Blessed little girl

p199   Blessed little girl,

       Mamma must send a very few words to you. I think very much of your little letters. They are a great comfort. You must not forget to thank the Aunties and Uncles for helping you to spell the words. And so you are having buckwheat cakes. I think Uncle Willie must be teaching you some funny words, however, to express how nice they are. I know you are very happy with Uncle Dick and Lena; for between you and I, Uncle Dick makes a Capital play fellow, and he must show Mamma how, for I guess the p200 hearty laughs you have go very far towards keeping you well. I hope you will like the last drawing Papa made for you. Tomorrow we shall be upon the great ocean once more, and oh! I expect to be very sick this time for we have got such a little room, and only a round place like this to see out of or give us air - O - Grandma tells me you are very good, and I am glad to hear it. Be gentle and obedient to all, and play nicely with Lena. Kiss her many times for me. Good night my own precious little girl. Aff  Mamma

       Darling, this letter to you, Papa found, after he had sent away Grandma’s at twelve o’clock at night - so Mamma got up and added these lines and directs them to yourself, for I did not want my baby to think we had forgotten her. Papa would have written too, but we had so many calls this evening he really could not. We get up at five, so you see we have very little time. Good night again - Mamma. 12 o’clock Sunday night -

       My own little girl -

       I have not had time to write you yourself since we left Havana, but, you see, I have had the Aunties in Rochester, Uncle Charlie, and Grandma to keep informed fo whatever we are doing and where we are going. So Mamma has had to neglect her little girl once or twice. Elizabeth is on her way home with Auntie Clara, and I have told them both they must hug you, oh! So much, for me. It seemed as if Mamma must go too, for it is quite a while yet before I shall see you - Now do try and be very good, won’t you darling, and make as little trouble as you can.  You must be very patient with your llttle sick cousin too. I am p206 so glad you keep so well, you like to stay with Grandma I guess. Do you often think of Papa and Mamma far away? My precious little girl, you must not forget us in your prayers. Kiss Lena a great many times for me, and think of Mamma longing to take her little girl in her arms. Papa is going to write a few lines. Good night, darling.

       Your own Mamma

       My little darling,

               Instead of coming back to Buffalo, we have sent Aunty Clara and Elizabeth home - and we shall stay a little longer away from our precious daughter. You must write another letter for me we think heaps of them, and read them first of all. Papa is glad to hear such good accounts of you from Grandma, and hopes you will keep doing so.

       I suppose you can read almost anything now. You must learn every lesson perfectly, and keep at the head of your class.

       Good bye, my lambkin,

               Your own Papa

p207  I dare say, you all scold over my writing, but I can not write slow, and so I presume half is unintelligible. Have patience, do make it out if possible - Ballard House, 1867 Aff yours, Sara

       Dear Mother,

       you and the boys being the only ones at home, I write my letters to you all. I was terribly disappointed at receiving no words from either of you, or “Eve” at “Charleston,” and was really quite unhappy, four weeks is a long time to wait for news. To be sure, “Henry” wrote to Bob, but it was not all intended for me so did not seem quite the same as a family letter from you. I was very grateful though, to hear “Mollie’s” kept as well. I almost thought my letters were boring you, as you could sure find one hour’s time in four weeks to write me -- We reached Charleston, taking the steamer from Savannah, (as I write you) last Friday, we passed very near the ruins of Fort Sumpter; and had thus, a distinct view of that surrounded fort. It is almost level, however, with, the water, in fact one mass of ruins, Forts Wagner-Ripley - the latter only built of Palmetto logs, and filled in with dirt. Morris Island and all these celebrated spots, had a view of Saturday - we drove all about the city. It is one mass of ruins, destroyed by fire shot and shell, it looks more desolate than  any city we have yet visited, and the people appear so apathetic for their years, these seem to have stood and not seen the lots clean of the fallen bricks.

 One of the handsomest residences was Mr. Franklin’s while Secretary of theTreasury. He seems to have made himself rich brokered (wrecked) ruinings, ( we were told.)

