Archive of correspondence of Brainard Henry Warner who played a large role in the development and expansion of Washington, D.C. in the end of the 19^th century and the beginning of the 20^th, not only as a real estate developer and builder but as a champion of civic affairs and public philanthropy. The letters detail the family’s domestic life and touches on his business life, in Washington D.C., his founding and development of the town of Kensington, Maryland, philanthropic and social activities, political activities and travel. Warner was a highly successful business figure not only in real estate development but also in banking and finance. He counted among his friends and business associates such figures as John Wanamaker and Andrew Carnegie. The archive also contains letters written by his siblings and children, the letters date between 1870 and 1938.

            Brainard Henry Warner was born in 1847 in Great Bend, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania. The son of Henry Warner (1814-1891) and Julia F. Truesdell Warner (1823-1917), he had four siblings. His life in Washington, D.C. dated from 1863 when he came to the city as a clerk in the Judiciary Square Hospital, where he remained for three months, he then accepted a position as a clerk in the War Department. He held that position until 1866 when he was appointed to a position in the office of the controller of the Treasury. He was at this time working as private secretary to Senator Charles R. Buckalew of Pennsylvania.

            Warner was made deputy collector of internal revenue of the ninth Pennsylvania district in 1867, located in Lancaster. While in Lancaster he continued his law studies with Representative Thaddeus Stevens and started a paper known as the Voice of Truth and aided in the publication of a campaign journal known as the Father Abraham, in the local Pennsylvania German dialect.

           The following year he resigned in order to resume his study of law at Columbian College Law School in Washington, D.C. Upon his graduation from George Washington University law school in 1872 Warner joined the real estate firm of Joshua Whitney & Co. He later succeeded the owner following his death. In 1876 he built the Warner Building, signaling the beginning of his rather substantial yet largely undocumented construction career of over one thousand houses under the firm of B. H. Warner & Co.

                  Warner was eventually involved in a large variety of business-related enterprises expanding from real estate into finance. He was the founder of the Columbian National Bank in 1887, President of the Washington Board of Trade, and member of the Committee of 100. Warner was a charter member of the Metropolis Savings Bank, Central National and Second National banks, a director of the National Bank and National Safe Deposit and Trust Company, and founder of the Rudolph & West Company, and the Washington Loan and Trust Company. He was one of the organizers of the Columbia Fire Insurance Company, and Columbia Title Company.

              John Proctor, writing in Washington Past and Present states that “many of our finest statues, buildings and parks stand as monuments of his unceasing energy and devotion to the national capitol.” Warner was active in many civic causes. He was one of the founders of the Washington Public Library. A member of board of trustees of American University, Howard University. He was president of the Alumni Association of the George Washington University, one of the founders of the Washington Board of Trade, among many other philanthropic efforts.

              Warner published the Real Estate Review in Washington, which featured condensed real estate stories from around the country, advertisements from local contractors and suppliers, but its real purpose was an enormous, classified listing section which featured hundreds of lots for sale, houses for rent and sale in all parts of the District, all apparently owned by the B. H. Warner Company itself.

              In the 1890s Warner began purchasing land parcels in Montgomery County, Maryland to build a planned Victorian community, complete with church, library, and local newspaper. Fascinated by a recent trip to London, Warner named his development "Kensington Park", the tenth and largest subdivision in the area. Upon incorporation in 1894, Warner convinced the mayor and council to name the town "Kensington". (The archive has letters discussing Kensington.)

               Warner continued in the real estate business until 1902, when several of his children and former business partners took over. Warner died in 1916 after suffering a stroke. The Washington Star when reporting on his death stated that Warner was “one of the most prominent of Washington’s business men, and identified with the growth of the National Capitol to an extent which placed him in the forefront of civic leadership in this city …  was one of the most forceful factors for the advancement of Washington … gifted with a remarkable faculty for organizing public movements … at the same time an unusual capacity for leadership.”

            Warner was married twice, first to Mary Jacobs Parker Warner (1847-1885), and secondly, in 1887 to Mary Hamilton Phillips Warner (1861-1954), he had nine children, seven of whom lived to adulthood.

