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I have been for many days intending to write to you,
but as usual some unforeseen circumstances have prevented my
doing so. I was much obliged to you for your kind letter, which
contained many things I wished to answer immediately. I have
greatly regretted not being able to call on the young ladies
at Mr. Stevens'. The weather has been such as to preclude walking
To-day I intended going down, but yesterday it commenced raining
violently and continues to-day, so I shall be prevented some
time longer. Mrs. Stevens and Virginia Miller called to see Mary
and myself yesterday. The girls accompanied them to the University
but were too ceremonious to call on us. I feel a little
curious to know how matters stand with Mr. Harris and Miss Miller.
He called to see us, and looked very well and cheerful. I never
saw her look prettier than she did yesterday. I believe she is
a good deal admired by some of the students.
Mary, Minna and Lucy have been with us since Tuesday week.
The children are well. Lucy is a very sweet pretty little creature.
She is getting over her shyness almost entirely. Minna
roads very well for one of her age & seems fond of her book. Mary
is still very delicate. She is a good deal complaining to-day.
She talks of taking lessons in Frendh and music to enable her
to instruct her children. I think it a very good idea. It would
divert her mind from her own cares and sorrows, and furnish her
an object of interest to occupy her. Fannie Rodes and their
governess, Miss Sherman from Vermont, came down Saturday last to
see the University. It was however so very cold, they declined
visiting the Rotunda, preferring to do so when the weather was
milder. Miss Sherman is a pretty young girl, of very genteel
manners and doubtless well qualified to teach. The family seem
much pleased with her. Mr. Rodes thinks of taking a few bairders.
I am very sorry Eliza has the whooping cough. Mary would
like to pass some of her time with Maria but is doubtful about
the propriety of letting her children take the disease at this
time of the year. Eliza is getting on remarkably well with it.
We had an unusually dull Christmas with us. Indeed such
a gloom was cast over the whole community by Mr. Courtenay's
death that it disinclined every one to enjoyment of any kind.
His family will remain until the spring, when they will remove
to Baltimore to reside with their uncle David Courtenay. I believe
he left enough to support his family, with economy. You
have of course heard that Mr. Nelson is appointed to take charge
of the senior classes, and Mr. Dinwiddie the junior. This is
only a temporary arrangement. Mr. Venable is one of the most prominent
candidates for the professorship.
I am very glad to hear there is a prospect of our seeing
Caroline this winter. We should be truly pleased to have her
with us whenever she is disposed to come. You made some enquiry ab
about mama's health. She is pretty much as when she left here.
She has a new physician who gives her more encouragement. Dr.
Page, her former one, I imagine has given up practice, as he has
come in possession of several hundred thousands. She has a friend
and relative of hers, a Miss Smith, living with her who is no
Smith called to see them, on his way to New York. Papa and
Mama were going to dine out that day.
I am very happy to hear you are so much pleased with your
new preacher. We heard a very favorable account of him. Mr. August
is much liked in town. He is now gone to see Mr. Johnston married,
to whom I know not, not being able to get to town I know very
little of the news.
Tell Fannie poor Mrs. John H. Bibb is perfectly deranged.
She has been taken by her friends to the Baltimore Hospital, There
being no room in Staunton. It is a most melancholy circumstance.
She has a family of most interesting children. I trust indeed
she may be restored. Mr. Broadus and Maria passed a few days with
her before Christmas. They were quite persuaded her mind was then
in an unsound state. She was very kind and insisted on making
many presents to Lida.
I am nearly through the troublesome job of putting away
my pork. Through a mistake we have a double quantity, which has
been quite a labour. It is said we are to have Ole Bull, Strakosch
& Signirina Patti to perform in the town Hall tomorrow night. It
will be a great treat no doubt. Mr. Smith was enchanted with the
music he heard in New York. He bought some very handsome engravings,
and beautiful drawings of various kinds. The engravings
are handsomely framed for the parlour. From what you said I
flattered myself Mother was better than usual. My best love to
her, Margaret, Caroline and Fannie. Kiss Williette for me
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