[Letter from Elizabeth Upshur Teackle to her husband, Littleton Dennis Teackle, July 10, 1811]
Mentioned in this letter
July 1[0]th 1811
My dear husband
Supposing you now to have arrived in B., I am extremely solicitous to hear how your voyage went on and whether you are well and likely to return soon. Indeed I can illy spare you from home, for I think I am growing more good-for-nothing every day. Nothing can reconcile me to your absence but the belief that you are promoting your interest thereby.
I have been close at home ever since you left me, and have no desire for company; however, I cou’d not get over inviting the girls from Mr. Lowes’ who are to be here this eveng. I had much rather be alone, but they appear’d bent on coming. I am resolv’d if possible to consult both the health of my body corporal and body economic by withdrawing decently from the continual round of expensive entertainment which some how or other we have gotten into.
Elizabeth has been rather unwell last week but seems somewhat better today. She has worms and is a little bilious; however, Russum, I am told has sent to B-e for a fresh supply and is to set up a house for scalding and water drinking again. I thou’t it wou’d come to this at last. When you
come home we must try the gudewuf’s (sic) temper once more. Major Martin sent me notice to collect a farrago1 of company in S___ to meet him and a party from Came, whenever it was most convenient.
I forgot to put window glass in my memo. Please bring 6 or 8 panes with you for the house, they are badly wanting.
My health is rather improving, my back getting a little stronger gradually.
We have had a tolerable rain on Friday and Saturday which seems to have
revived vegetation, but the wheat harvest was in some places caught in it.
There is nothing new or interesting stirring and really my pate refuses to entertain you this morning. I am in one of my oyster moods. To tell you how much I love you and how much I am concerned for your prosperity in your present business wou’d be an old story long since established. Indeed this very concern rather damps my spirits than promotes the effusion of those wishes and thoughts that are nevertheless always uppermost in my mind. Be satisfied my dear Mr. Teackle that I am ever deeply concern’d for you, independent of myself, in every pursuit, or uneasiness
or gratification the end. Give my love to all those kind friends who care to have it.
Your affectionate and dutiful wife,
Hetty is very diverting. She has stocks of spirits and fun sufficient I think to carry her merrily through a long life.
1 July 1811