[Letter from Elizabeth Upshur Teackle to her sister Ann Upshur Eyre - September 21, 1800]

Kegotank September 21, 1800

My dear sister

When you receive this letter I fancy you will exclaim with Paddy¹ “too much of a thing is enough.” Now I can’t exactly say why I thus soon trouble you with another of my effusions after having written so recently from Pungoteague. Truly I have no particular business. My affection, dear girl, forever prompts me to think of you. No wonder then that I act in such a manner as to create a return.

I wish I cou’d say something which might serve to amuse you. I remember when yourself and my aunt Upshur used to laugh heartily at my epistolatory nonsense. But that kind of badinage, which was the lonely inhabitant of my poor brain, has deserted, and left it a complete vacuum. Ever since my sickness, when I sit down to write my head becomes confused.

Not long since I receiv’d a letter from our old friend Dolly Harwood. she is a good girl, though Fortune (blind jade) has treated her in many instances with as little civility as she has many others in this world. The poor girl, added to thenmisfortune of having a father such as hers, has lately lost

in her grandmother, her best friend. She expressed much regard for you and sent a small tortoise shell ring which she begs you’ll wear or keep that you may sometimes think of her. I really believe there are few persons whose esteem she would appreciate more highly than yours. I know her being on the back part of the Stage of life will not conceal her modest merit from your observation and regard.

The ring I carried to Northampton, but really I was so much elated with the society of my dear friends that I neglected to deliver it to you. You will receive it herewith.

I will tell you before I forget it that Mama sends with her love to you a request that you’ll write to her when you expect to be at her house on your way to Princess Anne. She moreover adds she will be really glad to see you. I shall expect to hear from you also by the way of Snow Hill.

I hope a short sketch of my bodily concerns will not be unwelcome to you. I have continued (‘till yesterday) in nearly the same state that you saw me. I rode out to Mr Evans in the afternoon, where eating a small quantity of watermelon, I unfortunately

felt its disagreeable effects all night. I was situated nearly in the same way that I was the night I kept you so pleasantly awake. This morning I am better again. My good fellow is not quite so well as I cou’d wish. He gives his love to you accompanied with that of Henrietta, Sally, and the family. Give mine as usual to cousin John, your mama , and everyone who wishes me well. I shall buy the chickens (you may tell him) for Mr. Eyre against he comes to see me. I think we might beat any body at Loo.¹

Under the expectation of see[ing you] soon under our “humble roof” I shall rem[ain] highly delighted.

Your sincere friend
and most affectionate sister
Elizabeth Teackle

N.B.¹ I wish you more health to your comfort. sister. I hope to receive a letter from you very soon after my return home. I shall start for that place on Monday. Or in other words, tomorrow.