Letter from HIRAM POWERS to GEORGE PERKINS MARSH, dated May 9, 1865.
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My Dear Friend Marsh--
I wrote to you only a day ago. Since when I have received a letter from J. B. Brown Esqr. a dear friend of ours -- He is a young man of Sterling worth--and if not a descendent of Gen Brown of our last war--is nearly related to his family -- I cannot say precisely how this is at the moment--but I know that this family have high claims to consideration --
He is obliged to live out here on account of his mother whose state of health
forbids her being taken home to N. York -- Thus--although eminently qualified for
active life--as an engineer--and a Scholar (he has been highly educated--) he must
sacrifice his early life to domestic duty -- He is a pattern of temperance and
industry and indeed a prompt and faithful servant -- You could not have a better man
to attend to the business of your office -- He is prompt quick and
comprehensive--and exact to a hairs breadth -- He speaks English French--Italian and
German with equal fluency and is far as my judgment
goes-- -- He is now the principal--
tutor--the
in Paice's academy at Nice--on a small salary--but he wants
to be here near his infirm old mother --
Now, cannot you do something for this thorough union man? -- If it happens, that you already have all the aid you require, then perhaps you might get him the consulship at Leghorn--now occupied by a man unworthy the office -- A man opposed to the policy of the Government--and of the Pierce and Buchannan School -- You may give my name as authority for all this, for I have had it from his own lips -- He was even in his denunciations of Lincolns policy--and I gave him a bit of my mind 2 or 3 years ago --
If you could give employment to my young friend--or get employment for him then I pledge my own name as an indorsement for any thing he may do --
I have never before given so strong a recommendation--and you will please hold me responsible --
Yours sincerely--.
References in this letter:
Jacob Brown eventually became American vice-consul at Florence. For a time in 1868-1869, he was engaged to Powers' daughter Anna, but the engagement was broken off partly over religious differences.