Scope and Contents

Written from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Letter regards family news and the presidential election.

Transcription

Fredericksburg Va 10 Nov 1840

My dear Mother, I shall devote my spare time this morning to you. I got up earlier than usual for the purpose of showing the cook how to manage the stove. The parlor stove I wrote you about is a great improvement upon the old plan. It sits in the dining room, & with less coal for the day than it used to take for our fire in the grate, keeps both dining room & parlor warm. The door between them is thrown open, & we sit in the parlor. The parlor fireplace is on the summer arrangement, fire screen, etc. up so that you see besides the economy of the fixture, we have gained in personal comfort to ourselves, & in the saving of labor & trouble to the servants neither do we have any dust to contend with. The cooking stove has not had its trial yet; but I have no doubt that we shall gain as much by that as with the other.

'The boy' comes bravely on; Nannie, tho' not sick, is feeble. `The boy' is to be called Richard L. He is a fine looking fellow; & is decidedly the pet with his two aunts. I think Kate too is allowing him to divide the place in her affections, where little Annie, your little namesake, reigned supreme before. Since Nannie's illness I have taken to teaching Betty. She begins to read, & is very fond of entertaining us, by reading aloud at night her little stories for our amusement. She is docile, though one has to be firm with her and she soon finds out the length she may go with each one. They are both very affectionate children, though unlike in their disposition---I hear Annie's merry little voice saying "Beakfak is weady, beakfak is weady".-----Betty is devotedly fond of flowers; Annie cares very little about them--she takes more delight in associating with dogs & cats than in arranging plants & flowers. They both often talk about their grandma, & grandpa. Annie is sitting in my lap she says I must tell you to send her some toy things. Cousin Ann wrote that they must say what she shall bring them from England. Betty said "tell her she must bring her whatever she thinks proper. Annie said "tell her to bring me some candy, & some sponge cake."

Aunt Gatewood did not make a visit to Louisa, as she intended. After she went from here to visit her daughter near Spotsylvania Court House she was taken sick; she had a severe attack there of chills & fevers, & after her recovery, she returned home. Uncle Minor writes in good spirits; the same may be said of Aunt Goodwin. Old Mrs. Crutchfield is in town on a visit to her daughter who married a son of Mr. Young who used 2 to keep a tavern here. She always inquires kindly after you. She is a nice old lady. it seems as though I am not to find an opportunity for sending Pa the clothes that cousin Ann left here for him. It is a very nice suit of black & besides tending to make him comfortable, I think he would be pleased with them. I do not perceive any improvement in the leg. If Nannie & I be well enough in the spring, I should like to make you a visit. Ask Betsy if she could make room for us & `the boy.'

The political excitement which has been great with regard to the presidential election has subsided in a great measure. Pennsylvania & New York have both cast their votes for General Harrison---of course he then is elected already. I received a letter last night from Washington & from a Locofoco---he said it was given up there & that Mr. Van Buren acknowledged his defeat. For [Kemp's] gratification I will not close this letter till I go down town to hear the latest returns from Virginia & elsewhere. Well, I have returned---Maine, New York, & Pennsylvania have all gone for General Harrison. Virginia---"Ephraim is joined to his idols, let him alone"---returns are in from all but eight counties, which last spring gave a Locofoco majority of 45---The Van Buren ticket is 900 ahead.

Nannie, the children & all hands, send love to both of you, & to all the kith & kin. Your affectionate son, M. F. Maury

Scope and Contents

Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. The letter states that Diana Fontaine Corbin (Maury) must wait one year before an engagement can take place.

General

Observatory Washington 6 Feb 1857

My dear Sir, Your letter was received day before yesterday. I meet you with its frankness which it invites.

The 'failing' to which you allude is a grievous one; it constitutes the chief but not an insuperable objection to the continuation of your visits to my daughter. She is wise and discreet, I defer to her judgment and approve of the answer which she has given you and by which she requires one year to elapse before she shall be pressed for an answer to your suit. She is a dear child.

This will give us time Mr. Corbin to become better acquainted with you.

In the meantime permit me in the indulgence of that solicitude which the relation you are seeking to establish are calculated to excite in your behalf, to express the hope that if you have not, you will lay off and pursue a regular course of reading & study.

Very truly yrs. M.F. Maury

Scope and Contents

In the letter, Ferdinand Maximilian, Archduke of Austria, thanks Matthew Fontaine Maury for sending a copy of "Sailing Directions."

Transcription

Sir! I avail myself with real pleasure of the opportunity given me by your kind offer of the "Sailing Directions" to express to you my warm and sincere thanks for it, to tell you how since years I observed with intent interest and admiration your noble and unequalled efforts in order to hasten the improvement of the scientifical part of our profession.

I trust you will accept this little present, as a token of my gratitude towards a man whom all seafaring nations are bound to look upon with respect and thankfulness.

Believe me Sir Yours truly Ferdinand Maximilian Arch Duke of Austria

Milan Dec the 10 1857

Scope and Contents

Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards Diana Fontaine Corbin's (Maury) new marriage.

Transcription

Observatory 9 May 1858

My Dear Nannie, Yours was a sweet letter. It and Mr. Corbin‟s did our hearts good. We miss you so much! The flowers look lonesome, and the songs of the birds sound loud. This is little Lucy‟s birthday – seven years old. It will be ten years I reckon before she will be cutting out. Her Ma pitched into her and the "boy" i last evening. She found a moss rose in flower this morning. Davy and the boy went fishing in the wagon at the Little Falls yesterday. They were gone all day but didn‟t get a nibble. Molly is rubbing her chin with a lotion. I hope the appliance will drive those bumps away. As near as I can calculate it‟s just about seven years since you went away. I have not seen Betty since, and we have heard from Dick but once and Glumii twice. Went to the Capitol with cousin Anne and Mary Friday. Mit and Ellen are with us. Ellen is going this morning to the [_uney‟s] to make a long or short visit as the time may go. Your Ma and I only want a little stirring up to perpetrate a visit to Dabney next Thursday or Friday to stay till Monday.

Our hearts were touched by the conduct of those excellent people who greeted you with so much kindness, consideration and affection on your arrival at Moss Neck. Such a welcome must have gone far towards making you feel comfortably at home right off the reel. Life is made up of trifles, and our greatest happiness often depends upon a word, the glance of an eye, the tone of the voice, or what is more expressive but more indescribably still, the manner. What a boon, a pleasure and a blessing are pleasant manners! They give grace and confer happiness. They embellish, set off and adorn character far more than jewels and precious stones. Cultivate day by day pleasantness of manners. Let us analyze it. Of what or in what does pleasantness of manner – that trait which give grace and elegance to woman, comeliness and the power of doing good.

After church Davy, your Ma and I dined alone. The children stayed down to the Sunday School anniversary. But I was speaking of the Christian graces and human virtues and those traits which you should cultivate and which embellish and adorn the character. The one great point which after duty to God you are to keep constantly in view is to identify yourself with your husband, and strive mutually each to make yourselves the companion of the other. There is but one way to do this, and that is by teaching yourself, my dear, to take an intelligent interest in those affairs and occupations which are from time to time engaging his thoughts and time. The husband's affairs are in the married life the "affairs of state." He provides; and to say the least, the wife who seeks to be posted up in everything that concerns him, especially in the everyday affairs of life, does nothing more than render gracefully a grateful homage. Do you my love first set the example and if you do not win back tenfold, I have much mistake the character of the man who won your affections. You must learn the servants by name, the cattle and the fields too. You must learn of Wellford in the morning what he is going about for the day and take that lively interest in his occupations which you would do were they your own. The "farm book" will help you to do that. And if its dry details be mastered for the first year, they will be dry no longer – for then you can tell him when to sow, how the seasons and the signs are, etc. Then hospitalities and good-neighborhood, a smile of welcome and a gentle voice from mine hostess makes a sauce that is savory for everything. And the poor, I do not mean more especially objects of charity, but those who are in a more humble sphere of life than it has pleased God t place you – never lack, as in your little heart I am sure you never do – in consideration for them. I must not caution you against the bad taste of patronizing for your manner of life and good breeding secure you against that. What I meant to say is merely to caution you against the foolish habit of waiting to be spoken to. Speak to everyone without waiting.

There is no trait perhaps which is more winning than that of a generous confidence. Self examination, constant, close self examinations are indispensable. There are some of them that may be made all the better with the assistance of our husband. Make Them. Confidence begets confidence.

I would have you both bear in mind that this is the time for you to accommodate and adjust yourselves to each other, and with two such comely dispositions to work upon, this may be soon accomplished and that so thoroughly that all your future life will abound in good result.

Then too my dear you must not forget to treat with affection and show solicitude for all of Mr. Corbin's own friends and relations. They are disposed to be kind and good to you, meet them a little more than half way. As for reading, with your good taste you cannot go well amiss. Only in selecting authors, do not select merely for amusement – select for profit also.

I am writing you a very disjointed sort of letter my love, but I have been thinking so much of you, and missing you so much and loving you so tenderly since you went away, and my heart was so full and head so empty that I hardly know what I have said.

Did you plant the yellow jasmine at Farley vale? The "boy" will go down on his "own hook" Tuesday – Great boy that.

You and Wellford should write every mail to us – Goodbye, God bless you both. Yr. aff. Dad M. F. Maury

[The "boy" is Matthew F. Maury, Jr.] [Glum is Eliza Hall Maury]

Scope and Contents

Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards general family news.

Transcription

Observatory 31 May 1858

My dear Nannie, You and Mr. Corbin are as still as mice. Even "the boy" has fallen into that 'Sleepy Hollow' down there in Carolina - Wake up, you Rips- Don't you know that you've had a terrible hail storm along the river, and that it has made a clean sweep right & left of your neighbor's crops -? What did it to yours? We should like to know. Then don't you know that your Ma has been afflicted with all sorts of imaginings - that she has been on the [ca ] several times of being down upon you like a streak of lightening and hauling you up by telegraph to see how sick that [wetting made] you? Don't you know that we have been all married & [gaining on] marriage and that [we are gone/was our goal] - [Tom] & [the] [park] as - Tennessee [Mat] & a nice girl & that Dick Holland is trying to and [can't], that his sister [Dee] is coming to spend the winter with us - that you & Mr. Corbin are to [matr ] -that there's a courting couple walking round the grounds every evening- that there's no such thing as sunshine nowadays- that the wheat is all turning to straw---- Dear me child, wake up and tell us how you are & where you are -- the last time we heard of you, you were riding 'long the road side --But where's "the boy" & where's his pen? I can tell you what- if we don't hear from him soon and often we shall be sending after him-

I am turning down a layer of every row in the garden. A slip from every vine & [conifer] and the [ ] & the [ ], to be planted next spring at a country place of ours in Virginia. I don't reckon you know where it is. It's down on the North side of the Rappahannock River if you know where that is. It will be a pretty good place for roses.

Your Ma was in bed all last week till Saturday. Totts has been at home for two weeks with a sore foot, and [Davy] missed two or three days from school with winter chills- The sun flowers are coming up & he has got well. Mit & Ellen are with us still--The trip to Carlisle is knocked on its head. I hear nothing of N. Carolina these times. The little parson's wife & son (M.F.M of K'y) are with us. Kiss the "boy" & Mr. Corbin write I am your afft. Dad.

Scope and Contents

Written from White Sulphur, Virginia. Letter regards general family news.

Transcription

White Sulphur 15 Aug '58

My dear wife, I received yesterday your no. 2 with Nannie's letter. Bless Dick and Davy's heart for the attention and comfort they give you. Great boys are Dick and Dave. Sorry Sr. E. does not mend more rapidly. Sally F. and Nannie Gordon are talking of the Sweet Springs tomorrow. The difficulty is this: both places are crowded. If they give up their rooms here and can't get in there, they can't get back here. Nannie looks thin has a cold but is well in other regards except a bad cough. William I never saw looking half so well. Black Sallie is also enjoying her visit. Dick and your cousin Georgia take to each other. She wants him to escort her back to Washington. Bob and his family are here - "Sophy" and hers- and many of your last summer acquaintances all of whom inquire after you. Nannie is very pleasantly spoken of and Wm Dick and I will leave Wednesday or Thursday for Ridgeway. Send letters there. Mr. Norwood preaches this morning. I wish I could be of service to Thompson. I want to go home. Love to Sr E and all the children Where is Betty?

[Sir E is Matthew Fontaine Maury's niece Ellen Herndon, the daughter of William Lewis Herndon]

Scope and Contents

Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. The letter regards family news and mentions that Matthew Fontaine Maury will soon begin a lecture series in Ohio.

Transcription

Observatory Washington 12 Sept 1858

My dear Nannie You and Corbin are as still as mice. If you are coming, why don't you come along?

The General and Sally got home yesterday. [Wrottesly] sends his love. Charles has been in this country. Dabney and Nannie are with us. He has been ordered on a board to try prisoners in Washington and he hopes to be ordered on another for Tactics and to tarry for some months yet. Dick Holland appears to be enjoying his visit. Our Dick has also relished it keenly. Dave has set into school, the "boy" not, and I am leaving Totts and Glum in Dick's hands till I get through with the "heft" of my book work when I shall take them up in the old fashioned way, and go back to breakfast lectures. Lucy gathers fruit and flowers and makes herself happy in giving them away. Betty is at Jessie's and after her time is up then she is to make Jno B. a visit at the University and then to Richmond. Bless her heart she is trying to eke out her time as best she may. Your Ma was never looking so well or more beautiful. Fanny is cooking again and we have no dining room suit yet, "don't [tease]" Margaret Anderson. I am going to go lecturing up in Ohio from Nov. 22 to Dec. 3 Have not begun to get ready yet. I want to deliver 6 lectures a week for two weeks. ---raise money enough to send Dick to school, pay off bills and leave some "shots in the locker". I think I may be able to make out enough to furnish Farley Vale if you will let me do it in a plain way. At least I can buy all the furniture for the estate that you will probably want. Let me know about it, for I do not like the idea of his purchasing any of it and so lay himself liable to be taken hold of by the tongue of slander and malice, and of finding his acts and deeds misinterpreted by mischief makers. Now if you can rough it along upon $500 or $1000 - here's at you.

I have an elegant fight on hand! Bachei has been stealing the M.S. property of the Observatory and trying to forestall me. It's an elegant fight. Bob - bless old Bob- has gone with our band to Church. It's time for him to be back for the white folks - so good by - with love to Corbin. Your aff daddy M F Maury

[Alexander D. Bache is the Head of the United States Coastal Survey]

Scope and Contents

Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards general family news.

Transcription

Observatory Washington Sunday night 3 Oct 58

My dear Nannie, Your last letter announcing that you would be here the last of this week created as great a sensation and as much joy as if old Santa Claus himself had have stepped forward & announced that he intended to have xmas at the same time- It made glad hearts & smiling faces I tell you- It was physick to your Ma - regular Doctors truck - She has been asking for some time - has not been to church for two or three weeks- indeed she has been quite poorly- and the sight of you will do her a `monstrous heap of good' so hurry along. Thank Mr. Corbin for his letter; we will talk over matters when you come- Quando- O Quando? Name the day.

Betty & the baby were up Friday-but as cousin Fanny Perry & Ellen spent the day with us & your Ma had to go to bed sick, I did not see much of her- I carried her a flower to church. Lucy watches for Dave on the commons & goes to meet him every P.M. as he comes from school. Totts & Glum do philosophy at breakfast & yr Ma thinks the recitations prevents digestion. The boy listens & takes quite as much interest in the lesson as they do. I am busy with lectures, sailing directions, fights & correspondence. Your Ma pronounces the 10 first pages of No. 1 Lecture passable. Sr. E is with us, but is poorly. She looks badly. Totts is reading to Glum, Dave to himself. Lucy & the Boy have gone to bed. So too yr Ma. Yours coming will cheer her up, & help to make her well. Sally F. has not been up for a long time. We have not had any frost yet- How comes on that Farm Journal? I have some nice grape vines in pots for Mr. C. to take back to Farley Vale- The gardener is also preparing Rose layers & rose cuttings- I am thinking of some pear trees also- But I am afraid the gate will be left open, and that you will let the horses or the cows eat them up- Love to Mr. C.

Goodnight- Hurry along to yr affect. M.F.M.

Scope and Contents

Written from Rochester, New York. Letter regards the lecture series, which has a "large and attentive audience."

Transcription

Rochester New York 18 Nov 1858

My dear wife, How-dy! I staid all night in Phila. & in Albany. Arrived in [Auburn] about 3 P.M. yesterday. There, much to my surprise I was met at the cars by a barouche, deputations and soldiers & with music & banners escorted to my lodgings. The Rev. Mr. E. H. Creesy D. O. was my host, he had lived in Tennessee - under Bp. (Bishop) Otey. It appears I was civil to the Willard Guards when they were in Washington at the Inauguration. Hence the military escort. At night I lectured to a large and attentive audience in the At. Tel. and I reckon gave satisfaction for I only saw one sleepy head & that one was asleep when I commenced. I slept in the room where Bp. Hobart died- and came off at 7 this morning, arriving here at 11. I lecture here tonight then take the cars at 10 P.M. for Ann Arbor. Lecture there to-morrow night & so on to Chicago.

Now how are you all getting on? Has Nannie gone- and is Betty with you- & Totts & Glum & Dave & the Boy & Lucy How are they all? I must take a little nap if I can. God bless you all yr afft. M.F.

Scope and Contents

Written from Chicago, Illinois. Letter regards the itinerary for the rest of the lecture series.

Transcription

Chicago, 20 Nov. 1858

My dear wife, Here I am in the midst of a great snow shower- This is my lecture evening- Tickets 50 cts. Am afraid of empty benches. I am to stop at Col. Graham's, but as I had things to attend to- I will not go till after lecture.

There was a great crowd in Rochester- Had a sick headache- & when the committee waited on me to escort me to lecture I entertained them by "cascading"- However I got through & left in the cars at 3:45 A.M. Traveled all day- Reached Ann Arbor at 8 P.M. Found an audience waiting for me- hopped out, went straight to lecturing- delighted the audience-rode a [rail] to a party, took a hot supper and on back to the cars at 10- travelled all night-in a sleeping car & reached this place a 9 this morning. So here I am - I have just had dinner- am going to try a nap presently- it is only 2 o'clock.

I told Moore of the [R ] to send you a cheque- write yr name across the back of it, send it to the General and ask him to get the money for you.

Where's my Betty & where's my Nannie? I hope if the latter visits, the former comes.

Mrs. [Bland] has been [reading] along [here]. I do not know with what success.

I find nothing here from you. My head quarters will be care of B. H. Plixotto, Cleveland, till 30th. On the 22nd I lecture here-23 in Kalamazoo-24 no place fixed-Perhaps Indianapolis-25 Cleveland. 26-La Porte Ind-I reckon 27 here, 29 Cincinnati. & c.

The weather is very cold- Kiss all my children & tell me you all are well & happy- I want to astonish you with a present- Tell Totts & Lizinka & Lucy & the Boy to put their heads together & tell me what to bring. This is the House, where Dick & I stopped. This is a furious storm. Give my love to Mary & Sr. E. I hope they both continue to mend & [ ] must [that] [ ] [evening] of hers- it has [tormented] her enough.

God bless you. I am mighty tired of staying away from home. yr- M.F.

Scope and Contents

Written from Kalamazoo, Michigan. Letter regards a poor turnout at the Chicago, Illinois lecture due to weather.

Transcription

Kalamazoo, Mich. 23 Nov 58

My dear wife, I received, yesterday, your letter of 17. That was my Auburn night. It's a great while ago. So Nannie went off and you are all comfortable. That's a blessing - except poor little Glum. What say you to sending her up to Frank Minor's?

I had a time of it in Chicago! Last night it rained worse than it snowed Saturday night, and the attendance was as slim. If it had been good weather I should have made $600 or $800 I reckon, as it was I made a little over $50 only! I stopped at Col Graham's you know. He gave me a party last night nice party- He was a soldier - he would have me waked up in time for the cars at 6. He never got left. He would have breakfast for me at least the cook would. But bless your heart honey not a soul waked up til the knock came - so I was up and dressed and off in about ten minutes. When I arrived here Senator Stewart with a committee was at the cars to escort me to the Hotel. He and his wife leave for Washington Saturday. They will stop at the St. Charles. I wish you and Betty would call on her. She is very plain, but I want to invite them up to spend the day when I get back. You have got to make up your mind old lady to turn over a new leaf. I tell you. I shall want friends this winter and you have got to cultivate them for me. So you had better set to and make calls, renew acquaintances and leave many cards. Get a nice hack and go like a lady, and don't over do the thing by breaking yourself down. Take several days.

Betty is a sweet child. Kiss her for attending to the English [roses]. I want to write to Nannie, if I can get some paper. Make the Boy, Glum and Totts find Kalamazoo on the map and trace me from place to place. I'll go and look for some paper. Good bye. Think about Lizinka and Ridgeway. Love to all yrs M.

Scope and Contents

Written from Chicago, Illinois. Letter regards the lecture series and distance Mathew Fontaine Maury has traveled since leaving home.

General

Chicago 27 Nov 58

My dear wife, Since last I wrote I have lectured in Kalamazoo, Indianapolis, Cleveland, & La Porte- Make the children find the places- Tonight I lecture here- It is now 10 A.M. & raining- I go to Col Graham's directly. Hope to find a letter from you. Have had but one yet. Since last I wrote I have not had time to write you. I am very well- a slight cold. I do long to get over this task.

2 P.M. I am at Col. Graham's again- They are very kind. You never did see such gloomy weather- It has been gloomy since here I have been, for I have been in the lake country for more than a week. It is now snowing & storming furiously. But I do not lecture on my own hook to night, that's one comfort. I have so far not been able to find any letters here. I do not see what the papers say of the lectures generally, for I lecture and am off, and when I get back then the papers are out of date- had a packed house in Cleveland- They had to stop selling tickets- & turn off- House full.

Here is the summing up- I have travelled since I left home 1844 miles, have been from home 12 days.--10 days on my lecture ground & have lectured 9 times- and have made $540. and the next 9 days, shall if rails will carry me fast & far enough shall make $1000 I hope. I am dying to see you all. Kiss my darling Betty for me- Is she with us why don't she write? I suppose Moore sent the check for $60- The truth is I have not had the time to send your acct. I forgot to sign purser's receipt for pay. So if you want money, get Mr. Harrison to fill up the enclosed and get my month's pay for you. Kiss every one of the children. your affectionate. M.F. Maury

Scope and Contents

Written from Chicago, Illinois. Letter regards lecture series and travel to Cincinnati, Ohio.

Transcription

Chicago Ill 28 Nov 58

My dear wife, This is Sunday about 2 p.m. I reckon. It has stormed furiously ever since yesterday- as the day before. I go off at 8 p.m. for Cincinnati. Pretty good audience last night, though it was a dreadful night. I enjoyed the whole night's rest mightily. I shan't spend another night in bed, till I get to St. Louis I reckon. They tell me here that I have improved vastly in appearance since last Sunday. I wonder how you all are - got letters - Wells and Sr. Ellen, sent from the Observatory. Two more weeks now and I'll be working my way homeward.

I am mightily tired writing - have been at it now since I got here. If I go down stairs a lady will talk me to death. What a blessed thing a little quiet is. Kiss all my children for me and give love to Sr. E Mary and the Gerard's. God bless you Your aff M F Maury

Scope and Contents

Written from Cleveland, Ohio. Letter regards general family news.

Transcription

Cleveland 1 Dec (1858)

My dear Nannie, Have just time to thank you for your nice letter to your Ma, to hurrah for Dec. 15. Send her & say I hope to be stopping in a day or two after you & Mr. C. get there --- You see I am choosing the proper time. God bless you yr. afft. Daddy

Scope and Contents

Writtenf from Cleveland, Ohio. Letter regards a disruption in train schedule that led to travel in a private car supplied by the president of the railroad.

Transcription

Cleveland 1 Dec 1858

My dear wife: I arrived here yesterday at noon and seem to have bewitched the people last night; as I did those of Cincinnati the evening before.

There was waiting for me here a large package of letters, in it 3 from you, 22, 23, & 26- with one from that smart little witch "poosy". Bless her heart, tell me what present to bring her & all. Nannie's is a charming letter. Am so glad she is coming home the 15th- I shall be turning my way homeward about that time.

Last Monday there was a change of R. Road times, which has played sad havoc with mein consequence of which I can't get to Detroit for a $112 lecture to night but take over at Toledo for $50. I left Chicago at 8 p.m. Sunday for Cincinnati. when I was due at noon Monday. But bridges had been washed away I did not get to Indianapolis till 1 p.m. 112 miles for Cin. I was to lecture there at 7 1/2, and all the trains had gone. So I thought I would see if I could not charter an engine & go down on it express- I found the Pres of the Road, told him who I was, & what I wanted. He fitted up an elegant car, sent me down in it, alone, & would not let me pay a cent- I arrived at 7, and found an immense audience, lectured, got in the car directly after came here, lectured, and had an elegant night's rest. I lecture in Chicago again Saturday, & Monday in St. Louis, on the 11th here & Buffalo 10 & 13, I reckon.

Betty is elegant for coming to stay with you, wish I was there to help you along with the gals. What does Frank Minor mean by saying 25th "cousin Ann coming next week".

I send you some slips. Mr. Murphy promised to send you Cincinnati. papers- God bless you all yr. aft. M.F. Maury

[Postscript] Don't go out in that wagon any more. When you feel well enough make calls. Take Diana along & leave my card everywhere.

Scope and Contents

Written from St. Louis, Missouri. Letter regards travel for the next week.

Transcription

St. Louis Mo. 6 Dec. 1858

My dear wife, I arrived here two hours ago. I find your letter of 2nd and Scip's. Hurrah for Scip. The mails in this part of the country are all so irregular that I have to go to the Telegraph a good deal. They call for me to lecture presently. I go away Wednesday morning, but where to I don't know- perhaps to Springfield, or Terre Haute, or Vincennes or perhaps- I can't say. But anywhere where the most money is to be made. I am dying to see you all. i shall be visiting the kin to-morrow so I shall have no time to write. My movements for this week are very uncertain- All I can say at present, is I expect to be in Cleveland Saturday. What is the name of the Tea I must get? I have seen Dick Ludlow & Mr. Berkeley. I mean to be at home next week---ain't that elegant.

The good night's rest last night & the quiet day refreshed me much- But I was heartily tired of being lionized in Cincinnati.

Bless Betty's heart for staying with you. When is Nannie coming up? Hurrah for Davy & the children, & the books & the lessons-

Lecture time- Good night, yr, M

Scope and Contents

Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards the solution to a rebus (puzzle) enjoyed by the family.

Transcription

Observatory Feb 17, 1859

Dear Nannie, We miss you every day, & invitations for Miss Maury keep a' coming. Frank and Lucy A are coming tomorrow. I bought a pair of shoes, had my hair cut and dined with your Ma at the Gerard's. The "boy" has Spanish at breakfast class. I have finished writing Sailing Directions. I sent you the last [Rural].

We have had a time with the gold pin rebus. The first is a [fras] "From"- Lt. Myers found out that.-- the three next - in hos- spit-(spitbox)-able-(table) (Lt. McCauley-)the next- propose - (prophouse - Glum) - half soled - beings - in - fidels- (Totts)- Traducers - ([Tres_____] - me) & naves - ( [ ]-Mc)-. I fled under (Dave) in-ex-tri-cable(me) em-bar-as(s) -men-ts (me) to- Iowa (Mc)-.

4 - 5 - 16 - & 17- are not satisfactory- Mc reads 4' "gamblers" -gable-[unders] no good- prop-house - shoe - on i.e. proposition has been suggested for the gaiter on the shoe (5). no go. Manshoeon - mansion. Also no go- Glum says he knows you have solved it, "From inhospitable". - hurra!- hurra!!. I've just got it- 4 is house, Latin "domess" & sticks- "domestics- "From inhospitable domestics, half soled beings, traducers, infidels & Knaves I fled under inextricable embarrassments- to Iowa."

