 | Berkeley papers |  |
I am really ashamed your kind letter to Ma has remained
so long unanswered. You know my failing in regard to writing letters,
but I think I would have made an effort to have written before this,
if Caroline had not talked of writing to you every week after your
letter was received, till she left. Since then I have been very
much engaged. Have you gone to the Parsonage yet? and how are you
pleased? We have not heard from the University for several weeks,
and dont know your movements. It will be very pleasant to you to be
so near your fathers family & Mary. You will have much to occupy
you the first year if you attempt to improve the grounds around your
house. George said you would not have many conveniences. That is
unfortunate as it is difficult for housekeepers to get along well
without closets etc etc.
Margaret is fully installed in house keeping but it is
not by any means agreeable situated as she is. She is to sensitive
an independent in her feelings to be at ease. I hope after awhile
she will like it better. Her health is better. Her face is somewhat
improved, but her eyes are still very weak. She can use them very
little. Willie is well, grows very fast, and still says and does
many smart things her friends think. She has been begging all day
to go with her father to Alexandria. He leaves tomorrow, & would
go if her Mother would consent. She frequently speaks of Lida &
Annie & her other cousins.
Our family circle is very small at present. We number
but four, Ma, Fannie, Mr. Clarke & myself. Clarissa & Emma are our
all the servants at home. Fannie is at Miss Bettie Bears all day
except at meals. We have it very quiet & lonely.
Ma has been in better health the last two months. She
has been able to sit up the greatest portion of every day & looks
stronger & better. She has been however somewhat more ailing the
last week, has taken come cold I presume. She will expose herself
more than she ought. She has been visiting some, spent several
evenings out, and several days at Cousin Julia's. Her spirits are at
least cheered by going out some, if she derives no other advantage.
Mr. Clarke has been very much indisposed for several
weeks with a bad cold & cough, not able to attend to his duties
part of the time. He is now improving & I hope will soon be well.
He has not been blessed with any fruits of his labors with us yet.
We are looking forward to our Quarterly meeting next week with interest,
hoping & praying some good many be done & revival is greatly
needed in our Church & all the Churches here.
It is thought Mr. Clarke is an admirer of Miss Lucie
Stevens. She is a fine young lady. He will be fortunate if he
succeeds in winning her. We had a marriage in town last week, Miss
Sue Heneberger and Dr. Dold. He has gained a fortune by marriage
if not by the practice of medicine. His profession has not been
Aunt Baxter is in bad health. She is now suffering
with a cold & cough. I fear she will not live long. She
is failing faster in strength & health than Ma.
I hope Mr. Broadus us in better health. George
said he was somewhat ailing. His duties will not be so
arduous at the University as in town. He and brother failed
to make us the second visit they half promised. We looked
for them till the session began or at least till George came.
Though his visit was unexpected we were delighted to see
him & would have been glad to have kept him longer.
I suppose you have seen but little of Caroline.
She has spent most of her time at Mr. Rodes. She will go to
the University shortly I presume to spend some time. I have
not heard from her for ten days. We are anxious to hear how
Lucy is. She was quite sick when we heard last. Ma, Margaret
& Fannie join me in much love to Mr. Broadus & yourself with
kisses to the children. Give our love to your fathers family
and Mary. I hope you will not follow my example & delay
writing so long. We are always glad to hear from you.
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