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CSHR 9/33

Lancaster Ohio;
June 23rd 1857
[1857/06/23]

[WTS]

I hope to hear from you today my dearest Cumpy but as I shall be engaged this evening I will not defer writing until I receive your letter. Father starts tomorrow for Kansas and Teresa and I are going to Cincinnati with him. I have to go down to get a bonnet and to have some dresses made that I brought with me. Mother's Ann is going and the new nurse remains here in her place. I will take Tommy (of course) and Willy. I would rather have Willy stay here but he has been so constantly with me since you left that he cannot bear me to leave him now. He grieved for you all one day and even the prospect of a sharp knife failed to reconcile him to your absence until the second day. Lizzie is very fond of Aunt-Sissy but she is rather jealous of Minnie when the latter is too much with me. Willy has quite recovered I think. The Doctor has not been to see him since Sunday. We all spent a most delightful day in the country since you left. The children are all charmed with the little chickens and the strawberries which they picked off the vines. Ann left on Monday and was grieved at parting with the children. I brought her a ticket to Philadelphia and gave her ten dollars besides which made over twenty four dollars in all. The day you left I received a very kind letter of welcome and congratulations from Mrs. Turner. Please acknowledge it for me and tell her that I hope to visit her before very long. I wish I could go out with Father now but I cannot leave the children so soon for any length of time. I shall write soon to Mrs. Turner. Give my best regards to the Major. The weather is delightful and the place is beautiful. I hope you will soon be back but I want you to take a trip thro' the country west of St. Louis if you think you would enjoy it. Philemon has gone to Notre Dame for Mary and the children. Mr. and Mrs. Hunter called on Sunday. Mr. Hunter regretted very much that he had not seen you. Write to me often while you are away. As ever,

Your truly affectionate,

Ellen
[EES]

Lancaster Ohio;
July 12 1857
[1857/07/12]

My beloved husband;
[WTS]

We have all been getting along well since you left, but we miss you greatly. Poor Willy seems to feel your absence as a kind of desertion of him. He is now I think entirely over his fever and is rapidly regaining his strength; his eye is bright today, his step is more firm and his spirits are very good. The quinine has given him a good appetite too, so you need not feel any further uneasiness on his account. After you left I gave him some pills by the Doctor's orders and I still give him the quinine but the latter is nearly out and the Doctor says this bottle will be sufficient for him. I think it will but I shall watch him carefully and renew it if necessary. The children enjoy themselves in the yard the whole day long. They ate too many gooseberries on Saturday and Lizzie was, in consequence, quite indisposed yesterday and this morning but she was out in the country with us this afternoon and enjoyed herself as usual. Willy, you know, does not eat the cherries or gooseberries but Minnie and Lizzie make up for him. Little Tom is nine months old today. He has two more teeth ready to break the gum but he is very well and as lively as ever. He is crazy to be on his feet and likes to stand by a chair. I forget whether he crawled when you left. He now goes all over the floor either forewards or backwards and when necessary to turn he turns on his stomach like a [illegible]. Philemon says his crawling is swimming. I wrote to Mrs. Turner on Wednesday or Thursday and told her that I would pay her a visit in October. I intend to spend two weeks on Mansfield before that with all four of the children. Fanny and Rob McComb got off on Friday. Rob wanted to stay longer but Fanny thought Mr. Moulton would be waiting in Newark for her. They left here in the half past ten o'clock train and expected to reach Mansfield by half past three. Rose Reese's beau is expected out this week. Rose is going to Mansfield with me. Father left for Columbus via Zanesville, this morning. He will remain there a week and then go to Cleveland for a week. Mother expects to join him on Saturday and go to Cleveland with him.

Sis is going with Mr. and Mrs. Daugherty and Fanny Van Trump to attend the exhibition at Brown Co. on Thursday. Minnie will go with them unless her heart fails her when she comes to leave her Grand Ma. Boyle arrived on Saturday and leaves for Washington and New York on Wednesday. Father is going to Washington in early winter and I shall go on with him and take you by surprise in New York. I hope to hear from you tomorrow. Give my love to dear Gussie and tell her to take good care of you. Do not forget the pastellas from Dr. Hunter for your Asthma. Tell me how often you would like to hear from me. I do not wish to bore you with my letters. Have you seen John Doyle and how is he? Send me the California papers after you have read them. All send love to dear dear Papa.

As ever, Your truly affectionate,

Ellen
[EES]

Lancaster Ohio;
July 17, 1857
[1857/07/17]

My dearest Husband;
[WTS]

I received yesterday, your letter of the 13th and learned to my surprise that your telegraph dispatch about Willy was written on that day. It was dated the 14th and the man here told me it had been sent from New York that day. I was out riding, with all the children when it was sent to the house about half past four on Tuesday evening. I returned at five and got the dispatch before I got into the house, and rode down immediately to the office and wrote a reply which the operator told me he would send without delay. I hope you received it before bedtime that night but I fear you did not. However, by this time you know both from it and from my letter that Willy is well again. He seems within the last three days to be completely restored. He has a good appetite seems bright and well through the day and rests well at night. I gave him more calomel after you left and continued the quinine until Sunday. He seems delighted to be restored to health and strength again and avoids anything that he is told will make him sick. He stole into the pantry today and filled his pocket to its utmost extent with raisins but he unfortunately for him brought them to my room and was immediately forbidden to eat one -- not only that but he had them taken from him. He made another attack upon the pantry and returned with almonds a few of which I allowed him to eat. He and Lizzie picked currants off the bushes for me today and I made what filled ten tumblers of Jelly for their own use, when fruit is gone and they want it on their bread rather faster perhaps than Mother can spare what she has put up for table use. Lizzie spent all day yesterday with Doly Reese. In the afternoon quite late I called at Mrs. Talmadge's and on my return I saw two little ladies standing on Beery's porch rapping at the front door with parasols protecting them from the sun. To my surprise as I drew nearer I found them to be Doly and Lizzie who were on a regular calling expedition. May Reese is making Lizzie some new dresses which is a great attraction to her down there. Willy will not visit anywhere but seems content with the yard here except when the carriage is brought out for a ride. He is rapidly gaining in his Grand Parents good graces and he is well pleased thereat. Minnie has gone with Sis to Brown Co. to attend the exhibition and remain about a week. Mr. and Mrs. Daugherty and Fanny Van Trump also went down. Boyle left on Wednesday for Washington and expected to go to New York from there on Saturday. Tom and Ellen are expected tomorrow. Some time the latter part of next week Father, Mother and Sis leave for Cleveland where they will remain a week after which they will go to Niagara, New York and New Port. So you and Boyle may look out for them. I hope you will be able to go with them to Newport. Charley and I are to be head of the family. I am going to Mansfield when pears are in the greatest abundance, whenever that may be. Elizabeth is going up with me. I am amazed at the news you give me of Mrs. Bowman. I hope you have sent me the San Francisco papers. I wrote yesterday to Mr. Nisbet and to Margaret-to the latter in Willy's name. I gave my draft on the St. Louis Bank to Philemon and I got a certificate of deposite in his Bank for the amount but I do not wish to spend much of it so you can send as if I had none. My wash woman charges me nine dollars a month which I think is enormous. I will make some other arrangement as soon as I can. If you see Ann tell her I will write that recommendation in a day or two. Do write to me often.

