Front: 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 oc-
casion.

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

Love to you & the children from your affectionate

father

N Webster