Letter from Mark B. Hardin to Susan L. Hardin

Creator:

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

Scope and content:

Written from New York City, New York. Letter regards Mark B. Hardin attempting to start a consulting chemist business.

Language:

English .

Biographical / historical:

During the time period following the Civil War, Mark B. Hardin attempted to start a business in New York City, New York in partnership with William Gilham (1818-1872). Gilham was a West Pointer (Class of 1840) and the former Commandant of Cadets at VMI during Hardin's tenure there before the War.

Other descriptive data:

My dear Sue,
I have just received your letter & hasten to answer it. I am really ashamed of myself for not answering your last before this, but I have put it off from day to day in hopes of being able to write more cheerfully. Please don't stand upon ceremony with me; write whenever you can & if I don't answer promptly know that it is not because I don't think of you.

My business has improved some lately & I am in hope that it will pay next year. In that belief I have refused three very handsome offers lately. By the way, speaking of business matters, please tell your Uncle Walter that Phil Hooe wrote to him on important business some time since but has no answer. It would be well for your Uncle Walter to write to him.

I do so long for the time when I can settle down & have you and Johnny with me. Tell the boy that he must study & improve himself. I do not wish to be disappointed when I see him. And you Sue, must take care of yourself & not frolic too much at parties. I am delighted to hear at any time that you are enjoying yourself, but be careful of your health & don't always sit up or dance until morning. I am pleased to know that your representation as a house-keeper is so good. I am prodigiously fond of good bread & ginger snaps. I hope to eat some of your making one of these days. I have here a short time since Cousin Sue Hardin, her sister Cynthia, & Jimmy. The second time I called upon them, they had left the city.

Hope however to see them here again soon. It was a great pleasure to meet them.

Grandfather & Aunts Mary & Ellen, Phil, & in fact all the family, ask after you frequently. I always send love. I have written in great haste, my dear Sue, because I am fortunately busy, and I would not put off an answer a single moment lest it might be deferred disgracefully long. Be assured that I often think of you & Johnny & that I hope our "brief acquaintances" may in (?) ripen into something like affection.
Love to all
Yours affectionately
Bunny

Subjects:

Correspondence

Names:

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

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