Poughkeepsie, October 22, 1820
My beloved son:
It's a long time since I have written to you I acknowledge,
but I think you need not be so formal with your mother that you
must stand upon answer or you wont write to her.
You know it is not for want of love for you, my dear child
that I do not write often to you, or that I forget my first-born.
So far from that, you seem more dear to me now than when you
were with me.
I long for the happy time to arrive when I shall see you
join the circle round the old Franklin again. Oh, how the
thought of it fills my heart with joy when I shall see my darling
boy. I hope he has recovered his health ere this time.
I feel quite anxious about your hearing, it is so unhealthy
in your country.
I hope you will be very careful of yourself and use any
means in your power to preserve your health. You have been
greatly blessed since you left home-- O, may it continue to go
well with you is the sincere prayer of your mother.
How is dear Sidney? I hope he enjoys good health and good
prospect. I feel a great desire for his welfare. Give my
best love to him when you see him and tell him we all love him
very much and look forward to the day when we shall see you
both return in splendor. A happy day it will be to us all I
can assure you.
I have not heard very lately from Paterson but when I did
your Grandma and all friends were well.
James Paterson and Alexander and Susan McLean have spent
part of the summer at Paterson but have not made us a visit.
The talk is that Sally Cornwall and our cousin James will
make a match but I don't believe it.
Uncle Sandy is very unwell with a rheumatic complaint.
He lives with his mother.
Aunt D spent the winter with Frank and his wife. They
have commenced housekeeping this fall and are doing well.
It has been a wonderful marrying time in the village of
Poughkeepsie; Miss B. Mason to Dr Vanwyk of Fishkill; Miss Holden
to xx; Miss Field to Bill Bross; Miss Mary Crook to
I. Hardenburgh of New Jersey, and several otthers not worth mention.
Miss E Mesier is married to Mr Goelet of New York. They
have been spending some weeks with her brother Matt's family.
So poor Dr. Peter has lost her and I am glad of it.
Aunt Peggy and family are all well, and always express a
great deal of love for you.
Your little name-sake grows finely and Aunt Margaret thinks
him the finest child she ever had. I suppose it is because he
bears your name.
Old Mrs. Mitchell lives along much in the old way, sometimes
very sick and then comfortable. The rest of the family
enjoy good health. Your friend Eliza Brewer spends the coming
winter in Peekskill with her uncle Brown's family.
Susan Livingston has not returned yet, but they look for
her next week.
We have just received your letter of September 26th. Papa
has got the former letter you wrote about. It came safe with
its contents.
[remainder of letter lost]