       At all events his place was in good repair and very beautiful.

       Magnolia Cemetary we drove out to on Monday and although it is not so vivid or picturesque, as Bonaventuré, still it is very lovely. The Ashley River runs through it, dividing parts of it into three or four islands connected by bridges.

       By the by we saw there about the oldest monument to the memory of a friend that one could possibly imagine, a trunk of colored glass, sort of a temple with miniature steps, three of them on each side, on which was inscribed, on one side, “Her first - and last - kiss was mine,” and - she was - but words are wanting  to say what - what a wife should be - and that - then numerous Masonic emblems upon other parts of it. Mr. Urisi’s (sp?) memorial to his wife. We went to Grace Church Sunday - which is in a most dilapidated condition, bearing marks where a shell passed through the building, tearing down one of the pillars and destroying a portion of the ceiling, it is only recently they have commenced repairing it. In our drive on Monday we also saw the central Presbyterian Church through which a shell passed while an officer on Banniger’s (sp) staff was being married. It struck him, killing him instantly. While the story was being told us - and the names which I’ve forgotten, both Bob and I recollected it’s being in the Northern papers, and we then supposed it a sensational story. Perhaps you may remember - p209 - the battery said to be a place of great resort. It is a beautiful drive - quite wide - a large park and the street lined with what once, must have been handsome residences - But everywhere, everywhere there are falling walls, toppling roofs, and gaunt chimneys confronting one. We left Charleston Tuesday morning, arriving at Florence at half past eight in the evening, and finding there were (as usual) no sleeping cars, preferred staying overnight there - were shown into a very country tavern, no carpet on the floor in our room, bed rather comfortable, but a fire of pitch kindlings, made a beautiful light and rather made up too, for all discomforts. You would have laughed to see “Bob,” the next evening, hold up one of these pitch sticks, on fire, for me to dress my hair by the light of it, the candle was so very dim. We were obliged to rise at five am in order to go on to Petersburg. We breakfasted on the road, reached Petersburg at ten o’clock Wednesday night, accomplishing our hardest journey of all in this day a half and glad it is over with -- At Petersburg we stayed until Thursday night about ten o’clock which gave us ample time Thursday to drive all about, and indeed we found the place very interesting - It is much larger than I supposed, not as beautiful as Savannah but more business like, more energetic, what have made there during the war has been in a measure repaired - we drove out to the “crater” as it is called, the scene of the explosion of the mine, and the battle field where in nine months two armies p210 lay within eight yards of one another, and although ten years have gone by, and have a realizing sense of the frightful effects of war. The owner “Mr Griffith” of this farm -- We see about, explaining to us the position of the armies, of their charges, and many incidents to see of which realities we were able to see -- where the explosion took place - and this extremely deep hole where the mine was constructed and which had been used afterward by some soldiers as winter quarters and large embankments of earth had been thrown up by the explosion, and “Mr Griffith” told us of three hundred Confederate soldiers who were stationed on that spot at the same time, but three escaped alive. He was present at the time and said that as it exploded as the line of federal batteries opened fire, and that he thought (to use his own expression) all Hell had broken loose and every man, woman, and child would be “exterminated.” He said there were men in every concievable shape killed here, an arm and then a leg sticking up and only 10 years ago they were disinterred, many still remain in. He told us he was on the spot when they were taken out, looking for the body of a friend who still remains in the earth there, and observed that the bodies, although much blackened, were not now decayed, and the blood even ran from them when lifted out. The earth seems to be a white clay which soon hardens when exposed to the air, and when freshly dug can be molded into any shape. Well! everywhere were still giving shredded  confederate bills  etc.------ is guaranteed thousands.  He told us of one instance and showed us the spot which was marked by the bones a horse which the recent rains had disinterred. Gen. Lyon and four officers were issuing dispatches from a courier who was on horseback. A shell struck them, cutting off the General’s head and killing the others instantly. There are a number of entrenchments and of course much more which would take too long to relate. We saw also a beautiful little church built by the 6th New Yorker Engineers a short distance from the battlefield. Mr. Griffith showed us inumerable relics which he had picked up off his farm. The latter comprises almost thirty thousand acres and was since the war, first broke, and was made a drill grounds of. and more a smaller part of it can be cultivated. For he showed us a trench about two miles in length which was completely filled with confederate soldiers, (not yet named?)  and the small braids which marked their regiments already decaying. The United States soldiers all had been removed, so you see making of this farm a past cemetary. It was very sad, and gave rise to so many thoughts. I fell half sick when we left them.

