[Letter from Elizabeth Upshur Teackle to her step-father, John Upshur of Brownsville - January 28, 1800]
Mentioned in this letter
Philadelphia
I hope my dear papa will not deem me neglectful in not writing to him ere this, really I can’t tell how it has happen’d but I am sure it did not proceed from want of that affection which I have always express’d, and truly feel for him – your generosity must attribute it to the gay bustle into which I am initiated, and which wou’d turn a much more settled head than your giddy little daughter’s. I will drop my scheme of apologizing, as you may see by the above attempt, that I am very inexpert at it, and (as I said before) leave all to your goodness.
Well! I am in Phila at last, but fancy that I am not a jot better pleased than if I were in Virginia, nor so well neither. For after all papa, I find that the society of my friends is infinitely more pleasing than the dull monotony of amusements which Phila affords. To be sure, they were pleasing at first, but I am fond of variety in such matters.
Ann Upshur is in high spirits after her indisposition, and was at the assembly on Thursday, and allowing for her impatience to look well she was very well pleased with the entertainment. Now, I have no such troubles as hairdressers, mantuamakers, &c, who must be punctual, the next assembly at stake, and all this, because the prudent ones say I am too young. I shall be old too soon if I enter into life at so early a period. In truth, the good ladies have an idea that girls
ought to wait ‘till they are wrinkled before they are allow’d to see company, and then it is no harm to lop off a matter of 4 or 5 years from their real age. Thus it is that you very frequently see a sweet pretty looking, toothless creature of “only sixteen.” Well, mamas and auntys. I’ll leave you to enjoy your policy at leisure and talk of something more interesting.
How is our friends in Virginia? I most sincerely hope they are well. May I beg you my dear papa to write to me and tell me every thing about my acquaintances. The most trivial information will be acceptable to
Your affectionate
Daughter
N.B. I shall write to Aunt Kendall, give my love to her when you see her. love to you
John Upshur Junior Esquire
Northampton Court house
Eastern Shore
Virginia