1805 September 2, Philadelphia, to Children

              My dear Children 
I have been cruelly dissapointed in my expectations of seeing you - and that, so repeatedly, that I confess to you my fortitude and patience have experienced some trial. 
But in our travels thro' this unsettled World, my dears, the circumstances we find ourselves in, are sometimes imperious - they rule us with despotic power - and we must submit. 
Such have been ours - your Fathers, and of course mine. Had it not been that he really wish'd much to be with us, and participate in the satisfaction of so happy a meeting after our long separation, I should long since have taken stage-fare for my own part, and rattling over rough and smooth have soon lessened the distance between us.But he still flattering himself that the latter part of each week would find him sufficiently disengaged to accomplish the visit, I still waited for him; till last seventh day, when I was all prepared even to the bringing down my bonnet little trunk &c. - and waited in that state till one o'clock - when your Father came in and informed me the wind blew from the East, and he believed a storm was approaching. I then, again concluded to defer it. and very reluctantly signified my conclusion to your Cousin John Thomas, who was to have accompanied me. 
One of the difficulties which oppose our both leaving home at once arises from the state of your Sister's health. She is in the height of the [Hooping] Cough - and it would of course be very improper to introduce her into any family or School, while at the same time, it would be a trial to leave her. 
 Which you may readily concieve, for you know perfectly well, that none but parents, can, with equal care govern and restrain Children of her age, for their own good: Nevertheless she has it so favourable, that as soon as other circumstances will permit, we shall leave her.I have likewise been for four weeks, without any Servant but Tillman, and now have only a young Girl besides: which may account for my not writing often. Caroline is at this moment lying asleep on my lap - All your relations are