Ever your affectionate,

Ellen
[EES]

Lancaster Ohio;
July 26, 1857 Sunday afternoon
[1857/07/26]

My dearest husband:
[WTS]

I think if you are determined not to live with your family very soon you might at least write to us very frequently. You say once a week is as often as you care about hearing from me but it seems to me that your letters altho' written once a week are very "few and far between" as they are very hurried and unsatisfactory. If the rather harsh assertion that by coming to you I would "destroy your peace of mind" had been accompanied by a single expression of regret at the seperation it would have been less mortifying to me. I do not wish to complain or to irritate you by any reflections dear Cump but I cannot help feeling (and feeling it I may have a right to say) that the absence of all the evidences of affection on your part has been and is now a great hindrance to my happiness. I will not say more for the complaint that I have made is from my heart and that is too much troubled just now to be allowed the ascendency. I wish I could understand even partially, the cause of your very embarrassed circumstances. But I cannot imagine it. You need not be afraid of my going to New York now, unless you send for me. I am rejoiced to hear that you have as yet felt no asthma. I trust you may find the winters as favorable to you there as the summers, but I cannot help feeling anxious about your health. I hope you will at least let Gussie know if you should be sick. I telegraphed you and wrote also, that Willy had entirely recovered. I thought he had, because the fever had left him and he was getting strong. Imagine my concern when I discovered about a week since, that an ulcer had formed and was discharging, in his ear. The dear child must have suffered greatly without being able to explain. The ulceration commenced so far in the ear that I never even suspected it until I found the discharge had been flowing out thro' the day. After observing that for two or three days I found that the ulcer itself was gradually advancing towards the outside of the ear. I sent for the Doctor and he says it must be promptly treated. I attend to it regularly, washing it twice a day and then throwing glycerine into by means of a small syringe. I am giving him a preperation of iron prepared by Dr. Bigelow and I intend to give him the juice of burdock such as I took when under Dr. Power's care. The orifice of the ear is all one ulcer and the irritation and soreness is scattered over the ear. How far the ulceration extends inwards I cannot tell, but here is danger of its effecting the drum of the ear and causing deafness. I have some fear that the same thing is in his nose, for he has complained of it and feel pretty sure he cannot breath through his nose. When my head was effected in that way there was great danger of inflammation of the brain. The suffering that I then endured for years was greater than any one imagined and the recollection of it makes me keenly alive to any pain that Willy may feel. I do all in my power to bring his system back to a healthy state. I bathe him myself in salt water every morning, encourage him to cheerfulness and out door exercise and take him into the country whenever I can. He seems as strong and as lively as ever and enjoys himself out doors all day long. The large boys in town have had a mania for sending up baloons and the other evening Willy, Lizzie and Tom Ewing ran off as far as the Court House to see one ascend. The most of them are sent up from the corner opposite Philemon's house and at a very pleasant hour in the evening so it has served as a wonderful amusement to the children. I spent Thursday afternoon by invitation at Mrs. Daughterty's with the children and there they nearly went wild with delight at the plays she taught them. They were missing last evening after tea and on becoming alarmed and searching the hill we found them at Mrs. D's again, playing William Etr[?]imity and choosing red birds and blue birds to carry them home after being sent into the corner. Minnie choosing a "speckled bird", which was Mr. Daugherty to carry her home caused quite an outburst of merriment but on the whole rather frightened Lizzie for fear she might happen to choose him too. Lizzie, without any prompting, told her Grand Ma, in a voice tremulous with emotion, that she "wanted her to tell Papa to come home". They ask me every day when you are coming. Father, Mother and Teresa left on Thursday. I do not know when they will be in New York. I hope Mr. Stevens will not bring any of his family here on a visit until I write them. Mother's home is filled with her own guests in summer and as I add five to the family I will not invite any visitors of my own. Do you think it possible that they would come here without any invitation? If so, please let me know. Is Mr. Stevens still in New York? Have you seen John Doyle? What is the name of your house? I hope you have retained the old name of Lucas, Turner & Co. If Gussie visits Mansfield I will meet her there, if the children are well enough for me to go. Tommy is quite sick today, he has been rather unwell for two or three days but today he seems really sick. He fell out of bed on Thursday. Should either he or Willy be worse I shall of course write to you before the week is out. Please burn this letter. I shall probably not write before next Monday. In the meantime beleive me as ever your truly affectionate,

Ellen
[EES]

Lancaster Ohio;
July 28, 1857
[1857/07/28]

My dearest Cump;
[WTS]

Your letter of Thursday reached me yesterday. I would have replied without a moments delay but Tommy was very sick and I thought I would wait until today in hopes he would be better before I should tell you of his illness. He is much better today and I trust he may not have a return of his symptoms. The Doctor has ordered me to ride with him every day and I am accordingly going out at four this afternoon; the day has been so cool that I am sure that hour will be pleasant. I cannot tell what ailed Tommy nor can I say that he has recovered. He has been rather unwell for several days and from Saturday morning until towards daylight this morning he has been wakeful, tretful and sick. Sunday night I was up all night and walked the floor with him for hours; finally I became so anxious that I sent for the Doctor just as the day dawned. Last night he was the same until about two or three o'clock since when he seems much better. The manner in which he threw his head about made me uneasy last he might have injured the brain in falling from the bed. He has got two more teeth in the upper gum but they have been through several days and I find no others in a state to cause him so much uneasiness. I am happy to be able to say that Willy's ear today is so much improved that I have every hope of seeing him releived of the difficulty in a few weeks. He takes the medicine faithfully and although he dislikes the operation he submits to the cleansing and washing of the ear with the utmost patience. He has attached himself to Luke, who has recovered the use of his hurt leg and no longer goes hipity hop. Willy spends considerable time in the carriage house discussing with Luke the merits of the large carriage and the horse "with the long tail on" both of which he thinks are his. He makes such desperate pretentions that Charley calls him William SAmpson Goliah Sherman -- he really beleives that he is larger and stronger even than Father. Lizzie is very anxious for you to "come home" but she will never say she wants to go to California again. Willy would go to the earths ends to be with you if he could only persuade me to go along. When I say to him "Willy when I die you are going to be Uncle Charley's boy", his eyes fill with tears and he says, "I dont want you to die" -- he loses all thought of the rest of the sentence in his deep impression of that. I am surprised that you would be deterred in your plans for the winter by waiting to hear whether I will come or not. I fear you think me a shrew. If you are not able to keep house how can you suppose that I would compell you to the step? When I talked of going on with Father it was only to stay a month or two unless you should prefer to keep us. But as it is, I will remain quietly here until you come for me. There is one thing I must say however that you cannot reproach me for your loneliness, should you be lonely or make up your mind that I have forced you to a bachelor's life. You know that I had made up my mind never to leave you again in California even if I could secure our future residence near home, by doing so. It is against my will, judgement and inclination that we live apart for any lengthy period but if I cannot help it I must bear it as well as possible. Let me persuade you against too great a despondency as to your business affairs. It troubles me greatly to hear your views after so many contrary assurances from all your partners, friends and advisers.

