Embedded Files
In the collection of Cordelia's correspondences, all but two were written to Cordelia (the last two included on this website are two letters Cordelia wrote her mother). These correspondences provide only a partial glimpse into her life. However, even in partiality, one can see Cordelia was held in high regard by friends, relatives, and male suitors. The letters have been grouped by years and placed chronologically for the viewer. Select letters have been transcribed (when available included below letter images) and analyzed with additional notes and key quotes.
My Dear Friend
My Dear Friend
Author Unknown
November 26, 1864
4 pages
The author is unknown, but appears to be a female friend of Cordelia. She writes of Cordelia's response to seeing rebel prisoners, past times reading together, talking, and skating (it seems Cordelia was not a great skater!) so it is reasonable to assume they went to school together. She writes of how Cordelia treated a man she found "conceited" and of her own "spat" with Eph.
There is also writing of different people in Liberty coming and going, marriages, letters exchanged, etc. The author also mentions a "Mollie." Mollie will write Cordelia several letters in this collection.
"Your welcome letter found one, not in L_ but was forwarded to me in Utica where I have been visiting for the last three weeks and having a very good time. Truly your letter was a treat, it took me back to the dear old times we used to have and I really was surprised when I finished reading to find we were not sitting enjoying a good old fashioned confidential chat..."
"Have you heard from Sallie F_ lately it has been a month or more since I got a letter from her..."
"Cordelia I think the least you could have done would have been to invite me to take that trip to Memphis with you - I suppose you will of course call upon Mr and Mrs Huff the curiosity, that I do not feel at all inclined to greatly yours. Cordelia I declare! It's certainly the most provoking ... you ever served a friend to tell me so much and then cut short in the most interesting part. Well here's the inference I draw, I can make no other out of it, I surely would not take a very acute mind to guess what intimate friend of mine was to be married, when I have but one lady acquaintance in St. L_ and that lady is Miss C. Green. I'm much obliged for the ticket you sent me. Feel it my sincere Congratulations _ _ _ _ Oh! You dear little innocent creature, to tell me you felt like having a good cry all because of having seen the rebel prisoners ... a very good subterfuge indeed, especially when you cherish the soldiers a being unusually jolly _ I understand it all Eph would press his suit, and you smooth the tears would come as you pleaded "previous engagements."
"Eph and I had a kind of "spat" the last time I was there no not the last time when he was during the examination _ but during my last visit we decided upon a reconciliation, each I suppose entertaining a worse opinion of the other; than we had previous to the agreement. Pen my word you treated "Sunny ...." outrageously, poor fellow, and I'm about half way inclined to think he did not deserve it either, for really, though I can't deny but that he is insufferably conceited, yet I do think that under it all the dainty fellow has a good heart and don't mean any harm by that tender way he has of looking at you though to his half-closed lids and trying numerous other winning devices to make himself interesting, I've "laughed in my sleep" at them time and again, haven't you?"
"Cordelia do you ever go skating now? I was invited to ... the other day and I think I should go. I never see a pair of skates but that I think of the time we solitary skaters ...Surely we personified grace that afternoon, even now I see you, slipping, sliding, catching, falling, (I didn't believer you ever on your feet ten minutes in secession)..."
My Cordie
My Cordie
Author Unknown
March 18, 1867
2 pages
It is unclear who wrote this particular letter or even if it is here in it's entirety. The writer of this letter from St. Louis must have offended Cordelia in some way as he or she is asking for forgiveness, but also mentions that they feel Cordelia has been too harsh and even "ridiculous."
Many parts of this letter are difficult to be clearly read. It is also interesting that so much of this letter has crossed out and re-written in parts.
"I had made several attempts to write to you since the receipt of your long delayed letter, but have each time been interrupted by visitors...."
"Your letter, Miss Green, I will not attempt to answer. This much I will say - you .... the right and I ... and frankly beg your forgiveness."
"... don't be angry but really, don't you think this is becoming just a little ridiculous?"
My Good Friend
My Good Friend
Author: E. Bradley
December 8, 1868
2 pages
This letter is written to Cordelia by a cousin. She writes that this letter will be short because of a recent move to New York and that the primary purpose of this letter is to send Cordelia her new address.
The writer promises to write more soon and describes the awful weather and the many things that must be done.
"Such weather. Gracious Goodness Goodness Gracious Such Slush. Such mud Such Snow and rain. Storms are unprecedented and... disagreeable, cold feel..."
"Snow Shoes advanced and general dissatisfaction depicted on Every countenance, "last but not least" a great scarcity of many and the result of this Seasons trade, fall far Short of general Expectations."
20 White Str N. Y. 8th of Dec 1868
My Good Friend
I have very recently returned to NY and in good health too. Will have an abundance of leisure time, a good position of which I will cheerfully devote to my Friend, "The Goddess of Liberty." But at present you must excuse my brevity as I have today many things to attend to, no duty can I perform, that would bring more pleasure than would writing to you, principal only at present in writing to you is to give you my address, and after that ... will write often and long.
Such weather. Gracious Goodness Goodness Gracious Such Slush. Such mud Such Snow and rain. Storms are unprecedented and... disagreeable, cold feel...and chapped Lips are ominously in vogue and fashionable. .... are not at all practicable and owners Such gowns and disappointed. Street cars gainfull. Stages overflowing. Snow Shoes advanced and general dissatisfaction depicted on Every countenance, "last but not least" a great scarcity of many and the result of this Seasons trade, fall far Short of general Expectations.
In the ... to day we are taking an inventory of Stock. Stove don't drain well, room very cold and a general mess, dust and dirt predominate and Employs clamorous for an advance of wages in fact we are all "up and down" and a week is necessary to put matters right, in that time I hope to hear from you. Especially desirous to hear that you are well and happy.
In kind regards Cousin. Answer at earliest Convenience... Your Sincere Friend, E Bradley
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