       Our journey last night from Petersburg have ___, we left at ten o’clock, arriving in this city at eleven. You see but one house, struck me rather forcibly - between Gen. Grant’s nine months and our one hour. We have been driving all about the whole day. This city is considerably larger than any other Southern city we have seen with the exception of New Orleans, and even that it surpasses in its citified air. We are staying at the Ballard House. More like one of the New York Hotels than (off the bottom of Diary page) as yet, comfortable room p212 on the first floor, etc etc.

       Their principal business street, called Main Street, was burnt down on the surrender of the city on both sides for many square ___? but now a great portion of it has been rebuilt, with some very handsome buildings too. The capitol stands upon what is called Sahrekhorn Hill; the building itself not much, commandands a fine view and in the park surrounding it is the equestrian statue of Gen. Washington. From Liberty and Bay Hills, we also had a view. There seem to be a great number of steep hills and innumerable valleys - “Belle Isle” we gazed long upon and trying to imagine how much? was from soldiers must have suffered there and many of them finding there a grave. Cassita Thunder and the Libby Prison we did not fail to visit, both large, square, three storied buildings formerly tobacco factories, and the former used as such now, the latter used as a guard house by new troops now. Geff Harris house was reoccupied by Gen. Scheffield and his carriage was used also by the General. You can imagine with what bemusing gayze (sic) we looked upon all these objects of interest. Visiting too, the industrial school, presided over by Miss Foster and ______, for the purpose of giving employment and instruction to negro workers -- They earn a living for themselves, are paid either in money or clothes as they prefer. A contract for army clothing has been given them by Gen. Schefields -- but they do sewing of all kinds. Fine and casual. They sang for us several songs. One they used to sing on stage... All that we saw some forty females had been slaves, and the one who led the songs was sold with  p213 her child two years ago for six thousand, five hundred, she had regained her child and bring him with her husband and says as she sings this other song, which they call “Freedom Song” she feels it sung and in her heart. The words run something like this “the chains are burst. At last, at last! Praise God! I think I’d like to die. Our chains are burst. When Sherman come, The Rebels they ran away, away, Praise God etc.” So mild and plaintive, to save me I could not help the tears coming. Bob too, was very much affected. Ah! You ought to see these things for yourselves and wonder how slavery could have lasted so long. A picture of Lincoln encirled with a wreath of ivy was at the end of the room, and all seem to revere his memory, as they certainly have reason to do. I don’t know what to think, in a political way. Henry, I am sure, when we see and hear, as we often have, some of these lovely farm homes so desolated and no means to improve towns, friends dead, I feel just as if they had suffered enough, and then again when I hear them curse and swear at the Union Flag, and think everything is going wrong, my heart hardens toward them, and I feel as if they needed a strong hand to keep them. Then we drove out to Oak Grove, where thousands and thousands of Confederate soldiers lie buried. One vast wilderness of graves. Many thousands were marked with a simple white headboard giving only the name and regiment, and sometimes two in one grave. - - but oh! So many, many more with but a splinter of a stick, marked with the name, and oh such a number of these half, or wholly pulled out and lying about almost so that thousands will be unknown forever. I never saw so many graves at once. We did not feel the war at all at the north. p214 So very  indirect - We leave here in the morning for Washington travelling half the day by boat to Aiquia Creek - reaching Washington tomorrow night - from there to Baltimore and Philadelphia. We shall be in New York by Friday next, I think, write to me there but send me, please Evelyn Bliss’s address, I may go and see her, if free time, but we have a good deal to do in New York. Bob had an attack of asthma again in Charleston, is better now but if it is cold in New York we shall stay ten days or so. We are both getting anxious to be at home, however, as we come nearer, I trust all are well, my darling Mother - How much I thank you for helping us so heartily. Love to Auntie Burt and family - Henry and Lottie, when you write Ev and Clara. Much love, I am getting much fatter in the face and have kept quite well. If there is (sic) any commissions for me to execute, send me word to New York. Send me the size around of Mollie’s head, please. I could write much more but there is not time and you will think I am tedious. I did not hear from Louise Wilkenson. Wish I had time to write her but I have to write to Aunt Maria and Charles. And in travelling so from place to place it is no small work to get seated to write or even to find time. Aunt Maria said Charles and Louise would probably be gone from Holland Patent by the first of April. Do you know if they went direct to Portland or to Rochester. Rememberances to Uncle Henry and Aunt Charlotte. I dare say you have seen Henry Kip since he returned, well? Love to one and all, and kisses inumerable for my own little girl. I presume she misses Lena, soon we shall be with her.

