Letter, 29 January 1871, Elizabeth Campbell Radford Adams (1847-1930) to James Risque Hutter (1841-1923)

Letter, 29 January 1871, Elizabeth Campbell Radford Adams (1847-1930) to James Risque Hutter (1841-1923)

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.

Donated by Stannard Preston

Historic Sandusky-University of Lynchburg

29 January 1871

Transcribed by Emma Coffey

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                                                                                                           Arnheim Jan. 29^th 1871

My dear friend,

                         It has not been intentional that your letters have remained so long unanswered and you will agree with me hear my cause. Your first received on the eve of my departure for Annie’s marriage, I couldn’t answer before leaving home for want of time, and I remained in Bedford until the Saturday after the marriage, when almost half the bridal party including the bride and groom returned with me we remained here only a few days and of course I had no opportunity of writing then and we then went up to my Wytheville where I expected to remain only five days but my visit was as pleasant and I had so many invitations and earnest solicitations to extend my visit, that almost unconsciously two weeks elapsed before my return home. I came back last Monday night and have been very sick ever since I returned, I intended writing as soon as I returned home but sickness prevented. Your note containing the picture was sent to me from home just before my return. Please accept my thanks for the photograph. It is tolerably good I think, (tough it doesn’t come up to my idea of you) and I shall prize it very highly. It occupies quite a conspicuous place in my album. Mary has the other one, you gave me some years ago. I declare we are really getting old, aren’t we? I fear we shall soon be looked upon as antiquities. But really I don’t care a straw and I don’t think old maids need any body’s pity & as for old bachelors  I think they are subjects for envy. How is your debating society progressing? I expect good things of you in that line, who knows? Some day you may exert the power of a Patrick Henry or a Calhoun. I made some delightful friends in my circle, one that I liked particularly. The Wytheville beaux are very gallant and very kind to strangers. Annie and her spouse are now in Bedford – will leave tomorrow for Balt, may every blessing attend them. I will miss her more than I can express! Her marriage considered one of the trials of my life. I am very fond of cousin ___ too. It is the separation that grieves me so much.

I am still quite sick and feeble and that I hope will excuse this stupid letter. With best wishes I remain your friend.

 Lizzie Radford

Lizzie Radford