1869 Letter from Eliza Davis or Davies
I have a letter written by Eliza Davis or Davies. Mentions relatives in Memphis, Indiana. I know many people migrated from Indiana to California during the 1800's. I believe Davis is her married name. I am not sure what county in CA she was from. Areas in letter include San Fransisco, places in El Dorado and surrounding counties. Apparently the family has or works a vineyard.I am placing this on the forum in hopes someone finds a link to thier family. Please excuse typos and remember the names might not be exact spellings as the writing in the letter is very hard to decipher.
"Washington, D.C.
Feb 16, 1869
Dear Brother & Sister,
I wrote you some time ago soon after Mother & Tillie left home - but have not heard a word from either of you since. it seems my letters to you prove a failure of some kind or other, in my last I told you what a journey one of them had - and finally was sent back to me. however - I hope this will not share the same fate. when we write letters to our relatives & friends we wish them to reach their destination. Well: how are your small family getting along: well I hope you have plenty of room both in house & out doors. I wish I had as much. it is so confined boarding. can’t put your head out of the house unless you are all fixed up in your best bib - & - by the time you get all ready to go out you are tired. We all have not been well for the month past. Arthur first myself next - & Carrie is now undergoing quite an attack of fever, she has had it about twelve days. is better today & yesterday but is exceedingly weak. no appetite except for such things as we can’t possibly let her eat. We have had a remarkably mild winter, very little cold weather indeed. I like it here very much - but Arthur does not. I have not much hope of his ever finding any place which suits him as well as Cal - he meets so many people here from there. They all brag so much about the future prosperity of our coast that he often wishes himself back. If all our family were near here in business of somekind - I would feel more like staying, but as it is, I don’t think I would enjoy being so far from my Ma & Pa. I want them near enough to enjoy with me what - I may have. Between Earthquakes & Small-pox in San - I have been rather frightened out of the notion of making it my home. Tillie wrote me that Geo Trimble was afflicted with that disease, I would like to hear how he got along. they must have felt unbounded anxiety concerning him. How does Oliver Merril manage to spend his time in Coloma? Is Mrs. Robertson getting along? - in fact I will expect you both to answer all questions which I may see fit to profound, - however I hope I shall not over tax you. you know people always are fond of hearing most every thing that occurs near their old homes.
This city has been very gay indeed for some few weeks. The receptions close mostly when lent begins, as the Catholics & Episcopals are in the assendeney? & considered the most arristocratic. The ladies in my nest room are busy getting ready to go up to the Presidents, as he will give but one more ? after tonight. Poor fellow, I wonder how he feels to leave that beautiful mansion. I can’t help but believe he feels a little sorry, though no man ever before had as rough a time in the position as he. Gen Glen, an old friend of the Presidents, took Carrie up there a short time ago. The Pres - gave her a beautiful bouquet & two kisses, which was quite a compliment. - Carrie often talks of you all & says many things about little Willie. I understand that Frank Davis is making plenty of money out of his new toll road from Elke? to White Pine. I am glad to hear it -
I hear from Memphis, Ind and all our relations in that direction occasionally. How is the Vinyard getting along? I suppose there will be a good market for the grapes when the Railroad gets through. I speak for one of the first bunches. I suppose your town is very quiet about these times. What has become of Al? Cullen? I have never heard a word from him since we left & Mrs. Stores? also, Arthur & Carrie join me in sending much love to you all, Regards to all our friends in town, Write Soon. I am anxious to hear from you. Your Sister, Eliza Davis (or Davies)
You must give me credit for three letters to your one, just to think how many I have to write , all my relations & all of Arthurs, which are numerous. You havn’t so much of it to do.
E."
End of Letter
(Note Carrie could possibly be Cassie)
If anyone knows more about the writer of this letter or her family, I would appreciate any information.
Thanks!