1848 Scarlet Fever Letter excerpt - Part II

This is the final part of Eliza Quitman’s February 19, 1848 letter to her son, Henry.  Discussion about various people and things contained in this letter will be posted to our blog next week.  Until next time . . . .

(Cont’d)

I have some papers for you containing descriptions of your Fathers reception which I will give you when we meet.  Your Father has no idea when he will set out for home, not having as yet I believe, had the least inclination what he is to do. I am heartily tired of going about from place to place and shall be delighted once more to turn homewards. Your little Sisters are quite well and have grown fat especially Freddy who is as round as a dumpling. We have found the Northern winter mild beyond any belief. Have seen really no cold weather, it appears as though we carried pleasant weather with us wherever we go if it has been raining or cloudy or windy or cold at any place previous to our coming, so soon as we arrive behold the sun shines and weather is charming. Its strange but true.  Your Father has gone this morning to see the President and Secretary of War. I hope he may hear of what nature his appointment will be. Genle Shields has disappointed us once (more). He does not bear his honours well. It is said to be the subject of universal remark in Washington he is puffed up takes airs, in face he is spoilt. I noticed when we met in Charleston that he was a changed man, and he has been getting worse and worse ever since, some gentleman here made the remark that he was going down hill as fast as he came up. How different your Father: he is modest as ever and excites the admiration of all, he has truly a noble mind, he is not carried away by the attentions he receives, displays so much firmness and delicacy in his course of conduct has such perfect command over himself upon all occasions, that it is the theme of all. All are loud in their praise of him and his charming family. Your Grandmamma wrote me that Mr. Campbell, Mr. Ogden’s son in law was dead. They are I think happily rid of a great trouble.

We saw Mr. Muller in N.York he too is changed, we did not like him so well this time. He seemed so like a stranger to us, so distant and formal, I do not know whether we had become so great in his eyes or not, or whether it was the result of Northern manners. I saw also John Minor’s two Aunts the Mrs. Leveredge very pleasant ladies indeed, they informed me of the Capts intention of purchasing Somerset. Major Chatards place as a residence, which delighted me on many accounts. We saw also Dr. John Metcalf and wife, they looked well. Spent a day at 19 Bont street they were very civil this time. After you receive this you need not write again as we shall in all probability be on our way home. Give my best love to your Cousin Mary, Mr. McMurran and your dear little Sisters, kiss them for me, remember me most affectionately to all my friends and relations.

That you may be preserved in health and safety is the prayer of you most

                        affectionate Mother

                                                EQuitman