File:Peleg Wadsworth to Elizabeth Wadsworth, 2 January 1796 (e8c4a09c-a37e-42ab-9c1c-d51a8a6da89d).jpg

Manuscript letter

Archives Number: 1005/4.1.1-03#35

Phila. 2dJany1796
In the first place, my dear Eliza, I wish You & the Family a happy new Year, may it be distinguished by Fortunate Inci-dents that may become the Source of future Happiness as well as present Enjoyment –
As You have given me an Account of an Assembly at Portland I will give You one of Philadelphia. Last Eveng, being new Years day Eveng as well as the common time for Lady Washingtons Levee, I attended her Draw-ing Room – where was a most delightful Croud[sic] of Fine Ladies & Fine Gent Fine Clothes & Fine Speeches – more than I had ever seen before – her Lady-ship seem’d vastly pleas’d at the great (p. 2) respect paid her by so large an Attendance - & really seems to be a very good motherly Woman.
The president too was well pleas’d with the Brilliancy of the ^ Ladies – with their high Feathers & long Trails – He was very sociable with them, but then, I observed, that the handsomest at-tracte him most. – I could not help casting about in my own Mind whether my Daughters, if present, would have claimed engag’d his particular Notice - & really I could not determine, absolutely, but I thot possibly – they might.
Don’t be over concern’d my dear, about the Place for the Forte Piano, for it is quite uncertain whether there will (p. 3) be one to set there soon – if there Should – I had the precaution to take the Measurement of the Birth before I left home – You must look up some of my old Lessons on the art of converting Crosses into Pleasures & of enjoying, what is within your reach – I shall get one if I can – but – if I cannot – why You must prepare to – go without –
You very kindly enquired after my sore Finger – when I found I had lost my surgeon & was destitute of Medicine I was just upon trying the Efficacy of fasting Spittle - & by frequently wetting it with my tongue – it suddenly grew well & the humour left it – this may be worthy of Note – The Misses Wallaces desire their Love to yourself & Sister Zilpah – Adieu my Daughter
P Wadsworth

[Dated:] January 2d. 1796. –
[Notes:] P. Wadsworth / Mrs. Washington’s / New Year’s Levee
[Addressed:] Miss Eliza

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