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Elbridge Gerry to Ann Gerry

Phila. 26 August (1787)

In consequence my dearest Life of your Letter of the 22nd I have paid off Kellus and he goes this day for New York. He behaved very well while with me, but is totally unqualified for a house Servant. He proposes to wait on you with recommendations, but I am doubtful whether he understands anything of coachmanship. If he does, I would risqué his drinking unless you think it is hazardous: indeed a driver never should be subject to a failing of this kind: and I suspect he is too much in this way, because one of his recommendations says "he is generally sober" — you can therefore not exercise eno. This Season never agrees with You, I very well know, but was you to ride, bath in the Evening and leave off tea, I think you would find yourself better. You mistook my meaning with respect to my Lodgings: I meant my situation as a delegate was uneasy: I am exceedingly distrest at the proceedings of the Convention being apprehensive, and almost sure they will if not altered materially lay the foundation of a civil War. This entre nous. I hope you will meet with a [indecipherable] to your liking: the Stays I have and propose to send them by Vans whom you will notice. I send a letter every post Day last week, those dated the 17th were send on Monday: and yet you seemed to think I did not write as often as usual. Have the letters miscarried? I am unhappy that any low Spiritedness of mine should have so distressed my dearest nancy. On Monday & Tuesday I was fatigued and rather unwell, but am recruited since. I never was more sicj of any thing than I am on conventioneering: had I known what would have happened, nothing would have introduced me to come here. I am and must be patient a little longer. Inclosed is another letter to our dublin friend, and an account of a hurricane which begun in Marlboro in Massachusetts and extended to weston, about 6 or 8 Miles from our House. Mr. Codman is here and says there are no hopes of Mrs. Russel and Miss Lever is in the same Way: he says she is very much emaciated and appears to be in a deep decline. I am very much afraid that She has been imprudent and if it is the case I shall pity her exceedingly. Mr. Vance says Mr. Tracey is still out, and that a Widow Lady of Newburyport Mrs. Amory put all her property into his hands amounting to £10,000 our Currency, and is obliged to take her [three indecipherable] from the want of property. But these are such delicate Subjects they will not bear mentioning unless between ourselves. [Name indecipherable] is returned and made a good Voyage: he accidentally put into some put where his cargo was wanted & made an expeditious and good sale. I dined at Mr. Morris’ on Thursday, and he and Mrs. Morris made particular Inquiry. The Attentions to the convention ladies seems nearly at an End. I do not know but that it will be a pleasing reflection that we have not fatigued our philadelphia friends. I am very much concerned for your mamma. What is her complaint? Engage her to return with us to Massachusetts if possible. I think the Air will be a service to her. I long to see you my dearest Life & our little charmer as you justly call her [indecipherable phrase]. Kiss her for me so long as you can make it agreeable to her and be assured I am at all Times and on every occasion.

Yours affectionately

E. Gerry