“I should like thee to have a peep at us—we look so nice. Mary has whitewashed the kitchen, cellar, vault, and both Pantrys; everything is sweet and clean; the kitchen, I assure thee, is quite a palace-the airy [area] was not forgotten. Did father tell thee what a beautiful pocket handkerchief we purchased for him? Never saw nicer. When I know certainly, will tell thee every article he takes-expect thee'll want to know how many steps he takes from the house to the vessel. I am going as far as Sandy Hook with him. A steamboat takes the passengers from Whitehall there—15 miles-when they go on board the vessel; so I shall see the last of him. I expect to behave like a woman-will report if I do-if not, shall keep silent on the subject.

TO SARAH.

"New York, 9 mo. 17th, 1830.

"There, my dear sister, I think I have been in a good degree favored, as Friends say. Our dear father has left us, and, to give thee an idea of my feelings on the occasion would be utterly impossible-though no one knew, as I manifested not the least emotion, in the presence of any, until I bade him 'Farewell' in his own little lodging room on board the vessel. It is a noble ship in excellent repair, and furnished with every convenience desirable. The elegant Brussels carpets that we, a few days before, observed the floors to be covered with, were removed, and others put down in their

place. Captain Sketchley I was delighted withtold him he had in charge a precious treasure, and, if he would only take good care of him, I would bless him as long as I lived. He said, 'Never fear -I will take very good care of him—he shall have the Berth next but one to mine, if you consider that any protection.' An intelligent, agreeable young Irishman by the name of Patton, (to whom I was introduced) occupies the one between, and has promised to give attention to him in case of sick

ness.

"Josiah, John and myself went 18 miles in the Boat with father, when we went on board the Ship and sailed two miles, about; then, went to the Boat again. Father stood on the upper Deck, and talked with us until the Bell rung-a signal for us to part —the sailors took off their hats to us and made a great noise; John and Josiah went out of sight and cried heartily; Father and myself nodded smiling, and, every sail hoisted, the Ship glided by most splendidly. Kept my eye on father until I could distinguish him no longer. The Captain of the Boat then handed me his glass and said, 'you feel very badly parting with your father. Here, look at the old gentleman as long as you can.' I did, until I saw the young Irishman take him by the hand to assist him in descending, and then the tears came in torrents-not quite enough to float a vessel— but the thought that I would not see him for months, was quite as much as I could bear.

"But I have not told thee about his little roomit has upper and lower berths-he preferred the

upper. So the Captain ordered the lower to be cleared out; which was done, and his two trunks and a box containing his Hat, placed there; also a box of books. There is a sloping table in one corner for the purpose of writing-lifted the lid, and there was a washbowl and Pitcher; a looking-glass, chair and a brass candlestick-the floor covered with ingrain carpeting. There was but one lady passenger. The Captain told Father he wondered he should go without his daughter. He said, 'I almost wish I had concluded to take her, but she must stay and care for those left behind.'

"The dinner-table was set, and, from appearances, they were going to have Ducks. They take a Cow with them so that they are not denied the luxuries, custards etc. Pigs, too, they take, and every kind of Poultry. All look as if they were well fed. The Captain is a very humourous, intelligent fellow ; his seat at table is at the upper end on a cushion; he said, when he had occasion to leave it, he should place father there, because he knew he would keep good order. They appeared mutually

pleased with each other.

"I feel much more comfortable about him since I've been on board and find so many comforts. I should feel no more timid than in going to Philadelphia. Oh, I wish thee had seen the vessel sailing! it was grand beyond description. The wind was in favour, and everything looked prosperous— hope it was ominous of the future. Father went off in good spirits; was as cheerful the night before as I ever saw him.

"Father sent his love to Jericho friends, by Robert Seaman, in a butter Pail. He had introductory letters from the most respectable merchants here; W— stated that he was an upright, sensible, worthy man, and very intelligent.'

"What did keep father's clothes? we could have skinned you alive. They came about five minutes before we left. I packed them in the Trunk, and left the box on board the Steamboat. In great haste, Farewell."

TO JONATHAN AND SARAH.

66

New York, 9 mo. 21st, 1830.

"I bent my course toward the store to-day at noon, concluding, if there was no news from Philada, something must be the matter; when, to my gratification, I found your very acceptable letter; which my covetous disposition wished twice the length it was. We could not account for your long silence; wondered Ned had not written.

"Rachel will return in a few days, and then, I expect, will be in a panic to see Philadelphia. Bless the city and its inhabitants! It's worth while to stay in New York a few years to learn the many advantages of our delightful city. Jonathan, when thee writes me again, and speaks of New York, don't say 'your city.'

TO JONATHAN AND SARAH.

"New York, 11 mo. 3d, 1830.

The return of our dear brother Josiah was quite a relief, as we had been looking for him daily for

some time; so that, at the time of his arrival, did not much expect him. It was quite dark, I had been out of an errand, and, near our door, he seized me. It alarmed me to that degree, that it was some time before I was myself again.

"And now, don't you want to hear something funny? A few days since, that worthy personage, Anne Smith, came round to the School; said she had a little matter to say to Edward, and wanted us two to take tea with them the next day. She then said she would mention the subject to me. 'That, as she had passed our store, she had observed a portrait of Elias Hicks in the window; and, next to it, the picture of a cat. That she had an idea Ned had got it up in imitation of the Orthodox cat that bit Elias Hicks, and it would be likely to occasion unpleasant remark.'

"The very idea made me laugh. I told her I guessed it had never entered the boys' heads; that John had purchased the cat, with other engravings, for sale; and, I supposed, had accidentally placed it next to Elias. We had a long talk about the propriety of such things, 'in Isaac T. Hopper's store.' I let her know the pictures were no concern of father's; that the boys were alone responsible; and told her Ned would be willing to hear what she had to say on the subject, and would probably call in a few days. We propose passing an hour with her soon.

"She was in a great way about P. J.; had heard an exaggerated account of the trouble in Cherry St.; that forty persons had spoken at