1856 letter from Mary Elizabeth Caulk (1813-1868) in Baltimore to her
husband Joseph Caulk (1812-1858) at Isle of Rays farm near Trappe, Md.
John and Willy were her sons John K. Caulk (1847-1913) and William H.
Caulk (1845-1870). Martha was her sister Martha Haddaway Seth of Broad
Creek Neck whose son was Alex.
Mary Elizabeth sounds like she was high strung and a bit of a
hypochondriac, but, despite all her ailments, she outlived Joseph by
ten years. She often went to Baltimore for her health and to visit
family. Even at that time, Baltimore was a quick steamboat ride across
the Bay, the closest steamboat landing for her was at Chlora's Pt. just
a few miles down Island Creek Neck
Baltimore 23,, 1856
Dear Joseph
I expect you have been looking for a letter from me but I did not know
untill to day what time the Dr. thought I could go he think my throat
will not do to go before next Tuesday this day week and if I am well
enough on that day you can meet me at Oxford Martha came up yesterday
and will stay untill next Monday Alex is here with her and goes home on
thursday I am not so well to day I have taken fresh cold with this
change in the weather it is quite cool the Dr say it is better for me
my nerves are some better I have no child here to frighten me with a
horse tell Mrs. Cloud to take good care of my children and I shall
never forget her kindness I hope I may be benefited while from home and
hope you are all getting along well tell John I will try to get his gun
if he is a good boy tell Willy I will get him something to if I have
any money I am sorry to disapoint you in not coming this week but think
it is for the best for me to remain here I am going exactly by the Dr
directions I am at Quincy [house?] been to see Mary E Merrit Martha
sends her love to you and says she though she would have found you here
to have got her preasant I wish you you to take care of yourself and
children give my love to Mrs Clough and [Martha?] and except a large
shair for your self I give my love to to my children if I am not well
enough to come next tuesday I will write again I must conclude as I
cannot write any more you must take the will for the deed I must stop
by subscribing my self your
sincere and affectionate
wife untill death
Mary E Caulk
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