The Nelson Chronicles *orig in Anchors Away* by Carol Foss
Edith Nelson
Admiral Harriman Nelson
Nelson Institute of Marine Research ( Don’t you just
love it when I get so formal? Tease, tease!)
Santa Barbara, CA
July 15, 1987
Harry dear,
I found
some interesting things in the family archives again. You know, that poor old
attic has seen better days. Anyway, before I send these off to the historical
society, I thought you might like to see photocopies of them
. I’ve also had them transcribed so they’re easier to read. They’re
pretty frayed and crumbly and water damaged from that blasted roof that can’t
seem to stay repaired. REALLY, Harry, we need to revamp the whole place.It’s
just sitting there collecting cobwebs and not doing anybody any good! Let’s fix
it up and rent it out again! Or better yet, why don’t we set it up as a shelter
for some poor souls?
Anyway,
there’s even a letter from one of your old schoolteachers! Am I glad I never
had her! But you were a bit of a terror I think! Ha Ha.
I’m
really interested in somebody called Snuffy, and it seems that an old fogey named Shamus, was a
real pill!
Well, I’m
off to another charity gala in London, and I hope I don’t have to stand in the
receiving line too long with a smile glued on. But it’s for a good cause though
you know how much more I’d prefer puttering in a garden or listening to the
Beach Boys. Okay, okay, don’t laugh.
Why even some of your own crewmen like them!
Oh, yes,
I’ve had good news from Shri-Lanka. The leprosy medications we sent have
completely wiped it out there! For the first time in history, it looks like
this plaque may be gone for good! Now all we have to do is find cures for all the other horrible
diseases out there. Also, Harry, our homeless shelters won’t do any long term
good if we cant help these folks into better employment, so I’m sending a few
to NIMR . I’m sure you can do something, while the foundation is trying to work
out something with congress.
Speaking
of your precious institute, how is your submarine? Is
Lee still having a grand time playing Captain Nemo? Will he ever be serious
about a female of the human variety or is he still unremittingly in love with
his lady of titanium? ha ha. I’ll bet he still has
Angie and Katie and all the other gals at the institute fawning over him like
he’s Prince Charming, he’s so gorgeous.
Well,
you’re probably anxious to get back to another experiment. Please try to come
out for Christmas? I miss you terribly. Of course, I could always come out
there and we could have Christmas dinner on Seaview in that grotto Lee told me
about. Think about it? And Harry dear, you really do need a vacation!!!!And I
have a very nice friend I’d like you to meet. Her name is Molly. Well, I’d
better close, take care.
Love always,
Your “blasted pest” of a little sister(ha
ha)
+++
Emily O'Brian O'Hara Nelson
Dennisport
Massachusetts
Dear Mother,
I’ve left Shamus! I know he’s rich and
has been a big help to the entire family, but he’s really a brute. Oh, he’s
never been unkind to me but when I see those poor Negroes in chains! Sick, Starved some of
them, and hauled off like cargo to be sold as slaves in the South! Oh, mother, it’s terrible, and he
only laughs!
I’ll be staying in Boston
with Ann Monroe. She’s more than happy to have me stay with her for the
duration. Please don’t tell
Shamus I’m pregnant! I never want to see him again and I don’t
want the poor child to either!
It never used to bother me,
the slave trade, but I’ve changed my mind. Especially after seeing the poor
girls! Ogled by all the slavers, the ship’s crew, and even Shamus. First mate
Robinson even bragged about - oh, mother, it’s just so terrible! He actually
took a poor girl-probably only about thirteen or so, and -well-how can I put it
politely? Had his way with her! On the ship! In Shamus’ cabin!I’ll never forgive Robinson! And Shamus let him!
Oh, I’m so humiliated and
angered! I don’t
think I’ll ever be able to forgiveShamus either! I wouldn’t doubt if maybe even he did the
same!
I’ve told Shamus there’s still good
trade in tea and he should go back to it. But he’s a stubborn man and I doubt
if he’ll ever repent! He has made sure I won’t be able to divorce him. Scandal,
he says! Scandal! After
what he’s done? All right. I’ll take his money! But I’ll put it to good use!
I’ll buy his slaves, bring them up here,insure their
freedom and help them find profitable employment!
No doubt you’re weary of
this long tirade. And so I’ll close with letting you know how much I love and
miss you. If the child is a girl-which is what I hope for-her name will be
Aroura. If it’s a boy, his name will be Harriman. Not Harry. Harriman for Shamus’ way back
great great to the whatever grandfather. The man was supposedly of great
compassion who gave his own life to save many others. My Harriman
, if it's a boy, will be bring in a new line of
Nelsons. Good ones!
I love you dearly,
Emily
+++
Sea Nymph
Emily, are ye daft? How many years have you gloried in
my trade and the wealth it brought ye? And now there ye go, getting your
feathers all a flutter, over a few slaves! It’s a thriving business and should
go on awhile. Why even Thomas Jefferson kept slaves and tis rumored had a
dalliance with one of them, so why should ye be so upset?
But I will not divorce ye! No matter how many times ye may pester me about it!
