Letter from Mark B. Hardin to Augusta Lane Hardin, 1849

Creator:

Hardin, Mark B. (Mark Bernard), 1838-1916

Scope and content:

Written from Washington, D.C. Letter regards family news. The letter includes an addition (dated April 24, 1849) from Lauriston B. Hardin.

Language:

English.

Biographical / historical:

This letter was written to Augusta Lane Hardin, Lauriston B. Hardin's second wife and Mark B. Hardin's stepmother. At the time, Mark was 11 years old and his stepmother was visiting her family in Wilmington. This letter was sent to Augusta Hardin in care of Levin Lane, Esq. (1793-1863). Mark's family was then living in Washington, D.C. where Lauriston was the Clerk and Registrar of the Department of the Navy.

Other descriptive data:

Washington. April 21st 1849

My dear Mother

Last night there was a very large fire, destroying two or three houses and injuring two or three very much, - the fire began about twelve o'clock and lasted about an hour. A stable was set on fire behind those taverns near the canal, the taverns caught and burnt very badly. There were also several pigeons burnt during the fire. I went up to father's office today and spent the day with him and I had a very fine time.

I heard that there was a very deep snow in Wilmington not long ago. We have had very bad weather too, one day it snowed and rained both.

Father has not determined to get the house near the Fraily's, but he will, if he does not get Captain Powell's near Gadsby's Hotel, he will know tomorrow whether Captain Powell will let him have his for $350 or not.

Father has been suffering for some time with the pain in his shoulder, but I am happy to say that he is getting a great deal better.

We have had two or three serenades since you have been gone. The gentlemen came in the parlor and played for almost an hour then went down the front steps and sat on the boxes and played Oh! Susannah, then they went away. Give my love to Your Mother and your sisters and Eddy. Miss Anna Tanney has gone to Philadelphia to take a little trip for the benefit of her health, which has been rather bad. After the cold spell we have had, it is now quite mild again.

Captain Powell's house has a great deal of nice fruit in the garden, which is a very pretty one.

And now as it is getting late I must end my letter.

P.S.Father is going to write you a few lines. Grand Father sends his love to you and Miss Virginia.

Apl. 24, 1849

Best love to all the family. How did you enjoy the snow & green peas & perhaps strawberries?

Mr. Hooe is in Alexandria, which accounts for Mr. Hooe's love coming alone. Good bye -

Subjects:

Correspondence

Names:

Hardin, Mark B. (Mark Bernard), 1838-1916

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