Robert Southgate Esqr. & Lady.
Medford, June 13, 1797.
Dear Mother:
With what pleasure did I receive your letter and hear the praises of an
approving Mother! It shall be my study to please and make you happy. You
said you hoped that I was not disappointed in learning French; I hope
you think that I have too much _love_ and _reverence_ for my Parents to
take any thing amiss that _they_ thought most proper for me. I was very
happy to hear that you had received the bonnets, and I hope they will
suit you. I have never received a letter from Horatio[3] since I have
been here. I expect to begin Geometry as soon as I have done Cyphering,
which I hope will be soon, for I have got as far as Practice. Tell
Isabella[4] and Mama[5] King, that some letters from them would give me
great pleasure and that I hope to experience it soon. I should have
written to Mama King, but I had not time, but I intend to, the first
opportunity. I have found the nubs and sent them to Portland. I received
your letter by my Brother Boyd, and was very much surprised to hear that
Octavia[6] was going to have the small-pox. Please to give my love to
Harriet Emerson, and Mary Rice, and tell them that I intend to write to
them very soon and shall expect some letters from them. Give my love to
all my friends and tell them that I often think on them, and I hope they
will not forget your affectionate daughter