[Letter from Elizabeth Upshur Teackle to her daughter, Elizabeth Ann Upshur Teackle, August 14, 1815]

Aug. 14^th, 1815. P.Anne.

Count up all the letters you have had from me, my dear Elizabeth, and perhaps you have had, at least, all I have written. By every mail I have sent you one, and sometimes two; always directing “to M^de Grelaud’s Academy Gemantown.” However, hereafter, I shall direct to her care South Third Street. Yesterday I wrote you a long sermonizing letter which will go cheek-by-jowls with this in the mail of tomorrow. I therein mentioned having receiv’d the very pretty knitting sheaths you sent me, for which, my love, I thank you again. I also receiv’d all the other things, viz. a coarse muslin handkerchief, for whom intended I can’t recollect, 12 yds knotting, and “Rosa in London.”

I gave you, in my letter of yesterday, my reasons for not going up to see you with Mrs. Eyre, and also mention’d my plan of going with papa toward the end of this month. I was not well enough to ride in the hot weather, feeling a good deal fatigued after having so much company for so many weeks. I am however

getting stronger again, and hope by the time papa goes to be quite as well as usual.

I am glad you receiv’d your cup and spoon, and shou’d have been glad to have sent you some other little affairs, only that I was fearful of trespassing on Mr Nonwiler’s¹ patience.

I have always intended for you to learn French and you must request Mrs. Grelaud to let you commence with it as soon as she thinks you are sufficiently advanced in the branches of learning now under your attention, to which I trust you will give your serious application. You certainly have improved in spelling, and I perceive only a few mistakes in your letter. First “comeing” you have it, in forming the active present participle of a verb the final e shou’d be left out, always, except in a few cases, such as “singeing.” In spelling, “receiv’d” you have put the i before the e in the diphthong; it shou’d have been receiv’d. These two are all the words that are misspelt, and no other errors except a few letters left out which was through carelessness, was it not? Or habit? I shall never deem it “troublesome” my beloved child to direct

you in anything with in the scope of my capacity. It is my duty to do so, and my pleasure also, particularly when you ask the favor of me so modestly. That you can bear to be corrected is a proof of your good sense: that you ask it as a favour, is at once of proof of your sense and sweetness of temper, also. May you make so rapid a progress in your education as to render it proper for you early to return to your mother’s care. In the mean time, I feel the highest confidence in your governess, who, I am sure, will do all in her power to advance you. As to your religious [and m]oral principles, let your conscience be your g[uid]e and remember my instructions. Your intent[ions] have always been good; and your actions too, thank God for it; and that he may continue to guide you and protect you my dearest child, is the prayer of

Your mother

E.U. Teackle

Always give my best respects to Mrs. Grelaud