Letter 783 To the Same New Rochelle
August 14th 1790 Saturday
You will, my dear Parents, judge that we are moving quite in the Court Circle, when I shall inform you that we have taken tea at the President's, passed a day at the Vice President's, and visited at the Secretary's -- and, further, that we have taken Coach with the Widow of General Greene etc etc -- But lest you should imagine us so much elated, by those honours, as to become absolutely giddy -- I will pursue my narrations with my accustomed method -- Sunday, being rather indisposed, I indulged myself through the day in my chamber -- The Churches in New York are all shut against Mr Murray, but he met his friends, among whom are some of the most respectable characters, both forenoon and afternoon, in the Assembly room, and the evening produced many Ladies, who did me the honour of calling upon me -- On Monday, Mr Murray as the Minister of the Universal Gospel, presented the address of the Churches, professing Universalism to the President of the United States, and was most graciously received -- The form of the address, with the answer, will no doubt reach you, in the line of publick intelligence, long before the period, in which this letter is destined [to reach] your hands -- While Mr Murray visited at the President's Mrs Washington dispatched a Messenger from her apartments, importing that she should be pleased with a visit from Mrs Murray, that if she -- Mrs Murray -- preferred enjoyment to ceremony, she need not wait for a Levee day -- for Mrs Washington would certainly be at home, whenever it should suit Mrs Murray's convenience, and the President too, deigned to enquire, if my journey had bestowed upon me the blessings of health -- all this, you will believe, was highly flattering -- ...About Six O--clock we took a coach for the presence, and at the door of the great Hall we were met by a well looking, and well dressed Man -- I however recollected myself, and neither bowed, nor curtsyed
At the bottom of the stair case Colonel Humphry's, offering his hand, ushered us into the drawing room, a number of Ladies were with Mrs Washington, and her matronlike appearance, and Lady like condescension, soon dissipated every painful idea of distance -- taking my hand she seated me by her side, and addressing herself particularly to me, as the only stranger present, she engaged me in the most familiar, and agreeable Chat -- she interrogated me respecting my journey, asked if my acquaintance in New York was extensive, and in what part of the City I abode -- She informed me she had the pleasure of being acquainted with my brother, and she spoke of his late marriage, and the death of his Companion, as events which had interested her feelings -- I cast my eyes round the room, and I read in the countenances of the Ladies, a pleasing kind of respect -- Mr Murray was engaged with Colonel Humphrys, who occasionally regarded me with flattering attention -- Thus were we disposed of when General Washington entered the drawing room -- My eyes had never before beheld him -- but it was not necessary he should be announced -- that dignified benignity, by which he is distinguished, could not belong to another -- Mrs Washington introduced me[,] I arose, and with a countenance that spoke not my heart, if it were not impressed with affectionate respect, and the highest degree of veneration[, s]lowly bending, in a marked, and expressive manner, I performed my duteous salutations -- a smile of pleasure illumined the features of the President, he requested me to be seated, and taking a place by my side, proceeded, with peculiar affability to question me relative to my health, to my brother, to Philadelphia etc etc [--] To discant upon the Virtues of General Washington, however [interesting] the theme, frequently as they have been capatiated upon, and inadequate as I am, I assay not --
Yet I will so far indulge my feelings, as to say, that his figure is elegant beyond what I have ever seen, that his countenance is benignly good, and that there is a kind of venerable gravity inscribed upon every feature -- as I sat by his side, Homer's Nestor frequently occurred to my imagination, and, of this I am certain, no Grecian Dame, could have beheld the hoary sage, with greater admiration -- my heart, my exalting heart, highly appreciated the uniform Hero, acknowledging a kind of homage only not divine -- The vestments of the President were of purple satin, but his figure and not the aid of this regal dye, to inspire those sentiments, which are deemed the tribute of royalty majestically commanding, his appearance will ever, insure the love, and reverence of every unprejudiced beholder -- To speak truth of the President is impossible -- No Painter will ever be able to do him justice -- for that which he possessed beyond every other man, the Art of the Linner or language of the panegyrist, however glowing, can never reach -- It is a grace in every movement, a manner, an address, an inimitable expression, especially when the sedate dignity of his countenance, is irradicated by a serene smile -- in