Search

He reports failure of several large merchant firms, "and I believe most of them have been caused by the Josyrls [?]." Writes various family news.

Summarizes tales of that day's newspapers, including the Richmond Compiler "(which is no longer to be called the Courier)", and the Albion. Has copied ten times "Oh how this world is given to Lying," says Shakespeare."

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.]

Her health has never been better, and has suffered little from head-aches-- which she attributes to not using milk except in tea or coffee. Expects to move to town soon since Father and John talk of going to Mississippi. Bishop Smith's trial is in progress at Lexington on charges she finds ridiculous. News of family. Is kept busy as a "mantuamaker." Notes several deaths in Mr. Beall's family, including "Cousin Milly's only remaining child," cousin Polly Maupin, Louisa Beall, and Mr. Beall's grandchild [a Booth]. The remainder of the Beall's live in Brandenburg. Mr. Beall's health is bad and he has become childish. Yellow fever is prevalent in Natchez and Vicksburg. Mentions John Murdaugh, Mr. Page, Aunt Susan Randolph, and Uncle Fielding.

Little Norborne died October 15, after "gradually declining for several months..." Judy and Jenny [Virginia] are living in town this winter so they can go to school. Virginia is very pretty. "There is little danger of young lady being admired here without she has a large fortune." Sally has been visiting Laura Booth. Acccording to rumor, John [M.G. Browne] and Laura will be married in the spring. Prices are high, flour is double the price when they came, "selling at $9 1/2 dollars-- wood five Dollar a cord and coal 25... [torn] women hiring for $4 [torn] dollars. These things and tight sleeves are all you hear talked of." Louisville has an over supply of doctors. Mentions Richard Taliaferro, Aunts Susan and Margaret and other relatives.

The children are in the country because scarlet fever is so bad in Louisville, but Judy remained in town "as there is less danger of a grown person taking it." Mary is acting as school-mistress. Describes the classes. Cousin Norborne is "rearranging this place under the guidance of an English landscape gardener..." The cedars, which are very hard to replace in Kentucky, are dead. Recommends that if Sally ever leaves Williamsburg she go to Nachez as she is devoted to flowers and there "nearly every place is enclosed by a hedge of the Cherokee rose..." Expect various relatives next month, and may spend the winter in Key West. Recommends that Elizabeth read the life of Dr. Bidell.