Maria Sabina Ross to Elizabeth Trist

My beloved friend,

I arrived here on 28th of June left N. Oreals 26th of May, after a long and disagreeable passage. Yes my friend in addition to the horrors of A Sea Voyage—My Mind was in a State of hope—and fear. My poor George, wrote for me to come on—but Alas! he had gone to his long and everlasting home three weeks Ere I arrived, even so—he has left a World of trouble and mortification My good my Sympathizing brother Frederick also—his death was sudden, and unexpected You know his Character—but what can I say as to my situation. I am left like a Rock in the Sea, with Waves dashing against Me My Son was still in the bloom of life—and we are never willing to part with those we love He arrived at Lancaster in Decr where he remaind at his Aunt [Kuhn?] his Cousin Maria watching over him day and night, with the most unremitting attention My friends tell me He made a happy end and died a true christian, blessed reflection—He expressed great anxiety to see Me—and a strong desire to hear from his family, When the Dr told him there was [. . .]ty of his recovery, ‘is there a possibility, do You think I can spin it out two weeks [. . .] to hear from Me—but the thread of life was cut a day before my letter arrived [. . .] (poor fellow) left Mrs Ross executrix—Mr Lantzinger executor—, I am [. . .] most affectionate brother Peter, he sets down to table with five daughters Cathr the Oldest 40 years Louisa 16 the youngest his Son Geo: a very good Young Man—one in the Navy Yesterday I waited on brother Adam—he is much broke complains of not being well—He reproved me for leaving Orleans and puting myself under Obligations, heavens my feelings are as acuate as his—he presented me with 50dls some time back he wrote to me when at Rapide sent it last N—100dls which I never recd When I left Orleans it was in A Melancholy State, owing to the Crevasse’s— I had seen your dear Grand Sons shortly before, both very well, Browse rather delicate, Harriet Rap had left it, with a thousand affectionate remembrances to You and Mrs Gilmore, Now my dear friend let me entreat of You to compassionate my Catharine, she requires balm to her wound which none can adminster with more efficacy than You, she loves, she will listen to all You say. Force her in to a correspondence, Unfortunate Girl, how will she lament for her brother, she promised me with tears, after she heard of my safe arrivel, the seperation she would bear with fortitude—may it be so, The beating of drums the sound of Trumpets &c, &c, bewilder me, but how changed my feelings; All is indifferent—and not one object to draw me to the window My brother, Cathr beg you to except of their respects Do not forget Me to Mrs Gilmore Cathr [. . .] observed, Aunt do You expect ever to see Mrs Trist again, We often talk of You Miss Sarah Whelen took tea here, She could talk of nothing but You—Mr R [. . .] have left Mulberry Court John Davis lives with them but perfectly given to drink—[. . .]nd, I leave this for Lancaster next week derect to me Lancaster I am yrs

S Ross
RC (NcU: NPT); stained at seal; addressed: “Mrs Eliz Trist care of Peachy R Gilmer Esqr Henry Court-House Virginia”; stamped; postmarked Philadelphia, 4 July; endorsed by Trist: “Mrs Ross.”
Date Range
Date
July 4, 1816
Collection
Repository