William Audley Couper papers

home in October - and then when you my beloved Father and dear Butler come next oh that will be such perfect happiness -

Mr J.H.C. had left for Philadelphia ere your letter to William came - he has sent it on to his brother and written him on the subject --- I must now say good by [sic] my dearest Father --- I only wrote to tell you that William would go with my precious Mother - We are are all pretty well - And all pour in warmest love to you and dear Butler tell him I will write him by the next mail - Pray excuse all blunders for I write in great haste and confusion

God bless you my beloved Father and grant you may return safe and well to us. You own truly affectionate Daughter Hannah Page C -

Hon. Thos Butler King San Francisco

[top right] Sunday Night: 13^th June [written in pencil] [1852]

My own beloved child

It is very probable I may not have time to write tomorrow so I will just give you a few lines before I go to bed. Oh! my Tootee it does seem strange that I have you to write to in addition to my other dear absent ones - my sweet child I do feel this separation from you very much. I never see a little child in the street but I fancy I can see some resemblance to our dear little ones but not one of them is as pretty as yours. I wrote you by the Mail yesterday before the Southern Mail came in. I then had to go out shopping - a most disagreeable occupation to me. I was out all the morning trudge trudge. M^r Woolley Amanda & myself went to that famous London House store. I did run up a bill of $15-55. cts - but think I could have got just as good & as cheap at De Witts & Morgans M^r Woolley & Amanda did pretty much all their shopping there. I then came back to this truly friendly roof & after din-ner off again I went - in our perambulations we encoun-tered dear William - he was in McClesky & Nortons, he joined us - took us into an ice cream shop where he & M^r Woolley ate twice as much ice cream as we could. We then went to a new confectionary establishment kept by Monsieur N Lefont, Proprieter of the " Paris house" there we met Mrs McDonald & Sue Johnson eating ice cream. My object in going into this establishment was to pur-chace [sic] you some cake, as you forbid my getting candy for the chicks - it did seem hard that you all should be deprived of candy because dear Bob would have it & it would give her toothache. But as neither William or myself could bear that she should have an ache we passed by the

beuit beautiful candies - I must before I go further thank you for your comforting letter - thank you & M^r Dunham too for the comforting news you both give. I pray God!s mercy on those poor negros [sic] that they may indeed all be better, & may live to welcome me back. It is requires no little resolution on my part to keep from getting into the Planter tomorrow and going back to you. But for those dear ones who I have not seen for more than a year I certainly would do it. It worries me that I should be the cause of keeping Wil -liam so long from you. I know his presence is so necessary to your comfort & happiness. It is very selfish in me my permitting him to accompany me. God! in mercy protect you all & grant to your good husband a happy & safe return to you my love

Last evening M^r Cuyler & Margaret called - they staid [sic] here a long time. Margaret is the same old seven & sixpence - M^r Cuyler is no longer a handsome man, he was very kind however - Mrs Matthau had called when I was out. Lizzie I believe I mention-ed had called - I met her & Dick in the street, yesterday. In the presence of M^r Cuyler Margaret gave me an invitation to dine with them tomorrow & ask William to accompany me. All that M^r Cuyler said was to ask where William was staying - I did not say I would dine with them or that I would mention the matter to William - Mrs Johnston made a long call on me in the evening - & was the same as when we were on the Sand Hills. I had invitations from the Cuylers - Mrs Johnston & the Cunninghams to go to Church today. But some how I preferred to go with Cousin A & M^r Woolley to their church. So they called for me & the boys - We had a most excellent sermon on this morning from the Presiding Elder - on our way to church this evening we had

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the pleasure of meeting Mrs Charles Grant – she was in one of her nervous excited humors - saying what an attack of nervous -ness she had had the last few days – D^r Sulivan [sic] in attendance &c this evening she sent to ask me to go to church with her after tea but I was too tired - for after Church Amanda M^rW. the boys & myself had been overhauling the new part of the City. Everybody must have known that we were country folks. The City is really rapidly building up. If I could sell my lands on the Island & purchase a house here, the hire of the negros [sic] would maintain us beautifully. William should come too - he would soon find something to do. Is it not a delightful plan Let us think of it! - I feel such a kind of horror of St. Simon's. When we got back I found dear William & John Cunningham here, the former regretted very much he had not gone to walk with us - I felt even more sorry I think than he was, & had I thought of the walk before leaving for Church I would have sent Middleton for him. M^r C. says his wife is not so well today -- will you believe it that woman has had the conscience to miscarry. The Doctors say if she does again she will die right away, & if she could have kept it she would have recovered, this is what Sarah told me this evening. This was the reason she was so ill some time ago. Dear Sarah Bourke is just as kind to me as tho' she was my own child, so gentle - so thoughtful, poor child she has much to worry her at this time & yet any one to see her would not suspect anything. Poor B. has been in a frolic & will carry it on. I have not set eyes on him since I came, he stays out all day, at night he staggers home & is assisted up to his room. he is off again as soon as he gets up in the morning -- I am grieved for Sarah I would leave the house & go either to the Cunninghams / who have press'd me to divide my time with them - or to stay at the house Aman-da stops at - but I fear it will not only be talked of - but that

