Author: [Shonnard], Edward
Title: MANUSCRIPT LETTER DESCRIBING A FORMAL DINNER
Description: Yonkers, New York: , 1852. Self wrappers. Now housed in a clear archival mylar sleeve. Two leaves of stationary, one of which is folded to make four pages; 6 pp. total. 8-3/4" x 7-1/8". A Fine letter, well preserved with no age-toning or tears. A ms letter from Edward [F. Shonnard] to [his wife] Sophy [who was the sister of future New York Governor and Presidential Candidate Horatio Seymour], dated Yonkers, October 25, 1852. This letter describes in rich detail a formal "French" dinner he had at the home of a Mr. and Mrs Ludlow, neighbors who appeared to be people of taste. The author describes how the host had sent his man Richard, who found him planning to dine alone at home on "cold corned beef". A Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton were also noted as being in attendence, possibly related to Alexander Hamilton, all of whom lived in the area. This detailed letter, sprinkled with light gossip, is mainly comprised of a long and descriptive account of the dinner, course by course, including dessert. A previous owner haas lightly written in pencil beside the adressee: "(Mrs. E. F. Shonard)" as well as a lightly penciled note to the recto of the second leaf: "Edward F. Shonard, Horatio Seymour's Brother-in-law", though we can not confirm or deny those notes to be correct in assuming the author or recipient, though it should be noted that the letter was purchased from a small Seymour family collection.

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