“Washington D.C. April 4/70 [Presumably written by Warner’s mother, Julia F. Truesdell Warner (1823-1917)]

        Dear friends at home,

      … Yesterday was rather a gloomy Sabbath – it rained so hard that I did not go out in the morning – in the eve the whole family went to the Southern Methodist … as it is nearest Brainard stayed with Grace as had been twice. This is a very elegant church built by seccessionists (from all churches) in time of war – they call it the “rebel Church’ – we had a very good sermon – and the singing was extra. But the scene within was very prominent that is notable every where – some black some white – and the different shades between – the real black are the highest grade usually they think themselves quite superior.   … I like Washington more and more – the city is so regularly laid out the streets broad and clean and the people that I have met are very cordial – indeed I feel quite attached to them already.  … Grace is down stairs in the dining room singing … she is going to the Senate this afternoon with Brainard Mrs Abbey Miss Ophilena & myself – Mrs McC and I were going on Friday – she was to call for me – but could not find me and after wandering over this part of the city returned home – we regretted it very much – as the fifteenth Amendment passed that day and the Session  was one of uncommon interest. B seldom gets time to go with me although he says he is going to attend this week. I do not feel like asking him to go as his time is all occupied with business and study…”

“Washington, D.C. August 11^th, 1870

      My Dear Brother,

      I received your letter a week since, am sorry that just at this time I shall not be able to comply with your request… Had I money at command no greater pleasure could offer itself than to help you. As it is I must content myself with doing as well as I can… Try and get along in some way and do not think I do not wish to help you, but money is hard to get and we need more than we can control. Don’t get discouraged for that will not pay and you will only be miserable. Your letters all savor of versatility and want of firmness. Cultivate stability for that is the great pride of manhood. Be firm and do not let your mind be shaken with every wind that comes along. Dr. Smith’s letter has the advise you most need. Trouble must come in very walk of life that we should expect. It will only serve to develop us and make us better men. I hope for a happy future for you only be cool and don’t go off on tangents so easily adopt a course of life and then stick even if your friends should obtain success in many different channels… B. H. Warner”

“Washington D.C. Dec. 25, 1876

My Dear Mother,

      … We regretted that we were not able to send home a box but times are very hard with us this year and money is a cash article. If it is any harder to find at Great Bend than it is here I feel sorry for you. I see a great many errors made by me in palmier days which I ought not to have made, and too much prosperity makes a man careless. It may be all the better for me that my troubles come now instead of being postponed until I get older, of course this letter is not for outsiders, for I have not failed or anything of that kind but I am suffering from a dull business, the receipts from which I anticipated would be much larger and made my calculations accordingly. My large office cost me too much money and cramped me. Then add to it every other unfortunate circumstance peculiar to the past few months and it makes the burden heavy…. I feel a good deal like I did when I first went into business on 7^th Street and you came down, you remember how blue I was. There are lots of young men failing here, as well as old ones, and as I have done a very heavy business every one of them hits me too more or less. Mollie is a wonderful wife and always hopeful of some thing better than appearances indicate. … We did not spend $ 5 for Christmas presents and that is something I never got along so cheap before = and do not want to again if I can help it.

      We hope somebody will be declared a President soon and if it is not done we do not know what will become of our city so far as business is concerned… Brainard H. Warner”

“Washington, D.C. June 11^th, 1884

Dear Father,

     I rec’d your letter some days since and its contents were not so satisfactory as to make me stop many pressing duties here to write a reply. I made my offer to you to help you get along without hard work and to keep out of debt. It was made with the distinct understanding that you would get your brother a place to board where he would not annoy the other members of the family, that you would sell what stuff you have on hand and keep out of debt. The sales would help to pay any little amt. you owe & I would help to do the balance. From your reply I infer that while quite willing to take the money you have not complied with the conditions upon which it is to be sent.

    If you keep on trying to build houses and do business out of which you make nothing and the family are not benefitted I can better use the money myself.

     Lucy has made a proposition which I have accepted and I will ask her to write you if it has not already been done. That will fix up the whole matter. I do think at your time of life with but a short time to live you might try and defer to the wishes and judgments of the children who are very willing to help you.

     I have never asked much of  you and what favors I have asked have not been met with any very cordial response. When this arrangement is concluded I want to be satisfied as well as to satisfy and gratify you.