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[they] will be hurt if I do. I consulted William & he thinks I had best remain where I am. Poor poor Bourke - what a shipwreck he is making of his own & his sweet wifes [sic] happiness. It is impossible that anyone can be more amiable or patient than Sarah is -- I am trying to persuade her either to go with us North or go South this summer. If she goes South I know you & William will do all in your power to induce her to visit you. Remember my child that all all I have left behind in the way of comforts is at your service. The 1 dozen doiles [sic] only cost 56^1/4 cts. I send them to you, the 4 pair of gloves, I hope will fit you. The bread, I hope you will enjoy. As I send $1-worth which is more than you can use - I want you to send Dunham a loaf - & give a little of it to the sick negros [sic], two pieces of the ginger cake give to Ishmael if he is able to eat it. The two straw hats are for Neptune the black for dresses, & 2 black silk handkerchiefs are for Liddy and Linda, the two tin coffee pots are for Cupid & Toney. The iron pot is for Quamina. Tell my precious babies - that I will bring their toys when I return - & that they must think of me when they eat the cakes. I went through the market on the Sa-turday evening - how I wished you could have had some of the good things I there saw, such splendid beef, mutton, pork, & the finest vegetables I ever saw - tomatto [sic] in abundance, & even water melons, for which they asked one dollar a piece. I thought if I could just have transferred all that meat & all those vegetables to Retreat the negros [sic] would not have the conscience to be sick any more.

I have written you a long letter with very little in it. But I feel like a cat in a strange garret, & some what bewildered. I do hope we may not leave before the Mail gets in on Wednesday. And Oh! how I pray you may be able to give me good news of all I left behind - first of your own dear self & children, then my poor negros [sic] - M^r Dunham & the place & of Mrs Gale, tell her I have not seen her grand child - but Mrs Branch told me yesterday that she had seen him very lately & that he was perfectly well. I must say goodnight - Amanda will wish me to add a few lines for her in the morning Praying the choicest blessings on you my precious child, I am your devoted Mother AMK

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I was awoke this morning by a cry of "fire," you may depend on it I was up & awoke the boys quick enough - Rhina soon came up & said "it was close by." The poor boys were hurrying on their own clothes & urging me to do the same. Soon after M^r Woolley came & begged me not to be alarmed as there was no danger to us - The fire is still burning - it commenced in a carpen-ters shop & communicated to a large brick building belonging to a M^r Cohen which is yet burning & even now there is another fire down at Yamacraw It is very fortunate that these did not occur in the night - or even yesterday when the wind was high. This is a lovely morning, calm bright & beautiful God! grant it has dawned on all I hold dear in as good bodily health as it does on your little brothers & myself. The boys tell me Amanda was at the fire & that 2 brick houses & the carpenters [sic] shop are consumed. This must have been designedly done. The basket in which the bread goes belongs to Sarah do take care of it & restore it safe to Sarah. Rhina seems better - I hope all may be for the best that I take her with me. The expense is the least consideration with me. You must tell my good Pussy that I think constantly of her. Should anything befall her, I would indeed meet with a serious loss. I pray God! no more will be taken from me yet a while. I saw 4 funeral processions yesterday - 3 white & 1 negro, there may have been others - but there are a great many people in this place. Tell Lady to be pure & try & raise & keep the poultry well. And Maria must be careful of my birds I know you will take an interest in all that concerns my interest I only hope you will first be careful of your own dear self & those sweet children. Clementine I trust will keep well - then I know she will relieve you in the sewing line. As soon as Jane can be spared from nursing she & Ellen / before the latter is able to cook / ought to make for those who have large families or cannot sew. But I left all to yours & Williams [sic] care & management. Do not neglect to see to those window shades & return them if they do not answer. I send the Potash for soft soap. I neglected to ask M^r Dunham to give Lady or old Jane 25 tbs of tallow from the barn - pray do so