short a nameless something, in the tout ensemble, which no skill can delineate, no art can catch and which of course no portrait will ever transmit -- Mrs Washington's face is an index of a good heart, and those Virtues which I am told she eminently possesseth, are impressed upon every feature -- need I add, that her countenance is irresistably prepossessing [--] The residence of General Washington is in Broad Way, and the edifice which he occupies, presents a superb Front -- The drawing room, and the apartments of which we had a view are lofty, and magnificently spacious -- the Furniture is rich, but it doth not surpass what I have before seen -- The upper end of the drawing room is pierced, with three glass doors, which open into a handsome Balcony commanding an extensive view of the Hudson interspersed with beautiful Islands, and washing, at the opposite point, the Jersey shore -- In this Balcony Mr Murray was honoured by a tete a tete with our illustrious Chief, in this Balcony, after we had taken tea, Mrs Washington requested we would walk, and in this Balcony, Mrs Greene, taking her leave, thus addressed your daughter -- "Early in the morning I shall leave this City for Hartford, my stay there will be short, I shall proceed to Rhode Island, where having made my visit, I shall return to this City -- I then propose passing some time with my Girls in Bethlehem, from whence I shall proceed to Georgia -- at the idea of Georgia, I feel a pang, for which I cannot account -- Possibly I may never see you more, but should you ever hear that I am again fixed to any one spot -- remember I early knew your husband, that I no sooner knew than I loved him -- Remember my claim hath the privilege of priority, I am among the first of his friends, and as such, I urge my pretensions to your regards -- Remember then, I say that I am entitled to some portion of your time, and when I am again a housekeeper I shall expect you, among the most familiar footing --" In the course of the two hours passed at the President's various topics of conversation were introduced -- Mrs Washington, as I said was condescendingly attentive to me, as a stranger I was constantly by her side, and addressing me in a low voice, she spoke of her family -- she hath been a happy mother, one son, and one daughter, by a former marriage, they now, however, both sleep in the narrow house -- One grand Son, and three granddaughters survive -- I know, said Mrs Washington, that my daughter in law would soon enter into new engagements, and I urged her to yield her two youngest children to my care -- this she obligingly did, and consequently a grandson, and granddaughter, reside constantly at the President's -- Mrs Washington hath educated a Niece, now united in marriage, to a favourite Nephew of the General and the young couple reside upon, and have the care of that fine Estate, of which we have heard so much, at Mount Vernon -- To which elegant seat, the President and his Lady, will during the recess of Congress, rapidly bend their steps -- The family, thus circumstanced, it is hardly to be regretted, that the General hath no son, to whom to transmit his honours, and his Virtue, for he cannot but be immortal -- his Lady is universally beloved, and the sons of Columbia are their children -- Mrs Washington's Grandson, is about nine years of age -- we saw him but a moment -- her granddaughter is hardly eleven -- she is a fine sprightly Girl -- The President and his Lady complained that she was not sufficiently industrious but she played and sung for us, at the first word, and her performance evinced, that she must have had her hours of application She is, I am told a child of an extraordinary capacity -- attention only being requisite, to her acquiring attainments judged beyond her years, and she assures her Preceptors, if they will but allow her frivolity, until she hath completed her twelfth year, she will yield the rest of her life to their direction -- some pieces of her drawing were exhibited -- They had great merit, and were, you will not doubt, highly applauded -- The Ladies severally solicited her to execute for them, some pretty flowers which might serve as a memorial of her opening Genius, and the sweet pliability of her disposition rendering refusals painful, she fled to my elbow, apparently for shelter -- In a whisper she thus accosted me "only thank you Ma'am, how solicitous every Body is, and Mrs Greene too absolutely insists upon my finishing a piece for her, although she leaves New York early to morrow morning"! My pretty Love, I returned -- your paintings are so excellent, it is hardly to be wondered, the Ladies are earnest to possess specimens -- I do assure you, had I an equal claim, I should be equally urgent -- but, stranger as I am, I presume not to petition["] -- Whether it was my manner, or what, it was I pretend not to say, but she appeared amazingly struck, and even affected and, seizing my hand, she tenderly questioned "Pray when do you leave Town?" We expect to depart on saturday, or monday at farthest -- "Well Ma'am," she rejoined, if it be possible