folder 11: January–May 1852

As I wrote to Mother in my last I will spend a portion of this vacation in New Haven, so as to prepare more thoroughly for the approaching biennial examination But I will call on the girls in Philadelphia. Mace wishes to spend the vacation with his school mates. he may a part of it, but I think I will take him to Philad with me, but for a short time tho! I have not heard lately either from Philad or California, but hope soon to get letters. I have two kind letters from dear Mother which I'll answer on Sunday. I have little news to give you--the time passes very agreeably to me. I am going to night to a sort of ongoing ladies benevolent society & expect to enjoy myself moderatly. Lectures & concerts ( very occasionally diversifying my rare visits to other ladies) and the ordinary run of college exercises.

San Francisco Cal April 17th 1852

My own dearest Sister First let me thank you for the daguerreotypes of yourself and dear little Anna that I received by the last steamer and then for your long kind letter in which by the way you say the daquerreotype are presents from Mr Couper. oh! how I wish he had sent me his also. Why is it? I wonder that no one of you - can have such flattered likenesses - of yourselves taken as I can - Now nearly every likeness I have ever had taken of myself is twice as good looking as I am. where as yours though I have not one word to say against it does not do you justice. I am truly glad to hear you enjoyed yourself so much in Savannah. now if I only could have been with you. But I am afraid you would have been for passing me off as your elder brother. and then Anna would have had to call you "[Gootin??] Sister" (not Ma) you [old??] people try to cut a swell sometimes -

So you met Rosa and did not know it was her. I do wish you had been introduced to her though I dont think she would have said one word of me - for now Keep your mouth shut about this. I have never written to her since I left home.I admire her not for beauty but for her worth. And she deserves the admiration of any man. I suppose she will be married when I return. I hope so at all events. Have you heard there is any likely hood of such a thing. By the way what a lovely crop of old maids there will be in & about Savannah before long if they dont stir their stumps. I think a cargo of them would go off with out them to tell the truth I don't know which I would profit_ To return & find them all married or to find them still enjoying single blessed ness. the latter I suspect. You say yes. Mrs Wm King Jr now ) is looking very prettyly. I wish I could have seen her. I would have had a kiss. she has even been a good friend of mine. I wish in your travels you had met Mrs Wiggings "my Love" as she used to be called

Mother speaks of John Demere's getting a situation on the Brunswick Canall. So I suppose it is being finished though. this is the first hint to that effect we have had. Do write me all about it. If Mr Wm Couper goes to the Rigatta (as of course he will) tell him I beg he will write me a full account of it. I hear Randolph has thrown himself away. John Hairston left about two weeks ago. he will be at home about Oct. He promised me to go see you all for me. Give this dollar to my own little Anna for me. And tell her I think of her as much as ever and that she must not let this long separation lessen her love and recollection of me. Give my best love to our dearest Mother and all at Retreat Also to Mr Couper and your dear little ones. And believe me my own dearest dearest Sister Your most affectionate brother

T. Butler King Jr

To Mrs Wm A Couper Prudence St Simons