Monmouth Historic Inn

Feb 17, 1853 to Henry Quitman

January 27 2015 | News

The letter in today’s blog is from Eliza to her son, Henry. In it she mentions her daughter, Freddie, as recently having Influenza – which is going around the country at this time as well.  Until next time, happy travels, and hoping you stay clear of the flu.

Monmouth Feb 17th 1853

 

My dear Henry

                             I have been anxiously expecting a token of remembrance from my son in the shape of a letter, but none comes.  My dear Son if you only knew the feelings and affection which a Mother has towards her son you would not omit or delay writing to me.  I take interest and pleasure in all that concerns you.  When my children are pleased and happy so am I.  When it is otherwise, who in this wide world can sympathize like a Mother.  The affection is holy and endures forever, amid all changes it is the same.

Our Little Freddie has been very sick with the Influenza, it was certainly the most severe case of cold, without much cough, that I have ever seen.  She is sitting up today for the first time in nine days.  She is now entirely convalescent.

Your Father with Louisa & Tonie came up on Sunday in the Southern Belle, leaving Mr. Chadbourne at Baton Rouge, from when he comes here on Wednesday evening.  He is going to start this afternoon in the St. B. Eclipse to go up to some of the Northern counties to pay taxes upon some lands there for your Father.

I suppose that you are together with Mr. Jordan enjoying hunting and fishing.  Do not forget the oysters and fish which you promised me.

The rain has fallen in immense quantities of late and today it is pouring down, is it so with you?  Rose says she is going to write to Buddie Hennie soon that when the weather was good she was busy spading and hoeing in her garden.  I expect that so much rain will interfere with planting the crops.  Can you bring or send me some myrtle Orange bushes and some very young Live Oaks?  I should be so glad to get them and any other shrub which you could get me that is handsome.  Could you not get me some of those Lilies which grow down there?  I have heard that they were very beautiful.

Aunt & Uncle have gone over to pay Fanny a visit.  All well.  Will you be surprised to learn that our Mr. McDonate was baptized together with 34 others a few weeks since in the Pearl River?  It is said that Jackson is altogether changed, it being impossible now to get up a dancing party there if the reformation is permanent it is certain a most happy thing.  The children all unite in love to you.  My respects to Mr. Jordan.  I should have written before this but was very much engaged in my garden, at night could not see so well as I once did, and then Freddie getting sick required all my attention, but I do hope that you will write soon and often during your stay at Caillou.

Remember me dear Henry as your most affectionate

                                                          Mother

                                                                   EQuitman