Half soled may do for 5 - but it's a gaiter boot- Certainly "To Iowa" for "I" & A is flat- Find it out & get the [pun].

The Aubicks & the Roys invite you & Mr. Corbin to parties.

Jeff Maury has sent me two boxes of Havanah Sigars! O ho! Dabney is now with Rosethey go back in the morning-Lucy takes cyphering lessons from Dave. Another officer has been ordered to the Observatory- Minnie Mason sent you a note this evening asking for flowers for the [ ] ball - Diana sent them- Mrs. Lanier has come. - Good night-Love to Mr. C. & you.

Scope and Contents

Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards general family news.

Transcription

Observatory 16 Mar `59

My dear Nannie, Your welcome letter of Monday last came this morning and received much solicitude. We were dying to hear from you. Your Ma has been ailing for 10 days, for the last 3 in bed of a stitch in the right side. We suppose it to be an affair of the muscles. Your letter did a heap of good.

Mr. Watt is busy packing up plants for you. Plant the roses that are wrapped in moss just as they are moss and all. The vines - little twigs - are to be planted under the river bank. They have the purple flowers over the arbor & will climb the highest trees. Pull the moss away from the stems of the roses - not from the roots. I pay freight on them at least shall tell Mr. Watt to. Betty's going to house-keeping! Davey is going to be a lawyer. The "boy" ain't interested now when he hears Shakespeare read by anybody else but Fanny Kemble. Sister E came up for Church Sunday and staid til yesterday. Betty is up to-day. Molly is lonesome. She has been at your Ma to pop down upon you. I reckon she'll take you by surprise some of these days. Tell Brodie he had better visit Lucy & Betty here. That would be a nice visit. Uncover your jasmine. Love to Mr. C. God bless you, yr aff Father MFM

Scope and Contents

Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter discusses plants that were lost in transit to the Corbins.

Transcription

Observatory 22 March `59

My dear Nannie, Your waif of Tuesday last came to hand this morning. I am exceedingly annoyed about the plants. I send you the receipt. Tell Mr. Corbin he must be sure to make the Co. pay. The market value of the plants was, Mr. Watt says about $40. If they can be found soon they will live. But Mr. Corbin unless they are forth coming this week should refuse to receive them. He must make the Co. pay, for it is outrageous carelessness. They were delivered last week Tuesday p.m. just after 5 by Mr. Watts & 'Cap' on board the boat. I shall send this evening to inquire about them. In the mean time tell Mr. Corbin to stir up at people at your end of the line. Yr Ma is up again. Mrs. Young of S.C. was here yesterday inquiring kindly for you. Sr. E has been quite sick. Send last batch of copy to the printer today. The new medal came Saturday-But I can't write. I am annoyed about the miscarriage of the plants.

Love to Mr. C. Afft. M.F.M.

Scope and Contents

Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter discusses plants that were lost in transit to the Corbins.

Transcription

Observatory 23 March 59

My dear Nannie I went yesterday to the steam boat about the plants - 2 boxes and a bundle - could get no information. They are most likely to be in the Depot at Fredericksburg. I reckon Jno [Shippen] asked for plants or flowers. I send an invoice . They are put down dirt cheap. The roses ought to be put down at 30cts ea. Tell Mr. Corbin he must be sure to the Co. pay or deliver in good order.

Your Aunt E. is quite sick. Sent for the Dr. night before last at 1 A.M. Was better somewhat yesterday. Yr Ma is bright again, she dined yesterday at the General's.

This is Betty's day. Tell Mr. C. to pursue the plants. It's a sad loss to lose them. Yr M.

Scope and Contents

Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards general family news.

Transcription

Observatory 12 Apr '59

My dear Wife Got your yesterday's letter this morning. All hands were invited to Sallie's to-day. Dave and I went. Mary thought we all would be too many. They are all coming up. Sr. E & S.F. see Charles to spend the day tomorrow. Dinner ordered - soup, fish and roast beef. Totts will rig up a dessert - ice cream I believe. Morning - 13th Got Nannie's letter just now. Kiss her for it. I am sorry to hear about Dick. But such indulgences will not do and cannot be tolerated in one holding a place of trust like his. It is an affair in which feeling cannot interfere.

Stopped last evening on my way home at took tea at Caldwell's. Began with the Historical plays last night. Certainly I'll send tickets for Nannie. Sr. E & Sally rode out yesterday. I write this supposing it will be your last before going to Farley Vale. What are to be your mail days? You would like to go down knowing that "all's well" - I hope you will be so well and enjoy the visit so much. We are all dying to see you all. Can't you bring Nannie home with you. You may stay with her tell her till 1 May if she will come along home with you.

Kiss her & Lucy & love to Mr. C., Charles & his father, Brodies & his'n, Jno & his'n, Saint & her'n.

Good bye - yr aft. husband M.F. Maury

Scope and Contents

Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards general family news.

Transcription

Observatory Washington Ap'l 14, '59

My dear Daughter, Your sweet letter came yesterday and to-day another from you Ma. I am mighty glad she is having a jolly time - we are dying to see her, but don't want her to come home before the first of May when you are to come with her. Dabney goes down tomorrow. I thought of you and the violets when he came to take leave, but concluded not to trouble him in the premises. He only came up to dinner yesterday and we only gave him soup, fish and ice cream. We have the rest of the dinner today. Yesterday was damp and Willie was sick which prevented our company. He is better. Rose staid up here last night, & Mary down there. Betty is not up to day- rainy- Totts got a letter yesterday from Glum. They did not [share it here] & Mary Herndon has gone off with it to the General's & I can't send it. She was well- had received the $20-and liked my letters so much- it took such a long time to read them!

My "Brave" is very well & happy. He bought a jug of molasses yesterday. I found my [ ] [powder]. Have not made a pass at the P.G. for schools yet. Save child's letter- Let yr Ma bring it back. Sent a note for you by Dabney-

The Lord [ ] ball did not pay- $1000 short. Had a request this morning to pony up. Can't do it.

Love to Mr. C- Kiss Lucy & buss yr Ma. [ ] [ ] yrs aff Dad

Scope and Contents

Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter alludes to legal matters regarding the management of the estate.

Transcription

Observatory, Washington Apl 16, '59

My dear Wellford, I received yesterday your very kind letter of the 14th. It would indeed be a great treat to run down for a week or two, but I do not well see how it can be accomplished. I have heard some things which led me to suppose that there might be a scene made at the next court that would not be pleasant. It throws you the prospect I mean - in a position of great delicacy, as well as into one in which great caution on your part will be required. Caution so prudent and wise that those who would (if there should be such) find fault with you may not have the slightest pretext.

If there is any change in the management of the estate of course you can take some part in bringing about that change. Without knowing much about it, I am clearly of opinion that with your management alone the estate may be relieved of its embarrassments much sooner than it can be by any other kind of managers. I go for the one man power and don't think much of a dual executive. Should any change be made, and should it be proposed that you should take the entire management of both farms, I hope you will not decline.

Dabney went down to King George yesterday. I have been interrupted in the writing of this. It is now time for the mail- so that just cuts me off with love to all.

Yrs sincerely M. F. Maury

Scope and Contents

Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards general family news.

Transcription

Observatory Washington 19 Apl '59

My dear wife, Mr. Watt and I are preparing such a surprise for you and Lucy!. We miss you every day. We miss you in the morning, we miss you in the evening, we miss you at breakfast. I haven't had a flower since she went away! We miss you at dinner, we miss you at tea, we miss you by night and by day, we miss you all the time, but you must stay till you bring Nannie. Sally F., Jack, the boys and the General took us by surprise yesterday. Beef steak, mutton chops, soup and pudding. Betty rather pitched into Mary for so poor a dinner. Bad taste in Betty. Davy is unwilling to take Latin from Jno. Minor. The "boy's" reply was Solomon-ish - "Just as you think proper sir" - What say you? Sent Glum's things down to Kirkwoods' last night for Gilmer - shall send to see if he took them. Totts put some white wax in the bundle, Totts is a great girl. Read 3 Acts in Richard II last night- and sent the `boy' off to bed at 9. The frost has not hurt us yet. Jim Morton called up yesterday. Mr. McCauley has set up in the Grocer's business at St. Paul. Sr. E is so so. I wrote to Ann Thomas and begged that she would make Betsy come along. We hear nothing more from Glum. I am now waiting for David and the mail. we expect letters in it from you and her. Here he comes! Now for them. A letter from Frank - none from you.

All well and send love Yr aft [friend] M.F.M.

Scope and Contents

Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards general family news.

Transcription

Observatory Washington 22 Apl '59

My dear sweet little Nannie, Your "one-horse" letter saying that your Ma & all are well came this morning. It has no date to it- so we infer it was written since hers of 14 & 16- But my dear child I am not a Yankee - why do you set me to guessing? I have sent to have a pair of crutches- I do wonder what has gone with my old ones. The pain has all gone out of my ankle- but I can't walk. But the worst of it is big ankles are so shocking. Totts doctored it up last night with hops - Totts is a great gal.

I finished King Henry IV last night. That "old Feldspar" as the boy calls Falstaff gave great satisfaction. "Feldspar"! So much for Physical Geography. The breakfast lessons have been quite interesting to Totts- We have got through to Botany. That is not one of my specialties, and I shall glance off from it after a breakfast or two. My "Brave" wanted to know this morning if any great men ever studied Latin. "O yes-" "Who?" "General Washington studied Latin- I studied Latin-" "That will do- I just want to be as great as you are"- The young flatterer! There was no school today. Dave went on. As he came a heavy rain came up & he got into one of the water pipes on the avenue to keep dry.

Come down for the Crit! I wish I could- I suppose you will be fetching her along up this way about the last of next week- That's about the 1st of May- always stand to your bargains. Was it not said that you were to return with her then? I'll give you tomotto plants- & egg plants, oh & every sort o' plants. It's been raining so- Ap'l showers- I have not been able to get the doctor up to say what ails this ankle.

Lucy is a witch- why don't she write a letter to a fellow? Mary has gone to church to day- I have some black Hamburg grape cuttings- If they take you shall have some.

God bless you all yrs aft Dad M

Scope and Contents

Written from Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards family health news.

Transcription

4 July '59

My dear Corbin, I returned from a trip over the Balt & Ohio R.Road Saturday evening. Found all well- Betty still here-The baby improved & both enjoying the visit very much.

A letter came from Nannie while I was gone. I did not see it- it was torn up. But from what her mother tells me of it, it increases our solicitude to a painful extent. She is morbidly sensitive & evidently very low spirited. We think the best thing would be for you to bring her to us.

Persons in her situation require to be cared for & looked after in manners & ways which no one can do half so well as a mother. It is of great consequence that she should be with her mother now- and we hope that you also will admit the importance of it & bring her at once. If you do not come as soon as a letter would reach us, write and tell us when to expect you. It is important that you should do this for some of our own arrangements depend on certainty as to Nannie's movements.

From the tone of Nannie's letter her mother does not think that she should be consulted at all- but that you should take her right up & bring her to us. The gloomy and desponding mood that comes over her now & then is to be avoided by all means- ugly consequences may be the result- Therefore we are so [honest] in urging you to bring her to us at once. It is of great importance to her.

Give her our most tender love, solicitude & affection with a thousand kisses. We have letters this morning praising Dick & making us very proud.

They have established a new chair- Physical Geography & Agricultural science & offered it to me. I have not decided to accept. Yrs truly, M. F. Maury

Scope and Contents

Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards legal matters and family news.

Transcription

Observatory Washington 16 Nov. 1859

My dear Mr. Corbin, I was glad to hear as by Nannie's letter I do that the prospects for an early division of the estate seem so favorable. It is clearly to the interest of the parties concerned, and it is gratifying that they are of one mind.

What follows is based upon the supposition that the four of you have agreed to share with you in cancelling the notes which you two have endorsed for your father. This being a fixed fact you are removed from the condition of one having antagonistic interests in the concerns and placed in the category of one whose duties and whose interests are of accord. Both the one and then the other now require the closest scrutiny into the indebtedness of the estate, in order that every claim that is not good in law may be thrown out. And it remains for your consideration whether when the Commissioners report comes up you should not have someone there well posted up, to urge the throwing out of all claims the least doubtful, and especially those for which you are bound. However this can be talked over when you come up which I hope will be long before Xmas. I am wishing somebody near by would invite me to lecture - so I might raise the wind for a visit from Dick and Dave at Xmas. I sent John Minor the Alabama speech in print yesterday with the request that he would hand it over to Nannie when he has done blowing me up about it. Sally Fontaine is not so well. The General got home yesterday - killed no "bars" and only brought home two "old hars" -Betty had gone for dinner yesterday. But we - your Ma and I - could not go - headaches- better today. We are reading Shakespeare o'nights- Letters from Dick & Dave. Totts & Betsy go to the [dentist] & all to school- except Lucy. She studies geography at home. William plays the guitar & sings. Sr. E. had letters yesterday from Dabney. All well but "Injuns" about. All hands sent in love with kisses to Nannie. Good bye- God bless you. Yr. M.F. Maury.

Scope and Contents

Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards family news. Letter contains postscript written by Ann Hull Maury (Herndon).

Transcription

Observatory Washington 5 Feb 1860

My dear Nannie: I got Mr. Corbin's letter several days gone. Tell him the 16th is quite convenient to me. I had promised Cip that he might go with us on the 9th - so it was quite a disappointment to him, was the postponement. I shall go down I think by the night train of the 15th and as I will not have time to go down to Farley Vale will have to come up to Fredericksburg. Crit is having a tussle with the head ache - got up with it this morning, went to church and has been wrestling with the thing ever since. Willie has been sick - a - bed for a week. Low fever - getting better. Cip burnt his finger with candy, and the girls didn't go to school but one day last week on accounts of the cold. Betty and Will dined here yesterday. Mary Herndon has been to Memphis. Jones is coming to [illegible] next Thursday. The Farmer is very low and the General is still there. The Physical Geography continues to engage and interest me. Lucy is [ ing]. Glum 's bird sings - I call it her owl. Nannie Bill is a "honey"? We are invited to Henry's parties. The Aubick's gave an elegant [_mous] party last Friday – Hauled the little Doctor home – Told me he had on his table invitations for every evening in the week and for some two days. Jennie Young and her sister Sallie are in Stuttgart studying six hours every day. Where's yr [Bobs & Tops?] We have not heard anything more of your sister Sue. Maria Newburgh's party comes off about the middle of the month so reports Dave. Everybody sends love to you and Mr. Corbin. It's night, your Ma has gone to bed. Hope she will be well in the morning. Good night. Your aft. Dad, M. F. Maury.

[Postscript by Ann Hull Maury (Herndon)] Morning- am up, and better, but poorly at that. I wish I could come down with your Papa but indeed I am not equal to it. We heard through Mrs. Mason (and she from her son at College) that Mary Minor is coming to see you, but you seem not to have heard of it. Your letter to Molly was so pleasant. Sally E. is quite mistaken about the price of my work stand. It cost $13. I don't think you can yet find one for $8 but you can try. I am so glad you had a pleasant visit to Town. How came you to stay at your Uncle B's again; you must stay at your Uncle C's the next time not that I in the least object to your going to yr. Uncle B's but N. G. said when she was here that you never did go to your Uncle C's and you had been invited there so often. I love our Aunt Lucy dearly for her kindness to my precious child.

Scope and Contents

Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards legal matters.

Transcription

Observatory 14 March 1860

My dear Mr. Corbin, I used the word also, but "repudiation" is not the word-- Mississippi repudiates her lawful debts. It is not the lawful but the debts that have been made against the estate without the authority of law that I would have rejected it. I am glad to hear that the other parties come so readily into the plan. There is I imagine no time to be lost- and the initiatory steps cannot be taken too soon. I imagine your Uncle William will not come into the plan because he has no right in law to consent to any such arrangement for J. If he consents, he himself will be personally liable to J. for the amounts.

I am not surprised to hear that others would like to have Farley Vale. But I reckon it is the best way to let it go to the highest bidder. It certainly is the fairest.

What does Cip do all day long and why don't he write to a fellow. I am sorry that the Holly berries are all gone. I shall be glad to have any that you can start up- I have written to Tenn. for some beech nuts. I have a fancy for a beech hedge. The beech holds its leaves during winter and the lee of its hedge is almost equal to a green house-

Give my love to Nannie- I write to her mother by this mail. Affectionately yrs M.F. Maury

Scope and Contents

Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards legal matters.

Transcription

Observatory 17 Apl 1860

My dear Mr. Corbin, I still think you should insist on greater dispatch. Suppose you apply before the 19 July for a decree and the court refuses on the ground that K is not of age. Will that lessen your claim when she is of age? I think not. Try now and if you fail- no harm is done to the July effort. It cannot hurt much to try now, and a decree now would be worth money to you.

Lewis Walker in Rives' neighborhood wants to sell his farm so Frank Minor tells me-

I think you would do well as soon as you get Mr. Burton underway to mount yr horse and ride up to Lewis Walker's. Go up to Nelson & Amherst- also in the lower countrylook at places- let it be known that you want to buy land- and then when you do sell you can have your eyes open.

Think you had better do that at once i.e. as soon as you set Mr. B. to work for the May term. it's an important matter take a month or six weeks for the trip. Nannie can come to us. On horseback the trip can cost you very little. Any idea of duty as a trustee should not interfere with such a trip. Tell Nannie we all go down to the General's today.

Is not yr Father the guardian of K & J till they come of age? And can the court appoint one without his request?

All well & good here. In haste. Yrs truly, M.F. Maury

Scope and Contents

Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards family news.

Transcription

Observatory 12 May 60

My dear Nannie, This morning your Ma and Lucy got a most pressing invitation from Jno. B. to come to the convocation. An omnibus is to run between the church and the university and they are also to have morning and evening services in the Chapel. The "Crit" is flirting in bed with the Rappahannock chills - But she has decided to go, and to take you in Lucy's place if you'll join her. She has a free ticket for you there and back. I have written to [Jesse] B. to encourage Mary with the hope that you will come instead of Lucy. Sally F and Cousin Ellen are going. Your Ma will join them and go up under Tim's escort Tuesday. Your Aunt Mary will be there with the Lynchburg people - and we will expect you up Monday to dinner.

The children are well of the mumps and will sit in the school Monday again. We hope the plants were safely received. All well and send love to Mr. Corbin.

Yr aft father M.F. Maury

Telegraph if you are coming - yes or no - you need not prepay it. It will come to me without that.

Scope and Contents

Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards family news.

Transcription

Send this to Nannie.

Observatory July 9, 1860

My dear Nannie, Bless your heart for that letter. I'd give an eyetooth to see you. Ask your Ma to please have another one pulled and keep you till I come. Am glad to hear of Dick's arrival. I'll send the letter from him by Sr.E. who says she is going Wednesday - Am truly sorry about the chills. Hope your Ma will keep then inside. They have been troubling me also this cold weather. Tell Jno Minor I went to see Bob this morning. He was touched by his kindness and grateful to a degree. I am to try tomorrow to get a clerkship for him in the Census Bureau.

You said never a word about your Uncle Charles' wife- poor bird! N.B. stutters as Dave did.

Next week will be the 19th. I suppose you will be up then to court. Though things look so smooth in favor of paying off and dividing I can but fear something is to thwart it after all.

Betty did not go a - sherry - cobblering last night. Today I read [p] 230 of new ed. P.G. - in the last edition there are 389pp. I do not know how many there will be in this - But 400 at least I reckon.

See a letter I got this morning from my "Injun" yr friend Mr S. Kiss everybody your Dad, in haste -

[Note on verso of letter] All well. Aunt E. expected today must meet her in haste JHM {?John Herndon Maury MIA 1863}

Scope and Contents

Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards family news.

Transcription

Observatory 6 Aug. '60

My dear wife Got this morning yrs of 4th. Tell Totts I was reading yesterday that admirable, sweet precious little book. The Household of Sir Thos More and thought of her as my Megg.

Tell Jno & Brodie & Lucy, and all the rest of the "Great Easterners" of the family that we want to go [to] [ ] Wednesday - day after tomorrow - Leave here at 7 -40 AM. take the steamer in Balt at 10 AM Arrive alongside the Gr. at noon. Stay 2 hours, get back to Balt. in time for the Washington train at 4.20 p.m. Round trip $2.50. I have not seen Betty since I got yr letter and therefore can't make any arrangements as to accommodations. Betty does not know whether she is going. I reckon it would be a nice trip for Dick & Dave. If you think so, and they too, let them come along. Upon second thought Wednesday will be too soon. Thursday will be the day. I'll write Tom Bold we are coming Thursday. I'll bear Nannie's expenses too if she will come along - tell her I want her & Betty to go and to go myself out of civility to Bold. The trip would knock you up.

Thursday at 7.40 AM we shall go - let me know who will come. Love to all.

Yrs. M.F. Maury

If the boys & Nannie come, they should leave F'b'g Wednesday A.M. What of the trunk I'm to buy?

Scope and Contents

Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards signing a deed of trust upon the estate Farley Vale.

Transcription

Observatory Oct 1, 1860

My dear Mr. Corbin, By the mail of this morning I got yr's of 29th Sept.

You are right not to go security for the parties named. My engagements are such as to prevent my coming down. Nor is that necessary.

I am not quite clear as to the amt. for which you want security. But be that as it may - show the papers to Jno. or Chas. Herndon. Ask them to draw up a deed of trust upon Farley Vale in my favor, and the negroes too if you want me to endorse for them - and have them regularly recorded. Then you can send or bring - better do the latter - the documents.

I leave the city Saturday morning - Can't you bring Nannie along - I think the sight of her would make her mother well - she had been under the weather ever since the trip North - and has not been well enough to be at the table with us more than two or three times since she came up. She is better to day, though in bed. It's a rainy "nasty" day you know. She was made quite happy this morning to keep the "boy" at home from school on account of the drizzle - about 9 - 10 it had set in for a regular pour - he came over to say she wanted him to go down the City! Somehow the rain does not seem to be as wet that way it is over toward Georgetown.

I understand that there will be a prior lien upon F.V. and on to the estate - That makes no odds - I write in haste to get to night's mail. Love to Nannie. Why doesn't she let us hear from her? to Mary Herndon Sister E. & all hands

Yrs truly M. F. Maury

Scope and Contents

Written from the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C. Letter regards the political situation in Virginia as it may affect property.

Transcription

Observatory Washington 22 Oct 1860

My dear Mr. Corbin, When I last wrote I was just on the eve of taking wing for Tennessee. I did not have time to write both to Charles & you, so I wrote him & sent the letter open through you. Now I write almost in as much haste, for I expect to leave for New York Thursday morning and to embark for England on Saturday.

Political affairs are in a very unsatisfactory state- so much so that shall have the country feeling quite uneasy. The state of your affairs helps to increase this uneasiness. I have had nothing in reply to my letter to Charles, but in the mere matter of endorsation you have given me all the security that I required, and such as under a more settled state of things would be considered by the most cautious timidity as ample. Nevertheless there is talk of disunion and how far property- land & negroes- in Virginia is to be affected by disunion both acts and deeds, it is simply impossible to foresee. It may not be depreciated at all- or it may be depreciated 1/3, 1/2, or 9/10th nobody can tell. No one you know ever objects to too much security. You are making it a rule of life & wisely not to go security- you do not wish to hypothecate your property for any new debts and there are many contingencies on the occurrence of which it would be better for you Nannie & me if I had a lien also on your negro property as collateral for the land. You understand I have no right to require this. But it can't harm you, may do you or Nannie good, & will add to my own comfort. Of course, I mean a lien to come in after present obligations for which that negro property may be bound.

If you think well of this proposition, get Charles to attend to it & let the expenses be mine. Drop me a letter care of Maury Brothers New York in reply & tell Nannie she shall hear from me before I sail.

Goodbye Yrs truly M.F. Maury

Perhaps it may be as well to state that when I offered to endorse I expected to endorse for both land & negroes and of course have a lien upon all- This I am still willing to do so as to get the endorsed security.

Scope and Contents

Written from London, England. Letter regards general news.

Transcription

London 21 Nov '60

My dear wife, Yesterday & the day before I was the happiest man in all London. Your two letters, Sister E's, our -Dick's - [Glum's]-Cip's- Nannie's to you, Mr. Corbin's to me- the latest 5 Nov-all came. Bless your dear hearts every one. I am so glad to hear you are on the mend, and so gratified to those darling precious friends for taking such good care of you. Kiss Sally Fontaine for me. I am just through with book. And have accepted an invitation to return on the New York Nov 28. Tomorrow go to Wrottesley whither I will write.

God bless you, M

Scope and Contents

Written from "Steamer New York." Letter describes stay in England and an address before the Geographical Society.

Transcription

Steamer New York At Sea, 9 Dec 1860

My dear Nannie This is our eleventh day out. When we left England we expected to arrive at New York tomorrow; but we have had a rough time of it, we are now nearly a 1000 miles off and do not expect to get in before Thursday. This is Sunday 11 a.m. and a beautiful day. I wanted to take them all by surprise by stepping in upon them Tuesday the 11th and as good luck would have it told "Crit" not to expect me before the 15 or 16th- so the "journey up the mountain" will be prevented by it, for I hoped to be in Wash. before or by the 15th.

Thank Mr. Corbin for his letter. Rutson Maury forwarded with an endorsation reporting "all well"- so it brought me the first news from home which was great joy for I was very unhappy about your Ma- It's all right tell him. I was at Wrottesley- Jansen & I- when your letter came. I delivered your message- he grinned. You can't imagine how cordial they all were- "40 time" herself came in the carriage to meet us at Codsall, & they sent us in their own carriage to the cars in Wolverhampton- the old lady insisting that we had not wrappings enough and fitting us out with hers even to London. She begged us to stay longer- so did they all. Her niece Miss Simpson was there. She took us to [Chiltington]. She hummed "Nelly Bly" for us as we went said you taught it to her & she had given away many copies of it. Davis the Butler has got rich and has set up on his "own hook." Webb the footman has his place- Simpson the gardener is to be married Xmas, and my Lord has built for him just in the edge of the forrest the sweetest little cottage you can imagine. While I was there Tom Bold was to see me in London.

If you had been in London this time, you would have thought somebody had come to town I tell you. Rail ways were placed at my service to see sights and engineers to show them & " put me thro'." The Navy officers there were planning [on] great blow out for me in return for "you all's" civilities to the prince, and they are going to send an expedition to the South Pole for me. At least Washington who is the proper person to move on it-pledged me his word so to do, saying he thought he could carry it. I made an address without notes before the Geographical Society. Had a great crowd. Ladies, Lords, gentlemen. Was breakfasted – dinner-ed & tea-ed-- oh it was a jolly time! but I would not give one day in my own sweet home with my blessed wife and sweet children for the whole of it.

When will you & Mr. C. be up- come soon- stay long. I am trying to pull the wires to get New York to send a messenger down south to enquire of the people there what's the matter? asking them to state their grievances- the terms & c. on which they would be willing to remain in the Union. I may be too late, for my latest date as to things at home is 15 Nov- New York Herald. Things I have no doubt have assumed many new phases since then, but unless good me in each section muster themselves, I fear the Union is gone. I shall write to my Dave today to come home at Xmas. I enjoyed Jansen's visit vastly. I made many charming acquaintances, but none more so than Lady Ashburton & her Lord. I am to "come to them" when I go back. His mother has just had 50,000 trees blown down on her "plantation" in Scotland. Isn't it elegant. Our old landlady Miss Everall is just married to Scott Adir the fancy [Wollen] man. I went to the store & asked for her- there was a titter among the clerks & confusion with Scott. Jansen said he was jealous- didn't see her . Love to all hands. yr Dad.

Scope and Contents

Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards the outbreak of the Civil War.

