The Printer's Kiss: The Life and Letters of a Civil War Newspaperman and His Family

4. Looking for Relief

21 ChAPTer FOUr } should you see afar off that worth winning, set out on the journey with trust, And ne’er heed if your path beginning, should be among brambles and dust . . . And hardships may hinder and stay, Keep a heart, and be sure you’ll get through it, For “Where there’s a will there’s a way.” —eliza Cook, “Where There’s a Will There’s a Way,” Democratic Standard, July 16, 1850 Looking for Relief After his return from Mexico, Tomlinson took his family back to Georgetown. Their oldest child, five­year­old George, and his baby sis­ ter, Margaret, went with them. For some reason, they left two­year­old Byers in ripley, perhaps because he was ill and not up to traveling. The road from the river up through the hills to Georgetown on the northern plateau of Brown County was long and winding, especially when the trip involved traveling by wagon in bitter winter weather. * * * * * Tomlinson to sarah (Mother­in­Law) Georgetown, Ohio, February 25, 1849 Dear Mother: We reached here about two o’clock on Friday. We had a very tough time of it. One of the traces broke twice. We stopped at Mr. shepherd’s, and got some milk for little Margaret, and bread and butter for George, and apples for all, and after warming and feeling refreshed, we pushed on through the mud here. We have a comfortable and handy room to stay in, but the wood we have to burn in the fireplace is wet and disagreeable 22 } the printer’s kiss to deal with. Yesterday we succeeded in renting a house to live in—it is a frame building on the corner opposite the jail, built by David Crawford, and will make a very comfortable home. The rent is 42 dollars a year. We have also got a room for an office—the frame on the corner opposite where we used to live, where sallie now lives—rent 24 dollars. We cannot now say when a wagon will be down, but in a few days anyhow. As to the furniture and materials we shall want, i cannot now speak. We shall probably make a trade with DeWitt Johnston for his fur­ niture, as he has broken up house­keeping and wants to sell off his goods. George often wants pap to take him home. We don’t like the idea of this being home. We will get moved into our own house before this day week, when we hope to feel a little more at home ourselves. W. Tomlinson eliza to sarah (Mother) Georgetown, Ohio, February 25, 1849 Dear Mother, We are all as well as what we were when we left. i have nothing more to add at present. Yours etc., Oh poor little Byers. Kiss him for me. Adieu, eliza W. Tomlinson * * * * * in Georgetown, Tomlinson resumed publication of the Democratic Standard , which he soon merged with another local weekly, the Democrat and Journal, to form the Democratic Union. Meanwhile, at home, heartbreak and sorrow began to intrude upon the young family. The Tomlinson’s in­ fant son, Adam newton, died of lung fever on January 2, 1851, before he was even a month old. spring must have seemed especially slow in coming that year. eliza, at home alone with two­year­old Margaret or “sis,” was anxious to hear from her mother, sarah, and cousin, sarah McMillan.1 * * * * * looking for relief } 23 eliza to sarah (Mother) Georgetown, Ohio, May 7, 1851 Dear Mother, i was sadly disappointed in not hearing from you on last saturday. i understood Cousin sarah to say that she would write me at that time. her failing to do so has caused me much anxiety. i hope you will let me know how you are by the first opportunity. George has had a very bad cough and high fever almost ever since i came home. he was a little better this morning and i sent him and Byers both to school. Mr. Pearce from Deca­ tur called here today. he says that brother Byers and family are all well. i suppose that we will have Dick with us again as Tomlinson sent him the money he requested of him. it is now supper time. i must therefore be brief. Yours etc., eliza Tomlinson now confirm sarah. i wish you to write to me as soon as you receive this. if you...