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Category Archives: Civil War

General catch all for Civil War era

Distant relations

Dear Mother,

You will be delighted to learn that I have come across a distant relation recently. We had the great pleasure of visiting with Senator Jefferson Davis and his wife, Varina Davis, over the past week end. Politics aside, they are lovey people, the most gracious of hosts. As she and I were speaking about our families, she happened to mention that she was a Howell.

Mother, you cannot imagine my shock and delight to reply that you are a Howell as well! Although we have not yet identified where our families diverged, I know we will enjoy each others company all the more knowing we share blood. I hope we shall see Mrs. Davis again soon. She and Senator Davis are traveling throughout the area, visiting with their troops, so it is possible we shall see them in Huntington Beach, which is the next expected location for the armies to clash.

We persuaded a local photographer to make this likeness of Melody and Mrs. Davis and although Melody looked to the side, I think it still a lovely image of the two.

All my love,

Mattie

We survived the pirate raid

19 Jul

My Dear Sister Caroline,

I spent the weekend with Cousin Selden and heard about the history time line at Old Fort MacArthur. I truly wish I was able to accompany you. The newspaper ran drawings of some of the action, which was quite impressive, I must admit! I received a letter from Mother who said that Father was with you most of the time and that they have a new high sprung Ford wagon. I am so happy to hear that Father will be traveling in more comfort these days.

The newspapers have stories of pirate raids at the Old Fort while you were there, and that a troop of cowboys were well armed and able to run them off in fairly short order. I hope everyone in your household weathered the raids and there was no loss of property or life. I understand that Mrs. Marshall had her nephew with her and I dearly hope he was not conscripted. He is such a quiet and polite boy. Although you likely would have let us know if something as wretched as that had occurred.

I have seen in the newspapers that the war will be settling close to your home soon. The predictions are at the end of July and early August in El Dorado Park in Long Beach, California. I do hope everyone will come through without a scratch to body, home and hearth. It comforts me to know that you have pooled resources and live in your home together with Mattie and Mrs. Marshall. I worry for you while your men folk are away with the war.

I have a new recipe for Upside Down Prune Cake from Mother. It is quite delicious and has become a favorite here. I hope you will enjoy it. Keep safe and away from the war as best you can.

You devoted sister,

Elizabeth

Friends To Reunite In Costa Mesa

10 May

Dear Mrs. Coffin,

We are heartily looking forward to visiting with you this upcoming 14th and 15th of May! My sweet Melody has already asked if she will be able to procure the delectable grapes you frequently have on your table and we hope to spend tea time together if at all possible. It will be such a busy week-end, what with the troops in bivouac so closely near by in Costa Mesa and we refugees simply attempting to stay out of their way. Such is the life for we women who undertake to bring some civility and refinement to these Western outposts and wilds of California.

We expect our visit to be an enjoyable one, and with deep fondness anticipate a joyous reunion.

Ever your friend,

Mattie Marvel

Past Periods Press

Category Archives: Civil War

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We survived the pirate raid

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