Blackwell Family 1865 Lucy Stone Blackwell, Henry B. [*HBB 1865*] Burnet House S. F. Miller, Proprieter Cincinnati, March 22d 1865 Wednesday Evening 9 P.M. Dearest Lucy I reached here half an hour ago, having been just 48 hours from N. York. On the whole I had a pleasant journey - the weather most of the time being beautiful - Owing to the destination of a bridge near Allentown on the N. J. Central - I could get no sleeping car the first night - but met one of the (Cedir) Harrison's on the train & chatted with him for awhile-after which I resorted to my old habit of sleeping soundly anyhow - Breakfasted at Harrisburg instead of Altoona - reached Pittsburg at 8 P.M. instead of 2 P.M. & of course missed the connection & had to wait there till 2 AM. next morning - Rather than get up at that hour, I sat up, (dozing occasionally) till then & finding no sleeping car, tried my old dodge again & slept like a top - My ride up theSusquehanna & Juniata vallies & over the Alleghany was lovely--the day being perfect-- But the crossing of the Susquehanna was something to remember--the river being one vast roaring torrent 1 mile wide & how the piers of the bridge could sustain its fury I cannot conceive--all up those vallies -- the Pa Canal is torn to pieces--I should think its repair would cost at least one fourth of the original construction-- I feel very well & comfortable--not much fatigued by the trip & after a good night's sleep hope to feel as good as new tomorrow. I will write you tomorrow evening the purport of my conference with Husman & Co-- I shall be very particular to ascertain the nature, hours & amount of labor involved as well as certain & probable compensation & time of stay here & then decide whether to close with them. If not I shall probably telegraph you to see Mr. Harris for me & try to bring him up to $5000. -- which I think he will sooner give than lose one, tho very reluctantly, no doubt. The Ohio Country is extremely beautiful -- I think you hardly appreciate its quiet, stately richness as I do--The beautiful gently rolling slopes & grand forest trees--with the blessed absence of rocks & sterility fill me with a sense of comfort & peace which no Eastern lands north of Pennsylvania afford--I dont know but we shall have to emigrate into the mountains of Virginia after [to] the War! --to give you romance me fertility-- On reflection I am glad you are going to Thompson's with Mother--I think it will be a great pleasure to her & good for you both--The Sea is soothing & bracing both--Kitty & Alice will [assure?] each other--Got Mrs. Stanton to go down & look at the Mount place--Do you look at Port Washington--also at the Jersey lot-- Ask Marian to get Liebe's lowest price for his Roseville house--Having forgotten to get out a book for the journey I bought last night at Pittsburg a paper covered copy of the new French political novel calledLe Maudit (the proscribed) or as it is translated "Under the Ban" -- It is well worth reading & I will forward it to you by mail in a day or two--give my love to our little daughter & tell her I am promised some more of the history of the crooked coon in two or three days & will write it & send it to her MOORE, WILSTACH & BALDWIN, Stationers, Printers of Mercantile, Railroad, Insurance, Banker's and all other Forms of COMMERCIAL AND LAW BLANKS, and manufacturers of PAGED BLANK BOOKS of any desired patterns, No. 25 WEST FOURTH STREET, CINCINNATI. as fast as it comes to me-- I shall mail this letter to you to 179 East 41 St -- But my tomorrow's letter I will mail to Box 299 P.O. New York & you can get it at 59 William St. between 9 & 11 A.M. or at the P.O. Box itself--Dearest Lucikin I wish I were with you tonight & hope soon to rejoin you to stay-- Ever your own HarryNewark May 1st/65 My dear Friends This to say that if you will come and stay with us, or rather, make headquarters here, while our anti-slavery meetings are held next week, in N.Y., we will give you a great deal better treatment than the Milarium Convention did Charles Wont you come? We are keeping house in one we have hired, & so near the station, that there is no need of horse and man. So there is less care and more comfort, and more times for friends - We will give you a hearty welcome. And be so glad to see you too. Harry joining me in this. What wonderful events are happening! "The Lord reigns" In haste Ever truly Lucy StoneBox 299 P.O. New York May 2, 1865 Dear Friends, I open Lucy's letter before mailing it to add a few words. We are living at Roseville, a suburb of Newark, on the hills back of it, between it and Orange-- We are within five minutes walk of the depot and about one hour's actual ride from New York, but an hour and a half from the place where the meetings will be held. There is also communication, a little less direct and rapid by horse cars as late as midnight, so that we can attend the evening meetings by keeping fashionable hours. We have plenty of room and shall be exceedingly glad to have you make us as long a visit as possible. If you can come before the meetings so much the better. In that case you can easily find us -- take the Morris and Essex train which leaves the foot of Barclay St. as of 7:30 A.M., 8:30, 11:30 A.M. Again at 3:30 5 and 6:30 P.M. Buy excursion tickets to Newark and back at the ferry before going on the Boat. 30 cts for the return trip. At Newark change cars and take the Newark and Bloomfield cars paying 5 it's on the cars and getting off at Roseville station. Enquire for Mrs. Blackwell (my mother) who will show your our house nearly opposite her's. Write and tell us whether we shall have the great pleasure of seeing you -- My place of business is 345 Washington St. corner of Franklin St. New York. Truly your friend Henry B.Blackwell Honesdale Sunday Nov. 19, [*1865*] Dear Harry I found your good letter here. Thank you for it- I am sorry on your account, after the pecuniary troubles - but better times are coming. - and the mere loss of money, is a small matter - Pray take good care of yourself as you travel to look after funds. Thank you for Emily's letter and Elisabeth's note. I called to see Elizabeth last week, but She was not at home. I did not stop at Raritan Bay. Had not time. You must not go there and live when your business is in N. Y. for the fever and ague is bad there. Your letter suggests many things about which I should like to write, but I am not situated here so that I can - When I get home to W. Brookfield this week on Thursday or Friday I will take time to write you fully -I am very well. Have had good audiences and good pay here. Start early in the morning for N.Y. - first 18 miles plank wood and then the Erie rail - Tis a pleasant route. And as its beauties met my eye - I wished [ju??] could share them too - Goodby dearest, God bless you, & Yours - Lucy Twas too bad that you could not hear C. M. Clay. and visit Dr. Elder [*Nov 1865 (after the 19th)*] Dear Harry At this very pleasant home of Mrs. Mott [*Lucretia*]. I feel very much inclined to write "thee", but I have not time - I have had a long walk this morning have engagements soon. And early in the morning - start for N.Y. Stopping at Raritan on my way. to see how things are there. - then on Friday to be at Riverdale. And the next week go to my mother - for a few days rest. and on the 28th to be at Manchester N.H. And so, on into Maine. I write now to say - that in your plans I hope irrespective of anything connected with me. that you will arrange to go to England for six months, at least. When you get out of your present business - for the sake of your health, and the health of yours, and for the sake of all your future, you should by all means do it. I think the change of climate & scene, the voyage - and relaxation from business. will all do you good.Thank you for the little newspaper scraps. I liked your firm's reply very much I hope you will take every care, of yourself and in everything be blessed. If I stop more than one day, at Riverdale. I will answer your letters than there; if not. then as soon as I get home. I go now to the Female Medical College and must stop. I am very well & shall try and keep so . Affectionally yours, Lucy