Page 1

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