Colonial Williamsburg Digital Library

On my return from Hanover I received your letter,
which gave me both pleasure & concern. I was delighted to
hear that our son continued to improve in health & intelli-
gence; and I was [illegible] give
way to that depression of spirits, which is the bane of every
enjoyment. You cannot imagine how deeply this
circumstance affects me. Unless you are happy, I
must be miserable. It is true that our affairs have
never worn a socialising aspect; and I can assure you
with perfect truth that nothing gives me so severe a
pang, as to have your one wish ungratified. On my
own account I never wished for wealth; but there
is no sacrifice I would not make to place you in
an orbit, which nature intended you to grace. These
reflections are the constant inmates of my heart, and
they have called forth many a secret sigh in which no
one [illegible] [torn]. Yes, my dearest Maria, I can
never be truly happy, until I see you independent
of the world, and beyond the necessity of all temporary
expedients. For this object I have renounced all schemes
of ambition, and am determined to devote myself
to the single object pursuit of your welfare. Whether I
shall succeed or not, I cannot foretell. I am afraid
I am not among the favorite sons of fortune. My
past experience affords me no very flattering hopes,
and my mind, already too prone to melancholy, has
painted many difficulties in our future progress. To you
only [illegible]; in your
bosom my cares must be reposed; your fortitude
must sustain my desponding heart. Thus supported,
adversity has no terrors, and even [pernuery] itself will only
bind our hearts in a stronger chain. But enough of
this.

I have not yet procured a house; but I
am this moment informed that M.^r Blagrove
who rents the house next to M.^r Paine's wishes to
part with it. This situation will be a very eligible
one. The rent is $200. I intend to see M.^r Blagrove
immediately and converse on the subject.

The family are now in town, and your room
is in readiness for you. We have no whooping
cough and there is no obstacle to your coming.
I shall [look for] you on sunday. I need not say
that I am impatient to see you. Take great
care of your health & do not fatigue yourself with
the child. Kiss the dear fellow for me.

M.^rs Maria Randolph
Amelia
Near
Genito

Charged postage to M.^rs Mary Meade

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