       p215 Washington, April 7, 1867

       ____ Side Hotel

       My darling Mother and dear ones all, we arrived here yesterday afternoon and it really looks new, more like our country. We had a very fine opportunity for seeing Richmond. The weather was delightful there, and it was only yesterday, in coming on here, we left the keen north wind, and it did seem to go right through us. We came up the river by daylight, and thus had opportunity of seeing Fredericksburg, Alexandria, passing Mt Hermond (?) the latter we had a good view of. It is the custom of every steamer to toll its bells while passing, and until it fades away in the distance. and is it not a beautiful one. Passing, too, Fort Washington and the Navy Yard. The night before we left Richmond, “Clara’s” Major Lance  (as he is called now) saw our names upon the Register at the Hotel . and visited us. We had a pleasant call from him. He asked after yourself and “Lottie,” and seemed delighted to meet some Buffalo people. He wanted us to remain over, very much. Mrs Senate  Morgan, and our former minister to Paris, Mr. Bigelow we also saw us with numberless celebrities in our travels about.

       Your letters were received, precious Mother.

(Bob’s letter crosswise at top of page)

 ____ hear of your shovelling in the coal, and saying the word the next thing. Your letters are bully. The only trouble is they don’t come often enough. I wish you would be sensible about those nuts and break open the boxes. We couldn’t use half of them and they will get old and rancid. You will never succeed in life if you are so modest. Tell Hen that his letters were as they always will be, most welcome. I will try and answer them before I get back to Buffalo. If not, I will answer them in person. With much love to all at home.