I fear you find the weather very warm. It is delightful here, in the shade. Should you see Ann, please tell her that I wrote sending the recommendation which I promised. I shall see Gussie in Mansfield. Have you seen Uncle Denman?

As ever your truly affectionate,

Ellen
[EES]

Lancaster Ohio;
Aug 7, 1857
[1857/08/07]

My dearest Cump;
[WTS]

Yesterday I took Willy and Tom and with Elizabeth and Mrs. Daugherty rode up to Lithopolis where we spent the day with Mrs. Dr. Minor. We made up the number of twenty who were invited and who spent a most pleasant day there. We returned late in the evening and as the road was not dusty there was nothing to mar the pleasure of the trip. Both Willy and the baby have got entirely well but I thought it would nevertheless be of service to them to take a little jaunt. Next week Charley is going to take me over to Somerset where Aunt Denman and Manny are living. Minnie and Lizzie were invited to take tea in our absence yesterday with Mrs. Daugherty's neice. They enjoyed their visit so much that Lizzie could not be persuaded home until a late hour in the evening. She informed me at the breakfast table this morning that there was to be dancing school in town and she wished to go. Go she must I suppose. Day before yesterday just as the children had been brought up stairs to be dressed for the eveining play, they were thrown into the greatest state of confusion and excitement by the arrival of a basket for "Miss Lizzie Sherman" which contained pine apples, oranges, bananas, oranges, Malaga grapes, figs, nuts and candy. Unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately for their health) nearly all the grapes, bananas, and pine apples were decayed. The rest of the bonbons were distributed in due proportions and some still remain to remind them of the kind friend who did not even give his name but whom we suspect to be a "border ruffian". We have not heard from Father and Mother since Monday when Charley received a letter from Sis written at the Falls. I wrote yesterday to Mother and directed the letter to you. We cannot tell yet when to expect them home. Tom and Ellen will be here within ten days from this time, possibly tomorrow. Soon after they all get back I will go to Mansfield. Rose Reese's beau, Mr. Cooper has been here. Rose and Mary went yesterday to Zanesville to make a visit and from there Rose will go to Mansfield. I have not heard when she is to be married. Mr. Cooper is a good looking young gentleman.

Mrs. Casserly told me in her letter that her Father had gone to the Steamer to bid me good bye but he failed to find our room. After the vessel put out Owen pointed us out to him and he waved adieu. Quite a compliment on the old gentleman's part. I want to remind you not to give away your old over coat or any of your cast off clothes but save them and send them to me in my trunk when it arrives. I want the overcoat for Charley Miller and all your cloth clothes I can cut down for Willy. Mother keeps a seamstress who is a tailoress and I can get them made at no expense. Dr. Minor asked Willy to stay with him and told him he had horses and a buggy. Willy replied that he had horses too and a carriage as high as the ceiling. The Doctor then told him he had a gun and they would go rabbit shooting. Willy wanted to see the gun instantly. He kept his pocket crammed with green apples and amused himself throwing them at the kittens. The children talk about you constantly and Lizzie really grieves to see you. How is Capt. Hamilton? Tell me all about your friends.

Beleive me as ever faithfully yours,

Ellen
[EES]

Lancaster Ohio
August 10, 1857
[1857/08/10]

My dearest Husband;
[WTS]

Your letters of the 5th and 6th inst. were brought to me just as I was starting upstairs to write to you. At the same moment the express man entered with a box for which I had to receipt and pay. Curiosity then compelled me to open it altho' directed to Father and as it contained a silver tea service I had to send for Mary and Philemon to come and see it and I have only this moment got quietly seated in my room. The children were very much excited at the opening of the silver service which is indeed very handsome and beautifully marked with the name "Ewing", only. I received a letter today from Mother, written partly in New York and partly at Saratoga. I had expected them home on Saturday in consequence of receiving no letter from them before, but it seems they are going on to Montreal. We are getting along nicely here, but will of course be rejoiced to see them home. I tell Father if he will give me the house rent I will live here with the children next summer and let them go to Europe. I think they will go. Mother tells me she found you looking well and very happy which gratifies me exceedingly. Should you be sick during the winter I will leave all the children at home rather than not be with you. I could not endure the trial of being seperated from you and you sick. However I trust you may not be soon again troubled with the terrible night mare that oppressed you during your entire stay in San Francisco. I fear Mr. Nishet will not get away from California before spring. If he wishes to bring his wife without much opposition he had better bring her as soon as they are married. I would rather have you say nothing to Mr. Nishet about a present as I fear it may mortify him. Anything costing less than fifty or seventy five dollars would not come up to his expectations or make much display at a California wedding and even if we were able I see no reason why I should make an offering of that sort. He charged me to say nothing about his intended marriage to Mrs. Bowman or to any of my San Francisco correspondents and therefore I hope you will not mention it. Don't you think there is a possibility of his not returning to the state? I think they could persuade him to remain in California and I think they would feel inclined to keep him there too as the Judge and Mrs. Thorton could scarcely bear a seperation of that sort from Bessy.------

I hear the children down on the portico and above all the rest I hear little Tom's voice. Neither Willy or Lizzie will ever for a moment say that they are willing to return to California. They are "turned loose" now so your heart ought to be easy in regard to them. Last night you could have gone to bed happy could you have seen Willy and Lizzie when they were brought to me after a shower of rain. Not content with running out in the rain, they had held their heads under the water spout and of course presented the appearance of drowned rats when I saw them. I had to have them stripped to the skin and rubbed down with coarse towels and then dressed in dry clothes promising them a rubbing with "hickory oil" if they were guilty of a similiar offense. The threat had I hope sufficient force to prevent another bath of the kind but it did not destroy the pleasure of recalling the fun they had had as could be seen by a suppressed smirk upon Lizzie's face during the rubbing down and dressing. We have had a great many rides which we enjoyed exceedingly. We are having an abundance of dewberries and blackberries and of the latter I am putting up for winter. Charley has had two men at work and got the yard, street, gutters, stable and alley in first rate order, as clean and nice and looking as handsome as possible. Tom and Ellen have not yet arrived but I would not be surprised to see them any day. From Mansfield I am going over to Erie to see Bishop Young. I think Mrs. Daugherty will go with me to Mansfield as she has received many pressing invitations from Susan and Cecelia. Elizabeth gave me a hint to pay her expenses thither and back by saying she must give up the trip on account of the expenses. Shall I do so? I am going to make an arrangement with Gussie to get my dresses and have them made in New York as I know it will cost much less than to have them made in Cincinnati and Gussie can select better than I and she will be glad of the occupation. Do not forget to save your coats and pants as I requested. What are stout and heavy I would like to give to poor Charley Miller and the rest as I told you I will cut down for Willy. I must close now and write a few lines to Mother which she will probably not receive as I shall direct to Montereral. The children are happy when they see a letter from you. Willy loves to carry my letters to the post office. Tommy can say "cow" -- "dog" -- "get out" -- "by by" and "Mama". Isn't that well for a boy under ten months?

