Gen. Naglee was a Civil War brigade commander, West Point graduate, early California industrial pioneer banker, rancher andcivil engineer -- and a "lady's man" of the first rank.One jilted ladyfriend published his steamy love-letters asrevenge for his change of heart. Another sued him (and won) in abreach of promise suit -- he seems to have gotten her pregnant,and the poor girl thought they would marry. He did get married --at age 50 -- to an 18 year old.
… Don't you see, Betsy, how it is done. I raise myself from this--I mean the above position--untilmy arms are straight, and let myself down. I commenced with doingthis half a dozen times, and could do no more; now I do so twentytimes do so every morning.
My arms are double the size they were amonth ago. I would just like to see you try it--not in your tub,for that is too small. I had not discovered, when I recommendedthat tub so strongly, the grand combination tub, uniting thegymnastic exercises with bathing. The inventive genius of theYankee nation is truly astonishing and unlimited. I see by thepapers the steamer with the mails has arrived, and I will nothave an opportunity of reading your dear little letter for two orthree days I know it will bear keeping that long.
There has been an immense excitement allover the country caused by the Harper's Ferry affair. The feelingbetween the Abolitionists and Slave-owners is at fever heat; andthe alarms throughout the South, lest there should be aninsurrection, are constant and ridiculous. Nine-tenths of theNorthern people are against the fanatics, and they would notpermit any attempt at any negro insurrections; besides it hasbeen demonstrated in the late Harpers Ferry affair the negroeswon’t go against their masters. In that, the negroes werethe only ones who behaved well throughout; and certainly theydeserve much credit, not only for their conduct then, but eversince. In deed, I have no hesitation in believing the negroescould have been safely armed to oppose the Abolitionists. However, you take no interest in all of this, and only care to belet alone. What a selfish little creature is our Betsy! She isthe veriest little despot living, and will only issue her edicts, and expect all to obey …
How does the Church get along, and BrotherBillings, and the subscriptions; and is my dear little Babygrowing taller, or wider, or more good, or more wise, or moresaucy? Does she look like her pretty little sad face, that I lookat so often, or has she become more matronly? … You see, Iam very curious. I have ten thousand questions to ask, and were Inear you, I should have more than you could answer for a month;indeed, there would be but one way, and that would be to shutyourself up with me, and let me propound, and you answer….
Well, my darling little pet, be of goodcheer; I shall have volumes to tell you when I get back; and inthat I will have oceans of pleasure. Indeed, we will wear out theold sofa, for we will not care to sit anywhere else. How I wish Iwas there now, and had you just as near to me as you would liketo be. Oh, Betsy! Would we were not just the happiest, sauciest,lovingest little pair ever known. God bless you, dear Betsy, be adarling, sweet little Baby, and believe your Harry loves you toowell, too dearly.
Harry
My love to your mother, of course.
Washington DC, Dec. 1st, 1859