Lawyers even! I’ve done no harm to ye! I’ve been a
true and loyal husband to ye. Well, as true as I could.
There were a few times, and I told ye about them, when I had to indulge myself ! But ye know that you and Sea Nymph were always
first with me! And no Boston lawyer will be able to prove otherwise! As for my trade-Why, tis legal in this fair land of ours. So
if ye have a bone to pick, write to your congressman! Or better yet the
president himself !
And why should ye be hiding young
Harriman Nelson the fifth from his own father? He bears the name of a noble
ancestor, and dearie, the most important name of all-mine. Remember
that. The boy belongs to me and I intend to see him. Just try to have your
fancy lawyer stop me!If I were a foul man, I could
have brought suit against ye! And your mother for trying to keep it all a
secret from me as well! There are no secrets from Shamus O’Hara Nelson dearie. None.
Not only will I see the boy, but I’ll
take him away with me
when he’s of an age for it! Fine life for a boy
aboard such a fine craft as mine. Away from al the molly-coddling he’s
sure to get if he stays too long in your care! The boy will see the world and
when he returns to ye, if he decides to , he’ll be a
man you’ll not be able coddle!
So get used to the idea. As fancy as your
lawyer is, I can get a better one!So why not just give
up. Accept the fact that I’ll never give ye a divorce
and I’ll get the boy in the end!
Shamus
+++
Sea Nymph
Captain Shamus O'Hara Nelson
Delbert & Bones
Charleston, So.
Carolina
Dear
John,
I will
be arriving at your office on Monday next for the remaining payment for my
cargo. I’ll be shipping out again in a fortnight for another group of heathens.
Sea Nymph needs a good clean and wax after the last batch!
Emily
has come down with
“freedom fever” and has left for Boston. Seems to be
contagious there. She objects to my business dealings though she wears the silks and diamonds I got
for her because of it! Women! If it weren’t for certain needs, why bother
with them!
Sincerely,
Shamus
+++
Dear
Mother,
Snuffy
will try to get this past father and into the mailbag. It’s really not that bad
aboard, but I really miss you and all my friends. He doesn’t want me to write even.
We’ll
just have to figure something out. He’s got all the law on his side.
I’m
sort of a midshipman. Those are boys in the navies of the world who run errands
and learn a lot on the way to become officers.
But Sea Nymph is hardly a navy ship, let alone a boat! She leaks and she
stinks. But father loves her. Must be something peculiar to
captains. I met a few in Barbados that kept on talking about their ships
as if they were wives! Really weird. Father’s the
same.
I’ve
got a cat aboard and Snuffy sort of helps me look after it. I just hope it
doesn’t fall overboard and nobody eats it when the food gets all moldy.
I
know alot about navigation and have even taken the wheel a few times, but only
when someone in charge was watching me. I also know alot about things I
probably shouldn’t. But don’t worry. I don’t indeed to do the same things the other boys do. There are
two others aboard besides me. One is alot older and the other is about the same
age. Both are having a grand time proving themselves as sailors,aboard and ashore. I may be a snot nosed kid, as father
sometimes calls me, but I still know
the difference between right and wrong. You don’t have to worry about me
becoming a drunken sailor or doing other things I’m sure you’re aware of as
regards sailors ashore.
Father
sometimes actually trades in tea! But there’s not as much profit in it as the
slave trade. It’s awful. I’ve even complained but got the lash. Nobody is allowed to argue with the captain or to disobey him. Law of
the high seas, he says.
I
like the sea itself and if I ever have my own boat, it’ll be used for real
trade and research. There are alot of interesting sea creatures and strange
weather sometimes that I’d really like to learn more about. But nobody’s really
interested in that sort of stuff except me.
Snfffy’s
here. Got to finish. I’ll always love you.
Harriman
+++
Sanderson and Sons
Attorney’s at Law
Charleston, South Carolina
Mrs.
Shamus O’Hara Nelson
Boston,
Mass.
My dear
Mrs. Nelson,
It is
with great regret that I must inform you of the loss of Sea Nymph. The craft
was apparently lost in or near an area often referred to as the Bermuda
Triangle. The Herringbone came across some floating
wreckage which identified the craft.
Fortunately,
Harriman Nelson was in Barbados at the time on business and has taken over the investigation
of the loss which took his father. No doubt he will be in touch with you shortly.
We will
send a representative to you with Captain Nelson’s last will and testament. I
believe you will find more than adequate provision for you and your son. As
Harriman is under age, official guardianship has been tentatively granted to
Captain Robinson. A formality, I’m sure, as Harriman will be 21 shortly and a few months is
hardly worth the effort for a formal grant.
Again,
my condolences,
Samuel
Sanderson
+++
Dear
Mother,
No doubt you`ve been informed of
father`s loss. It grieves me , for I knew his better
side. I know you may find it hard to understand, but he really wasn`t all that
bad.
Uncle Edward agrees with me that a
legal guardianship would be rather foolish as I will be 21 in only two
months and have had my own command of
one of father`s ships for three years!
