.MTI2MA.MjIwNQ
3 August 1863
Powell Papers – 65 P875, Box III, Folder 4
- - - - -
Verdon Hanover
Augt 3, 1863
Miss Nina L. Powell
Yours of the
24th Ult. is to hand – In
times of such difficulty I find
it as much as I can do to
provide for so large a family
as mine, receiving so small
a Salary as I do, only $600 &
I feel unwilling to levy (?) myself
under any obligation that
I cannot meet – I see from
an advertisement in the paper
that a lady advertises to
teach French, Music & the
ordinary English branches
to reside in Richd simply
for her board which is now
one of the most serious
items in living, as everything
is so scarce – With us
[2]
music is not indispensable,
& in consideration of that fact,
I will submit to you the
following proposition which
I think is quite liberal, as I
have never paid over $200
for a teacher, & for the last
two years not half that
amt – I have two boys & a
daughter, for whose tuition I
will give you $300 but to enable
me to pay that amt I must
have the privilege of taking two
day scholars, & you can have
all we can get over that number.
I know of three I can get &
I feel very sure of two others,
which would make the school
consist of eight pupils, for
three of who you would
receive $150, making your
salary amount to $450 &
[3]
board, which in these times
is quite a good living – One
of our neighbors has a friend
who gets in Richd $1500
salary & pays $125 per Month
which consumes every dollar
for his board monthly & leaves
him nothing for clothing &c
If you think favorably of the above,
please inform me at once.
Very truly
H Stringfellow
(Note: Nina must have responded to the Rectors letter of 21 July and they have begun negotiations. A move to Hanover would put her closer to her father but further from her two sisters and also in much greater peril from Yankee cavalry raids and campaigns by the armies.)