     You had better go and stay at Camp Meeting at Chautauqua for a couple of weeks with mother  - or take some other trip. It will do you good and I will pay the bills … B. H. Warner”

“Washington, D.C. March 30^th, 1885

   Dear Mother,

         We are having a sad day. Perhaps Lucy has written to you. We think Mollie cannot long survive. If she has to go God has made the end so unconsciously easy that she can step from this to a better land without the harrowing thoughts of home and family that might have filled her had she retained the full use of her faculties. She is apparently nearing the dark river for she has been growing weaker since morning and indications of early dissolution are plainly visible. … B. H. Warner”

“Washington D.C. Mch 31’85

Dear Mother,

      We think Mollie cannot hold out much longer. Lucy will probably write you. In the event of death I think perhaps you had not better undertake to come on to the funeral as I should come up in a few days with B. H. Jr. and as you are just getting settled… We shall name the baby Lucy as she wants it. It seems to belong to her it is so gentle. The friends and neighbors are remarkably kind and sympathetic… B. H. Warner”

“Washington D.C. April 7, 1890 [Written by Warner’s sister, Harriet Dayton Warner (1858-1937)]

My Dear Father,

     … Today Hal, mother and I went to the President’s grounds to witness the annual egg rolling. We found hundreds of men women and children there with their lunch spread on the ground, a grand picnic,,,, [Mother] will tell you of the accident that happened to George and the boys as they were driving this afternoon. George was driving across the street car track when the way was blockaded by a heavy wagon and a street car driving at full speed ran into the buggy breaking off one of the wheels and throwing them all out. Hal was pinned down by the horse … but none of them were hurt in the least … Brainard is looking very well indeed since his return Is enthusiastic over the western country … Harriet”

“Washington, D.C. April 30, 1890

My Dear Mother,

      I understand you are at Halstead to day. Well I hope you will enjoy the old home. Are you going to give up the Montrose home. It seems to me you will not find as much company at the former place for yourself or the girls – of course you will not want two establishments… Life is what we make it. Pain and pleasure come largely from our own cultivation. We cant change our dispositions by going from one place to another and it is not a good plan to get ourselves into voting for anything for a change.

     I have tried to help make you comfortable in your old age and it did seem the quiet and fraternal feeling of Montrose promised to be great aids to their accomplishment of this end… We have 2 delegates to the Women’s Foreign Miss. Convention being held here. B. H. Warner”

“Hampton, Va May 5, 1890

My Dear Mother,

     … The new U.S. cruiser Baltimore – forty guns lay out in Hampton Roads several days last week and one morning in a sail boat we started to go over to visit her. But unfortunately before we reached her she steamed up and started for Norfolk. Have been over to the Indian School several times. Miss Emma Thursby sang there one day last week where we all had the pleasure of hearing her… Harriet” [Dudley Warner]

“Washington April 14, 1891

My Dear Mother,

   … I went this afternoon to meeting Young Womans Missionary Society of Covenant Ch. held at the house of Mrs. Fred Perry Powers. Mrs Powers sister in law has been missionary in Turkey for twenty years and numerous letters were read telling of the country and her work among the Armenians. I went to a sale with Lucy last week of Oriental rugs and embroideries. Several hundred ancient rugs most beautiful design and texture. It was difficult to believe that it was all hand work.

        George has been to Rockville today to look after his farm interests. The plans for the cabin are drawn and the name selected “Ouasia Lodge.” Ouasia is the Indian name for blue birds. The house will be quite a picturesque affair covered with bark covered slabs… Harriet”

“Washington, D.C. April 4, 1891

Dear Mother,

      … I am gaining ground every day trying to be contented. The children are prospering and all is well at home. God opens up many avenues which we know not of – we ought to trust him. A great comfort it is in trial to feel we have a father who knows better than we what we ought to have. I am going to resign as President of the Col. Bank and Mr. Parker will be elected in my place. I have too much to do and too large a measure of responsibility. It does not pay… B. H. Warner”

“Washington, D.C., May 5^th, 1891

Dear Mother,

      I was glad to hear you were getting in better spirits. That is the great point. If one yields to depression no matter  how prosperous the world around it makes no difference. What you want is strength and the patience to take the trials of life just as they come and there will be plenty of them. No escape for it. Some have more trials than others. It is bound to be so. We cannot change the conditions…

    Our Loan & Trust Building is nearly done, we hope to complete it and move by Aug. 15^th. Our present quarters are very uncomfortable. Shall be glad when the job is done, it has taken a large amount of time and patience as all new enterprises do, … B.H. Warner”

“Washington D.C. March 28, 1893

Miss Harriette D. Warner

Ivy Home

Hampton, Va

My dear sister:

      Your letter came to hand this morning. I was much pleased with your description of the original colored preacher’s sermon, to which you listened. We still have many evidences of the progress made by this race in the southern territory. It takes many years to bring any class up to modern civilized methods. This applies to religion as well as to business. If you were to tell all you see in your travels through the South to northern people, they would hardly begin to realize the truth of your statements.

