Bridget Hawkins Roper-Curzon to Martha Jefferson (Randolph)
I was most extremely concern’d to find by a letter I received from Botidoux, that my dear Jefferson had been so much indisposed—illness has prevented my writing to inquire after you—but though I have hitherto been silent on that head, I trust you will easily credit the assurance of my having been very uneasy on your account—As I resume my pen the first opportunity I have I think an undoubted right to expect an immediate answer. I must again trouble you in regard of my cloak &c, as I have neither received, nor indeed heard any thing of them—Mlle Bertrand cannot imagine I bespoke them for next summer, I am rather fearful I shall not receive them till a more distant period, as I am apprehensive she has totally forgot your orders or, (what will be still more blamable), has neglected them—do, my dear girl make some inquiries for them & you will infinitely oblige me as I am in the greatest distress imaginable for my Pelise & as I was in daily expectation of it, it would have been truly ridiculous in me to have purchased another, tho’ in this inclement season I was in great want of it Botidoux likewise mentions your having sent me some books, let me know to whom I am indebted for them I have some books for you & some Country Dances for Botidoux with a parcel for Mde De Sainte & think I am likely to keep them sometime, as I cannot hear of any body’s going to the Continent. In my present situation, I am rather a burthen than an addition to a very pleasant society I am with at present—I do not partake of any amusement what ever, which, you will easily perceive by the stupidity of my epistle—We propose going to Town in about a fortnight, but: nevertheless, I wou’d wish you to continue directing to me at Nash, as my letters will be punctually forwarded to me. I am quite a stranger to your affairs & have greatly to complain of the shortness of yours—however, I am willing to believe when you are perfectly recovered, I shall be indulged with every incident that has lately occur’d within your Holy Walls—Likewise pray inform me, what has occasioned your illness, in short every thing that concerns my dear Jefferson will always be extremely interesting to her sincere & affectionate Friend