[Letter from Elizabeth Upshur Teackle to John Eyre, February 19, 1821]

Princess Anne. Feb^y. 19^th 1821.

My dear brother

Some weeks since I wrote to my sister in answer to a note from her, since which time I have heard nothing from her, neither directly nor indirectly. From the shortness, and tenor of her note, I am led to fear that increased indisposition has prevented her writing in answer to my last, as I will not believe that she wou'd leave me to painful suggestions when it was in her power to remove them. Again I apply to you, my dear and kind brother, for information relative to her health, your own, and that of friends in general; and I sincerely hope to have speedy, and, at all events, not painful intelligence. As to ourselves, we are in good health at present, and doing the best we can to make ourselves happy and comfortable, by a course of steady attention to useful occupations. This is the best remedy for "minds diseased," as well as for purses grown thin and lank. "Hard times" is the watch word here, and every where else, I believe: but thank God, we have plenty of every thing, "except money," my husband bids me say. He has turned gardener since Mr Otter left us; and I think, promises to be an expert one. At all events, he is very industrious and attentive to this and every other branch of domestick economy, and to him and his unceasing exertions, I am indebted, under Heaven

for the abundance and comfort we all enjoy. We have bought little or no thing that cou'd be raised on our farms this year. It is astonishing how one may learn to do without money when it cannot be had.We have had a winter almost unparalleled for severity in the memory of our oldest citizens.

Every hot house plant, I am told, which was not under ground, has either been killed, or severely injured. Mine have stood very well, and I have no doubt of the safety of your's, your green house is so excellent; and really, after you have given me information of my animated friends, I hope you will not disdain to speak of those quiet, cheerful-looking acquaintances of mine in the White house with large windows. You have had plenty of roses I suppose; but we are in a colder climate, and not so well situated, and therefore have nothing to please us in that way, but the anticipations held our by numerous little buds; which I hope will not be blighted by "a frost a nipping "frost," which is so often the fate of human aspirations after enjoyment. What is it, that Wolsey says?¹ "Today we put forth the tender buds of hope. Tomorrow comes a frost, a thrilling frost"² &c. &c. This might sometimes be prevented by heading down the too exuberant shoots of our desires, those useless and vain buddings of morbid feelings which are most liable to then canker and the blasts of this tempestuous world. This you will think is like the surgeon's remedy for a sore toe, "cut the toe off."

You never give me any encouragement

to write you long letters, by following my example; and yet I am prating away as if you had nothing else to do but read my lines. I do not often offend in this way of late, for I have taken almost as great an aversion to writing as you ever felt; except now and then, when I am in the humour.

My dear husband desires me to say that he is very anxious to see you, and that he has had some thoughts to pay you a visit some time soon. He presents his regards to you at the same time, with the affectionate love of my Eliz^th to you and her aunt. Remember me also, most affectionately to my dear sister, A and his family. Accepting for yourself the
affectionate regard of your sister

E.U. Teackle