Poe Archive

Columbus, 10 Dec. 1826

My Dear Lucy,

I received your very affectionate and equally amusing letter last night and I can with truth say, it gave me happy enjoyment–though you remarked in the commencement that you had nothing to say, you said much that was gratifying to me however insipid it might be to others–And thus as you write for my eye alone you have nothing to fear. I only wish it was in my power to give you what the lawyers call a "quid pro quo"--but this I cannot do though in the town of Columbus, the capital of Ohio, and that too "in the gay season.”

Such was my intense interest in perusing your letter that I never discovered the representation of "Mr. Bond as he is to be under the keeping of his old Aunt", until I had read to the very top of his well drawn likeness. The quiz had an instantaneous affect on my laughing power, and it was observed by the young gentlemen in the office. I showed them the drawing and we all enjoyed it together. Now I acknowledge this to be a pretty good bone on me considering my frequent complaints, so incompatible with my lily pleasant appearance, & yet could wish my fears were such as might be they expelled. You could not have made me laugh more than you did by any means whatever. The whole of the letter containing small matters well told, is referred to frequently by way of driving off the blues-- Seeing that Joseph is indulging his talent at sketching though to be sure by way of elevating your genius I portend the likeness of as done by you. I send cousin a little slip intended for a page of your Scrap Book–It seems to me that Joseph might from this, design quite a good sketch–it is pretty and melancholy–and therefore pleases me.

But to say some few things concerning "me." The sound of the door at our "Adieu's" yet fresh in my ear; I found Mrs. B. "Little Sally & babe Martha" in the stage--quite a large and comfortable vehicle a port coach of the most improved order. Next we took in a Mrs. Nely & her "squalina"-then Mr. Standsman (you will know them as I give the names!!) and presently we were brought up all standing before "Capys' Cabbin--" "What's the matter driver?"--"A couple more passengers sir."--"And who are they?"--"A black lady and gentleman sir!" Thereupon after some consideration it was concluded that out of tender compassion for the “lovely cretin”, the Damsel might enter but we protested that "Capy" must sit with the driver and so it was determined. As this moment the coach door was opened and a {?} voice exclaimed as she approached, "Which seat John," (to the driver who seemed quite an an acquaintance), "back seat or front seat?"--"You must take the middle Sally," (says John)--"Well," says she, "I think you might have kept a good seat for me!" And in she pops accompanied by all the fragrant odors peculiar to the race. The coach being very close, I was obliged occasionally to open or rather lower a window under pretense of spitting by way of ventilation. With this cargo, we groped our way at the rate of about three miles an hour & awakened about dusk. I accompanied Madam to her residence & parted with many thanks, etc. It is proper that I should mention that I had a part of the way, the sweetest music in concert & solo as the car required.

I was asked to dine one day by Judge Parrish but was too much engaged. I dined yesterday with Mr. Dowel–quite a party–& in particular, Bells of the day hereafter. The legislature is in session. I have not been into the State House once. Governor Trimble is expected here in a few days. The canal Commissioners not yet here–They are expected not until about the 18 inst. I stop at the same house as before now kept by Browning. My business has kept me too much engaged to go any where or see anything unless one night to the port office where I purchased the {?} Ribbon or Ribband (which is right?) though I regret to say the wide is all gone and I think you were mistaken in the quantity for I have purchased five yards of the narrow being {?} it's a growing port office, to buy such an article.

Well my dear Lucy, I cannot possibly be {?} And to leave here in the morning so I send this letter, all mixed up & confused as as it is being a true representation in that respect of the business which I have had to attend to during my stay. I shall be with you God willing on Wednesday, but don't keep the saddle of venison–it may spoil and I would not have it to so upon any accounts. I have my tooth brush and measure for children's shoes–I will enquire for crayon too. Shoes to be purchased if possible–money scarce and hard times I am proposing for you to visit Columbus faith I almost wish you were here but then I do not see much if any thing to amuse you. You may tell Joseph, I suffer no opportunity to enquiring about the Canal. I am quite confident he will {?} in the spring In the meantime he must study Strickland or any other practical book which he can get. Kiss all hands for me and pet my dear little daughters for their father. I am overtaken by the dusk of the evening and can just see-- Farewell.

Yours sincerely,

Wm. Key Bond