5 May 1848

5 May 1848

Anthony L. Manning to his father, Anthony Manning

(Collection of Karen Nicholson, Arlington, VA)

[Notes on the outside of this letter note that it was answered May 5th 1848]

Mr. Anthony Manning
East New Market, Md

[Another note says: Letter containing fathers commission as Capt also Maj Thos. Barretts residence & children]

Cambridge 6th 1848

Mr. Anthony Manning
East New Market, Md

Dear Father,

The dearest friend I have on earth; tis by thy will and the will of him who predominated over the destinies of heaven and earth, that I am now in Cambridge, but thanks to God this separation at present, sees not to be as horrible as the former. For when shut out from all the friends I held dear upon earth, to seek a home among foreign strangers, to be tossed upon the reaching sea of separation; the horror is indescribable; oh; the heart sickens at the thoughts of such scenes once witnessed by me in the walls of Dickinson: To think of once being separated some hundred miles from every dear friend upon earth and to think that, that, separation was so near becoming a final one, my heart dies within me at the recital of the once gloomy period. Numbers think; and from a remarks which I once herd you beloved father make use of; led me to believe that you also, suspected me of faming sick deception upon you, for the sake of returning; but alas; guilty of such a thing. I would not be; why should I? has not sickness been a frequent visitor to me? Yes! You yourself do know it has, when I was unconscious of the fact! Then why should I wish him to be more so? I am sure my reduced form, my faded eyes, and feeble frame, was sufficient to prove the truth of my assertion. Dear father, unasked, I must and will forgive, that remark, which shot through my innocent heart at the time, like poisoned arrows. It was said at a time which every loving son must unasked, forgive, and try to forget; it was at a time when thy mind seemed not to enjoy perfect peace. Dear Father I mention this not as an offence and I beg pray that you will not take it as such. You never did anything but what I forgave you for it, neither can you; no matter what - it may be, the circumstances connected with it, or what – it may lead to. I am willing to side with you, for you are a dutiful, kind, and provident father. But I merely mentioned this to let you know that the innocent heart is ever sensibly to the sting of unjust words. A few miles is quite sufficient to separate friends but I have the hopes of seeing you frequently. and please send or come down on Friday next after me; I have some books home which I thought would never again be of use to me, but as time has proved that they will, I think it expedient and economy to use them as two of them are the precise books which are wanted; they are in that little red chest of mine and will be much cheaper than buying new ones. Mr. Benjamin says that he can cure your pony and he thinks that her board; and the cure which he thinks he can make without any difficulty; will not exceed 7 or 8 dollars. Your best plan will be to bring her down, and let him see her; and make a bargain with him, for I understand it will be much cheaper to so.

Come down Friday dear father and bring her, or if you cannot do so; send her down and I will tend to it in a manner which you may by pen?, deem correct! I am well and hope this letter will find you in perfect health; as well as the rest of the family;

I had the pleasure of hearing the address of Mr. Lee, upon the monument question and the merits of our gallant hero; Gen George Washington which was delivered with that warmth, which ever designated a friend to his country. The base of this monument is to be a quarter of a mile, and the height 500 feet. This noble structure which is to be erected by the people of this mighty land, will pierce the skies.

Excuse this handwrite, which has been scrolled in haste; Give my love to all the family, and my respects to the worthy friends of East N Market.

Your absent son A. L. Manning

At the bottom of this letter are the following words which appear to have been added at another time as the ink is a different color.

Old man’s children.  This is the old man

                 D. C. Barnett
Maj Thomas Barnett – his wife Rebecca Barnett
Perry township      West Franklin,
Vanderburg Co       Posy Co
Indiana                 Indiana

_____________________ _________________________________

Anthony Manning Barnett is dead   Maj Thomas Barnett
_____________________ West Franklin

James Barnett child??? Vanderburgh Co
_____________________ Indiana

Annie Barnett
_____________________

Thomas Barnett
____________________

Olivia Barnett