Transcription

Richmond 25 Apl 1861

My dear Wellford, You can best serve the cause by staying at home, planting corn & potatoes, than you can by coming here. There is a great press here. The people along the river are wanted at home to form police, guard, & c. In great haste. yrs. M.F. Maury

Don't come

Scope and Contents

Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards family news.

Transcription

Richmond 27 Apl 1861

My dear wife- Saw Lt. Carr this morning. He was Dave's Captain. Dave was a first rate soldier- enjoyed the trip, and got back all safe & sound.

I look for Dick from Washington this morning. He went for our things. He has an appoint of "1st Lt. of Volunteers for Services in Council Chamber." So you see how he is tied down in Richmond and can't go to the wars - now I do hope that will make you quiet and comfortable. Corbin is back too & Dave. Why my dear we are as happy as the day is long. Ain't we? Very busy today. Hope for a quiet time tomorrow.

Kiss my Lucy. What is that boy a'doing? Why didn't the girls write - are you going down with Nanny - Had you not better come up next Saturday for church - maybe I'll meet you. Yr M

Tell Nannie I got all her letters and to thank Mason for all of them.

Scope and Contents

Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards a plan to organize home guard.

Transcription

Richmond 18 May 1861

My dear Corbin, Your letter of 15 came to hand last night. I shall go up to Fredericksburg this evening if nothing unforeseen occurs to prevent. I hope to find you there, but in case I should not go or going should not find you I write this in answer to your many questions now.

You did right to decline Col. [Ruggles] [ ] present offer, for he had no authority of law to make such an appointment.

If you raise a company you will be mustered into the service as volunteers, and will then be furnished with arms.

So far I have not succeeded in giving practical effect to my place of organizing all the remaining white population in the border & tide water counties into a home guard to act in case of inroads & marauders as guerrillas. I did hope to bring into this organization all able bodied men & boys between 15 & 60. The law opposed difficulties in the way of this, and I did hear that Gen'l Lee who highly approved of the plan is going to carry it into effect by calling them out as militia. What the precise details of the militia organization are to be, I cannot say. But I suppose that as its objects are the same it does not in the main differ much from the guerilla plan. I think so highly of this plan that I have sought to have it turned over to us navy officers looking upon it as the most honorable & useful service that the times offer to us.

This too is I think the best service for you, and for reasons both public & private. It is highly important service and a double duty to the state--you fight for & help to raise bread for the people at the same time. Sallying forth with [sword] in hand today--tomorrow with the pruning hook or sickle. The private reasons are: your whole fortune is imperiled, and it will require all the personal attention and the best management of which you are capable to save you from ruin. I myself being a cripple have to conform myself to circumstances and to accept such occupation as those circumstances will allow. So it is with you- you by leaving home to serve the state now, would probably do it at the sacrifice of your entire fortune- and that you are not prepared to do. The true course and the brave course for you is cheerfully to adjust yourself to circumstances & then do the best you can.

Tom Maury has just called me out with a telegram that his child is dead. Yrs, M.F. Maury.

Scope and Contents

Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards Spotswood W. Corbin's war service plans and failure of "guerilla scheme."

Transcription

Richmond 20 June `61

Dear Corbin, I got your note last night and went the first thing this morning to see the Governor. If he musters you into service, you will fall under the President who can send you where he pleases. Thus the Governor:

I heard a member of the convention from Tidewater complaining yesterday that two companies in one of the lower counties had been mustered into service with the express understanding that they were to remain in their own county and they had been ordered away. They were volunteers. So you will understand that no bargain can be made with you as volunteers, short of 1 year's service to go wherever the President chooses to order you.

As to guerrillas: the convention has that subject up now and he, the Governor can do nothing.

Thus you have a full account of the result of the interview. Thorburn has [gave] up the country- after referring your letter to the Gov. I thought it useless to mention the matter to him. If you conclude to go as volunteers how would Jack Maury do as your Capt.? He is at Gloucester Pt.

I am very sorry to see our guerilla scheme fail, but the connotation is we have both done our best and all that can be done.

Love to Nannie yrs M.F. Maury

The Council was abolished yesterday and I am relieved of duties.

Scope and Contents

Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards Civil War news.

Transcription

Richmond 18 July 1861

My dear wife, I have just learned from the Sec. War that the boys at the university are not to be taken into service. They remain undisturbed. I shall so write Dave this day.

I shall go down to the central cars today at 2 1/2 hoping to meet Dab. He can have his folks at the junction. Come here spend 2 or 3 hours & join them in the 5 p.m. train for Fredericksburg.

Hollins has charge of the Naval defenses of James River- and will be cavorting about I suppose, & Dick with him. This will be more agreeable than a stay at one place.

There are many flying rumors about the street this morning such as the landing of 30,000 troops at Norfolk, 20,000 at Aquia Creek & c- and that they are moving upon Richmond. It is now 12.20 and no official dispatch has been received, so there is nothing in it. But I wish you all would fancy to make a visit to Albemarle until the denouement takes place. I suppose the enemy will run upon us somewhere soon and the sooner the better for us in my poor judgment.

Now you know I don't want to give alarm and I know no more about the enemy's plan than the newspapers tell us. Still our armies cannot remain much longer as they are and I had rather see my people a little further off. God bless you M.F.M.

Scope and Contents

Written from Charlottesville, Virginia. Letter regards Spotswood W. Corbin's plans for service and housing.

Transcription

Charlottesville, Va: Ridgway 18 Sept 1861

My dear Nannie, Your two letters came yesterday. The great drawback to what you call "a celebrity" is this being called on by friends for `influence' and help, where you are powerless. [?Kennedy's] inquiry I imagine had no such bearing as you seem disposed to give it. I know Mr. Corbin is missed all the time, and you may know that I am not going to permit any opportunity of having him to pass unheeded by. I understand that he did not want a commission at first when he was trying to raise that company - and now I suppose it difficult except in the Confederate Service and there I am powerless. Bless your heart for offering us your house. I have not been able to find - yet - suitable accommodations in Charlottesville. Moreover I am distressed by what they tell me of typhoid fever there - and moreover Fredericksburg is "powerful sweet". I am waiting for the word from Richmond to go ahead with the submarines. There is no chance for a Ltcy. in the Navy for Mr. Corbin. I think a good of his affairs. The give us solicitude. Dave and C. Minor went off a'recruiting yesterday. I think you had better come to us. We will take care of you for a year and that will help Mr. C. along with his interest. Yr. Dad.

Scope and Contents

Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards general news.

Transcription

Richmond 20 Nov 1861

My dear wife I do not go to the Miss. just yet if at all. The committee has the matter of steam launches up. I shall wait here for the result of their deliberations. I cannot speak positively about you and home Saturday.

Tom left for Manassas Wednesday morning. He took the turkey and all.

Nan and Lewis and the general were here. Now returns to Bowling Green this morning. Lewis went this morning to Norfolk. Jack came up from York River yesterday. He returns tomorrow.

The hoop skirts cost $6.00 -[Bill] waits further orders before giving $12.00 for the two.

Miss Fanny Perkins left the day I arrived. She went down to Norfolk Wednesday morning with the General's check in her corset and the other "preciouses' behind the photographsin her album.

How are my sick? All still mending I hope. Kisses to everyone.

Yr. affectionate, M.F. Maury

Scope and Contents

Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards an extension of Spotswood W. Corbin's leave.

Transcription

Richmond 9 Dec `61

Dear Corbin, Your leave is extended to the 1st Jan. unless Kennedy should sooner require your services. The leave with his letter to you go up to him this evening. Buchanan grants you the leave. I have seen it. So there is no mistake. K. no doubt will send it you.

Dave is off in the morning.

Love to Nannie, Yrs. in haste M.F. Maury

Send it to C.

Scope and Contents

Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards Spotswood W. Corbin's service.

Transcription

For Nannie Private & Confidential Dec. 9.1861

My dear child, Milly's death is a sad blow. You will feel it as such and miss her mightily. A law has passed authorizing the appointment of 50 Navy Lts. to serve during the war. I do not know what rules is to be adopted with regard to appointments; but it has occurred to me that Mr. C. might stand a chance if he would like the place. If so, let him file his application with Mr. Mallory and interest his member of Congress on his behalf. If I know that you and he desire the place, that is enough. I'll help it and if I can.

Say to Blackford that the only understanding between us was that I was to stay there until I could find a place to suit us both and that he would live with us - one offsetting the other. That he had better get some of our mutual friends to fix the visit. It had better be by the month, for he may want to sell and I man find a more suitable house. We lack another room or two sadly - We'll will attend to the execution of any papers that are required in the processes. God bless you my daughter M.

Scope and Contents

Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards family news and Spotswood W. Corbin's service.

Transcription

Richmond 30 Jan.

My dear wife, Will came yesterday and told me that you were poorly and also of the great thinning out. You must feel very quiet if not lonesome. I don't get much from Will about the school. Of course they are done with Mr. J.

I'll leave it entirely to you as to whether one or both shall come home. They should come soon and we should know the day so that Dave may be at the cars. Dave is a precious fellow. He has been a great comfort to me, but he and I do not think that this clerking of his is exactly the thing for him. I think I shall give the place to Bob who returned last night. I have written to Lynch asking him to take Dave with him for a little while. We are waiting to hear from him. The answer is daily expected for I wrote about 10 days ago. L's answer will determine the Lad's course, whether it will be back to you, or down to the south - or rather the Sounds of N.C. Tell Nannie I have exhausted myself upon Corbin both with Buchanan and the Inc. What I said seemed to go in one ear and come out of the other - S.C. must muster up his political influences and push them. 25 or 30 of the 50 Lts. that are to be made will come from the "Old Navy" including cases like Smith's and from the Masters and Mid of C.N. The rest are I believe to be made out of the resv. C. will come in with them if at all I suppose.

The "Doc" got off this morning, much to my relief.

I have got a pair of shoes at last which I can wear when the foot is only 1/2 swollen. I have them on this morning for the first time. I have ordered another and a larger pair, so I have them of three sizes.

I know my brood is doing fine in Latin. How is Lucy and the Musik Glum and the philosophy Totts and the writing. A Kiss to everyone I am dying to see you all but can't tell about coming. Yr Aft M

Did Jno get the money Dave collected for him?

Scope and Contents

Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards news of "Dave's" appointment.

Transcription

Richmond 1 May 1862

Dear Corbin: I have this morning yr's of 29th. Wrote you yesterday - nothing from Fredericksburg since Dave went up there this morning hoping to take a peep of an hour or so upon the blessed group. I shall expect him back to-morrow. His appointment will probably be made out by that time. When he will put out west of course he will bring letter which I shall hasten down to you. In haste Yrs MFM

The examination as I understand it relates only to midshipmen.

Scope and Contents

Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards general news.

Transcription

Richmond 4 May `62

Jas. M. Johnson [Hd.] carpenter of Rootes party left sick at Custis' Quarters reports himself for Norfolk today - without money. I lend him $3. which he promises to return to you 1st pay day. Please get it. Dave I expect will be off in the morning.

It is the case of yr[house on fire at night]. Your duties for the moment are and ought to be the all absorbing subjects with you. Not only yr prosperity, but your life and liberty are at stake. And you will be lucky and ought to be happy to escape with the last two.

A letter from Dick - all well.

Yrs. M.F.M.

- That's right. Keep your mind occupied. Don't despond or despair. The enemy has the power to possess himself of Richmond - of the Miss River and of all the Tidewater country. Look upon that as more than likely.

Scope and Contents

Written from Richmond, Virginia. Acknowledges receipt of letter.

Transcription

Richmond Virginia 5 May

Dear Corbin: I have just time to say this is [the] 3rd or 4th. Have yr's of 2nd. The army came over into Fredericksburg yesterday. Nothing since direct from our folk since Dave was there. He will perhaps go off in the morning.

In haste yrs M.F. Maury

Scope and Contents

Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards family news.

Transcription

Richmond 24 May

Dear Corbin: Nothing from Fredericksburg since Brodie's letter of 13th. I have an idea that the place is evacuated. I tried yesterday and the day before to get Totts back with the aim of sending her there- Mr. White wrote to say the Alsop's went last Wednesday and he thought there would be no difficulty about Totts. I am afraid now to bring her down. I may be down to the Bluff tomorrow. Gave Lt Davidson of the [ ] a letter from you yesterday. Jack has gone down to take command of the battery below you. Yrs. in haste

Scope and Contents

Letter regards that Dick was wounded in battle and will be out 6 weeks.

Transcription

1 June '62

Dear Corbin, Dick was hit yesterday in the right arm, breaking one of the bones, His wound is very much such as one as Dabney's only not so bad. I went out and brought him in. He was wounded early in the fight, but not until he had resisted the charge and driven back two Yankee regiments. Dick is a gallant fellow and has won the name "immortal" for his regiment - so says the Yankee General Hancock. His horse was killed under him and he was struck 4 times. He will be well in about 6 weeks. He is in my room laughing and talking as I write.

My admirable Pettigrew was killed. I write in haste. Send word to Jack about Dick. Nothing from home.

Yrs. M.F.M.

Scope and Contents

Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards general news.

Transcription

Richmond 5th June 1862

Dear Corbin, This morning brings in yrs of 3rd. Dick is walking about the streets and is doing well. No chance to Fredericksburg and nothing from them. I hope to get off to Albemarle with Dick next week. Jackson gives us a bright spot. In all the directions around the horizon the clouds lower upon us.

Yrs. M.

Scope and Contents

Letter regards family news.

Transcription

19th June

Dear Corbin: This will not come to hand in time for you this morning.

Dick and I hope to get off for Ridgeway Saturday. I tried today an order for 3 Irish servants to be sent from New York. Dabney is acting Major General. Price and his staff are loud in his praise of Dab and Cave.

I [?] Nannie's letter for time was short.

Scope and Contents

Letter regards family news.

Transcription

July 14 (1862)

Dear Corbin: Looked for you yesterday, but your two letters came this morning. George has arrived at Ridgway from Fredericksburg. Dick has sent him back to get his marriage license. Nothing from Nannie or Betty. Yankee pickets are about Bowling Green. Will is home in status quo. Gen Minor has letters from Fredericksburg of 11. [Nannie] [Gardner] was very ill with typhoid fever. Harry Hasbrouck is our prisoner. I have his photograph picked up on the battlefield. I only know the mail does not go to Fredericksburg. I hope to get off this week. A letter from Dave of 3 Oct. Doing well.

Thanks for Nannie's letter. Betty had a letter from Nannie after her arrival in Fbg. I suppose Dick will be married as soon as he gets his license. Yrs. truly M.F.M.

Scope and Contents

Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards family news.

Transcription

Richmond 19 July

Dear Corbin: I am sorry I did not see [you] again. I am off to Ridgway in the morning. Letter from my wife of 16 - Dick's license had not arrived. It was due that day. Betty is still in Carolina. Don't know when she goes back. My wife will return next week, say the last, I reckon.

I write in haste. Read last night - letters from Dave and Dab of y. Still there, well and rejoicing over Richmond. Let us hear from you at Ridgway. My [ ] for news from home will be mainly thru you and Will. Yrs. M.F.M.

Scope and Contents

Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards family news.

Transcription

Richmond Exchange Hotel Room No 12 29 July (1862)

Dear Corbin: Pope's order No 11 - brought me and my wife down to-day. Our people will have to come out of Fredericksburg now. They can't stand that. I want to get authority to-morrow to send up there. So come up to town as soon as you can after the receipt of this & we will lay our plans. Give my compliments to Lee and say you coming will be a personal favor –

Yrs in haste M.F. Maury

Scope and Contents

Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards situation in Fredericksburg, Virginia (Pope's order to arrest those who will not swear allegiance).

Transcription

Exchange Hotel - No 12 30 July

Dear Corbin: Pope's order to arrest everybody in Fredericksburg that will not swear allegiance makes it necessary to get our people out. I am here for that. Come up to day. I want your help. Get his permission to ask for a leave of 10 days, if you find it necessary, at any rate come up to day.

Yrs. M.F. Maury

Scope and Contents

Written from Bowdon, England. Letter regards personal news and mentions that Yankees are trying to raise money in England.

Transcription

Bowdon England 1 May 63

Dear Corbin: I was glad to get your letter. It was very satisfactory and interesting.

I now fancy that I see no end to the war, until the Yankees get themselves into trouble with some other nation, or until after the 4th March of `65. John Bull is drifting into war and the public mind here is beginning to chafe under the doings of Wilkes and his [c ]. Still if there is war it will not be through any the least spark of sympathy for us. I think the Government is determined to stop any more Alabamas if it can - and I think the feeling of the country is with the Government in that matter, as it is in all others that touch its conduct towards us.

Can't you find time to find a better place for our folks, as in Lynchburg or some other town a little further from the enemy's lines. They are now much nearer than is agreeable. Then they want to be in reach of schools and a little more society for the young ones than they can have in the country. Pray let there be a family council & then see what you can do to carry out what may be decided to be the best. If they board, let them if possible have a parlor to themselves.

Wilkinson don't come any further than the island nearest you, but I will bear in mind yr request.

I am trying now to get a box off for the ladies on a vessel that takes this - one that Crenshaw is sending out. I have a letter from him this morning dated 3 days ago, saying she would sail in a few days - So I have sent an express message to Ferguson in Manchester who took the lists more than a month ago with a promise to fill them - I have asked him to send all 3. Bob's, Lewis' and mine if he has them ready, if not ready, I have asked him to double my order for dresses and to make them suitable to the memory of my precious Davy Jones. He said the money was of no consequence when I gave him the lists, but perhaps the want of it prevented him from attending to it, however I sent him the money for mine - all I had, and told him that I expected in a week or 10 days to have the money for the others, and to send my box anyhow. I don't know the name of the vessel but it's Crenshaw's. They will tell you the name in Richmond and the box will be marked c . "R.H. Maury, Richmond". Do ask them to keep a look out for it.

Bobby Walker is here trying to raise a Yankee loan of £50,000,000. Moneyed men here say some that he can't "place it" some that he can, if he will get Peabody and [Br gs ] black & [ ] - to take hold and spend a £100,000 or so in floating it. My own notion is he will spend money like fury to get his loan to go - and I see what looks to me like a sign that he had already been "[ploughing]" with some of the yearlings of the Times. Saw them stepping out of the way in its city article of yesterday to explain away certain things. It looks suspicious. This "City Article" as it is called is more read by moneyed men than all other parts of the paper. The "City Article" is the first thing they look at.

So I am on the lookout for something [further]. This morning's Times will be here before the mail closes and if there be any more indications I'll clip them out for you.

Please let Nannie copy such parts of the letter as relate to public affairs and send them to Mr. Seddon. I wrote him Dec. 11 Jan 20- & 31 March - and ask him to see that the new Navy Bill does not operate prejudicially in one's absence.

Explain to R.A.M. about the boxes. I wrote nearly a month ago for money from [Jody] for him & L. as I had it not.

Where is Jack stationed now? Give my love to Jack - He is a kind hearted fellow.

This is May-Day. Some ladies called in their carriage to take me to see the country people - May-But I had not the [ ] and I proposed to stay at home and [ ] home.

Send also to Ludlow the slips that you think he would like to see. Love to Uncle Jordan and Nannie and all hands.

Yrs. truly MF

I go to London Monday of Tuesday and then to France. It goes hard to part with Brave. But he likes his school, is getting interested with the boys - and his vacation will commence 13 June - Six weeks hence when he will join me again.

Scope and Contents

Written from London, England. Letter regards a trip to Paris, France.

Transcription

London England 7 July 1863

My dear Nannie: Carter stopped in upon us today with your and Corbin's letter. Bless my Davy's sweet face - his [coal] is [quenched], his light is put out - his pitch broken, and his spirit returned unto God who gave it. I doted on that splendid countenance. Twas a rich pleasure to me always to steal glances at it when he knew it not. I read in it unutterable things and always a pleasant present and a pleasing future Oh-ho! Lord Wrottesley is in town. Brave called today to say we would breakfast with him in the morning. Brave said `Sir' to him and he took him up. We learn by Carter that Murdough had got in. Thanks for that - Corbin will find his pistol in the trunk sent by him, but not the saber. It is difficult to find one good [natured] enough to charge himself with such a piece of luggage. I saw his cousin in Paris. He was very civil. I liked him and his family very much. One of his daughters - the yellow haired one particularly quite took my fancy. I was miserable in Paris. Exceedingly depressed all the time - so much that Brave said to me one night in tears - that I had treated him with reserve ever since he come there. Bless the child's heart. I had no heart for anything. I was making no progress about my business I was doing nothing to help the case - and my actions were controlled by me, that were unequal to the task. All this and the fact that I am kept here all the time with hands tied for the want of means and that I am told to build this and buy that as tho' I had the Bank of England to draw from. All this - the fact that I am of no use - oppressed me exceedingly.

The small parcel by Hudson, Elie tells me has been received. The next was also a small one - say 7- by Ramsey in Apl- What became of that? The next by the [Venice]- [Crenshaw's] ship- in I know- the next was by the Advance- [Crosson's] ship in charge of Hughes the brother of Tom's friend. She was in Bermuda last month-and the last by Murdough who is in. I have had but two letters from you. Love to Corbin with thanks for his letter. I hear he is a great worker and gives satisfaction.

Scope and Contents

Written from Bowdon, England. Letter regards the death of his son John Herndon Maury (Davy), who died in January 1863.

Transcription

Bowdon (England) 4 Aug 1863

My dear no. "dos", Just as we were leaving Liverpool yesterday a parcel of home letters was handed to me. Yours of Jun 14, Corbin of 15, Totts 10th 13 and Elie's no date at all. Totts to the Brave. This is the second letter from you.

Just before we left London Mrs. [G ] with her youngest daughter "Carie" arrived there from Baltimore. They are great secessionists - you remember they used to give children's parties in the first ward and that Dave particularly and I believe Totts used to go to them. The first thing that Miss Carie said was an inquiry after Dave. She only remembered me as his father. When I told her - her mother exclaimed - + don't you believe he's drowned they've got him cooped up to spite you. You don't know their villainy or their spite against you. The idea and their positive air gave me a glimpse of hope, which started up, lasted for a moment and it was all dark again.

Another batch of letters. Lt. Carter brought them from L'pool just at 6. Meiklejohn was dining with us, so we put them away and have now about 10 just got through with them. I reading and [checking] over them to Brave. There is one form you of 25 May to me and of June 6th to Brave. One from Totts to him and one to me one from Nannie Belle to him. All on the thin blue paper and from his Ma to him and one to me with the copy by Elie of D's letter of the 14th Feb - giving all the account he could of the loss. It is singular that just as I was telling of Mrs. G. for I had only got to the +. D's letter should have come encouraging the same idea. 5th {pencilled in margin} I had never before heard of the cartridge boxes - the rubber cloth and the tracks of the mare as to or from a boat. Had I heard of that at first I should have clung to hope as you and Totts and yr Ma have done. It evidently gave D. hope for the flag followed. But what did Burnett think. Burnett the Texas Trailer. At what gait was the man going that two miles after having crossed the crevasse - at what gait when she returned - was there any sign of a scuffle, of a halting or a quickening of pace where the cartridge boxes were - what does he mean by cartridge `boxes'? cartridge papers? I think the trailer could tell by the tracks for two miles whether the horse was riderless. The tracks about the turning place would indicate that most likely. Then why should the mare keep along just two miles and then turn back.. The man in the boat might have seen him coming, and concealing themselves [till] he came up - and then calling a halt he might have found himself so completely in their power as to make all attempt at escape useless - and so he might have reined up. But then what would have been the use of the cartridges? On the contrary if he had been fired at or shot, the tracks would have showed a sudden change in the gait of the steed. I read from this account of Bob's that on that two mile stretch below the crevasse, the horse as she went down was guided by the rider, and that therefore the probabilities, nay I should say the chances, the almost certain chances are that that precious boy was not drowned in the crevasse. When the mare returned to the brook, was she riderless? How near did the returning tracks go to it? Did they enter it? If they don't, he perished there - if not, then he was made away with, somewhere between the brook and the end of the two miles below. Thank my merciful Father for this precious crumb of consolation, for now I feel almost persuaded that my brave boy had a chance of fighting for his life, and if so, then I know he did quit himself like a man as he was.

You see my love I have been building up this theory on these straws that D almost casually as it were has held out. The tracks down the road, the cartridge boxes, the rubber cloth and the tracks down to the boats.

Let us suppose that D. means cartridge boxes and not paper, then the rubber cloth, was it Yankee? The boat party had taken off their cartridge boxes and spread the bit of rubber cloth to lie on. My Dave came upon them suddenly and so fell into their hands. Were there any signs of a scuffle of men in a high state of excitement moving about. And the rubber cloth - was it of the cartridge boxes [ ] - and did the tracks of the men pass them?

I say he rode the mare that far, because she was seen soon after he had crossed - by 3:30 p.m. near the canal without her rider- and was found then at 10 the next morning. She wanted to get back - and after she lost her rider on the 27 - she made for Vicksburg. Had he been taken alive he would surely have been taken up to headquarters. He would have been too great a prize - no He was dealt foully by and they were afraid to report it.

I send D. a letter written some days ago. I may not have time to add more - but any how send him copy of the copy of this, till you are he gets it. Ask him to send it to Major Burnett, and after discussing the whole case over with him, ask him to let us know what the Major says. Love to C. to Betty and 10 Tell N.B. hers was a sweet letter to the Brave.

Kiss everybody. I am worried about L.A.'s "spies"-

Scope and Contents

Written from England. Letter regards family news.

Transcription

England Feb. 15, `64

My dear "Nig": That was a capital bargain. How came they to let him pay off? He ought to be made Sec. Treasury if he can financier in that way. The bonds that F.B. had? I hope he looked after them, and that they gave you and him a most comfortable fire to warm by.

Yesterday morning Brave brought down a Legendre that he had brought over with him- Davie's. In the evening he was criticizing some of the propositions and demonstrations and proposed to burn it up. I happen to look on the fly page in the book and there was my precious Dave's own hand writing "Charlotte is my dulce."

S-H- and in full below, and a sum that he had been doing. I suppose that the `Dulce' was the „Charlotte‟ that Kate or Sarah [ ] used to talk to him about. He had the book at the University. So Brave was ordered to put it away among our "preciouses" - I have written 2½ diverse times and grieve to know that he doesn't get my letters. My last was 26 Dec. It related to that famous brooch pin affair - was a great secret, and I hope that it has not miscarried. No further development has occurred in that matter and you may rely upon it. I shall suffer it to proceed no further, unless it be clear that I can be more useful there than I can be here, or rather than I am permitted to be here. Any premature disclosure would as you may readily imagine give rise to any amount of scandal- to encounter which with equanimity all those virtues which made Duncan `so clear in his High office' - I must rely upon angels and " my Innocents" for defense, for if I enter into that scheme, my lips will be sealed. And in all this I rely upon the reticence, the prudence and the judgment of you all. If it comes to anything, you will know of it from other quarters long before you will from me. The possibility that you might so hear induced me to tell you of it before hand. I know it would set somebody to climbing the mountain, and I thought it was better to climb with the lights before you there in the dark.

Your Petersburg letter of Dec 11 to Brave is our latest date. [`Sophy'] is in New York having her old laces renovated.

Scope and Contents

Written from England. Lette regards general family news.

Transcription

4 March 6 p.m.

My dear Wellford: I have just received this from Paris. It is a little scrap which you may like to preserve. I have no new developments in the matter of the brooch pin.

Brave and I are mourning over the loss of our things by [Cameron] in the Petersburg - Another pair of specs for Mary among them. It's always so Brave says with our Xmas boxes. Love to you - Yrs

Scope and Contents

Written from Bowdon, England. Letter regards the capture of Spotswood W. Corbin.