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for me. The oranges are not good - they cost me 50 cts. - I did not ask Dunham to take my chest of silver - perhaps it will be just as safe in the house. William has just been here he is well & says he has written to you. Amanda sends you a dress which she begs you will have made up & wear out this summer for her sake she sends you much love. Rhinas [sic] things are all in one bundle the cake put in the trunk is mine for you. If you choose you can send for either of my tin cases to keep your bread in -- the negro shoes is for Alfred -- Jimper did not give me his measure. Should he be in want you can head for a new [pair] for him. Ira Cunningham was here this morning one of those families lost every thing they had by the fire this morning - it is a true saying - we know not what a day may bring forth - they went to bed last night surrounded by comforts - now they have not even a suit of clothes to wear. These fires are becoming serious & alarming - Do my child beg & order my servants to be ever on their guard & do you be the same. I wonder if Hamilton Couper would not stay with you until William returns? Do Tootee ask him to do so - Should any thing happen to you in Williams [sic] absence what would I do? Kiss over & over again those sweet children for me. The medicine you will find altogether that which William sends you as well as that for Retreat I fear you will find this letter very confused - but I have been writing it by snatches - I want to say a great deal to the servants & yet I do not know what more I can say I implore of them to be careful of their health & conduct & add no more than they can help to my troubles Muriate of Iron would I think be a safe tonic for all who have been so sick - beginning at 6, 7 or 8 drops in Camomile flower tea three times a day & gradually increasing one drop a day until it reaches 20. 1 w half tumbler of tea is enough at a time. Once more adieu my sweet child - God bless & preserve you all Your devoted Mother AM King

[top right] 15^th June 1852 Savannah

My dearly beloved Tootee

It does seem so strange all the events which are crowding on me. Who would have supposed one month ago that I would be in Savannah on my way North or more or as much wonderful is the intelligence contained in the enclosed letters. May all be ordered for our good. If I am permitted to meet your beloved Father - it will will [sic] of itself reward me for what I have suffered in leaving home. How merciful to me my hearing that the loved children were well, on the 9^th & 11^th. What is to be the end of all these unexpected events God! alone knows. I look forward with hope but with a trembling heart ---

I wrote you a long letter by Middleton - I hope all things went safe. The Oznaburgs will go in the next trip of the Planter - let Lady have 15 or 20 yds. --- I do not think more can be spared - Tell the negros [sic] if I live to see their Master I hope your letters will enable me to give a favorable report not only of their health but of their conduct - It grieves me that dear Butler is left alone in that Country. - May God! protect him I will suffer more when your Father is obliged to return to California - Oh! the misery this anxiety costs me. My beloved child I hardly think your blessed Father will be able to visit you. I can only hope this visit of his may not portend coming misfortune. I have had no letter from him or Butler. Possibly these letters will be received by you. Of course you will open them & read all they may have communicated.

William is a devoted son to me. I cannot but regret the lonely state such devotion subjects you to. But for my coward heart

I would positively object to his going with me further William & myself dined at the Cunninghams the today after dinner we called - that is Sarah & myself at the Goodwins Johnstons, Hamiltons Boroughs' & William took tea with us - I fear I have offended Mrs. D^r Fraser she has been twice to see me & I have not been able to return her calls. But I can't help it. It seems M^r Bourke did not send the cage or birds - I hope he will not neglect to send the cage by William. As you may be obliged to put my birds in cages before I get back. Not knowing the condition of things at Retreat I can of course say nothing more than that I have left all in the hands of a merciful God! humanly speaking. I know you will do all in your power for me. I only beg you will let your own health be your first consideration. Oh! my Tootee I do believe my head cannot be right. I feel no dependance on my own judgment I feel like a vessel tost [sic] on the waves - to be driven as the wind or circumstances may. May the God! of mercies be our guide in all things both temporal & spiritual - & ere long bring us all together once more in health & happiness ------

I find that I cannot enclose Florence & Virginias [sic] letters to you as I sent them to Amanda to read & she has not returned them. The [sic] say no more definitely of your dear Father than Lord does - I can only hope you may hear from dear Butler more particularly, as your dear Father's time will be but limited - I can scarcely suppose he will come south now that there is a prospect of his meeting so many of us at the North. It does seem hard that you my beloved my precious child should be deprived of the

very great happiness of seeing him - but if it pleases God! that I meet him I will not fail to repeat over & over again what a precious child we have in you my Tootee. I cannot say enough in of how much I owe dear Sarah Bourke for her tender care & devotion to me. You my child could not have been kinder & Bourke- how mortified he is - I would I could persuade him to turn from this his besetting sin. But I can but hence hope. I dread going on board that ship. But God! is more Powerful than the winds & waves - to his mercy I shall commit myself & children -- Your little brothers are like fish out of water, they would much rather be at home - Floyd has worn out the pair of pants I got for him only on Friday, which is saying very little either for him or for the pants. I hope you will write by every Mail to our precious Butler & entreat of him to be careful of his health & conduct. Oh! how cruelly anxious I am about the precious boy. May God! protect him. Oh! Tootee if I was but good enough to die what a world of trouble I would escape. If I could be be content to leave all in the hands of God! & feel that all He orders is for the best how much happier I would be. God! give me faith, this is what I lack. Pray for your poor Mother. Kiss ten thousand times those precious babes for me Oh! how I do love them. Give my love to poor Mrs Gale To my servants - all that is kind, beg them for my sake to try & take care of themselves & of all that belongs to me. Tell them on this depends their own welfare & much of my happiness -- Remember that your letters to Butler must be here the day at least before the 8^th & 22 of every month. Continue to direct your letters