Richmond,

August the 24—1789.

How oft my Beloved Husband do we form to our Selves the most Agreeable Ideas, when in a moment our hopes are crushed and the higher we rise in Expectation the lower we fall in the Vexsation of Disappointment. I had Indulged a fond hope of haveing a long letter from you on your Arrival at Lynchburge and was not a little Disappointed when William Informed me that you had only time to write him— it afforded me Infinite Sattisfaction to hear of your Safe Arrival at the ferry— Sincerely hope you have reached the Mines long before this—I have risen this morning with the early dawn and while the Contented Inhabitants of this lower world are Wrapt in peacefull Slumbers, and the gay tenants of the air, Chant their Songs of praise—I shall amuse myself for an hour before Breakfast in Scribbling to my dear friend and Companion—.—the Cause of my Unusual early rising, was this. William and myself proposed last Evening going to his fathers— he procured a horse but unfortunately the poor beast was an utter Stranger to the Harniss I was seated in the chase — but he was so wild and Unruly that I was Obliged to spring out—and I hurt my Ancle in the jump— I Cheerfully Submitted to the disappointment. I shall now through down my pen, and refresh myself with a little Breackfast—

I meane the greatest part of this day shall be devoted to my dear Moses—, for be assured I Receive more real pleasure in Conversing on Paper with one so very neare to my heart, than I could gane from Society—I have had a vast deal of Company since your Departure— all my friends have been in crowds to visit me. Mrs. Flint has stade with me more than two weeks, and went home last evening in Consequence of my proposing to spend this week in the County— Indeed I want a little excursion of this kind— for what with Company and the present sise of my family haveing five or six men to find—has fatigued me Exceedingly, and Caused much grumbling from Lewes and of Course the same Complaints from Molly, upon the old theame, hard work— I tell them they may Indulge when I am goon— those things my dear Moses are too apt to render me unhappy— I am Sensible of the Impropriety of letting such trivial matters affect me, it is my nature and I Cannot help it—though it airways leaves a Gloominess and Depression upon my spirits that I cannot easyly get the better of. why do I trouble you with such Nonsense as the Complaints of servants, excuse me my dear I think I must say anything to you, who will Sympaihize in your Maria's feelings— Indeed she finds but little happiness in your absence— and am Continually tortured with Distressing Reflections of one kind or other— at this moment I am thinking of the Absurdity of looking for Happyness in this world, when in fact their is no such thing to be found— nor in my poor Opinion— did the wise disposer of all things ever design it should in this state of probation, but that we may merit by our Sufferings and fortitude here— a better Existance hereafter, we must in short look beyond this little scene of things for felicity— this Idea Occasions a pleasing Serenity in the mind, yes my dear Austin it tis an Idea I meane to Cherish before every other it will give me reassured Confidence in the Goodness of the Almighty— and I am determined from this time— with the divine Assistance to Seek for Happjmess in meriting the Affection of my Husband— and looking up to the never failing Comforter for strength of mind to Support me in my determination-

Adversity and Misfortune we are taught to expect in our passage through life we ought to be prepared for their attack and by that means enabled to Encounter them to advautage— but I am preaching to one who is much more able to preach to me, and whose strength of mind, I trust, will brave Every Difficulty he will meet with— I shall now drop this Serious Subject and hasten to Communicate what little news this town affords— our neighbor Pawlings has returned from the springs and looks very ill, has lost nearly a Hundred wait of flesh— poor man I fear he is not long for this world— Mrs Patterson has arrived. She looks very much like a Ilelander, but Clever Enough for her hopeful Husband.— Mr Picket has not returned, though it tis a month since he left new york— and a much longer time Since he wrote Mrs. F. [Mrs. P?] we all begin to Entertain Doubts— I tremble for your bet with Higby and Mrs Galogy is uneasy about her Stockings—- Charles H. is sure of his hat & says it will never be a Match— I have no more news to relate and now shall think of Concluding this very long Epistle— my family is all in good health— though the heat has been so Intense for the fortnight past it made me apprehensive of sickness— but we have thank god Stood it very well— and the Weather now is much more Agreeable— I wrote you a few hasty lines some time ago— and mentioned Mr Pursel's Intention of Stoping up the little, windows-the one in the passage is Still Open— but he informed Mr. N. some time ago he meant to have it done on Monday— which is tomorrow Some of my friends tell me he had a write so to do. Others say he has not— I shall be happy to know your Opinion and if you think as I do we sha'll soon have them Opened— present my respects to Mr Frisby, tell him his little kitty was here on friday and is in perfect health— I hope my dear Moses will devote some of his leisure hours in Scribbling to his Maria— you are Sensible of the happiness it will afford me to hear— what a length have I Extended this Letter. Indeed my fingers are really tired of holding the pen— Adieu my deare Husband— may heaven guard you and Crown your Undertakings with the greatest Success— pray's your ever loveing and Affectionate, Wife till Death

Maria Austin.