Transcription

Bowdon, England 4 Aug. `64

My dear N: I dreamed last night that your troubles were all over. I hope they are with all my heart. They have not only been the cause of the most tender and anxious solicitude but of many painful emotions also - which I would fain forget.

I send you the last I have heard of Corbin. I can't find out when or how he was made prisoner. I have asked R. to let him have any funds he may want, and I will return the same through his cousin [J.]B. in Liverpool. I do not know whether any exchange of prisoners is now going on. I am rather under the impression that there is another hitch of some sort in the way.

The first notice I had that he was certainly captured was by his notice from Pt. Look Out to R.H.M. cut from the N.Y. Daily News of 28 June and sent me by an officer in Paris. I rec'd it 16 July in the cars as I left London for Lland[ ]. Bob in his letter of June 23rd makes no mention of him. So I infer he must have been captured between that and the 26th or 27th. You however should not give yourself any trouble nor go to climbing any mountains on that score, for I have no doubt he will, with such assistance as I can give, be able to provide very well for his material comforts.

I went down to [A ] day before yesterday to get some tooth brushes to send by an officer who is going home, and I don't like to see such a good opportunity to pass without sending something. So I thought of tooth brushes- All the shops are in [Albrincham] none in Bowdon, Mit said, O don't get them here, get them in Manchester. You get them so much better. He got a friend to get them for you-all right. Tell him to get the best brushes as to hair, such as gentlemen and ladies ought to us, and add to them 6 nail brushes. They have just come, were bought at wholesale prices, and for the nail brushes behold the little shoe brushes. I wish they had been white, I should like 5 & 6 to have a nice white one. But I reckon you can make them do.

Brave said the other day, "Sister B is an elegant woman I tell you. I should like to have such a one for my wife" "Why-?" " Oh she keeps her things in such nice order, and looks good in anything" So charge 5 & 6 to be neat and clean, but I fancy they are, and that they will look mighty good in one of these nail brushes set off by an ivory handled tooth brush. Bless their hearts I wish I could bring myself instead of sending these nice brushes for the narsty Yankees to get. Brave is commencing Greek and French this half. He is not quick, but has what is better than quickness viz. industry and perseverance, the will to make good resolutions and the force to carry this out. I now, since I have been sick take 4 meals a day, breakfast at 8, lunch at 1½, dinner at 5½ and tea at 9, Brave breakfasts and teas and soups. God bless you. Love to Sr. E & S.F.M. and all hands.

Scope and Contents

Written from "The Parsonage, Belsize Park, London," England. Letter regards general news.

Transcription

The Parsonage Belsize Park London, N.W. [England] 30 Dec 64

My dear Corbin, How are you and Jack these dreary times, well and bright I hope. I have no later dates, since I last wrote you. I saw Arthur Sinclair and Pegram last night. The latter left in Oct. I learned more from them as to how our folks get on, than I had learned before. My friend is named T r e m l e t t, not Triplett. Your first letter they knew was for me and sent it to Bowdon right away. I have settled with Rutson for the $167.85 and the $20 advanced by Jno W. to you and Jack the $20 to Jack, the rest to you, total $187.85. Brave grows fast and sends love. God bless you both Yrs afty M. Fontaine

Scope and Contents

Written from "The Parsonage, Belsize Park, London," England. Letter regards health issues.

Transcription

The Parsonage [Belsize Park London, N.W., England] 3 Feb. 65

My dear Mr. Corbin, I have been ill for nearly a month, but hope now I am all right again except in strength, and the roast beef and pudding will soon rectify. My last letters from home are four days older than yours. I had comforted myself with the belief that you and Jack had been exchanged. I think you are bound for that tailor bill whether the cape reaches you or not, for as I understand you ordered them to be sent and they were sent at your and not the tailor's risk. Love to Jack in which Brave joins me to both. I have refunded to R. all he has advanced for either of you. Yr. aft. M. Fontaine

Scope and Contents

Written from "Off San Domingo." Letter regards the end of the Civil War.

General

Off San Domingo 19 May 1865

My dear Sir: We expect to be in Havana next Monday. I have seen New York papers of 2nd. Taking for true what they say this Confederacy has come to a miserable wreck. I write this now for the chance of finding in Havana a vessel ready to take it away. Brave, will go home from Havana, but it will take a day or two there for him to get thro' with his business. In the mean time my friends will be anxious to know what I intend to do. I do not know where they are. I take the liberty of sending this to you thinking you will guess whence it comes, and hoping you will not consider it inconsistent with your new relations, to give it the proper direction.

I was utterly astounded at the brick-row tumble of our armies; and at the ignoble end of the Confederacy I am grieved and mortified beyond expression, My friends will know to whom and to what I attribute the great calamities that have been brought upon us. They need not have been. But as gloomy as the record is, and as black as is the mirror of the future, now is the time to be stout and brave and to rub it bright. The soil of Virginia has now for me no charms save those which memory flings around it. At present it is red with blood and bitter with the tears of those who were and are very precious, and its future is black with misery and utterly horrid. I have no wish to see it, and long to withdraw from it those who graced it, and those who made it very dear to my heart. In my judgment the only course that becomes them and that is left to those noble sons and daughters who have graced the fall of the noble old state is expatriation. There are too many voices coming up in bloody, to cry from her battlefields to admit any to tarry there now, who can get away. And I go from Havana with the design of finding for them a new country, and of obtaining such advantages as will induce 1000s to come. And among the first are my wife's brothers my own kin and our immediate friends especially such as those of Ridgway and others. Please consult your friend [L.E.] upon this subject. The discussion of it involves many considerations, considerations not so much of the present as of the future. The future of every true hearted Virginian is a life dragged out under the yoke amidst secret spies and truculent informers. Remaining on the [soil] their doom is that of a proscribed race.

The best service that I can now make the state is to propose an asylum to which her sons can flee and sit under their own vines and fig trees. Your nephew goes home over for the purpose of developing our plans and with the hope of seeing it received with favor by those whose presence and society would make us at home in any country. My wife has a diamond and [chain]. They will tell her if she will consult them who I seek to plant that home.

I wish 2 you would join me, if possible, and for several reasons - One is he is a better farmer than I am, and another is I shall if at all successful have more to do that I can attend to. Discuss the subject frankly and freely among our own friends, but privately and by letter, not publically nor in print, until I have something clear and definite to propose - which I hope to be at least this much:- [Leave] to come into the country with our effects without any duties of any sort, a grant of Lands exemption for a term of years from taxation and military conscription &. Perhaps other terms more or less advantageous may be obtained. In the mean time broach the subject to the two generals, big and little - to Will's uncles and brothers, to Jessie, to the "Squires" boys and his sisters - to Jno. B. his brothers and nephews to Frank and his and their whole circle of friends - not forgetting mechanics of various sorts. I hope to be ready for the pioneers to come early in the winter if not before. They can make ready for a larger number to follow a few months later and they for a still larger number and soon. Tell L.E. I intend to pick out a settlement so sickly that everybody will want the Doctor and pay him too and so healthy that the old people will just dry up and blow away. Hey Ho!

Scope and Contents

Contemporary copy of the decree by Emperor Maximilian that regards immigration and benefits granted to immigrants, and regulations regarding use of laborers.

Transcription

Important from Mexico We, Maximilian, Emperor of Mexico in consideration of the sparseness of the population in the Mexican territory, in proportion to its extent; desiring to give to immigrants all possible security for property and liberty, in order that they may become good Mexicans, sincerely attached to their new country; and having heard the opinion of our Board of Colonization, do decree, as follows:

Article 1. Mexico is opened to immigration from all nations.

Article 2. Immigration agents shall be appointed, who will be paid by the government, and whose duty it will be to protect the arrival of the immigrants, install them on the lands assigned them and assist them in every possible way in establishing themselves. These agents will receive the orders of an Imperial Commissioner if Immigration, specially appointed by us, and to whom, through our Minister of Improvement (Fomento) all communications relating to immigration shall be addressed.

Article 3. Each immigrant shall receive a duly executed title incommutable, of landed estate, and a certificate that it is free of mortgages.

Article 4. Such property shall be free from taxes for the first year, and also from duties on transfers of property, but only on the first sale.

Article 5. The immigrants may be naturalized as soon as they shall have established themselves as settlers.

Article 6. Immigrants who may desire to bring labourers with them, or induce them to come, in considerable numbers, of any race whatever, are authorized to do so; but those laborers will be subject to special protective regulations.

Article 7. The effects of immigrants, their working and broad animals, seeds, agricultural implements, machines and working tools, will enter free of custom house and transit duties.

Article 8. Immigrants are exempted from military service for five years. But they will form a stationary militia, for the purpose of protecting their property and neighbourhoods.

Article 9. Liberty in the exercise of their respective forms of religious worship is secured to immigrants, by the Organic Law of the Empire.

Article 10. Each of our Ministers is charged with carrying out such parts of this decree as relate to his department.

Given at Chapultepec on the 5th of September 1865. Maximilian

To the Minister of Improvement. By the Emperor, Manuel Orozco y Berra, Sub-secretary, in the absence of the Minister of Improvement

Regulations Under article 6, of the foregoing decree, we ordain as follows:

1. Under the laws of the Empire, all persons of colour are free by the mere act of their touching Mexican territory.

2. They shall make contracts with the employer who has engaged, or may engage them, by which such employer shall bind himself to feed, clothe and lodge them, and give them medical attendance, and also pay them a sum of money, according to whatever agreements they may enter into with him, and more over he shall deposit in the savings bank hereinafter mentioned, for the benefit of the labourer, a sum equivalent to one fourth of his wages, the laborer shall on his part obligate himself to his employer to perform the labour for which he is employed, for a term of not less than five nor more that ten years.

3. The employer shall bind himself to support the children of his labourers. In the event of the father's death, the employer will be regarded as the guardian of the children, and they will remain in his service until they become of age, on the same terms as those agreed on with their father.

4. Each labourer shall receive a book certified by the local authority, in which book his description, the statement of his place of labour, and a certificate of his life and habits, will be entered. In the case of a change of employer, the consent of the former employer shall be entered in this book.

5. In case of the death of the employer, his heirs or whoever may acquire his estate, shall be bound to the labourer in the same manner in which such employer was and labourer in his part shall be bound towards such new proprietor, on the same terms as in his former contract.

6. In case of desertion, the labourer when arrested, shall be placed, without pay, on public works, until his employe presents himself to claim him.

7. In case of any injustice of the employer towards the labourers, he shall be brought before a magistrate.

8. Special police commissioners will watch over the execution of these regulations, and officially prosecute all violators thereof.

9. A savings bank will be established by the government for the following objects.

10. The employers shall deposit in said bank, every month, for the benefit of the labourers, a sum equivalent to one fourth of the wages which each is entitled to, under his contract of employment.

11. The labourers can deposit, in addition, in the savings bank, in money, such sum as they may desire.

12. These deposits shall bear interest at the rate of 5 percent per annum.

13. At the end of his engagement, and on presentation of his book, the labourer shall receive the entire amount of his savings.

14. If at the end of his engagement the labourer wishes to leave his money in the savings bank, he can then receive the interest accrues, or if he wishes to leave this also, it will be added to his capital, and also draw interest.

15. In case a labourer should die intestate or without heirs, his property shall pass to the treasury of the government.

Given at Chapultepec, on the 5th of September 1865. Maximilian To the Minister of Improvement By the Emperor: Manuel Orozco y Berra Subsecretary, in the absence of the Minister of Improvement.

Scope and Contents

Copy of an addendum to emperial decree, in which Matthew Fontaine Maury outlines the climate, economy and other features of Mexico for the information of prospective immigrants.

Transcription

The following Regulations and Instructions have also been approved by His Majesty the Emperor. [signed by M.F. Maury] September 11th 1865.

1. The lands offered for Colonization are divided into three classes:

2. 1st those that are of the public domain and have never been reduced to cultivation:

3. 2nd Those that have been more or less improved as Haciendas, the right to dispose of which, the Government has acquired, either by purchase or otherwise:-

4. 3rd Private lands and Haciendas, the proprietors of which are disposed to offer them to immigrants on liberal terms for colonization. Many Haciendas that are, or have been, under cultivation, may be bought on easy terms, for less that $1 per acre.

5. These private Haciendas or plantations, sometimes embrace several hundred square miles; those of the smaller sizes often afford lands and room for a settlement of a dozen or more families.

6. Immigrants are advised to establish themselves, at first, in settlements or communities, as will for mutual protection and assistance, as for the benefit of churches and schools, and the convenience of mills, blacksmith shops, etc. etc.

7. It is the policy of the Government to encourage settlement upon private, as will as upon public lands; and the same rights, privileges and exemptions are offered to immigrants who may settle on the former, as are granted to those who settle upon the latter.

8. Lands of Class 1. are offered in alternate sections, as donations to actual settlers, and in quantities varying from 160 acres for single men, to 640 for the heads of families according to circumstances, to be explained presently.

Immigration 9. The Government not only invites all well disposed persons to come and assist in the occupation of its vacant places; but His Majesty, the Emperor, touched by the spectacle of good men struggling with adversity in other lands, tenders hospitality and homes especially to these. Moved by the generous impulses of his nature, he offers them material assistance, to enable them to reach this bountiful and beautiful land. To those of them who wish to change their skies, make Mexico their homes, and identify themselves with the country, a free passage for their families and their effects by sea, is offered.

10. Immigrants are therefore divided into two classes: A. & B. - The former being of those first alluded to, who. by misfortune, have last all their substance; and the latter, those who are less straightened in their means.

11. Not only a free passage by sea is offered to Class A., but when they arrive in the country, a travelling allowance of a Real the league, there to their new homes, will be made for each member of their families, counting as members also, their apprentices.

12. Lands of Class 1. will be donated to these immigrants by alternate sections, viz: 160 acres to a single man, and 320 to a man with a family, with a pre-emption right to as much more in each case.

13. Immigrants of Class A. who, after arriving in the country, may prefer to settle upon Haciendas or other lands are a liberty to do so; but in that case, they will be required to refund, with interest, the money that may have been advanced in assisting them to reach their new domiciles.

14. Immigrants of Class B., who are those that can afford to pay their own expenses, have the whole country before them. They may establish themselves wherever they can find suitable and available lands. If they prefer the unimproved lands of the public domain, they also can have them free in alternate sections, but only for actual settlement, at the rate of 320 acres for a single man, and 640 to a man with a family, with a pre-exemption right to as much more in each case.

15. These donations of land to persons whether of Class A. or B., are made on condition, and with the understanding, that the donee shall, in good faith, proceed forthwith to occupy, subdue and cultivate the land so donated.

16. The lands of the public Haciendas will be offered at government prices, and pro - rata, according to the actual cost of purchase by the Government.

17. As it regards private lands and Haciendas, the field of selections is much larger, Immigrants are free to make their own bargains with proprietors, the Government waiving its fees on such transactions, as per Art. of the Decree.

18 As it regards the public Haciendas, a reservation of improved lands will be made from each, to serve; during the first years, as a common for the free use of the colonists. The size of the Common will be determined by the number of families the lands of the Hacienda may be sufficient to accommodate. It will be large enough to give them breadstuffs and vegetables at once, and until they can bring their own lands into cultivation. It will be large enough also to afford space for a village in case the immigrants should find it desirable, as probably at first they will, to establish themselves in villages. No rent will be charged for the first years for the use of this Common.

19. This Reserve or Common is ultimately intended for educational purposes; and, after the first years, a ground rent of ten per cent upon the value of the land, but not upon the improvements, will be required.

Agencies 20. Agents for immigrations will be stationed at convenient points abroad, for the purpose of affording information to the immigrant there, as to this country, its lands, the best way of reaching them, and upon all other subjects pertaining thereto.

21. Persons wishing to emigrate, will first apply to the most convenient agent, The applicant must state his occupation: whether agricultural, mercantile, mechanical or professional. He must also give his age, with the name, sex and age of each member of his family, including apprentices. If he requires assistance for the journey, he must state his circumstances, and give satisfactory references as to his character and standing in the community.

Permits 22. The permit of the Immigration Agent is necessary to entitle the immigrant to the privileges of the decree. Unless he brings with him such a permit into the country, he will neither be entitled to lands, to free entry at the customs-house, nor to any other privileges beyond those accorded to mere strangers.

Effects. 23. Immigrants with such permits may bring in, duty free, all their personal and household effects; their live stock, their implements of husbandry, tools and instruments of all sorts, used by them in the pursuit of their trade, art, profession or calling. But they may not bring, without the payment of duty, any merchandize or thing for sale, exchange or barter.

24. Before embarking, if coming by sea, or leaving home, if coming by land, the immigrant should furnish the agent for Immigration a complete list of persons and effects thaty of Mexico, will be completed. A charter for another rail-way, from the Capital to the Pacific Ocean, has been granted to responsible parties.

25. Immigrants arriving in port, or crossing the line will find an agent there, whose duty it is to give them such assistance, and afford them such further information as they may require to speed them on their way.

Apprentices 26. The agents for immigration will give no permits for Apprentices: unless the indentures shall conform to the terms of the decree, and be otherwise not inconsistent with the laws of the Empire; unless the indenture be attested by three respectable witnesses, certifying that the Apprentice was free, and that he, his parent or guardian, as the case may be, entered into the contract for apprenticeship, freely, and without threat, fear or intimidation; and unless the agent himself shall be satisfied that the "patron" is a humane man and a proper person, made so by his habit and education, for the care of such Apprentices.

27. In all cases, the "patron" must furnish a descriptive list of his Apprentices, taking the time and terms of their indentures, with their names, sexes, and ages. He must exhibit to the agent, the indentures in duplicate, or in duly certified copies, one of which the agent shall deliver to the Apprentice, and retaining another, shall return the third to the patron.

[verso] Regulations & Instructions to be published with the Decree. In connection with the foregoing, I beg leave to add, for the information of those who are displaced to avail themselves of the very liberal terms offered by this Decree, a few remarks on the physical geography, the agricultural resources and industrious pursuits of this beautiful country:

The Empire of Mexico lies between the parallels of 15° and 32° of the North latitude.

The shores are bathed by the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea on one hand, and by those of the Pacific on the other.

It is celebrated for its mines of silver and gold; copper, iron and lead also abound; but though its mineral wealth has dazzled the world, its mineral wealth is, as a source of riches, by no means equal to its soil.

Its climates are genial and its harvest perpetual; under good husbandry, the yield is bountiful, being 50, 100, and sometimes 200 fold. On the way up from Vera Cruz to the Capital in May, I saw the cereals in all the ways of cultivation between the hands of the sower and the arms of the reaper.

The seasons in Mexico are not marked by the vicissitudes of heat and cold so distinctly as they are by their characteristics of wet and dry. The coolest time of the year in this City is about the end of the dry season in April and May. The rainy season throughout the country commences generally with June and ends with September; still, there are occasional showers both before and after.

In the tierra caliente- the rainy season is the sickly season.

Between the mountains and the sea there is, on both coasts, a flat country, varying in breadth from 10 to 60 miles or more. These lowlands reach back to the mountains which form the edge of the Table-land or great central plateau. This low country corresponds to that which, in Virginia and the Carolinas, lies between the Blue Ridge and the sea. It is the hot country of Mexico, the tierra caliente. Everything which delights in rich soils, bright skies, warmth and moisture, finds a genial habitat there.

Ascending the mountains, which are timbered all the way up, you reach the table-land, an immense plain from five to eight thousand feet above the level of the sea, and hundreds of mils in breadth. In length, it is commensurate with the Empire; and in the lap of its western declivities, lies the tierra caliente of the Pacific coast. This table-land is the tierra templada, or the temperate regions of the Empire. Its climates are delightful: a happy mean between hot and cold, where cloth clothes are not uncomfortable by day, nor a blanket or two too heavy by night. Nevertheless, fire is never to be required, even in the coldest weather, for the houses generally are built without chimneys or fireplaces. It is very healthy.

The surface of this table-land is diversified with hills and dales, with an occasional snow clad peak; so that one, by descending into the valleys, may find, at the difference in level of a few hundred yards, and in the distances of a few miles, the productions and staples of all climates and latitudes, from those of Virginia and Missouri down to the shore of the Gulf of Mexico, and there through the West Indies to the Equator or Brazil. Emigrants for Mexico, come at what season they may, will always be in time to plant something; but the best season for crop planting is generally in the spring, and the best time for coming is in the dry season, from October to May, when the newcomer may live in tents, put his seed into the ground and till June to build and get his family comfortably housed, by the time the rains set in.

The staples of agriculture in Mexico are like its climates: according to height above the sea level, somewhat controlled also by latitude. They are: corn, wheat, barley and oats; cotton, sugar and coffee; hemp, rice, tobacco, cocoa, cochenille, pimento, indigo, oranges, fruits and vanilla. On the dry table-lands, where nothing else scarcely will grow, flourishes the lordly Maguey or Pulque plant, the glory and wonder of Mexican flora. A single plant of this marvelous production is worth from $4 to $12, according to age and size. It yields but for a single season, and then dies. Some of the wealthiest establishments in Mexico are these Pulque plantations.

There is no lack of range and pasture for herds of cattle: goats, sheep, cows, and horses do well. Nay, gentlemen who are from the grazing lands of the Western States, and who have travelled through the northern part of Mexico, assure me, that they have never seen so fine a stock country.

The forests abound in useful trees and ornamental woods, among them, the mahogany and the india-rubber tree. As for fruits and vegetables, they are of great variety and excellence. The immigrant can find climates and soils suitable to any cultivation that he may choose to adopt. From the sea to the top of the tablelands, he will find these soils and climates ranged in belts suitable for sugar, coffee, tobacco, and the like. These declivities are generally the best watershed lands, and are fit for cultivation all the way up.

The population of the Empire, counting in round numbers, is estimated at eight millions, about seven millions of which belong to what may be called the laboring classes.

Agricultural labor, however, is poorly paid: the average rate of wages being from 25 to 37 cents a day, the laborer finding himself. His skill is rude. I have seen him sawing with an ax, plowing with a stick, hoeing his corn with a shovel, and his wife grinding with a pebble. He yokes his oxen by the horns to the plow or cart; and fetches and carries cheaply on his own back, or on that of mule and donkeys.

Owing to the unsettled state and the constant revolutions in which the country has been for more than forty years, the people now find themselves with energies paralyzed, haciendas neglected and industry itself at a stand-still. There is no lack of evil-minded persons in all countries, and great political revolutions, as experience elsewhere shows, never fail to call forth such. Mexico has not escaped them; and bandits, or guerrillas as they are called, go about the country in certain parts, levying blackmail and forced contributions upon peaceable and defenseless people. To avoid any molestation from these, immigrants, especially the first comers, should travel in company and establish themselves, for mutual protection and convenience, in settlements of not less than a dozen or two. They should bring with them their farming implements, and encourage in every settlement the establishment of blacksmith and other shops, the erection of mills, etc.

The Emperor is governing mildly and wisely. Internal improvements are encouraged. Education is fostered; and all useful enterprises are sure to find in their Majesties earnest and active support. A railway is in the process of construction from Vera Cruz to the city of Mexico. Fifty miles of it, from Vera Cruz to the foot of the table-land are already in operation; next year another section, from Pueblo to the City of Mexico, will be completed. A charter for another railway, from the Capital to the Pacific Ocean, has been granted to responsible parties.

An able corps of civil engineers has recently been organized, and steps taken for the repair and construction of wagon roads in various parts of the Empire. Telegraphic lines are also encouraged, and several are already in operation.

The Mexican Times, a weekly paper printed in English and devoted to colonization, will, in a few days, make its appearance from the press of this city. Those who wish to come to Mexico, will find in it much useful information relating to the country.

It will, however, afford me much pleasure to give to those who may desire it, any special information that it may be in my power to give, and until the agencies alluded to in the Decree and Regulations, be filled. Their letters will receive prompt attention if directed to the care of Col. Talcott [Tolcott], Engineer in chief of the Imperial Mexican railway.

City of Mexico 11 Sept. 1865 (signed) M. F. Maury

Scope and Contents

Written from the Office of Colonization, 13 Calle San Juan de Letran, Mexico. Letter comments about colonization effort and false rumors that Matthew Fontaine Maury has requested a pardon from the United States government.

Transcription

fr. Manhattan - recd. by R.M. 18 Nov a.m. in company with a shorter letter to himself and a short note to Mr. Thos. Bold, but none others.

To Mr. S.W. Corbin Office of Colonization 13 Calle San Juan de Letran Mexico 31 Oct 1865

My dear Corbin Dick and party arrived here all safe about a week ago. Pip has a little bout with chills: - the rest are well. - The Yankee papers now have it that "Professor Maury, the vilest of traitors has asked for pardon." - In the name of sense what do I want with a "pardon"? I have no idea of going to the U.S. now, whatever I may do in the future: and when I want to come back its quite time enough to talk about a "pardon." Therefore, pray you and Nannie let all my friends know that the greatest mortification that they can cause me is to talk about asking Mr. Johnson for anything for me, or to talk about pardon.-

I am not a seer, nor can I control events. I may want to go to the U.S.: I may want to go to Siberia: but when the time comes, then there will be time enough also to decide as to the way.

I have asked, and the Emperor has ordered the authority to be given, to make Dick my Sub. at $2500."(salary.)" I have not been officially informed of it yet: but he has been hard at it in the traces.

As to the success of Colonization, those "ifs" which have hitherto prevented me from calling you and Nannie here, are still in the way.

Mexico has been trying for 40 years to put the tide of immigration this way, it can't. - I have from the beginning told the Emperor I must have full sway in the matter. - otherwise I couldn't. This sway has not been given yet: and in the mean time many immigrants have come,- knocked, and no one opening. they have gone away. - As I have always said, if colonization fails, Mexico is no place for me. But before I set about to hunt a place to die, I wish to make the experiment. Where that place is, I cannot tell: - it may be Farley Vale - it may be Old England. - But of I stay here that long, I shall want you to come out a little after this time next year, look at the country and bring Nannie. - It will take you two months: - 2 weeks to come, a month to stay, and 2 weeks to go.

I am now in a condition to support my family again in their wonted comfort; and that's a great blessing for a man who has done all the foolish things attributed to "Matthew F." This is early. I have not seen Dick. I wait with some curiosity to see if Dab: and Will between them, will in that free country of theirs, dare to publish our Decrees etc., etc. - Kiss "(I know not whether it is "Maria or 'Mama", or what)" for me.

Yours affectionately, M.F. Maury

[Note by the copyist] There are 3 copies hereof; of which one goes to Nannie, another to Betty, and the 3rd will go to Mrs. M.F. - on 22 Nov [ ] Cunard str. from Boston. The letter to myself encloses a draft for £100 to repay my advances for Dick. Except that it does not name the application for Dick, the invitation to Mr. & Mrs. Corbin or the remarks about Will and Dab: it is to the same purport as this: and I sent a copy of it today (18th)Nov.) to Mrs. M.F. under cover to Mr. Bold. R.M.

Scope and Contents

Copy by Rutson Maury, with notations.

Scope and Contents

Written from the Office of Colonization, Mexico. Letter regards a potential trip to England, the situation in Virginia, and colonization.

Transcription

Office of Colonization Mexico Nov. 27th 1865

My dear wife: The last steamer from New York brought us three days ago from the indefatigable Rutson copies of your dear letters to Bettie and Cousin Ann, and Tom Bold's letter to Rutson, reporting you as his guest till Xmas and all well. Also letters from Nannie and Cousin Ann, press copies of which even also sent to you.

I reckon, maybe I have "gone [clean] daft," that my children and friends should think it necessary to write me such letters and make me such appeals. But it looks to me mightily like I have done, and am doing the thing that is right, wisest and best - Surely it was worth some sacrifice of feeling on your part as well as mine, and the endurance of a little longer separation to get Dick so snugly established as he is likely to be here-

My own; no, our own mutual interests require that I should be in England at no distant day, and not being a prophet I could not foresee the turn that things would take, which would compel me to be here now, instead of half way across the sea towards your sweet embraces and my children's arms-

The rainy season sets in the last of May and continues till Oct. Nov- this too is the sickly season, Yellow Fever both in Vera Cruz and West Indies - This is the time of year when immigration must stop and when therefore I can best be spared from my duties here - Now, between these months of May and October, I should be afraid to risk a voyage from here to England or the reverse.

