[Letter from Ann Upshur Eyre to her sister, Elizabeth Upshur Teackle, December 17, 1817]

Eyre Hall – Dec 17. 1817 My dear Sister I am truly rejoiced to hear of your safe arrival at home – the weather became so excessively cold while you were on your journey that I was afraid you all woul'd suffer much in being exposed to it – I return'd home missing you as much as you [?] I disire [?] soon again our ever active society – together with more strangers get me to cooking again while I have been [?] [?] in since – a few hours after you left [?] [?] Mr an Mrs Randolph arrived their gentleman [?] Abel an his brother, came down here tow days after – you know Abel intended previously to do so – Abel and George remained with us until the following Monday – in the mean time we had Ann [Upham?] and Mr. [?] our poor [?] spirits, heart and soul – are cut to the quick bursts of uncontrollable grief are a relief to those minds, to whom it is natural. – but his heart seems every moment ready to break with [?] I [?] agony and noone overflow'd for him in [?] – more deep pain I think I ever felt before – there is something awful to me in viewing the struggles of a powerful mind like his – the philosopher [?] in vain against the man – he sometimes talked to me in a [?] that always curdled my blood. and while here was generally reading, relaxing, [?] – he mention'd to me the change – which his feelings had undergone on this subject and seem'd to be seeking for the [true?]

true light – combated with Mr E – in as able [?] – the [?] [?] – his unfortunate little offspring of love died on Monday last – I must quit this sorrowful subject – and as I am [?] for time I must diversify a little and inform you of what we are all doing – Arthur and Ann had a party last night at which all the young people were assembled I sent all my best forces for the purpose. but did not attend myself – Mr E went some days before to a deer hunt at the neck – and did not return in time – Mr. [?] has been with us for some time – and I intend to give him your invitation – when I see him again – and next mail I shall be able I think today when I can be with you and whether he will accompany us – he is a elightful young man and I wish he cou'd fall in love more [?] than seems to be his [?] [?] the young ladies Little mentioning I believe are determin'd to visit [?] [?] Mr. Jackson returns – I fear and believe Mr. Steele's project will terminate unfavorable to him – your scheme – or [?] your excpect'd wishes to live armory [?] – in too clean and are to be thought of an [?] of in my present hurry – it is however I must say. one of the most ardent [?] I have as it regards this would to be [?] [?] and with you – I have received the [?] you

^* sent me – we have had flattering accounts of little Robert Taylor – his intellect are not injured – and he is slowly recovering his health. Mr E thinks of going to N– as soon as he sees his pork put away – his business calls him there for a few days – I shall probably have plenty of folk about me – for the girls are expecting Mr B. Wilson from P– d with [?] for Christmas frolic – how I wish my darling Liza coul be here to join in the merriment [?] [?] her she is to use our old [woman?] saying "the apple of my eye" I received her letter with yours but have not time to answer it to day – [?] kind [?] to oblige me in this way deserve a special return – You left one of your precious cambric [?] and knowing how much you value them I shall take care not to wear it out in the service of the snuff box. With our affectionate love to you all I have only time to [sub?] My self – your sister A Eyre December 13th 1817

[?] December 14 Mrs [?] D. Teakle Princess Anne Md.