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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

Old Fort MacArthur Days

26 May

Dearest Cousin Selden,

I must tell you about the most fabulous event that is quickly approaching! The event is called the Old Fort MacArthur Days. It is a history timeline with representatives from historical times up through the modern and into the future! It sounds quite similar to the event I wrote you about last year. We are so excited to attend, as there will be Roman Guards, Vikings, English Civil War persona, Colonial American, Californios, Mexicans, Dragoons, and much much more! Of course, we will be there representing the ladies of good moral character tending the home and hearth, and we fervently hope that we will not be forced to be in the proximity of those other ladies who do not share our fortitude. I’m quite sure you can hear me huff just at the thought of it!

Selden, I do so wish you could attend. If by chance you find yourself with a moment of time, please read this page to learn more about it. The event fast approaches on July 10th and 11th, just to the north of us in San Pedro. There is a fort there, you know. You will find us in the Frontier Area, I suppose. Funny to think that this is still considered the frontier, when really we are quite civilized these days. Just last month, the First Antioch Baptist Church was founded to the delight of our friends and neighbors. Furthermore, we have even got a newspaper. Surely that is civilized?

Ever your devoted cousin,

Mattie

P.S. Just look at these photographs I have enclosed. While the Roman guard is impressive, and the Redcoats are virtually laughable in their bright red uniforms, the futuristic vehicle is perfectly hideous and terrifying!