Tampa, Fla. Jan. 8th, 1858
My Dear Cousin:
I arrived at this place on the 5th inst. perfectly wearied with travelling. And what do you suppose was the first thing I did on arriving here. Of Course I went first to the Post Office to inquire for letters. I had directed several correspondents besides you to address me at this place, but when I went to the office I received no letter but yours of the 6th Sept. A thousand thanks for that one. Its perusal cheered my feelings which had been very much depressed. And where do you think I was at when I read it. On the bank of the Hillsborough, a clear, beautiful, rapid river, forty yards above where it empties into Hillsborough Bay - a beautiful expanse of water interspersed here and there with delightful little islands of the purest green. Skiffs and boats were skimming the placid bosom of the bay, mullet were bounding above its surface, and a thousand birds of various sizes and hues were chirping and quacking and floating upon its waving bosom,or sailing through its balmy air perfumed by many a flower growing luminantly upon its banks. I became enthusiastic, and mentally exclaimed, Oh! that the writer of this, my dear cousin Sallie was here to enjoy this scene with me. Oh! that she were only here to mount with me the deck of a boat to admire and lavish thanks to the God of Nature for such a magnificent scene. Under such circumstances, to send a letter from a relative and highly respected friend, is indeed touching to the deepest and purest feelings of the hear. The manner in which you were pleased to press for me your priceless friendship and esteem was entirely in unison with the soul inspiring scene. Priceless friendship; invaluable esteem; though unworthy I appreciate them, and it shall be one aim of my life not to forfeit the one nore the other. To be assured of them - assured by you - six hundred miles from home,in a strange land, surrounded by the beauties and sublimities of nature - was it not affecting?
And Cousin Gabe is married? That was news to me. Be certain to congratulate him in my name. He has my best wishes for his happiness and prosperity through life. As to his persuading cousin Ann to go with him to Missouri - but then you are not going, are you, cousin Sallie? I forget. You say you care not? And why? Are you indifferent to all the ties that should bind you to your childhood's home, to your native land? and has your kind little heart never told you that you ought not to go. I know it has. Then why are you so indifferent? Where are your memories of the past? Are you indifferent to them? You cannot be. Then why do you care not about leaving Georgia?
As you have been reading "Washington and his Generals" by Lippard. It is an excellent work, embellished with a highly cultivated imagination as his writings usually are. His "Legends of Mexico" are surpassingly grand, and his "Legends of the Revolution" you must read by all means if you have not read them. I, too, though travelling, have been reading some. I have been poring over the interesting pages of "Panorama of Nature and Art", and have just finished "The Wandering Jew" by Eugene Sue, which was very popular a few years ago. I must confess that I was disappointed in its perusal. Some of the scenes are shocking to probability, some parts, the descriptions are tedious and tiresome, and finally the plot is entirely too tragical. Virtue and honesty should always be victorious; but in this vice and rascality conquer and kill, until in their turn they are conquered and killed by death.
I think Cousin James is acting wisely in returning to College. An education is something of which he cannot be deprived but by death. Why as he not written to me? I must think he has treated me badly.
I would give you a description of Florida were it not that it would make this letter inexcusably long. Suffice it to say, here the magnolia raises its persevering head high up towards heaven, the orange grows in wild luxuriance, and towering pines spread their umbrageous arms aloft to shade the sandy soil and delicate flowers beneath. Here are also many inland lakes and cypress swamps inexpressibly charming. The climate is mild and delightful, the weathre being as warm as an April day in Gordon. No one could ask for a more delightful place in the winter season,but in the summer - I must leave it before then. My health is still feeble.
Now and ever, affectionately,
your cousin, Sidney
Address me at this place right away
Tampa, Hillsborough Co., Fla.