Will you please reconsider accepting
Captain Robinson in your company? He`s been a good friend, and surely, your
grievance was long ago.
I will attend the memorial here in Barbados and
arrive in Boston for the formal reading of the will. I'm rather surprised there
is one! Whatever the outcome, you may trust me for your complete comfort.
Harriman
+++
NELSON ENTERPRISES
Well,
this here be me last will and testament, seeing as how me wife keeps pestering
me about it. Indeed, there’s always the likelihood of falling overboard in a
hurricane. But tis only for the boy’s sake that I make it.
If I should keel over before
the boy’s of age, I appoint Edward Robinson, currently me first mate of Sea Nymph , to be Harriman Nelson the Fifth’s guardian. A
trusted employee, he’ll make sure the boy’ll be well taught.
As for me worldly goods, I
leave them all to Harriman, excepting the stipend I’ve arranged for me wife.
And wife she be, even if she objects to it! She’ll not be left peniless or nameless!
I won’t
give her the satisfaction of scandalizing me mane!
Tis no pittance I leave the
boy! He’s already proven he’s a good head for the figures and he’s not one for
squandering me goods. Not bad for a mere lad of ten years. Hopefully, this here
will won’t be read for many years to came.
So to Harriman I leave me
worldly goods and a sound bit of advice. Don’t squander your gold foolishly and
never trust a wife!
Signed in
the presence of Lt. Edward Robinson.
Shamus O’ Hara Nelson
Lt. Edward Robinson
Samuel
Sanderson , Attorney at Law (Me
witnesses!)
+++
Sanderson and sons
Attorney's at law
Charleston, south carolina
Listing of Goods of Shamus O'
Hara Nelson, deceased, upon reading of the Last Will and Testament:
Stipend…………………………………………..To
be given by hand, the Swiss Bank account number for the maintenance of Emily O'
Brian O' Hara Nelson
The above
is a true and complete list of goods bequeathed to Mrs. Shamus O' Hara Nelson.
All other
worldly goods are to be given unto Harriman Nelson as follows:
Sea
Nymph...........................................Merchantman Ship
Swiss Bank
Account...........................To be given by hand, the sealed account
number and
variables
Bonds
.................................................... The Bank of England
House.................................................... Charleston, South Carolina
House.................................................... New York, New York
House.................................................... Barbadoes
Land...................................................... Ireland
Land...................................................... Swuitzerland
Land...................................................... Charleston, South Carolina
The above
is a true and complete listing of the goods bequeathed to Harriman Nelson V.
Arnold
Sanderson
Samuel
Sanderson
+++
Triton, Ltd.
Barristers at Law
Wickstempt, Scotland
Mrs. Shamus O’ Hara Nelson
Boston, Massachussetts
United States of America
Dear Mrs. Nelson,
I regret to inform you of the death of your son
Harriman. His vessel, the Ariel, sank in a terrible storm, very likely a
hurricane. But good captain that he was, he saw to it
that all of his passengers were given care first. Indeed, all thirteen
survived, and most of his crew.
We don’t have all the eyewitness reports yet, but
suffice it here to say, he acted with courage and self sacrifice in the
rescuing of several passengers and crew from a blazing fire amid the shattering
vessel. It was as he was trying to rescue one remaining crewman from the fast
sinking craft, that he was struck by lightening and
dissapeared into the depths with his ship.
He was well known hereabouts and had made a will recently. We will send your
barristers a copy of it
but must advise you that he had survivors you may not be aware
of.
A child, Harriman Nelson the 6th, is only two weeks old,
the result of an illicit affection Harriman the 5th had for a local girl. The
girl died giving birth. If you wish, I will send you more details. But even if
the child is a bastard, he may fare better in America as we are very
overcrowded with mental defectives, illigitimate, and homeless children in our
workhouses.
Harriman the 5th wished the the
child to be named Nelson and registerd him such.But afterwards the registrar
lined through the name with red to note
the base birth. Here in Scotland such bairns are often given the mother’s
name. The girl in question was known as Shannon O’Shay, and was herself bastard
and barmaid.
I am, Madam, your obeident servant,
George Nemot, Esq.
+++
Last Will
and Testament of Harriman Nelson
Firstly, I
bequeath all my worldly goods, such as they are, to Shannon. Nelson.,
my wife. I call her my wife because in the eyes of God she is. As her family refused our marriage, and no
clergy would perform
it, we married ourselves, speaking vows to each other in God`s own outdoors.
To insure
her protection, I`ve made her my legal ward, and once in America, where people
aren`t quite as pigheaded about social class or position, at least not as they
used to be, she will not only be my wife
in heart, but also in name, even if we have to take vows again.. I`m
sure my mother will understand and if anything should happen to me before it`s
official, I ask her to look after Shannon as a daughter in law and help her in
any way she can.
Secondly, I
add to mother`s stipend half my stock in my South African diamond mine and a
quarter of my stock in my gold mine in California.
Thirdly, I
request my mother and Edward Robinson to meet and shake hands.. As neither will during my lifetime, I humbly
ask both to set aside all their differences and honor my last request, should I
predecease them.. The war between
the states is over. The war between them is still going on.
