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McSherry, Anna, 1833-? to Henry F. McSherry

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.21.08 Author/Creator: McSherry, Anna, 1833-? Place Written: Martinsburg, Virginia Type: Autograph letter Date: circa early 1861 Pagination: 4 p. : Height: 20.4 cm, Width: 12.6 cm Order a Copy

Large parts of the letter are faded and it is hard to read. References receiving Henry's letter. Says she is sorry to hear that he is to lose Mr. Cunningham - who appeared to be a naval officer on Henry's ship. She knew he was an agreeable companion. Cunningham might have left the U.S. Navy to join the Confederacy. She writes, "It is a pity to think such a fine[,] efficient Navy may be no longer National." Says they will no longer be a "Great Power" if the country splits into Northern and Southern Confederacies. Says if it happens then the Pacific States, which are far away, will more than likely form their own government too. She hopes the Northern States will repeal their laws nullifying the Fugitive Slave Law. But also says she is "afraid of the Southern politicians. I believe they are almost as bad as in the North." Wants to know if he met the Spanish sailors where he is. Updates him on family and friends. Says she is knitting a shawl or a cape. Their father has backed out of buying the land from Mr. Janney(?). Seems to mention property owned by Rittenhouse that could be bought, but the text is faded. No place written provided, but assumed from previous letters by Anna McSherry.

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