The Andrew Wylie Family Letters - Indiana University Bloomington

and spend the intermediate time in Baltimore and Alexandria. They have packed and sent most
of their goods, to go round the cape and as the voyage is much longer they will get there about
the time they arrive themselves. Aunt Jane will spend the coming winter with Elizabeth Smith.
Abbe will go with the McKees although she now would like to give it up if she saw any other
alternative. I pitty her poor soul she is so unhappy.
Uncle McKee and John are both doing well. John is farming and expected to do well off his
summers crop. They both like the country very much, especially the climate and declare their
intention of making California their future home. John [McKee] expects to realise 4000$ off his
potato crop alone. Uncle wishes Andrew [McKee] to go to the Sandwich islands for the purpose
of packing provisions. Everything in the provision line is so exceedingly high in the California
market, that it is probable that they may make by the speculation. Mr McKee drives business
with as much energy, and with as much determination to make money out of everything that
comes up as ever. I wish it were so that you could go with them, for I feel confident the climate
would greatly benefit your health and suppose it will never be much better while you remain
where you are and in the business you are, as you are necessarily much exposed. Suppose by
your men tioning your intention of preparing for the duties of housekeep ing that you have at
length determined to try Richmond for the future. Why have you done it? As you never liked the
place There are hundreds of places you could like and perhaps would suit you better and I would
suppose now would be better to make the change than at any future time.
As for us, we are as much unsettled for the present as ever, it is probable we will not make
Wheeling our home for the future. and where else it will be is yet to be determined. Mr Bell I
have no doubt could do very well to remain there, but the smoak and dust is a very great objection
to him and we both would prefer some clean sweet place, where we can always breath the pure
air of heaven without having our lungs clogged constantly with coal dirt. He has bought two very
desirable lots on the Island and perhaps he may yet determine to build and remain there I should
feel loath on many accounts to give up Wheeling We expect to return there in January for a while
at least. Mr Bell will start for St Louis and New Orleans, in a week or so. I am undetermined
whether to accompany him or no, rather think not however, as I dislike starting such a journey
with Wylie. You would never recognize the little fellow. He is as much of a little Irishman as you
ever saw, is as fair, and fat, and rosy as though he was just from the Emerald Isle. He is a great
talker, amuses us very much with his constant chattering.
I suppose you have heard of cousin Theophilus’s intention of leaving [for] Ohio. He has received
a unanimous call to Oxford and accepted, and will leave [for] Ohio the first of January.* We
think it wise of him to go as it is expected the college cannot sustain itself much longer. There are
very few students and the Legislature will act upon it again this winter it is thought. Every one is
regretting Theophilus going. Ryors says he cannot tell how they can fill his place. Suppose you
have heard of old Dr Wylie’s death. [Samuel B. Wylie] We hear regu larly from Anderson. He is
doing exceedingly well we think, is making 800$ per annum.
We regret that you cannot go down to Cincinnati to attend to the placing of a stone over Samuels
grave. I do hope it may soon be done for it is a shame to let it remain so neglected. Mr Bell I
suppose could have it done, as he passes so often, if he knew what would please. In regard to
what we would give towards its erection, we would give with pleasure what would be nesessary.
I know nothing of the price of such things, and would give accord ing to the price. I wish we
could meet there.
Mother and all are as usual and join me in love to you & yours. I regret you did not come
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home this fall. The Dr [Dodds] is still resolved never to sign the paper. I wonder he can feel as
he does about it. Red[ick] does not feel like improving or really going into work until something
of the kind is settled. I think the Dr should not object to the article when each of the children sign
it cheerfully. He said to Eliz he supposed it was not fathers intention to defraud the rest of the
heirs for her. O what a shame. He is riding contrary Maxwell has gone on to Philadelphia to have
the canserous affection [of the] face attended too It is dinnertime and I must close.
Yours affectionately Irene
P.S. I join with Andrew in advising you to throw up the old practice, and investigate the subject
faithfully and without prejudice. If you had seen as much of the practice of homeopathy as I have
you would not speak of it so lightly
*Theophilus Wylie taught at Miami University of Oxford, Ohio from 1852 to 1854.
John H. Wylie to Elizabeth Wylie, Bloomington, Indiana
Richmond Dcr. 15. 1852
Dear Liz.
I had almost forgotten that I owe you a letter & being just now anxious to hear from
home am reminded that I ought to have written some time ago -- I write now not because I have
anything to say but to let you see that I think of you -- My health is not so good this winter, as
usual, and I find that I have to limit my business to about what will support me -- It costs me but
little more to live as a married man (all things considered) than it did when single and with a good
wife whom I love so dearly--I am much more comfortable and happy.
Though you will miss Cous. Theophilus much and though his departure will leave you
allmost deserted; yet I think that it will be well for him; & am pleased that we shall have him for a
neighbour--Oxford is about 25 miles from this.
Our place is growing rapidly and gives indications that in a few years it will be quite a
large & business place Mr [Stans?] tells me that he called upon you & spent an evening -- He was
quite pleased with Mother--tell her not to be flattered you say nothing of his visit -- Tell Irene if
she is still with you that her letter was received -- What of the McKees have they gone yet -- What
has become of Mr Leek When does Theophilus move -- Have you settled that railroad business--
when will it reach B- How is Redick getting along with the farm: Tell me all you know!! I hear
from Andrew & Anderson occasionally but not recently from the latter -- In my last I criticised his
spelling & style and he may have taken it unkindly--or he may not have received it -- if you write
him soon, please inquire -- My brother-in-law Mr Leeds of New York will be married in a few
days to Miss Mary Laws (a quakeress of this place) He is getting quite rich & they will cut quite a
step -- Money! Money! thou art much to be desired in this world of troubles & necessities -- Ask
Jennie if she can’t write me a letter!
Love to all & believe me your affectionate brother
John
Miss E. Wylie
Write soon
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