1857.1.28

Elmira, Dec. 1st, 1856.

Mr. Merry:—

Now, Uncle Robert, I am not going to tell you which one of the Merry girls that was. So doing might make trouble for

Dodt.

1857.1.29-30

City of Elms, Nov. 8th, 1856.

Dear Mr. Merry:—For some time past, I have watched with half jealous eyes the cosy chattering, and somewhat noisy, though agreeable private quarrels which have been going on around your “editorial table,” especially since the date of the “algebraic problem.” And this evening, unable longer to control my feelings, I have seized my pen, and in a fit of desperation to ask of you the unusual favor of an introduction all around. That is to say, to “Black-Eyes,” Alice, Laura, Nippinifidget, Willie H.C., Bay State, R.W.R., and all the other ladies and gentlemen, belligerent or peaceful, who make up your interesting circle of correspondents. Knowing your obliging disposition, I feel almost certain that my request will be granted.

Uncle Merry, do grant me just one favor more, and I will “evaporate immediately,” as the colored porter of Yale College here, once [p. 30 ] said, when some one of the professors accused him of a small theft—“Ah! massa! don’t you please say nuffin ’bout it, an’ I’ll sartin ’vaporate immediately.” But to return to my request; it is permission to tell Alice B. Corner how my brother and I served up ——— this afternoon. In the first place, we painted a “splendid photographic likeness” of the “identical gentleman himself,” making him as “black” as the niggers he loves so well, and then, having elevated him to a convenient height, with rifle and pistol (for it is a fact, Uncle Merry, that, although I am a girl—I should say a young miss—yet I am a pretty good shot with a pistol) we peppered him without mercy, and by the time our “good intentions” were satisfied, and the poor fellow had come out of the “mill,” his countenance much resembled “a pepper-box without a top,” or, what is much the same thing, “a sieve without a bottom.”

But “etiquette” admonishes me that “first calls should be short,” and having already overstepped the bounds of propriety, I will precipitately make my parting bow and retire, only stopping a moment at the door to say that the “Museum” having been a welcome visitor in our family for more than ten years (you may count, too, on a great many years to come, Mr. Merry), perhaps I felt a little too confident that the only letter I have ever written to its “merry editor” would not be slighted, and that I supposed the cordial invitation which he has so kindly extended to all his nephews and nieces, included me also.

But, “Good-evening,”
“Sigma.”

1857.1.59-60

Tennessee, Jan. 2, 1857.

Uncle Hiram:—I’ll make a polite bow as a new-comer, and then to the point. Wonder if the point this letter is destined to arrive at is under the table, in that all-swallowing basket. I wish to inquire of “Sigma,” who was that gentleman she so generously provided with ball? The habit of loving “darkies” so much, as to put one’s self to the inconvenience of going into another State to “liberate” them, where their presence is neither needed nor desired, is common in these days of isms, and so the mere loving of “darkies” gives no light on the subject. If the gentleman came from below a certain line, he is, no doubt, much obliged for such kindness. I hope he is at least. A voice at my elbow says that Uncle Hiram is “anti” on the “goose question.” He won’t publish any thing as bad as this. But, I answer, that if he does not, that will not be [p. 60 ] the reason. I don’t want any Algebra, because I’m afraid of hearing the “female subscribers’ ” tongues again. I would much rather have politics—not R. W. R.’s, however.

In regard to the Prize Sentence, please tell me if it is lawful, or if we can make a sentence without any new words.

Your Southern friend,
Tennessean.

1857.1.61

New Iberia, La., Dec. 12, 1856.

Dear Mr. Merry:—I have read a great many pretty letters that different little girls wrote to you. Some told you about their uncles, aunts, brothers, and sisters. One said she had a little sister Mary. I have a little sister Mary, too. I live in New Iberia, Parish of St. Martin, Atakapas, Louisiana. You may think it funny to have such a long name, and wonder if you can get an envelope large enough to put your letter in, when you answer this. But you need only put New Iberia, Atakapas, Louisiana. This is a beautiful country—every person that comes here thinks so. The town is situated on the Bayou Teche, about two hundred miles from New Orleans. This is the greatest game country in the world. You can go out in the morning and kill ducks, jack-snipes, woodcocks, and almost any kind of game, in abundance. This is a great fish country also. There is a beautiful lake about three miles from here, where a great many fish are caught. It is called Lake Tasse. You must excuse all the mistakes in this letter, for I am but a little girl ten years old. Good-bye.

Your affectionate friend,
Leila.

1857.1.62

Gratiot, Wis., Dec. 22, 1856.

Dear Mr. Merry:—Here I am, right on hand, for another year’s subscription; and now that peace is declared, you, maybe, will hear oftener from your Wisconsin subscriber.

I stand up for A. B. C.’s “darling hobby” (woman’s rights) to a certain degree, but not quite so far as to engage in open battle; and then if I had, I have not a pair of those dangerous weapons termed “Black Eyes.” “Aunt Sue,” I am puzzled about you yet. I am inclined to believe that you are not married, nor have any children, that is, of your own, neither do I think you an old maid, but a gay young lady.

