Reading 25: Eliza Lucas Letters Summary

Eliza Lucas Letters, 1740-1741

Overview

Eliza Lucas was born into a moderately wealthy family in South Carolina.
She managed her money and significantly increased her family's wealth.
The letters provide insight into the commercial revolution and social setting during the early eighteenth century.

Letter to a Friend in London - May 2, 1740

Eliza expresses her satisfaction with living in South Carolina.
She states that while she prefers England, Carolina is better than the West Indies.
She mentions her good social circle and the civility she has received.
Charles Town is described as a polite and agreeable place where people live in the English style.
The country is generally fertile with plenty of venison and wild fowl, though the venison is not as fatty as in England.
Eliza's parents allow her to choose their place of residence, and she prefers the country during her father's absence.
Their residence is described as 17 miles by land and 6 by water from Charles Town.
They have about 6 agreeable families nearby with whom they live harmoniously.
Eliza has a well-furnished library inherited from her father, where she spends time.
She enjoys music and gardening.
She manages three plantations due to her mother's poor health, which involves considerable writing and other business activities.
Despite the workload, she feels happy to assist her father and manages by rising early.
She has social outlets with Mrs. Pickney and Mrs. Cleland in Charles Town, who invite her to stay with them and encourage her to relax.
She sometimes spends 3 weeks to a month in town, enjoying the pleasures of Charles Town.

Letter to Her Father - June 4, 1741

Eliza expresses relief and joy upon receiving his letters from February 19, 20, and 21, after a long period of silence.
They had feared a fatal accident due to the lack of communication.
She is thankful for his recovery from illness.
She sympathizes with the scarcity of provisions affecting the poorer people.
She will send as much provisions as possible, including a barrel of butter ordered from Starrat.
She awaits the boat from Garden Hill to provide an update on affairs there.
A frost damaged the cotton, guiney corn, and most of the ginger crops.
A previous letter mentioned a fine crop of indigo seed, which was also affected by the frost before it could dry.
She attempted to replant, but only about 100 bushes grew.
She believes Indigo will become a valuable commodity if they can get the seed from the West Indies early enough to plant by the end of March to avoid the frost.
She is preparing the works for indigo production for the next year.
The lucern is still weak, but Mr. Hunt says this is normal in the first year.
The death of her grandmother was shocking and grievous to her mother, but they hope time will lessen the grief.
She is grateful for the $£50$ bill of exchange he sent.
News includes that Carthagene is taken.
Mr. Wallis has died.
Capt. Norberry was killed in a duel by Capt. Dobrusee, who was severely wounded and blamed for the quarrel given Norberry's reputation.
Norberry leaves behind a wife and $3$ or $4$ children in poor circumstances.
Her mother sends her affection, and Polly sends her duty.