     We are getting along very well in this great city, where there is much to occupy our time. Last night I went to hear Paderewski. We thought we would put on a little style and so secured a box and gave a little entertainment to some of our friends. After the concert was over, we met the distinguished performer, who is much better looking when he is approached than when he is seen at work upon the keys. He has undoubtedly taken in a large amount of American cash, I am quite sure, will never have to become a busy man.

    We are talking of sending the girls out to the World’s Fair under the chaperonage of Mrs. Bittinger. She has not yet decided whether she will accept the position but will let us know on Thursday. This will give them the opportunity to be under good influence and, at the same time, to study the many things they will be able to see in Chicago. … B. H. Warner”

“Washington, DC May 11^th, 1893

Dear Mother,

      … I was sorry to see in this morning’s papers a notice of the death of Genl. Armstrong of Hampton. He has done much for the school and it will be hard to fill his place yet no man is indispensable in this world – and the Lord will find some one. …

    As you will see from the papers the banking business is very much mixed up and a great many institutions have gone under. We are in good strong shape but the company demands pretty close attention – still I can get away almost anytime for a day or two. … B. H. Warner”

“Chicago, Oct. 24, 1893

My Dear Anna,

     We are now enjoying what you saw several months in advance. What a new world is opened to us here. The Splendid buildings are an object lesson showing what man can accomplish and it does seem a pity that they must so soon be torn down and destroyed. They look as permanent as the old palaces of Europe but I suppose a winter would do them up and they may as well go to make way for something Chicago wants more. And their contents. Well we cannot describe them even in general terms – representing as they do all climes and countries. We can enjoy some and go home impressed more than ever that we occupy but a very small place in the the world’s work… We find good food and everything comfortable. We are very near the grounds and there are many from Washington here… B. H. Warner”

“Washington D.C. Nov. 23, 1893

My Dear Bessie,

     I enclose herewith a deed to two houses on K St N.E. as a birth day present.

     You can find out the numbers from Mr. Swaitzell who collects the rent and who will attend to transferring the policy of insurance to your name, payment of taxes, repairs &c. I would advise you to go out and examine the property & so by getting acquainted with this piece of Real Estate you will learn how to manage more if you ever acquire it.

   The income from this piece of property will help satisfy your wants and I hope give you as much pleasure as it does your father & mother to convey the same to you who have not only attained but added to our affection for you by your uniform patience and conscientious demeanor for the past twenty years … Papa”

“New York, Jany 28, ‘94

My Dear Anna,

      I have just come from church 9.15 p.m. Went to hear Dr. Parkhurst who you have heard of as the Champion of the Law & Order League of N.Y. He spoke on Peter’s calling for help when he was sinking saying Peter had just as much faith then as he had a few moments before and applying the illustration to the lives of men who go on apparently without much faith because it is not called out, let them become sick or in trouble and the air cleared a little and they do believe in God and want His help… B. H. Warner”

“Washington, D.C. February 9, 1894

My Dear Anna,

     …Mr. Moody is here and great are the crowds who go to hear him. We went the opening night – Wednesday – and had good seats, thousands went away & yet there about 7000 in the Hall, 1600 in the choir. … B.H. Warner”

“Atlantic City, N. J., March 17, 1894

My Dear Anna,

     … I am going up to Phil. to night to spend Sunday with Mr. Wanamaker & will return to Washington Monday morning, … The leading Hotels are well filled with guests most of them or many of them being in search of health, or elderly people out of business and are taking life easy. I can now be classed among the latter. I am not working as hard as I used to and I find it agrees with me first rate. … Brainerd H. Warner”

“Washington, D.C. April 10 ‘94

Dear Mother,

    We have been away to Atlantic City for a week enjoying companionship with the sea and came home only last night. … By the way you get the Star and I suppose you see the Kensington local news. We are getting to be quite a place and the Warner Memorial Church is frequently spoken of and is really doing a good work. The town was incorporated by the Maryland legislature at its last session and a mayor and common council will soon be elected. I hope it will grow into a useful and prosperous place, indeed it is about the best suburb around here.  … B. H. Warner”