This is my first letter to you, Mr. Merry. I have been quite long a subscriber. I have often thought I should like to write for the Museum, but thought myself incompetent. I am as green and verdant as the grass that grows on our prairies. I am a Westerner in every sense of the word, born and bred in Wisconsin. I love my Western home very much, but yet there are some very serious disadvantages we are obliged to bear. I sometimes go more than a whole year, not stepping my foot inside of a school-house, for it is only in the towns that there are good schools. I am a country girl, and now, Mr. Merry, I will sign myself “Prairie Girl.” Prairie Bird would be much prettier, but as there is nothing birdlike about me, it must simply be

Prairie Girl.

1857.1.62-63

Baltimore, Dec. 27, 1856.

Dear Uncle Hiram:—I should like to see you again very much, and I hope Uncle Merry will be at home, too, when I come next time. My little cousin Florence and I had a nice doll’s party, with eighteen dolls, on Christmas day; but it was not like last Christmas, when my other cousins, Freddy and Clementine, were here; nor like Christmas before last, when my brother was with us all. They are all in heaven, and I think they are happier than they would be here.

The Lord has sent me another cousin, and her name is Juliet. She is only a week old, and is a very sweet little thing.

I am so sorry I forgot to ask about Aunt Sue when I paid you that visit. I know your name [p. 63 ] now, and I want to know her true name, and her mother’s name. Is Aunt Sue’s mother your wife? Please answer this letter. I am very tired, but I must wish you a happy New Year.

Your little friend,
Tina T.

1857.1.63

Hazel Dell, Jan. 2d, 1857.

Dear Mr. Merry.—I have long thought of writing to you, but never have until now; but now, as the battle is over, I hope you will allow these few lines a little corner in the Chat. I sympathize heartily with Pansy in her loss of her Watchie. She describes a little pet dog I once had by the same name, as well as I could myself. My Watchie was poisoned, and for a long time I could not speak of him without crying. For a long time I felt very lonesome; I thought I never could love another dog as well. But your rule says, Be short, and I am afraid of the basket under the table, so good-bye.

Nellie.

1857.1.90

Columbia, Jan. 27th, 1857.

Dear Mr. Merry:—I know that nothing can be without a beginning, and since I am so presumptuous as to write to you, I too must begin. I will not, like some new correspondents, speak of my fear of the “basket,” since I am afraid of nothing. You can’t think how welcome your Museum was to-night. It is rainy and dull, no new books, lessons all learned, can’t bear to sew—what shall I do?—when here comes the Museum, full as usual, with all sorts of interesting articles.

There is one thing I forgot to say: Mr. Hiram Hatchet don’t know how many friends he has made by “Skating—Woman’s Rights.” He is perfectly right. I don’t see why a woman should not do just as she pleases.

Maggie.

1857.1.91

Mr. Merry:—You are doubtless familiar with the pathetic song entitled “Hazel Dell,” which has long been so popular, and can perhaps explain a question which has arisen in my mind. Has “Nellie” become a contributor to the Museum, or has she mistaken it for the Spiritual Telegraph or Tiffany’s Monthly?

Her letter in the February number of the Museum reads like other letters, which induces me to believe that she is only a namesake of the original “Nellie.” But if not, I pray you, Mr. Merry, do not insert any further communications from her. It won’t do to let the Museum become “mediumized.” Will you clear up the mystery?

†*†

1857.1.91-92

Feb. 11th, 1857.

Dear Mr. Merry:—Allow me to introduce to you, and the Merry family, Trip, who is too bashful to write to you himself, and yet writes very well; so I send you a letter which I received from him, and which describes very well how things go on at Robingrove. You will notice that he addresses me as his “Ex-Mistress;” he used to belong to me, but now he is my aunty’s dog; his handwriting much resembles that of my aunt, but that is not strange, as he has always studied at home. The ideas are so like Trip’s, that one can not mistake them. “Calamity and Misfortune,” of whom he speaks, are two cats.

Many thanks, Nellie; it is with pleasure that I think that some one feels with me how great was my loss.

Pray excuse the length of my letter, Mr. Merry.

Yours respecftully,
Pansy.

1857.1.92-93

[ … ] As for Tennessean, his or her inquiries will be of no avail. That terrible blank involves everything in a deep mystery. When the original epistle departed this city (not this world, as I feared), the name stood bravely at its post, but I half suspect when it arrived at its journey’s end, it fell through. If it did, you may conscientiously believe it has not “gone where the good niggers go.” [ … ]

Sigma.

1857.1.93

Columbus, Jan. 20, 1857.

To the dear Editors:—I can sincerely sympathize with “Dodt’s” fair mourner, for the general cry has been, “Why don’t the Museum come?” But to-day our eyes have been gladdened with the sight thereof, and our ears even now tingle with the sounds of the merry voices. Our thanks are due to good, pacific Aunt Sue for the introduction of her bill, for it opened a door of retreat for all the belligerents. You need not fear any malcontents under this new administration, unless it be that irrepressible, unexpressible, and undefinable Nip. Have out “the dog Noble,” then, Uncle Hiram. Nip, who, and what art thou? Don’t be vexatious; give over flirting, now that we have settled down into staid old citizens of this Merry Commonwealth. If that Dodt don’t stop punning on my angular name, I’ll change it, and take—his! However, sir, as you sit by me, we’ll fix that less publicly. In the mean time, here’s my vote on the algebraic motion—Ay!!

