Maria Magdalen Flagg Letters, 1790-1793 (inclusive). A/F5745, Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.

Mary M. Flagg New York Augt 17th 1793

Miss Lydia Nightingale Mr Greene Providence

New York August 18th '93

After I had written the inclos'd I took a walk to Mrs Wards in hopes of meeting Mr S. Greene, that I might have given in to him, but was very sorry to hear, that he was gone. Do write me by evry vessel. I am quite lonesom. We have left our lodgings for another, which is more airy, as we can't get a place on Long Island. I am almost angry to think how much pleasure I have lost by leaving Rhode Island so soon, only think I must stay here 6 weeks, without any society I mean in the house. Mrs Ward lives far from this house, my young friends know not that I am here & I donot mean to inform them of it. I wish I could go to Bethlehem & stay a little while that charming retirement would give me more satisfaction than I can have in a warm city. I must bear it patiently, tho' I must acknowledge, the heat is very great. I promise myself more pleasure in reading your letters than any thing else. Farewell Aunt Lydia

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Mary M Flagg New York Augt 18th 1793

Miss Lydia Nightingale Providence

New York August 27th 93

I cant sufficiently express the pleasure your letter of August 18th, has given me, my dear aunt you know how much I love you, & ev'ry such proof of your affection, if possible adds to mine. I was afraid I had written too candidly upon a subject extremely delicate. but to whom were those sentiments express'd to one who is my friend, who is as dear to me as a mother. I am satisfied. I am glad you think as I do of Mr. R - & I love to hear you call him good & amiable because I think him so. And do you think it possible, that a Great World, can alter my heart No, I am as nature made me. I love retirement, the society of a friend will make me doubly happy - I am also glad to spend the winter in Charlest[?] I can then prove my attachment not rashly form'd. Mr. R. has waited a long time, and is it possible? fix'd on me, his affections. I am sensible of his good judgement, but whether it is discoverable in this particular, I have too humble an opinion of myself to determine. So Mr G thinks as you do of my visit to C-- tell him it is well. & I approve of his generous sentiments. I wonder what the B-family think of my refusal I imagine Aunt Betty knows nothing of it. to day I was at Mrs. Ward's Miss W -- said she believ'd all aunt B's nephews were fond of me, yes, she replied. but I am afraid Maria's election will not be of the best. I told