Fauquier County
December 8th 1812
At length, my dear Aunt, my Anxiety respecting you has in some measure terminated. I feared indeed that you were more than commonly indisposed from your postponing so long replying to my last letter. I sometimes thought of writing again but I am such a Dull correspondent that I declined doing so until I had heard from you. I am truly sorry to find that you have been sick I fear when you did write it was painfull [sic] as pleasing as it is to me to hear from you I must beg that you never will gratify me at your own expense I am much obliged to you for your congratulations on the birth of my dear little son. I wish you could see him he is a fine little fellow. Heaven grant that I may perform my Duty towards him in dedicating him to the Lord. I fear I am not half as good as you think I am indeed I know I am not. I am quite alone at present Mr. Carter being from home one of my little girls is very unwell. The rest thank God are in good health my eldest Ann remembers you perfectly and all ways speaks of you with affection. I have not seen my Brother1 for several months he is now in Richmond on the Assembly he wishes much to see you my dear Aunt and I expect he will one day surprise you. I had just read in the Papers the description of the Machine of Perpetual motion I think it indeed a great discovery but am so little of a natural Philosopher as not entirely to understand it. You Apologise for committing blunders what will you think of the numerous ones contained in this letter You must excuse them as I have a dreadfull [sic] Pen and am such a Dunce as not to be able to mend it. I fear I am a very dull correspondent nothing new or entertaining to relate. I lead such a retired life that I have no chance of hearing any thing that is going on in the gay world. I have not spent a night from home since I returned from my visit to your city. I am at present amusing some of my solitary hours in perusing the Memoirs of the War written by my dear Father.2 As you are fond of reading I recommend them to you. I am sure you would be pleased with them. I hope ere this my dear Aunt that your health is improving if so you must not let it be long ere you acknowledge the receipt of this letter.
God bless you
prays your
attached and affectionate
Niece Lucy Carter
My best wishes & respects attend Mrs. Shippen – BMC3
1. Henry Lee, IV (1787-1837)
2. Light Horse Harry Lee
3. Bernard Moore Carter (1780-1843)
Source: Carbon copy of transcription of original, Lloyd P. Shippen private collection. Transcription available in vertical files, Jessie Ball DuPont Memorial Library, Stratford Hall
Transcribed by Colin Woodward, 2017 March 8
