[Letter from Elizabeth Upshur Teackle to her daughter, Elizabeth Ann Upshur Teackle, December 2, 1816]

Princess Anne Dec. 2d '16

My dearest child

This day has presented us suddenly the (illegible) face of winter, and it has stormed so violently and unexpectantly that we are all thrown quite off our centre, insomuch, that wou'd you think it. I had entirely forgotten that it was mail day, and did not send for my letters until this evening after tea, when Davy, coming over with a request from cousin Nelly for the papers, reminded me of the meal I had in store. Cousin Betsy, bless her little heart! And I were just snuffing ourselves away in a corner by the stand, and beginning our evenings ememployment when Davy came, and so I told him to go to the office and get the papers and my letters and when he came back, cousin B and I quietly returned them. You (illegible) know, from my having this dear girl with me to stay all night that you father has left me for Balt. in his new (illegible). I hope sincerely that he is safe in Baltimore, having had a favorable wind yesterday morining when he left home. God forbid

that he shou'd be out in this snowstorn. Although the wind has not been high enough to warrant a fear of danger, yet I shou'd be grieved that he was uncomfortable. He is in a large ship. And with a first rate commander, our "young captain" who is so perfectly at home on shipboard that with his good will, I hardly think he wou'd ever be anywhere else, at least not long at a time. And Amelia was delighted with her visit to us. I am glad of it for there are few of my acquaintances to whom I owe so much in this way as to every member of that family, or to whom I wou'd more gladly repay the debt in mind. After having had a family literally of (illegible) and (illegible) for upward of 5 months, we are, all at once let down into, comparatively, still life. And whom my word, so difficult are we mortals to please, I hardly know what to do with myself. After so much company and occupatin, it is rather irksome to be left quire alone, and if it were not for these dear Dennis' I don't know hat wou'd become of me. Betsy came over yesterday afternoon and was not it

charming for her to be (illegible) here in the snow? Otherwise I shou'd have been (illegible), either to hold communion with the shovel and (illegible), or with me own thoughts, which of late, have been so little used to any regular intercourse of the mind, that I doublt much whether they cou'd have been brought to anything like order in discourse. At any rate I have felt, today, very little disposition to try their faculties. When you return home for good and to be good, then I shall have one source on all occasions. (illegible if I don't choose, either to talk myself (which by the bye shou'd be a great wonder) or to let you talk, which has sometimes happen'd, why then you know your harp will come in play, and I can sing, an excellent way of compounding the matter. I am delighted that you are do much pleased with their most charming instrument and confidently believe your progress will be commensurate with your pious wish to do all things that I require of you. May God bless you , my child, for this. The expressions your letter have sunk (illegible) in my heart. And I fully value, and understand the nature of the motives which stimulate you to exertion. Best

(illegible) that the true filial piety must be rewarded. I am sorry too, that you have not yet received the money to pay Mrs. G's bill; (illegible) I account for it. It went regularly by the mail and it wou'd be strange it it shou'd never come to hand. We have always sent large sums in the same way. However, if this is not forthcoming soon, I myst try again. You will write me whether or not you do get it, every time 'till the thing is ascertained. What request was it you put in your little P.S.? I can't read it, the writing is so small and not quite legible. Mrs. Carroll and (illegible) were here the other day and particularly desired to be remembered to you. Indeed all my friends politely and kindly ask for you and send their loves. Cousin (illegible) and her motherdid also, when they left here the other morning. God bless you, my dearest child. Your mother Ele T

Cousin Besty sends her love to you. Mine to Mrs. G and those young ladies whi ask for me.