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New York 19 July 99
Why have you not written to me, Margaret. I wish I has letter of yours to answer. The heat of a city is so enervating, that a powerful stimulus is necessary to make me write, [who?] is never [fond?] of the employment. Promise me a note at least, [twice?] a week, was the request of M Nicholson. [Twice?] a [?] this warm weather [?] [?] have compassion on your friend. Had [got?] some of my sweetest, most valued enjoyments are derived from the letters of my friends. [illegible] pretty clever, pretty forward, and pretty ugly, the character is unlike any of my associates, but variety is agreeable, and his visits would not be [unamusive?].
Mrs Scot called here on tuesday. She said she was sorry that her behavior had given rise to misconstructions. She said this, Margaret, in a tone and manner, that implied she was more hurt by my having thought proper to mention to you the treatment I had received than sorry for the treatment itself. This struck me very [forcibly?] at the instant, my Irish blood mounted to my cheeks and rushed through every vein with increasing rapidity. I felt there was no medium I must either treat her very well or very ill. She [undeserved?] [?]
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I had experienced called for the letter, but she was young, thoughtless, and she was your friend. I could not convey my ideas in words but I pressed my lips to hers, in assurance of reconciliation, and told her, she must consider my being hurt at her conduct as a compliment had I not entertained a regard for her, it would have given me no concern. I believe there is not much congeniality between us. My feelings rendered this a very interesting moment had it been you, it would have been equally interesting to both; you would have known every idea that passed through my mind. From what you have told me of her disposition, I expected more warmth, but perhaps she did not understand me -- I am glad I forgave her at first for her [?] furnished fresh fuel for resentment. In her apology she said she had not been out at all, but afterwards mentioned having visited the [?] [Bleeckers?] more than once. Mrs. {Fleming?], Mrs. [Gracis?], Miss {Makam?], Mr Nicholson and many others, in no long time she will go to [?] [?] for three months so I shall not meet her again till autumn.
[M Coops?] is still here, she regretted not seeiing you and said many handsome things about you. On tuesday she [said?] Mrs. [Novack?] took tea with me. I thought of you and Mary, and wished you were with me to partake of my pleasure, [N.?] Cooper I like better than ever, Mrs. [Novack?] is not fascinating, at a first interview. I had heard much in her favor, but determined to judge for myself and be quite uninfluenced by the opinions of others, twice I [was?] her [?] not feeling the smallest inclination to join in the praise which had
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been so liberally bestowed, but after tuesday I must have been miserable any longer to withhold my approbiation. She is a Philadelphian, Margaret, perhaps you know her, her name was Miss [Eddy?]. She has the characteristic [m?] [here?] of that people, dignity blended with affability. She did not say much to me, but conversed chiefly with my mother; [that?] [?] gave me additional pleasure, for Mama seldom talks as much as I wish.
At last I have procured a bonnet that I like, for Sister [?]. I could not get the edge I wished, Mrs. Campbell asked a dollar and a half for one that would not have looked so well as what I obtained for three shillings. The bonnet without the edge was three dollars. The hat for [Ly?] fourteen shillings, if it be not the right size I can change it. They have pretty little silver and gold cord and [tapels?] for a shilling, which I think could be ornamental. I would have sent the hat now, but I have endeavoured, though ineffectually, to [procure?] beaver. I have only seen two, both much too small. I saw a pretty white one, without fur for [?] shillings. The size of the one I have purchased. [L?] Miller says there is not in New York another copy of the [Satan?] Dialogues. The booksellers say they have not heard of the book. I have been equally unsuccessful in my search after Theodosius and [Constantine?]. Mrs. White's bonnet cost two dollars, five yards of [si?] at 16 pence per yard 6 [?] trimming 10 pence, so three dollars [answered?] [How?] did she like it. - I sent yours, and the Magazine in the same box above. I hope they come safe. - Give my love to Sister [Lena?] and Maria. I began a letter to Maria the day you came, and I have not written at all since you left me - Adieu
Maria Lampleter