I will sketch for you a flower piece, before that period," I was most agreeably surprised, and pressing her forehead with my lips, I returned, "Thank you my little Charmer -- very sincerely I thank you, and even should you not find time to execute an intention so flattering to me, this sweet, this spontaneous expression, will ever live in my memory["] -- Turning to her grandmamma, I related our little Confab -- the President listened, and they both smiled their approbation, while Mrs Washington observed, that Miss Custus had made me as absolute a promise as she was ever allowed to make, that considering unavoidable accidents, might intervene to arrest the accomplishment of any purpose, it was always best to introduce a saving clause [--] Thus passed our afternoon -- never did I see less of restraint -- The Common Tea parties in the Country Village, hath more of ceremony, and we took leave penetrated with a proper sense of the honour which had been done us -- Mrs Washington in our aside conversation, spoke of the General's later alarming illness, and while she expressed her happiness in his present restoration, a tear of apprehension for futurity, was in her eye -- I embraced this opportunity, of expressing the emotions of my bosom and while I adverted to the common interest, which every American held in a life so precious, I allowed the superiority of her tender, and sacred claims -- Our invitation to the Vice President's was for wednesday -- and thus it was worded -- "If Mr & Mrs Murray are disposed to confer an obligation, they will make their appearance as early in the day as possible -- " Such a summons, from such a character, you will judge we easily disposed ourselves to obey, and accordingly half past twelve, produced us at the gate -- The seat of the Vice President is just two miles from Federal Hall -- It is situated upon the Banks of the Hudson, and commands a variety of the most beautiful and picturesque views -- The house is a spaciously elegant structure -- its Architecture of a light and pleasing kind -- and it is highly finished -- Its hue is a rich white, and its front consists an upper, and lower Balcony, supported by ample pillars, handsomely flutted ornamented by a pyramid, and decorated by various carvings -- the apartments are roomy and lofty and the ceilings display specimens of fine stucco work -- The furniture is in fine taste, and the drawing room is graced by portraits of the President and Mrs Washington -- original paintings which preserve admirable likenesses -- From the great doors, in the hall the most enchant[ing] views are displayed -- In front the waters of the Hudson pursuing their wandering course to the right, on their way to Albany, several little islands are interspersed -- Here trees fancifully sit, intercept the prospect of the river, which yet breaks upon us through the openings, romantically beautiful -- and there, at the foot of the descent, which slopes the lawn before the house, a pond susceptible of high improvement spreads its glassy surface -- The Horizon describes a view of the Jersey shore crowned with rich, and variegated Verdure -- upon the right is the Country charmingly rural, and upon the left a very advantageous sketch of the City of New York -- The interjacent road, widely spreading -- is an agreeable addition and in the back ground is thrown a garden embosomed by the Cataphin, and various other forest trees, with a number of flowering shrubs and plants, beyond which rolls the East river, and woods and plains, Groves, and meadows, hills, and dales, are luxuriantly displayed -- at a little distance from this elegant Mansion is a beautiful natural terrace -- The Valleys on either hand are gradually sunk, and richly verdant -- the meadows are enchantingly out spread -- a willow grove is in view -- The City and the River mingle their respective beauties, and the celebrated orangery, and gardens of Mr [B...non] are distantly seen -- In short exhibited in every view perhaps the united States cannot furnish a more charming retreat -- Nay Mrs Adams, who may be said almost to have completed the tour of Europe, declares she hath never observed a spot, uniting so many advantages -- and it is with no small regret, she submits to the necessity of relinquishing so pleasing a residence [--] Congress however hath decreed, and even Mrs Adams must obey -- Having already introduced to you the present Possessors of this terrestrial paradise, I forbear even upon subjects so copious, to enlarge, and I have only to add, that the Vice President still continues the Man of sense, and the Patriot, that he is still benignly good, and dignifyedly affable, that his Lady is not unduly elevated, nor spoiled by the adulatory incense of surrounding flatterers -- In one word, that Mr & Mrs Adams, are the same kind, and hospitable individuals, who some months since, while they cultivated their inheritance at Braintree received us with most affectionate and amicable condescension -- Our reception on wednesday was equally flattering and we were honoured by the most marked and distinguished attention.
