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Has not seen her friend, Elizabeth, since Nelly left Philadelphia for Morrisville. Nelly has learned to ride and had taught "pretty green pet" to sing. Postscript in light vein.

Rumor of her engagement to Charles Carroll is unfounded. She reports the circumstances of his visit to Mount Vernon in March. Note on the state of affairs at Hope Park and Mount Vernon. Sister Peter's two children were dangerously ill at Mount Vernon but recovered. She is becoming a militant Federalist. Expects to remain at Hope Park some weeks longer.

Regrets delay in answering Elizabeth Bordley's last letter which was received two months ago. Since writing, she has attended two balls and her sister's wedding. Loves dancing. Left sister Peter and niece after two months. Rode to Hope Park with brother Law in his chariot. Elizabeth and Thomas Law were married the 21st. Good prospect for happiness. Nelly will be seventeen the next day. Says she will be "Miss Custis" henceforth and is determined to be called Eleanor, not Nelly.

Encloses letter to "our dear Elizabeth". Hopes to see her grandmother soon. Sister Eliza's wedding was private by her own choice. Nelly and her mother just returned from visiting the newlyweds. Sister Peter and child returned to Hope Park with them. Signature with alias "Deborah Bridget muckle weaver Tackabout a votre service".

From Hope Park. Apologizes for neglect. This is the first separation from her grandmother since she was two years old--a great trial. Sister Peter expects child in a few months, her happy situation. Will spend some time with her this winter. Letter from "our beloved Elizabeth" whi is safely in England. "Poor little Frish" is well in Philadelphia. Mention of Ann Allen of Bristol. Comment on Elizabeth Bordley's visit to the Panorama. Congratulations to Mrs. Hammond. Letter of October 13th enclosed with this. Leading a prosaic existence. Sees few people outside of family. Expects to go to Annapolis races October 30th. Sister Betsy sends love.

Nelly describes her severe headaches and general ill health. Her daughter is pale. Wishes Parke could have traveled to North East with her father and brother Lorenzo. Nelly owes Lawrence Lewis a grudge for not taking her and the girls with him on the health-giving journey. Chagrined that he and Lorenzo didn't call on her in Philadelphia. She goes to Riverdale [Maryland] and to her brother's in Loudon. Major Vandeventer wrote that he had seen Lawrence and Lorenzo at West Point. Describes his family situation, being twice a widower with young daughters. His devotion to her family, "he is and ever will be a most faithful and zealous friend to us." Her sister Mary Fitzhugh Custis offers her love, she "has a charming daughter in her 14th year" [later Mrs. Robert E. Lee].

Introduces Capt. Cooper whose flute playing had entertained her family so often. They have been 3 weeks at Arlington, and go on Monday to see Caroline [Calvert]. "Eliza [Law] Rogers comes today with her three little pets." Parke has been very fatigued and weak.

Nelly writes that her own and her family's illnesses, plus bad weather, force them to cancel visit to Philadelphia this season. Parke much better. Desires Parke to marry a Philadelphia man, for her health and happiness. Military beaux come to Woodlawn often. Describes her own recent symptoms, and relieving her rheumatic headache by binding American poplar leaves to her head. Lorenzo is pleased with situation at College. Nelly inquires of Philadelphia friends. Alexandria and Georgetown had epidemics of Yellow fever. Order 12 pair of shoes for her, giving directions for size. Parke wants "Chinchilly" cap, if fashionable. Frost has checked disease. Asks pattern for a baby's frock. Carter expected to go for Anne Lee this fall.

They have just arrived at Arlington, and Lorenzo benefited by change of scene and air, but the whole family is still sick. Saw Eliza Law Rogers' children. Eliza P. Custis lives in Georgetown now. Measles prevail in Georgetown, "but it is a very favorable kind." Nelly will exert all her influence in behalf of Elizabeth's nephew. She has already spoken to a friend of the Secretary of the Navy on his behalf and would even go to "King James" [President Monroe] himself if it would help, but he "lends not his ear to any of Eve's daughters." Parke, meanwhile, has become "indifferent to all the sons of Adam." Mentions Philadelphia friends and Maryland relatives. Orders pair of French fur overshoes for Parke and four pair shoes for herself. Sister Mary F. Custis and daughter is ill. Mr. Lewis has gouty symptoms.

Nelly writes that she has been ill for 7 weeks of quartan ague, a malarial fever. Ped has had chills. She is anxious to go to Cincinnati to be with Parke, who expects child in January or February. Parke seems very healthy. Mr. Lewis hasn't given permission for visit yet. She has sent two shawls to Philadelphia to be cleaned and dyed.