Washington D.C. April 19, ‘94

Dear Mother,

    … I have just been out to see how things are getting on at Kensington. The place is looking prettier than ever before but it still looks like a new settlement. Our Methodist minister who was so attractive and instructive has gone to Worcester, Mass. I suppose in his place will come a very ordinary one as is usual in such cases. The new Presbyterian minister came the first of the week and the people like him very much so far. Times are so hard there is no building going on there and I do not feel disposed to do any at present as I prefer to sit still and rest rather than go ahead until money gets plentier. … B. H. Warner”

“Washington, D.C. Oct. 7, 1895

My Dear Hattie,

      … We have a meeting of the Presbytery today at Kensington and expect to have several ministers at our house. The place is growing rapidly and will in time I hope amount to something. It is a slow job getting it into shape. The church is about the greatest attraction for me. There is a very fair attendance and we have a good minister… The electric car line is quite a convenience. Our town hall approaches completion and will be a great attraction and benefit to the place … B. H. Warner”

“Washington, D.C. Nov. 7, 1895

My Dear Mother,

     … I went up to see Dr. Tallmadge to get him to preach out at Kensington where we have a revival going on but he was quite busy and I could not secure him at once though he said he would be glad to come later on. He kept me for an hour and I was very highly entertained. I had met him before and knew him quite well. He will be quite an acquisition to Washington. He has many who are jealous of him in the ministry – but I think him a good man. … If you take the Star you will see I am in so many public matters as to occupy much time…

   The result of the election was quite a surprise to every one. Maryland will hardly hold her place in line as a Republican State but the victory is nevertheless a great one for it shows conclusively that the people think … B. H. Warner”

“Newport, R.I. July 19, 1895

My Dear Anna,

      We are just waiting for the sacred concert to commence… Our trip from N.Y. was in the great steamer “Pilgrim”… This is such a wonderful place I am surprised that Prof Bragdon has never brought some of his scholars over on an excursion. It is the most attractive place of its kind in the world and the great houses surrounded by fine grounds are most luxurious in appearance. Cornelius Vanderbilts house looks out calmly over the water as if unconscious of the fact that its owner was lying in danger of his life in his N.Y. palace and the “Marble Palace” of Mrs. W. K. Vanderbilt stands as a sort of monument to the wealthy folly of its builders and casts scornful glances toward the more recent and less pretentious residence of its former mistress who is now sharing her lot with Mr. Belmont.

     Many other grand mansions could tell tales of domestic woe if they were not doomed to be silent and could be powerful witnesses to the fact that “money does not always bring happiness or refinement.”

    The object lessons to the thoughtful are great and impressive and if I had the time I could find many vivid characters for my great unwritten novel “Alone” – but I must postpone the creation of my book still further to the deprivation of many who might be benefitted by it.

    We went to church this a.m. and while the house was attractive the sermon good worshippers were scarce – showing how much stronger are the material than the spiritual attractions of watering places. …

       I have been listening for some time to the conversation of an intelligent but unsuccessful liar from Denver – who about seven years since did me out of several thousand dollars and who has been telling of what he has done since. “Once a liar always a liar” is a French proverb and I am compelled by experience to think it is true… Brainard H. Warner”

“Washington, D.C. Sept. 17, 96

My Dear Hattie,

     … am in the campaign up to my ears, and do not expect to get out of it until McKinley is elected by a good big majority, Tonight I am going to speak at a joint debate on “Free Silver”. I am the representative of the Gold Club and will speak against free coinage. Last night I presided at a large meeting at Hyattsville and numerous engagements ahead… B. H. Warner”

“Washington, D.C., February 27, 1899

My Dear Mother,

     … We have lately had the Mother’s Convention as well as that of the D.A.R. It is quite amusing to notice the prominence in the deliberations of the former of women who have had no practical experience as mothers. Still I suppose they can tell what they would do were they mothers. A great many fine women assemble here on these occasions. Patriotism is encouraged more than formerly I think our recent war and its consequences will add importance to the position and character of the American soldier and sailor. I have been wondering whether it would not be a good idea to get Southard appointed to West Point, yet I do not feel like putting the boy where he will be tempted to adhere to a strictly military career – which has really as its chief end the making of a living by drawing a salary from the government. We have pretty nearly concluded that it will be best for Parker to go to a military school next fall largely for physical reasons – he needs exercises and system and will be developed by the style of life he will get at the Va Milty. Institute at Lexington, Va which is a celebrated and first class school… B. H. Warner”