We set down to dinner at half past four, convivial smiles, and sweet hilarity prevailing, and our entertainment was various and pleasing -- Lady Ann Grifith, and her daughter, joined us at the tea table of Mrs Adams, and we chatted most familiarly -- Upon taking leave we were obligingly requested to reiterate our visits and this day -- saturday was named, but almost certain of leaving Town, we necessarily declined an invitation, by which we confessed ourselves honoured -- Thursday, very unexpectedly opened another scene -- I was sitting in my little apartment, alone, and buried in thought -- strange that I possessed not the smallest presentiment, of the distinction which awaited me -- but so it was -- a loud rap at the door roused my attention, I cast my eye toward the passage, where a powdered figure, plentifully adorned with gold lace, etc presented himself -- "Is Mr Murray at home?" I was on the point of answering he had the advantage of me, as I did not recollect meeting him before but fortunately extending my view -- a gay equisage elegant beyond what I had ever imagined caught my eye, and the inquirer proved to be a gentlemanly attendant -- I was at home you will not doubt, and Mrs Washington, and Mrs Lear were immediately ushered in If any thing could exceed my surprise, it was the charming freedom with which Mrs Washington took her seat -- The unmeaning fopperies of ceremony seem to make no part of this Lady's Character, inborn benevolence, beams upon her countenance, points her address, and dictates the most pleasing expressions to her lips -- one whole hour she condescendingly devoted to me, and so much of friendship did her salutations connect, so interesting and animated was our conversation, that a bystander would not have entertained an idea of the distance between us, would hardly have supposed, that we met but for the second time, thus benignly good, and thus adorned with social virtues is our Lady Presidentess, and I confess that in a way perfectly correspondent with my feelings, I have been most highly gratified -- Mrs Greene obligingly sketched for me the manner of a Levee -- The apartments are always greatly crouded -- The Lady is introduced by some gentleman in waiting -- she courtsies low to Mrs Washington, who returns the ceremony -- but not a single word is exchanged -- the Lady then steps back[,] mixes in the rooms, takes her share of tea, Coffee, and Cakes, in their variety -- fruits, ices, Lemonade, wines etc etc and at the close of the visit, she is again led up, makes her silent obeisance as before, and departs [--] The Levee of the President is upon a tuesday and is continued from three to four in the afternoon -- The President himself then stands, and of course no one else takes a seat nor is the smallest refreshment offered -- It is in addition to my former account of the ceremony of the Levee, that I detail these circumstances, as every thing relative to such personages becomes of importance -- and my authority cannot be doubted -- Mrs Washington informed me in the course of her visit, that her granddaughter was busily employed, that she indulged a hope she should be able to accomplish the promised flower piece, and of this attention I could not fail of expressing a becoming sense -- Early accustomed as is Miss Custus to the sweet incense of flattery, many persons expecting to make their Court by pointedly distinguishing this opening bud of worth, it would not be strange to find her affected and capricious, but the reverse of this is the truth -- Easy and unassuming -- her manners are beautifully simple, and she prepossesses every beholder in her favour [--] Thursday afternoon presented the Chariot of Mrs Adams, but after the event of the morning, I was not to be elated by such a circumstance -- We took tea with Doctor Smith, and family -- the afternoon was solemnly sentimental -- The Doctor, as I said, is a Man of sense, and information -- he is a religious Man -- and his Lady hath a mind formed for social, and for mental pleasures -- I can enjoy, said the Doctor, conversation or a sermon, even although it should not be, in every particular exactly to my taste -- What appears to me agreeable to the truth, I can extract, and I can be silent upon its supposed errors, looking with assured expectation for a brighter day. Some observations relative to this afternoon, which