2005-11
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/31/2005
Autograph Letter Signed, 4p. quarto, Melrose, Virginia, July 2, 1829, and reads in part: “…was just making preparations to go to Alexandria to a wedding, Edgar Mason & Miss Fairfax. She very politely had invited me to be her bridesmaid…I am at Old Point - not really there either but at a house about a mile from there called Melrose…I staid at the point until day before yesterday when we arrived here. Our residence there was very pleasant, a small house adjoining the town called ‘Scuffle Cuddie’ where we could see all the steamboats and vessels landing….no amusement of any kind, except listening to the band & going to see the parades in the evening. The music is certainly the most delightful I ever heard. They say it surpasses even the West Point band. It plays every evening before the Col’s quarters…there is so many beaus, so gallant & attractive that I am afraid sometimes of losing my heart….The day before we got here, the sloop of war Erie arrived and anchored just opposite and the next day the captain and also the lieutenant came on shore to breakfast, all dressed up in uniform and the contrast between Naval and Army officers was very amusing. The former looked so shocked at the sight of so many ladies and fidgeted and twisted about at such a rate. And the others were so dignified….Talking of the Navy puts me I mind of Mildred Lee. She did not come down with us. Her mother continued so unwell, and neither Smith or Robert at home, she could not leave. Smith did not return, as the vessel sailed again directly to take out some ministers and the Secretary of the Navy advised him by all means not to leave the ship…Robert is expected every day from West Point, where he graduates with much éclat…” Fine.
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