(03) Letter: James Hallowell to wife (Margaret S. Hallowell), December 23, 1861

Linden 12/23 1861.

Dear Wife:

We are now sitting in the dining rom at Fathers, Mother knitting, father reading the paper, & Annie & Becky chatting. Last evening we took tea with Robert & Ann very pleasantly indeed.

Of course we had much to talk about, Ann having many questions to ask about thee & the children & our doings during the summer generally. But to begin _ We waited at the store for the stage on 7th day morning nearly an hour, but finally it came, when we began to pack in upon the back seat when lo! who shd [should] be there but father, which made it the more pleasant.

We were then pretty full, several of Frank's boys being in there.

We reached Laurel in good time, & at almt [almost] 8 1/2 started for Baltimore.

Father left us at the "Relay House" with the view of going up to Frederick. When we reached Baltimore we found Alban, Julia & Eddy awaiting

our arrival. Of course there were many questions to answer concerning thee & others, which I disposed of to the best of my ability. We called at Martha's & at Julia's room, and she (Julia) served up a lunch, with some very nice homemade currant wine, of her own make. We had done our shopping previous to this, Annie appearing with two combs? in her head which her Aunt Julia gave her, thinking we might break. Excellent Ab. then put us in the connecting car & we left for the Phil [Philadelphia] Depot, & got tickets & proceeded. But as Annie looked so large, I feared she would be charged full price so I gave her $1.50 (half fare), which she was to hand to the Conductor without saying any thing, which she did & all passed off satisfactorily.

When we reached the Phila [Philadelphia] Depot, the train being very long, & we being in the last car, we were left standing outside, & [Benny?] was near missing us in consequence, but we happened to meet, tho' we were both walking in opposite directions pretty

rapidly. We were soon snugly seated in a nice carriage Benny (excellent fellow) had engaged for us, this being about 5 1/2 o'clock, & at [?] 1/2, we found ourselves comfortably fixed at Benny's, & in due time, Sue served up one of her nice suppers including oysters, to which we did ample justice, as thee may suppose.

Here we found [Canby?] too, who had come in prepared to take us directly out, not knowing what time we would reach the city, but as we did not arrive in time he determined to remain over night & bring us out in the morning, which was done, reaching here say, at 11 1/2 o'clock, & the first person we saw upon our arrival, was mother standing in the lurch. The balance thee can imagine. Robert & Ann called on their way from church, & R. came down in the afternoon & we returned with him to tea as before stated.

I wish thee could see Ann's dear little baby (Lizzie) which is truly a sweet little creature. & dear, what a time there would be if you could

but have an opportunity - of comparing babies.

Our visit with them was truly delightful, Ann seeing very much like she used too, as smart as ever, and as funny. She served up an elegant supper which I did ample justice to.

This morning, Mother is a good deal complaining & is now lying down on the settee. She sends much love to thee & the children, & wishes very much thee was here & so do I. This is a very rainy morning with but little prospect of clearing off.

Annie sends her love to thee & the rest, & says she intends to get that Christmas present for the baby before her return. I hope Philip got off either yesterday afternoon or this morning, as I shall be prepared to go the rounds with him, & I think the visit will be a pleasure one to him.

I did not get measured for my pants (just as I expected, I can hear thee say), for there seemed to be no time.

Take good care of Pa's pet baby and Believe me thy affectionate husband Jas. S. Hallowell There have been many enquiries after Alice particularly _

Shoemakertown Dec 23

Margaret S. Hallowell Sandy Spring P.O. Montgomery Co. Maryland