Gray Letters 1848 02 21

Letter

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Museum of History Benicia

The image depicts a handwritten letter on blue paper, dated February 21, 1848, from Baltimore, addressed to Miss Hannah Whittlesey. The letter expresses sentiments of pleasure and gratitude for past meetings and the opportunity to write to her, reflecting on the importance of conversation and character development. The writer mentions seeking frequent occasions to engage in meaningful discourse and cherishing moments with loved ones, emphasizing the pursuit of personal growth and happiness. The handwriting is cursive and covers the entire page.

The image depicts a handwritten letter on blue paper, dated February 21, 1848, from Baltimore, addressed to Miss Hannah Whittlesey. The letter expresses sentiments of pleasure and gratitude for past meetings and the opportunity to write to her, reflecting on the importance of conversation and character development. The writer mentions seeking frequent occasions to engage in meaningful discourse and cherishing moments with loved ones, emphasizing the pursuit of personal growth and happiness. The handwriting is cursive and covers the entire page.

Name/Title

Gray Letters 1848 02 21

Entry/Object ID

2024.10.1.13

Description

This is a draft of a letter from Samuel C Gray to Hannah Whittelsy (1755 - 1855). It is dated 02/21/1848 and sent from Baltimore, MD. Samuel mentions that Hannah is "kinwoman" to Lucy Wetmore Gray, his wife. Hannah Whittsley is the only child of Hannah Edwards Wetmore and Hannah Edwards Wetmore is Lucy Wetmore's grandmother. In the letter Samuel Gray is concerned that our "servants" in Washington are considering war with our neighbor the Mexican Republic. It sounds like he would support Henry Clay for President except he thinks he compromises too much. His preference seems to be General Taylor. Ironic that the very war that Samuel Gray wants to avert, is the reason he went to California, and it shaped the rest of his life. NOTE: Presidential elections were held in the United States on November 7, 1848. Held in the aftermath of the Mexican American War, General Zachary Taylor of the Whig Party defeated Senator Lewis Cass of the Democratic Party. Despite Taylor's unclear political affiliations and beliefs, and the Whig opposition to the Mexican–American War, the 1848 Whig National Convention nominated the popular general over party stalwarts such as Henry Clay and Daniel Webster.

Collection

Benicia Historical Museum Collection

Letter Details

Letter Date

Feb 21, 1848