Cousin Frank, my ruby lips are just now pouting their sweetest, and I’m against all monopolies.

Mr. Merry, the Legislature this winter, for the first time, convenes in our grand new State House, and consequently the State of Ohio broke loose, and came here to warm it. The number of private individual furnaces, in that capacity, were variously estimated at from ten to twenty thousand. It was soon hot enough to satisfy the most cold-hearted, especially when a perfect maze of warming-pans, enchanted by the Apollo music, went floating through cotillions.

In short, Ohio “had gathered there her beauty and her chivalry,” besides quite a number that were not so chivalrous, as they ate up all the oysters and ham, and broke the dishes. In shorter, the people dedicated “the People’s House” in a manner worthy the occasion and House; for when completed, Ohio’s Capitol will far outrival Sister Capitols, only inferior to the Great House of the glorious Union itself.

Yours truly,
Alice B. C.

1857.1.119

[ … ] I’m very much obliged to “Sigma” for explaining herself. I understand perfectly, and in the name of his “aged relative” I thank her for her present. Poor fellow! Neither the praise and adulation of his Calhoun constituency, nor the slander and abuse of Yankee land disturb him now, for he has gone—no, I won’t say he has—perhaps he has not gone, as Sigma says, “where the good niggers go.”

Your nephew from the South,
Tennessean.

1857.1.119-120

Brooklyn, L. I., Monday, March 16th, 1857.

Dear Mr. Merry:—I have never written to you before, but I thought I would try today. At first I did not know what to say, but happening to look at our birds, I thought, maybe, you would like to hear about them. We have two birds, but one of them is very tame. Sometimes when we are all out of the room, but mother, he does all kinds of funny things. My mother sometimes takes her nut-basket and sits in the middle of the floor. But first she lets the birds out. Pretty soon Dick, as we call him, comes to her and stands on her lap waiting to be fed; or else he goes into the basket and gets them himself. Mother puts a nut on her tongue, and he flies up there and gets it. Soon as he gets it he flies down in her lap and eats it. [p. 120 ]

He will eat off of the hand of any of our family. Sometimes he flies on the top of my book when I am reading, and picks at it like a good fellow.

But “Be short,” rings in my ears, so I must stop now and write again. I suppose this will be cast into the “Basket;” but in hopes that it may not, I remain, yours truly,

Willie Whiteman.

1857.1.120a

Wauconda, Feb. 15th, 1857.

Mr. Merry:—I have never written to you before. I have taken your Museum three years, and this is the fourth. I am very much pleased with it, especially the Chat. I read every book over about a dozen times when I get it. I go to school at the Wauconda academy; I study Latin, and Adams’ Arithmetic, and Colburn’s Arithmetic. I have just began to read in Latin. The scholars have got up a lyceum, and sometimes I speak. The reason of my writing this letter so short is because I think that it will get into that terrible basket; so now good-bye.

Yours, forever,
Fred.

1857.1.120b

Elmira, March 1st, 1857.

Mr. Merry:—All the other little girls write letters to you, and so I thought I would. Mr. Merry, I love to read your stories very much. I like to read about going a chestnutting. I used to go a chestnutting when I was with my cousins.

Snip.

1857.1.154-155

Brooklyn, E. D., April 10, 1857.

Oscar.

1857.1.158

Park Hill, Cherokee Nation, March 20th, 1857.

Are you a priest, Uncle Frank? Whether you are or not, I think you will be obliged to come to the confessional this once. To tell the truth, father confessor, I was conscience-smitten when I saw that you set me down as a little girl. I am not a child, though I do not think myself very aged. I have been an invalid for more than two years, and during that time have frequently amused myself with the enigmas, puzzles, etc., in your magazine. I have considered myself a child in strength, and almost in mind, though not in years. This is all that I have to confess. And now that I have made this frank acknowledgment, may I be forgiven, and permitted still to reckon myself one of your nieces? I think your other nieces would say yes. About that unsolved enigma—I might have known that if “Aunt Sue” had given it up, I need not undertake it; but I have spent a good deal of time over it vainly. Please permit me to subscribe myself still,

Cousin Sally.

1857.1.159

Joy, March 31, 1857.

Dear Aunt Sue:—I have just been writing to Uncle Frank, and I thought I would write to you; you see I hail from a Joy-ful place. My father is a Presbyterian minister. For the last few years we have moved about every three years, and at last have moved to Joy. Since I wrote you last, I have lost a sister; out of a circle of eleven brothers and sisters, she was the first one taken. She died of consumption, after a long and very distressing illness. We miss her much, and yet we would not call her back, for she was willing to go, and we feel that she has gone to heaven. Many years ago she was one that took your Cabinet, and during her sickness she has enjoyed hearing it read very much. She was sick about six weeks. But I beg pardon for writing a long letter composed of things that do not interest you at all, and so I will close.

Yours, etc.
C. Holcomb, Jr.

1857.1.185-186

“Nellie” hopes †*† will not worry himself into a fever about “mediumizing” the Museum. [p. 186 ] She is not the “original Nellie,” but a namesake, and seventh cousin.

