Letter, 1 July 1867, Elizabeth Campbell Radford Adams (1847-1930) to James Risque Hutter (1841-1923)
Title
Letter, 1 July 1867, Elizabeth Campbell Radford Adams (1847-1930) to James Risque Hutter (1841-1923)
Description
Lizzie Radford writes to James Risque Hutter about the recovery of her sister and how she is improving. Radford informs Hutter that she is not engaged and she has no desire to be married soon. She talks about how she has changed over the years and she continues to care for her sick sister.
Elizabeth later married Richard Henry Adams (1841-1896) who became postmaster of Radford after the war. She was the daughter of Dr. John Blair Radford (1813-1872) who is the namesake of the City of Radford, Va.
Elizabeth later married Richard Henry Adams (1841-1896) who became postmaster of Radford after the war. She was the daughter of Dr. John Blair Radford (1813-1872) who is the namesake of the City of Radford, Va.
Source
Donated by Stannard Preston
Publisher
Historic Sandusky-University of Lynchburg
Date
1 July 1867
Contributor
Transcribed by Robert Bourne
Rights
Permission to publish or reproduce required
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inquire at info@historicsandusky.org
Language
en-US
Text
Thursday- July 1/67
If the Spirit of Hamlet’s father had appeared before me this morning, it would not have surprised me more, then did your letter. I thought you had long since forgotten your little mountain friend or possibly only thing be of her as one to be unmentioned with “regret” and dislike, but I am glad to find that I am mistaken and that your friendship is so strong and lasting. I appreciate it, I assure you your congratulations on Janie’s improvements made me very sad as she has been in the verge of eternity for nearly two months. All her physicians up here have seen without hope for some time expect my father and his men think she may possibly return. I have never for any length of time despaired indeed I could’nt and cant believe that God will afflict me so severely. She is certainly better this morning. Excuse my speaking so much of my feelings. I know you used to like Janie very much. You ask if I’m engaged, no, if I’m married, certainly not and furthermore “I have no desire or wish to be soon.” I have changed quietly since you saw me, am no longer the laughter loving; gay girl you used to know but in almost every sense of the word – a sad woman – “old maid” if you like. There is sometimes an occasional trace of my former self but not often. I can almost see your look of surprise as you read this and then after looking at it again, your face assurances an incredulous expression, such an one use I have seen so often then, but nevertheless, my friend it is even so. You ask what I’ve been doing nothing that would interest an “old Bachelor” thing be a lady of so might possibly have some sympathy. I have been expect when engaged in household duties matching by the couch of my sick sister ever since her return from L. I have had to not little time for reading and I have even had to neglect my Sunday school, not if could relieve my sister’s pain, no sacrifice I could make would be too much or too great, such is my love. Excuse this uninteresting letter I am too unhappy to make myself agreeable. Truly your friend, L. Radford
Side of last page: Many thanks for your compliment to old maids in general and the one to me is highly appreciate and for which I am under everlasting obligated. Excuse my prompt reply.
If the Spirit of Hamlet’s father had appeared before me this morning, it would not have surprised me more, then did your letter. I thought you had long since forgotten your little mountain friend or possibly only thing be of her as one to be unmentioned with “regret” and dislike, but I am glad to find that I am mistaken and that your friendship is so strong and lasting. I appreciate it, I assure you your congratulations on Janie’s improvements made me very sad as she has been in the verge of eternity for nearly two months. All her physicians up here have seen without hope for some time expect my father and his men think she may possibly return. I have never for any length of time despaired indeed I could’nt and cant believe that God will afflict me so severely. She is certainly better this morning. Excuse my speaking so much of my feelings. I know you used to like Janie very much. You ask if I’m engaged, no, if I’m married, certainly not and furthermore “I have no desire or wish to be soon.” I have changed quietly since you saw me, am no longer the laughter loving; gay girl you used to know but in almost every sense of the word – a sad woman – “old maid” if you like. There is sometimes an occasional trace of my former self but not often. I can almost see your look of surprise as you read this and then after looking at it again, your face assurances an incredulous expression, such an one use I have seen so often then, but nevertheless, my friend it is even so. You ask what I’ve been doing nothing that would interest an “old Bachelor” thing be a lady of so might possibly have some sympathy. I have been expect when engaged in household duties matching by the couch of my sick sister ever since her return from L. I have had to not little time for reading and I have even had to neglect my Sunday school, not if could relieve my sister’s pain, no sacrifice I could make would be too much or too great, such is my love. Excuse this uninteresting letter I am too unhappy to make myself agreeable. Truly your friend, L. Radford
Side of last page: Many thanks for your compliment to old maids in general and the one to me is highly appreciate and for which I am under everlasting obligated. Excuse my prompt reply.
Collection
Citation
“Letter, 1 July 1867, Elizabeth Campbell Radford Adams (1847-1930) to James Risque Hutter (1841-1923),” Historic Sandusky Archives and Collections, accessed February 13, 2025, https://historicsanduskyarchives.omeka.net/items/show/107.