell her I will write in a day or two. I want to write to Philemon by this day's mail. What a splendid trip Tom Ewing had. My Tommy's eyes danced when he heard of the pedestrian feat. Ever your truly affectionate Daughter

Ellen E. Sherman.
[EES]

Berkeley Springs W. Va.
Sep. 2nd 1869
[1869/09/02]

Dearest Father:
[TE]

Mrs. Admiral Powell, who used to know us all in 1850 is here suffering severely from an affection of the sciatic nerve. She had to be carried to the cars and has to be carried about here but she has been for several months and is still an almost constant prisoner in her room & nearly always in the bed or reclining chair. She told me yesterday that the Doctors in Washington and here insisted upon applying blisters to which she has been strongly opposed. I advised her to continue her opposition until I should hear again your experience. She was glad to be sustained in her view by such high authority, and will feel very grateful for any suggestion or advice you may give her through me. When I receive your reply I shall send it to her as she is about returning to Washington. I shall return tomorrow for the weather is too cool for pleasure here now. Ever your truly affectionate Daughter

Ellen E. Sherman-
[EES]

Washington, D.C.,
September 7th 1869.
[1869/09/07]

Dearest Father;
[TE]

Charley returned yesterday morning and dined with us and spent the evening here. He is looking remarkably well and is in fine spirits. Cump insists upon having Tom & Charley stay here in Ellen's absence and I sincerely hope they will, as it will be delightful company and I love to have the house full. Poor General Rawlins is gone at last. His wife has had a young babe & could not come to him. The child died but the Genl was not told of its death. He died regretting that he was leaving his family destitute but The Army of the Tennessee will see that they are provided for. The weather is becoming warm again. Tommy goes into the College this afternoon; Elly to the Convent on Sunday evening. Lizzie starts to "day school" today, to the Sisters of the Visitation. Col and Mrs. Bowman are at Willard's. Major Turner dined with us yesterday & is going today to New York to meet his Mr. Lucas who has been in Eurape two or three years. Cump's asthma hangs on but he keeps pretty well through the day. He was with Genl Rawlins a great deal. I also saw the poor man but it was painful to see him suffer & not be able to do anything for him. Give my love to all.

Ever your loving daughter

Ellen E. Sherman.
[EES]