Letter signed Anne [Mrs. Willard P. Hall], Washington, to Sister [Lydia Marmion, Harpers Ferry, Va.]. I have been out so little since my arrival into the great City of Washington that I know very little about the fashions. The most fashionable dresses are made with flounces, from two to four on a dress; the waist and sleeves are made as they are making them in Harpers Ferry. All materials are used. White bonnets are worn most; straw or canary is very fashionable. Cloaks like mine are very much worn. Berthas will no doubt be worn this winter at all events Anne had best alter her capes into same and had best bring her pink bonnet with her. News from home. Pa and Ma were well. Willard heard from his brother William [A. Hall]. I have been up to the Capitol and like it very much. The painting of Pocahontas is certainly the prettiest painting I have ever seen, but I have not seen many fine ones. Mr. & Mrs. Tuttle have been to see me. Genl. [Stephen W.] Kearny & lady called yesterday. Mrs. and Miss Winsatt[?] are very kind. Note added by Willard P. Hall: Will send money for Anne’s trip to Washington. I was examined yesterday in the [John C.] Fremont case…was asked but four questions and dismissed. Col. [Thomas Hart] Benton appears more friendly than I expected to find him. I hope we will be good friends. Our house has been organized by the election of Whig officers. Some effort is made to create an excitement on account of the Whig proscription. I do not blame the poor Whigs, however, for doing just what I would have done in their place., 1847 Dec 12

Item — Box: 1, Folder: 1

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

From the Collection:

The collection contains primarily letters of Hall family members to family in Virginia and Missouri discussing family news, farming, their enslaved labor, their legal and political careers, the Mexican-American War, the California Gold Rush, and the John Brown raid on Harpers Ferry. Correspondents include Willard P. Hall and wife Anne E. Richardson Hall, mother Statira Hall, and siblings William A. Hall, George H. Hall, Mary Hall, and Anna Hall.