Scope and Contents

Matsey [Matthew F. Maury, Jr.] arrived unexpectedly this morning; he had left his luggage at the New York Hotel; instead of bringing it to 4th Street; thought it might be difficult for him to get to Richmond, Virginia; was glad to learn that he had a regular passport , but still wanted to consult others before he sent him off; went to Mr. [Chester A.] Arthur [future President of the U.S.]'s office to consult with him, but he had gone home; went to his house; Mrs. Arthur, [RM's cousin, Elizabeth Herndon] did not recognize Matsey at first, but was very happy to see him; Mr. Arthur said that he saw no risk in Matsey going to Richmond; Mrs. Arthur told them that Seth French and Mr. Crenshaw were staying  at the New York Hotel and were leaving for richmond soon; after dinner, sent Tobin and Matsey to the Hotel to see if they could find the gentlemen; after dinner, sent Tobin and Matsey to the Hotel to see if they could find the gentlemen; went to Irving Place and told them the news about M[atthew[ F[ontaine Maury[ Sen[io]r and Amtsey; Tobin and Matsey did find the gentlemen who planned the leave for Richmond the next morning; Matsey will go with them; Tobin brought him the address for Matsey's father in Mexico; M[atsey] told Seth French that his father had gone to Mexico to make a living; he also said that his father was ready to take the oath of allegiance, if they would let him go to his [MFM, Jr.] mother; otherwise his mother will go to his father; is sure that L[ouis] Nap[oleon] has told Max[imillia]n to court the good will of the Gov[ernmen]t  at Wash[ingto]n  because he does not want to go to war with them; expects Matthew F. Maury to leave Mexico; Matsey said he does not plan to go back to England, but that he plans to sty in Virginia;  (1 June) Matsey came by this morning to say goodbye; Mrs. Hawks called to say that Frank arrived last night from Raleigh, North Carolina; Mr. Hil of Milton, North Carolina called with a note of introduction to her from Nan; invited him to dinner, but she said that he might stop in at a later time; because of all the callers, did not make it to church; received her letter from Richmond; wishes she had waited longer before traveling to see friends, since the bridges had just been repaired; she received a letter F.C. Cooper enclosing a photo of Caroline Weston's surviving child; received a letter from Mr. Rodewald, who expressed the opinion that the former slaves will suffer under "Northern Philanthropy"; Mr. Clunas wrote that Englishmen feel amicably towards the U[nited] S[tates] on account of Mr. Lincoln's death; D[avid] Spence writes that he has heard of black soldiers being insolent towards white females; also reeived letter from Magruder Maury and Mr. G.B. Cummings. 14 pp. ALS Including N, undated, giving biographical information about people mentioned in the letter, 2pp.