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Nelly is having difficulty convincing the postmaster to turn over her letters. Will Gibson lend his aid in this? She is anxious for news from home and Lorenzo has a slight fever now.

Parke's shoes fit, but hers do not--she sends them back for alteration. "Washington is now full of the great men of the Nation." Parke's health restored. "A certain Judge Johnson, Senator from Louisiana" admires Parke. He will never do for Parke as he is uncultured. "It appears to be the general opinion that Parke is too difficult to be pleased ..." She has been from home 8 weeks. Lorenzo is studying hard at college. She mentions Major Vandeventer and Col. Gadsden.

Writing from Dutchess County, New York, Nelly explains that she couldn't write because she didn't know where to direct letters. Now Edmund Coxe has written Nelly to tell her Elizabeth is at Schooleys Mountain (in Morris County, New Jersey). Lorenzo is much improved by air here. He went to Saratoga. Ped [Angela] has toothache continually. Nelly fears they cannot go to Boston; "Mr. L. finds a difficulty in furnishing the funds." Considers going to Schooleys Mountain or sea shore, asks about accommodations. M. Lafayette expected in New York, will go there to meet him if possible. Nelly would especially enjoy being able to see again the younger Lafayette, "the friend and Brother of my happy days." Mr. Lewis in Jefferson City Va, in perfect health, but "does not mention coming to us yet." They are having gay time with parties. Recently visited with the widow of Gen. Montgomery. "Parke and I have learned to make very neat shoes"--"we go to a pretty little Church on Sundays and hear very good sermons." Lt. Butler has been with them. He is still amiable, but "his mind is not first rate." Signor Guiseppe was with them in Philadelphia and New York, but "no symptoms on either side of what I wished." His father has lost Spanish claim and he will settle down as a merchant. He is still a favorite of hers.

In a fragment of a letter, Nelly writes that she has heard nothing from General Lafayette or his son Georges W. Lafayette, although she's written 5 times. Is piqued and very anxious.

Nelly is anxious to receive Elizabeth's drawing of Bishop White. She herself has had difficulty with her current work, "Spanish Boy on a Donkey." Hopes to go to district to see "our truly great and good" Presient Zachary Taylor. Recommends "Morehead's magnetic machine" for deafness and other evils.

There could be parts of this letter missing, as it begins abruptly with the thought that Nelly's mother predicted she would be blind and deranged by such a life. Hasn't been able to write verses since Lafayette's visit. Quotes poetry written in 1794. [The letter might actually start near the top of what is here the second page, where there is a salutation right after the end of the poem; this would have the previous page of poetry become the end of the letter]. Andrew [Allen's] bad health and death; his great worth. She works keepsakes in chenille for Elizabeth and other friends. Hope she can complete them all before 72nd birthday. Description of Woodlawn now much changed, for the worse. Hopes to be able to cross mountain to see it again, "my ruined home".

Nelly sends Elizabeth her verses on Agnes Lewis which Esther Maria Coxe Lewis copied for her, also translation of some French verses. Sent Elizabeth's verses to Parke and her daughters. She and children inherit a love of the needle and its uses from "Grandmother who was, in all things, a model for her sex." Charles and Lawrence Conrad spent 3 weeks with her. Barton Stout's visit to Woodlawn and verses he wrote while there.

Small single sheet. Brief note accompanying mementos for her Philadelphia friends. "The silver tissues was Grandmamas wedding dress when united to the Gen'l. The satin she wore at the last Birthnight in Phia.".

Received her letter by C. Conrad. Angela and she glad Elizabeth approves of Conrad. Conrad left for New Orleans on 14th. He will return in Spring to marry. Parke's new baby, Caroline [B. Butler]. Fears Charles and Angela will stay in New Orleans indefinitely after their marriage. Nelly intends to accompany them back to New Orleans.

Nelly extends her condolences on John Gibson's death--sick sister, Mrs. Robinson in very bad health. Caroline Calvert married to Mr. Morris. Parke was too weak to go. Lorenzo a groomsman. So fatigued herself badly "making a desert over the fire" that when it came time for dinner she had to take Seidlitz powders and bind her head with poplar leaves. Sends by Caroline small mementos for Elizabeth Gibson and other Philadelphia friends in thanks for attention extended to Agnes. Pin cushion, pocket book, etc.--"They will be valued I hope for Grandmama's sake." Lorenzo goes to Philadelphia as soon as repairs made in his wardrobe.