[ … ]

1857.1.186

“Sigma” congratulates “Tennessean” on the relief he appears to experience since the timely explanation, etc. “I saw, the other day,” says this same Sigma, “the somewhat unusual sight of several effigies hanging to a tree—they having grown there. I leave it to science to discover the probable cause of this strange freak of nature.” Tennessean will please take notice that the “real victim of our exploit, unfortunately for the effect of his touching tribute, does not ‘sleep his last sleep.’ ”

1857.1.190

Francis C. Woodworth, Esq.: My dear Sir—I inclose to you, from my little boy, the answer to the enigma.

Perhaps the manner of his finding it out may not be uninteresting, as it shows what perseverance can do, even at twelve years of age. My son is not always ambitious, but he sometimes has fits of it; and no sooner did you hold forth the prize to your young friends, than he announced that he was determined to win it. That was half the battle in his case. He has been always very fond of reading—and of useful reading. History and Biography have been his delight, and particularly Natural History. Very shortly, then, after looking over the enigma, he made up his mind that “the fleet racer” must be of the ostrich tribe; and, looking through various works upon birds in the library, he came at last to Brooks’ Ornithology, and soon found the description of the Touyou answering almost verbatim to that contained in the enigma. A shout from the library announced his success. “It is the Touyou; now I have it!” But the whole victory was not yet. Day after day, out of school hours, in moments snatched from his play, his meals, and even from his sleep, he toiled on, and with but little result. At last, he came to the conclusion that the “celebrated jurist” was the only key that could unlock the mystery—especially as the Touyou indicated the sixth letter. So he went to a legal gentleman of high standing, near us, and begged him to mention to him all the distinguished jurists he knew whose names were composed of seven letters. Thurlow and some others were tried, but with no apparent success. A day or two after, his friend told him that that jurist’s name, he thought, was Bracton; because it was one which would be very little apt to be thought of, and had, probably, been selected on that very account. A wise man, was he not! So Bracton was tried, and seemed not out of place, although it did not decidedly reveal anything.

As the Touyou had pointed out one letter of the fourth item in the enigma, that was tried next; and it was made out at last by a most persevering application to the Dictionary, and a thorough examination of every word of six letters whose third was a t—a trial quite enough to exhaust the patience of Job. The reward came at last in notion, which seemed to answer very plainly to the description, and to take its place, not inappropriately, in the enigma. It required now no great skill at guessing to conclude that the hero’s Christian name might be Nicolas, his title Count, and his family name something riny; and presently I saw the whole Encyclopædia coming down, volume after volume, for A-riny, B-riny, C-riny, etc., etc., the “Encyclopædia Americana” being preferred as more easy to handle than the others: and at last, at the very last letter, we had it!—Nicholas Zriny, Ban of Croatia!

Being fairly wearied out with his toils, and sure that he now had the whole in his power, my little boy waited a few days to investigate thoroughly the separate items; and not a few works had to be consulted before he made out even them, to his satisfaction. It was a fair fight to the last.

[a parent of Edward Winslow Paige ]

1857.2.27-28

May 29, 1857.

Dear Uncle Frank:—I was exceedingly pleased to find something in the Cabinet about Holland, my own dear native land. Amsterdam is the great city where my mother lived in her early years. It is a very beautiful city, I know. I often hear her speaking about it. I hope you will soon favor us again with something more about Holland. I hope you enjoyed yourself while you were there. My parents could probably have given you a great many letters of recommendation to their relations in Amsterdam. My mother has three sisters and one brother living there.

I am getting along very well with my studies. Oberlin is such a sweet little place! [p. 28 ] I have been there now one term, and it seems to me as if it were but a few weeks. Oh, how short does life seem! We will soon pass away and fade like a leaf.

Good-bye.

Your affectionate niece,
C. D.

1857.2.56

Charlestown, June 27, 1857.

Dear Mr. Merry:—I thank you for your kind welcome. You shall hear from me often. The 17th here was rather dark, but the procession was very large, notwithstanding. The military formed a grand feature in the display. Since then, one of our companies has resolved to adopt a new uniform, exactly like the “Washington Greys” of your city. You say you have already had one correspondent, “Bay State,” so, with your permission, I will sign myself

“Bunker Hill.”

1857.2.57-58

Queen City, June.

Dear Mr. Merry:—I am glad to find there is room for one more. I used to put in a word now and then, at the Cabinet colloquy, but so many new cousins came in at our last meeting, that I felt much like the Frenchman, when one of his guests remarked, that he had not chairs enough, “Plenty of chairs,” said he, “but too much company.”

Aunt Sue, did you hear one of the boys speaking impatiently to me? I do not wish to make trouble in our happy family, so I will not tell his name out before the cousins. But I must tell you what he said. “Lillie Dale, I do not see what is the need of your studying Latin. I wonder what use it will ever be to a girl?” I wish I could send his dogytype, just to show you how he turned up his nose at the word, girl!

Now I mean to tell the whole family how I came to study Latin.

