[Letter from Ann Upshur Eyre to her sister, Elizabeth Upshur Teackle, February 26, 1825]

26 February 1825

It rejoices me much my dear Betsey, to get your letter this morning written with so much joy good humor. The genl and myself had a good laugh over your Bobbity Bob description. He said you were so pleasant. I read it all to him, and he beg'd me to offer his best regards to you. We had a mighty rout here last night, a company of some fifty, the preparations were very elegant. Mrs. Taylor calls it mine and Margarets party. We had some charming folks, and excessively clever fellows, music, singing, and carpet dancing and sprightly conversation "which walked the rounds." We had some very beautiful creatures all dress'd with much elegant taste. Our dear genl was more than usually animated and at length unable to resist the beautiful Mrs. John Tabb, challenge he entered boldly lists of "[toecrasy]", in despite of gout, I thing he is much improved in appearance and spirits within a few days. We found him very unwell, and labouring under a pretty strong attack of hyppa. We have induced him to quit the use of tobacco and live more generously, and now his eye is regaining its lustre. We were disappointed and prevented from going to the ball at old point, by the rain. Indeed we have had incessant rains, not more than

three good days since we have been here. I have dined out and spent evenings. On Thursday, we joined a wedding party at M^r George Loyals, and our cousin Peggy Pollard is a fortunate woman in her later choice. Her husband is highly thought of and she seems very sensible of her happiness. We dined yesterday at Judge Parkers. Mrs Preston is delightful, her spirits are excellent. She has four lovely children with her, and as she is to remain here so long, I shall endeavor to prevail on her to visit me. I have begun to beg the Genl to go over with us, but I am affraid I shall not have much success. Mr E and himself are to go to Washington on Wednesday and return on Saturday. We shall return the following tuesday home where I shall hope to meet you. If the weather is favorable, you may certainly expect us. I have much visiting before me, but it is raining and has kept me confined all day. Mr E and the Genl dine at John Tabbs. I admire Mrs Tabb, they have two of cousin Betsy Tabbs girls to live with them, Charlotte and Augusta. I have had hosts of visitors. I went to pay my respects to Mrs Nivison two days ago. The old lady seemed much affected when I met her, but afterwards rallied and asked me a great many questions. M^rs Tazewells green house plants look finely and she offered me a number of such as I have not. Tell E. Judy A. is not well, but expressed herself very warmly of her. I must reserve it all for our evenings at home. Would you believe that I have again fallen in with LaFayette, and Mr E has been introduced at last. The old Gentleman has increased much in size. Mr. Almand told him last night that he made a magnificent breakfast yesterday, meaning that he eat most enormously, he said moreover that George Washington

understood well how to pick a bone. They have commenced their long journey to the south. The old gentleman called here yesterday morning. Genl T had a laugh at me, for after his departure he discussed that my flannel petticoat was hanging down ever as far below my dress. We were all in high glee in the back room fixing the trays for the evening, when we were thrown into a bustle by his arrival. Mrs Taylors Senr is better than she has been for some months past. Archeys wife is very lusty, her looks remarkably well. I sent over my dear Elizabeths canton crape by Abel Upshur. I was so harried with the fear he woud have it behind. I did not look to see if it was well done. I wish you woud write to me again. I am anxious to know how you all go on. May god ever grant you paths of peace and joy. I am glad indeed to hear you are all well, and pray give my love to Arthur, Ann, and the children, and other friends. I only wish you all had my shares of the excellent dainties, which I am obliged to see and forgo at this house and every where I move. Such quantities of cake of fruits, and such a monstrous waste of all the luxuries of life. I shall try to get some made here to bring over with me for you. I hope the next week will be better weather. I have all my shopping to do yet. Margaret is remarkably well and much admired, she's very pretty. I am in love M^rs Walter Jones, she is a sweet creature and performing on the piano divinely. We had a charming evening at Mr Myers. The spanish consuls wife was there, an english woman educated in france. She is a lovely looking woman. We had some other foreigners, and a great deal of fine music on the harp and piano. All three of the Misses Myers play. I have been constrained to tune my lays. It was a hard matter to bring my courage to the sticking point. I am too nervous to acquire enough self possession to acquit myself to my satisfaction, but I am importuned so much I am obliged to do my best. We had some