Transcription
Friday Afternoon/
Your letter Dear Ann found me on my way to Tyler’s Green House, it unfortunately fell into the hands of Uncle Nathan, who put my patients to a severe trial, he kept me long in Suspence as to the direction & retained it until I heard a long story in which the “said he’s” & “said I’s” might have contended in number with those of any old Woman.
In a little nook surrounded by Orange trees, Geraniums & concealed from the company (for we were a large party) I read my dear little letter; Different as was the scene from that which you describe it did not prevent me from conceiving, nay almost realizing it; Green railing above Green was exchanged for a wide extent of water, and the voice of my companions for the dashing of the Waves; oh had I been with you! I should indeed have
enjoyed it; A solitary walk is sometimes delightful, but with a friend whom one loves, as I love Ann, every prospect would/ become brighter, every landscape more glowing, it would heighten the {?} of the Great, and the prettiness of the little. I could not help contrasting it with my own silent and solitary walk up Broadway, where I found that the friend who I loved best had left town, my return was still more sorrowful for {?} was converted into Certainty, I believe my Countenance was a faithful transcript of my feelings and exhibited but a rudimentary picture when I entered the parlor, it excited much sympathy and condolence was offered from all {?} Though I cannot Dear Ann follow your good example and [unrecoved]ly temptation, I am determined to resits it, next week {?}not see me in the street, and instead of {?}-ing in reality down Broadway, within imagination wander with you on the/ banks of the river, listen to the sighing, breeze, or from some favorite spot {?} the last beams of departing Day.
These are pleasures a country life only can yield, and, even were they to/ be found in the city time would be wanting to enjoy them; “There is in the/ country” if I may use the words of a favorite writer “a certain purity of mind and imagination which its scene inspires a simplicity, a coloring of Nature on the objects around us, which correct the artifice and interestedness of the world”.
Espriella’s letters I fancy you will find very entertaining, she is very minute without being tedious, and touches upon every thing though dwells upon nothing. You may travel in your Easy chair, and transport yourself to London without stirring from your room, witness an illumination in Day light, and converse with many without opening your lips to one. I have not yet been able to procure Madoe.
I have adhered to my promise Dear Ann and have not shown your letter Many solicited to be considered as nobody and of consequence too.
Adieu my beloved Ann love me as sincerely as I do you
