Noah Webster letter to Emily Ellsworth, 1838 May 7

New Haven May 7. 1838

Dear Emily.

You will read, in the newspapers, the accounts of the awful catastrophe of the explosion of the steamer Moselle at Cincinnati. And with grateful feelings you will learn, that Rosalie & her sons went from Wheeling to Cincinnati in that boat, & had thoughts of continuing in it till it arrived at Louisville; but for some reason or other, she left it & took passage in another boat but a few hours before the explosion. This event is too remarkable not to be noticed as a special providence. A son of Jonathan Dwight of Springfield was in company, & remained on board, & I understand is lost. Your mother when she first read the news, shed tears, Indeed who would not be affected with joy & gratitude at such an escape of friends!

Gov. Ellsworth & his Secretary are in health. The Governor bears his "blushing honors" very well. His French is much admired by men of good principles, our side; but the radicals are very angry at its contents.

I suppose & trust that you will pay us a visit during the session. I think you ought to do this, on this special occasion.

Mr Goodrich & Julia arrived at home, at 1/2 past three oclock, Sunday morning, having been detained at anchor 14 hours by a tempest - all well.

Love to you & the children from your affectionate

father

N Webster

74109

Mrs Emily W. Ellsworth

Hartford

Moselle

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NEW HAVEN Ct. MAY 7

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