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Resources>Elbridge Gerry to Ann Gerry
Elbridge Gerry
August 21, 1787
Philadelphia 21st August 1787
I made the same Mistake my dearest Girl respecting the post that
You did and went myself to the Stage House, but could not find an
Opportunity to transmit a letter. I am happy to hear that you & our
dear infant are well, God grant that You may continue so: I was really
uneasy at not hearing from you friday or Saturday. I was at Mrs.Bonds
on Sunday evening where I found Mrs. Cadwalder. They interrogated
me on my not calling oftener on them and were very kind in every
respect particularly in their inquires about you and the baby. I
perfectly agree with you in your observations on the conduct of certain
persons. I think their friends, was it known would be much displeased
with them: I mentioned in my last that I had received my little friend
and Companion, who presents herself to my view every morning and
evening regularly for a kiss.
We cannot fortell or forsee the Decrees of Omnipotence respecting
our existence, that is a matter which he wisely conceals from mortals:
but I do not expect a long life, my constitution appears not to be
formed for it, and such as it is, constant attention of one kind
or another pray on it: but if anything makes like in the least desirable
it is you, mu dearest girl and our source of evils. Detached from
your comforts, life to me Would be a source of evils. When troubles
occur now, I reflect that they are of no consequence, compared with
the happiness resulting from my little family. This opens a prospect
which satisfies every Desire. Your pappa is in the Instance you mention
too sudden; he desired me to see Hamilton and Doctor Johnson and
I saw them both. Hamilton was disposed to all the alterations proposed
and made several: but as some required an alteration of the State
of Facts in consequence of your papa’s minutes, Hamilton said he
would have that done in New York as soon as he arrived, first consulting
your pappa and seeing him with Harrison. He thot that as Harrison
drew the Bill, delicacy required such a mode of proceeding, and indeed
I should have conducted in the same manner had the case been my own.
I think it would be best for your pappa to meet them, and after they
have made the alteration, I will consult Doctor Johnson, if he will
send the Bill and Will. I see their design of procrastination, but
these things have their course, and cannot be too much hastened.
Who marries Miss Sukey Van horn? Do I know him? I am as such of being
here as You can conceive. Most of the Time I am at Home or in convention.
I do think in a Week I am ten hours any where else. We meet now at
ten and sit til four: but entre nous, I do not expect to give my
voice to the measures. Tell your mamma and the young ladies I am
surprized to hear such Accounts of them: what is the matter with
your brother. Kellus appears to be very industrious. He lived with
Stevenson, his wife’s Mother was named Fischer, but is now married
to John Cuyler who as well as Stevenson live in the Bowery. Is Mr.
Osgood’s Man really sick? I desired your pappa to request You to
take care of him. I would have you hire a coach when you want one.
Major Butler informs me of Mrs. Butlers arrival at Newport in 48
hours: she desires particularly her compliments and mentioned our
letters as acts of friendship and politeness. Inclosed is the letter
from our lovely Friend at Dublin and the answer which you will seal
and send to her her: also your brother Roberts Letter. Adieu my dearest
Life, kiss heartily our dear little poppet for me, and with my regards
to your mamma and all the family be assured I am ever your sincere
and affectionate
E. Gerry
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