As ever your most affectionate,

Ellen
[EES]

Lancaster Ohio;
August 13, 1857
[1857/08/13]

My dearest husband;
[WTS]

I have not heard from you since my last letter which was written on Monday but I am expecting Luke from the post office now and I am sure as the Columbus mail is in that I will have a letter today. Lizzie and Tommy are both ailing a little today -- Lizzie seemed languid all day yesterday, would not run out but hung around me and took a long sleep in the afternoon. She has eaten nothing since day before yesterday except a mere mouthful once or twice. She sits up at the table but she eats nothing whatever and does not even drink milk or tea but cold water. Tommy was feverish last night and today he continues to feel very hot without having any other symptoms of illness. I think he must be getting more teeth. Do you know that he has six teeth quite large and prominent. I beleive I told you how many words he could speak. He was ten months old yesterday. I thought Lizzie had slight asthma yesterday but she seems no worse today. She had been asleep an hour or so when I thought I would wake her yesterday afternoon. Just as I called to her I heard the whistle of the Locomotive so I said, "Get awake, Lizzie, there are the cars coming in". She sprang up in the most eager manner and said "The cars, Mama, maybe Papa is on them". You would have felt touched for the little thing if you could have seen her look of disappointment when I told her you were not coming soon. She laid down and went to sleep again. Willy is fond of going errands with Luke and whenever he does he stops in at Kauffmans and gets two or three Almanacks which he has discovered there at his disposal. He always brings up one to be laid away for you. Charley calls him Willy "Cump" and the youngster seems to rejoice in the name no matter how roughly it may be spoken. What are your business hours in New York and how do you generally pass your evenings? You do not speak of Captain Hamilton's family. When is Captain Stone going back to Cal.? or has he gone? Have you heard what became of Mrs. Wilson's son Micàjah who went to Nicaragua? I feel anxious to hear but I cannot find out from the papers. Have you seen the excellent little satire "Nothing to wear"? I want you to send me a copy of Douglas Terrold's "Candle lectures". Please do not forget it. I want it particularly. Send me some new to read occasionally -- not Harper or any of the story periodicals. Do you ever see Uncle Denman? I have never heard how the Blandings found our house how they liked it or anything else.

I want you to sit to the best artist in New York for your portrait and I will pay for it. I have the money and do not intend to spend it for any other purpose. If you do not follow my request in this I shall be quite hurt.

Luke has got back without a letter either from you or from Father's party. I am invited out to tea -- so good bye until Sunday. As ever your truly affectionate,

Ellen
[EES]

Lancaster, Ohio;
August 18, 1857
[1857/08/18]

My dearest husband;
[WTS]

I have received two welcome letters from you since my last on Thursday. I feel truly rejoiced at your freedom from asthma but I am not surprised at it for I was confident that you would be better in New York than you ever could have been in California. I am happy at a prospect however uncertain of joining you during the coming winter as I cannot help dreading the effects of that season upon you however much improved your health may be.

Your letter with the deed was received yesterday. This morning I signed it in the presence of the clerk who made a seperate acknowledgement for me, and attached the seal etc. Philemon and Charley having signed as witnesses. What did you give for that property in fifty-one? I think the jail property in San Francisco will be valuable by the time the children grow up unless San Francisco is swallowed by an earth quake ere that time. Has Captain Kirkham gone back yet? If Mr. Tower has not yet returned do not forget to give him my warmest regards when you see him. He was so very kind to Willy on the voyage and so pleasant and agreeable to us all that I have a great regard for him. Has Ann got any one to take her out as nurse? I gave her a high recommendation for faithfulness during the voyage -- did she get it? Ask her if you see her. I hope you had a pleasant visit to West Point.

I have been baking cake and putting black berries up today and company have been in so that I am left with only a few moments to write as I have made an engagement to go out to Cousin Louisa's with Elizabeth, Mrs. Daugherty and Mrs. Stambaugh. Tom and Ellen have been detained in St. Louis by the illness of their child but they will be here tomorrow morning. Mother and Father are still absent. Willy is happy as a boy can be who wants to be considered six feet high but has a full consciousness of his diminutive stature. There are no less than five dogs on the premises and he struts about kicking the little pups at the imminent risk of pitching backwards at every kick. He does not kick from malice but only to learn the accomplishment well for he pets the pups after the kicking and exhibits great fondness for them. Indeed he seems quite happy when the girls will go away and leave him alone in the yard with the dogs. Lizzie has the asthma rather worse this evening -- it has been so slight heretofore that I thought nothing of it but now it is rather distressing to the little thing. She runs about but eats very little and I have to indulge her some to keep her cheerful. She loves petting. She asks me as a special favor to tell you that she put on her own shoes this morning and washed her face, hands, neck and combed her hair. They have some difficulty in getting Willy trained to the plays. In "William Etrimity" when he was sent out yesterday and they went to him to know "which he would have to bring him home" a red-bird, white-bird or blue-bird -- he quite non plussed by replying a green bird. That was not in the bill but Willy didn't care. Tom and Minnie are well. Did I tell you Minnie is going to dancing school? Lizzie went the first day but she heard afterwards that the Master said she was too little to learn much and she refused to go again. I will not compell her.

When does Gussie come to Mansfield? Write to me whenever you can. I love to get your letters. I did not write to California but I will next mail. As ever your most affectionate,

Ellen
[EES]

Lancaster Ohio;
August 23rd, 1857
[1857/08/23]

My dearest husband;
[WTS]

Your welcome letter of the 17th I intended to answer on Friday but I suffered all day with severe headache and deferred writing until yesterday but yesterday Father and Mother returned home and as they arrived several hours earlier than I expected them I was again disappointed about writing. On Thursday we received a dispatch from Father at Buffalo, telling Charley to send the carriage to Columbus where they would arrive on Saturday at noon. Charley sent the carriage up on Friday and they reached Columbus the same evening and came down by two or three yesterday afternoon. The children are perfectly crazy at the sight of all the beautiful presents and the quantity of candies and fruit brought by Grand Ma and Aunt Sissy. They all, even down to Tommy -- seem to enjoy the return of the family home. The house did not seem the same without them; now every corner is noisy as one could desire. Willy is made entirely happy by a cane which Aunt Sissy got him in New York: he struts with it early and late. Mother brought me a very handsome set of lace collar, sleeves and handkerchief. They all speak with great pleasure of their visit to New York and of all that you did to make their visit agreeable. Mother says they did not stay long enough to satisfy her. They were charmed with Montreal and could have staid there much longer but as they were one entire month away from home I think their visits every where were long enough, particularly as they expect to spend next summer in Europe. I wish you could go with them, perhaps you will be able to as Mr. Nishet will be in New York and I can keep the children here. You have made only once a reference to the probability of our living in Brooklyn next winter. Whether it was a passing hope with you or whether you have thought seriously of it since I cannot tell. But if you feel that you would like to have us with you next winter for a few months you need not start off with the presumption that I cannot be happy boarding, even for a short time. Rather than have you rush matters about a house I would cheerfully board six months or more. Crossing twice a day in severe winter weather must be a great objection to Brooklyn as a residence for you. I have no objections to living modestly and plainly but the retrenchments must be in regard to visitors the same as with servants if they are carried to either. But of all this when the time comes. What I wish to say now is that you must not keep us from you because I do not like boarding for if others can board, I can, of course, and would gladly do it to be with you if you desire it. Do not seperate yourself from your family to your own disadvantage. Wives and children have an influence upon men which I would not have you deprive yourself of one moment after you feel its necessity. Apart from the trial of being seperated from you and of feeling that both you and the dear children long for each other and ought to be together I have that motive for beleiving that only the sternest necessity should seperate us. ---I am glad you enjoyed your visit to West Point. What did Kingsbury say about his wife? Where is she? and have they children? Mother and Father have much to say about the "sweet widow" and they all seem to have been quite charmed by the daughters, particularly Nannie. Your position in California will not be lost to you in New York -- men of every party will come to you. I am delighted that you are willing to have your portrait painted and I beg that you will not put it off too long but see to it immediately. Have you seen Mr. Gray's brother? I do not know whether he is a good artist but there must be one at least, in New York.

