Front: Oliver Ellsworth letter to Nabby Ellsworth, 1779 January 9

Philada. Jany. 9 1779 -

Dear Girl,

Was you to see me this night, in the
situation I am, with a beard a week old, with
the cape of my great Coat buttoned about
my years, & a large muffler of Baize across
my nose & mouth, I am sure you would not
give me a kiss; & that would be ten times worse
than the pain I now feel, & have felt for
days past. In short such a face I never had before
& hope never shall again. How I came by it I
know not, nor do I care, so that I get rid of it
again, which I think I shall in two or three
days more. And you will expect I suppose that
[...] moment I am able to ride I set off, post
[...] for home; but, my dear, I can not come
[...] will give you no reason why because
[...] beleive none only that I cannot come