One day, as I was skipping home from school, [p. 58 ] I observed a young lady, very beautifully dressed, in conversation with a gentleman. I wish I could get a glimpse of her face, thought I. I wonder if she is as pretty as her dress! Just then, I heard her companion say, “And how is your papa, miss?” “I thank you, sir,” she replied, “he is convalescent.” I never heard the word before, and I wondered what kind of a disease he had, and whether he was suffering as much as little brother did with the scarlet fever. The lady had the sweetest voice imaginable, and I lingered along with the hope of seeing her. But when I heard her break out into a merry laugh, and her poor father confined at home with a convalescence, I thought I should not love her if she was as beautiful as her dresses. I felt very indignant at such a heartless being.

Well, what had that to do with my studying Latin? I am going to tell Aunt Sue in a letter, and if she thinks proper, she may bring out the whole subject at our next meeting. So many of our Merry girls are studying Latin, that no one will suspect that the subject was started by your modest little

Lillie.

1857.2.58

Winfield, June 8th, 1857.

Mr. Merry—Dear Sir: I wrote you last spring about my twin chickens. They are just as white as ever, and look so near alike you can not tell them apart. I think they would make a fine addition to Mr. Barnum’s happy family. I have a rooster, of the Cochin China breed, perfectly white, with a singularly formed comb. He is very proud of his lady hens. They now have chickens. Mr. Chanticleer seemed so pleased with them, and paid them so much attention, I thought I would let him try his hand at bringing them up. So I shut up mother hen for a few days, and, if you will believe it, father chanticleer makes one of the best of mothers. He scratches for them, clucks to them, broods them, and seems very attentive to all their wants. He is the funniest fellow I ever saw. I think he deserves the premium, for I am sure his like can not be found in Herkimer County.

Yours with esteem,
H. H. Waite, Jr.

1857.2.59a

Aberdeen, Miss., July 8th, 1857.

Dear Uncle Frank:—We think the Cabinet has improved by its union with the Museum, and no doubt it will become more popular when it is better known. We live in a fine town, and our place would please you, I know it would; its name is “Evergreen.” Cedars, and pines, and varieties of the box, wild peach, live oak, cape, jessamine, oleander, etc., with many kinds of perpetual roses and choice fruits, make it a very sweet home. I do wish you would come and bring Aunt Sue to see us. O how we would all be pleased!

Your little niece,
Mary W. P.

1857.2.59b

Ogdensburgh, July 10, 1857.

Dear Mr. Merry.—We had a great turn-out here on the Fourth. The number of visitors was estimated at from twenty to twenty-five thousand, besides our own population. The immortal Terribles, composed of the Young America of this place, were the greatest attraction of the day. They marched through all the principal streets, presenting the most ludicrous appearance imaginable. Toward the close of the afternoon, most of the people assembled around and on top of the St. Lawrence Hotel, to hear an oration by Professor Windengaser, the orator of the Terribles. Heads peered from every window, all anxious to hear the great speech.

Yours truly,
Geo. B. H.

1857.2.60

School-Room, July 7, 1857.

Messrs. Stearns & Co.:—Inclosed is my prize money for having the greatest number of perfect lessons at school. I thought I would put it out at interest by investing it in the Cabinet.

Very respectfully,
Schuyler McA.

1857.2.91

Santiam, Oregon Ter., July 2d, 1857.

Dear Uncle:—Permit me to introduce myself as one of your affectionate nieces. Although Oregon is remote from any of the other States and Territories, it is as nice and pleasant a country as any one could wish. I suppose you have never (I think I can safely say I know you have never) crossed the plains? Well, it is a long and tedious journey from the Missouri River to the Pacific Ocean; but there are some grand scenes on the road. I would tell you about some of them if I thought you would like to hear of them; but I think I can see you gravely perusing this letter, and saying, “Tut! good for nothing.” I don’t mean to say that this is the fate of all your letters; yet I feel that it will be the fate of mine. Give my love to all the good folks that prepare such a rare treat each month for us.

Affectionately,
Lucy.

1857.2.91-92

Rocky Point, August, 1857.

Mr. Merry:—In this lovely spot, with the sun pouring his mellow beams through the giant elms that spread their leafy boughs over my father’s mansion, with the rose-bud and [p. 92 ] honeysuckle twining their delicate branches around the window, I sit and write these lines, the first which have found their way to the Museum from this rocky shore, where the waves their tribute pay, and the sea-nymph reigns.

Yours truly,
Walter Grey.

1857.2.93a

Dear Uncle Frank:—I have never written you a letter yet, though I have been one of your nephews for a pretty long time. We live in the country in summer time, and have two cows and two horses—one named Billy—and one pony, and we have a nice little farm, too, and a man who I call Jemmy, but father calls him James. I have a nice little boat to sail on the pond—for we have a big pond and a river, and sometimes my brother takes me out on the river in a big boat. I wish I could see you, and have a good talk with you. I must now bid you good-bye. Give my love to Aunt Sue.

I remain, as ever, your affectionate nephew,
R. H. M., Silver Lake.

1857.2.93b

Ashtabula, O., April 13th, 1857.

Dear Uncle Frank:—I have thought a good many times I would like to write to you, begging to be one of your nieces, but then have feared to, lest I should be deficient somewhere. But I have been looking at your kind face which came to us in the magazine. I think it says, “Don’t be afraid, child; there is no harm in trying.” One time in particular—it was last summer—I got my pen and paper all ready to tell you about some wonderful “water-spouts,” which were rising from the lake (for my father lives on the very bank of Lake Erie), but I could not describe so grand a scene, and could only wish you were here to wonder with us.