Lizzie is getting over her wheezing and if she takes no more cold she will be well in a short time. I have had a letter from Mrs. Stevens. What family news do you hear from Major Turner? Do not forget to tell me. I have been to ride with Father since I commenced writing and Charley and Sis having gone out now I must go down and play for him. He says he is going in the spring to Europe, for a year with Mother, Sis and Minnie to have Minnie in a french school! All send love to dear Papa and Uncle Boyle -- as ever,

Ellen
[EES]

Lancaster, Ohio;
August 30, 1857
[1857/08/30]

My dearest Cump;
[WTS]

I was quite uneasy about you for a day or two until your letter of the twenty six reached me. Father's opinion is that the late failure in New York will cause your business to increase rapidly if it does I hope you will not be slow in securing the services of competent clerks so that you may be saved all unnecessary labor for your constitution is so shattered by your residence in California that you cannot endure much fatigue with impunity. I sincerely hope there will be nothing requiring your return to California. You should avoid the trip if possible. The children are so happy here, they have such unbounded liberty and have made so many "friends to themselves" that I feel loath to start with them upon the journey to Mansfield although it is short. They will feel strange up there and it is some trouble to travel with them particularly without an escort so I am about half inclined to abandon the trip. If I thought there was much probability of my going to New York this winter I would wait until that time and stop there either on my way to New York or on my return here in the spring. I hope you would not go to California without coming to bid us goodbye. How can you go while Mr. Nishet is there? Tom and Ellen got home with the sick baby yesterday. The baby is improving fast but Ellen is suffering from chills and looks very badly. After seeing them and spending a few days at home with them I had intended going to Mansfield but I cannot this week because Sarah Goddard is coming over to make a visit and Father prefers that I should be at home at the time. Louise Avery -- Mr. Stanberry's daughter is visiting at Mrs. Van Trump. Philemon left home on Friday evening for Washington. He thought he might possibly go to New York before his return. I hope he may. He was not well when he started. On Wednesday Charley took the children and me over to Somerset to visit Aunt Denman and Manny who are living there now. They are boarding at a Hotel. Manny having left her husband in consequence of his terrible dissipation and etc. We had quite a pleasant little visit and the children enjoyed it very much. One circumstance alone mar'd Willy's pleasure -- some man he became acquainted with in the barroom persisted in saying that the carriage before the door was not Willy's and that he had come there in a wheelbarrow. Willy was furious at every reiteration of the charge and finally he came into the parlor to me for comfort. Aunt went out and as Willy beleived had the obnoxious individual carried off to jail but to our amazement he presented himself at the dinner table and in the evening was quite as offensive in his remarks as ever. I have been suffering from headache and debility for a fortnight past and Tommy today is a little under the weather. Some more teeth being nearly ready to come through. Mag Reese has spoken of getting up a school which she could do without any difficulty as all are disgusted with the crowds and promiscian assembly at the union schools. Whether Mag will persevere or be successfully opposed at home I cannot tell. Did I tell you that Father thinks of spending a year in Europe and of taking Sis and Minnie and leaving them at a french convent whilst he and Mother travel. Lizzie is very fond of visiting at Mrs. Daugherty's and often asks me to let her go down. I always encourage her to visit as she is inclined to be too shy generally. The asthma still troubles her slightly. Willy is as stout and hardy now as a boy can be -- he is growing too. Lizzie always wants me to tell you to come back to her. Tea is ready -- so good night---Write as often as you can.

As ever your most affectionate,

Ellen
[EES]

Lancaster, Ohio;
Sept. 1, 1857
[1857/09/01]

[WTS]

I am much obliged to you my dearest husband for the pictures so promptly sent. They are as pretty as I expected and I shall have one of them framed and attach a peculiar value to it on account of your having selected it. Your letter of the 28th did not reach me until this moment and your letter of the 24th did not come here until yesterday. That is why I was uneasy for a few days. I sincerely hope you may never be obliged to return to California. But I must answer your questions about Ann. The rings came safely to Mother's hands and were by her presented in Ann's name to the children very much to their satisfaction. They are too large but I have them put away for them. They desired me to thank Ann for them sometime ago and I am sorry that I deferred it so long. I feel exceedingly sorry to hear of the accident to Captain Stone. I did not mention it in my letter to Mrs. Casserly for fear Mrs. Stone might hear it suddenly. I enclose my letter to Mrs. Casserly and one to Biddy which I wish you to mail if not too late. I suffer so from neuralgia that I cannot write when I will. My teeth are in bad condition and must be attended to soon, or I shall lose them all. I wish you would not let Sherman sell any of my property in St. Louis but I presume you have not given him orders to do so and he certainly would not do it without. I do not know exactly what is my own except the "Serene Garden" lots. Can you tell me? Should you beleive it to be necessary that I should consent to the sale of what Father gave me I wish you would first tell me to whose debts they are applied -- To whom do you owe the money and how much do you owe? I would much rather sell the property Father gave me in Leavenworth than my St. Louis lots. If I do not sell the Leavenworth property I shall probably trade it with Charley for Missouri land as I would rather have that. Mrs. King's youngest grandchild died yesterday of putrid sorethroat. It was buried today but we were afraid to go to the house on account of the contagion. I think I shall go to Mansfield on Tuesday next. I would have gone this week but Father wanted me to stay to see Mrs. Goddard and she has been too sick to come over. Father himself is sick but we are in hopes he will be well tomorrow. Tom's wife is not yet quite well and the baby is delicate. My Tom is as bright as a button -- he and Willy are out riding now. Lizzie when I asked her to go out and let me have the room quiet to write to Mrs. Casserly said "I will if you will write to Papa too". The weather is perfectly charming and we have pleasant rides to the country now. I am rejoiced that the city brings you health if not comfort. What is the name of the beauty that you and Col. Stuart saw at the St. Nicholas? Have you seen Charley Hoyt? Are you going to give James a clerkship? Tell me what news you get from Major Turner's family. I wish you would give my regards to Mr. Nisbet and tell him that I will write by the next Steamer. Congratulate him for me on his engagement to the "idol of his heart". Where is Captain Stone?