“Washington DC Dec. 13, 1907

To the Hon. B. H. Warner 916 F St city

Dear Sir,

      I have been invited to speak at Mt. Zion near Brookville Saturday night, and while out there I would be glad to put in some work for your cause, if any suggestion or instruction you desire to give I would be glad to receive some and act accordingly, I speak in the interest of the Colored Laborers Building and Loan Association and expect a large gathering, I have learned that a B. H. Warner club of thirty (3) has been organized, and your friends are very hopeful of success. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Turner, and he said he would be in the county this week, we agreed to meet on his return and compare notes and observation… Logan Johnson…”

“Keedysville, M.D. Mar. 25, 1908

My Dear Mr. Warner,

     I am advocating a non instructed delegation and hope it can be accomplished. I have been extremely busy professionally but any spare time I have devoted to your interests. I hope you are in good shape in Montgomery I hear nothing against you except that you may look out too much for the Districts interest against the Counties but I tell them that argument is weak The more ability you have to do for the district the more for the Counties … W. M. Nihiser”

“Washington, D. C., May 3, 1910

Hon. Southard P. Warner

U.S. Consul, Bahia, Brazil

My dear Southard,

     … A chauffeur has just come in to get a job. He wants to take Brainard around on some of his Campaign journeys. Brainard has a fair chance of winning out in this fight, so far as the nomination is concerned. I am rather surprised at some of the people he has enlisted in his favor. It would be a fine thing for him if he did happen to get elected. He is in good spirits and seems to be very much changed in many ways by even the prospect of such a success. I went out last night and stayed at Kensington all night in order to comply with the law and keep my vote. Brainard is staying out there right along. He has frequent porch conferences now regarding his future.

     We have commenced the four houses on our subdivision and they will soon be up. This will give quite a lively appearance to things out in that neighborhood. I have given Parker an interest in them and besides he has taken an interest with a gentleman on the other side of the Potomac and will build four little houses over there, I am sure he will realize enough on the transactions to help him along for a year… B. H. Warner”

“New York, June 17, 1910

My Dear Southard,

     … I have just written Brainard to cultivate system and try not to spend $ 2 where $ 1 will do. He as an inclination to be generous and lavish at the expense of some one else and his campaign is going to be a very expensive one at the gait he has started. I am standing behind him of course not only with money but with effort. That means a lot for I am always busy with my own affairs… Mamma and I will get up early in the morning so as to go over to Jersey City and get on the Revenue Cutter by 8 o.c. Thousands of people will be out to see Teddy come in. The excitement he creates is something wonderful. I am particularly anxious to see you make a victory in your career at Bahia so pronounced that you can [get] a decided boost by the end of the year. … We have a big job on hand in fixing over our house as we must move all the furniture out of it and put it in a storage warehouse but when the improvements are made the house will rent readily for $ 5.000 per annum which will put it in business shape as an asset if we want to make a change some day… B.H. Warner”

“July 6, 1910

Hon. S. P. Warner, Bahia, Brazil

My dear Southard,

     I hope you had a good 4^th of July… I will tell you how I spent the day. I came in in the morning at 9 o’c. and went up to the corner of 16 ½ and H Sts., N.W., to see a tablet on the Decatur Street house unveiledI found a large number of seats in front of the building but without occupants. A few curious people were standing over on the opposite side of the Street wondering what was going on. After a little while, Commissioner Rudolph put in an appearance; then former Commissioner H. B. F. Macfarland hove in sight and Rev. U. G. B. Pierce, who was Chaplain of the occasion offered an invocation. While this was going on, I escaped and left the rest of the exercises in the hands of others.

       I went down to the Union Station and waited an hour and half for Rev. Dr. Wharton of Baltimore, who was to come over, and go around with me during the day. Through a misunderstanding, he did not arrive.

     I then went out to the National Training School and made a thirty minutes address to the Boys – did my best to lift their ideas up from their feet to the top of their heads – told them all about the American eagle and the starry flag – how much they might accomplish if they worked hard and did their best. It was quite an enjoyable day for them, as they had their band out and, after the exercises, partook of a delicious lunch on the grass. I did the same thing, only, I guess, I got a little better quality of food

      About two o’clock, I drove about 25 miles up in the country, attended a colored picnic. I was the only white man present. I gave them a solid talk on the virtues of keeping sober and working hard. As the prize fight was in progress, a great deal of suspense attended the outcome and I could not help but observe the inebriety of several, who had taken an unusual interest in the affair. The band played a few pieces and I departed.