will be to me ever memorable, I had purposed to transmit -- but my design is frustrated -- Friday morning we paid a visit to Mr Trumball, who is engaged in painting a full portrait of the President -- the Piece is at least seven foot long, and Trumball hath nearly succeeded in catching the soul, as well as figure of the President -- It is an admirable likeness -- his character seems more than sketched upon every feature, and on the point of retracting a recent opinion, I am almost ready to say the very air, the manners, the moving soul, of our illustrious Chief is here more, abundantly more, than attempted -- This noble painting, at the request of the City corporation, is done from life, and, it is to constitute the principal ornament of their Federal building -- Mr Trumball's room was, as much crouded, as if the President himself had personally presided at the Levee -- It was pleasant to observe the strong emotions of the croud -- a murmur of applause ran through the whole assembly which was composed of both Males, and Females, "Look it is the President Himself -- Trumball hath fortunately hit him off -- See what dignified fortitude is stamped upon every feature -- What a noble figure, how graceful is that attitude -- Oh! Mr Trumball you have made New York infinitely happy -- Was ever any thing so martial -- The whole of his military career, his sedateness, his predigious resources, his self command, his efforts, and his successes, all, all stand confest, in that assemblage of strong lines, which are so justly, and in a manner so masterly delineated --" Such were the remarks from a hundred tongues, while many, with folded arms, contemplated the nearly finished piece -- Trumball hath indeed described the General, the horse you know, is, to a military Commander in Chief, always an appendage, and in all the portraits, which I have hitherto seen of our Hero, the horse, as if conscious of his importance, with head erect, hath seemed to be the most prominent figure -- Trumball hath judiciously escaped this absurdity -- Upon the fore leg of the horse, a fly hath fastened, and this brings down the head of the indignant animal, to revenge the temerity of the insect, and thus the General is left unrivalled, and although ample justice is done to the parts, and proportions of the horse yet he presumes not to arrest the principal attention -- We proceeded from this scene to another of more radical, and general importance -- The illustrious object of our veneration was to take part in a most interesting transaction -- The Indian treaty was to be publickly ratified, and we took our seats in that superb Hall, where the delegates of the United States, so lately convened in council -- Behold then the galleries filled by a respectable, various, and highly gratified populace -- Males, and Females, are indiscriminately seated -- Gentlemen of the first rank, are ranged in the body of the room, appropriated to the representatives of the people -- The handsome and commodious seats without the pales, are occupied by a brilliant circle of Ladies, richly habited, and displaying some of the most beautiful faces, which nature when bounteously indulgent, hath to bestow -- Mrs Washington, with dignified ease takes her seat -- elegant Women compose her train, and, upon either hand, are seated her grandson, and daughter -- The Chair of State is empty -- a number of chairs upon the left, are also vacant, and the Vice President takes his seat upon the right -- Suddenly rude, and tumultuous sounds are heard -- frightfully terrific they vibrate tremendously upon the ear [--] Now the most dreadful shrieks wear the semblance of horrid yells, and now they characterize ceaseless riot, and unlicensed mirth -- "What sounds are these?" -- Every eye seems to ask -- It is the song of praise as sung by the Kings, Chiefs, and Warriors, of the Creek Nation, and now having entered the edifice [sounding] their untutored joy -- They fill the vacant seats -- They are in a complete uniform of blue, laced with red, and McGillivray takes the lead -- The beads are bound about by a handkerchief, others are ornamented with feathers --wreaths, etc etc and all are fancifully painted, and decorated with earrings, and Nose jewels. Thus is the assembly disposed, when the Illustrious President of the United States appears, He is followed by his sate -- he is habited in Vestments of rich purple satin -- Every eye is upon him, while his benign regards, equally distributed, he bends with inimicable grace to surrounding spectators -- He ascends the Chair, a reverential silence pervades, and the articles of the treaty are distinctly read by the Secretary -- They are fourteen and they commence with a stipulation of perpetual peace, and amity! They acknowledge the Sovereignty and protection of the United States; they demand the emancipation of prisoners, they describe the boundaries of the two Nations -- they guarantee possessions, they proceed to the adjustment of a variety of particulars, they grant to the Creeks, an annual subsidy, of one thousand, five hundred dollars, they stipulate many other immunities, they promise an oblivion of resentments, and, upon the whole they look with a very benign aspect upon the interests of Concord -- The treaty being read, our august Leader, rising from his seat of eminence, delivers, in his accustomed elegant, energetic and animated style, his sentiments to the assembled Citizens, and to the Kings, Chiefs, and Warriors of the Creek Nation -- He observed, that as far as he was capable of judging, the Treaty was mutually beneficial, he recommended a spirit of Amity, and he added, that a studious cultivation of unanimity was expected -- He enjoined it upon the Indians to interpose with their good offices, so far as their power extended, to endeavour to annihilate annimosities, and to conciliate the Nations, with which they might stand connected -- and he supplicated the great Spirit, the Master of breath, to forbid an infringement of a Contract, formed under such happy auspices
The address was solemn, and proper, and it was delivered in sentences, which thus detached, were communicated by a sworn Interpreter to the Indians. The Creeks, in their own manner, audibly assented to each proposition, and the signing of the treaty succeeded -- The President presented to Col McGillivray -- as a token of perpetual peace a string of beads, with a paper of tobacca, to supply the Calumet of friendship -- McGillivray, who is invested with the Indian Sovereignty, received the tokens, returned a short speech, and compliments to the President with the Wampum -- and now the Kings, Chiefs, and Warriors one by one advance -- They approach Majestically, with native elevation, and they join hands in peace, and with unusual warmth, McGillivray follows the accustomed Mode, a few indians are influenced by his example but the majority, seizing the President by the elbow entwined their arms with his, thus ardently expressing their satisfaction, and a second song of peace, by the indians concluded this affecting, important, and dignified transaction -- Thus I have endeavoured to sketch for my beloved parents, as concisely as possible, a scene of which I was a spectator, which highly interested my feelings -- and which, perhaps, succeeding Centuries may not repeat --
We devoted the remainder of Friday to calls of ceremony -- visiting upon Mrs Lear, Mrs Pintard, Mrs Robinson etc etc [--] Friday also presented the drawing from Miss Eleanor Custus -- It was a flower piece, of which, a beautiful moss Rose fully blown, with its buds, and appropriated foliage, elegantly painted, are the most conspicuous -- We were upon the wing, visits to make and baggage to put up -- yet detesting even the semblance of insensibility, I had the temerity by way of expressing my thanks to hazard the following reply --
To paint the feelings which spontaneously flow,
Effusions soft, on sudden thought which grow,
Which on your cheek in mantling blushes play'd,
And the face promise voluntary made,
Or to delineate the glow I felt,
When on your lips the sweet appearance dwelt,
To give a form to gratitude divine,
Expansive passion, which I feel is mine,
I should possess -- Dear Maid, your happy art,
The kindling ardours of your youthful heart,
Thanks are inadequate -- my charming friend --
All emulous my breathing wishes are!
But while sensations in my bosom live,
The wreath of worth your merit shall receive
Soft are your touches -- Nature stands confest
Of all the power to designate possest
New beauties spring beneath your forming hand
And genius buds as the fair leaves expand.
Borne to my fav'rite haunt -- the pretty knot
Shall grace my parlour in some hallow'd spot.
