Margaret Smith Nicholas to Jane H. Nicholas Randolph
| My dear Jane | [14 Sept. 1819] |
You anticipated right, Polly did exclaim not a little when she arose, and saw your bonnets on the Table, your diapers in the Cradle, and your Bank notes on the floor. And your Mother did groan when she heard it. I fear my dear all your Economy will avail very little, whilst you retain this carelessness of disposition.1 We have not heard from Cary Ann, and Augur from this, that she is certainly coming with your Aunt Carr. Your Father is still very much effected by the Influenza, but I think he has it as favorably, if not more so than common. Sarah’s cough is not worse than when you left us. otherwise I think she is much better. both in spirits, and strength, I flatter myself that the Winter will make a complete cure of her.
The Boatman, with Margarets butter adventure, has just return’d. he lost a pnd and an half of the butter, and got but eightteen pence a pound for it. So that after paying him his commission, [. . .] she made not more by it than if she had sold it in Warren. however all things considerd, she did pretty well. The girls are surpris’d that you gave no account of your young brood of Turkeys and Chickens. We were happy to hear that you found fine rains on your return, we have not had any since you left us. But we have great confidence in Martin [. . .] D,’s predictions, and look certainly fo[r] a fine one to day. At present there is a great appearance of rain. We expect Mr Jefferson, and the girls to breakfast, to day. Yours with very great Affection
How is my little Mary, pray do not wait for her being sick, before you wean her, she would wean so easily now. I flatter myself that you will take advantage of this cool spell of weather. I should be highly gratified to be inform’d in your next that you had complied with my wishes. Kisses to all the dear brats, and my love to my good Jefferson enc[. . .]
enclos’d are your bank notes, Ja[ne].