As ever,

Ellen
[EES]

Lancaster Ohio;
Sep 6, 1857
[1857/09/06]

My dearest husband;
[WTS]

Since I wrote you last I have had one days very serious illness from a dose of calomel which the Doctor thought I required for my head. Perhaps you do not remember but my head has been a source of great pain to me ever since the birth of Tommy. For the last six weeks I have had unusual pain and the Doctor gave me the calomel which proved an efficacious although a severe remedy. My teeth have been wanting attention badly, as I have reminded you often within the last year and now one or two of them are in such a state that if not attended to immediately I shall lose them. I cannot afford to lose them and Father is not willing to entrust them to any other Dentist than Dr. Maynard for fear I may be deprived of them so I think it likely that I shall go on to him soon. Charley is going back to the Virginia University and Father thinks I had better go on to Washington when he goes which will be about the middle of this month. If I go I shall take Tommy and his nurse and leave Lizzie and Willy. Write me as soon as you get this what you think of it. I cannot leave Tommy because it is too early in the season to wean him. If I do not avail myself of this opportunity to go, I cannot go until Father goes on in the winter or if I go to New York, until that time and then it would not be any more convenient to go there with the children than it would be to go now leaving then all at home but Tom. I have written to Amelia that I am going to Washington and will not be in Mansfield until I return from there. How long will Gussie remain in Mansfield? I am anxious to see her unless I go to New York during the winter, where I would see her often of course. Father, Mother, Minnie, Lizzie, and Willy have all been suffering from a severe cold which is something like the "Tyler grip" which you may remember prevailed in '41 or '2 -- or more like the colds and sore throat which prevailed so generally in San Francisco at the time children were dying of putrid sore throat. Have I told you that Mrs. King's youngest grandchild died of putrid sore throat in this place last week? There have been a few more cases but not fatal as yet. All here are recovering but they are not entirely well yet. Lizzie and Willy have had really not much more than an ordinary cold. Willy rides with his Grand Pa very often when he calls the large horse his and says "that wretched little horse" is Minnie's -- a colt that is not as high as the horse he is driven with. Lizzie has been enjoying the pleasures of memory today and among other things asked me if I did not remember the evening you rode Mr. Bowman's horse -- She is very anxious to see you and although she is growing very fond of her Grand Pa and her Uncles and Aunts -- she still seems to grieve for you. Willy asked me yesterday if "Cump" was as tall as he. Both Willy and Lizzie have grown considerably and Willy has as usual attached all the servants about the house to him. He spends a great part of his time in the Stable -- I thought just then of his having gone to Church this afternoon at his own request. Ellen Ewing is still nursing a very sick baby -- the chances of his recovery are not very great. The child has a remarkable talent for music. And young and sick as he is there is no mistaking it. It grieves me to death to see it suffering and I devoutly wish the dear little boy either in health or in Heaven. Tom is in Xenia on business. Charley is at Piqua. We will be glad to see Philemon and Boyle home again. Philemon's family are all well again. Boyle has unfortunately missed the widow's visit. She enquires particularly after him. George Goddard she tells me is expected home this fall. Sarah is going abroad in the winter and expects to meet Father's party during next summer. We had better keep Minnie when they go -- you can more in the matter. Write often. I hope you are well, Excuse haste

Ellen
[EES]

Lancaster, Ohio;
Sept. 13 1857
[1857/09/13]

My dearest husband;
[WTS]

After a long period of silence your letter of the 5th recached me on the 10th and on the same day Philemon got home giving me more minute accounts of your health, your business and your amusements. On the same day I also received a kind letter from Mrs. Turner inviting me to come out at the time proposed with all the children and make her a visit. She told me that the Major had left for New York and Philemon told me that he had arrived there. I was distressed to hear Philemon confirm my fears that you will be obliged to go out to California this winter. The winter of all seasons is the worst for you there and if it can possibly be avoided I trust and pray that you may not go. Cannot Major Turner go? His health never suffers from the trip or the climate and it is really running a great risk of life for you to go. You will soon determine I suppose as the Major is in the City now. Your account of Mrs. Anderson is very interesting to me. I am much flattered by her desire to see me and her hope that I might do her any good. If she is troubled and distressed as you describe her a Priest could give her more consolation and instruction in a day than I could in a year, however I might sympathize with her. Philemon was quite amused at your spending four hours in one visit to her. If it gives her any pleasure I am sure you will visit her often. Has she no children living? Mr. William M. Anderson, her brother-in-law has his second wife -- a very fine woman -- well educated, intelligent and agreeable and a Catholic. I have abandoned the trip to Washington for the present and think of going to Mansfield on Wednesday or Thursday. I will most probably take Willy with the baby and nurse leaving Lizzie at home with Minnie and as there will be a vacant seat in the carriage to Newark I shall ask Elizabeth to go up. Julia McComb is going west with Hoyt's wife and they want us to come up before they leave. My neuralgia is better and I can stand it a while longer. I forgot to mention that your letter to me was dated the 5th and post marked the 7th and reached here the afternoon of the 10th. Now I want to mention something which you take into your calculations for the fall and winter. Mother has some disease for which she wishes to consult some eminent New York Physician. The sooner she goes on after the heat of summer the better. She cannot well go alone and it would be more agreeable to her to have me with her than any one else so I think it highly probable that she will go on and I with her. How shall I do about the children? Shall I take them with me and obviate the necessity of your coming out before starting to California (should you go) or shall I go with only the baby and let you bring us back and see the children? Or have you given up the Cal. trip and made arrangements for humble housekeeping this winter? I hear from you very seldom now and I miss your frequent letters. Philemon says you are very busy. I shall observe your hint on economy. Has Nisbet ever said that he had shipped our goods? A great deal of my winter clothing is in that trunk. Charley goes to St. Louis tomorrow and to Virginia on his return. Tom got home yesterday -- the baby is improving a little. Our children are well. Willy has this moment returned from a ride with his Grand Pa and Grand Ma. Minnie starts to school on Tuesday. Lizzie won't go. Willy is growing tall. All send love to dear Papa.

