Noah Webster letter to Emily Ellsworth, 1833 April 19

New Haven April 19. 1833

Dear Emily.

Your mother intended to write to you by Pinckney, but she is too unwell. She has had a cold or catarrhal affection which has made her very weak & feverish, so that she has to day kept her bed, most of the day. I do not think she has any symptoms of any serious disease _ & this evening her head ache has abated, so that she intends to sit up. I am also affected in the head with a cold or influenza, that makes me very stupid, but I am able to attend to family concerns. The rest of us are in good health. Your sister Julia has had a needle penetrate her foot & is quite lame. I pity her hard fate.

Mr Goodrich is very feeble.

We are told you are more unwell than common. I wish you would come & see u. The ride would probably be useful to you. & a visit from you would revive us very much.

We have no important incidents to communicate. Dr Barber is here lecturing on phrenology. & has set our people all agog on that subject. I pay no regard to it, as I rely for a knowledge of character on something else than protuberances.-

accept the love & best wishes of you

affectionate father N Webster