Poe Archive

Brodie
February 19, 1805

Although I never saw my Dear Uncle and Aunt, I will not neglect writing them, for my relations have taught me to love them, and my Cousins too, who I should be much pleased to see, but I suppose I never shall, I will thank you to give them all a kiss for their Cousin Eliza, particularly little Ann. I suppose you have heard I lost my sweet little sister last summer, it distressed me very much, for I had promised myself great pleasure in having one so promising.

Brother Richard has written you, he sets out in the morning for Albemarle. He is one of the sprightliest little fellows you ever saw. My brother Albert lives with Grandmama at present, he does not appear as sprightly as Richard, but is a fine boy. I have not seen my Dearest Papa for almost eighteen months, indeed, I think the time very long, but as I know he will come when he can. I must have patience, we keep up a regular correspondence, I write him once a fortnight & he is very attentive to my letters, which delights me very much. My good Aunt Strachan has taken much pains in teaching me to write letters, and to make me useful in every respect. Indeed, she and my Uncle treat me as if I were there own child, for which I love them dearly. We expect Aunt Matilda down soon, to spend several months with us, she is so agreeable that we are always pleased to see her. Aunt Nancy seldom comes, as she has a large family to keep her at home. Aunt Lewis is well, she visits us very often, for Aunt Strachan is so confined that she hardly ever spends a day from home, except at the time of vacation. All our friends are pretty well.

Adieu, my Dear Uncle and Aunt. I am your affectionate little niece,

Eliza Maury