As ever,

Ellen
[EES]

Mansfield Ohio
Sep. 20. 1857
[1857/09/20]

My dearest Cump;
[WTS]

I telegraphed you yesterday to direct your letters to this place, supposing that you would write today. I must confess however that I am not without a hope that you may slip off for a day or two to see us here as Major Turner is in New York. You could come and return in so short a time that I cannot help feeling that you might do it. Willy talks about you all the time and when we left home he was certain we were coming to see you although I had not told him that we were. When I told him we would not see you he could scarcely restrain his tears. He very seldom allows himself to cry for anything now, he has so great a desire to appear a man in the eyes of Grand Ma, Minnie, and Aunt Sissy all of whom flatter and indulge him beyond belief. He has won Father's heart completely and he gets a good deal of petting from him too. Whenever he sees the horses brought out at home he starts for his overcoat and then stands in the yard with it hung over his arm waiting for Father to come out and it seldom happens that Father does not take him to the exclusion of all the rest. He talks largely about the carriage and horses that you are going to get him in New York. But his great desire is to have a watch that ticks. He sometimes wears the locket you once gave me -- (when life seemed more of a dream than now) and that almost completes his happiness; the only drawback being that it would not tick. I was in hopes to have heard from you by this time about the contemplated trip to New York but your letters are three or four days reaching Lancaster and I presume they would take nearly as long from that place here. So I hope in your letter today you will repeat what you may have written before about it. Mother must go on and I am the about the only one that can go with her. I could leave Willy and Lizzie at home but I could not bear to leave the baby even if I had weaned him. I might however, if Mrs. Daughterty would keep him and his nurse but Mother being gone I would not leave him at home. Make up your mind soon about it as Mother must go when the weather gets a little cooler. I can go to Washington at the same time and have my teeth attended to. I had a most polite invitation from Mrs. Goddard to stop at her Father's house in Washington and then wrote to him that I would be there. Mr. Vihton wrote to Father, as soon as he received Sarah's letter renewing the invitation and giving me the number of his house. When I do go I think I shall stop there. Do try and slip off for three days during this week and meet us here. If you cannot come this far I can go over to Erie and go down from that home by Columbus more conveniently than I can get home by Newark. If I go by Columbus, I will take the Canal packet and go home at night. If you find that you can come by Saturday telegraph me on Wednesday or Thursday as I shall otherwise go home on Friday. I came up on Thursday -- took a carriage to Newark in time for the one o'clock train for here. All the children, but Minnie, are with me and enjoying their visit exceedingly. I invited Elizabeth to come with me and if she had come I should have left Lizzie at home and sent my trunk by express but Elizabeth declined my invitation and so I brought all the children and all my baggage with me. Willy and the baby had both been suffering from "summer complaint" but the change of air has produced an immediate and entire cure. I have concluded to call the baby "Ewing" instead of Tom so you will know hereafter who I mean when I speak of "Ewing". Ewing Miller came up yesterday to spend Sunday with Lib whom I found here with her little girl. He is a fine looking pleasant little man. Both he and Lib are strict baptists. There was no priest here today and it rained so that none of the family could get in so I was not troubled by an invitation to go with them. I have of course seen Gussie, they were all here the first evening I arrived to tea and the next day we all spent at Susan's. Eliza is not well---I am going in tomorrow with the children to see her and your Uncle Parker. I met Taylor on the street yesterday; he just returned from some where. Their eldest daughter is at Springfield at school. He told me he would be in New York week after next -- or probably next week. Amelia is as kind and Mr. McComb as hospitable as ever. I feel that I could enjoy a month here but I will not tax them too heavily as they entertain so many friends during the summer and fall. Pears are in their prime so you may imagine me feasting. Tom Ewing -- (the baby) is crazy for fruit and will have it. I have written you a long letter without referring to the terrific event which has so apalled my mind. Can it be possible that Captain Herndon has gone down with his vessel and so many souls? Tell me all that you hear about it and whether you had any acquaintance on board; when you get the list of passengers and other details send them to me. Poor Captain Herndon! what anguish must his wife and daughter be now enduring. I feel now that I never can consent to your going to California since you must run so terrible a risk of life in getting there and then be exposed to sickness -- all the horrors of asthma and congestion. How did the ship go down? Did she strike a rock -- was she out of repair or what? I fear the loss of the treasure will be the finishing blow to New York. Has Capt. Stone gone back or where is he? Try and see me, if possible. Lizzie and Willy send love and kisses to dear Papa----Ever your most affectionate,

Ellen
[EES]

Lancaster Ohio
Oct 9, 1857
[1857/10/09]

My beloved husband;
[WTS]

On Monday I expected to be off for New York by Wednesday morning. On Tuesday morning I found that Mother would not be able to start and telegraphed you. That day and evening were devoted to the races and the company attracted by them. On Wednesday morning we received the news of the closing in St. Louis and ever since that moment I have been expecting to hear from you by telegraph or to see you and have not written a line. I fear you may think it strange and I may telegraph you tomorrow to explain my silence. Father went to Cincinnati on Wednesday just before we got the news and has not yet returned. Boyle left on Thursday after assuring me that this was the best thing that had ever happened you and expressing the belief that you would go to Kansas. I am in hopes you will not now have to go to California. I write, feeling that you will not get my letter as I cannot help looking for you each night. I have staid awake every night until half past eleven to hear whether the omnibus would not stop with you. I trust it will not be many days until we meet. The children are crazy to meet you and they will not easily consent to your leaving them again. Telegraph me when you are coming. I just received your letter of Tuesday this afternoon by the Columbus mail. Come to us as soon as you can. I will write on Sunday should I not see you tomorrow or hear that you are coming very soon. If you do not come immediately write very often.

Believe me ever your truly affectionate,

Ellen
[EES]

Lancaster Ohio;
Nov 15, 1857 Monday noon
[1857/11/15]

My dearest husband;
[WTS]

James Hoyt leaves this afternoon for Cincinnati and I intend to ask him to mail this letter there as it will save one and perhaps two days time. James spent Saturday evening with us looking very well and appearing in fine spirits. He has got into a situation equally (except for his relationship with you) agreeable with the one just lost. He goes to St. Louis in a few days and I need not tell you that I am very strongly tempted to go with him. Mother has been so unwell lately -- since you left -- that she wishes to go on east immediately so you need not be surprised if you hear from me either at New York or Philadelphia. I was amazed to hear from James that Mr. Nisbet had drawn on the New York house for five thousand dollars. I presume it was for his wedding expenses -- his mortification will be extremely great when the draft goes back protested -- or were the duplicates honored? I suppose not. I feel sorry for Nisbet for his position will be so very conspicious that he will not be able to conceal his chagrin. Send me his last letter can't you? I will keep it here for you. I hope you got out safely and have avoided colds. With all my travelling I never had a canary cage and a pillow for you to carry. I was glad to see you caught waiting upon a lady who carried more "traps" than myself. I hope you will see Ellen and Tom when they get to St. Louis. Do not forget to enquire after the baby, if you do. Give them my best love and tell them all are well but Mother. Did you get Julia Turner's present out safely? If your flannel drawers should shrink do not put on cotton or throw them away but get the woollen ones out of the store and bring those home. They can be used to great advantage. I think however they will not shrink. I am making two more pairs of flannel ones and will also make the heavy cotton ones before you return.

