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| Charles Hiram "Harry" Tisdale |
Charles Hiram Tisdale, always known as Harry, was Belle Tisdale's youngest brother. He was born 30 May 1874 when Belle was 19 years old. He was the last child born to Eliza Helen Pratt and Benjamin Franklin Tisdale. The family soon moved to East Baton Rouge Parish and Harry's childhood was spent at his grandparents' home there,
His older brother, Robert Rafael Tisdale, wrote that "He attended the small country schools, but learned principally from his mother's tuition. The family afterward removed into the City of Baron Rouge, where he attended the public schools. He then entered Louisiana State University, from which he was graduated in 1895 with the degree of B.S." It was there that his mother sent this letter to him on October 18, 1893.
Louisiana State University began as the Louisiana State Seminary of Learning and Military Academy near Pineville, Louisiana in 1860 with Col. William Tecumseh Sherman as superintendent. It closed in 1861 because of the Civil War. Finally in 1869 the school reopened in Baton Rouge. In 1870 the name was changed to Louisiana State University. The Louisiana State Agricultural & Mechanical College was opened in New Orleans in 1874 and merged with LSU in 1877. It was there that Eliza sent her letter to Cadet Harry Tisdale.
Original 1893 October 16 Letter from Eliza Pratt Tisdale to Harry Tisdale in ink on lined paper, 7 3/4” x 8 3/4”, with envelope postmarked New Orleans Oct 18, 1893 11 AM, stamp cut off, transcribed exactly as written.
TRANSCRIPTION
[Front]
New Orleans Oct 16, 1893
Harry, My Dear boy
Your long looked for letter has come at last, you promised to write immediately do you call four 4, weeks immediately? I dont. Marion [Marion Franklin Pratt] is as mad as he can be, & sais he wont write to you now no matter how many letters you write to him. We have not gotten entirely fixed yet, but I think I will like it here. I staid all day yesterday with Belle, that is after Church was out. All were well there except the childrens arms, they have not started to school yet, Sam has not the money to pay for their books, Belle is still trying to get rid of her house, it is to high rent for them to pay. I am very thankfull your Uncle James sent you some money, was it for you to board, or to get you cloths, & books? Take good care of what he sends you, & write & thank him for it, now dont forget. Tell me all about it when you write. Lee [Olivia Tisdale] & Marion [Marion Eugene Tisdale] spent the day yesterday, over the river & had a nice time, they delivered your message, did Robert leave your Sheet, 4 Collars, night shirt, as he went up, & did he leave the trunk with the things in it for Lillie, tell Lillie I have her letter & wil answer another time. I had
[Back]
a letter from Lin, [Linnie Lusk Tisdale, wife of recently deceasd Frank Tisdale] she has not been well atall since she left here, her aunt will take good care of her & the baby, though, through the winter anyhow, the baby was well, & they all thought her so good & pretty, & they thought Frank's picture so good of him, & it is good Harry!
17th in the eve
Marion [Marion Franklin Pratt] recd your letter last night, & I have your book done up now ready to send you, I had to look a long time for it, as we hadnot unpacked our books yet. We havenot heard from Robt since he left, altho he was to write right off. Lee is busy making herself a dress. They are engaged at the Jacksons tonight. Well Harry I have been trying to make out a letter to you, I think you will find this a very poor one. If you can get out on All Saints, go to see Frank, Mary, & Mother, & take some flowers with you, I wish I could come up for All Saints, but I am absolutely penniless, ask Aunt Addie to put some on Franks grave. I know she will if she has them. Love to Willie Lillie [William Pratt Tisdale and his wife] & kisses to them & the children, & tell Willie I say to stop spoiling Hart [Willie's son Robert Hart Tisdale] Lee told me how bad he was. Goodbye now & God bless you. Try & do your very best this session, all send love to you
Loveingly Mama.
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