Letter to Nancy A. Hart

Scope and content:

Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news and mentions the execution of John Brown.

Language:

English .

Other descriptive data:

Va Mil Institute
Nov 19th 1859

Dear Mother
Your very welcome letter reached me this evening. I would have replied by your other letter sooner if I had not started on a visit to New York about the time I received it. Of course you can, under the circumstances, pardon me for my remissness. Especially when I tell you that I will endeavor to do better in the future.

Several companies of soldiers have been ordered to be present at Brown's execution. The Cadets have been ordered to hold themselves in readiness to be called on at any moment, and I believe that we will set out next Tuesday, at least we are expecting hourly an order from the governor, to that effect. For a short account of my visit to New York, I refer you to a letter which I wrote a few days ago to Taylor. I can not begin to tell half I saw, until I see you.

I hear that Mary has two beaux, Elam Bosworth and Dr. Carson. I have learned too, that a third individual, Judson Suiter Esq. would be very attentive to her if she would allow it. She is very fortunate in having the two former gentlemen as suitors for her hand, but God grant, I say, that she may never give her hand or her heart to the latter individual. There was a time when I would have unwillingly owned him as my brother-in-law. That time has passed, however, and I can now say with real sincerity that I would rather see Mary in her grave, than in the family of a man who can so far forget himself as to tell a lady to "go to Hell." What caused the coolness between Mary Catherine & Andrew Smiley? I thought that they were firm friends. I hope John Bosworth will do well in Beverly. He has always been my friend.

Ella May writes very well for a girl of her age. She is certainly a good girl and must study well or she could not learn so fast. It will not be long until she will be able to write me a letter. That would be so nice! But, by the way, I can't see why those who can write do not let me hear from them. I am much pleased to know that Father has finished the Bridge, and that he will soon be with you all again to stay. I am well. Write soon. Give my love to Harriet, Chris, Taylor, Mary -- Ella May, Blanche and Charley -- the mischievous little dog. Kiss the little imp for me. Good night.
Your Affectionate Son
J Hart Chenoweth

Subjects:

Correspondence

Names:

Brown, John
Brown, John

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