Letter signed Mary [Hall], Fayette, to sister Lydia Marmion. We have not heard from George [H. Hall] since February. One of his company have died and we are anxious about him. Many have gone from here this spring; many have been unfortunate on account of having started too early and been compelled to return to their homes. John Beanman[?] and his brother Charles have gone and also Mr. Cleaveland and his oldest son. We have had the most unpleasant spring. I was fearful for the peaches. Ma [Statira Hall] has her crops of oats and corn in and some of the corn is coming up; in a town life you cannot imagine how troublesome it is to have to wait on the weather. I am in hopes Willard [P. Hall] will not be defeated though there are great efforts being made. We were disappointed that his wife [Anne Richardson Hall] didn’t accompany Annie [Hall] home. Added note, unsigned, from Annie Hall: Many emigrants who started this spring for California have returned after witnessing enough of the Elephant as they designate hardship to dishearten them. Mrs. Cook gave me a bridal wreath which I shall wear New Years’ night. Oh, how I wish you dear sister could be present at that time. I suppose you have seen Mrs. Floor [Flore?] and have had a most unfavorable description of my intended…pay no heed to what she says for she hates Dr. Terrill with most inveterate hatred, and he despises her accordingly. Individuals mentioned: Mr. and Mrs. Cooke [Cook?] and Octavia [Mrs. William A. Hall]. Places mentioned: Virginia., [ca. 1850] Aug 20, Box: 1, Folder: 1. Willard P. Hall Papers, A0642. Missouri Historical Society Library and Research Center.

Letter signed Mary [Hall], Fayette, to sister Lydia Marmion. We have not heard from George [H. Hall] since February. One of his company have died and we are anxious about him. Many have gone from here this spring; many have been unfortunate on account of having started too early and been compelled to return to their homes. John Beanman[?] and his brother Charles have gone and also Mr. Cleaveland and his oldest son. We have had the most unpleasant spring. I was fearful for the peaches. Ma [Statira Hall] has her crops of oats and corn in and some of the corn is coming up; in a town life you cannot imagine how troublesome it is to have to wait on the weather. I am in hopes Willard [P. Hall] will not be defeated though there are great efforts being made. We were disappointed that his wife [Anne Richardson Hall] didn’t accompany Annie [Hall] home. Added note, unsigned, from Annie Hall: Many emigrants who started this spring for California have returned after witnessing enough of the Elephant as they designate hardship to dishearten them. Mrs. Cook gave me a bridal wreath which I shall wear New Years’ night. Oh, how I wish you dear sister could be present at that time. I suppose you have seen Mrs. Floor [Flore?] and have had a most unfavorable description of my intended…pay no heed to what she says for she hates Dr. Terrill with most inveterate hatred, and he despises her accordingly. Individuals mentioned: Mr. and Mrs. Cooke [Cook?] and Octavia [Mrs. William A. Hall]. Places mentioned: Virginia., [ca. 1850] Aug 20, Box: 1, Folder: 1. Willard P. Hall Papers, A0642. Missouri Historical Society Library and Research Center. https://mohistory.mobiusconsortium.org/repositories/2/archival_objects/50091 Accessed November 25, 2024.