[Letter from Elizabeth Upshur Teackle to Charlotte le Pelletier, August 5, 1810]
Mentioned in this letter
5th, Aug, '10 Princess Anne
Somerset, Md
True, dear Madame, it is to much indisposition you must lay the account of my silence; I will not shock my sight with writing the infidel word “neglect.” This I am incapable of to you for you live in my thoughts even when space divides us (space, that enemy to common-place friendships) and I almost hear the sweet, the noble sounds of your heaven breathing piano, wafted over the wide waters, through the medium of the melody, Terpisicore, and you, make my own; I have found several very, very pretty english songs in your last publications, which are within the compass of my understanding; there are, also, beautiful Italian duets, which when I see you, you must instruct me to say and then the music will be productive of much delight to me; for I am not exclusively prejudiced to either english or scotch music as are some of my country women.
In my zeal to serve you, I have
committed a small blunder. Mrs. Eyre wishes a discontinuance of her numbers. She had not intended to subscribe,1 and I know not how the mistake took place. Some one told me she had subscribed, although she did not tell me so herself. The numbers receiv’d will be paid for.
When will you again favour your Somerset friends with another kind visit? I fear (must I say it) that your affections are more immediately directed elsewhere. Will your August visits to us be terminated even with the commencing one?
Let us hope for better things: I shou’d at this particular time, be truly delighted to see you, as this day I anticipate the delight of my dear sister’s society; and I know if she cou’d once see you and hear the delicious sounds you so well know how to elicit, she wou’d at once become a zealous admirer of your talents, and a liberal patroness to your fortunes. I hope you are, in vulgar language, making money rapidly, classically, may the
pactolean stream, directed by your Muse, contribute from its bountiful source, sufficient of that dross, which after all, is a very material component of earthly happiness. So badly is the ethical department of this, our slovenly planet organized, that a little of the golden sand seems even necessary to the shewing our virtues in a proper light. Oh! That patriarchal times might be revived! “Was it so in the days of Noah? Ah No.”
Your friends here are all well. Mrs. Dennis, who always enquires for you, is as well as usual, and Betsy is as lovely as usual. I think it a big pity that this dear girl’s talent for music shou'd not be a little farther aided by your care. Her acquirements in that branch of education, as well as all others, are so astonishing for the time given to them, that it is much to be desired she might have the finishing polish from you.
Will you present us to your brother and nephew, and accept for yourself a large share of
our regard?
With respectful esteem and friendship,
E.U. Teackle
Aug. 5, 1810
E.U. Teackle to Madame Charlotte Lepelletier
Baltimore