ENPages
25 March 57
My own dear child
It was indeed a surprise our dear Appy return home. Mr Brown came here on Saturday evening at the hour he usually comes after my tea bread had been ordered / I was in the pantry dear Butler came in put his hand on my shoulder & said who do you think is coming in the boat tonight? I could not guess (being not much of a yankee) he then told me Mr Brown was in the parlor & brought a message from Mr Grant as well as a note to Cugler from that gentleman stating that Fraser would escort Appy from Darien, (where the ladies of his family would leave the St-Margo) to Hamilton. At the time I had no idea a thunder storm was brewing. Cugler got his supper in all haste & prepared to start for Hamilton to await the arrival of the boats He had scarcely left before it began to thunder with vivid flashes of lightning & the wind blew furiously _ I dreaded some accident to the dear boy on his way. I still more feared the steamers being blown against the marsh or not being able to near the wharf I could not sleep until past twelve _ listening for the whistle dear Butler also kept awake _ nod however I did from after twelve until 2 when I was fully aroused by the long far whistle. As soon as Butler heard it he whistled too _ us as much as to say "all safe" _ before this time
the storm had past over I roused Tilla & June had fires down stairs & in my room & in due time dear Appy came stumbling up stairs. Thankful to God: was I to embrace her once more & the dear child was more glad to get home I believe this time than ever she was before. Had the school been such as we hoped it was she could have spent two or three months there very profitably as well as pleasantly _ as she found it _ I am sorry the plan was ever formed or put into executions. I am glad she made so short a trial of it. She has gained a little and a bad cold from broken window in the room assigned her experience her only loss I [???] is her handsome collar 75 cts in change & some small cakes. I am letting every one [the?] cause of their leaving so suddenly was from a case of Scarlet fever in the house. She would gladly have remained with you my Tootee but you know how crowded you were. [Tho?] the tide was so favorable Capt. Freeborn took the out-side passage the Ever glade went in side _ The Ever glade got [???] even with the St-Margo _ the latter piled on more steam & ran on to a mudflat where she stuck for 2 hours _ the Ever glade stuck for only a few minutes _ In the midst of the Storm Appy _ the Grants & Ellen [S?] were playing a game at cards down came a vivid flash of lightning _ then a stunning peel of thunder & simultaneously a terrible crash Every one was alarmed _ some crying out & we are lost & It was soon ascertained the St-Margo had run foul
of a large vessel at anchor _ as both had lights _ the vessel at anchor the steamer [doubtly?], will have to pay the damage done. The Everglade must have stopped during the storm as she did not pass Hamilton until 12 I expected by her a keg of powder + a supply of shot _ but it was not landed. I am sorry my child to hear of the frequent ill turns your dear baby has. As much as I do want to have you here I think it best you should remain near your good Doctor. Appy as well as Butler thinks she was greatly improved in appearance I am delighted to hear she can walk again. Poor little baby _ God grant she may be spared to you my darling. I rejoice also hear you are all looking so well. I hope Gods mercy will spare you from Scarlet fever. At Church yesterday I saw the most of the Haggard family. The poor old Col looks like the last of pea time. Mr Haggard + Mrs. James worn out _ the young people + children look miserably. The most of them had first Scarlet fever then measles. Next to the youngest son was at the point of death for five days _ is now suffering from risings in his ears + behind his ears + is quite deaf. There were 10 of the family down at one time. The fever is at Miss Mary Goulds + Horace Goulds I have heard of no deaths from it _ I am most anxious to visit you my darling _ but I ought not to leave home when expecting this disease on the place _ [Pussy?] is gettting to be very inefficient there has been no deaths here since poor old [???] _ the
Capt Ottinger man spoke of was _ poor old Johnny, at Hamilton _ I know it was on that Sunday they had his funeral. Nancy is not so bad off _ but still more so than is safe _ Ellens child, illness was from a rising in her head _ as soon as it dies _ charged through her nose + ear _ the fever left her + she is better. Toney is laid up with Rheumatism _ a bad case _ Poor dear Butler has to get on as well as he can. I am glad that Couper + Fraser have done so well with the common crop I hope the fine will go higher. As soon as it is all sold I will have to begin to draw which is as bad as drawing out teeth. By the way Tootee dear John said to Appy that he had sent Lords trunk + no trunk has been received either by the St-Margo or Everglade. Appy gave Butler the key entrusted to her by John. As Fennel is getting on board the St-Margo I will send the barrel of grist by that boat. I would ere this have sent you a supply but we have to do all our grinding by hand _ the new home mill not yet put into operation _ I have to add another of my tedious memorandums _ which I will put on a separate piece of paper. I had to stop with my carriage coverings for want of another piece of binding _ The most important piece of intelligence I have left untold _ I heard both from your dear Father and Florence yesterday. The former with dear [Malley?] was on board the Steamer Empress with on the Mississippi river _ detained by fog _ both were well then 17th Feb _ I feel such a dread of that river _ God! Mercy protect them from every danger. Florence wrote on the first day of their reaching Washington _ God grant they too may be protected + return safe + well to their home
[2 Mar 1857] [5]
I have been trying to get the gum but it will not run _ as soon as I can obtain it I will send you a supply as well as make for dear Butler _ his cold still sticks to him. On Satur day night one of Capt Portells men was drowned from off his vessel. [begin crossed out] wh [end crossed out] in what way I cant say. His vessel is still here I am very sorry to hear that neither [begin crossed out] or [end crossed out] ^(our) dear Cousin or Mr Woolley are well. That they should suffer pain of body who do so much to relieve pain in others seems sad. God grant both are now in their usual health _ Give her a kiss for me with much love from each member of the family + our united kind regards to him. I am worrying today to try + shelter the remains of my few surviving plants from this sudden change from summer heat to winter cold. The fowls do me great injury scratch they will. What has become of the gun sent on to be mended + the boots Floyd got me to mention about to John Fraser. When any article is missing we have every reason to fear a total loss. I may write again tomorrow my head is confused today. Appy has written to you all the rest send warm love _ Kiss the dear children + love to W. + the Frasers if still with you.
Your devoted Mother AM King