An historical excerpt from before the creation of Esperanza (though the center of the house would have been about fifty years old at this time!), from a letter written by Julie to her parents.  At this time she had just moved to New York City, age 27, from Brockport, New York.  From a long letter written between Nov 10th and Nov 17th, 1845, describing the evening of Nov 14th, 1845.

“went with Mr L. to the Battery (on the Hudson) to see the Sunset, and most glorious it was- that gorgeous mingling of colors and those dazzling reflections in the deep blue waters- and then the refreshing sea air. Mr L is an enthusiast and a dreamer just the one to walk and romance with on still sunset times. He looked with artistical eyes into the still depths of the blue water and talked smooth things. He has very fine eyes by the way and knows how to use them. I watched with unmingled pleasure the vessels in the distance and the little sailboats- gliding along so calmly- nearer were little skiffs with ‘gallant sailors’ ‘merrily rowing’ and then the little busy ferry boat hurried along with its full complement of passengers, luggage and never stopping to breathe though it panted and puffed ever so much.’

Despite the description of Mr. L (Lazerous)’s eyes, it is clear from the rest of the letter that Julie was already spending much of her free time with Morris, her eventual husband.