folder 17: January 1856

To Mrs. Thomas Butler King

Savannah Jan. 21st 1856

My beloved Mother I am glad that you returned my last letter to me. Ever since I sent it I have been sorry that i had done so, but I felt mortified at the tone of your previous pistle and wrote hastily. I am aware of the embarrassed state of your finances and will endeavour to render them as little more so as necessity will permit me. You ask me to tell you positively how much I expect you to give me- i do not expect you to give me one cent more than you can afford, while paying attention to the wants and necessities of each and every other one of the family. In the country one has no need for money, there is no way of spending it, in a city it is different-what appears to be superflous extravagances- in the former becomes as it were a positive matter of necessity in the latter.

I have now five dollars left which I hope will last me until the 1st of February. I paid that amount for Georgia's passage home and Tip when he was here together which I only mention en passant to show you that I do not waste all of my money.

I was admitted to the bar today, which I know you will be glad to learn and besides received an affectionate letter from dear father dated {Austin} 31st Dec. You know my examination was to have taken place on the 14th but on account of the death of Judge {Berrien} and the Supreme Court, the Superior Court adjourned for a week. Well I understood it would take place this afternoon but while I was busily cramming this morning the judge sent for me and I was regularly put through. Frank Bartow Tom Lloyd, Mr. Ward and the judge divided the operation ? then and by 12 oclock I was sworn in and admitted as an attorney, Counsellor and Solicitor XCXC and before dinner received my certificate for the same for which I had to pay a V.____

I passed very well only missing two answers which I would not have done had I comprehended fully the questions. I suppose it would be best to take an office and set up at once, but I have not the funds to do that and I have accepted Mr. Ward's kind permission or rather offer, to continue in his office for the present and prosecute my studies. However of this I will be better able to decide in a week or two than at present. I am distressed to learn that the girls are sick and that Floyd has injured his thumb so severly- I suppose it will take some time for it to heal. I trust his finger will not be permanently injured. I sent down by the last mail Mrs. Stoddard's invitations, and Mrs. Gordon's are here awaiting their arrival. I sincerely hope that they will come on in time to attend these parties as I presume they will be the ?? of the season. However this is too late in the day to say much, as ?? must leave house in order to attend these balls before this letter reaches it's destination. I have received

A letter from Mallery since he arrived at West Point. Poor fellow the place is forlorn enough, but he has had a particularly forlorn journey in getting there and arrives at the worst possible season. You may comfort yourself in regard to one thing tho- there is no danger of his running about much. Wish you would conclude to come on with the girls. I think you ought, and if there is not money enough to pay for a long visit, then make a shorter one. I approve of their staying at the hotel with any married lady friend but do not approve of the girls doing so at a hotel without, unless some brother is with them. Either Butler, Floyd or I should be with them. But I hope that you will come on. I have been spending the evening with Mrs. Stoddard at the Mozart ? house, and as it is now long past midnight I will conclude. Dearest Mother please forget the contents of my last letter and believe that I amheartily sorry for having written it. Give love and good wishes to all. As ever yours ? son Henry Lord King

Savannah 25th Jan. 1856

Dearest Mother, I understand that our dear Brother returns home tomorrow- he will tell you better than I can write how all our dear ones are- It was quite a surprise to me on Wednesday about 12 oclock when Clementine walked in and said that all the dear girls & dear B had come. It was bitter cold and I was realy very unwell - from my c_____s so I did not dare venture out. dear B came to see me that same morning and I went twice yesterday and the same today to see Chas Toney. so he has been kept in his room from his cold I have spent both mornings with him Yesterday Flora came home & dined here & went to see dear Candace A. I think Appy decidedly much better when I left her this evening at sunset & think