       Yours affectionately, Bob -

p216 I read it and then Bob took it, then we read it together. So you see it was appreciated. You allude to some things in the way of news, such as Sarah Barnum’s going to housekeeping, as if you thought we already knew it, but you probably forgot how long it is since we heard from home. I am so glad “Ev” is going to housekeeping, she will be so happy for she has been longing to do so, I presume  - won’t it be nice. You can first call upon me, then Auntie Burt, then Ev, and all within a short distance. - Yes! you will sure to have your hands full getting us both settled. We met Mr. Stebbins here the first thing. He told us of Mr. Goodricks death. I believe Mr. Stebbins is going back to Havana with Mrs. Bartlett, his daughter, next week - the Mudi’s (?) have sent for her to return. Henry Richmond, also called, and Bob met Judge Hall today. The judge said Mrs Hall and Grace were with him, at the National Hotel. He asked after me - leaves town tomorrow. I did not think Mrs. Hall or Grace either would care particularly to see me so have not thought of going over there - - We have already driven all about Washington, but not, as yet, got out and been inside of federal buildings - the capital is entirely finished, or nearly so, I should say. One wing is being completed, and very beautiful it is. Army, Navy, and State, and Treasury buildings, and White House, and nine years seems to have made a world of difference, in all but the “White House” which still looks as I remembered we have seen - Secretary Staton, Seward , McCulloch, Nilks (?) the French and Mexican  Ministers residences, and do not think them very elegant. Secretary Seward’s  is a very unpretentious brick building with dormer windows, and a sentinal paceing to and fro before the door. Tomorrow we have planned to visit all the public buildings, and in fact, see all we can. The Smithsonian Institution has been rebuilt, and about the same style of architecture as formerly - - - We leave here Tuesday for Baltimore. I shall write again from New York, and not until I get there. Bob was writing to “Mrs. Allison” about the house, so I thought I would answer your dear letter at the same time. We are so undecided about the painting, whether to have it all white, or upstairs the doors and halls grained, that we think it left until we return, unless they have already commenced it. We do not intend, my darling kind Mother, to be extravagant. As Bob says you perfectly agree wtih him. What we do get will be only that. That is necessary and quite plain in (?). And we thank you and do not think it “interfering” (as you call it) when you suggest this or that. No! We are only pleased that you are so interested and knowing all (?) it is for our own good. So Clara is at home, you did not say when she arrived. I presume you have had a time  and fixing any young lady up, but gracious___ what will you think of me. I am in rather destitution. Indeed it is a fact. I only hope my boots will hold out until I get to New York. Bob thinks I never took such care of a pair before. p218 But travelling about so uses up clothes dreadfully - and trunks as well. Everywhere we step, something else has come loose. My darling little girl, you cannot think what pleasure your dear little letter gave both Papa and I, and written so nicely. You have improved very much. “Lena” has gone and returned from Cleveland since Mama first heard of it. - You are very good and kind to her we hope, for you know you are getting to be such a large girl and she is still a very small one. I am wondering very much as we come near New York if you still want that trunk and dollies like Gertie Wales’  Mama was to bring her. And I shall expect to hear from you, and Lena who must add a postscript, and what little girls would most like from that great city. Mamma wants to see you very much, and can hardly wait now for the time to come. Well, Mother, if there is anything in the way of commissions for “Ev”, Clara, and yourself that you can think I can do, let me know. We cannot conceive of where such an idea of selling the house could have come from unless our taking the rooms at the Hotel, but it was well we did, returning so late, we should have been minus an (atrduring ?) place - We are going to have a range in the kitchen, Mother, and expected it was already dld, as it was picked out and arrangements made before we left, but now, Bob thought they might perhaps put the boiler in the wrong place and perhaps it would be more purdent to wait until we return. Elizabeth must be on hand at our rooms but I shall let you know when we are coming. Love to every member of the family, that is always understood, kisses to my darling little girl.

(At bottom,) from Bob: Mollie, you are a dear little precious for writing such a nice letter. you make your Mamma and Papa very glad when your little letters reach us. You must keep learning at school. I expect you will be able to read most anything when we get home. And the best of al is that Grandma says that you mind very nicely. You must be the best little granddaughter in the world, and Papa and Mamma will not forget it.

       Your own Papa

p219 New York, April 16

         St. Nicholas Hotel

 Here we are at last in New York, reached here last Friday night, found Uncle Henry and Aunt Charlotte waiting in the parlor to welcome us, and were so sorry to hear Charles Hayes left the city at the same hour (eight o’clock) we arrived, and upon getting your letter and found his city directions on the outside, he supposed we would arrive on Thursday. But we staid (sic) two nights and a day in Baltimore, and who do you suppose we met there? No less a person than Frank Goddard. He gave us quite an account of himself having been through the Civil War. He says he was at Montgomery, when it commenced and he “had to know” to quote his own words, to fire the first salute when the Confederate Flag was raised over the Capitol. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Schrier, formerly Corine Grant, called upon us also, and urged us very strongly to remain over. We drove all about Baltimore and visited their beautiful park called French Hill, nearly as large as Central Park. We staid (sic) but a day in Philadelphia - there it was quite warm and all the ladies were out in their spring toilettes, and very beautifully they looked. I’ve my head full of ideas for Clara’s outfits - short dresses (off the page)... quite plain with skirts.

