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ARTHUR, CHESTER A. Autograph Letter Signed, “C.A. Arthur,” to his brother-
in-law, John E. McElroy, offering to arrange passage on a ship for [his wife’s uncle] Dr.
[Brodie Strachan] Herndon.With note written by C.A.Arthur III, on the terminal page, in
pencil. 3 pages, 8vo, written on a folded sheet; some cockling along outer edge of terminal
leaf. Signature written vertically and partially over text. (TFC)
NewYork, 2 May [1878]
[600/900]
“
. . . I have engaged a state room on the ‘Anchovia’ & have written to [Dr. Brodie Herndon] that if
he desired to change & go on the 25th (Capt. Craig not being in command of the Anchovia) I could
make such arrangement if he would notify me immediately. I do not know yet what the charge will be
for passage &c. & return, but I have no doubt there will be some reduction at my request. . . .
“
I am awfully lonesome and not at all well.”
Arthur’s mother-in-law, Frances Elizabeth Hansborough Herndon, died in France in April of 1878;
the ocean trip in the present letter was likely occasioned by her death.