Fourthly, I leave to Edward
Robinson the Polaris as he has been
a friend in spite of our political and moral differences.. The vessel is not too
old, and has many good years left to her.
Fifthly, I leave to Snuffy
Smith five shares of my railroad stock
and all my ship`s logs as he alone among my family and friends, has an interest
in them.
Sixthly, I leave to Ulysses
S. Grant one eighth of my silver stock on condition that it be used as we
discussed. If not, ownership of that stock will revert to my wife.
Seventhly, I request the shareholders in Nelson Enterprise
to set aside at least two of the more recent vessels for oceanographic
research. There are many secrets of the
deep that haven`t even yet been studied. Ships for exploration of currents, and
weather peculiar to the seas would be of great advantage to mankind, And exploration and study of sea creatures seen and captured
may help to end world hunger, though I do not wish wholesale slaughter of any
of them.
In
addition, I wish that plans for the submerging boat go ahead. I ask Shannon or
my mother to christen the vessel and that Verne of France be invited. The
vessel is to be a scientific one, and will undoubtedly help us discover a great
deal we did not know before.
Well, I
suppose that is all. My dear wife and mother will receive the special sealed
letters from my lawyers in Boston that will address special issues. as well as my final wishes as regards my remains.
I am,
Harriman Nelson V.
+++
Pipps & Son
Lawyers
Inventory of Goods of Harriman Nelson, deceased.
Swiss Bank Account (sealed, to be delivered by hand to Mrs. Shamus O’Hara
Nelson.)
Bonds, US(sealed, to be delivered by hand to
Mrs. Shamus O’Hara Nelson
Bonds, Bank of England(sealed, to be delivered
by hand to Mrs. Shamus O’Hara Nelson
Stock-80% Nelson Enterprises
Stock-50% Nelson-Robinson Diamond Mine
Stock-90% Nelson Gold Mine
Stock-30% Union Pacific Railroad
Stock-20% Cunnard Enterprises
Land-see Migilicuty Investments,
Ireland
Land-see P& P, Barbadoes
Land-see Nelson Enterprises,Charlestown, S.C,
Land-see Madison Inc. N.Y.
Land-see Villa de Fleur,
Switzerland
House-Charlestown, S.C.
House-Madison,N.Y.
House-New York, N.Y.
House-Boston, Mass
House-Cape Cod, Mass
House- Dallas, Texas
House-San Diego,California
House-Santa Barbara, California
House-Barbadoes
House-London, England
House-Ulster, Ireland
House-Wickstempt,Scotland
House-Glasgow, Scotland
Sterling Silver-dining setting for 50
Sterling reserves(sealed, to be delivered by
hand to Ulyssees S Grant)
Crystal-dining setting for 50
Porcelin-dining setting for 50
Various insundries
+++
Dear Grandma,
Here I am at Lake Tahoe. It’s very nice and I
caught a lot of fish! Uncle Edward knows a lot about fishing but he’s not very
good at camping. But he’s even worse at horseback riding! Too many years at sea
I guess! Thank you for letting him bring me here. He’s
been very nice and has told me a lot about father and grandfather. It’s too bad
you weren’t able to see him when he came to take me on this holiday.
I really wish you could see how nice it is here.
So clean and pure. I bet mother would have felt right
at home. Sometimes I really wish I could have known mom and dad. But I sure
wish they hadn’t named me Harriman! It’s so sissy! I sure won’t name any of my
boys Harriman, that’s for sure! That’s if I ever have any. Of course that’s a
long long way away.
Uncle Edward has made sure I’ll be home for my
8th birthday, but meanwhile I’ve made freinds with some real live Indians!
Uncle Edward is a little tight lipped about it, but at least has the manners to
be polite in spite of himself. I really think we
should do something to help this tribe. But not a handout.
That’s humiliating. But we could ask Congress to give them back their land-at least the ownership
and money part of it. It was theirs first you know. But of course you do.
You’ve always been so good to everyone.
I saw a beaver dam and a big bear up here, but
so far no wolves. I sure would like to see a wolf and see how much like a dog
it could be. Remember, I get to choose my own dog or cat or parrot, or other
animal for a pet as soon as I hit 9. But don’t worry, I
won’t bring home a bear!
I saw a great circus in San Diego. I was a
little surprized because the town is so small. You’d like Santa Barbara too. It’s small, but what
a great spot to look out over the ocean
and the weather is wonderful! Oh I wish father’s submerging boat had worked. I
can’t help thinking how nice it would be to look underwater around there. Oh,
well, maybe one day somebody will invent something that will work. Or something
for people to use and just walk into the sea and under it, breathing all the
while.
Well, that’s about all for now, so I’ll mail
this quick-it should get to you in about 3 weeks. A lot faster than the pony
express! Actually they were pretty quick, I would have liked to have tried it
but it sure didn’t last long. The railroads have really opened up America.
Oh yes, our private RR car is very nice. But all
the ladies make a fuss over me and it’s very hard to be polite when I’d like to
bash their bustles in
and ask them to stop treating me like a baby! There is one lady though, who
treats me nice, like a real person, and not a kid. She’s Mrs. Molly Brown, and
believe it or not, survived a great flood as a baby! She’s really nice.
