[Letter from Elizabeth Upshur Teackle to her husband, Littleton Dennis Teackle, December 29, 1811]
Mentioned in this letter
- Business, Economy, and Travel
Hotels - Fountain Inn- Home, Health, and Social Life
Alcohol and spirits
Fashion - Cloth - Bombazine
Fashion - Shoes
Food - Grains
Food - Meat
Holidays and Observances
Jewelry - Earrings
Decr. 29, 1811. P.A.
A thousand thanks my dear Mr. Teackle for your last letters, and kind attention to my wants; which, to be sure, were a little pressing; but I endeavor to do my best, and am fully of opinion that nothing brightens ones wits so completely as a few rubs of necessity. It acts like shark’s skin on dead metal, serving to bring out its dormant brilliancy. Or like minting, stamps it with a character and makes it pass current for the quid pro quo. The money (70 dollars) I have in part appropriated to the discharging a few debts, and shall go on to liquidate as far the notes hold out before I think of wanting any thing else. My accts have been a little augmented since I wrote, having been obliged to buy the negroes shoes, such as cou’d not be made in time for the excessive cold weather. I hated to see them barefooted,
but you need not be uneasy. I think I shall be able to go on, as you say, decently enough. I have no company and use very little in the meat and drink way. My coffee and sugar were not gone when you sent the last, which I shall take care of, the flour and buckwheat I had wanted.
I would thank you to write me word whether I must purchase more pork or if you depend on buying bacon. I had rather buy the pork if it’s convenient, if not, as you please. I thought perhaps Mr. Dennis might let us have it. Let me know what I must do. You need not get me the bombazeen I wrote for, as there is some in Town as pretty and cheap I suppose as you can get in Baltimore, where I am told every article of the kind sells as high as here.1 Elizth was pleased with her earrings and thanks your for them, as do I for mine—They are very pretty.
Poor Barnes has lost
his wife—she died on Christmas morning.
I have much pleasure in knowing of your health and believe you would feel equally gratified in learning that mine is growing gradually better. I rise before the sun every day, sometimes 50 minutes, sometimes 25, and soon, it helps me wonderfully. I run through the ce[llar], give out breakfast and waken all the servants to their duty. I have nothing more than usual to complain of amongst them, except Ephraim, who is completely ruined and good for nothing, drunken and worthless. I mention it because I wish you either to sell him to some one in Balt. or send Mr. Brown a power of attorney enclosed to me that I may hold in terrorism, or use if I see proper. It might have some effect on him to know that I might send him away. I had rather however, you wou’d sell him in Balt. Write me if you think you can,
Free Mail
Litt'n D. Teackle Esq.
Barney's Hotel
Baltimore
Princess Anne, Md.
30 Dec.
some one might want a boy and perhaps do something with him if they are severe. I can’t bear the idea of whipping and scolding amongst them. Geo. Kendall has been here on a visit for some time. I invited him to stay with me as I thought it best to have some man about the house in this Christmas. I expect my sister Eyre up in January, also our two sisters2 from K, who are all well. Write me long letters and let me know how you progress in your business.
God bless you, E.U.T.