Stratford January 11th 1807
Your last letter my dear friend, tho it did not contain the most pleasing intelligence I could have received from you (an assent to my sincere wish that you should pass the winter with me) gave me real pleasure. I rejoice to hear that you are now enjoying one of the greatest gratifications allowed us in this life. The society of your dearest friends, and fervently hope, that nothing may occur to interrupt in the smallest degree, that happiness, which their presence will afford you, and which you will experience in revisiting scenes, rendered dear to you by the recollection of youthful pleasures; which the mind delights to dwell on, at every succeeding period.
I thank you my dear friend for so kindly offering, to purchase for me, such articles as are not readily procured here; if I recollect anything I really want, I will trouble you with my commissions in the course of the winter. I wish it may be in my power to pay my respect to your friend Mrs. Robertson, as early as my inclination will prompt me. I took cold in my journey home (nearly a fortnight ago) the effects of which, I feel so sensibly, that I shall be very fearful of going out this winter in a carriage as open, as the one we have at present: but every effort shall be made, to induce her to disperse with the ceremony of the first visit from me: and no other attention shall be omitted, which I have the ability to offer, to ensure me her friendly acquaintance.
That part of your letter which relates to your expecting another son shortly, is so defaced by the seal, that I cannot understand; I applied to your husband for an explanation, and from his answer, I suppose he also has reason for such an expectation. You have my best wishes for your success my dear, and truest assurances, that I do not envy your prospects, nor wish to share in them. Please to present me most affectionately to my good friend Mrs. Collins, and tell her, I hope we shall yet meet on this side of the grave. I shall never cease to feel for her, great gratitude and affection.
A Servant of my Mothers will return to Shirley tomorrow or next day, and I have many letters to write to my friends there, which hastens the conclusion of this uninteresting letter my dear Mrs. Lee, which, was I in your place, I should not at all regret; for I think in Philadelphia, one may readily dispense with communications from old Westmoreland.
But amidst the enjoyments which your splendid City furnishes, forget not the friend you will ever find sincerely and tenderly attached to you in.
Ann Lee
Source: Facsimile of original letter, vertical files, DuPont Library, Stratford Hall
Uploaded by Colin Woodward, 2015 December 30
