Oct 1847

Margaret Willis Parrott (1810-) was a sister to Anthony L. Manning's mother, Harriett Willis (1808-1837).  She married William Parrott (1799-1858) in 1831 in Baltimore.  Margaret & William Parrott moved to Dayton, Ohio shortly after marrying, and had 11 children.

24 October 1847

Margaret A. Parrott to her nephew, Anthony L. Manning

(Collection of Karen Nicholson, Arlington, VA)

Dayton O  October 24th 1847  Sabbath Day 

Dear Nephew    

I commenced a letter you to you more than a month ago.  But for some course or other, it never was finished and I am now obliged to commence another one.  Your last letter came duly to hand (as did your two former ones) but my time is so much occupied--- that I cannot always reply to a friend just when I would like to --- we have no servants here that we can call our own --- they are here today and gone tomorrow --- if the notion takes them --- 4 of my children have had the measles but have entirely recovered and if I should not write very often I think I am excusable --- Since I last wrote --- our Dayton Volunteers have returned from the Mexican War after one years service (but not without the loss of many noble hearted ones)  great preparations were made by their friends & the Citizens generally --- to receive them  --- Our City was handsomely illuminated ---  besides several splendid parties were given --- one in particular I will mention, next door to us --- it was given by the half brother of the gallant Mayor Giddings --- a handsome young officer --- that had command of the Ohio regiment ---several of the -- the company assembled at half past nine in the evening (which is the unusual hour here)  dancing commenced at 10 -- and at 12 o/clock we had supper --- every thing passed off very pleasantly indeed --- there was about two hundred persons there --- the men that served under him ---are having a sword made for him --- that will cost six hundred dollars --- it is to be made in Boston -- & is to be presented to him in this city --- I shall not be able to give you much news only our town.  Seems to be in a very prosperous condition --- We now have the Magnetic Telegraph in operation --- from here to Baltimore & Philadelphia --- but I suppose it is something new to you for it is what the Eastern shore will never boast of Suffice it to say -- we get all important news, from the Eastern cities in a few hours --- say 3 or 4 --- but perhaps you have been in Baltimore & have seen them in operation -- if you have not -- it would be well worth while to go (for that if nothing else -- for it is Certainly one of the greatest discovery's of the nineteenth Century --- I am going to tell you that it will be impossible for me to visit Maryland this season --- my babe is two young to leave & it would fatigue me too much to take it along -- I am very  anxious to come ---for I think old sylvia would be so much better with me than where she is --- when you write Let me know if Aaron is living & if he is with your father.  Yet you must know Anthony that I have a great deal of sympathy for those poor colored people that belonged  --- to my Dear Father they never treated handley?   by us all --- and I am afraid that they now endure many hardships --- oh how I wish the time had come when slavery -- could be abolished -- in every state in the Union --- only Compare the conditions of the free states with those of the slave ones and see how much more prosperous the free ones are --- New J -- Pennyl, & Oh. --- & indeed all others.  O Anthony if ever you live to be a man dispense with the use of slaves --- it may go a little hard at first --- but Learn to be independent --- My boys have learned to black their own shoes --- & do their own errands --- and I would not now have them raised in a slave state if I were sure they would fall heir to a million of dollars --- Providence -- has placed us here & there   I am willing to live & die --- Geone is now at Collidge   he is at the Weslyn University situated in Delaware---O.   Just 2 days ride from here.  I had long dreaded the hour of departure -- for I had  watha?  our him from his infancy with a Mother's love ---- And I am inclined to think that there is o love stronger than a Mother's --- that it is Seldom thought of by children --- oh how good, you ought all to be to your parents that have done so much for you   it is true you do not know much of a Mothers love --- but she loved you as well as I do my mine  & I am inclined to think if you had been blest with the presence of one  -- you would have been a different boy from what you are --- if I may Judge from the Contents of your last letter --- (scratched out  )  for I have never in my life ---learned or heard expressed sentiments of so much hatred from one fellow being towards another as you expressed toward your step mother --- I am sorry my dear that you have ever been so unfortunate as to have one --- but as you have got her -- it is better to live in peace with her --- & if she treats you unkindly -- bear it with meekness --- and persuade your father to put you at college & keep you there until you graduate -- & also your Sister -- I wish it was so that I could have the raising of your Sister --- but providence has decreed it otherwise --- oh be kind to your sister.   your father will not live always & when he is gone --- she will have no one to look up to -- but you --- try & cultivate your mind -- & fit & prepare yourself for usefulness in the world --- a good education in the foundation of all that is good & just --- present my respect to your Father & Sister & I accept a large share for yourself & when you write by & give me some news --- now Anthony I have tryed to give you some good advice -- (I do not know whether it will be well received or not but he that as it may -- I shall always say the last was really disgusting & you may be sure was committed to the flames as soon as it was read.  I must now bid you farewell  

be a good boy
M A Parrott

I suppose I have tried your patience as I have scarcely room to write my name.