Transcribe Fenn, Robert. Letter to Ward, Henry A. (1855-11)

a couple of miles beyond Halsted Hall where he intends removing as soon as possible It is commonly reported that the Elys intend repurchasing the old place. I know they would like to come back to the park again. You have doubtless heard that your cousin Wm Ward has lately attempted to </u ameliorate > his single position by forming a matrimonial connection with the eldest daughter of Isaac Hills. It is considered a very promising match agreeable to all parties even back to the third and fourth generations and was misinformed about Pomeroy's being engaged to Miss Laura Greenough. The truth is he was engaged to a young and beautiful southern heiress who was last spring called by consumption to inhabit the narrow house prepared for all living instead of the residence which his Father intended erecting for them between his house and E Darwin Smiths. The Father of his intended wanted Pomeroy to accompany his family in a four years tour through Europe, but not being willing at his time of life to spend so long a period in what would be principaly a pleasure trip he declined, however at their earnest solicitation he accompanied them as far as London last spring and spent about a month with them . He is at present residing in Chicago engaged in es- tablishing a banking house which if I have been correctly informed is to be a branch of the house in this place. Tom has certainly been an uncommonly lucky fellow considering he is about as prepossessing in appearance as a stump fence and not over and above smart. but as Mr Pomery did not take Miss Laura another fellow did a Mr Repka from Phil -who was, of course reported to be wealthy Her marriage which took place in St Pauls Church created quite a sensation, there were six bridesmaids a rather larger number than is </s costume > customary in this part of the world, but considering the size of the bride perhaps the number was not much out of the usual proportion. It is currently reported that her Mother is to marry Daddy Champion though the report has been in circulation so often and proved untrue that it is now received with suspicion. Without doubt the lady her self would be overjoyed to make it a reality as in the ordinary course of events the old man would survive but a few years and she would be left a wealthy widow and free to form a more congenial connection. I hope if he is fool enough to fall a victim to the snares of an artful woman who cares more for his wealth than his person, he will as a punishment to both parties live till he is a hundred years old. To increase my already abundant supply of matrimonial matter i must forget to mention the sacrifice of Miss Lucy Hall, who you will probably