Margaret Bayard Smith Transcription Project

no difference in our condition Their power to vex us, is not derived from their own strength, but from our weakness & by conquering that weakness & irritability & sensibility we deprive them of their [story?].

On this point I speak from experi ence - I have by nature a most ex citable frame & irritable temper - the slightest oppostion or vexation will produce a tremour through my whole body & excite such quick & strong and painful emotion.- This produces such continual uneasiness, as to destroy my power of enjoying the [ ? ] blessings of my lot. I resolutely set about the business & have in a great measure succeedded- The little domestic cares & vexations that used to vex & irritate me - have lost the power of so doing - "They shall not fret me'' I have said & made them yield to my will as a rider does a wild unmanageable horse- It can be done- So my dear friend set yourself to the task & force your mind from the influence of the vexations of life.- Its sorrows, have not so destructive an effect on comfort & happiness- for as I said before there is even luxury in sorrows I perceive with regret, your general health, but particularly, your nervous system is already suffering- Pray struggle against your feelings & troubles & let them not bring on that greatest of afflictions - nervous debility - Oh the nerves

when I assure you, I preferred yours & your mother's & that I know very few for whose company I would forego yours.- You & Mrs. Bomford stand to me in the place of the sisters from whom I am separated, & in all places & at all times are valued & welcome visitorsand your mother, seems as if she were my mother too- No other persons in the city excite so warm & lively an interest- I feel as if you were relations as well as friends - you do not come to see us, half as often as we wish & you cannot come oftener than you will be welcome.

The change in the weather has made us all feel better & I hope will have the same effect on you. It will at least add to your comfort by laying the dust.- All we wanted these rainy days, was a new novel & as this was unattainable I set about writing one- [a?] story at least & this so completely [ ? ] the lapse of time yesterday, that when the carriage drove to the door at 4 o clock, I thought it was not more than 12- Today I have been [reading?] my old [books ? ]. adieu, accept the kindest wishes of your sincere friend MHS