p.

Newbury, Dec 17 1821.

Much respected and dear Madam

Without an hyperbole
I think I can assure you that yours of the [20th?] [ult?[ was
received with much pleasure. Its value was greatly en-
hanced by some circumstances attending the time at
which it arrived. I had just seated myself at the table
on thanksgiving day morning, and being rather indisposed
felt as though there was but little enjoyment for me, when my
attention was called to the door and I was permitted to re-
ceive your friendly letter. A perusal of its contents seemed
[illegible] dissipate the mists of horrour with which imagin-
[ation?] had surrounded me, and although my indisposition
forbid my joining the social circle, yet I felt my spirits
sensibly elevated, and I enjoyed the day far better than the
brightest anticipations, under such circumstances, could have
induced me to believe I should do.

The friendly sentiments
expressed in your very acceptable letter I think I can hearti-
ly reciprocate, and I have long wished I might be permitted
to call you by the endearing appellation of sister (for like
a sister you have long seemed to me.) It affords me much
pleasure to learn that you arrived in safety notwitstanding
the uncomfortable season in which you took your jour-
ney and the peculiarly unpleasant weather you had dur-
ing the latter part of it. It gives me additional pleasure to
be able to conclude (an inference I draw from you silence
on the subject) that your health is as good as usual. - It is not