I was afraid to leave you in Virginia because I was afraid and am afraid of troubles there. See what is going on in South Carolina and La. now. From the accounts I received from you and the children as to the difficulties on the score of servants, and other matters, I could not bear the idea of your encountering this winter in Virginia, surrounded as I fancied you would be, with such material discomfort - You remember my continued anxiety upon this subject during the war; and how last Spring I urged you to go North, surround yourself with material comforts and await events.

Therefore having to go to England at the earliest moment practicable (and that will be in the Spring on account of the sickly season and official duty here and I can't venture back, until the dangers of Yellow Fever are over) I thought England the best place for you to wait; and I thought they to join you in Dec.

In this sketch I make no allusion to the other reasons which we have so freely discussed before, and for which it was also wisest and best for you and the children to go to England - Bless my little Lucy's heart, I did not know before that she stammered—

Now then:- suppose I were to heed Bettie and Nannie, Cousin Ann and Rutson and write for you to come. You might be able to leave by the Str. of 1st Jan - but more probably not before February - That would bring you here about 4th March - And then, by the last of April at furthest I should have to leave for England - where on account of Yellow Fever by the way back, I should have to stay till Oct. You would then be left here with a people speaking an unknown tongue for six or seven months and these six or seven months we had better spend together in "merrie old England" I think, that in dodging each other behind "Albion's chalky cliffs" and the sierras of Mexico - Don't you? –

Another thing: - and this is among my muttered thoughts, and if, and if and if all these ifs should conjoin, I may not come back - This though is way down deep among the remote contingencies of the future - It is not to be mentioned, except with injunctions, even to the most reticent, for still more reticence, for there is not enough of consistency about it, even for you to hang a hope upon - I can only contemplate it so far as to let the possibility of it enter into my calculations, so that should that possibility turn out a reality, I should not be taken by surprise.

Hey Ho! This thing of being so opposed by friends, when one "feels it in his bones," that he is doing what is right, wisest and best; this having to defend and explain and excuse oneself, and all in vain: - the feeling added to and piled up above this, that I am prejudged and condemned by children and friends who don't know - makes me feel, - oh! so flinty! I am right - and I must keep so. I sink myself I live for the reflected pleasure which the happiness and approving smiles of my wife and children alone can give - And the hope of this sustains, cheers and comforts me. And if they will but have patience with me, and God will spare me, this I will do yet - I hope—

Dick is a great help and comfort to me - Bless his heart, he wins upon me every day - so crippled! yet so patient, so devoted to his new duties and so hardworking - He surprises and delights me with his business tact and capacity. He is so handsome too and in his nice new clothes looks the gentleman every whit-

Here, my dear, precious darling wife, is a great reward to you and consolation too, for this vexations separation;- and a proud, nay a glorious vindication too of the wisdom so far, of the course pursued by your husband in coming here - Suppose, instead of coming here last Spring, I had remained in England, or gone to Halifax to bide my time - Perhaps we should have been together now in England, - But what would have become of him? You know I became very uneasy about the tendency of his habits in consequence of the taste engendered by those immense doses of medicine which when wounded he was compelled to take. With those habits upon him, I trembled at the idea of seeing him risk alone and unaided, as he must have done, the battle of life there in Va. - Under such ordeals, there was no telling what might have become of him - Suffice it to say, the apprehensions and the fear that he would give way, haunted me - Now I find he is safe from that at any rate. He has position, with head and hands full of honorable and useful employment - with emoluments all things considered such as you and I, even in the balmy days of our "munificent provision' never enjoyed - He was consulting me today about buying some Cordova lands- I had it in my mind to bring Corbin here and induce him to settle upon them. And tho I believe he and Nannie would have come, if I had but urged them, yet in the face of so much opposition, I did not have the heart to do it - In the olden times Cordova was the garden spot of New Spain.

Price, Perkins, Shelby, Harris and all our people who have been there say it has the most delightful climate and the finest soil they ever saw. There stands on one side of it and but a little way off, the Peak of Orizaba with its cap of everlasting snow, and on the other the sea in full view-

When slavery was abolished suddenly fifty years ago- as with us- down it went - and its splendid Haciendas and baronial old mansions are now in ruins. They were heavily in debt to the church and as the church property has been confiscated, not by the Emperor, he took possession of these estates for colonization- The railway hence to Vera Cruz passes right through there and I am now selling them to immigrants as fast as they can be surveyed, at $1 the acre, on five years credit. There are about 40 of our people already there. Perkins has bought him a house and has sent for his wife - so has Shelby, and so has a number of others - Mr. Holdman and Episcopal clergyman with his family - nice people, has been engaged by the settlement as pastor, teacher etc and I am going to reserve land for a church, school house, cemetery etc.

Thus you see my dear, sweet wife, colonization is not a chimera- By the time these lands are paid for they will be worth even if no more come to the Empire, $10, $20, $30 aye $100 the acre - for they produce everything under the sun, and yield perpetual harvests. What do you think of coffee growing wild, of fig trees 100 feet high, and 3 feet in circumference - and the most luscious pine apples at a cent apiece? Yet they tell me all these things are there. Now if I could have gotten Corbin here on one of these stately old Haciendas - he would with his skillful husbandry have made it bud and blossom again, and thus we should have found us a nest again. There is a great rush for this settlement, and it is here that Dick wanted to go, but as he was my son, I advised him against it, because there are not lands enough for them all. However I am going to extend the settlement and then Corbin and Nannie can come.

Lafayette Caldwell who used to be draftsman at the Observatory has sent for his family, Magruder for his, and there is a number of families already here. Some of them established in this city, but they are going to break up, and go down to this "new" dear old Spottsylvania.

Now if I can only get lands surveyed in time and there is a probability of this, -"Here is your New Virginia"- There are other settlements forming in other parts of the Empire. Colonization is a success if we can only find instruments and get surveyors to bring the lands into market. The people of the South are restrained from prudential considerations from speaking of their intentions. But we have letters. Thousands are dying to come. And I hope to have a decree this week which will put them in motion. Hurrah! -----30th The decree has come with an appropriation of $2,000,000.

[Verso] N York [ ] [ ] This was sent to my sister for her and for my perusal (exclusively) and with the same injunction of reticence as to the "-if, if & if" matter - to apply to you and to Nannie we were requested to send this for you and for her perusal.

Scope and Contents

Written from Mexico. In the letter, Matthew Fontaine Maury urges Diana Fontaine Corbin (Maury) to consider establishing a settlement in Mexico.

Transcription

Mexico 30 Nov. 1865

My dear Nannie, Many thanks my loving darling for your last letter. The "Ticup-o-pitchin [In]", though you have done less of it than others. I send for you and Betty an extract from my letter to y'r Ma, induced by your and her letters and one from Cousin Ann. My friends in England have now [confessed] themselves satisfied that in coming here I did the best thing that under the circumstances could be done. And your Ma being now out of the way of having the move discussed, criticized, and condemned will be much happier. You know how her mind is [ ] by divided councils. In the letter I received from her yesterday, just after mine from which the extract is taken, had been mailed. It contained the "hypes" of my Molly dear, and darling Elie.

I wish now that I had induced Corbin to come, and settle on one of the Cordoba estates.

Is the spirit of manliness clear gone out of those noble Virginia people. Can't Corbin raise a settlement and come now under the new decree. It authorizes me to loan 1/3 of the [] money to any settlements of not less than 25 families who will come here buy a hacienda and settle upon it. The most splendid Haciendas are to be bought for $2. or $3 hundred thousand dollars [i.e.] at the rate of not over $4 or $5 the acre. 1/5 down and any credit you like as an illustration suppose a community of 25 families or more, will send Corbin and others here to select a place for them. They find a Hacienda to their liking at say $150,000. This office will give him a certificate that $50,000 will be bound for 15 years to the settlement, to be proportional among them, as soon as the 25 families appear. His cash payment will be $10, 15- 20- or 30,000$ according as he may bargain with the vendor. The balance of the $50,000 can go to the working of the farm. He and the rest can stay, put in a crop and get ready for the rest to follow. I am to have $2,000,000 for this purpose. I sent the decree to R.H. Maury to be published. If it be not published ask him for it, and do the best you can.

Send this and your Ma's letter to Betty - and stop all of you telling the Crit that she is miserable and that I ought not to do this, and it's [better] to do that - praise everything she does. My troubles now - up the mountains- are about chairs, and that brass-eyed young Bold. But I don't think yr Ma will stay there, until now. But Tott's [ ] [looks] mighty [ ] I tell you.

God bless you all my dear children. We will build our house together yet I hope. Yr affectionate father, M.F.

Scope and Contents

Letter fragment copied by Diana Fontaine Corbin (Maury). Letter regars colonization of Mexico.

Scope and Contents

Letter fragment regards colonization in Mexico.

Transcription

Reasons for establishing colonies in Mexico.

1. Va is not a fit place to live in now. All must come to Mexico. If they stay in Va they will have to free their nigs, will have to pay taxes heavier than in Mexico will very likely have a nig tax collector coming around, will be always haunted by the Yankees, will have to pay the Yankee war debt, will have to help pay pensions to the widows and orphans of the men that have been fighting against us and do nothing for ours and will perhaps have our lands confiscated. The Spartans of the war who remain in Va will be in the category of a conquered race.

2. All must come to Mex. Pa is going to Max and get form him grants of land in different part of Mex for the best blood of Va. and the South to go to. He will get Max to allow them to come to Mex and bring all their effects with them free of duty, get them exempted from taxes and conscription in the army for a term of years. Besides these he will get such other privileges as my be practicable including those of religion.

3. Brother Wellford must come right off the reel to pick the lands for us to settle on. Some steady young men who are not afraid to work must be sent to get ready for the rest to come. Must set all the nigs free and then bring them along as persons owing passage money to be paid in labour. Then they can be held as peons till the debt is discharged. That is you pay them but can compel them to work for you as long as they owe you money or labour. Must get mechanics of all sorts to come with their tools and uncle John or Uncle Charlie or Brother Will or someone else must stay behind to wind up the affairs of all.

Those persons that intend to leave the Confed anyhow had better send someone to him at once; but he wants no one to come simply on his representation. Indeed the idea is that those people that wish to settle together and intend to leave the country any how should appoint a certain on and send him to Pa who can offer him better privileges that he could get by himself. Then if Max don't suit him he can go back and report to the people that sent him and they will be just where they started from.

Scope and Contents

Written from Mexico. In the letter, Matthew Fontaine Maury urges Diana Fontaine Corbin (Maury) to consider establishing a settlement in Mexico.

Transcription

Mexico 7 Dec. 1865

My dear sweet brave Nannie: I laid awake most of the time last night a thinking over that letter of yrs from Ridgway that came yesterday. Rutson gave you good reasons for your ma not passing by F.V. on her way to Mexico.

About yr. coming here, I was trying last night to work it out. I sent you by the [Ltr] which left Vera + yesterday a copy of the New Decree that is to be and my address with suggestions in relation thereto for Corbin's action.

Suppose this plan don't take. I think still that Corbin can do better here than there under present aspect of affairs. That supposing he can't raise a settlement of 25. to come, he had better work up to this idea. Stay and gather his crop next year. and sell F.V. in case he can get a good price. If he can't then let him reap his crop and leave his land, and come say about this time next year. In the mean time what will you do? Here's my pillow thought of it - vision o' the night.

F.V. will be a bad place for you to weather next summer and fall, and rainy season. I am laying my plans to leave in the B'r steamer of 1st April. It would not be desirable for you to come later than May on account of Yellow fever in V &. I landed the last of May and some of my fellow passengers took it and died. The end of your troubles in Va. is not yet. Now then how do you and Corbin like this idea? You come out here next spring and so escape the chills of F.V. Here's your home. If Corbin can rent or sell on good terms, he can come with you, but if not he can stay to gather his crops and then come, with the intention of staying here two or three years anyhow. During that time he can manage to get along here, and hold his own. So that should it be desirable for him to return, as time passes by, he can return. In these two or three years the people will have adjusted themselves to this new condition of things, and he then see how it looks. And in this time he will not be able to make much in Va. anyhow.

And then the next year we will get Betty and Mary to make us a visit. Wouldn't it be "jolly"? You will get this i.e. - you may, by the 23rd. Write to Rutson and ask him to send it by 1st Steamer to Havana under cover to Mexican consul there - the way this goes - and from there here. There's a steamer every week. As I said, let me know, for your coming is for my treat.

I am glad you had the Decrees & c published. Tell Corbin I am now negotiating for Santa Anna's Hacienda near Jalapa. 300,000 acres and a superb one it is, at say $7.50 cts the acre, on condition of putting 200 families there. The country round about is healthy. The climate is superb, and nature so prolific, bountiful and [benignant], that she chases you about with fruits and flowers in her hand. Now if he will put himself at the head of 200 families and come, I. Max- will advance him one third the purchase money in cash, out of which he can pay his first installment and establish his people. In a few years they will all be rich, for we intend to build a railway thru to V.+

The final offer is to be made me this week. Then you are as near to N. Orleans as you are now. Think over these things and let me know you can't imagine how Dick has improved in appearance. He looks so well, so handsome and genteel. He has a great tact for business, and works like a horse bless his heart. Love to Brodie, Lucy Ellen and the 'gals' with a 1001 good wishes to `Ducks' bless her heart. To Jno and Charles and theirs, to Mary, Sr. E. and SF., to Dabney , wife and children and to everybody. Send all my letters to Betty. Why don't you tell me of my dear friends Frank Minor and Lucy Ann.

10th- I wish with all my heart I could appoint Corbin - but it is necessary for the Agent to [hire] him in Richmond or Norfolk, [and] $1,200 would not pay Corbin for quitting. Corbin- I send you and him an offer of a splendid estate please publish. It is Santa Anna's splendid Hacienda now in ruins near Jalapa. All the officers of the Army who were here with old Scott will tell you of its magnificence. Their agent is afraid St. Anna will withdraw the offer or thwart him if he finds out that he is offering it in so practical a shape. Therefore, while you may tell it to friends don't say in print that the estate is Santa Anna's. If Corbin can make up a company under the new decree sent you last mail, I'll advance him what the decree allows as soon as he plants his 200 families there.

This is an offer. I have no doubt if you send someone, he will get better terms. And to send first is the proper way.

Jack reported himself yesterday by telegram for Orizaba, dead broke. Rutson had asked me to send him a lift.

Yr aft. M.F.

Scope and Contents

Written from Mexico. Document announces an offer to Confederate settlers to purchase the estate of Santa Anna.

Transcription

An offer of 350,00 acres of land is made to Confederate settlers who wish to establish themselves in Mexico.

These lands the most fertile of the Empire, are crossed by three rivers. They are situated on the line of rail-road from Vera Cruz to the Capital, and are near the road from V Cruz to Jalapa. They are in the healthy part of Sierra Caliente, and produce equally well coffee, cocoa, indigo, cotton and sugar cane, as well as all the tropical fruits and vegetables.

The proprietor will sell them to settlers as soon as the letter shall have filled with the Agents of Colonization in the United States or Mexico subscriptions for 200,000 acres at the following rate: The first 50,000 acres chosen at ---- $1.75 " second " " " " ---- 1.50 " third " " " " ---- 1.25 " fourth " " " " ---- 1.00

The first subscribers will have the right to choose at the above rates with the understanding that not less than 320 acres shall be sold to any of them.

When the 200,00 acres shall have been subscribed for, and chosen the rest shall be sold at a price to be agreed upon between the seller and the purchaser.

The payments shall be made in the following manner: The third part of the value shall be paid in cash at Mexico, Ver Cruz or New Orleans. The rest thereof shall be paid in four years time causing the payments thereof to be effected in equal parts and yearly, that is to say one sixth of the value of the property adding thereto the interest at the rate of six percent.

As villages and towns will be formed on these lands, a lot will be given gratis to each settler in said villages or towns. Said lots shall be chosen and allotted by Mr. Maury the Imperial Commissioner of Colonization.

The surveying and the cost of the title of the property will be at the expense of the settlers.

City of Mexico Dec 9th 1865-

Scope and Contents

Written from theColonization Office, Mexico. Document concerns an offer to Confederate settlers to purchase the estate of Santa Anna.

Transcription

Colonization Office 13 San Juan de Letran Mexico Dec 10th 1865

The Hacienda offered herewith known to have been one of the finest and most celebrated in Mexico It presents, especially to the former planters of the South, a fine opportunity for establishing a flourishing American settlement. Those who are disposed to visit the country for the purpose of colonizing it under the Imperial Decree to promote immigration will receive every encouragement from this Office. The offer is made by respectable parties, and persons wishing to treat, will be put in communication by addressing the Commissioner

Apprentices as per Imperial Decree of September 5th 1865 would do well here, though there is no lack of native labour.

M.F. Maury Imperial Commissioner

Scope and Contents

Written from the Colonization Office, Mexico.

Scope and Contents

Written from Mexico. Letter regards possible settlement in Mexico.

Transcription

Mexico 1 Jan 1866

My dear Corbin, My letter of the 18 ultimo, proposing start after present crop you should let or lease F.V. and come here to watch events - crossed yours to the self some time. It appears to me for reasons in my letter to Nannie that it's the best thing for her to come in the spring and for you to follow in the fall.

It will be more consistent with yourself respect to abandon that country at least for the present. Don't stay there and help fasten the yoke upon your own neck that my precious Davy Jones gave up his life in trying to shake off. Don't stultify yourself, but come here to look over - and then when you see what means of Govt. the victors will impress, you can decide whether you will accept it. For God sake don't you help them, whether others may. This looking on will last probably till `69, in the same time, you can't make anything at F.V. You can barely live - but that you can do here.

You mention the "ifs & ifs & ifs": I recd letters yesterday from England, that give a semblance of reality to one of those "ifs". It is probable that I shall be sent for by the New Atlantic Telegraph Co. and if be that I shall ask leave of absence till the fall and take the str of 1 Feb. But I shall have Dick and you in charge of the house, and my room for you and Nannie. But I am not gone yet. And you shall hear more about it before I do go. In the mean time continue to write care of Y.P. Oropesa, Colonization Agent Vera Cruz.

I have a letter asking here for room for 10,000 of those noble [Carolinian] families, that fought and lost as we did and who two years ago, left their desolated houses to the victors and sought refuge like me of true pluck in a foreign land. Bless their hearts I'll do my best to help them to homes in these lovely climes. Tell Nannie to swap this letter with Betty for one to Will. "So Tidem" Good night Yrs Maury

Sue & pip send words of New Years calls & gifts. They are great belles.

Scope and Contents

Written from Mexico. Copy of a letter to Empress Charlotte (Carlotta) regarding colonization and internal improvements.

Transcription

Send to Betty & Will There's only this one copy So Betty after studying it must send it to Nannie

"To her Majesty The Empress. Madam: I have the honour to transmit for the information of your Majesty, the communication made to this office by Mr. T.C. Hindman of which I had the honour of speaking yesterday. It relates to colonization, in connection with a system of internal improvements, a land survey and a census of the Empire. The subjects are of high importance, and the suggestions expressed by the author of the paper, are worthy of careful consideration.

It has not escaped Her Majesty's observation, how the Empire is gaining ground and acquiring strength: That it is gaining the confidence of the people of stability, no better evidence can be afforded that the potent fact, that capital is leaving its hiding places, and seeking investments in various enterprises throughout the Empire.

The times therefore seem propitious for inaugurating those great measure of policy the adoption of which would impart new vigour to this nascent life.

The revenues of the Empire may be increased and its prosperity promoted by revision of the whole excise system; and one of the first steps towards this is a census which will tell the number of the people, and the value of the property.

Another step, requiring years for its accomplishment, but nevertheless redounding the glory of our Emperor; the good of His people, and the welfare of His Empire, is a landsurvey: - for the two fold purpose of [cadastre], and of separating the lands of the crown from those of the subjects.

Another pillar in the edifice which I am so anxious to see raised up here by His Majesty, to our honour and His glory, is a judicious system of internal improvements, self supporting, and sustained by the wealth which itself [creates]

As an illustration, let us take the case of an imaginary farmer in Cuernavaca: - It costs him annually in freight alone to send his crop to market in the City, say $10,000 - If there were a Railway, his freight bill would be perhaps $1000 instead of $10,000; and his hacienda would probably be trebled in value. Now if the owner of such a hacienda, was required to invest, in the shares of the Company, a certain portion of in increased value given to his property by the road - and the law were applied to all lands within a certain distance of the road, its construction would be secured without further tax upon the public treasury. The people would find in a little while, that this so called tax, instead of being a burden, was really a benefaction; for the stock-holders thus created by the paternal care of His Majesty, would stand upon a different footing from any other stock holder; for they would draw treble dividends: - first, from the earning of the road; and next upon the principle that a "penny saved is a penny gained," in paying at the rate of $1,000 instead of $10,000 annually for transportation of produce to market: - and last, in the increase of value which their lands derive from the existence of the road. Certain states in my native "sunny south" adopted this system: it worked like a charm and produced magic effects.

Another pillar to the superstructure which His Majesty is so nobly striving to raise, is a revision of the revenue laws, in homage of free trade: and the establishment of the warehousing system.

These measures, with colonization, will make us great; and the undersigned having some little knowledge of a practical sort, connected with them, hold, it together with the homage due from the most loyal of subjects, at the service of Their Majesties

M.F. Maury January 18th 1866. Imperial Commissioner

Scope and Contents

Written from Cuernavaca, Mexico. Copy of letter from Empress Charlotte regarding Matthew Fontaine Maury's trip to England.

Transcription

Cuernavaca, January 29th 1866

My dear Sir: I have spoken to the Emperor respecting our conversation of Friday last, and he wishes me to tell you, first, that he grants you a complete leave of absence to arrange your affairs in England, and allows you to set off by the next French packet, but that if he returns to Mexico in the meanwhile, he hopes yet to have the pleasure of seeing you; secondly, that he quite agrees with your purchasing the instruments for studying the rainy season, and thirdly that he approves of any effort you may make to introduce the "cinchona" tree and authorized you to have sent from Kew a few specimen of this valuable plant.

Hoping to have fulfilled my errand to your satisfaction, I only want to renew my best wishes for your voyage and successful exertions in England whilst I remain

Yours sincerely, Charlotte

Scope and Contents

Copy of letter from Maximilian regarding Matthew Fontaine Maury's settlement in Mexico.

Scope and Contents

Written from Mexico. Letter regards trip to England and colonization in Mexico.

Transcription

Mexico 2 Feb. 1866

My dear children: I have taken my seat in the coach of the 8th expecting to sail from Vera Cruz in the F'r Str. of 13 and to arrive at [San Nazaire] about 10 March to lie about till the fall say the last of Oct. I want send you Max and my Carlota's princely letters. I expect to bring all hands with me when I return and so to Corbin at that Corbin and Nannie may join us in Havana on the way.

I leave Dick in charge of affairs. He is writing a book for the information of those who wish to come to Mexico. He has his heart very much in it. Dick is a fine character and I admire its beauty more and more every day. He is very full just now of buying some of these beautiful islands that dot the lake with acre spots, and go into the market gardening business.

You see by the letter of the Empress that I am aspiring to the glory of planting a [tribe].

Colonization is going on is spite of the want of public lands; our projects are dotting the Empire with settlements here and there. My own Carlotta Colony at Cordoba is flourishing. The settlers there are now being joined by their families from your country. 'Old Jubal' is here and I have offered him a place as agent. He is writing a history which your masters will not allow to be read or believed.

I have various inexpensive irons in the fire still. Some of them may come to a welding heat some of these days. If they do, we'll all be glad; and if they don't we will be none the worse.

I think the best thing for Corbin to do is to come down next fall and watch events. I take it that the South will be all at sea at least until after the next President takes his seat. Love to Sr. E, Mary, Brodie, Jno, Bob and all hands. God bless you all, Yr. affectionate M.F.

Scope and Contents

Written from Veracruz, Mexico. Letter regards travel across Mexico, ongoing colonization, and the political situation in Virginia.

Transcription

mail to Will or Corbin Havana Arrived 9

Veracruz, Mexico 1 March 1866

My dear Children The English steamer in which I have paid my passage £49.10 is now over-due two days, and her day of sailing again is day after to-morrow.

I left Mexico Saturday the 24th at 2 A.M. arrived at [Puebla] at 7 p.m. when I "pernocted" in a room with diverse others for $2. Was called at 1 A.M. and off again at 2, over a very rough road -a very fatiguing journey. Passed between long ridges of my lordly maquay shooting up it magnificent flower stalks, as large and as high and as straight as a common telegraph pole. Indeed unless you were near enough to see the wires I found it often difficult to tell one from the other. This `first of Flora" with its enormous height and proportions is pushed up in the course of 6 or 7 days. To compare great things with small, imagine an immense asparagus stalk say one day old and before its head has swollen out sufficiently to begin to burst and shoot out branches, well imagine it to 18 or 20 inches in circumference, 30 or 40 feet high and you have it as I generally saw them, rising out its magnificent tuft of foliage 30 feet around and 12 feet high. Occasionally the more forward ones had commenced to shoot out, from the top and horizontally their splendid flower brackets and to assume the appearance of splendid and gigantic candelabras from which the genie of the hoary hooded orizaba which with his night cap of snow was looking down upon us, intended to light up the plains through which the coach was teetering its toilsome way. Ascending the Western slopes of the [`Cumibres'], the highest range between Mexico and the Gulf, we left its `boast of Bacchus" and entered the cloud region. It was blowing a furious gale, the wind was howling amongst the rocks and cliffs, and driving a cold and penetrating mist through a white darkness so thick that you could see nothing beyond the distance of a few feet. It was piercing cold: I had on 3 flannel shirts, but as we began to climb, I began to draw around and button tight and finally found myself wrapped in cloak and blanket and uncomfortably cool. Presently we dropped down through this thick cloud stratum into bright sun shine and the coolest air that is was possible for heart of men to conceive. This was the lovely little valley of [Acu ] at our feet, and spreading out miles away into the plains of Orizaba which are 4000 feet above the sea. The valley was quilted over by swirling crops in all the stages of growth form the sprouting corn to the ripe grain. The reapers were in golden fields of the yellowest and the brightest barley I ever saw, the wheat was just coming up; and immense herds of cattle as they fed on the rich pasturage lent a charm to the landscape that made it altogether lovely. Passing a cascade of milk white foam as it leaped from the mountains.

We entered the valley and felt what old Job had said about the scent of water - we were in the midst of fruits and flowers. Orange trees loaded with ripe fruit. And the peach tree is all the glory of blossom. Hedges and copens of roses, fuschias, arborvitaes, rhododendrons. Oh a wilderness of the loveliest flowers and the gayest colors, and such only as I used to think in Tennessee had never grown anywhere except in the garden of "Beauty and the Beast" - and it too has its beast, for two months ago it had been then in the shape of an earth-quake and shaken down the adobe huts of the village, which owners were reconstructing of some rustic materials, such as bamboo, reeds - palm [fronds] straw and hides. After passing through these beauties for 12 or 15 miles, and at 6½ p.m. drove into Orizaba in the midst of a rain storm - Coffee, tobacco, the cereals, and the banana with other fruits seemed to be the principle article of cultivation. Here I pernocted again in another [ ] whereas before there was little chance for sleep. Was called at 5, off at 6, and at 10 breakfasted at Cordoba, and I arrived at Pas del Macho where I pernocted again as unsatisfactorily as before. And so the next day at 6 started in the cars for this place. Total expenses $45.50 the $0.50 being spent for extra's such as a cup of chocolate or so between the early hours of starting and the late one of breakfasting. There were fresh arrivals of immigrants, all the hands were taken up. Cordoba looked lively & everybody in high spirits. Two ship loads had just arrived. Sheridan had refused to let them embark at New Orleans as he was determined to break up that Maury nest of Confederates which was agitating the public mind of the South & preventing the people there from quietly submitting to subjugation. I thank him for the encouragement. The Mexican plan is spreading over the South. We are going to have happy homes, a fine country, & a bright future here. Let those who lack gall or who having it, have steeped it in honey, stay. I seek to plant my posterity here.

