ENPages
1
D4317
New York September 3 99
I am enabled, my dear Margaret, to give you a much speedier answer than you could have expected, be I had finished reading your letter, Mr. Brown called to inform me he would this day set off for Brunswick and I could not think of suffering him to depart without being the bearer of a letter to you.
I am very glad to hear our friend has quitted Philad. I have had much disquietude on his account; and once or twice thought seriously of writing to him to urge his departure; but when I reflected how little weight my remonstrance had upon my New York friends, that they would not even be withheld from making needlessly into danger, I supposed intreaties would be vain, and I should only receive a further conviction of the feebleness of my influence.
What you told me of Sister [Jane's?] ill health gives me much pain. [?] her time confined to her chamber. [?] my beloved sister, how sorry I feel for you, you, who are so deserving of every blessing while I, who have not one [?] of your merits, am in full enjoyment of the vital [principle?] of bliss, but what each [possesses?] is the gift of infinite wisdom, a firm belief in this, must prevent every complaint.
Mrs. Bleecker, I suppose, has informed you of the decrease of the epidemic. The reports of [Sunday?] [to?] [Monday?] I have been told, are unfavourable, but I have received no accurate information. [We?] do not think of removing at present, [in?] our neighbourhood, as [?] healthful, and from the [coolness?] of this
2
D4317
day I am [inspired?] with new hopes. I am glad to hear your old friend brought you such an [accession?] of pleasure, but I love particulars, in what respect do you think him so greatly improved. [So?] let me into a little history of his heart, it is only through you I can obtain this knowledge, then perhaps I shall learn to esteem him more, a well as yourself, for I must confess, in my regard he had been stationary for some time. One thing I have observed in him with displeasure a disposition to speak in a trifling manner on subjects which in my estimation were sacred. Even if he disregarded then his respect for me, [might?] he have prevented him from [?] [slightly?], [?] so highly [?]. Perhaps, his superior regard for you may [restrain?] his fondness for scriptural allusions, when conversing on common topics. I have sometimes [ventured?] to [?] my dislike of this practice, but at the time felt too much hurt to express my disapprobation with sufficient coolness: though he might have easily observed the change in my befaviour for it instantly [depressed?] of all the pleasure I had before received from his conversation. But [?] me by what means has progressed so far in your esteem, you know I think highly of him, and for that reason, am more [?] at discovering his faults: Does his attachment to his little favourite still exist, or has he forgoten her charms in the contemplation of the intrinsic beauty of Wisdom. Tell me, Margaret, [?] you may trust me, I will not even whisper it to the [reeds?] besides I too am his friend, though not his confidential one.
Mrs. Brown is near [] Town, Mr. Nicholson heard from her lately, she is well, and as far as one can [?] from a letter in [?] spirits. I have not heard from Mrs. [?] or Mary Smith since the first of last month. [Mary's?] letter was the sweetest I have ever received from her, it made me love her better than ever. [?] was on the point of [?ing}
3
out for Lancaster. What do I think of your autumnal excursion? Why I certainly suspect you will put it in execution, so I told Mrs. [H?]. Indeed I shall be [?] disappointed if it does not take place [?] time our city does not possess many attractions at present neither would I wish to see you in it, but in October, I hope it will be very charming. Dr. Miller [?] [?] of the pleasure we expect to enjoy in the society of your [?] little party and I have written to Mary Smith to write her cousin [?] to become a member.
Well, how have you employed yourself what books have you been reading? I have passed [my?] [?] very delightfullly for a fortnight. I might have [come?] for 2 months, but this yellow fever, Margaret, I fear my fortitude is not sufficient to [?] [?] its horrors, and I have a [?] of friends, they wil be exciting my apprehension by their carelessness. If I could but confine my regards to my own family I should be as [sprightly?] as a lark, for then on the least suspicion of danger we could fly to Long Island.
I was there on Saturday, six hours of the day were passed quite to my taste, I could not have desired more enjoyment. Maria has not been so [nice?] for a long time. I miss her very much, but their servant comes frequently, when we always exchange notes, sometimes even letters.
I saw Catherine [?] a few days since, she is well, so are all the family, they do not think of leaving town. -- Why has not Maria written to me? You say you do not visit much, the last time the females of the Bleecker family were in [Brunswick?], they thought you were inattentive to them. "a word to the wise" -- Give my best love to sister [Irene?] and Maria.
Farewell your affectionate Maria Templeton
