[Letter from Ann Upshur Eyre to her sister, Elizabeth Upshur Teackle, September 22, 1806]

Eyre H. Septem^ber 22, 1806

Dearest Girl

I received your highly acceptable letter in six days after it was written. This emboldens me to hope, that a letter forwarded from hence, may chance to meet with equal good luck in its passage. Indeed, so anxious am I, to let you know you are constantly expected to join our family circle, that I have had serious thoughts of sending Robin¹ up, that I might have direct intelligence when you wou’d come. And nothing prevents me from doing so, but the fear, that our mutual friend Littleton has not yet arrived at home, as in that case you would be unable to say. Oh do let me know the first moment. I am all fired with impatience. The season is now nearly over for fish and if you stay away much longer our parties for eating them will be entirely at an end. I ardently hope if you find that your kind indulgent Littleton can not accompany you immediately on his return, that you will

come down with Mr Wilson’s party, and [torn top right of page] Ladies from Snow hill and Kegotank who have [torn top right of page] promised to accompany you. And he can, after his business is arranged, follow you. I shou’d hope – urge this, my dear girl, and do come as soon as possible.

The party from Norfolk were expected every hour when I arrived at home, but we soon received letters that most of them were prevented by the lateness of the season and particular business from honoring us with their presence. Mr. R.B. Taylor, my particular favorite, with his family are expected at Eyre Hall on Thursday next. And I trust that at that time, or before, or soon after, I may experience the delight of embracing my most-loved and darling girl and her sweet offspring. Expectation is also on tiptoe for Mr. Tilghman, Mr. Morris, Mr. Jones, etc. etc. etc. Indeed, Mr. Morris must be persuaded. He surely will not permit Juliet to die by his means. His refusal would, I have no doubt produce some such fatal consequence. Let Mr. Tilghman know, the fish are at the Zenith of their excellence and that “time and tide waits for no man.” Nor will the fish. They will soon take their departure. Ritta has seen plenty of Sheepshead, since she came, and Cousin also. She and myself have been constantly

[torn top left of page]any since we arrived. Mrs. Grace made up a dancing party for her last week where all the young and the gay of the county were assembled and appear’d to enjoy themselves highly. Doctor Parker is quite the gallant, and has spent several days with us since we have been at home. I have deliver’d all your messages, and he declares nothing can give him more pleasure than to prostrate himself before you, and declare himself your slave. Ritta admires him very much, so do we all. He is gay, good humoured and very sensible and well informed. Only think! Mr. E was almost out of his wits at my long absence. The very day after I arrived, he intended to set out for P. Anne in search of his stray lamb. If I had remained 2 days longer, he would have joined us at your house. 'Ah,' he knows now what it is to be left at home without his sweet most beautiful chamber maid to keep him company. You seem to feel a similar privation with equal force. Ah! You old fashion'd creatures! Catch me at such antiquated lamentations. You know I can do so well in the rhyming way when not able to sleep that I have no need of such soporiffic contrivances to while away the dreary night. Dear Betsey, I had a great deal of pleasure, down right sure enough enjoyment, and fun when I was with you. When the mind is thus attuned, it matters not what end goes foremost, all passes off merrily. You know an head foremost ducking can be enjoyed in proper time and place as much as a conquest making ball night. That was an adventure. Can Mr. M. bear to think yet that he came out dry footed. Simply a Thought of the woefull contenance. He was more sincerely gallant than any of

you know he was too much devoted to my service to [torn page] hand of me [even when] the occassion so fully justified it [torn page] me to him and ask if can have the stubbornness to reject earnest united entreaties that he will accompany Mr. Tilghman and yourself in your visit hence. Say he as much to hope from his acquiescence and much to fear from refusal, And that will, I should hope, be quite sufficient. If Juliet should from his coldness and indifference drive him from her heart forever, he will not be able to rally as well as on a former occasion, and no less a calamity is in store for obstinancy. I hope this will find you on the eve of your departure. If it should not for my sake, let it have effect in hastening you on. Ritta is at present at Uncle Upshur's where she has been detained since Sunday by bad weather. Mr. Eyre and myself are quite alone, and after the battle I have lately been in feel quite lost without company especially as the weather is too bad to walk out. Ritta, has far as her expressions and conduct can be credited, seems very much pleased with every thing she sees. She has been visited by almost all the Ladies in our circle, and has dined out several times. Her kindred press her very much to remain with them, which she intends doing, tho' I am pleased to find she does not seem willing to leave Eyre Hall long enough to do it. On the road down, I amus'd myself greatly in quizzing her about the country here, and I fancy that she saw thro' my [anticks?]. She did not expect to see things as she found them. Mr. E. has done a great deal to the house. It is

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