Your niece,
Julia.

1857.2.93c

St. Joseph, Mo., April 6th, 1857.

Dear Sir:—I inclose one dollar for the current year, in payment for the magazine. Every number is received and read by all the household, I believe. At any rate I read with pleasure every number; for I am old enough to be a second boy (near 74).

Yours very respectfully,
Josiah Cary.

1857.2.94

Dresden, July 30, 1857.

To Good Aunt Sue:—

1857.2.123

Copenhagen, Sept., 1857.

Dear Uncle:—I have been a subscriber three years. I am eleven years old, have never written many letters, except to father when he was away from home. I was highly pleased with the Cabinet and am with the Museum, and very much want that prize, but dare not hope where there are so many competitors. I was about giving up writing, but father says: “Try—you can never do any thing without trying.” So I got my elder brother to help me, and resolved to try. But I am a farmer’s boy, and know how to milk cows and hoe potatoes much better than to write. I send conundrums and questions. If they are not worth any thing, you know where to put them. Please introduce me to your brother editors, for I dare not call them uncles, till we are better acquainted. I must not write any more for fear of that Hatchet. But I want those books very much. Yours affectionately.

From your bashful nephew,
Marinus.

1857.2.153-154

Franklin, Conn., Oct. 3d, 1857.

Dear Mr. Merry:—My teacher told me to write a letter to Uncle Merry, for a composition, to-day. I am happy to do it, for it no longer seems a task, but a pleasure. I have long wished to be a member of the Merry Family. I have occasionally had a bound volume of the Museum. Aunt and black-eyed Flora visited us last spring; since then I have had the pleasure of reading it every month. I was very much pleased to find three of my favorite books united in one. Aunt Flora is staying here, with black-eyed Flora and Charlie, and little blue-eyed Georgie—my favorite. Flora has a great many pretty papers and magazines from her dear uncle, whom she loves very much. Yesterday, about three o’clock, Georgie and Charlie were out playing. Little blue-eyes saw something high up in the air, and said, “Oh! what is that?” Charlie said, “Oh, it is a balloon!” We all ran out when we heard it, and, sure enough, there was a balloon. Its ascension commenced at Norwich, nine miles from here. We enjoyed it very much—such a scampering of little feet all over the yard. Pierpont climbed a large, [p. 154 ] tall tree in the yard, and tried to speak to the man in his moving house. But he was not satisfied with this elevation, so off he ran to find a still higher tree. I wish I knew what the men in the balloon would do if the balloon should come down on the ocean.

Your affectionate niece,
Blue-Eyed Josie.

1857.2.154-155

Columbia, Sept. 7th, 1857.

Dear Uncle Merry:—Please don’t begin to talk of warm weather. I never was so tired of hearing the same subject discussed in my life! If you meet a friend, all he has to say is, “It’s very warm,” or “How warm it is!” and sometimes it seems “the stretch of politeness” even to get that out. Now, Mr. Merry, don’t you agree with me? And won’t you keep it out of the “Corner?” If people can’t do any better, let them follow the example of Fuseli. He, once heartily disgusted with the “small talk” of those around him, exclaimed: “We had pork and beans for dinner!” “Why, my dear Fuseli, what a strange remark!” said one of the gentlemen. “I consider it as sensible as any that has been made for the last half-hour,” was the reply.

I think “Black-Eyes” ought indeed to be envied. It would serve her right for tantalizing the other members of “the Chat” with [p. 155 ] her good fortune. Why, it is very hard to “keep hold of” one Museum! Everybody wants it, and everybody at the same time.

Tell Lu I am very much obliged to her, but I couldn’t think of letting her tell me Aunt Sue’s name: ’twouldn’t be fair to betray confidence in that manner. I mean, though, to find my way to the “down-east corner,” for I wish to see Lu very much. How much is “very much and as well again?” I don’t know what to think of “T. M. H.” wanting Aunt Sue to tell her name. That would be fine! Spoil all our fun of guessing.

Maggie.

1857.2.155

New York, October 1st, 1857.

Dear Uncles:—Although I have wished very much, for a long time past, to visit you, I have never dared to do so. It always frightens me to have so many bright eyes turned toward me as I enter the room. I always imagine their owners are “criticising my appearance,” and planning some mischief to show off my awkwardness and foolishness. So, if you will please open the door softly, and allow me to hide myself in a corner until I can recover from my bashfulness and excitement, you will oblige me very much. There is another reason why I dread to pass through an introduction. In my bewilderment I reply, “if you please,” to expressions of pleasure on making my acquaintance; and say “good-morning” when I should say “good-evening,” and answer “yes, sir” to a lady, or make some other mistake just as ridiculous. Besides, I can not remember who is John, and who is James, and can not distinguish Mary from Susan. It is so much pleasanter to take my seat quietly, and become acquainted with the company from observation.

