I take this opportunity to write to you as there is a boat going up to Smyrna to morrow but you must excuse the bad writing as I am sitting at a table with four of the other Midshipmen, and I am writing by candle light; I wrote to Mother at Smyrna where we only remained a day or two, for it is...

I received your letter dearest sister, two days ago, while on a visit to our kind friends the Dunglison’s, who had pressed us so much to spend the week during the meeting of the visitors, with them ...

We received a letter from George yesterday, my dear sister, dated the 6th as he finished it they were just anchoring in sight of cape Henry & I suppose sailed fairly the next day. George had just got a sprain some days before & although he says it was getting well I am afraid it was bad...

You have some reason to complain of us dear Ellen but not as much as you seem to think. a slight sketch of our family matter will explain the thing better than any other way that I can devise, ad ...

I have only one moment to tell you, we arrived safe & well Sunday at 3 o clock, and with as pleasant and prosperous a journey or rather voyage, as good company, bright skies & smooth seas could ensure—the thursday must be excepted when the jolting of the stage or perhaps the anxiety of...

As I have prevented Virginia from writing, Dear Sister, I must write to you myself in spite of the drowsy & stupid feelings which oppress me mama will I believe write very soon to Mrs Coolidge; she has been staying with Mrs H. Smith in the country & was there when Mrs C.s letter arrived;...

I was just preparing to answer a letter from Joseph which to my infinite regret arrived a week after Susan had left us when I received yours announcing poor old Mrs Coolidge’s death. few, perhaps I may say none, who had seen so little of her as I did, will regret her more sincerely. on her own...

I hope you have not been made uneasy my dear sister, by not hearing from us as often as usual, I did intend to have written a week ago but was constantly busy & for nearly a week past I have been paying leave taking visits to all my friends and acquaintances in the neighbourhood. tuesday we...

I have only time to write you a line dear Ellen, to tell you the news. Jefferson has a son at last, born on the mor at two oclock in the morning of the 29. Jane suffered less than common at the time but complained more of weakness, afterwards. to day the third day, she has a good deal of fever....

Mary & myself have been here (at Mr Garrett’s) some days, Dear sister & intend remaining for a week or two; now that we have done with the manuscripts we are at liberty to pay visits to our friends here which we have always...