Leroy Anderson, Pineland Academy, Mobile, Alabama, to Elizabeth Galt, Williamsburg, 1837

Containers:

Box Series 2, Box 3, Folder 30

Scope and content:

During his trip from Norfolk to New Orleans was, "on a fine bright day, presented with... the Atlantic in a storm, proceeding from a furious North Wind contending with the resistless weight and force of the Gulf Stream." The storm wrecked their only attempt at a "stylish" dinner on board the ship. Reached Mobile the twentieth day after leaving Norfolk. Was hired to take charge of the Academy before any building was done but was given complete freedom to rent a schoolroom and was able to open his school in December, ten days after he arrived. "Nothing could be in my estimation at least, more romantic and interesting, than to see the girls of every age from six to sixteen advancing in family groups towards... [the school]." Students bring him cream, milk, butter, vegetables, flowers, etc. School building was completed in the Spring, and has equipment for 50 to 60 students. Mrs. Hannah Wingate Southgate Anderson and her sons Leroy and Washington joined Henry and L. in April. L's daughter Louisa and her four sons are in Mobile. [Note: While the author signs his name only as L.A., he is most certainly Leroy Anderson, who tutored Elizabeth and Alexander Galt in 1830. Seemingly he is of advanced age, since a daughter and her four sons are mentioned. His description of himself as a friend of Dr. Galt for over fifty years gives a clue to his age.]

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