Name/Title
LetterEntry/Object ID
2001.026Description
A letter written in ink from Henry Clay to his grandson, Eugene Erwin, dated September 14, 1851. Letter written on front and back has several creases with tears at some of the creases, but not effecting text. Letter discusses the sale of Woodlands (the Erwin family home) and the amount of money that each child will get, the behavior of Henry Clay Erwin and Charles Edward Erwin (Eugene's brothers), Eugene living in California, and his sister Lucretia Hart Erwin, who is expecting a child. Clay also remarks that his health is delicate. Text of letter follows:
My dear Eugene Ashland 14th September 1851
I received today your letter of the 11th of July. I had previously written to you communicating the death of your father on the 1st of June. Since then measures have been adopted to produce a sale of the Woodlands and other property, on behalf of yourself, brothers and sister, to pay the amount to which you are entitled from your mother; but the sale had not yet been ordered, and will not be until some time next year. I think each of you will not get less than $10,000. In the meantime your mother-in-law and her family continue to occupy the Woodlands. It may be necessary for a guardian to be appointed for you until you arrive at full age, and for you to signify to me who you wish to be appointed. I would serve you but for my age and the uncertainty of life. I think you had better designate Mr. J[ames].O. Harrison or Mr. Tho[mas] A. Marshall to act as your guardian. As to Henry [Clay Erwin], I am sorry to say that I am afraid that he is too selfish and devoted to the gratification of his sensual appetites to be relied on; and he has I think shown himself more inclined to the interest of others than to that of his own brothers and sisters.
Edward [Charles Edward Erwin] has not behaved well. He left home some weeks ago, without my consent, but with his brothers, to join the expedition to Cuba. I have not heard from him, but I suppose that he did not get further than New Orleans, and that he will return from that city. His conduct has given me great pain and anxiety, and I know not what will become of him.
I am glad to hear that you are pleased with California; and I think that you had better remain there than come home, if you see any fair prospect of doing well. I am sure that if you come home shortly, you will find nothing here to gratify or encourage you. If you remain there a few years, and accumulate a respectable sum, on your final return with that, and with what you may get from your mother's estate, you may be able to engage in some profitable business.
I hear frequently from Lucretia [Hart Erwin], who expects soon to be a mother; but poor girl she is very much in want of what is due to her on account of her mother, her husband being very poor, although a very good person.
I am sorry that you should have reason to complain of the neglect of your relations in writing to you. I am now old and writing is rather irksome to me.
We are all well at Ashland, at Mansfield, and I believe at the Woodlands, except myself. My health continues delicate.
All here join me in love to you.
Your affectionate grandfather
Mr. Eugene Erwin H. ClayDimensions
Height
9-7/8 inWidth
7-7/8 in