Polk Family Papers Box 9 Document 03

{POLK Letters: June 4, 1840}

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1840,

June 4

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Bishop Polk, Ashwood, to his mother, Mrs. Sarah Polk, re: his arrival home a month ago and his pleasure in his home; informing her that Lucius is looking after her affairs in the Western Districts - other family matters; deaths among the Negroes;Bishop Otey's arrival from his northern trip and his collection of $3,000 for the School which is now flourishing - more about the school; his visit in Nashville and passing an evening with Gov. Polk and Gen. Jackson; mentioning other friends; advising her to put some of her property in Lucius' hands. 3 pp. (1 typed copy).

Ashwood June 4th

1840

My dear Mother

I have been intending to write you ever since I reached home but have not before felt exactly ready.

I arrived about a month since, & found all well. My home seems more sweet than ever. The grass is so very luxuriant & the foliage of the trees so full & rich. My own health is very good; it has not been better for a great while. You say you cannot get out this season. For myself I did expect you as you have had Geo. to visit you so recently & will have me & mine in the fall. Lucius who was here to-day requested me to say he will himself go in, in the fall "if{underlined} he{underlined} possibly{underlined} can{underlined}". He leaves home on tomorrow for the Western districts to see after your affairs.

He has he requested me to say paid off Rufus' draft on time & has directed {illegible: F....} of N Orleans to remit you $1200. We hope it

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I have endeavored to give you all the news I could gather

will reach you in good season.

You may have heard of the deaths of Scynthia sister of Theophelus last fall, & of Cherry, mother of the twins, Olive's daughter, & wife of the yellow man named Jerry, this spring. I did not learn what they died of.

Mrs. James Walker has been extremely ill not expected to live. She is better & thought to be out of danger. Bp. Otey arrived two or three days ago, from his northern trip having secured for the relief of the school about $3000 in cash & 5 or more in promises.

The school is very flourishing, about 130 pupils I think. The Rector has just received his organ, & has a great display of musical talent I learn.

The examination is to be a great affair. It occurs about the same time with the Convention. Many people are expected. We hope the kin from the District among others.

Fanny, - little Fanny - while walking in the garden this evening announced with quite an air, that Aunt Mary was going to have an examination too, viz Miss Jones. She is one

You are likely to {illegible: want?} your ancient namesake in {illegible}. We are expecting George in ten days. We have heard his Buggy has come & that he will get in it, start on the 20th. We are quite anxious to have him & his to join our circle. I yesterday received a letter from Mr. Hardmann. He writes that himself & wife in attempting to go on a visit to his brother's Mr. D. Hardmann's recently, had to pass over a very wide overflow of the Miss. Since Mr. D. lives on the Miss. or near it, they the travellers took a skiff & were lost while in it for two{underlined} nights{underlined} &{underlined} three{underlined} days{underlinded} without food, or fire, & in their wet clothes all the time. They had to pass their time in their boat paddling about over the waste of waters among Bayous, lakes, &c, &c. What a country to live in. Miss Hilliard is expected up in the Kirkman in 1O days. Mr. & Mrs. Hardmann were both made sick & find it necessary to go to the Sea coast for bathing for the summer. They

of Miss Jones'pupils, & that every body was to be invited from over at Uncle Rufus' & at Uncle Williams & over here. All to be at Uncle Lucius' & that Aunt Mary had said they were not to have on very fine clothes neither, - This last I have no doubt was the matter of real grief to the "whole{underlined}" school consisting of Sarah, Mary, Fanny & Em: I suppose Cousin Rachel is to play on the piano. I hear they are preparing a hymn or so to sing. - So we go. -

I was in Nashville the other day & saw many people among them Mrs. Cateen. She looks very well, & is very full of conversation. I passed an evening with Gov'r Polk where I met Genl. Jackson. He looks very well & is very spirited yet. He inquired after you. Judge Cateen staid with me a short time a few days ago. - As grave & wise as a Judge. Mrs. Jackson (James) is spending some time just now with Sarah at Westbrook. We wish you were here to enjoy the visit with her. Rufus seems quite happy in his habitation. His wife is a sensible woman & I hope they will be very happy.

Things look quite{underlined} promising{underlined} just now.