[Letter from Elizabeth Upshur Teackle to her sister Ann Upshur Eyre - November 1, 1800]
Mentioned in this letter
- Education, Religion, Literacy, and Culture
Paintings- Home, Health, and Social Life
- Fashion - Handkerchiefs
Health - Death- Health - Disease and illness - Ague
- Health - Disease and illness - Bilious fever
- Health - Disease and illness - Fever
Health - Remedies and Medicine- People
- Bowdoin, Peter, 1761-1825
- Chaille, Mary, 1772-1800
- Chaille, Peter, 1733-1802
- Eyre, Ann Upshur, 1780-1829
- Eyre, John, 1768-1855
- Eyre, Margaret Taylor, 1739-1812
- Nanny, c. 1763
Teackle, Elizabeth Upshur, 1783-1837
Teackle, John, 1753-1817
Teackle, Littleton Dennis, 1777-1848- Upshur, Ann Parker, 1763-1820
Princess Anne November 1, 1800
My dear Ann
Being in good health myself and knowing how to estimate the blessing, I hope you are the same mit your wife. My good sposo (who sends his love to you both) has the honor and happiness of entertaining the most potent fever and ague almost every night, but as this gentleman’s visits are shorter every time he comes, I hope and believe they will not be repeated frequently for the future. These great personages are not always the most agreeable companions. Our Town yet continues sickly. Yesterday morning a fine young girl fell a sacrifice to the billious fever after a short indisposition. A few days previous to her disease, Colo. Shally, one of our neighbors, died out of the same house. From the specimen I have had, Somerset is the most unhealthy place I ever lived in. Such instances of mortality
has become callous to the melancholy feelings which on such occasions it was formerly susceptible
table of. I don’t know that it is not better for me.
At the beginning of the preceding page my spirits felt lively. Nor do I know why or how I have drawn myself into such a serious subject, as I do not wish to raise a single unpleasant sensation in your bosom I will write about something, which if not gay, at least shall not be grave.
In the course of walking to and fro about the house I, by mere chance, have found your almost despair’d of handkerchief stuffed behind your bed. As to how it got there I don’t exactly know. However, I am glad I have it in my power to send it to you herewith. Mr. E left his medicine bottle here, I am sorry I can’t send it. My only comfort in such a case is hoping the he’ll have no need of it, as without doubt his old friend Oliver Dreader has by this deserted him. Present him my best love united with that of my friend and humble servant Littleton's.
Your picture I expect is at papa’s, having [co]me from Phila, packed up with Mr. T’s goods. Prithee do you love the other two as well as ever?
I’m sure if uncle Peter knew of my writing he’d send his respects. Old Mrs. Walker often wishes you wou’d come back again. You have gain’d the lady’s heart by your affability and merriment. I believe I shall invite you to come the next time I want a cake made.
Do you know when the Negroes of the Estate1 will be divided? I want a good girl and have been looking out for one in vain. I can not keep the one I have. I know of none of ours, except Nanny, who wou’d suit me at all. And if Aunt Upshur wants her I shou’d not like to take her away. If it is proper that I shou’d have her, I shou’d be obliged to you to let me know and enquire for me about it. I must know soon, as if I can’t have her, I must look diligently for one somewhere else.
‘Tis bedtime, so after presenting my respects,
to Mrs. Eyre, I must bid you good night.
Yours & c. & c.
E. Teackle