Uncle Edward is motioning me to hurry up, so
goodby for now. I love you. See you soon.
Harry.
( You don’t mind
if I sign as Harry do you?)
+++
Inside this Newsletter BOSTON NEIGHBORS
1 Passing of “St. Emily”
Mrs.
Shamus O’Hara Nelson died at her home after a sudden illness. She was known for her
many good works.
2 Jules Verne visits
Mr. Jules Verne of literary fame will
sign autographs today and tomorrow at Bookman’s Store.
Mrs. Shamus O’Hara Nelson dead in bed.
Mrs. Nelson, the former Emily O’Brian,
was found dead in her bed last night. Death seems to be from natural causes as
there is no indication otherwise and she was said to be in her 90’s. The estranged wife of Shamus O’Hara
Nelson, she was a heroine to several slaves during the civil war and helped
many to escape and begin new lives here in the free North. She was also
involved in many social causes, such as sheltering unwed mothers, and the
redemption of prostitutes.Outspoken against slavery as an institution,
she parted with her husband and became a vital member of the “underground
railroad”. She also stated that most
unwed mothers wouldn’t be, if men took the stand of responsibility. As for
prostitutes, she claimed the poor girls were simply hoodwinked into it. She was
also an advocate of better education for women and admission as practicing lawyers
and medical doctors. Always outspoken, she was firmly supported by her son
Harriman Nelson V, sadly deceased several years ago, and more recently her
grandson, Harriman Nelson VI, who’s staunch support of
women’s sufferage has earned him unkind notiriety in society.
Funeral services will be held on
Sunday and all are invited to pay their last respects to “Saint Emily” as she
has long been regarded by people of good will.
Harriman Nelson will say a few words and his wife and
children Thomas and Edithanne will be present at the reception following.
Jules Verne visit controversy as
he signs his latest novels amid the protests of activists.
Jules Verne, author of several books of
fiction and amateur scientist, has come under fire by a few local zealots who
object to the hero of one of his novels marrying an Indian girl. Verne was
surprized at the attitude, claiming he thought Americans were against such
prejudice. But good natured, he will sign his novels for anyone who desires it
at Bookman’s Store today and tomorrow. Verne is here for a private meeting with
Harriman Nelson, the son of a great admirer of his that he had not the
opportunity to meet. Verne is an amateur scientist and often ridiculed for his
firm belief in undersea voyaging and trips to the stars. Told to keep to his
books, he smiles politely and holds his tongue, no doubt hoping for his fiction
to become fact. Harriman Nelson is a great advocate of Verne and has purchased
property in the swampland of Florida, as it was claimed by Verne to be at the
correct meridian for Spaceship launches. Nelson has also spent hours in
conference with Verne and one can only wonder what strange things are discussed
and planned. As for Verne’s vacation
here, he spends most of his free time at the library with Nelson, at the opera house
or with the Nelson children, as a sort of uncle. Of course, the death of Emily
Nelson has put a damper on things, and Verne no doubt has been a great help to
the greiving family.
+++
THE BOSTON TATTLER
SCANDAL IN THE
CITY-AN EDITORIAL
When will it stop? We have been plagued with juvenile
delinquency as many cities are, but when one of our favored sons has become a
leader of such acts as defacing public property and talking back to his
elders, it's time to act. We must set
aside our leniency toward these youths and especially Thomas Nelson. We seem to
hesitate to do anything substantial because of his parentage and wealth.
He must learn, as his friends, that money cannot protect
one from morality or the law.
But it has been to no avail. Just yesterday, this teen
heaped a pail of rubbish on the statue of Captain Robinson and claimed the
noted man had
stolen money from his family and had been a womanizer and a pimp! Absurd
accusations against such a pillar of the community! Surely Robinson is turning
over in his grave.
When confronted with the news, his father, weary no doubt,
from yet another act of disobedience, simply said he’d take care of it.
Granted, the boy was made to clean up the statue, but is that all he’ll be
punished with?
How can this youth, who has a long record of
disobedience, intend to go to law school? From marbles in the public library as
a child, to kissing Katrina Kitman in Church, now he defaces property and has even ventured into
the seedy side of town “to learn about real life”. Women, no doubt!
He even came to the defense of one of the prostitutes
accused of theft and claimed her occupation had no bearing on weather she was
guilty or not! Perhaps not, but this editor hesitates to trust a whore’s word
of honor!
The Nelsons have been known to be rather eccentric, ever
since Emily Nelson got involved with a lot of strange causes. Perhaps it runs
in the family.
But this editor says, Thomas
Nelson needs a good licking or a stint at a military school!
+++
Sherwood Military Academy
Willow Run, Ohio
Dear
Mom and Dad,
It
really isn’t so bad here once you get used to it, and with all the rumblings
going on, I have a feeling I’ll be putting some of this military stuff to use
against Kaiser Bill. The worst part
about the place is all the shouting. I’m sure my ears are permanently damaged!
