Oliver Ellsworth letter to Nabby Ellsworth, 1780 May 12

Philadelphia May 13 1780

Dearest Abby,

I yesterday received your fourth letter by the pst, for which I sincerely thank you. I think you come on well my dear, I believe if I should stay much longer you will by & by get to write by every post as I do. As to making you a visit of one week I think that would be rather too short & propose when I do come to stay at least one year & I hope as long as I live.

As to the chince, I really thought it had been callico but if it makes Sabra finer than you are I don't know how to help it but by en-deavouring to make you finer than "she is & this I believe must be done. A set of china I know it also wanted which I shall get if there is any to be had & I can find out how to bring it in my saddle bagg without breaking. I have not yet sold the old home, if I should get hard money for him which is very undertain I will purchase a gown cloth for Ptty, that I do not s

[letter] [left side] Think I can find any so cheap as that I bought before.

I thank my little girl for her love to daddu & send her mine in return - I suppose she would rather have a plumb but I have noe one in my pocket at this time

Brown tell me that Mr. Huntington was like to set out for Philadelphia immediately after the Election if not before which I hope he will do & that I shall be ready to set out for home in a week or ten days after he arives The assembly I expect will be over before I get home which I shall have no objection to, because then I shall not be tiered to death with business the moment I arrive, but have little leisure to work in the garden & wait upon Maddam & perhaps sleep a little in the afternoon which you know I am naturally lazy enough to be very much inclined to do - I am sorry to hear you had the teeth ach, but I can over ballance you in pain, for I have lately had a little turn

[right hand side]

turn of the cholick, tho' I am not entirely well as I hope you are & all our good friends

I have written a pretty long letter for me & as much perhaps as you would incline to read at one time - so adeu for the present

Your O. E.