Martin Van Buren Lewis correspondence, 1857-1863

Abstract

Consists of correspondence between Martin Van Buren Lewis and his wife Mary. There is also some correspondence from Mary to her mother and some letters from Martin’s friends. There are 15 letters from Martin to Mary. Some of the letters were written while he was at the United States Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. and others from Warren, Ohio. He writes about a training accident for which he was hospitalized, the rules he must follow, and his studies.

There are 12 letters written by Mary to her mother. The letters are written from the Lake Erie Seminary in Painesville, Ohio and addressed to her mother in North Bloomfield, Ohio. She asks for food to be sent and more letters too. She also comments on the numerous rules students are expected to follow.

There are three letters to Lieut. M.V.B. Lewis in Ohio from friends. One of the letters is from a friend who recently visited Niagara Falls and describes his trip. He notes that “I went to Niagara Falls to visit a female cousin there. I saw Blondin go over the Falls on his rope and it was the most daring feat that I ever witnessed”.