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of her mother & sisters. You know the interest I take in that family and may easily
imagine with what pleasure I listened to Fanny's details. Oh Margaret! how
closely we cling to some remembrances, and when they are no longer accompanied by
anguish how we love to cherish them. It is good for me to do so, such reflections teach
the vanity of all earthly possession, and when by their not satisfying the mind then
we were designed for a better state.-- and -- but I will not moralize just now.

Wednesday November 5th

When I was writing to you I thought Maria Nicholan had left town, but I
found she had not, and was obliged to leave my letter to attend to her. She staid
with me till the next day at noon, and came to town early on Tuesday morning
so that almost all my time has been passed with her. Mrs Brown too had charm
upon me, she was sick, out of spirits, so I have been to see her every day now.
Yesterday when Maria left me I was going to write to you, but I expected
company, and I like to write to you at my ease, and not to hurry through
a letter when you are so far from me.

I had a letter from Maria yesterday and [was?] [quite?] rejoiced to hear that
that your property arrived in safety, and that by this time you are probably in
your own house. There is an idea of comfort attached to home which we can never feel
in any other place, and good housewifery has been so long your favorite subject
of investigation that you must be delighted by an opportunity of putting your long
established theory into practice. Do not forget that I am to have the [first?]
appearance of the prison [?]. Has Mr Smith's newspaper appeared yet?
and has he many subscribers for it? You I know will not consider this question as
impertinent for you well know how solicitous I am for the welfare of you both.

Mr Brown is in Philad: still, Mr [Shassless?] told me that he had heard Mr Brown
had fallen in love with a lady in Philad and that occasioned his staying there. I
seldom, however, credit reports and conjectures. It is not in the least unlikely that he
has fallen in love, but I do not believe with Mr S-- that he is going to be married.
Robert Barker has visited me twice since I came to town. What kind of a mind has
this young man, and what are his favorite subjects of conversation?--?

I have been to see Mrs [Scot?]. I called in the morning, and dined with her, her little
daughter has grown quite pretty; -- What vile ink this is, but I have no better at
present, and cannot delay writing till mine becomes good. --

Mr Miller has returned from Boston in proper excellent health. His brother is suffering
under a heavy cold, and is really sick. I wish he would try the effect an European
climate, for ours seems not to agree with him, and I dread the consequences of these
frequent attacks.--.--

I do not yet feel settled for the winter. I have formed no plan as to the way in
which I shall spend it. Much depends on Eliza. I shall follow her inclinations
rather than my own. Last winter passed entirely to my satisfaction, but I do not
expect to be as domestic this. I shall mingle more in general society, though
this change will not contribute to my social pleasures, yet it may be adven-