[Letter from Elizabeth Upshur Teackle to her sister, Ann Upshur Eyre - April 25, 1800]

Hungars April 25, 1800

My dear sister

When the mind is big with a secret important to its own happiness ‘tis a very hard matter for one of my temper to retain it. By communicating to your friendly ear all my concerns, I have often found a vast relief from the Pallet disease¹ I must now lay the burthen, which indeed does not oppress me, at your feet. I am almost ashamed to own that I have so little stability, so easily persuaded. When I parted from you, had any one told me I should have been a Wife in six or seven weeks, I should have concluded them entirely out of their latitude, quite beside themselves. Good God! I can scarcely myself believe it even now, although ‘tis most true. That is, if nothing intervenes to prevent it. I know cousin John will laugh at me, but you must not put it in the power of anyone else. I do not wish it to be known to a mortal besides.

Henrietta has been with me. The conduct of that family engages me to love them. I am sure I always shall, so you will I hope, particularly one branch of it. He wished much to see you and your husband (what a word!) on a subject which you may guess, that being out of his power he has written to you. If you don’t receive the letter, you may be sure he has done it. He has requested me to tell you this. He is now in Phil^a.

There is my dear girl but one alloy to my happiness. I have been so long used to your society and counsel, that without it, feel that I shall be poorly fitted to the duties of a state so important. You always told me that my fault was not learning to act for myself, and depending too much on the judgement of others. I shall never regret that I depended on yours. I wish our lots had been cast nearer to each other for life.

The good Mrs. McCroskey has requested my

company today with Juliet’s. We are to spend a day or two with her in making gowns. She will send for us this afternoon. My affair has not taken wind yet but this lady I think strongly suspects it. She has written two or three pleasant notes to me and call’d me Mrs. T ____! Littⁿ saw it. I was confused excessively. I shew’d him the note before I saw the last line – from his expression I was fearful he might think I had been blabbing.

My sweet Betsey Snead’s voice down stairs is a sufficient inducement for me to give you a short respite. We are perpetually teazing the poor girl. We can’t let her stay at home. Send for her twice a day sometimes.

Since I left off writing, my uncle has return’d from his expedition, left the Boys in good health. He desired me to tell you that his vessel is just going to Phil^a and if you wish to send for

anything ‘tis a good opportunity. B. Snead, Juliet and aunt send their love. Aunt says she hopes your sickness is not to be regretted. You may be sure I hope so too. I hope also the worst of it is over. For my part, I am in tolerable health except a considerable attack of my old Spring and Summer acquaintance. I have been lower’d with its presence for several days and have become so used to it that I am quite tired of complaining.

Your dress which was left in P- will come down by cousin J. Teackle’s vessel ere long.

Do, if it be convenient, let me have my trunk. Send it to the Ct House² and let the stage bring it to Br__ge. The first convenient opportunity send my pink girdle and egrette blue.

Love to Eyreville people as well as the family where you reside.

Your most infamous friend,

Eliza Upshur