Marion Home". 1858 manuscript verse written by Frank Russell and sent to his cousin A. Russell for review

Helena: n/a, 1858. Manuscript. Fair. Manuscript, approximately 12" x 8", written on blue lined paper. Over 500 lines of verse written on 14 pages. Three binder ring holes (with metal) top of the paper. Title "Marion Home"; date of December 20, 1858; and town of Helena (State unknown) written top of the first page.

This manuscript was sent to A. Russell and signed by Frank Russell bottom of the first page. The middle initial in A. Russell is difficult to decipher. Even after reading the verse the initial could be letters J, S, T, or P? Most of the manuscript is legible. Occasional staining to the contents more so towards the end. The first (truncated) page is an introduction to the work. Frank writes his cousin "...Any suggestions or corrections which your superior literary talent may advise will be thankfully received by your true friend and Cousin." The manuscript touches upon home, land, sea, religion, school, romance, etc. A couple of early written lines suggests that Marion Home was in New York.: "Be now apprized, my "Theme is Marion", Not placed on any southern sea, Nor washed by any noted silver sea, Not placed on a far south western plain Where mighty rivers all the region drain, Nor on New England's long extended shore, That echoes far the billows ceaseless soar, Not here is placed my "Sweet Marion Home", Upon whose hills in youth I used to roam but in a fairer region nobly great, It shines a bright star of the "Empire State"... (Inventory #: 29232)