He often made us little presents. I remember his giving us “Parents’ Assistant,” and that we drew lots, and that she who drew the longest straw had the first reading of the book—the next longest straw entitled the drawer to the second reading—the shortest, to the last reading and the ownership of...

when it grew too dark to read, in the half hour that passed before candles came in, as we all sat round the fire, he taught us several childish games, and would play them with us ... When the candles were brought, all was quiet immediately, for he took up his book to read, and we would not speak...

I had two months before that lost the cherished companion of my life, in whose affections, unabated on both sides, I had lived the last ten years in unchequered happiness.

we arriv’d here in safety after a journey pleasant enough, for the weather was very fine except being rather cold mornings & evenings, but we were well wrapt up having a cloak a piece of grand papa’s besides our own things.

I find as I grow older, that I love those most whom I loved first.

The distance to which I am removed has given a new value to all I valued before in my own country, and the day of my return to it will be the happiest I expect to see in this life.

Letters of business claiming their rights before those of affection, we often write seldomest to those whom we love most.

I am sincerlely glad that your family dispute is made up, as I am convinced it will tend to your own happiness, and particularly to th to the well-being of your children. the differings between man & wife, however they may affect their tranquility, can never produce such sufferings as are...

He was a fine young lad, and, according to what I was told was a general custom in Virginia among boys, he walked into the drawing room, without shoes or stockings, tho’ very neatly dressed in other respects.

I have wrought an entire reformation on the rest of my household nothing comes in or goes out without my knowledge and I believe there is as little waste as possible