Miss Miranda Southgate.
Boston, December 21, 1808.
My best Friends:
In consequence of a letter from Mr. Bowne, received this day, I have
to inform you that instead of proceeding to Scarborough, my next
journey is to New York. He writes me that by the advice of Mr. King
they have concluded it will be best for Eliza to go to Charleston,
South Carolina, in order to avoid the severity of our winter; that he
is under the necessity of remaining in New York till February himself,
and that he wishes me to return and go on with Eliza and Octavia as
soon as I can. As I have nothing of consequence to prevent me, I shall
leave this in a day or two for New York, and shall be fully satisfied
if I can render them the least service by my attentions. With
sentiments of the highest esteem and regard,