[Letter from Elizabeth Upshur Teackle to her daughter, Elizabeth Ann Upshur Teackle, February 12, 1816]

12th Feb 1816

I wrote you a long letter my dear child which went today by Mr Nonwiler with a boarde containing three new frocks &c. [directed?] to Mrs Bancker since dispatching which I have had the pleasure of receiving your letters of the 30th Jan and 4th of February. Three in all. This was a treat, and really welcome because your health you say is very good. Thank God for this. I am now comfortable again.

As I have very little time to enlarge I will directly answer some of the most important points of your letters. First there are the little difficulty you are in with regard to the money for your amusement at the Theatre, as the case now stands it is better to let it drop, as Mr. G being a very young man might not understand your scruples in offering him a rehabilitation of a gratification, which no doubt he meant shou’d be gratuitous. Nevertheless, on occasions of the like kind which men hereafter offer themselves, I should recommend it to you to pay your way. There is never

real delicacy in a course of conduct of this kind, than in the opposite course. I mean as it regards the feelings of a young gentleman situated as Mr G was with you.

As to your borrowing a little change there was no harm in that if you had a certainty of paying speedily. Talking your conduct altogether, at all times, my love, I am satisfied with it. I rejoice to see that you are capable of examining the questions as they occur, and if a shadow of error shou’d sometimes cross you, you have an innate sense of propriety which will on another occasion correct your actions. But I shall see you in April and we can then discuss at leisure all these nice points.

If I should not have had time to write to Aunt Chauncey by this mail you will give my love to her, and [tell?] her that if she can find our carriage any facility on her journey down to V[irgini]a I hope she will so arrange as to come when you do as the carriage will meet your father at Newcastle. Of this, however, I shall write her in time

Goodnight! And God protect and bless my darling Elizabeth who is dear very dear to her mother. E.U.T.eackle

Cousin A[bel] U[pshur] sends his love to you and says he is extremely interested in your improvement and health. I sent the money for Mrs. G by the last mail enclosed to Mr. Chauncey. Your father will pay for your [frocks?]. I thought he had paid, or I should have sent the amount long ago.

L.D. Teackle Princess Anne, MD

Miss Elizabeth A U Teackle care of Mrs Grelaud South Third Street Philadelphia