Acca L. Purdy Correspondence Collection (1866)

Warren G. Purdy's Letter

Below are two letters from the collection written by Warren G. Purdy. In addition to this correspondence, Mr. Purdy was frequently referenced in his wife's letters to which he sometimes contributed his own words.

For example, in the letter dated February 20, 1866, written in Warren's hand, "Judging by the number of glasses of Claret Punch Ren is consuming I guess you will have to wait until tomorrow for the remainder of this document. Warren G." Mr. Purdy uses the nickname "Ren" to refer to his wife, Acca Laurentia Purdy.

Mr. Purdy writes about visiting Matamoros for a bullfight. He describes the city as "a devil of a town all the buildings are one-story brick and look more like barns than like houses."

Important: The letters contain offensive and racist language and imagery, especially in depictions of African Americans, people of Mexican descent, and other people of color. These harmful and racist perspectives are not representative of the beliefs of the University, library, or staff. It is our hope that our research guide provides historical context rather than perpetuates negative positions, language, values, and stereotypes.