I
know you really didn’t want to send me away, and actually it's good to get away
from all the fuddy duddies in Boston. I really like Ohio and may want to live
here someday.
I’m
afraid I’m pretty behind in everything and I’m especially bad in all the
military stuff. I’m not cut out to be a soldier, but I guess nobody is. But I
will pass, and am giving it my best shot. Get it? Shot? ha
ha.
If
war does come to pass, I’ll have an advantage at boot camp that’s for sure. At
least I’ll know how to shine my boots! Some of the guys are real pro’s.
Probably officer candidates! I don’t know if I’d like the responsibility. Oh,
I’d do my duty and all that, but to take the responsibility for somebody’s
life, well, that’s not something I think I’m cut out for.
There’s
a dance here next week and I might be able to go if I don’t get anymore
demerits! Those are points they mark you down for doing a bad job. So I’m
really trying to do better. These Ohio girls, I’ve seen a few on visitor’s day
with their fellas, and are they ever wholesome! Really
healthy and very pretty. Of course, anything dressed in something other
than a uniform looks great to me!
So
I’m back to peeling potatoes to try to work off some of my demerits and you can
tell the Boston busybodies to clam up!
Tell
Edithanne some of the guys sure like her photo so she might have a fun time if
she came out here for a visit. They’d all have to behave themselves or its a stint in the brig-that’s a kind of jail-or extra march
duty in full pack-and nobody wants that.
Well, gotta go.
Love, Tom
+++
Dear Mom and Dad,
Here I am at a typewriter in a tent in France. It’s pooring
outside and the colonel has a batch of mail going out so here’s a chance to write.
Tell Edithanne that Roger is okay. He’s in a field
hospital and the fever is a lot better. But you’d better get her used to the
idea that he may loose that leg.
I can’t believe how awful it all is. This sure had
better be the war to end all wars, because if it isn’t I don’t think anybody
will be around much longer.
I’m very strong from all that marching at Sherwood and I
guess it did me some good as well. When an officer tells me to do something, I
do it right
away because if I don’t I might get killed.
When we get out of this mess, I want to go back to Ohio. And not just to
see Sandra. It’s a very nice state and I’d like to go to law school there.
Well, I better close.
Love to you all,
Tom
+++
Dear
Mom and Dad,
Well,
finally there’s a a
baby in the house! It sure took a long time and people think we’re grandparents
instead of brand new parents of a newborn! Sandra and I are really looking
forward to our first Christmas with little Harriman and I hope you won’t spoil
him too much! And please, no gum drops! He’ll eat them non-stop!
Really
strange isn’t it, us naming him Harriman after all the arguments you gave us
against it. But really, it’s a family name and old Harriman of family legend
was supposed to be quite a hero. But does anybody actually have anything to
base it on? I sure’ve never seen any old archives from the middle ages!
Anyway,
Sandra likes the name, so that settled it. Poor kid,At
least we’ll call him Harry in front of his friends-when he’s old enough to have
any. It shouldn’t be too long, he’s growing so fast. But his fussing and crying
is driving us nuts! I’m really tempted to get a nanny to take care of all the
disagreeable jobs, especially listening to his powerful lungs all night long!
Sandra
might even agree to it, though she really wanted to act like a
normal mother. But all her friends think
she ought to enjoy a few of the luxuries money buys. ha
ha.
They
don’t seem to realize that I intend my law practice to survive on it’s own and not the Nelson family funds. But it is nice to
have a “ security blanket” so to speak.
I
suppose we could live “high on the hog” if we wanted to and mingle with the
Rockefellers--just kidding--though we could-we really could, the properties
have really profited. In fact, I wish I could bring old Shamus Nelson back from
the grave and thank him for opening up a Swiss Bank Account in the first place!
No bank collapses there! We’ve been very, very fortunate.
I’ve
put up a special fund for Harry, just in case all those flittering financial
wizards are wrong again.
Poor Edithanne. Battle Fatigue is real. Believe me, I know. I still have nightmares now
and then and sometimes I just start to shake and cry without any provocation.
But I’ve called it an allergic reaction so my employees don’t get too upset.
Roger will survive it. So will I, but I’m begining to think we were all a
little too optomistic. Already there are power-greedy men in Europe and I can
only hope nothing will come of it. Enough gore.
I’m so glad you’re coming out here to Ohio for the holidays.
So put away the tux and evening gown, and bring a sunbonnet and overalls!
Love,
Tom
+++
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Nelson
Briarwood Estate
Olivia, Ohio
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Nelson,
I am writing to you about Harriman. Three times now he’s
been in a fight with some of his schoolmates. Each time he apologized and said
it would never happen again. This is the final straw so I am informing you that
if it happens again, he will be suspended.
I realize that boys will be boys, and that Harriman is
small for his age but he seems to be the instigator of the fights, at least he
starts the punches. Some of the other children stated that he had been teased
about his size and his name but that is no excuse to come to blows.
In addition, Harriman has played several pranks,
including putting castor oil in the principal’s coffee and frogs in some of the desks,
including mine. He’s also put
lizards in Sally Ann’s hair! I also understand that he was not
sick with and
ear infection, but playing hooky and catching catfish in Simpson’s Stream!
