Beschreibung:

Collection of 6 letters accompanied by a family history of the Hill family. The Hill's resided in Cincinnati during a very exciting time in its history. "Our city is improving very fast," writes Edward's brother Alfred, "the vacant lot in front of the house has seven houses built on it." (Oct 13, 1847) At the time, Cincinnati was forming into a booming metropolis but with its exponential growth came with some growing pains. "There is a great deal of of killing and robbing in the city and there is not a night passes around without some house is broken into and robbed...there is more liquor and drunken folks here than has been seen several years and some of the most daring thefts by small boys and the city is building a House of Correction for juvenile offenders..." (June 10, 1848) The family was also very in tune to political events in the city. They speak in detail about the War in Mexico and speak about all the clauses in the treaty authored by Trist. They discuss the presidential election and the fervent responses from the Whig convention for nominating Zachary Taylor over Harrison. They also discuss rising tensions between the North and South over the Wilmot Proviso. Despite all the exciting happenings in Cincinnati and in the political world, Mexico seemed more exhilarating and exotic to the Hill family. They pleaded for their son to relay all the details from Mexico. Letters do not reveal Edward's motives for emigrating to Mexico. It can be assumed that he was participating in the land grab for recently acquired property, or he was simply a young man seeking adventure. It is certain that he moved and remained in Monterrey and made a life for himself. "Those that called on us some said you were carrying on a still house and grinding corn & also keeping a liquor and produce store in town..." (July 26, 1847). His business venture selling alcohol to soldiers seemed profitable, at least until "Old Taylor" dried up his still (October 13, 1847). Edward married a young Mexican girl named Maria, but neglected to tell his family. Obviously, his parents and brothers were shocked but also excited about the "Spanish Lady" in their family. Edward and his wife's portrait were well received by the family and neighbors. "We have frequent calls to see the Spanish Lady and we expect when she comes home our house will not hold the people that will call to see her..." (March 5, 1848) Maria also sent the family "a great present" containing a "shirt and two little napkins...and 71 small pieces of Coin used in Mexico...we have had hundreds to call on us to see the beautiful needlework of our daughter-in-law..." (October 7, 1850) Edward's family pleaded for him to "learn her English" so they could speak to her and move to the United States. Either because he could not afford it or his health would not allow it, Edward never returned home. He died in Mexico most likely from the cholera outbreak in his region in 1848 or 1849. Edward's family attempted to contact Maria and get her to Cincinnati. They wrote to her, "We received your last letter dated March 14th 1850 in which you stated you would follow the directions we gave you in our last letter as to the manner you might come to Cincinnati without our coming after you and that if your mothers health was restored you would be in New Orleans about the 15th day of May last since which time we have been daily looking for you to arrive at Cincinnati but we have been as yet disappointed and you haven't written since then, we are uneasy as to your whereabouts..." (Oct 7th 1850) The Hill's continued to search in vain. They wrote again in November, "We want you to come before mary learns to talk Spanish as Grandmother will not be able to understand her. Grandmother is saving up things that belonged to little mary's father for her to see when she comes and also her father's miniature so that when you come we can have Edwards daguerreotype retaken...we have given up looking for you this season, but we hope y