p220 We had a tedious, cold, and dusty journey here. I am sorry to say my hoarsiness seems to have returned. I suppose it is the change of climate for I cannot think of anything I’ve been imprudent in. I am well rapped up. Saturday was bright and pleasant but cold to us. Bob and I after breakfast called at the Grammercy on Julia and Laura, found them out. We then went over to the Hiltens and were unsuccessful there too, but I left a card asking Fannie to come down about eleven Monday and chaperone me about. We then went to look at mantles. Have about concluded we could do as well at home, still we shall look further to inform ourselves what we do want. In the afternoon I did a little shopping, and in the evening we went down to the Astor to see Mr. and Mrs. Kip, found the latter sick in bed from a cold. Made arrangements to go to church Sunday with Uncle Henry. But unfortunately we overslept, and were quite disappointed for we thought of going to Trinity, - There was nothing to do but look out of the windows. Mr and Mrs Agustus Belknap called upon us in the morning, Clara. She is lovely and told me a great deal about your adored “Mr. James”, which I shall communicate when I return. - Monday. I think I waited until one o’clock for Francis Fillins and feeling so worried at last, took a carriage and went up there and found them all out, and suppose of course she had gone to see me. Left card with the girls, if she returned to explain why I wanted so particularly to see her, and the many obligations I should be under if she would come once again in the afternoon by three. p221 and so went back to wait again. While waiting in the reception room who should walk in but Maggie Brayton. She was very kind, offered me her services which I gladly accepted, and with her kind assistance accomplished some of my shopping and proposing to go out immediately this morning and finish this portion up. Upon returning we found “Fannie” had been here about four - and saying she had a headache, proposing to go out on Wednesday, well, time is of some importance to me now. I’ve made an engagement for that day. We went to Wallacks last evening to see a play called “Hunted Down.” Saw Mr. Corlies the younger, and older, Clara, with two beautiful young ladies this morning. It proves so much for anticipating. The blackest of info could not express my disquiet - have to stay all day in this hotel, looking out of the window and feeling we have our hands full. Maggie Blayton has gone out in spite of the weather, but it is so dreadful. I dare not venture, Will Edwards you know, is here with Maggie. they propose returning Thursday. I feel very much indebted to her, and hope the weather may be peasanter tomorrow, that with her assistance I can finish up. We expected to have gone to the opera tonight to hear “Arisphero” (?) if it does not rain too hard, we shall do so. Good Friday, of course, the stores are closed and altogether this much seems unfortunate for us. We wanted to return Monday next - I mean leaving here Monday next - p222 and if we get through, so that we can do so, will telegraph you - We shall be at home, however, either Tuesday or Wednesday of next week. I suppose Mr and Mrs Kip will leave this week, but it would be impossible for us to do so. I’ve not seen her since Saturday night. I hope my own little girl has quite recovered from her cold. Give her many kisses for me and much love to Lena. I shall be horribly, horribly disappointed if Ev is going off to Cleveland. Now __ its to bed. How we should miss her ____ she ___. Will and Maggie think both of us look wonderfully well and I am sure I am so - Do you know I think I shall get all we need for the house in Buffalo. We can do better at home we think. Prices in some things seem to be higher than when we were here in December. Well it is well to look about because we can then have some idea of what we want. Give much love to all the folks and Auntie Burt. We shall soon be all done now, and very, very glad I shall be. My own little precious Mollie, now I shall hug you when I see you. Grandma is so kind when she says she will keep you until we get in our house because it has been worrying me and Papa. Papa says Grandma knows just how to take care of you for all she don’t feel as I do - -. I can scarcely wait to get home and would start tomorrow if my things were ready and my shopping done - - - Good by again, my dear ones all

       Aff Yours,

               Sara