I had occasion to give Miss Lizzie a little spanking last evening when she told me if you were here you would not allow me to whip her. Willy and Lizzie nearly went wild with excitement Saturday morning when they looked out and found it snowing -- it was not possible to keep them in the house so I wrap'd them up and let them run. It did not last very long and today instead of cheerful snow we have another dismal rain but it is so cold it must surely clear off soon. Write soon and often -- Love to Mrs. T. and all. As ever --

Ellen
[EES]

Philadelphia Pa.
Nov 22, 1857
[1857/11/22]

My dearest Husband;
[WTS]

As I told you in my last letter there was a strong probability of my coming east with Mother, you will not be surprised at hearing from me, at the city of "brotherly love" and anti-Catholic riots. Hearing that Henry Reese was coming on here Father concluded that Mother had better come here and so urged her that she could not again give it up or post pone it. Henry came on for his wife and will return the latter part of this week when I shall certainly accompany him and when I hope Mother will also be able to go. We have seen Dr. Hodge -- a Physician to whom Mr. Stoddard and Eliza Sherman have both been at different times. I think Mother will derive great benefit from his treatment. We found Henry a very pleasant escort but I am anxious to return with him not so much on that account as because I am anxious about the children. We left home on Thursday morning and did not reach here until Saturday morning. The weather was cold but we kept warm with shawls and overshoes and had on the whole a comfortable trip. We have nice rooms on the second floor at the Girard House. This being Sunday we attended St. John's Church where we heard a very good sermon and some pleasant music. We were fortunate in receiving a call from a Catholic acquaintance -- Mr. Gallagher -- who escorted us to Church and secured us good seats. The church as is usual with all Catholic churches was thronged. I saw, after church, Father Blox the Jesuit priest who assisted Father Ryder at our wedding. He was at that time a teacher in the school which Charley attended in Washington. I am going to St. Joseph's Church this afternoon to see Father Vespre who was my confessor when I was at Georgetown, fifteen years ago and who was afterwards my confessor at Washington. He is a white haired old french priest and I have the highest respect for him and the most unbounded confidence in the wisdom of his counsels. Henry's wife has not been to see us yet but I presume she will call tomorrow. She was not expecting Henry until this morning and knew nothing of our coming. Father got an earlier and a longer leave of absence for Henry very much to his gratification. He brought his little Willy to see us yesterday. He is a beautiful child. I have some thoughts of calling to see Mr. Moss's sisters if we stay all week. I want to hunt up Father's relatives here too. We much prefer Philadelphia to New York because it is so much more quiet and there is no danger of being run over here. I left the children well and charmed with a genuine snow storm. Willy claimed the fulfillment of my promise that he might wear his red top'd boots when it snowed and was strutting about in them. I was delighted to find Lizzie consenting to remain at home. Her heart nearly failed her two or three times when she thought of it but she felt that she must keep her promise and so she got her spirits up to the point they were the day you left and saw us leave in high glee. Father would not let me send the baby to Mrs. Daugherty's and I did not feel satisfied about him. I told Father he would have to be responsible for anything that might happen the baby in my absence and he said he would take care of him. He said he meant to get another high chair that morning and have Ewing come to the table with him at every meal. I did want to go out to St. Louis with James Hoyt. I was in hopes I might be able to persuade you to give up that horrid California trip. I fear that country will yet cost you your life and me my happiness. I could not endure to see you die now. Should that hour of trial ever arrive for me I must have the consolation of knowing that you die a christian. As soon as you decide about the time of your going, if go you must, I wish you would write to me. Give yourself time for a good long visit to Lancaster. Write me what news you get from Cal. and send me such letters as are interesting about Mr. Nisbet. Give my love to Mrs. Turner and Major.

Believe as ever, Your devoted,

Ellen.
[EES]

Lancaster O.
Nov. 29, 1857
[1857/11/29]

My dearest husband;
[WTS]

On Thursday week Mother and I left with Henry Reese for Philadelphia. The weather happened to be very cold but we were well wrapped up and did not feel it much. I wrote you from the Girard House. We afterwards went to the La Piere House as we got rooms to suit us there and preferred the house on many accounts. After remaining several days with Mother I left her there and came home alone -- arriving safely and well last evening. Henry will not be back before Tuesday or Wednesday. I found your letter of the 21st and Mrs. Turner's of the same date awaiting me. A previous letter of yours was forwarded to Philadelphia but did not reach there before I left. I am distressed as the time approaches for your departure for California. I dread the effects of the trip and the climate upon you. Do spend as long a time with us as possible, before leaving. I write in haste -- Sunday being a visiting day with the girls. The children are all well. Willy is looking finely and has got a new hat reserved to flourish in when Papa comes.

As ever your devoted,

Ellen
[EES]

Lancaster Ohio
Nov. 30, 1857
[1857/11/30]

My dearest husband;
[WTS]

I feel heart sick and distressed tonight. I received your letter of the 27th this afternoon and stopped at Mrs. Daugherty's on my way home to read it. It was by a great effort that I could command my feelings and restrain my tears. I cannot bear to think of your going to California and the prospect of your stay there being prolonged into the summer and for ought I know into the winter following has made me completely nervous and unhappy. I could not live here and know that you were struggling for health during a winter there. I am entirely unwilling for you to go out there at all. I don't care what Mr. Lucas has at stake -- your life is worth more and you ought not to risk it. But I suppose no opposition of mine can keep you now. For mercy's sake get back before fall or I shall feel tempted to leave the children and go out to you. Please do not mention the army to me again unless you have made up your mind that we are not worth working for. I have wandered enough with my children and I trust and pray that you may be willing to attempt something besides California and the army. I hope you will get here by the tenth of December as that will allow you a short time to be with us. The children are impatient to see you and have no idea of the length of time you are to be away from them again. The winter agrees finely with Willy and he is looking remarkably well. Lizzie is taller and somewhat more womanly. She is lying in her little bed now with her doll baby in her arm. She was twisting and working it about and feeling nervous the fidgetting disturbed me and I called to her to keep her baby quiet. "She won't go to sleep", she quickly replied. Willy and Minnie are in Aunt Sissy's room in bed. Effie sleeps there in a single bed and they occupy their Aunt's bed. Ewing is an independent fellow -- has his own way when I am not about and enjoys everything that goes on. It is hard to tell which is the greatest favourite of Father's. Imagine Father superintending the care of the children whilst I was east with Mother. He positively refused to let Ewing go to Mrs. Daugherty's much to my disappointment and hers. Mother was much relieved by the Physician of Philadelphia but as he required her to remain a week or two longer than we expected I left her there and came home alone. I felt uneasy about the children and quite home-sick and uneasy and finding Mother improved and over the worst of her treatment I thought she could dispense with my services. Henry Reese was not willing to leave until after Thanksgiving day and I was not willing to remain over it lest I might be delayed over Sunday. So I started alone and got home Saturday as I wrote you. Henry started Friday and was kept at Bell Air over Sunday. When we arrived in Philadelphia we went to the Girard House where to get rooms lower than the fourth story we were compelled to take a parlor and chamber at ten dollars a day which with three dollars a day extra for Mother's meals made our expenses too heavy. It took me until Monday evening to get good rooms and to get Mother removed to them at the La Pierre house. Tuesday and Wednesday it was bitter cold and I was blue and on Thursday I started so you will understand why I did not call on Mr. Moss's sisters. I hope you and Mr. Moss may be fellow voyagers. Mr. Talmadge says he feels that he would be safe in going on the same vessel with you any where he has such confidence in you. Mrs. Daugherty has complimentary messages from Mrs. Talmadge to you and warns me not to be jealous. Give my love to Mrs. Turner and all the family. Tell Mrs. T. I will write soon that I relinguish my visit with reluctance. Philemon goes for Mother on Monday. Do write to me soon about something besides the army and a year in California. Come home soon and in the mean time believe me ever faithfully yours,

Ellen
[EES]