 | Berkeley papers |  |
Prompted by a fervent desire that the peace and friendly
intercourse that has so long existed in our family might continue
I write this letter.
Ellen you no doubt are aware ere this, that our feelings
were very much wounded from the manner in which things were conducted
dureing Franks visit in Leesburg. We certainly expected you
would have shown us respect enough on that occasion to bid us be
present. The kind of invitation you gave Mr. Smith I did not consider
any invitation at all. I am sure Edward was over a few days
before Frank came you could then if you had desired shown us that
token of respect not that I cared one Iota about attending for I
should hardly have gone that far to have seen Franks bride though
I should like to have seen her if things had been conducted differently—-but
Ellen was not your husbands relations good enough to
welcome her. I ask the question, for it appears from circumstances
they were not as not one of them were present. Do you think his
Aunt Harriet would have been any disgrace to him in my opinion
she would have been an honour. Daniels Boys ought never to forget
her for did she not go there and take charge of these motherless
children directly after their mothers death untill Daniels marriage
and I think discharged her part faithfully. Ellen I do not write
this without my husbands sanction for he requested me to do it and
approves of every word I write. I can assure you he was exceedingly
mortified when persons would ask him concerning the marriage to
think he could give them no information as near a relation as he
is. He did not mention it to Daniel when he was over because his
feeling was so much hurt he forbore to speak of it. He does not
think our family so greatly honoured by the alliance but considers
the Smith family quite on a par with with any of the Harrison connection
wherever it may be found and I think so too. I say nothing
against Franks wife for I know nothing. She may be evry thing a
woman ought to be and perhaps if I knew her I might love her very
much, but is it worth while to make her think there are only a
few people in the world good enough for her to associate with. As
to Daniels children I have been very much attached to them I suppose
it was on account of their loseing their Mother when they
were so young, Francis particularly. We were pleased to hear of his
success and his elevation to the Office he now holds—but think
you it will not lower him in the estimation of the world if he forgets
his relations. If we were ever to send one of our children to
the university do you think he would know him. There is one thing
certain I never expect either of my sons to be Professors but if
one of them should so distinguish himself I do not think I should
go beside myself. Ellen we profess to be Christians. Let us try
and act as such in this respect and endeavour by all in our power
to keep up the same kind feeling that has always prevailed in our
family. I ask nothing more. We have enough of this worlds goods to
satisfy our reasonable wants, for which I thank my heavenly father
for every day that I live. I must now close. I hope I have said
nothing harsh. If I have I did not intend it but merely to lay my
whole heart open to you—as one Sister should to another. All are
well and desire to be remembered to all, hopeing that things may
speedily wear a different aspect, I remain your affectionate Sister
| Berkeley papers | |