[Letter from Elizabeth Upshur Teackle to her husband, Littleton Dennis Teackle, December 20, 1813]

Princess Anne. Dec 20^th, 1813

My dear husband

Your several kind letters have just come to hand; and I observe by the contents the cause of your hitherto silence. God send you success in this important negotiation and down with the worsted cabal. I do assure you (under the rose¹) that there has been a great deal of disgust felt here on this same bank business arising from the shilly shally conduct of some certain persons, and the flat denials of others to begin the petition to be taken on by Esquire P. I understand the whys and wherefores, although my eye, politick goes no farther than to squint throu’ a millstone. However, it is no business for me to prate about to any other than yourself. But I felt and do feel extremely disgusted with the by ways trod by your popularity seeking gentry. Popularity is a will o’the-wisp sort of thing and those who follow its lights are very apt to be left in their mire. You’ll mark the end of it.

Your note enclosing the needful to the amount of 50 dollars was, you will easily believe, an acceptable doceur. I shall firstly appropriate a moiety of it to the payment of Mr. Curren’s bill. The residue shall be judiciously disposed of, as emergencies occur. I observe the printed papers, but have not yet read them. Because I commenced this letter the moment [I] had done reading your letters. When I dispat[atched]

my letter to the office I shall examine the lineaments of this child of your labors. You have toiled a great deal for the benefit of other people; but I trust you will reap the advantages, in this, with others.

I shall write to Mr. Campbell, whether my head connects or not, next week. But to whom must I enclose my letters for Mr. Jeffrey to take? Shou’d I send it under cover to Mr. Bancker? Or to yourself?

I have heard from my sister, good news. All my friends are well, which is very good news in times when bad news is so rife. We hear dreadful intelligence of embargos, and the high prices of family necessaries. 40 cents for brown sugar by the hundred and I have not heard whether Mr. Crockett (who has just arriv’d) has brought my stores according to your memo. But shall send to him before I close this, and thereby can make my list out to you.

My health is as usual. All the rest of us are well.

God grant you happiness and success is the constant prayer of your wife
E.U.T.

Crockett has not brought one single article you sent by him for, so after waiting so long for him, I must beg of you to furnish the following it[ems]

Viz.
50 wt. brown sugar
do coffee
do buckwheat flour
do loaf sugar
2 lb tea
1 gall[ons] spirit turpentine
10 yds. no 7 spun cotton warp
10 lbs. do filling do

PS. The cotton (20 lbs) I want for a web. [missing words] to the Baltimore prices at the factory it can be bought already spun, cheaper than the spinning can be done here, and I have work enough beside for my spinners, of coarse materials. I have my [loom] set up already in the house, and have go[t] [words missing] on which I bought. I am very much [illegible] in manufacturing. If you cou’d get me a bale of raw cotton, it wou’d be very acceptable to me, as the quality of that which is for sale here is very bad and dear. I thank you for the liberty you have given me to apply to you for “any little matters” I may want. I am only thinking how I shall circumscribe my little wants. But nevertheless, if anything shou’d appear necessary, hereafter I shall note it to you. I think by keeping me supplied in working materials you will save many a dollar. For out of idleness grow many idle wishes. I have always observed when I am

not occupied with affairs which necessity forces on my attention, I have less leisure for ideal wants. Finery &c.

God bless you once more
E.U.T.

P Anne M^d
Dec 21 Free

L. D. Teackle Esqr.
Mail. Annapolis

Elizabeth has begged me to [open your letter] on purpose to thank you for the books you have been so kind as to buy for her. She sends you her very best love.