26 Dec. P.A. 1815
My dearest Elizabeth
You will scarcely accept it as a competent apology for a short letter if I say that your father's return yesterday actually had so upset my brain that I positively forgot, untill this moment, (near twelve) that today was post day; and now I have my doubts whether this scratch will be in time.
I have receiv’d your letter announcing your fathers being in N. and by him have receiv’d the articles I sent for, but your frocks are safely locked up in a trunk which came via B-e and the key is not come to hand: however, I shall make all possible speed with them when I do come at them, and send them by the first conveyance.
I have made a large blunder in raising the expectations of Susan and Henrietta as to the present your