(seq. 57)

Miss Lydia Nightingale
Providence

MMF letter #10 New York August 17th 93

I think my dear Aunt you have but little cause to complain
of me in the letter way, as this is the third I've written in
return for one. I do not mean by this, to be ceremonious with
you, I intend to write when I can & hope you will do the same.
Papa is gone to Long Island to see what accomadations we can
have; as he was preparing to go a Gentleman gave him your friendly
packet, containing a letter for me: I eagely open'd & perus'd
those lines of affection from my ever dear Aunt Lydia, highly
gratified by this proof of your remembrance. Now I will
answer your enquires. The promise I made you at parting I performn'd,
but our friend will give you the letter himself. I
suppose by this time you have reciev'd [sic] it. I wrote more
particularly before I left N. port and left it to be given to
Mr G. whom they partly expected, as I was afraid to trust so
much of my mind in any other hand. I intended to answer your
questions as they follow, but pardon me if I leave a great many,
& answer last which most concerns me. Yes Aunt Lydia, I acknowledge
to you that my Esteem for my friend—is such as I
never felt before for any one. You ask my sentiments on this
subject: they are favourable to the wishes of Mr G- but how
shall I know if he still wishes it? My confidence in him makes
me think he will not change the object, but I know there can be
one more worthy of him. I shall begin soon to prepare for my
housekeeping in Carolina. I think I shall want my Mother more
now, every day of my life, than ever I did. Your little Mary
must follow the dictates of her own reason. My dear Mama pro-