1837: Robert Walton to Evelina Sarah (Watkins) Walton

This letter was written by Robert Walton (1791-1870), son of Robert Walton (1758-1800) and Blanche Glasscock (1758-1800). It was written to his wife, the former Evelina Sarah Watkins, the daughter of Claiborne Watkins and Elizabeth Craig. Robert and Evelina were married in 1813. Their children included (those in bold were living at the time this letter was written):

i. Elizabeth Walton was born 23 SEP 1814, and died 2 FEB 1835.
ii. Anderson Watkins Walton was born 20 JUN 1817, and died 26 APR 1885. He married Elizabeth Grace Holt 25 NOV 1841.
iii. Blanche Walton was born 26 JUL 1819, and died 3 AUG 1819.
iv. Mary Louisa Walton was born 1 SEP 1820, and died 24 FEB 1903.
v. William Augustus Walton was born 15 SEP 1822, and died 21 SEP 1882.
vi. Leonidas Watkins Walton was born 8 NOV 1825.
vii. Robert Walton was born 12 OCT 1826, and died 4 NOV 1908.
viii. Claiborne Russell Walton was born 28 MAY 1829.
ix. Evelina Sally Hamilton Walton was born 1 OCT 1832, and died 1 JAN 1843.
x. Catherine Elizabeth Walton was born 30 JUL 1835, and died 26 OCT 1898.

Stampless Cover

Page 1

Page 2

Page 3

TRANSCRIPTION

Addressed to Mrs. Evelina S. Watson, Augusta, Georgia

Clarksville, [Georgia]
20 August 1837

I am my dearest, you see, again at this notable village having been turned homewards. Shall leave tomorrow for Gainesville where I shall tarry a day or two & then by Jefferson & Athens, and expect to be again with you on the 1st September as before determined on.

I was delighted with my weeks stay in the Valley of the “Evening Star” where I drank of the mineral spring & breathed the pure air of the fair famed Yonah Mountain, and I hope not without benefit. This valley (of which I have given you the meaning in English above) — the “Nabenacha” is surrounded by mountains, and is the most interesting spot I have seen, and all our lowland [paper torn] _____ders delight to look upon it and the wealthy as well as the afflicted, find pleasure in a visit to it.

I feel almost at home in my travels, as I meet with acquaintances almost every stopping place.

I was quite surprised to find Mrs. D. Caster & Mrs. Ball here without their husbands. Mr. D’Antignac & family are also here. And I am greatly flattered by their commendations on my fine complexion & general improvement is quite the theme. But I must be a little candid and tell you that I have been twice in the deer hunt and even among their fair hills & valleys. I find the sun to shine, and to the exposure to its rays am I indebted as has before happened in Richmond.

Tell the boys Pa was strong enough to tote a great musket as common guns are not always to be had, but the cowardly deer would not oblige me by affording a chance to draw a trigger. So ran off with his goodly flesh.

This day being Sunday, I am compelled to write on this unusual sheet, for the want of a better. And I hope it will be the last occasion I shall have to write. The mail comes in presently & your will may change my views. I have just time to say the mail is in and thank you for yours of the 12th which seems to have lost its way.

Good bye until I see you, which will I hope be as soon as mentioned. Your own as ever, — Robert Walton

A kiss for our little girl & love to the boys.