Secured from injury -- and neatly glazed,
To my pleas'd eye a fair memento rais'd,
The little tale full oft I shall repeat,
While clustering round the gathering Circle meet
And O! dear Girl permit a fervid prayr,
May you of hovering angels be the care,
Sweet as the rose may your young fame arise,
On the rapt senses seal with glad surprise,
May radiant Virtue lend its damask hue,
As you the mazy path of life pursue,
Perfume your actions -- all your movements grace,
And doubly arm the beauties of your face,
With white rob'd innocence supremely crown'd,
Experience, spreading all her guards around,
In wisdom's flowery walks progressing far,
The stores of knowledge resolute to share,
The voyage of life may you securely make,
Nor o'er the glassy stream of peace forsake --
Full well I know the skillful hands which guide,
Which wait to bear you o'er the swelling tide,
Train'd as you are -- warm'd by so bright a sun,
Under such Vigil your career begun,
Almost superfluous, every wish may seem,
Yet, little rills to the Vast Ocean stream,
And cheer'd by the same animating ray,
Which yields augustly the pervading day,
The humble songster warbles in the Grove,
And chants away his grateful heart to prove.
Miss Eleanor Custus New York August 18-- 1790
Leaving Town this morning, I gave the lines for Miss Custus to the care of the President's secretary, and bidding adieu to Doctor Smith, and Lady, who with a number of other friends, obligingly called upon me at our lodgings, we came on rapidly, as the intense heat would allow -- One mile from the City, we met the President and Lady in their Coach of State, from both of whom we were honoured by repeated, and smilingly benign salutations -- Upon the skirts of Harlem -- nine miles from York, fatigued, and tranquil, and only not sinking under the piercing rays of a potent, and vertical sun, we were slowly proceeding, when, from a rural and sweetly shaded retreat, two gentlemen accosted us -- Mr Murray did not recollect that he had ever seen them -- they were, however, among the number of his friends -- "Pray Sir, do us the favour to stop -- to pursue your journey in the middle of this day is surely wrong -- Here is cool punch and Lemonade, and we prepare the turtle feast, at which, if you will preside, we shall never be unmindful of the honour, which you will thus confer -- many persuasions were not requisite, and we alighted with our hearts truly grateful -- A respectable Circle from New York, had devoted the day to decadent hilarity, many of our Philadelphia friends were also present, the turtle was rich -- Various other dishes were prepared, and the desert was handsome -- But you my dear Mother, will judge that my feelings have been of the most pleasant kind, when I heard one of the gentlemen, who first addressed us in the Carriage, designated by the name of your honoured Father -- Captain Thomas Saunders -- Indeed the figure, and manners of this hospitable son of Neptune -- bore a strong resemblance to those of my Uncle Bradbury Saunders -- We passed some white hours with our convivial friends and leaving with the politely social party, our united benedictions, we pursued our road to the hospitable abode -- The New Rochellers have been introduced to you, and I have only to say we were received as before -- We regretted we were not in time to witness the vows of Mr Byard, and a Miss Pinsard to whose nuptials we had been summoned -- despairing of our arrival, this night, one hour before we reached this place, the ceremony was performed -- Thus one more week of our various Journey hath elapsed and I trust the hour approaches when I shall again behold the faces of my honoured parents -- again I say, I almost flush at the length of my letters, but if they be fati[gu]ing to you, a single hint shall confine my papers to my letter box, when my testimonials of attention to you shall be less diffuse -- Every week I have said would be less fruitful of events -- but, contrary to expectation my subjects still grow upon my hands, and I am unwilling to omit any circumstance, which, at the time, gave me pleasure -- But there is no necessity of my thus burdening you -- Well, and if it be really an inconvenience, let me know, and as I said, I will, withhold, or curtail my accounts -- I am impatient to hear from home -- yet we shall be for many weeks consistently changing the scene, and any letters you might forward would probably be lost -- But if you will be so obliging as to inclose, in a blank cover, to John Carter Esquire of Providence, we shall certainly meet your letters upon our arrival in that place -- You will be kind enough to remember us particularly to every inquiring Friend, and do pray kiss my newborn Niece in my behalf -- The time, I again repeat, will as I trust shortly come when I shall be able to perform this pleasing duty for myself -- I wish I knew her name, I have heard you balanced between Julianna, and Anna Maria -- Do my dear Sir let me know, by what appellation I am to give this little stranger her seat in my bosom -- Accept, dear Parents our united salutations, and continue to love, and to bless your children --