I hope, therefore, you will take compassion “on my bashfulness,” and allow me to visit you without having to make myself “conspicuous and ridiculous.” I do not see how your other nephews and nieces can possible manage to work out the sums and enigmas spread on your table before them from month to month. It almost distracts me to look at them. I can not see any sense and reason in “A’s” and “X’s,” and “Z’s,” and “+’s,” and “S’s,” and “√’s;” but perhaps I may learn, if you will permit me to come often enough, and will explain them to me. As soon as a thing is explained so that I can understand it perfectly, I never forget it. But I must bid you good-bye. Please remember your nephew,

Jerry Miam.

1857.2.155-156

Tennessee, Aug.

Dear Uncle Hiram:—Allow me to trouble you once more. “Sigma,” it seems, says I have guessed wrong about her “peppered” friend, which, instead of abating, increases my curiosity. Who it could have been I can’t imagine. Do use your influence with her in my behalf. Ask Laura, if you please, to assist me in my endeavor, as she, too, is from the “Sunny South,” and has been “introduced” to her.

Tell Lillie that the opposer to girls learning Latin can’t be a boy—he can’t belong to the same species with me. Down this way the girls study Latin, Greek, and French, and expect, when they get a teacher, to study Hebrew and German, and more, they beat us boys at it, too! [p. 156 ]

But as “Brevity is the soul of wit,” and as I am witty (!), I suppose I must be brief.

Your Southern friend,
Tennessean.

1857.2.156a

Mt. Vernon, Iowa.

Dear Uncle Frank: (I hope you will let me call you so)—I begun to take your magazine when I was seven years old, and have now taken it five years. I am always glad to get it, and would not like to do without it; but since we came to Iowa, I don’t get it quite soon enough to suit me—seldom till the last of the month. That was really a funny-looking picture you gave us of Santa Claus, in the January number. I didn’t know before that he used tobacco. I don’t like him any better for that, but I would rather he would use it than I. I hope he will leave his pipe and tobacco at home when he comes to our house. Next time I write, perhaps I will tell you something about Mt. Vernon.

S. E. Boles.

1857.2.156b

New Haven, Ct.

Dear Uncle Frank:—After considerable hesitation I have concluded to send you some more waste paper to kindle your fire with. If it should not prove acceptable, just give me a hint, and I will learn to keep such articles at home. As it is, I had a “clearing-up time” in my portfolio the other day, and numberless “efforts of a similar character” were consigned to the glowing bosom of the library grate. May their ashes rest in peace!

As to your question whether I am sensitive or not in certain particulars, S—, I won’t finish that, however. I only want you to bear in mind when you condescend to polish up any of my unworthy productions—no, that won’t do either. Well, then, you may do any thing you please with my “efforts;” I would think you did it solely out of mercy if you were to alter every other word. There is one point on which I am “sensitive,” however, which is, that both you and Aunt Sue called me “Miss.” I am still a girl, and not a young lady. I don’t think that I deserve the appellation. I don’t believe my recently entered “teens” will admit of it. I’ve not yet passed the bounds of fifteen—no, not by a great deal. But how foolish in me to tell you this! If it were not so late, this letter should be revised, and the half of it struck out. But, if you ever reach this point, I wish you to know that this letter is not intended for publication, and I don’t want it printed. I have been so frightened at Aunt Sue’s comments that I am half afraid to send this. She may call me “Fleetest” if she chooses. I know very well that I can outrun any one for miles around, especially if danger is at hand.

Your affectionate niece,
Fleta Forrester.

1857.2.156-157

Tallahassee Mission

Dear Uncle Frank:—I have never seen you, but would like to very much. I live at the Mission, among the Creek Indians. We are bounded on the west by what is called the Grand Prairie, extending to the Rocky Mountains. On the north of us, about two and a half miles, is a large pond, which we call a lake, but you would call it a pond. It is about a mile in length, and a quarter of a mile in width. It is a pleasant place to visit, because it borders on the prairie, and is a nice place for fishing. There is a beautiful grove on one side. In summer it abounds with two kinds of pond lilies, and in winter with wild fowl. On the south of us, about two and a half miles, runs the Arkansas. Most of the time it is very low, so that it can be easily forded. But nearly every spring it rises very high, so that steamboats can come up; on the other side of it, about a mile, is the Creek Agency. This is not a very large place; but there is a blacksmith’s shop, a tailor’s house, and several stores, besides several dwelling-houses. [p. 157 ] On the east of us, about ten miles, is Fort Gibson. Between here and there are two rivers; their names are Verdigris and Grand. I noticed that premiums are offered for new subscribers. I have received twelve. Their names are on another paper.

From your off-nephew,
Robert [H. Loughridge].
[Transcriber’s note: Originally spelled “M. Longhudge”]

1857.2.157a

Moline, Aug. 14, 1857.

Uncle Frank:—Make room for one more, if you please. Though a new subscriber, I claim my seat at the Chat. I think Black-Eyes, W. H. Coleman, ![—]! and, in fact, all of your contributors, do honor to the name of Merrys. Now, Uncle, if you come to this part of the West, give us a call. We live only three miles from the Great Mississippi Railroad Bridge, which crosses the river at Rock Island City. You will find this a right smart country.

Yours truly,
Enoch R.

1857.2.157b

Chili, N. Y., July 13, 1857.

Dear Uncle:—I am anxious to tell you how happy I am this morning, having just succeeded in finding my way through the Labyrinth, and all alone, too.