    Took supper at Gaithersburg, where I met several Marines, who had, evidently, climbed off the water wagon and one of them persisted in singing patriotic songs, while the rest were eating. However, we were well provided for and then drove out to Rockville, where another large picnic was in progress. I merely looked in the gate of the Fair Grounds and got a glimpse of the crowd. I came on home to Kensington, arriving there about 9 o’c.

     … General Hopkins is going to spend the night with me and Parker is going to take out a friend of his, by the name of Mears…

      Brainard is still up at Cumberland. He branches out from there and tries to make friends and supporters in different localities. I hope he is going to succeed. Before he gets through with this, he will run up against some unpleasant experiences…” [B.H.Warner]

“Washington, August 3, 1910

Hon. S. P. Warner, Bahia, Brazil

     My dear Southard,

        … I have had quite a number of things to annoy me this summer. Probably, nothing much more extensive than Brainard’s campaign. He has made a regular picnic of the affair and has been away from Washington most of the time for three months, leaving all his practice, whatever that might amount to, past present and future. I have had to foot his bills without having helped to contract them. You can judge about this burden. Don’t write to him as it will not do any good. The way matters now look, I think his chances for getting the nomination are very slight. He thinks however, that he is bound to get it. He enjoys the sensation and experience and is full of hope for the result.

     We contemplated making some improvements on the house at 2100 Mass. Ave., so that it would be more attractive to parties, who were looking for such property to rent. However, when the bids came in, the estimates were enormous, far beyond our expectations, so that we will do nothing at present. I think if a good offer is made for the property, it ought to be sold and the proceeds deposited with the Washington Loan and Trust Company, to hold the same in trust, namely for my use during life and then at my death, to be distributed among the children of Mary J. warner, in whose name the title stood.

     Brainard has drawn all of his share and he really out to make a deed. I am going to see if he will do this. I have my doubts about. You understand there is no prospective buyer for the property. It is, however, too large and too expensive for me to keep in future. I have reached the time of life, when I think I ought to devote myself to straightening out my affairs…

    We all enjoy your letters very much as they are not only interesting, but full of very valuable information. I hope you are sending some into the State  Department. You might write to them confidentially and tell them about the character of the population, the general condition of the City, the surrounding country and the difficulty of getting out into it because of want of roads. I think a letter, filled with such facts, might show them why it is difficult to extend trade, unless it is done through a few Cities that are easy to reach by water. Of course, I take it for granted that there are a few railroads in your district … B. H. Warner”

“Eagles Mere Park, Pennsylvania, Aug. 17, 1910

My Dear Son [Southard]

    … I cannot help remembering how different are your surroundings than at Leipzig but the experience you will gain in Brazil may help develop and make a stronger man of you. In the former place there was an opportunity for you to learn much from others where you are now there is a chance for you to help impart information and to some extent influence conditions for good. …

     The papers have just announced the withdrawal of Col. Pearse from the Congressional race and say that the Prest. is going to cast his influence for Gist Blair. I do not know where this will leave Brainard. He has been away from his office for months – spending most of his time in Allegheny and Garet Cos with head quarters at Cumberland. I have not seen him for weeks. He has made considerable headway but I cannot see how he can go ahead if he has such big odds against him. I never knew of such a rash thing as his running in the face of such difficulties with such an opposition and without capital or forceful backing. But you know he is hard to manage so he will have to commence all over again in my opinion he would do well to go west or get away from Washington where conditions are different. By this time he should at least be making his own living. I am sure his debts are something enormous but I am in no shape to help him out. …

    The political outlook is somewhat mixed and from appearances the Democrats will stand a good chance at the fall elections. In fact there is not such a wide difference between the two as formerly and the personal qualities of candidates will count for a good deal … B. H. Warner”

“Washington, D. C., April 14, 1911

Hon. S. P. Warner, Bahia, Brazil,

    My dear son:

      … I don’t think I told you about Mr. [Andrew] Carnegie inviting mamma and myself as his guests at Skibo Castle, Scotland. I will not stay there very long. As I am sure I was never born to dwell in castles but rather, to keep moving around with the common people and working hard, in order to make a good living. I may be gone two or three months…I wrote you about selling the Subdivision. Have not closed up the matter yet… B. H. Warner”