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1871 Antique Handwritten Letter Washington DC History Capitol Fireworks Ephemera
Approximately 4.5" by 7"
Item Overview
Type: Original Antique Handwritten Letter (ALS - Autograph Letter Signed)
Date: February 23, 1871
Location Content: Washington, D.C. references (The Capitol, Washington social etiquette)
Condition: Good antique condition with expected age-toning, fold lines, and minor wear. Fully legible ink script. Please see photos for detailed physical condition.
Historical Content & Context
This is a fascinating 1871 letter written from a parent ("My dear Child") addressing their child who is currently staying or visiting in Washington, D.C.
The letter offers an intimate glimpse into 19th-century family dynamics, social expectations, and travel. It includes excellent historical references, such as:
The U.S. Capitol & Fireworks: Mentioning a brother (Emile) who went with the recipient to see "the fireworks" and asking about a lady who accompanied them to "the Capitol."
19th-Century Social Etiquette: The writer heavily lectures the child on social graces, reminding them to leave calling cards, return visits, and not be rude to prominent families.
Name & Place Drops: References to family names and acquaintances including "the Bradleys," "Miss Hornblower," "the Elliots," and a mention of "Fort Foote" (a Civil War-era fort just outside D.C.).
Spelling Correction: Amusingly, the parent corrects the child's spelling at the end, noting, "You spell Senate and Senators [wrong]." The parent also cross-wrote in the margins: "I told you to be polite to the Elliots, Senate Senators."
Full Transcription
[Page 1]Your Brother Emile forgot to give you a little package Sister sent you containing some [caps] for your head
February 23 1871My dear Child—Your Brother Emile has just arrived but brought no news from you excepting that he had gone with you to see the fire works. He says he expected to see you again but could not do so.You have not mentioned cousin Lizzie have you been rude to her and offended her or her friends by neglecting them. How about others who have been polite to you the Bradleys? I hope you paid a party call at once. Don't leave Washington without calling on them. Mrs. Chaperon
[Page 2][Cross-written in margin]: I told you to be polite to the Elliots, Senate Senators.
Miss Hornblower will be with them be sure to leave a card for her as well as for the other Ladies of the Bradley family.How about that long letter you were to have written last Sunday?How old a lady is Bunny who has gone with you to the Capitol? There are several persons you mentioned as having called upon you I hope you returned their calls. Don't forget to be polite to the Elliots.I hope I shall not hear that you have been rude to any one.Have you written to Mrs. Guest the other lady who was so kind to you at Fort Foote? You spell Senate and Senators [wrong].
[Upside down text at top of Page 2]:Good night my dear Child. Be prudent don't be late in mornings. For your mother's sake a good child.