It will be five years in September since my mother died, and, my father being an invalid, two brothers, a little sister, and myself were left to the care of strangers. But it is almost two years ago since they laid sister Ella to rest on Mount Hope, too.

My home has lately been in the country, among the free birds and wild flowers, the wide fields, with the broad, blue sky above all. And I have my pets, too—chickens, kittens, and lambs—but they all die.

Yours affectionately,
Anna Elsie D.

1857.2.183a

Mr. Hatchet:—How are “times” in the Museum? This is the important question. In these crashing days every one desires to know the state of his own and his neighbor’s pocket, and it is with trembling anxiety that I ask how you “stand it.” Any danger of the firm of Museum, Cabinet & Co. suspending? Can you meet your (correspondents’) notes? Does Uncle Merry look sad, and has Uncle Hiram a long face? Has that wild animal, the Panic, broken into your office? Do relieve my anxiety as soon as possible.

What a terrible monster is the Museum, devouring its kindred, big and little, without mercy. First, down went the Playmate; next it swallowed a Cabinet, which had already made way with a Mentor (what animal is that?), and now it has eaten up a Schoolfellow! I hope its digestive powers are good.

The story of Mike Smiley promises a rich feast. I think I see traces of a hatchet about it.

†*†

1857.2.183b

Niagara Co., August, 1857.

Mr. Merry:—How do you suppose it would affect some of your young nieces and nephews to have a country boy like me to step in among a “Circle” some day and quietly and coolly take a seat? Who would be the first to say, Who is that? look at his hair, his coat, elbows, etc. Oh, sir, you better believe I am right here, just here. Oh, Miss B. E., how are you? Excuse me, Mr. B., how are you this evening? etc.

Good-bye.
The Countryman.

1857.2.184a

Milwaukee, Sept. 14th, 1857.

Dear Mr. Merry:—I have just returned from a trip down in Ohio, thence in a Lake Superior boat from Cleveland to Superior City, and home by the way of St. Paul’s. While in Ohio I ventured into the quarters of two of your fiercest feminine correspondents, but did not encounter either one of them, a fortunate circumstance, that can probably be accounted for by the fact that “they didn’t know me, and I didn’t know them.” I plead “not guilty” to the charge of Adelbert Older. I have traveled considerably in Illinois, and I have as yet to meet a young hicker whom I am afraid of. Are they two species A. O.?

Yours as ever,
Badger State.

1857.2.184b

October 3d, 1857.

Dear Trio:—Your Museum is just received, and seeing little mention of myself, conclude that I am likely to be forgotten, a misfortune I earnestly desire to avert. C. H. I. only has remembered me; he receives my hearty thanks, and as for his mistake, it is nothing. He is not the first who has mistaken me for one of the “genus homo.” Willie, where are you? I sing “Willie, we have missed you” (we do miss you), on the receipt of every “Chat,” when you, of all, are absent! Misery, do make your appearance. I have been traveling; sailing on noble rivers, riding in rickety stages, and last, but by no means least, gazing on the wondrous beauty of Niagara! How intensely charming those great, leaping, dashing waters are! I spent hours there, never tiring, and only sorry when night forced me to my hotel. I would tell you of their great beauty, their sublimity, but of that my poor pen and poorer ideas are not capable. A night on the Hudson, too. That I spent, not in my state-room, as my less romantic sister did, but on the deck, the upper deck, with a pleasant companion by my side (!). The moon was at its full, and the lights and shadows were exquisitely lovely. Here, the water glimmered and flashed in the full light of the moon; there, it lay dark and cold, under the high banks, causing a shiver, whether of apprehension or gloominess I know not, to run over me.

Now, my Merry Cousins “forget me not.”

Nippinifidget.

1857.2.184-185

Texana, Oct. 1st, 1857.

Dear Uncles, Aunts, and Cousins:—I have for some time neglected to write to you, because I live so far off that my letter could not reach in time for my name to be placed among those that have solved the enigmas, etc. Besides, I have sent two or three enigmas, and that terrible basket under the table has received them. Hoping it will escape this time, I will try again. Tell Willie H. Coleman that I have a great mind to have him hung for forgery. (Hung, did I say? I beg your pardon—jailed, I should have said.) Ask him what H. stands for, that I may tell my neighbors, who have come to me, and asked who Black-Eyes [p. 185 ] was, that I should be arguing with her so much. I told them I was not the author of the letters, and they would not believe me. I, for one of the cousins, want to know who Aunt Sue is.

From yours truly (without forgery),
Willie Hayden Coleman.

P. S.—Please, Uncle Merry, introduce me to my cousins, and receive me as one of the happy Merry family.

W. H. C.

1857.2.185

Chicago, Sept. 25, 1857.

Dear Mr. Merry:—I have been in Wisconsin all summer, and have had an elegant time wading in the streams and riding on horse-back. In one of my rides I saw a prairie wolf; it stopped and looked at me—it was not at all afraid. I chased it for a while; of course it wouldn’t touch me. I don’t like to come back to Chicago much. It seems to me it is more noisy and busy than ever. They say it is the greatest wheat and lumber market in the world. I wish I could go to Oregon, to make that country and Lucy a visit. Walter Grey never was in earnest when he wrote that letter.

Good-bye.
Annie E. Drummond.