Eyre Hall Dec 17, 1817
My dear Sister
I am truly rejoiced to hear of your safe arrival at home. The weather became so excessively cold while you were on your journey that I was afraid you all woul'd suffer much in being exposed to it. I return'd home missing you as much as you could desire. But soon again our ever active society, together with more strangers, get me to cooking again while I have been constantly engaged in since. A few hours after you left dear plain Mr an Mrs Randolph arrived. This gentleman, with Abel and his brothers, came down here two days after. You know Abel intended previously to do so. Abel and George remained with us until the following Monday. In the mean time, we had Ann Upshur and Mr. Steele &c. &c. Our poor Abel's spirits, heart and soul are cut to the quick.3 Bursts of uncontrollable grief are a relief to those minds, to whom it is natural. But his heart seems every moment ready to break with suppres'd silent agony and mine overflow'd for him in a sympathy. More deep pain I think, I ever felt before. There is something awful to me in viewing the struggles of a powerful mind like his. The philosopher arm'd in vain against the man. He sometimes talked to me in a strain that almost curdled my blood, and while here was generally reading religious controversy. He mention'd to me the change, which his feelings had undergone on this subject and seem'd to be seeking for the true