Colonial Williamsburg Digital Library

Taking it for granted that the
Loss from our late worthy friend has brought
you over to York, I have taken up my pen
to condole with you, as well as his other
friends on an Event, which though for some time
foreseen, cannot have been the less severly
felt. Though prepared to hear the account
of his departure, I felt a shock when the
melancholy Event was announced to me
that convinced me, my own misfortunes
had not wholly absorbed my feelings.

I am at length an inhabitant of
Wmsburg, if having an hour without knowing
what is in it can make me so. I shall go
up the day after to morrow to Brandon for
Marie & my children — when I return I
shall hope to see you; for I have a spare
bed in my room, so that we can lye &
chat, when our minds are too much disturbed
to sleep — this has unfortunately been the
so much the case with me of late, that I have actually
pass'd I believe three fourths of the night without sleep
for a week or ten days together. Perhaps it is owing
to the return of that period when the bitterest of misfortunes
befell me — for every day now reminds me of my very
sensations twelve months ago, and in effect the dreadful
scene is, as it were, continually renewed to my imagination.
But this afternoon an accident happened, which, for
a time, opened the floodgates of my sorrows again
as violently, as if yesterday had been the commencement
of my [wretche]dness.

That I want to see you extremely you need not be
told. I was at Kings mill when you pass'd thrò Wmsburg.
I wish I had known of your approach. If you send
over to Wmsburg at any time for letters direct your
servants to call on me. And if your pursuits will
permit you to do so, let me hear from you. I hope
that all your family at Rosewell are in good health,
and what is of equal importance in good spirits.
If this finds you at York remember me most
affectionately to Sally & W. Nelson — Tell him I will
come to York as soon as my four little
Brats are comfortably fixed — offer my
best wishes to Miss's Aley, Fanny, Judy &
the Boys — Adieu! My dear Page, I am,
ever most truely your friend

Remember me to}
the Doctor