I must ask you if he has also been sick with diphtheria
and the flu-for I don’t know if I should believe his notes. The signature is
very very good and
you know how advanced he is in penmanship.
He’s very advanced in arithmetic and finds it boring. In
fact he finds all school boring and daydreams a great deal. I suggest you have
a firm talk with him before he turns into a juvenile delinquent!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Penrose
+++
Dear
Mrs. Penrose
Rest
assured that Harriman will no longer be a problem. We are removing him from
your class and your school.
Why
should he be punished by boredom and ridicule? If he’s advanced and bored, he
needs something to do! And if he defends himself against bullies, good for him!
As
for his skipping school, I’m sure he won’t while he’s a special student at a
university! Of course he’s bored! He was tested by Yale and scored as a college
sophomore! In fact, Yale is vieing with Harvard for Harry as a full time
student. We have not decided which yet, but as he has been given his elementary
certificate, his high
school diploma,and he will not be seeing you again, unless you’ll
be one of his students!
Why
on earth didn’t anyone at your school notice his brains! As for his bullies,
perhaps they’re the ones that need a good talking to!
Tom
and Sandra Nelson
+++
Cleopatra Hotel
Luxor, Egypt
Harriman
Nelson
Midshipman
4th Class
United
States Naval Academy
Annapolis,
MD
USA
Dear
Harry,
Well
Harry, you have a little sister! Mom was with me on a dig nearby and without
warning, pop, out the baby comes! So unlike you! We have to go to Cairo to the
US embassy so the baby won’t be classified as an Eygyptian citizen! Maybe we
should name her Cleo!ha ha.
Sure
is nice to have one of our own planes handy! That was a good idea of yours and
I’m thinking of installing a fully equiped bar! Oops, shouldn’t say that to a sailor!
How’s
it going son? You know how very proud we are of you. It really took guts on
your part! Pestering the Navy and Congress so much that they finally let you
in! I’m sure they were just nervous. After all ,Harry,
you already have a few degrees and they could have just sent you to Officer Candidate School.
Insisting on going through the full four years of Annapolis as a regular
middie, well , son, it probably won’t happen again in
a million years.! But how
are you going to fill in the spaces for classes you’ve already
taken? Probably spend the time practicing naval manuvers and experimenting in
the labratories!
We
know how much you wanted to get in on the action of the war son, but you were
only 14 and they would have made you come home. But even if the war is over,
you will still be of great service to your country.
Just
remember to enjoy yourself with boys of your same age. I know it hasn’t been
easy for you having been so advanced. But now, you’re finally one of the
thousands with no special treatment I’m positive!
Mother
has your picture on the mantle and everyone comments how good you look in
uniform. Are you absolutly sure you’re more interested in submarines than other
ships? You always were a strange one, ever since you took that field trip to
that fancy aquarium. But son, submarines don’t have windows, except the little
peephole periscopes that only the captain gets to look through!
Okay,
you decide your own path, but whatever you decide, be assured we’re right
behind you. Looking forward to hearing about how well you do on the track! And
son, never let your short stature ever interfere with your determination.
Love,
Dad
+++
Smythe & Sons
Wilbur Smythe, Attorney at Law
ttt
New York, New
York t USA
Lt. Harriman Nelson
SSN Stinger
C/O US Navy Submarine Base
Norfolk, VA
CONCERNING MISS EDITH NELSON
Official custody of your sister has been approved without objection . She will be flying out to Norfolk as you
requested and will be accompanied by one of the airline staff as she is only
10.
As per your instructions, Miss Edith Nelson has been registered in the
Sunnyville Academy. Miss Halfdan has arranged to meet both of you for an
informal orientation.
According to the Reverend Rumbone, Edith has been handling the tragic deaths of
your parents and all your other relatives from the automobile accident rather
well, considering.
All papers and other documents have been sent to the local courthouse and both you and Miss
Nelson are requested to appear for the reading of the will and other official
matters.
Our sincerest condolences for your loss.
Wilbur Smythe
+++
Well,
this is my last will and testament. I leave everything to Sandra. But, Should we both kick
the bucket, we leave everything to our children, Harriman Nelson and Edith
Nelson.
There’s
a lot of money and properties and I know my family will be well taken care of,
but I want them to remember that while money isn’t evil, if it becomes the
driving force in life, it soon becomes so.
So,
don’t squander it. Use it wisely, help others like
good old Edith Nelson of long ago.
Sandra,if you survive me, I
want you to marry again, but only if you’re sure the guy you choose is not a
gigolo.
Harry, I want you to look after your mother
and sister, And go ahead with your plans for a private
submarine when you have a chance. It doesn’t matter what anybody thinks, just
do what you think is best. I sure hope I won’t kick the bucket till after I see
your fabulous dream in fact.
Edith,
I hope I live well long enough to walk youdown the aisle and have
grandchildren, for I doubt if Harry will ever take the time to become a family
man, he’s so enamored of science instead of women-at least that what he says.
