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New York July 30th 1799
Your letter, my dear Margaret, did not reach [?] street till Mrs. Rodgers had already purchased Mrs. Paterson's bonnet, or I would with pleasure have executed her commission. I am very glad to hear that my purchases answered so well. It is very gratifying to me to be able to give satisfaction to my friends.
Margaret you have improved wonderfully in your hand writing, do by all means continue the use of black ink, at least to me, for I can read your letters now with a great deal more pleasure than formerly.
I am almost sorry for what I wrote about Juliet, if it make you think less highly of her. I know her character. I perhaps ought to have acted differently. Young, gay and fashionable, it might naturally be expected she would seek the society of those who bore a nearer resemblance to herself than I did. I seldom please on an early acquaintance, and she knew very little of me; she knew me only as your friend, as one who claimed as large a portion of your affection as herself, and perhaps this circumstance would not give me a higher title to her favour, for as she loved only you, she might think the greatest share of your tenderness should be bestowed on her. From these considerations I ought not, perhaps, to have expected any immediate attention, but have waited patiently
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till the tide of gaiety had ebbed, when she would have recollected those with whom she could with satisfaction pass some of her graver hours. I know some people who have strong minds, well cultivated, good hearts and who converse agreeably, yet I cannot feel any interest in them, and though I am pleased while in their company, could not be at any trouble to make them a visit. Such may be Juliet's feelings in regard to me, should I then blame her for being so much like myself. I believe I told you she was to spend three months in the country, it may be of advantage to her, it will give her time for meditation, for reading. She said, she would be lonely for Mr. Scot's business would require his presence in the city during the day, in the evening he would return to Long Island. She asked me to visit her for some days if I could be contented with country fare. I believe I made no promise, but told her that country fare was no objection to me, when I could enjoy pure air and meet with a cordial welcome. "Then", said she, "I may expect to see you, for you shall have both."
I returned from Long Island on Thursday, after spending four days with Maria Nicholson. The weather was delightful, Maria very charming, the rest of the family kind and attentive, books in abundance, a shady seat in a little wood, on the bank of the river, where through the trees you could see the passing vessels, and hear the wind playing in their sails, most excellently calculated for reading or Philandering
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but as no [bears?] frequented this lonely spot, we were obliged to be contented with the former. Well, I was contented and happy, yet I did not feel sorry to see Mr. Bleecher on Thursday afternoon, he took tea with us, and in the evening we returned to New York in Mr. Nicholson's boat. The passage was delightful, the tide being favourable & we glided swiftly down the current, the air was cool and refreshing, I never was better pleased with being on the water.
I have seen all our friends since my return. [?] [Cooper?] leaves town today, she regretted not having seen you. I really wish you had seen her, you would like her better than formerly. I had a very agreeable visit from Mr. Miller on friday. I suppose I told you I had visited Mrs. Mitchete. Mr. Johnson and Mr. Brown have returned and lament their being absent during your visit to New York. Mr. B does not seem so much disappointed at not seeing you, as at not seeing Mr. Smith; so, you see Margaret, you have great reason to be jealous of that man, for he is a very great favourite of mine too, and you know I ran away from you that I might have a tete a tete with him on the battery. But you must not let what I have said make you take a dislike to Mr. S and poison him, for fear your friends should esteem him as much as they do you.
Remember me to Sister Jane, and believe me dear Margaret
most affectionately yours
Maria Templeton
