The Penny Post, including a poem on the subject; John's membership of the Literary Society; Chartist trials at Monmouth; description of lodgings and Mr and Mrs Wright.
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The Penny Post, including a poem on the subject; John's membership of the Literary Society; Chartist trials at Monmouth; description of lodgings and Mr and Mrs Wright.
Hertford Literary Society; Penny Post; countryside around Kington; Chartist trials; Crutwell and other acquaintances in Hertford.
Asks about closure of Hertford library and sale of its books; describes his rail journey to Kington area, ecstatic about outdoor pleasures of enjoying nature while land surveying; Chartists are gaining strength, ominous for nation.
No summary available.
No summary available.
A long, evocative, descriptive poem about Wales, contrasting wild and beautiful countryside with the ugly hell of coal mines and Welsh miners’ brutal existence there.
No summary available.
His new lodgings and hope for work; asking after friends in Hertford; wishing her a pleasant voyage and advising her to get some creosote for toothache.
Chatty shipboard observations for her mother in England while en route to New York City; behavior of passengers; illnesses; favorable first impressions of America, on way to Canada, then settles in Southern U.S. Finds comfortable teaching situation in Georgia girl’s school. Wishes mother could join her, but distance is prohibitive.
Life aboard ship; chattering Americans and silent Englishmen. Saw whales, dolphins (sailors harpooned three and ate them) and “sea Monsters.”“Passengers think of nothing else but eating, drinking, & smoking.” Englishman says “land in America is cheap and yields abundantly.” Droll gentleman from Georgia tells “such absurd stories about the niggers and sings their songs.”
Boat to Savannah, Georgia from New York City. Enjoys Southern-style pancakes and cornbread. Nearly wrecked in English Channel; captain leaped out of bed, grabbed the wheel, and averted collision with much larger ship. Took train to Macon, settled in healthy, pleasant farm. Teaches music, arithmetic, and English grammar. Pupils are 55 girls, ages 10-17. Wooded estate contains several farms, worked by 40 slaves. Food and service excellent: everything “better than expected.” In nearby town “coffins for sale” in many of the shops.
Repeats, for mother, the near-disasters during sea voyage already written to brothers (WCP1259). “Dark and stormy” night in Channel, almost ran into much larger vessel in fog, was rescued by Captain’s quick move from bed to taking the wheel or “we should have all been at the bottom of the sea in our berths.” Later a fire on board was extinguished. Nearly ran aground on French coast, stalled off Cape Hatteras. Now situated in Georgia school for girls teaching arithmetic, music, grammar, French to 24 pupils; very agreeable life, but “quite long to have Alfred here with me”; want him to teach me botany. Five teachers here, more schools planned. Wants mother and brothers to join her in making new life here.
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Coming summer vacation will join ladies visiting northern Georgia; hope to have ARW with us. Ship’s captain, a Frenchman, accidentally set a lady passenger’s dress afire with his cigar. Slaves are “a happy people altogether...do not feel their own misery, as we do for them” but most never get “a kind look or smile” from their “employers” [masters]. They have great love of dress, great gentility, many become preachers. Her American “expedition has succeeded very well.” ARW could make good life here as Engineer/Land surveyor. Good marriages among gentry; “they all have either money or land...Talents are a fortune here.”
Locals invite us over, desire to socialize with English people. Elegant styles, fashions, homes, but tell us “20 years ago this place was thick forest inhabited only by native Indians.” Visitors don’t walk much here; travel in the area via horseback or carriages, though roads very bad.
First day back teaching school after summer. Praises Southern hospitality towards strangers. In answer to ARW’s query, describes farm animals: cows, sheep, pigs, poultry, oxen. Good gardens. Mocking birds and squirrels common. Indians have been driven west beyond Rocky Mountains — “We are situated where the Cherokee used to live.”
Adding pupils a few girls at a time, will be making £100 in six months. “Tell Herbert I have seen no Indians and no wild beasts.” We shall see friendly Indians in Alabama. Wildflowers delightful; in nearby woods azaleas, cloves, and jasmine are common.
Living with delightful family, leave each morning to teach school. Comfortable and healthy. Wishes she could invite mother (with caregiver) to come and stay, but cannot house them.
After bumpy, rough 200-mile carriage ride to Montgomery, Alabama, was graciously received by hosts. Later visited the Jackson’s plantation in countryside. First Episcopal Bishop of Georgia wrote letters of introduction. Good Library at house. “Servants” [slaves] live well here and are “well regulated” without using “harsh words to the poor things. I never do,” and they respond readily to kindness.
Life with the Jacksons and their ten children pleasant in country home in the woods. Unlike at other plantations, “servants” [slaves] “live well here...not a harsh word said to the poor things.” Servants are permitted to socialize with each other when day’s work is done. Likes country social life among Alabama gentry. Thinks ARW would do well as Engineer and Surveyor in Montgomery.