(01) Letter: Asa Moore to Ann Underhill, March 17, 1808

Philadelphia 3rd mo 17th - 1808

Dearest Ann,

Was it not that I believe Love can cover a multitude of faults, I should feel somewhat mortified about the imperfect scrawl which I left for thee in N. York, but what astonishes me most is, that I should, in my haste attempt anything like poetry (poetry I do not expect it was) if thou hast not allready correct it, I expects any satisfaction from looking over it, I hope thou wilt give it a better [dues?]; just when I was on the verge of taking my departure from N. York I felt as tho it would be a gratification to say something in acknowledgement of thy kind wishes, express,d in the Serap thou put into my hand at parting; I calld for pen & paper for that purpose, when E. C. came into the room & told me I had but twenty minutes untill I should be at the Stage Office, I then had to write, my breakfast to eat, & to go to J. Burrow's, & Jas Parson's; and I got to the Office in good time; pray dont let any body see the Poetry; after taking my seat in the Stage I exerted my recollection to furnish again the words

by which I had attempted to convey my fleeting Ideas, in order that I might count them, but could not, as it was the work of a moment, it was as some gone from me, but enough of this.

I had quite a comforable passage from N.York to Bristol, which place I reach,d by 10 oclock yesterday, found all well at thy Uncle Buckley's,: after dining with them, took a ride in their Chais (accompanied by thy very interesting little nephew Andrew) to the four lanes ends, and returned at dark,: some time after Ann & Phineas Jr arrived from this place, after a very unpleasant passage by waters,: the evening was spent very pleasantly, to me, & for aught I know, to the rest of the company _ early this morning I took the mail Stage, & arrived in Town at 11 oclock, delivered thy [Leves?] to E.T. & promised to call again in evening,: in the interim paid a number of short visits, & have just return,d from Peter's, having had quite an agreeable time with him & Ann alone _ The worthy old John Mortan took an opportunity to speake to me respecting the affair between his son & me, in which he evinced great marks of tenderness & affection toward me, with much solicitude that a reconciliation might take place, requesting an in-

interview, I told him I was very sorry that his feelings should be so wounded on our account, & that if it was John's desire to see me, I should not object to it, when ever it might be convenient, but that there was not time at present, I enclose two profiles, one of which thou may give to E. provided she sends me her's & Abraham's, & if she chooses she may send mine to him _ please present me affectionately to her, to D. & James, to Anne, thy Uncle & Aunt with all the members of the Mott's families jointly & severally, not forgeting M. Carpenter _

I met Wm Farquhar in the Street today but had not an opportunity of asking him what success, I though he look,d rather down, & not quite so cheerful, as I feel, we are to go in the Stage together tomorow when I expect to get the secret _ it is now late, & as I am to be off at five in the morning I must bid thee adue in the bonds of Love & affection _

Thine ASMOORE

Robert Bown Ser

For Ann Underhill } New York