Dick has got land in my Carlota colony, 640 acres. He has sent to China for labourers- 12 or 15 to work it, and to Virginia for young Crutchfield to take charge of it. I have such good irons in such good fires, that some of them will surely be got to welding heat. If so, I hope to find comfortable homes, and a bright future here for you all at last. Corbin and Nannie will come in the steamer that is to leave New York Oct 8. They will without stopping here a night, take the cars to Paso del Macho- 50 miles-they are then by stage 5 hours from Cordoba, where they will arrive say 21st or 22nd and wait a week for us. We will be due here say on the 27th. Corbin can spend this week profitably & both of them pleasantly in visiting the Colony, examining the coffee plantations & c. [Then] will take a [whole] stage for Puebla, by which time the railway thru to Mexico will be completed- so will teeter over the cumbres and among the maguey in a stage coach.

My letter to "the people at home" has never been published. It should be. So should the anachronistic one to Dr. Dabney. Let my brave backers- Nannie & Corbin- do the thing that is right and send copies of them to Jno Tyler of the Whig or someone else who has a bone in his back to publish. Among the misfortunes that have befallen our people, I regard as not the least, the advice that has been given by the best men among them, viz.- to stay at home & help the enemy to establish his power & complete our degradation. The Yankees have conquered Virginia, it's theirs, we are subjugated, & have no rights except such as the victors in mercy may vouchsafe to give. If the whole South is not a conquered territory then I have never read in history of one that was conquered, and Dabney & them who like him consider it to be their duty & their interest to help build up that Yankee despotism called the Union, owe it to the grace and mercy of their conquerors, that their conquerors do not cross from the map the very name of Virginia, blot out all former state lines, make new provinces and call a part of what was Virginia the state of Winnepisscogee, South Carolina Peasquod, & such like Yankee innovations & that nothing should remain to remind the vanquished of the ancient renown.

Scope and Contents

Written from Paris, France. Letter regards issues with the colonization of Mexico.

Transcription

Paris 21 May 1866

My dear Corbin: The last I heard of you was about two weeks ago, through a letter from Brodie Herndon, who thought Nannie was as earnest for Mexico as ever, but that you were cooling off a little. All right.

The banker with whom I had deposited my `little money' went down in the London panic week before last, and I lost all the money & more too that I brought away from Mexico. I am here trying to make some more.

My last letters from Dick are up to Apl. 6th.

No sooner had I left, than intriguers set to work and colonization was going on so badly, and the opposition of the minister was so vexatious that he talked of giving up the office. Immigrants were returning in disgust and the very thing was happening that I told the Emperor would happen unless he acted with more energy. In short complaints were being uttered against me in the U.S. so I hear. Now I had as you know been discouraging any of our people from coming unless they could come with a little ready money. And I had long ago told them not to rely upon good lands but to buy abandoned Haciendas.

All the promises and inducements that I have held out to immigrants were made by authority of H. majesty, and if they have not been made good I am the aggrieved party. Now I tell you and Nannie confidentially, that what has happened since I left Mexico has shaken my resolution about going back. I don't see what good I can do there except in the way of colonization, and if our people are flocking back as rumor has it, with curses hard & deep upon Mexico, it will be more than I can do to change such a current. I have no alternative in view- nor am I decided- Indeed I have not said anything in this view to my wife & children, and am saying it to you now, so that you too may cast about & not be taken `quite aback' should I decide that Mex. is `no go.' I do not wish you to speak of it to any one, simply because my own mind is not made up nor can it be without further & fuller information. If I should be compelled to give Mexico up, it will be a hard blow I tell you. I know not where to go or what to be at. I shall be here a week or ten days, perhaps two weeks before I set off to return to England. I must be in London 5 June, when I expect to here from Dick up to the 1st ins. 'So tider' & sleepy. God bless you both, yrs. M. F.

Scope and Contents

Written from England. In the letter Matthew Fontaine Maury voices that he has decided not to return to Mexico.

Transcription

11 Aug. 1866

My dear Corbin, I wrote you from Paris 21 May telling you to hold on, as I probably should not return to Mexico. I have as you know decided not to go back there in the face of bad faith to me, bad treatment of our people and bad turns that everything has taken. I have never heard that you received the letter. It is the only one within that time, that I have written to any of my children, except Dick. This onset upon us as soon as my back was turned in Mexico, was a terrible blow. It put me to sea again, and I have been so hard at work or so busy preparing to get to work that I have not had time for writing much. I suppose I shall stay here and write school books for a New York publisher. That will give something to do for a year or two- but will not interfere with my flirting with other matters wherein there are promises. Dick poor fellow is left in Mexico as flat as possible. I want to get him out of that. But where he is to go or what to do after that is a problem that puzzles me much. Perhaps I may find occupation for him in Central America. But I shall be able to speak more positively upon that point by the time the rains are over & it will be safe to come down to the sea-board. He must come away in the fall anyhow. The breakdown in Mexico damaged your plans as well as my own. What are you going to do now. I always as you know regarded F.V. as not the most judicious purchase in the world, chiefly on the score of health and locality. I don't think affairs in the U.S. as either settled, or stable. The government is obliged to be broken up as it now exists. Still I don't see what better you can do than to hold on, and try to make a living there. I hope indeed if the New York publisher- Richardson- be a responsible man, and I have no reason to doubt, I should be able to assist you with a few hundred $ as far as that will go towards setting yourself up. I reckon I shall be able to let you have $1000, but of this I can speak positively by the time I hear from you and hear what your plans, wishes, and wants are.

In the first place I hope you know exactly how you and F.V. stand with regard to the estate. I hope you have your release and consequently my security-ship touching your indebtedness in black and white and in regular ship-shape style. Not Mr. B's word & opinion merely but the regular Documents. If you have the note, urge the having of it, and if the plea will help you, say that the assistance promised by me depends upon that. I am afraid you will not live long enough to escape from the tangled inheritance imposed by that unfortunate estate. Even if the school-book plan goes well, I should not be able to let you have the $1000 all in a lump, but by driblets, but say all between this and Xmas. See Charles Herndon and find out what sort of obligation - by lien if need be you ought to be given - (not by personal securities) - so in case of need. This loan may have purposes over other claims upon you. So if things turn out ugly, I can protest that money. We are all well. Molly had this morning an invitation to visit Scotland and `not put her hands in her pocket. I am going to put Brave in a school of chemistry and Lucy to a boarding school. I have all the [other] news of family affairs to the rest and will [write] Love and blessings upon all yr. folks. Yr aft M.F.M.

Scope and Contents

Written from London, England. Letter regards family news.

Transcription

3 Belsize Square London N.W. 9 Dec. 1866

My dear Nannie, Your and Mary's letter afforded much gratification and did us a heap of good. Elie has all of Nan-na's pretty sayings at heart. She will repeat them to the congregation to night. I reckon for she Totts Lucy and the Brave have gone to church. Your Ma has a cold and is sitting by pouring over the maiden and married life of Mary Powell. The editor had a right to refuse to publish and Will did right to hand him my paper. Never my child tamper with principle for the sake of the expediency. I have no copy of that letter but the time will when you will wish you had & would give jewels for it. Suppose Sir Thos. More [Harindon], Montrose (this last always calls up my blessed Davy Jones & his beautiful recitative) but supposed they had not acted up to principle because of fear when the time came, what should we have cared for them. Perhaps that letter would have strengthened the wavering, at any rate it would have shown that one at least could dare to speak.

It's as well- for I am not yet prepared to make Corbin the advances I spoke of-tho' I hope soon to be. I expected and still desire to kill 4 birds with that stone. First to help you & him with a little left. 2. To enable him to stir B up and get his affairs & papers with him all right, for I fear that these payments made by him during the war do not, or rather have not cancelled the debt to the estate. 3. I wanted Charles' opinion in the matter, with the assurance that a lien could be so drawn as to make me a preferred creditor. 4. And in case of misfortune to enable me to step in and give that much to you & him.

I hope to sent the M.S. of the first geography off by xmas, and to be able to let Corbin have a part of the $1000 at least by the time he can pick the above 4 named birds chosen and to our satisfaction. I do not think as I told him before the war that F.V. is a desirable place for him. I think so chiefly for the same reasons now that I thought so then. Events have vindicated the soundness of my views ante bellum. I presume therefore he is now on the look out for a sale or a swap. If he thinks the 4 birds are all right and want $200 about Xmas `mighty bad' & will report to Rutson, I'll ask R. to advance him the money from me. Love to everybody Brodie-Charles-and ---------. I am quite proud to hear such good things of `Tim'. I always thought Tim with his big mouth would make a good preacher. God bless you. Yr affect father M.F. Maury.

Scope and Contents

Written from London, England. Letter regards Matthew Fontaine Maury's views of the South.

Transcription

3 Belsize Square London N.W. 19 May 1867

Dear Corbin, Rutson with his usual kind thoughtfulness and industry told me yesterday of your letter in reply to his offer to [use] his loan of $200. I see by that that your are undecided as to your future plans. As far as I can make out, you have abandoned the idea at least for the present of rebuilding at Farley Vale. That seems to me to be a wise decision. The question with you, seemed to be, between buying and renting in town. In the present state of affairs buying does not commend itself to me, for two reasons: While that suit is pending, you do not know where you are. This fact, irrespective of the social, industrial and political whirlpool which is wracking the South, should give you pause about any such investment just now. Nannie I suppose will come to us, and that will give you time to look about.

But for that suit, I dare say the purchase of a house in town would be a good investment. You know better as to that than I do. I am not able - though I have tried - to see things thro' Brodie's & Rutson's & Will's and other friendly spectacles that have been so kindly offered. For me, the future of the South is very dark. I am no more able to look into it than you are. But I try to get an idea of it by looking quite in the opposite direction and examining those agricultural countries that once had and now no longer have, slaves, or serfs, or peon labour; and the conclusion that I came to is, that town property in the South may hold its own, and even rise, but land in the country must go down, down until the taxes will be intolerable. If you ask me to state the process of reasoning by which I arrive at this conclusion, I will ask you to say why do you think otherwise, seeing that in all those agricultural countries where slave labour once was & is not, the value of farming lands has gone down to nothing. In Spanish America & in Jamaica the most splendid plantations have gone back to the bush and are wild lands again. But the South, we flatter ourselves, is neither Spanish America, nor Jamaica. That's true. But they are beacons- and we must not shut our eyes to the light which their experience casts before us. But admit my reasoning to be wrong; and I am far from claiming clearness for it- there is still another view drawn from broader premises in favor of an enhancement in the South of town, as compared with country, property. I have travelled about the world "some", and have always aimed to have my eyes about me. And in no agricultural country, have I ever found any country society in which a gentleman or a lady of refined tastes and habits could find the least congeniality. The reasons are obvious. You have heard my anecdotes of "Mr. Smith, Brown, Jones" et.al- rich New York farmers, that had "retired to town" to live, because Mrs. Smith had got tired keeping boarding house for, and waiting on farm hands. Let me be not misunderstood- I am not speaking of gentlemen of fortune who live in town or do business there and have their "country seats" but I am speaking of the farmers, the tillers of the soil, the bone and sinew of an agricultural country. How is it with the Pa. farmers? How with the Ohio & the West? Don't you know that a labourer in the country will not service your `country farm' in the U.S. except upon terms of perfect equality? He must sit at the same table and warm by the same fire with the "boss & his gals". Go among the Pa. farmers, or any where else among the farmers of the far states, and you will see the colored labor & the white upon the most perfect terms of equality and the wife and daughters of the farmer serving meals to them both and standing behind their chairs, as they sit at [meat]. You and other Va. gentleman are not yet quite prepared for wife and daughter to do that. But that we who live in this country have to come to it is as clearly indicated as is the march of any other human want. Barriers have already been broken down between the blacks & the whites which two years ago, your wisest statesmen did not have the sagacity to think were in the round of possibilities. And do the lines of demarcation between the races- [vouch] only the skin and certain antipathies (antagonisms shall I call them?) are being done away with, & that too with a rapidity that the whole South deemed impossible. Is it to be presumed from what you have already seen, and from what everybody who has studied human nature knows, -?-is it to be supposed, that white & black hirelings are, in the end, going to work side by side in the field upon any other terms but that of perfect equality? If our [lots] & [ships] in the "great House' so must [wish] the other. I can readily imagine that many a country gentleman, [piercing] the shadows of these events- for they are very plain- is already for "returning to town". Therefore I say it's more likely that town property will increase in value than the country property. And but for that suit, I should be less disinclined to say buy a house in town now.

Many changes have come over our people which they did not expect; and in my judgment, many more are in store for them, for which they are not even now prepared. All that refined and elegant country society which was the pride & boast of Va. has, sooner or later, to abandon the country and "retire to town." In sea ports of the world that I have been, have I never found among the farmers, in the farm house, in the country, any society at all comparable for intelligence and cultivation to the country society of the South. On coming here to England, where there are so many industries besides agriculture, one of the first things that would strike you, would be its high state of cultivation and improvement. Elegant fields, wide domains, flocks and herds (splendid plantations you would think they were) and then you would begin to look for the Mansion, the splendid house to which all this belonged, as contra-distinguished from the "Country seat" of some gentleman of fortune who is not a farmer. But you would not find it. Most of the people whose labour made the landscape so [ ing] are grouped together in a little village. I remember in passing through Indiana with Dick in 1857, that I was reminded of what I saw in Germany in 1855: a country under superb cultivation but scarcely a farm house - and never one at all in keeping with the manor. But you were amazed at the number of small towns and little villages. You remember how that the census of New York and other Northern States which are taken intermediate as [between] the U.S. census, astonished the whole country in 1855. In many parts, the rural population appeared to be actually decreasing while the actual population was largely on the increase- It was the farmers "retiring to town"- not actually giving up farming, but coming to town for the sake of society, and to buy [exemptions]. And instead, as the political economists argued, its being a sign of decreasing prosperity, it was the very reverse. Instead therefore of your lordly plantations and large farms at the South, the country as it is filled up in the process of time by natural increase and immigration, is to be dotted over with villages like all the free labour agricultural countries that I have ever seen. And whether you are to have any sudden immigration is to depend upon the wisdom and sagacity of your law makers.

I have thought it as well, dear Wellford, to lay these views before you, that you might ponder them, sift them, and if they embrace anything worth the having, that you may [turn] it to account in your own private affairs. These are views that would shock many of our people. But I don't write them for the vox pop. I write them for you, and the personal friends around you such as Brodie Herndon et al who may care to know them. I hope I shall always have the courage to look things in its face and draw legitimate conclusions. Nothing can keep up the value of land in the South but a large influx of people to [till] there. Since I went to Mexico the subject of immigration has been a speciality. And I can tell you that there must be some steps taken by you wise men and [] very different from any yet, else you will not live to see enough to do you any good. Cousin Anne has indefinitely postponed her trip, Nannie I hope will have set off to us before this reaches you. If not let her come in the same liner her Ma did. Rutson will see her on board and Cousin Ann will speak the Captain and the Stewards, and I will meet her at L'pool, and so she can come without an escort. Give our best love to Brodie and Lucy, and tell her I'd give anything for one of those cosy little chats with her - Brodie to listen. Mit is still in L'pool. All hands send love, Yrs truly M.F. Maury

My love to [Sandy Little]

May 21 Mit came to us last night - Here's something for you to turn over in you r mind. I am not sure, but I believe that Dick has to manage for his Co. a cocoa or a coffee plantation. I don't know which - How would you like to [put] yourself up about it with the idea of taking charge of it. I'll mention it to him and you can [ ] by str of 10 June. [Yr M]

Scope and Contents

Written from London, England. Letter regards business and family news.

Transcription

No. 3 Belsize Square 22 Sept 1867

Dear Corbin- Tremlett and I thought we were on a good trail for you the other day. Semmes wrote that there was no English insurance agency in Memphis. Off we went to beat up the [ ] & some of these solid fellows and put them to the establishment of agencies in Tenn., La., Va. etc. for Semmes, Dabney you & c. But we found that 4 of the more venturesome ones were already there. Nannie wrote you about them, and told you how to proceed in case there was an opening in Richmond & the place seemed inviting to you. The pay is on per customer or business done and therefore I cannot advise one way or another as I have no idea as to the amount of business that might be done in Richmond. It is better as you know to work for nothing than to rust and though the wish to help to put you in the way of something that will pay is ever present it does not seem likely soon to be gratified. Elie is still forging ahead slowly. She has been very ill. Nana is very bright a sort of privileged character & pet of the parish. Her mother is very sobersided and loath to take as much outdoor exercise as health seems to require in these latitudes. Lucy is at school and Brave sets in tomorrow week. Brave is getting a fine education. Molly is not very strong and her mother is pulled down a good deal by nursing. As for me "I'm right smart". Love to Betty all at Brodie's- Charles & everywhere. Your affectionate, M.F. Maury

Scope and Contents

Written from London, England. Letter nentions renting Farley Vale.

Transcription

3 Belsize Square. London N.W. 29 Jany '68

Dear Corbin, Your Newburgh letter was very welcome. Kiss my Maria for me, and tell her, that after caring for her good father and mother as a duteous daughter should, and as she is sure to do that she is not to make any rash resolutions as to what she'll do etc- that we shall want her at the University of the South.

You have acted well and wisely in [renting] F.V. and I have so told Rutson. The Jamaica planters were paid for their negroes and had 7 years notice to prepare for emancipation. None of them are there now who could get away. One of them told me last night that his plantations yielded him $30,000 a year- that he sold it on emancipation about 30 years ago for $5000 & that the purchaser- his former manager- still owes some $2500. As I told you from Mexico neither one of the three great experiments that are now going on in the south is promising enough to tempt any of our people into it, who can afford to stand off & look on as you propose to do. Now if you can only find something that will enable you to live and lay by yr rents, you will be doing what any son of the southern gentry that stick to their old plantations will be able to do. And when your lease expires you will find that events will have vindicated this forecast. The Dutch since that war began emancipated their slaves--in Surinam and Jansen tells me that that colony is already Africanised. The South is no place- especially in this country - for any gentleman with wife and daughters to live - if he can get away- to live now, nor will it be until the contest that is now brewing and going on there between blacks & whites, is finally settled. Why then do I go to Tenn.? Because I hope to have boys enough there to make that out of the way place, safe. I have no doubt Hasbrouck is acting in Minnesota for the best. I am content tell him with any arrangements that he may make. Elie I do hope, is now in a fair way to recover. All the rest are well- Nannie has gone out to work- and Nanna is a great pet in the neighborhood. She is very full of fun. Your affectionate, M.F. Maury

Scope and Contents

Written from London, England. Letter regards family news and the possibility of Matthew Fontaine Maury taking a position at the University of the South in Tennessee.

Transcription

Belsize Square London, N.W. 8 Feb. `68

Dear Corbin, I write this in connection with what Nannie tells me you said in your last letters about you coming. If you come in the [International] line, the line my family came in , and take a return ticket which lasts for a year I believe, it will cost you about $100 in gold - not so much than it would take you to live in New York while you are at sea, coming and going - and unless you find something to do, or have a fair prospects of finding something by staying, I fancy the brood would be agreeable and wise. A friend of mine in Lpool is the agent of this line of steamers and therefore I shall go in it. I have not heard yet form the Trustees about the University. And until I do, I shall fix no time for going over. Though it will not be earlier than May I reckon at any rate. I base my idea of yr coming very much if the supposition that I am going to Tennessee and will be able to have house room for you there by next winter, if in the meantime we can't rig up something better. Of course we shall be glad to see you. And it certainly it would be more agreeable all round for you to come, and it might be more economical too - for if Nannie comes to you and you go to the expense of establishing her there, then the breaking up to come to the University in case it be thought advisable and I hope it will, may prove more expensive than yr trip here. Still I am too timid to be very absolute as to what is best. Judge you. yrs. [fond] Maury

Scope and Contents

Written from London, England. Letter regards family news.

Transcription

3 Belsize Sq'r London N.W. 15 Ap'l `66 [1868]

Dear Corbin, Nannie and the boy have both been having a hard time of it for the last two or three weeks. She as nurse and he as patient. The little fellow has been very ill, with congestion of the brain super-induced by teething. We were afraid we should lose him, but he seems now on the fair road to recovery again. He is very much better than he was three days ago, and so hopes have brightened. Elie continues to forge ahead and we begin to think about a time for turning our face westward. Probably not Tennessee ward, but westward in time for peaches. At any rate I have stipulated with Elie to be there in time for that provided she will get well enough for the voyage - and she seems to be in a fair way for that. I hope you will be able to rough it along in your new vocation at least until we all get back. At our last dates you were in Charleston. It's the letter in which you mention the [ ] phosphates. I received a box of them some time ago from New York, but as there was no account of them, I did not know where or why they came- [ ] Dr. Jarrett's letter [now] come to hand, but as you mentioned R.H. Maury, Dr. Ravenel - St. Julien. I suppose-and other friends in connection with them - I immediately put myself in communication with one of the largest phosphate dealers in London. He responded [readily] to the new [ ] so I have turned over the box to him, and shall probably soon know what he has to say about them. There is not the least chance of an outsider as I getting orders for yr principles. The only way of doing that is through special agents, friends and correspondents of their own who can speak by the card. Nothing later from Dick than you have heard. When we come we leave Brave behind to finish his education. Nana has just returned from a play in the "Parsnip's Grounds" She is an interesting little thing and a great favorite in Belsize. Nannie and I have just returned from a walk in the green fields and all send their love. Yr affectionate M.F. Maury

Scope and Contents

Written from London, England. Letter regards family news.

Transcription

No. 3 Belsize Sqr London N.W. 25 Ap'l 68

Dear Corbin, I have not seen Nannie this morning. She and her mother are both much [worsted] by nursing, and she did not come down to breakfast. She's asleep and it has not been sent to her yet. Her little boy has been having a hard time of it. He has been now in a state of stupor for two weeks from congestion of the brain with violent attacks now and then of sickness at the stomach- just lying quietly and taking no notice. Yesterday he began to crow and coo and, as his mother told me when we started out to walk and I broke down with the foot, to carry on quite a communication, and our hopes raised- but they are dashed again this morning. Brave went off at 5 for the Doctor, for though the little thing was ravenously hungry, his stomach refused everything. But the Doctor did not cheer us. Certainly the dear child can't go on this way many days longer. Indeed a few hours may decide so I'll leave this open for a word at the last moment. It's now 10 a.m. and I have written this early that nothing might interfere with, thinking it quite likely that Nannie would not feel herself equal to a letter- so I'll save room for a word at the last moment this p.m. Her new nurse came last night- she has been without one since Lizzy went crazy.

Elie continues to forge ahead. She and her Ma are going next week to spend a few days with her friends at Kensington. The Bp. told me yesterday he should take my advice and return in the Manhattan week after next. He is very anxious that Nannie should go with them. I am highly gratified that you should so have won upon W. & E. It gives you something to hold on by, at least until you can get hold of a better tow line. When the Dr's say that Elie's well enough to try the seas I shall fix a day. Yr aft. M. P.S. 4.45. Our little 'Davy Jones' is no better. But he is in no pain. Nannie's taking a little nap and Nanna has gone out to ride. She has just come in from a wedding at the church. We'll write again by the next steamer.

Scope and Contents

Written from London, England. Letter regards family news and plans to help revive industry in Virginia with steam agricultural machinery.

Transcription

3 Belsize Square London N.W. 13 May '68

My dear Corbin, Thanks, hearty thanks both to Hasbrouck and you for your kindness in re Lt. Paul's estate. You did exactly right, each of you and tell Hasbrouck I shall write him a letter of special thanks for his kindness and generosity. The property was his, and he might have kept it. Why not turn the bonds over to him for collection?

`The boy' is going to get well. He was downstairs yesterday. He has had such a time of it and has clung on to his little silver painter so manfully when all was so blue, and made such a brave struggle for precious life, that he has endeared himself to us all so much, we cannot now [couch] to give him up. Betty Dabney and other friends say don't come yet. Impeachment will be over in a few days, and I'll have time to read the new leaf that is to be turned over before Elie is well enough for the trip - say last of June or first of July. As soon as its prudent to [venture] on her account, I'm disposed to sail, unless indeed that new leaf should contain something startling. Did you order those herrings for me? Don't disturb yourself about the ways and means for Nannie.

I am glad to see you taking hold of y'r new calling with so much vim. I think its well to leave the pay to Hasbrouck. I hope tho' when I come, we shall be able to chalk out something more to our fancy. If I am to develop resources and encourage industry in Va., what way more effective than introducing steam agricultural machinery. I intend, before I go away to see some of the manufacturers here of steam plows- which are also threshing machines- saws, mills & c. The price of one is some £ 3000. I believe - what would be the chance of introducing them in Va? What would be the duties on one? What's the chance of raising a company to start one? And how would you like to take the management of one? All these questions I ask [`ran just so'] for I have [matured] no plans. But I take it that once among the great desiderata of our people now is Labour saving agricultural machines -no? Elie keeps forging ahead. Yr affectionate M.F. Maury

Scope and Contents

Written from Liverpool, England. Letter regards trip back to the United States.

Transcription

Liverpool 2 July 1868

Dear Corbin, Nanna is here [after eating] out. We are all well and the day is fine. We sail at 3.30. Then Va. is a 'slow coach. I have been [entrapped] into [here]. For the chance of this reaching you before our arrival I write to say we have an immense amount of baggage, say in all some 20 trunks and boxes besides carpet bags and bundles - many- can't you make some economical arrangements for storing it away or have a baggage wagon to take it off? or both? The hacks will carry off what we want to use. Perhaps it will be best the express wagon to come and take it at once -: I reckon it would be cheaper to send it off to Richmond that way at once, than it would be to [freight] about with us. What does Rutson advise? He knows. Yrs in haste M.F. Maury

Scope and Contents

Written from Liverpool, England. Letter regards luggage and weather at sea. Also included is a note by Rutson Maury dated July 13.

Transcription

The last! and no mistake.

Liverpool 2nd July Dear Corbin We are off at 3½ p.m.-

We have much luggage.- Can't you have an Express wagon on the wharf to take it for Richmond? It will cost less to send it that way at once than it will to lug it about with us. - There's too much of it to go in 4th St. or any private house. Do what you and Rutson think wisest, cheapest and best.

All well, and weather superb. Yours M.F. Maury

[Note by Rutson Maury] 13th July—

Monday night.- The above came as intended via Southampton , per "Harmonia", a very fast craft, which left there on 3rd July and arrived here this afternoon. She reports light, variable winds throughout the passage and dense fogs the last 4 days.-

I got the letter out of our box at 5½ p.m.-

Scope and Contents

Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards legal matters.

Transcription

Richmond 3 Aug '68

Dear Corbin, I had a long talk with Charles & just as we finished W. Barton stopped in and introduced the subject himself. All the bonds have been endorsed by order of the court. That's all right unless it be decided hereafter that the payment in Confederate money was no payment. A special term for hearing this case had been fixed for this month- But [Cab ] had written to say he could not attend. B. promised to urge C. up to the mark- for it's impossible to get a hearing [in] the regular term- the case is so long it would crowd all others out. The delay this time is not B's fault, & for that reason I told you not to write to B. until you heard from me. Cha's thinks M'Casky's case is much stronger than B. represents it, and that should the case go against him, the case will be carried up- If so, there's a suit for y'r life time.

