[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 Matilda Upshur, 1780-1829; Eyre, John, 1768-1855; Eyre, Margaret Taylor, 1739-1812; Nanny, c. 1763; Teackle, Elizabeth Upshur, 1783-1836; Teackle, John, 1753-1817; Teackle, Littleton Dennis, 1777-1848; Upshur, Ann Parker, 1763-1820
Places: United States - Maryland - Somerset County; United States - Maryland - Somerset County - Princess Anne

About this letter

Description: Letter from Elizabeth Upshur Teackle to her sister Ann Upshur Eyre, written from Princess Anne. She talks about the many illnesses in the area, causing the death of Col. Peter Chaille (misspelled Shally), and his daughter. She asks about how the enslaved people from their father's estate will be split among the family, saying she would like to have Nanny as a lady's maid if it is possible.
Creator: Teackle, Elizabeth Uphsur
Creation Date: November 1, 1800
Subjects: Teackle, Elizabeth Upshur, 1783-1837; Eyre, Ann Uphsur, 1780-1829; Nanny, 1757 -; Enslaved persons.
Item Type: letter
Identifier: MSS 2338, 2338-a, 2338-b Box 1
Publication Information: Papers of the Quinby, Teackle, and Upshur families, 1759-1968, Accession #2338, Special Collections, University of Virginia Library, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va.
Institution: ASSSC
Collection: VOESH
Place Names: United States - Virginia - Northampton County; United States - Maryland - Somerset County - Princess Anne

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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

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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.

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Your picture I expect is at papa’s, having [co]me from Phi^la, 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.