An unusual letter, in terms of survival, from Fred Davis (husband of Lucy Smith, Julie’s youngest daughter) to William Webster Ellsworth (husband of Helen Yale Smith, Julie’s third daughter).  Fred was writing from New Orleans, where he worked in Morris’ firm as a junior partner.

“It is with feelings of awe and reverence that I, at last, take my pen in hand to address you in regard to the episode, as A. Ward humorously terms it, which has lately occurred in the house of Ellsworth.

Taking life as it exists, it really is not so incomprehensible after all, for such things are wont to happen in all well regulated families, but it causeth me to smile, at time when I am not awestruck to think that the boy I used to bull doze and champion by turns is really the father of a blushing daughter. Yet such I learn is the fact, and just here I doff my hat, and tender you my formal and most sincere congratulations….

….Mrss. Smith and Yale went up to the latters plantation last Saturday in company with a box of champagne and a hundred lbs of ice. As they did not return this morning I conclude the ice has not all melted yet.

I am glad to hear that Helen is getting along so nicely. When you go home, to Esperanza, give her my love, and if she allows you the honor, Kiss the baby for her uncle.”

The baby in question was Lucy Morris Ellsworth.