Chas thinks & so do I that in case there's no settlement this term, a compromise ought to be tried. He seems to think that the whole may be compromised for some $15 m or $20 m. Rather than stand and risk the uncertainties of the law, I think I should be inclined to pay the whole. As soon therefore as you learn that the case is not to come up as appointed, make J's coming of age & y'r own situation an excuse and try the temper of the other side for a compromise. Better let me [sound] for you. Maybe other parties will agree to arbitration. Nannie's letter with yr sent this morning. Next Monday go to Albe.- stay a week. Go to Lex then to the White, where I join Will, B. & the girls- We as guests.

All well- Love to N. the children & the H's.

Yrs M.F. Maury.

Scope and Contents

Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter fragment regards family news.

Transcription

Richmond 8 Aug 1868

Dear Nannie, Have this p.m. yours of the 6th. Kate is here. Tell Corbin I shall get John Herndon to [sound] about compromise as soon as the Aug. term be disposed of. We - all except y'r Ma, leave for Albemarle Monday. Dabney's [Nannie] is at [Rugged] [Mts]. Lucy & Eliza both under the weather which is very hot

Scope and Contents

Written from Rockbridge Baths, Virginia. In the letter, Matthew Fontaine Maury notes that VMI Superintendent Francis H. Smith will come tomorrow to take him to Lexington, Virginia, where he will be officially installed on the faculty of the VMI.

Transcription

Rockbridge Baths 4 Sep. 1868

Dear Nannie, I am grieved to hear you and the children have been so poorly. Yesterday morning I sent the girls down under escort of Jerry Morton's grandson- a cadet, and toured at Goshen till 5.20 p.m. for your Ma and Nannie Bell. We arrived here at a little after 8. Betty and Will went on via Charlottesville for a visit to Charlie Blackford. Mary & Alice came up with your Ma on a visit to Sally F.

Dabney's Nannie with their children is at the Mason's. Rose sick with chills. Tomorrow Smith comes to fetch me to Lexington. Totts or Elie, perhaps both will go with me. I am to be installed on the 10th and deliver an address with pomp & circumstance and with all my decorations. After that we shall return here and wait till frost for Richmond. I go to work immediately in preparing a preliminary report of the natural wealth & c of Va. such as its climates, productions and favored position. I strike for a line of steamers between Norfolk & Holland, expecting to turn a stream of immigration - German- thro Va. as it flows to Ohio and forts beyond. And so hasten the completion of James River Canal, and Va. Central to the Ohio branches getting some immigrants to stop by the way. Tell Corbin, C held this special term expressly, but lawyers were not ready. Jno Herndon will go to F'bg next week. I have asked him to sound about a compromise. That I am seen is the best way of ending that matter. Ask him to get from Rutson the m.s. of P.G. and Astronomy and the first time he comes South to bring me them. I am not in a hurry for them. "Where had you best live?" In a New York City Boarding house when the dog days are over. Taking care to spend enough time in Va to keep up the idea of Va residence on ac't of them suits with which Corbin was threatened. Tell him the chances of being useful to the state in my own vocation are very fair. Everybody appears to be looking to politics for help. I almost [ ], exclusive to agencies outside of this political arena for material help. Stir up about J.B.'s grapes. Love to the H's with kisses to Maria. Tell Nanna I wish she was here to eat maple sugar. Yr. aft father. M.F. Maury

Scope and Contents

Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards family news.

Transcription

Richmond 22 Sept '68

Dear Corbin, I returned yesterday with N.B. & Alice leaving all hands including Mary in Albemarle, say till 1st Oct. Stir up Nannie as soon as she gets well for that grape information for Jno B.

Saw John Herndon last night. He worked with the case vs. Corbin- read commissioner's report. Says it's all in your favor- and he thinks the case must come off next term, and does not, he nor Will, advise compromise. It's important for you to know this, before you get to Fredericksburg.

Be sure to let me see you as you pass through- give me the average price of grain wheat & corn- oats & c. for each month during this year- Can you? and oblige yrs truly M.F. Maury

Scope and Contents

Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards grain prices and family news.

Transcription

Richmond 4 Oct 68

Dear Corbin, Thanks for the statistics. It's a useful table, nicely got up. If I was going to `keep' such a table, I would do it as a chart of engraved squares. How do you get your averages- from the quantity sold, or from the price on each day? I have been on crutches with the foot. The furniture over from Fredericksburg yesterday. Glad y'r business is on the increase. What do you & Nannie say to Betty's suggestion about xmas. Don't you want your £ 35?

Dick may be in New York last of next month. Expecting all hands down from the mountains, tomorrow or next day. Wife now having a bout with ague & fever. Be sure you stop to see me when you do go south.

Cal wheat is a larger grain & therefore makes more flour to the bush. than ours. Has not that something to do with the price?

That's a good letter of yours. Brodie is off to [ ] this week. Give a letter to Hasbrouck. Love to N & the [children]. Yrs, M.

Scope and Contents

Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards family news.

Transcription

Richmond 11 Oct 68

Dear Corbin, A letter last night from the admirable Rutson tells me you were to leave New York day before yesterday & be with us Tuesday. There is no sleeping place, but you must come to dinner & tea on arrival. Dabney is at the General's. I expect him down in the course of the week. I hope the Burtons did not submit to a postponement of the case in re Corbin. It would be cruel of the judge to permit any more trifling. We are all pretty well, my wife has not quite recovered from her bout with the chills.

Dying to see you, yrs affectionately M.F. Maury

Scope and Contents

Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards family news.

Transcription

Richmond Va. 3 Dec. 1868

Dear Corbin, I suppose you have got back after I hope a trip that pays. I have heard thro' Rutson & [Carrie] of your having left New Orleans the day before Nannie's telegram reached there.

I hasten to write you. I learn confidentially that your tenant is insolvent- that everything that he has is in a fair way of being gobbled up by upcountry creditors, that the wheat crop has been sold and there are no signs of anything being done towards that [house]. That he has had to leave the house in which he was in Fredericksburg 'cause he couldn't pay the rent, for which he still owes. In short that he is wholly [unreliable], a bad case, & that unless you are pretty quick, the corn crop will be gone too & you may whistle for your $1000 & your house too.

So from all I know you had better run down and look after things. If you do I hope you will give us a hail.

The girls tell Nannie had a small party last night- about 50 dancers- sprinkled only with 5 or 6 married couples. Totts did the honors. Betty was top [ ] and they all four looked splendid. We missed you and her, Dick & Sue. It went off 1st rate. Dick left day before yesterday for Kanawha. May come down from the mountains some day, to take up Sue, who is getting well but still in bed. Lucy Ellen passes through today on her way to Savan'h- your Ma & I go down to the cars to meet her at 2.25. I gave yesterday to the Whig Preliminary Report No 1 Ph. Survey. I like it. Now for a favor- I should like to send a barrel of first rate apples to Tremlett, and 1/2 bbl. to Bold, in time for their xmas dinnerfreight and duties paid. Bold the consignee, must pay R. Road freight to Tremlett. Rutson will manage this when you get the Bbls. ready. Don't get any apples unless they are very good. Let them be pippins or Lady apples, which ever be the best. Hasbrouck could not get any in Newburgh. All well. Kiss the children.

Yrs affectionately, M.F. Maury

Scope and Contents

Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards the insolvency of Spotswood W. Corbin's tenant and resulting problems.

Transcription

Richmond 11 Dec. '68

Dear Corbin, Thanks for the apples. You managed this nicely. When you want the £35 I. O. U. - go to Rutson. I have asked him to pay. I sent Nanna 10 cts in a letter- Did she get it? Your tenant's bill of sale that you ask for is no good. It is sufficient that the sheriff should find the mules & horses in his possession to pitch down upon him with his execution. It's only produce in the shape of rent that you can keep out of his clutches, & then it must be divided & your pile set off to itself. The wheat is gone, & you can't claim the balance of that in corn. All I know is what I gather from John about it. He thinks the case much more dispirited than you seem to do. T! Good night with love, Yrs M.F. Maury

Scope and Contents

Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards the insolvency of Spotswood W. Corbin's tenant and resulting problems.

Transcription

Richmond Va. 23 Dec. 1868

Dear Corbin, Nannie's letter to her mother recd yesterday tells us you are going to F.V. after xmas. & then to N.C. Be sure to give us a call. You do well to go- Bear in mind, that R's bills of sale or notes of hand are worth nothing as against the demands of the sheriff- and that you are safe in your rents only after you have set apart your share of the crop. But if R. sells it, or you don't divide it, the sheriff can clap his clutches upon it. As for the prison advances better let them be bygones and ask Rutson for the £35 when-ever you get "hard up". C.B.R. talks about forking over in "a very few days"- I hope so - for the work already done comes to when it's paid for- $10 [m] in gold, though it's not all done yet, for you know I have not delivered all the m.s.s.

Lucy is still a great sufferer. Had a pretty good night, but is now wracked with pain.

I went last night to spend the evening with [Weckham] - against the grain- but one has to do things sometimes that are not altogether delightful. Ask Nana if she thinks old [Christinger] lives in New York, and how he can go from here there in a night-for he is now I know a stuffing of his pack, I've seen him put two doll babies in it for Alice. A happy xmas to you all, Yrs M.F. Maury

Scope and Contents

Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards business and family news.

Transcription

Richmond Va. 8 Jany `69

Dear Corbin, I am grieved to hear my warning proved so true. This pocketing of losses in times like these, is a hard thing. Have you yet come to any definite understanding with W & E? I think it is time you should have a talk with them and a distinct understanding. If you have it so, the chances are that somebody I know will get fleeced. I'll send you next week one of my pamphlets, which you can give them to read, and then tell them what a great man it is going to make of me in the South, the prestige it will give you, and then tell them what you want.

The silver and the trunk came yesterday. Sorry you did not have time for a run to Richmond. The Gen'l came down from the 'Rugged' last night. He brought me a [cheese] of [--] from Sally. Have not seen him yet. Sue dined with us yesterday. Then Lucy and all hands spend the evening at 'Zoras' tonight. Tell Nannie she was at a party last night, they played "Chopin and Chopout" and she doesn't know what that is. Love to Nannie Yrs M.F. Maury

Scope and Contents

Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards business news and the publication of Matthew Fontaine Maury's report on the Physical Survey of Virginia.

Transcription

Richmond Va 14 January 1869

Dear Corbin, I am sorry to have such an account of yr tenant. You will be lucky to get rid of him without more trouble. His contract shows that he is one of those who are unworthy of confidence - his London trip is I take it a sham.

I hope to send you in a few days copy of the Report. The Railway and Canal men have been watching the press and literally devouring the sheets as fast as they were printed. They think it will wake up a lively interest especially in the South and West. Smith - V.M.I. will be down to-morrow, we are going to send copies to Governors of the states and ask them to make it the subject of official action by calling it to the attention of legislatures &.

The Report will I am sure tickle vox pop especially the planters, farmers and factors in the Mississippi Valley, and it ought to give you favor among them.

Indeed it may be worth considering whether it be not wise for you to look in the direction of Norfolk anyhow, for the Report makes a Dutch line of steamers from Flushing to Norfolk look very promising anyhow. In beating about the bush in my mind for something for Dick, I have been looking that way. I fancy this report will give us an influence which if we have the tact and the luck on our part may be made of commercial value. In the course of two or three weeks you will see by watching South-Western and N. Western papers how the thing works, and can then better shape your course.

If W. & E. have lost money it don't sound well for a partnership. Anyhow, I question whether it would not be better for you to be looking out for something else. I doubt whether a monthly salary would not be better than a partnership with them. A partnership would tie you down and in coming, as this Report and my other work here will bring, so [prominently] before your customers, I may have a chance in some unexpected way of helping you along, of which, if you're tied down by co-partnership, might be lost. In short the chances are that you may be able to do quite as well, South, pecuniarily and a great deal better socially than you are now doing. Therefore when the time comes for your talk, consider well the grounds you should take: a good monthly salary to be antedated: what think you? I suggest but don't [persuade].

This is my birth day tell Nannie. Sue's going up to F'bg next month. Mary Herndon is here, her brother is at V.M.I. We are all well and send love. I think that so called "conservative [Va.] [ca ] impolite and foolish. yrs truly M.F. Maury

Scope and Contents

Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards family news.

Transcription

Richmond Va 29 Jan. `69

Dear Corbin, Printers here are slow. The Reports are not all out yet. I sent you two of the past batch to read and then give to `yr bosses.' I now send you one to keep.

It seems to have hit the public mind in Va anyhow. I hope you will have a talk soon about your pay. I do not much fancy a co-partnership - commercial - these times. For though you may put in nothing, financiers here are ticklish. Your house may break and so sweep away all of your Va. property. Moreover I think it worth something to keep yourself free, so that you may be in a position to take advantage of anything that may turn up.

Isn't the first payment due on those Minnesota lands Please inquire of Hasbrouck. Love to Nannie and the children Yrs M.F. Maury

Scope and Contents

Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards Matthew Fontaine Maury's report on the Physical Survey of Virginia.

Transcription

Richmond 1 Feb `69

Dear Corbin, Brodie is here and I have yrs of Saturday. All well about Wade. [Still Sue doesn't care to travel]. Suppose you get two or three weeks leave - run down to Norfolk and try this:

I am urging Smith and his [ ] in the [ ] to send agents out to the states where interests are touched by preliminary No. 1 to ask the legislatures and the principle cities to order each a few thousand copies and so help to circulate the docs. If they will order we will get up a revised & improved edition especially for them. Norfolk, Petersburg and Richmond ought to order ea. 2000 copies so ought [Mahone] - begin by asking them to order 500 ea. Postmasters ought to order 1000, ditto Seaboard R.R.'s, and the line of steamers that ply between New York and Norfolk ought to order 500. I am proffering to Smith to put the New Edition @ $2 per copy, and give his agents 50¢ per copy upon all orders. Now if he comes into this how would you like to drum up in Va.? The doing of it, would pay expenses at any rate - `twould identify you and make you acquainted with the Norfolk people, and so may be give a string to your bow to send an arrow at W & E with. Jansen is working like a horse with the Dutch Va. line of steamers. You could preach that up at the same time. Money has to be and is to be raised for that. You can try that too - somebody must be employed for this - and why not you? So turn the idea over in your mind, and in case Smith says the word, be ready to broach the [ ] to old [Wade]. You can then come here - we post you up, have a meeting called and so Launch you. I can fancy that this business may not be altogether agreeable at first blush. But all you have to do is to put on a bold face and teach those people what they ought to do. Am glad to hear the children are O.K. again. Tell Nannie her Ma is in bed with a cold. Dick is in Lexington and all the rest well. Yrs truly M.F. Maury

I send you ten more pamphlets.

Scope and Contents

Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards business news.

Transcription

Richmond , Va 16 Feb. 1869

Dear Corbin, Thanks to you and Hasbrouck for the $925.56/100. Its welcome I tell you.

I understand Charles has made all things straight with your tenant touching past rents.

W. requires you to put more faith in him than he puts in you. "Take any "ipse dixit" and you make it all right" - he says to you. But why does he not let you know what his plans are? Suppose they turn to naught - then there you are. For that reason I wanted you to have two strings to your bow. Look at C.B.R. promises are bountiful, Wait, Wait, and [`nary red'] since I came back. W. may be all right and his intentions may be ever so good, but you have to look out for yourself and when he comes to [shout up] his plans you may find them `[St py] with ifs." And would not have you break with him, but I would have you ask to be informed, so that if they don't strike your fancy you may be on the lookout for something else. Therefore I would take the first opportunity and ask him to tell you the precise character of the arrangement that he has in view.

The Reports are in great demand. I send you a couple. Love to Nannie and the children. All well. Yrs M.F. Maury

Scope and Contents

Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards business news.

Transcription

Richmond Va 20 Apr `69

Dear Corbin, I feel uneasy about that warehouse swindling case. Let me know if you are in any way hurt by it. I suppose at any rate it interferes materially with your plans. I am told it ruins W & E. Please let me know all about. In haste, Yrs M.F. Maury

Scope and Contents

Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards business news.

Transcription

Richmond VA 30 Ap'l '69

Dear Corbin, I have been very much engrossed. Have just finished for Mr. Johnson a notice of my blessed Davy Jones.

Yrs of 28th came duly to hand. Was relieved to know that Wade & [Estey's] misfortune did not involve you. You know better than I can suggest what to do now.

It is within the power of the people to be represented in the Norfolk convention to say whether they will have direct trade with Holland. If they say `yes' and give the right sort of earnest, then the Dutch will probably establish a large house in Norfolk. In that case they will probably want a businessman for associate, who is well acquainted in the South & West. Now the question is how can you manage to bring yourself to the acquaintance of the trading businessmen in Montgomery- Memphis - Knoxville, Chattanooga, Huntsville - Nashville, Louisville, Cincinnati [and-]. If you or I had any authority to speak for the Dutchmen in the matter, it would be plain sailing, and we should know how to go to work. But there's no hurry, look out for the proceedings of the convention, & find out the leading houses in N.C. & the West, try as opportunity allows to get into correspondence of some sort with them- and if during the next 12 months you can bring yourself to their acquaintance, perhaps, if the Dutchman comes, you may have a chance to show him around.

Packing up for VMI.

I am afraid the day I'll move will not turn out so well. Nannie & Nan are very good friends now. Do you think that [boarding] them will make them any better? It's only in that aspect & the mosquitoes that I "has my doubts about"

All well and send love yrs M.F. Maury

Scope and Contents

Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards the acquistion of household goods for move to Lexington, Virginia.

Transcription

Richmond VA 22 May 1869

Dear Corbin, About the Piano- I wish you would get Ellen Lewis to help you and Nannie select a first rate one, to cost not over $800 - eight hundred $. Go for performance and richness of tone, not just for outside appearance. Bargain for freight paid here if they can, but for delivery on board steamer and packing up anyhow. It should be directed to Maury, Lexington, and consigned with bill o'lading, to Col. Dillon (DILLON) James River Canal Office. His office is right at steam boat landing. You can draw at sight on R. H. Maury & Co. where I have given you a credit for $800. Yr draft to be signed M.F. Maury for yourself. Perhaps you may make a better arrangement with R. H. Maury himself who left last night for New York.

Please you and Nannie keep your eyes about you for carpets. They ought to be cheap now. Small figures and bright colors are [the] go for small rooms, small figures some [worsted]. [Then these] down stairs rooms should be good Brussels, or Wilton- the dining room and parlor the most costly, but none over $2 the yard, including the making which must be done there, & including also packing and delivery on board str. consigned as the piano is to be. They can be made by the enclosed draft which please take care of.

Brave's and the up-stairs rooms should be cheap remnants, 3 ply or Brussels, according to bargains. You know I like variety, therefore don't go for matching the rooms. Rugs also, and carpet-[slips] I reckon for the upstairs passage. Dick has coloured it you see for oil cloth- We have oil cloth for the bare passage already on its way up there. I have shut up all the doors in the Parlour except one. Please enquire for bargains & report progress before going further. All well. We expect to get off next Tuesday.

Yr Aft. P.T.O. M.F. Maury

[verso] Also inquire as to the price of a neat electroplate water pitcher and tea kettle such as the one we used to have at the `Sup'

Scope and Contents

Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the move to Lexington. Matthew Fontaine Maury has been offered Presidency of University of Alabama, which he is considering.

Transcription

V.M.I. 17 June `69

Dear Corbin, Nannie's room is all ready, but we have heard nothing from her than what is mentioned in yours of 15th just to hand.

In re: carpets, I did not expect you to do more just now than to post me up as to prices & c. The girls wanted to have something to say as to colors, patterns, & c. Moreover I did not want to buy now, have no funds, no place to store them, and $500 for Dining room & Parlour is beyond my mark. Therefore unless you are committed for them, I don't want them. If however you are committed for them, bargain that they are not to be sent until we are ready for them in the fall, and that they shall send with them all the scraps & pieces which are wasted in the cutting. We have already two rugs in the parlour & a [ ] [ ]. I take it that you have not ordered any of the other carpeting *. { (*I do not want it) in margin}. You did right not to order the iron bedstead, for I did not expect you to do that upon what I said. Caution the upholsterer not to make the mattress a hair's breadth larger than the bed in the [ ]- a little smaller it will still fit- an inch larger, no!. You do not say anything about the andirons, [fender] & c. We have none of them at all and fires at night are often pleasant. The canal is in repair, and will not be open again from Richmond before 1st July- Therefore I had rather these things & the mattress should not be sent till then.

Rutson wrote me last Saturday -12- that Stewart's man had been to him with a bill for $500 odd for goods for me to know if I was good. R. said he would pay if I didn't- I replied to R. that I knew nothing about it, that I had authorized no such bill- not dreaming it was you & the carpets. If as I said you have made yourself liable for them insist that they shall be kept until called for. There is no place for them without putting them down. We don't want to do that- 1st because we prefer bare floors. 2. Plasterers and other workmen have work to do which probably will not be done for months- 3. There is no place to store them. Therefore they must not be sent till we are ready for them.

The Piano has come - all safe- Elegant. Everybody pleased with it, and Elie is now making it "talk"! Thanks.

Which way do you go on the 22nd. Can't you come this way? There's plenty of room for you- Dick is in W. V. He & Sue have engaged lodgings at the Pendleton's.

I am invited to take charge of the University of Ala. at Tuscaloosa. Have it under consideration. My decision when they ask it will be something like this- Give me full swing and $10 m {10,000} a year for 5 years and I'll try to build you up- Before the war it had 350 boys- vs 25 now- so you see it's right low. You may well consider I'm not anxious to go- they offer $4m and I fancy they are not prepared to give $10,000. Please put the prices on Edgerton's list & return it. yrs truly M.F. Maury

Scope and Contents

Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards bills for household goods.

Transcription

V.M.I. September 1st '69

Dear Corbin, Use the accompanying letter as you think best. I should like to have Gould sounded upon it & to know what he says. I send you the pamphlets. Please get from Stewart his carpet bill. It is getting most time for me to order them forward, but before I do that I want to raise the money for paying for them, & the first step is to know how much that is. Inquire also, if you please as to the discount he will allow if you pay him on the shipment of the carpets instead of forwarding his bill here to be paid when they are delivered to me.

Nannie & Sue did not go to the Baths, because I fancy, I was not here to make them, & now they are looking so well that I do not think it necessary for them to go.

All well & send love.

Scope and Contents

Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards carpets for home in Lexington.

Transcription

V.M.I. 9th/9/'69

Dear Corbin, I suppose my letter last week in reply to yours about the Dutch steamers must have miscarried.

So here's at you about the carpets again. Have them shipped via steamer to Smith (Genl's brother), Norfolk- ask him to pay charges and forward by what the Gen'l calls his air[ ]- viz rail to Lynchburg & canal thence. If Stewart will allow discount, pay him there on presentation of bill o'lading. Rutson has been asked to honor your draft. Better see R. first to make sure for I am not in a hurry & don't care if the carpets don't arrive before the 25th. If he won't discount, then let T. ship on the 20th as above and let "charges follow". I'll pay on delivery.

I wish you would get from him & have them put up in the same* { (* to save freight) at bottom of page} bundle with the carpets, & have charged on the carpet bill - 12 doz. table napkins - not extra fine or extravagant - but such as a gentleman ought to have on his table every day - Such for instance as cousin Ann has; perhaps she or [`Quincy'] will select them for me. Of course I don't care where you get them so they are good, decent, and not extravagant & so they come with the carpets - inside - without extra freight. If possible & to save freight the carpets should all be in one bundle, or in as few bundles as economy suggests. Nanny & the children all well.

Betty with her aunt will leave us next Tuesday. yrs M.F. Maury

N.B. It's 144 Table napkins that I want - linen all-

[On reverse of second sheet] "Messrs Paten & Co My friend Mr. Corbin wants 12 Dz napkins similar to sample, please give him the right kind & price. Yrs, R.P. Richardson

Scope and Contents

Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards six dozen napkins for home in Lexington.

Transcription

V.M.I. 10 Sept. 1869

Dear Corbin, 12 doz. will be too many. 6 doz. napkins will do- Let them be all of the usual dinner size. If not too late therefore let the order be for 72 instead of 144 table napkins Dinner size. Yrs, M.F. Maury

Scope and Contents

Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards general news.

Transcription

V.M. I. Lexington, VA 16 Sept. '69

Dear Corbin, Yours of 13th rec'd. Napkins & consignment O.K. Thanks-

Nannie is still at the McD's. Is waiting till our new cook comes. Weather fine. Children well & my nerves distressingly 'shaky'. Yrs, M.F. Maury

Scope and Contents

Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Spotswood W. Corbin's business prospects.

Transcription

V.M.I. Lexington, VA 20/12/69

My dear Corbin, I was sorry to hear that Edgerton has gone 'by the board'. My observations teach me that the merchants who never fail are comparatively few- and they are either men of means outside of the capitol embarked in their business- or men who have friends to back them. I should be exceedingly sorry to see you entering into mercantile business in any way except as an agent or employee- and that is a business that is desirable only until you come into possession of your inheritance so find out when you are. At any rate I hope you will enter into no "entangling [obligation] before we meet which I hope will be soon. I still look for you before New-Year. Xmas week is a holy-day time in New York.

Please jog Hasbrouck's memory about the St. Paul bond. I am hard up & should like to have the money on the very day it falls due, if possible. 'The Boy' is the life of the housecoming out every day with something original. Yrs M.F. Maury

Scope and Contents

Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards business news and discussion of potential for plantations in San Domingo, Dominican Republic.

Scope and Contents

Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards finances.

Transcription

VMI 4th March 1870

Dear Corbin, I have asked Will to send you $200 which fall due on the 9th. I left word in Richmond with Bob to collect some dividends to send you the proceeds. Should he do so you can transfer it over to me and accept the enclosed $300 instead which with what Will will send and what I left with you makes $1000. In haste M.F. Maury

Scope and Contents

Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Spotswood W. Corbin's financial matters.

Transcription

V.M.I. April 6th 1871

Dear Corbin- I got last night a letter telling of the investment of the $321.34. Thank you. Will says, that the law treats it as usury to compound the interest in that way. Please ask John Herndon about it for I want to keep within the law.

My aim was to let you have just $1,000. It is therefore that I ask you to remit in case you should receive more than that.

Tell Nannie, that Elie is in bed with a headache, & Lucy is under the weather with a cold, & I don't hear them say a word about going down.

Heavy rain last night. In haste yours truly, M.F. Maury (pr M.H.M.)

[Postscript by Mary] I got my dear Sister Nannie's letter & will write after the Fair comes off. The girls certainly expect to go down the middle of the month

Scope and Contents

Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the situation at the University of Alabama and whether or not Matthew Fontaine Maury will take the position there.

Transcription

V.M.Institute July 26th 1871

Dear Nannie, Your Ma got your letter this morning ain't we so glad, glader, glady. Tell Corbin he must come along too.

I returned from Ala. last Monday evening and took them all by surprise. Since graduating, Brave had made a fee and had gone off on a spree, and had gone off with Tots & Elie to the White & Capertons. I suppose his money will give out soon and we may expect them back the last of the week.

My going to Tuscaloosa, is still in abeyance. I found when I got to Montgomery that the Board of Regents at its meeting last June had gone farther in their injudicious course than I had fancied, for besides establishing chairs & filling them without conference with me, they had chalked out a plan of operations for the Univ. which appeared to me altogether impracticable.

