folder 11: January–May 1852

Butler merely gave me a note, accompanying two rings, one for Dr. & one for me, the reception of which is most gratifying - When Father was out in California the first time he found three stones sufficiently fine to be set and picked up with his own dear hand enough gold to set them - these he ordered to be made when over here but not being completed at his departure they were sent after him. Butler of course retained his & sent Niall's engraving by the last steamer. You can't think how grateful I am for mine, I value it almost inexpressibly - it is so delightful to wear a memento fraught with such pleasant associations - the ring too in itself is quite pretty & I am going to have my initials & perhaps crest engraved upon it. By a Newspaper which Butler sent me I have the Legislature proceedings & tho' from

the large majority of Democrats there would seem no chance of Fathers election, yet their quarrels & the friendship of many for F. may result in his election.

Georgia wrote me yesterday from Philad & says that they have had the influenza but are now well. Mall & I are in our usual excelent health. There is to be a good concert tonight but I doubt if I go. On Monday night my [gap] Lillie Devereux gives the last revolver before Lent in the shape of a large party which is expected to be fine - the one last Monday was very pleasant - time passes pleasantly & profitably to me now. John King paid me a short visit yesterday afternoon, on his way to New York. I like him very much - I will now stop, hoping soon to get your letter Give much love & many Kisses to Dearest Mother & also to your dear children & F. & C.

San Francisco 1st March 1852 My Dear Florence I am delighted to perceive by your charming little letter of the 5th January that you had escaped without serious injury, the intense exposure of your christmafs visit to your Uncle Henry - I am sure he may consider himself much complimented by a visit from his nieces and nephews under such discouraging circumstances - Your want of experience in northern climates caused you to be regardlefs of the cold and induced you to undertake the journey without fear - To this you probably owe your safety. I am very much gratified that you enjoy good health in your northern home and that you have increased so much in flesh. You do not mention the branches of study in which you are engaged, or whether

you are taking lessons in music either vocal or instrumental. I am anxious to know particularly how your time is occupied.

With kind regards to the Picots and Kipers for your Sisters

I am as ever, most affectionately your father T. Butler King

Miss Florence B King

PS. Pray excuse this short note I am driven at a railway speed by official duties and business.

Mrs. Wm. A. CoupeFrederica St. Simons Island Georgia

San Francisco Cal: March 2nd 1852 My own dearest Sister, No words can convey any idea of the feeling I experienced when I begun to read our dear mother's letter of "Jan. 18th" in which she told me how narrow an escape you all had made from death. I never felt my heart grow sick before and God grant I may never have the same feelings again. I can't bear even now to think of the danger you were in - and of the fate that so nearly befell you - Oh my dear dear sister if you had been lossed - what would have become of me.