Well,
I’m off to get this notarized and hope it never has to get read-not for a very
very long time.
My love to you all.
Dad
Aka
Thomas Nelson
+++
Dear
Harry,
How
do you like this fancy writing? I’m supposed to practice, so we’ll both just
have to put up with it. Yuk! So Prissy!
I’m
so glad you’re getting assigned to San Diego again! I can hardly wait! And I
don’t want any of your bossiness about what I wear to the beach either! I’ll
remind you Harry dear, that I’ll be 12 next Tuesday and in the middle ages they
got married at that age-so don’t fuss if I wear a bikini!
I’m
really bored with Sunnyville! Can’t I change schools? Especially now that we’ll
be on the other coast!
Also,
I think I’m old enough now to handle some of the family funds! There are alot
of projects I’d really like to get started on and you know my bookkeeping is
outstanding! What I don’t like is everybody telling me I should just go off to
the Rivera and tell people what to do! It’s not easy being an heiress, believe me, even if I don’t see much of the money!
A lot of people only like me for the thought of all those millions in the bank.
I only have a few real friends, but we’ll be friends forever.
Well,
this fancy writing hurts, Can hardly wait to move!
Love,
Edith
+++
Well,
back to the present.
Except, just look at these last peices! Just found them!
Also,Harry dear, I just had to include one of my early letters! I was a litle
difficult wasn’t I. But big brother, so were you! So
protective!
Speakig
of protective, look at those ancient posters! I found them just as I was
getting ready to send you all these copies. They were in an old metal box that
was rusting away and it was only duty that made me open it before I threw it
out.
Looks like Harriman of old was real after all! Maybe he
had friends in Sherwood Forest? Just kidding. But still, what a find. As for the box, I’m sending it to
the historical society too. Who knows what else may lurk in a secret
compartment or some such thing.
I’ve always wondered where your name came from! Well,
luv, I have to go. Enjoy looking through a few peices of family history. I wonder what else
might be hidden away all cobweby and forgotten.
Say hi to Lee and give his lady fair a pat on the
bulkhead for me.
Love,
Edith
+++++
REWARD
20 Gold pieces for the capture alive or 10 gold pieces for the body of the bandit known
hereabouts as HairyMan.
This criminal has stolen from
several lords of the realm, including the king. He is easily recognised by his
futile attempts at disguise by plastering dog’s hair on his already hairy face,
hands and body, an known indication of madness.
He is in fact, Nell’s son, and
she whill be held at Nottingham Castle until the matter is resoled one way or
another. Her tavern is closed.
HairyMan is known to be
involved with other bandits in defiance of the tax laws and has been seen
aiding those in the stocks to escape. Anyone caught trying to evade the King’s
law will be punished.
By order of John, King of
England
+++
REWARD
5O Gold Pieces for the
capture alive or dead of Hairyman, Nell’s son. This bandit and his friends
stormed Nottingham Castle and released all prisoners held there, including
Nell, hostage by command of King John.
Anyone caught or believed to have aided these brigands will have their
tongues torn out and taken to Gallows Hill where they won’t be able to aid any
criminal again.
20 gold Pieces for the capture of Nell
herself, unharmed and unmolested.
by order of John, King of England
+++
REWARD
100 GOLD PIECES
for the capture, alive or
dead, of Hairyman. This brigand has again rescued prisoners of the King,
stolen the King’s horses, his jewels, his revenues, and defiled a statue of the
king by removing it from its pedestal and dumping it into the Nottingham Castle
cesspit!
It is also known that this brigand has publicly defiled the king and
called for all Englishmen to do the same!
He has also caused public rioting in other parts of England and is
believed to have gone to Scotland for an alliance against England.
He not only is a criminal, he is also dense in the head, for he claims King Richard is alive. Harriman is a very
great threat to all.
As for his mother, Nell, she has been apprehended and awaits hanging for
placing her loyalty to her son instead of to the king. She could have had
jewels and the comfort of a lady under the king’s protection, but she is dense
in the head as well, and a definite danger to others.
Anyone thought to have helped Hairyman, Nell’s son, or his fellow
brigands, will be immediately executed.
By order of John, King of England
Declaration
The Crown declares a day of mourning for Hairyman. It has
come to the crown’s knowledge that Nell’s son acted in the best interest of his
fellow Englishmen.
Not only did he rescue several hundred villagers from the great fire in
the village, he also rescued those trapped in Nottingham Castle. Whilst rumor
claims he himself set the fires to release prisoners in the castle’s dungeon,
the crown believes he did not. In a further act of simple compassion, he
rescued Prince John from the inferno, and died shortly after.
The crown wishes to pardon Hairyman, Nell’s son of any wrongdoing against
the crown in recognition of his valor, and grants to Nell the best acreage of
the dell, 200 gold pieces, and the wardship of the crown for her grandson.
The crown also pardons Nell for her disloyalty to the crown as a mother’s
loyalty is always first to her children.
All others arrested and made prisoners for following Hairyman are also
given a general pardon in the spirit of compassion by their king.
by order of Richard, King of England