The Board of Regents had not been called together as I had requested, but all the professors save 3 were there with Hodgson who is ex officio President of the Board of Regents. During our first session I found out that there was not only no money to fit up the Univ. but there was nothing to keep it a-going: for more than all its annual endowment had already been appropriated. The charges against the cadets were at figures so low that they would inevitably bring the Univ. in debt. A sum not exceeding $200 was to be the expense per cadet. So in the afternoon I formally proclaimed that I could not undertake the responsibility of such an institution & therefore begged leave to decline. Whereupon there was "sensation." Some made hy-falutin speeches & professors asked "what shall I do." One urging that he "had given up his house" another, "his practice," another "his business," another "his college" another that he "was engaged to be married," all under the expectation that I would accept. The strong men of the city were brought in who promised to make the legislature do the needful. And the judges of the Supreme Court who are said to hold the legislature in the hollow of their hands, black & white radicals & all- Sent word that they would do the needful at its next meeting. In short, the question was asked, that "if they would raise a launching fund, change the fees, so as to be a source of revenue, instead of loss, and alter the course of instruction so as to suit my views, would I accept"? Yes Well it was funny to see the plan they had laid down. They had three parallel course which were "selectable" and every boy that came was answered in terms "you have paid your money, take your choice" And they told me they had copied after the Univ. of Mississippi, which never did prosper, though it has a clear revenue of $77,000. So the plan that I propose requires the three Rs for admission & then curriculum all the way up to any specialty, that the student- being qualified to enter upon it- may select, all boys to be examined and to be put as high up as they are qualified to stand.

These matters are to be referred by letter to the Board of Regents, and if the majority pledge themselves by letter to stand by me , if I make the alterations & to sanction them at their next meeting in Nov. and then if the friends of the Univ. will raise a launching fund, I will go.

The earnest desire manifested by the good people of the state, for me to take charge of their Univ. was very gratifying.

It appears to me that almost all the good people in Ala. who have sons & means intend to rally around me, and among the events that were particularly gratifying was a proposition on the part of the professors to lend: some their whole salary: some $1000: and the others $500 to get the thing underway.

They were to let me know, in a telegram, whether my views would be met by the Regents. And thus the matter stands.

My plan for the present is modeled after V.M.I. with the open features of the Univ. of Va. In the mean time I am working like a Turk here in collecting statistics and transmitting "useful and entertaining knowledge" to "Tusca."

I did not go to "Tusca", because my house had not been vacated by my radical predecessor, with his three students, but hastened back for the telegram. I traveled Saturday in the cars with Dabney & Family, they have broken up in New Orleans, and have come to Va. for the summer. They were to stop a few days in Lynchburg, then go to the Bath Alum.

Kisses to the children & love to all hands. I brought some maple-sugar for them, they must make haste and come up or it will be all gone, M.M.

Scope and Contents

Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news and references the position at the University of Alabama.

Transcription

V.M.I. Lexington Va. August 9th 1871 S.W. Corbin Esqr. Fredericksburg Va

Dear Corbin I have this morning your letter of 3rd introducing Mr. Boulware. No letter was necessary. I had the pleasure of forming his acquaintance last Fall in Fredericksburg and was much pleased with him. All the chairs at Tuscaloosa are full.

We expect Dick back from W.V. tomorrow or next day. When is Nannie coming up? We expect Will to come next week. Can't she come with him? We don't mean to let you off: you must come and fetch Nannie back. Yesterday was "Crits" birthday: cords of presents---60 years old, and as young as a [sentence fragment]

I am busy with Tuscaloosa but begin to think it will not be ready by Oct. My illustrious predecessor is still in the President's house. Betty has mended vastly since she has been here. Ask Nanna and that boy when are they coming up? We are dying to see them.

In haste yours, M.F. Maury

Scope and Contents

Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter references the position at the University of Alabama and business matters.

Transcription

V.M.I. Lexington VA 17th Aug 1871

Dear Corbin, Please don't remit but re-invest & let it roll up. You have always told me I could realize upon ten days notice.

The Goshen stage don't get in now until about 10'clock; We shall set up for Nannie & the children. Dick left for Richmond last night.

The funds of University Alabama are just like "jack-o-my-lanterns". I was to have had $40,000 to begin with & have got $16,000 maybe. It bothers me enough.

Ask Brodie when he gets to New York please to call at 156 & 7 Crosby Street & enquire for C.B. Richardson & if he is not in for Prof Lawrence & ask for a copy of Geog No 3 New Edition, for my young friend his little grandson & take it with him to Savannah. I will write & tell them he's a-coming.

You must be sure & come to fetch Nannie back Yours truly

Scope and Contents

Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards travel plans and family news.

Transcription

V.M.I. 23 Sept '71

Dear Corbin, Twas a source of profound regret that none of us could get down to help render the last offices of friendship and affection to John. He died as he lived, like a Christian gentleman.

We had Brodie's room ready for him last night and felt disappointment when his letter came saying he had to go to Savannah.

Elie Lucy & I expect to leave for Tenn. about the 5th maybe 1st. I think you had better come up to escort Nannie & the children back- we should be mighty glad to see you. Want to talk over the Tenn. speech with you. There is a stage that leaves here twice a week at 11 AM for Goshen where it connects with a train due in Staunton at 8.45 P.M. There you stay all night & at 9 next morning leave for Richd. I think this is the best way to go for it saves that long night in the stage house. The boy has improved wonderfully & is a great pet.

Tell me the lowest price of wheat in Aug. last, with date, and the price now. Jno Herndon had my will, please ask Charles when he comes across it, to hand it to you. You can fetch it up with you.

The weather here is lovely. Give my love to Ellen Mercer Charles & Lucy.

Yrs. truly M.F. Maury

Scope and Contents

Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news.

Transcription

V.M.I. Lexington 11 Nov. 71

My dear Nannie, Let's hear that boy whistle- why that's like the cars. Let's hear you whistle like the darkies. Well! cut a somersault. How does he like the new house? and Nanna the dancing school? She must teach him all her steps, gaits and [moves].

We got back last night week- and if they will send us free tickets again Elie and I will go to the Agricultural Congress in Selma 12 Dec. Tell Corbin I am going to carry that plan- i.e.- do my best and so roll that ball over Henry & the rest of them. But the rascals they'll catch it up as soon as they see it rolling along finely and say it was theirs. I think [Thomps] is behaving most shabbily-plagiarism & piracy are mild terms to [ ] what he is doing. He used to make a living by lecturing on my works-carrying PG's under his arm. Now he not only steals my brains, and ignores my books, but gives other people the credit that belongs to me.

Sally F. and Sister E. have gone to the Pendletons. We have no coal yet.

I begin Monday to prepare my P.G. lecture - to be [based on the question] - "What science has done for mankind."

Crit got a letter from Sue yesterday. Dick stays downtown all day. Totts is poorly- Have been working Crit, Mary, Lucy & Elie hard this week I tell you. The Lee quilt is to be raffled at the Letcher's tonight. We will draw it, I reckon- some of us have tickets- 24 chances- Totts had this morning a letter from Tom Bold - speaks well of Price. Frank Smith has gone over there. Will reports Betty as recovering fast & Nannie Bell in high glee over her new piano. Don't hear often from Brave. Love to Corbin, Sue, Mat and the children. Yrs affectionately, M.F. Maury

Scope and Contents

Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news.

Transcription

V.M.I. 20 Dec. 1871

My dear little grandson that's named John Maury Corbin, some of this letter is for Nana too but I send it to you because xmas is a coming-

You just ought to be here- we are having so much fun- Last night your Ma's chimney caught afire- F i a r F i a r! Como. Maury's house is afiar! The drums beat, the fife squeaked & the cadets came tumbling up- some with "guns" to shoot the robbers- some with buckets to quench the fire. Oh it was so nice, but the fire went out just so before they could ever get here- And [then] it's so cold the river is frozen- all the girls- and Jimmy Moore & Genl Pendleton and all the other little boys go a skating. They take lunch, and have picknick on the ice. `The boy' can skate & the littlest Johnson is the best skater of them all- [ ]. And then it's been snowing & rainy & hailing- and what do you think it did yesterday at dinner in the dining room- there was money shower and the flakes were GreenBacks! You and Nana ought to have been here for 'scrambling'. They went like soap bubbles- and so you had to catch them quick nobody could get more than one flakeand somebody saved these two for you two - not too and your Ma- She is to give you at least 10 cts out of it & Nanna 20 cts & Charlie 20 cts- for you to go down street by [yourselves] and buy just what you please.

She's to keep the rest

And do the best-

Can you write poetry?

Tell her your Aunt Eliza has been very poorly- is getting better. She hasn't been here since the day after we got back from Memphis.

I have been to see her once- walked- was laid up for a week part of the time unable to turn over in bed. Have sent for a carriage to go & see her this evening- She's afraid that Sally F. is going away from her & that helps to make her sick.

You all ought to be here these times- Your Uncle Charlie sent us some Blue wings- by the time they got here they had turned to Canvas Backs- they are so good!

Here comes somebody. A Merry Xmas to your Pa & Ma and sister & your own sweet little self. Who is Mat's sweetheart? I know Charlie's- Have you got one? What's her name? Your affectionate friend. M.F. Maury

Scope and Contents

Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news.

Transcription

V.M.I. 1 March (1872)

My dear Corbin, Take Nannie, Totts, Nanna & the boy into your counsels- read to them Elie's M.S. in confidence- take their vote- "Fire or Sandy Little" & if they say Sandy, hand it to him- on condition that he's to "harry" the Whig without letting Whig or anybody know who `Old Spotsylvanian' is. It's a shame that the Whig should be fooling that "foolish little legislation" so.

If you or Nannie do not want to S. [ ] so for y'r scrap book, hand it to Totts for 'hern'. Why don't those children answer my letters? I've got the whooping cough- used to have it in Ten. Catch it from the children at the house- [up] [ ]- [ ].

When is the height of the fishing season? Tell me- for if at that time I feel as young as the whooping cough & in the [ ] I may run down, pick up Totts & Ho for Glymont. Mrs. M. is pestering me mightily to go A - W A Y ! Got a letter this morning from Taffy imploring me not to let the yankees light Jno Bull.

Tell Totts -O now I wish I had some birds- all well & send love. Yrs M. F. Maury.

>>>>>If Sandy publish- send me a few extras.

Scope and Contents

Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news.

Transcription

V.M.I. 27 March '72

Dear Corbin, Totts had been telling us of "the Boy's" deafness and how badly Nannie was looking. I sent the cheque to "buy exemptions" so you did exactly right- and I hope it will buy [cards].

Tell Nana & the boy they ought to be here just to see me. I go about the house whooping like a red Indian on the war path- Does he remember his island? There it is- In the last three snows it was as naked as a rock- now why wouldn't the snow lie on it- can he tell?

Tell Totts Mrs. Sinclair is at the point of death. Betty Page has come up to help nurse her. We hope Nannie will run down to Richmond. [Credits] - Miss Mildred is engaged to Prof. Blair. College Calithumps on the night of 1st- two boys fought a duel- one shot tother two times. Old Hughes keeps [up] pinched for wood- Dick's at home on crutches sprained ankle. Va- I reckon- is going downhill all the time- and tho I fancy I can see ways for letting up- I don't see the wisdom for putting her in those ways, & so her course is downward ho!

This is a beautiful day- I am not well enough to venture out. Don't know when Lucy is coming- Love to all yrs. M.F. Maury

Scope and Contents

Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news.

Transcription

V.M.I. 10 Apl '72

My dear Nannie, Why don't I come out and prevent people from stealing my brains torpedoes & all? Why don't the passenger at sea come out & stop pirates from pirating? Didn't Queen Vic her own dear self steal my torpedoes right before my face- and as for `[thunder]'-look at 'Thomps' & your dear yankees.

That's a fact- Corbin is a great financier- He has managed the estate with much ability and fine judgment & J P owes him 'a heap'. I suppose J.P. did not find enough to do in the office to occupy him- and I think idle hours drag more ways than one before a young man that is not yet fairly engaged in the battle of life.

And can the boy read? Ask him to read this letter. JIM BIT A FOX THE CAT EAT A RAT. And go [up] [head].

I've got the whooping cough in my back & all over. And I've "got no work to do-o".

There is nothing [any] my table- Elie is writing a great speech for the National Agricultural Association which is to meet in St. Louis next month. Fish refuses to help my `ball' along. Elie's speech is going to roll it right over him. Don't those fellows in Washington hate me with a hate? And ain't it elegant to make 'em do, what you tell's em?

Mat repeated to me last night most beautifully the Death of Montrose. It reminded me so much of my blessed Davy Jones. My eyes filled with tears & my heart with emotions unutterable. Sue brings up & teaches Mat very well. He and your Nannie are the best child-readers I ever heard. You ought to be here just to see the sons in law- as many as twenty at a time- I hide under the bed-Crit jumps on the sofa Aunt Mary and the rest scramble up stairs. You are right- Totts is chief among 10,000 & altogether lovely. Where am I to go? Can't stay here another winter. Take away my house & my pay- and then leave me to rent a house and do without the $1800! -how's the pot to be kept a going? The question is bothering me a good deal. The weather here is beautiful and the grass green- and the trees vocal at early matins. When are you coming up? I'd give a cow & calf to come down but the way is so hard & I so rickety. Everybody sends to you Corbin & the children yr aft M.F. Maury

Scope and Contents

Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news.

Transcription

V.M.I. 19 Apl '72

My dear Corbin, I made up my mind this morning to break out from my pleasant surroundings & happy relations here about 1st Sept. by which time it will not be imprudent to settle somewhere in Eastern Va. The high rents in Richmond Nannie's letter & the Taylor (?) houseopposite Uncle Charlie's- with its $250- set my mouth to watering for the old burg. In what sort of repair is it- Do the windows rattle? do the doors open & shut easily & without noise- How are the grates and fire places. Does the house smoke. Is it lighted with gas & has it a water closet? If nay, can it have all these things and I the refusal of it, till Sept.? I would ask you to engage it now but for the chance of my being offered something somewhere else which will strengthen my money power and enable me, with material surroundings - to be more comfortable than I could be upon my own only in Fredericksburg. How many rooms has the house? Can you rough sketch me the grand plan?

Could the boy read my letter- and ain't he coming up here to help us pack up, and show us the way to his house?

I send Nanna a newspaper. It is printed by [ ] Pratt, a little cripple- He is about her size- He has got a printing press and a font of type. He sets these and prints and edits all himself. I send her also a splendid composition by Alice. Alice is a physical geographer- A has told about a drop of water on the earth- Now can N. tell about one in the sky? Water is a beautiful thing I tell you. It is protean- and you think that in every new shape you see it, it's more lovely yet. Yesterday it was dropping down in little white pits, as hard as pits and hopping about the town more than the cadets. It made them scamper I tell you. Then it laid itself in the grass, and peeped at you for a little while-as much as to sayhere goes your [Tennessee] ice cream- come & catch me if you dare- and by the time you got there 'twas just nothing at all. That No 3 Geography you are studying is an old edition and a great many mistakes such as you and Molly found- have been corrected, maps like those at p.p. 21- 148 & 152 have the scale all the way up and down the sides- it varies with the latitude- Thus reason on a piece of paper the distance for 20 between the equator & 20 N. and then try it for 20 between 40 & 60 N. Your Pa will show you. All well and send love yrs M.F. Maury

Scope and Contents

Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news.

Transcription

V.M.I. 10 May '72

My dear Corbin, I give you many thanks for the trouble- all for naught- that you have so kindly undertaken in re Carter House. Dr Wellford's figures are too large, so I will get you to keep your eyes about you for one on easier terms.

I have most got my courage up to the sticking point for St. Louis. Here I feel somewhat like Sin Bad the sailor in his valley of Diamonds- so hard to get out. Dick took the cars this morning for Richmond. The weather is mighty hot. That was a first rate physical Geographical composition of N. I sent it to Alice. Bless her heart give her a kiss- and ask her to ask the boy if he knows what river that is that goes by Fredericksburg and where does it come from & where does it go to- and if she can write a composition and tell what's the use of rivers anyhow? Love to Nannie- all well- Tell her there's another [ ] of S.C. [rice] on the way. yrs, M.F. Maury

Scope and Contents

Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards travel to St. Louis, Missouri.

Transcription

V.M.I. 12 May '72

My dear Corbin, I have no doubt of Carroll's fitness because you speak of him so highly. But rules work sometimes inconveniently. I have found it necessary to make rules for conduct, and one is not to recommend unless I can speak from personal knowledge & sufficient acquaintanceship. So I hope neither he nor you will take my rule amiss.

I expect to leave for St. Louis on 22. But the getting out of this valley is the trouble. The idea of getting out oppresses somewhat as Sin Bad the Sailor was oppressed in the Valley of Diamonds.

Thanks for your kind invitation, but I don't reckon we shall get away from here before the fall. Moreover we are hedging now so as to treasure up for the move. Today it's very hot. Lucy is under the weather. The church is to be pulled down tomorrow. Mrs. Burwell is here- and we are all well. yrs truly M.F. Maury

Scope and Contents

Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news.

Transcription

V.M.I. 19 May '72

My dear Children, I set off for St. Louis day after tomorrow- a day earlier than I intended for the purpose of spending Thursday at the Arlington in Washington to meet C.B.R. He is very much opposed to my `burying myself alive' and makes a proposition which amounts practically to an allowance sufficient to pay house rent say $1000 in Richmond. This is `[now] just so'. I'm to do nothing for it but just live in Richmond. I have not accepted nor declined it but have it to stand just so tall after our talk.

C.B.R. and his Co are doing a roaring business. From all I hear they expect the Geographies alone to clear this year not less than $125,000.

We have been expecting a visit from Jim Monroe & his girls. He wrote word last Tuesday they were coming- and sent word that he would go with me to St. Louis, and that's all. I shall be sorry to miss them. Crit talks of going with me as far as Gordonsville on his way to Betty. But Betty don't write to say she "can't get along without her" so I should not be surprised if she don't go, though she had her trunk brought down three days ago intending to ship off in the 'Packet' tonight. Dick is still in Richmond. They have begun to pull down our church & we have 'nowhere to go'. Dabney expects to move this week to Nashville. He tells me he has a letter from [T.] saying he didn't think anything of my `ball' at first and that now he has changed his opinion and advised Dabney as to what I ought to do- a great [piece] of imprudence- I have no doubt he wants to get a chance to steal more thunder and have asked D. not to hold any correspondence with him upon the subject.

Tell Nana I did answer her beautiful composition and asked her to tell me the use of Rivers and make the boy tell where the Rapp. comes from & whither it goes. Don't she want to go to St. Louis & see the great big river that runs by there? What is its name. Totts is going on a visit to the [Cock's] of [Bowston]. Don't know when she's coming home. All well and send love Yrs M.F. Maury

Scope and Contents

Written from St. Louis, Missouri. Letter regards Matthew Fontaine Maury's speech and travel plans.

Transcription

St. Louis 30 May '72

My dear wife, The Congress never before knew what an address was. It was delivered last night- and everything has been done exactly as I would have it. I was surly yesterday. Am having a bout with the foot in the elbow- was in bed half the day- and was not fit to speak and thought I should break down but am much better today. Charles escorts me to the Guthrie's tomorrow- I return Monday- 37 miles and then strike for you and home as hard as I can rattle. Have not decided which route to take. Col. Withers who C.B.R. sent to take care of me fancies to go through Tenn. I shall be governed a good deal by him for he is so considerate and kind I can't get on well without him. If I go via Wash. shall touch at Fb'g- and at Richmond anyhow. Send this letter and the papers I mail with it up to Nannie to be passed on to V.M.I. for I [have] to [trim] the [wick]. Love to all. Who is 'Kate'? I haven't had time to see her. Yrs M.F.

Scope and Contents

Written from St. Charles County, Missouri. Letter regards travel plans.

Transcription

St. Chas. Co. Mo. 1 June 72

Dear Corbin, I am to leave this Monday A.M. and St. Louis at 3 P.M. Straight onward for you & Nannie say 50 hours. yrs in haste, M.F.M.

send to my wife

Scope and Contents

Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news.

Transcription

V.M.I. 19 June '72

Dear Corbin, Thanks for the 13 [Newses]: you and Nannie [regard] the [speech] nicely. Monday the Minor girls left in a carriage under Walker's escort, to spend the night at Goshen and proceed yesterday to Hanover. Crit without writing and accompanied by Totts, Nannie Bell & Alice took us quite by surprise Monday night. They found the Minor girls at Goshen- scorned the carriage and came straight on in the stage arriving here at 10 1/2 pm. as bright as the moon and as gay as larks. They left Betty still in bed. Will's trip to Wytheville has been put off till 1st July. We are writing for Betty to come along up. I sent in resignation yesterday to take effect 10 Sept. The day before sent off new ed. of Geog. no. 3. and this morning have "the foot" also a letter from Dab- of 16- from Nashville where they all are saying little Dab is very ill with scarlet fever. This morning also I got a copy of the Physical Geography of the Sea in Italian, which [Gat a] has published in Rome. He never knew what a book was before. Love to the children. Yrs, M.F. Maury

Scope and Contents

Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news.

Transcription

V.M.I. 24 July (1872)

Dear Corbin We are driving to see Nannie & the children. Look for Betty also. Sorry you don't come too. Plenty of room. Totts lie & I are off for [Yellow] next week- [thence to 6] or -13th Aug. for an Ag. Address- then back, then to Boston! 18 Sept. for another. Thence to St. Louis 1st Oct for another- so you see I am knocking the 'balls' along.

Don't bother yourself about the money. If I want it- we can discount old [Harmon].

Better come up and get those Farley Vale 'tadpoles' & Fredericksburg chills out of you. Yrs, M.F. Maury

Scope and Contents

Written from Knoxville, Tennessee. Letter regards travel plans.

Transcription

Knoxville Tenn. Sunday Aug 11 (1872)

My dear wife, I arrived here last night at 11.30- It is now 9 A.M.- The ride did me a `heap of good' knocking the remains of that [severe] bout in the knee into the middle of next week. I left the girls lodged next door to, & in charge of, the Taylors- nice people. I [propose] to be back Saturday- to leave Monday and to be at home Tuesday. I had a fancy to spend Saturday night & Sunday at the White, for the sake of rubbing bright the links that bind me to the Maury's there - Uncle Phils' - and of seeing gentlemen [there] & 'roll any balls'. Higgins who married one of them was very kind & [pressing] and told Totts he would come and fetch her any day she'd name & 'Dilly' promised to take them into her room. I suggested to Totts that she should write for him to fetch them Saturday p.m. so we might arrive about the same time. They did not appear to take the hint that I wanted them to go- so I did not press. The trip is not so long as I was told it was- so I should not be surprised if I were to pick the girls up at the 'Yellow' Friday p.m. and be with you Saturday. How's Betty & when's Will coming up? I suppose I shall be putting out for "The Hub" about this time next month so if he don't come I shan't see him. Betty [resistive] that of going to the White by herself-V.M.I. is a better place than Springs for her anyhow. I can sleep in Barracks if need be- so tell her to be comfortable & stop that climbing. One morning Totts was at the Bowling Alley- all of a sudden your son in law & his sister hitched up, bid me goodbye, and when Totts came back she was surprised to hear they had gone!

The trains here are just 12 hours apart- so I shall take the one at 11 1/2 today- and go to Dalton- due at 6- or to Atlanta due at midnight according to my feeling.

I think the girls are having though not a grand, yet far from a dull time. I left the Boston speech for Elie to flirt with. I met with no adventures on my way save an interesting looking youth, of 17, sent by the Tribune to carry Tennessee. He was on their city staff, was a practical printer- had worked at the fonts 3 1/2 years- learned shorthand, and was such an expert that he could take down 200 words in one minute. When he takes down a speech, doesn't know what it's about! He could take down a Chinaman's speech - as well as an Englishman's- but then he would have to have Chinese to report it.

Love & kisses to everybody. Dying to see [you] [Yr.] M.

Scope and Contents

Written from Knoxville, Tennessee. Letter regards financial matters.

Transcription

V.M.I. 4 Sep. 72

Dear Corbin, I am suddenly called on to make a raise.

I have sent R.H. Maury & Co. Richmond an order requesting you to discount that paper and send them the proceeds.

They are to send you the order only in case it be necessary. So if you get it from them you will know what to do. They will want $1200. Expect Will & Betty tonight. Yrs M.F. Maury

Scope and Contents

Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards financial matters.

Transcription

V.M.I. 8 Sept. 72

Dear Corbin, Thanks for yrs of [recd] this morning. [Secure] at some time from R.H.M. Better let them carry at 8 prct. while ours run at 10-? So hold on for further orders.

I reckon houses in Fb'g will not fall much lower- and that purchase would be wise.

I congratulate you on security debts- think you have done first rate.

What do you think of buying in Richmond instead of Fb'g? property is going up there. I don't see when the tide is to turn for Fb'g.

I mail with this the Ga. speech. Whatever may be the local exceptions here & there, the south is as there stated going downhill.

Elie & I are off for Boston Thursday. Nannie writes and gives you chit-chat. yrs M.F. Maury

Scope and Contents

Written from New York. Letter regards travel and includes a note by Eliza H. Maury.

Transcription

New York (Jim's) 15 Sept '72

My dear wife, We arrived here at 5 p.m. yesterday all safe & sound. Elie had `the [head]' say from 10 to 2. I got her a cup of coffee at Wilmington- also a sandwich and [they] set her up. We only stopped there 10m so there was no time for dinner- I brought her the coffee, after a while a man came hopping through the cars, selling papers & crying fresh fried oysterspiping hot, especially for this train- each box has 6 oysters- 6 crackers and a pickle. I bought the last box and that set Elie completely up. She's as bright as a lark this morning going to church 10 sqrs off. Too far for me. Jim and Pierpont have not returned. I shall leave here about 10 in the morning, spend the day at publisher's and then at 5 go to 4th street for dinner and the night. All of Jim's folks were at home- glad to see us - & send love. Elie told 'em she was hungry as a hawk- They had tea at 6.30 and the best beef steak I ever did taste. I went to bed at 9 - and got up at 8. Glorious night- for I made a [bed] out of it in Washington- left there at 8. Arlington expensive place- went there in a [bus] and came away in the [bus]- total cost including lodging & 2 meals ea. $11. It's cool today. Leave this for Elie Love to Bettie, Nannie, Will, Lucy, Molly & Mary & all the children. So sorry I forgot to tell Lucy to copy [that] [Res.] from the letter book- they are there in her hand at the end of the Boston Speech. yrs M.

[Letter continues in hand of Eliza H. Maury) I thought about that black dress once or twice, but felt quite satisfied I had put it back in the trunk after wearing it at the Waddells. Went to Grace Church today but didn't see Cousin Ann & Cousin Rutson. A beautiful Gothic Church with stained glass windows, fine music, & a real good sermon, I enjoyed it ever so much. Saw Mr. [Ned] Rives as I was coming out, but don't think he saw me. The girls gave me a very warm welcome & cousin Ellen too. Lucy & I have a room together & she makes a great fuss over me. This house is right next door to everything. Stuart's, Tiffanys, Cousin Ellen Lewis, Cousin Matts! Cousin Ellen Mercer's & every hing. Lucy admires my new trunk very much & says she is going to have on just like it. This is such a pretty house & so very nicely furnished. They rent it furnished but all the pictures & ornaments are their own & there are some very pretty ones among them- bronzes & things. The children seem unnaturally quiet to me, they scarcely speak above a whisper at the table. What do our children say to that?

Give my love to everyone & kiss my dear [Jim] for me. Tell Lucy Mr. Noland was here on his way to South America not long ago & gave Annie his photograph with a moustache, oh such a nice nice picture! & I haven't got one & my heart is broke. Good bye dear sweetness were you mad when I left my dress? It was horridly stupid of me; it has not been delivered yet but will come tomorrow I expect- Your own Beloved.

Scope and Contents

Written from St. Louis, Missouri. Letter regards health issues and travel.

Transcription

St. Louis. 10th Oct 1872

My dear Corbin, I have just time to say that I am too poorly to undertake the long journey East & propose going tomorrow to Jefferson City to Genl James Minor's to recuperate; he is George Minor's brother you know. Yours- M.F. Maury per E.M.

Scope and Contents

Written from St. Louis, Missouri. Telegram regards travel plans.