MHS Collections Online

I am ashamed my dear friend
that this is but the second time I have
written to you since your departure
--you whom I have thought of so often
& with such entire affection. But
so it is, that my occupations have increased
seven-fold since you left me, & caused
me to forget (allmost) the use of my pen.
-- -- Since Octor. last we have occupied
two Houses of the 7 buildings, & kept them
compleately filled -- my sister Todd &
her family, with two lovely girls of Virga.
passed the whole of that time, until, the
this moment with me-- The City was
also crowded with strangers from every
Nation & our house the only rendevous
you will immagine then, the impossibility
of my preserving a mind, rational enough to
write you a letter.

Our city is in a state of great improvement
but to me, is more inconvenient than ever
so that I shall have less regret at leaving
it than I expected. A few months will
terminate our residence here, & one of
my dearest hope's is that Mr. Eustis & you
will visit us, whenever you return.
--Your Brother was as good as to send
Me the engravings-- they were of
high value as comeing from you, &
being fine likenesses -- Mrs. Rush
sends you a great deal of love. Mrs.
Cutts, does so likewise --& I may say in
truth all here, who knew you, love you.
--Mrs. Gallatin sails in a few days for
France. perhaps you will meet in
that country, for surely, your dear &
amiable Husband will see Paris before
he returns to America -- I wish I could
tell you any thing amusing but we are
just as you left us--

My Husband is in fine health, & my darling
Payne is with us -- I long to hear from your
own hand that you are still well & happy

[Endorsement]