Box Number

1

Folder

4

Item Description

Letter, May 25, 1846, Richard K. Call, Tallahassee, to Mrs. Ellen Kirkman, care of Bart J. Farrall, New Orleans, 3 pp., expressing sorrow for her ill health and reporting on family and business matters, including ''Ellen's confinement and the birth of her son. He is indeed a fine little fellow, and the image of his mother. . . How much my dear little Mary would be delighted to see him. . . I spend my time principally on the plantation, in which I take great interest. I have a large crop . . . We are rebuilding our rail road . . . If the Locofoco policy of the Government does not ruin our commerce and manufacturing, the country will be in a prosperous condition again in a few years. If I could live to see those times, I would soon get through all my difficulties. But I know not what may be the ultimate results of the little war . . . with Mexico. Certainly a more unnecessary war was never brought about between civilized nations. . . The conquest of all Mexico would add little to the glory of our army or our national wealth, while it must be attended with great expense and injury to our commerce . . . I have no idea of going in to service myself. . .''

Box Description

CALL FAMILY PAPERS

Folder Description

Separation Sheet for Letter, June 29, 1841, Richard K. Call, Tallahassee, to Mrs. Ellen Kirkman, New Orleans, 3 pp., regarding business and family matters, including a suit against him which he would pay ''to get rid of the scoundrels, if the times were not so hard. I want to see my dear little Mary very much, but I know she has every possible care and attention . . . and I must content myself until I can pay you a visit either at New Orleans or Nashville. . . [I am] anxious to know something about your future arrangements. Nashville . . . is too cold for you and New Orleans is too unhealthy. Port Leon I think is the very place for you to come and live with me and my daughters. . . It is improving more rapidly than any little place I have ever seen, and will become the largest, and most business place in Florida. . .'' [Multiple holes and tears: text lost] [Separation Sheet only in this folder. Original in Box 10, File Folder 9.]