1805 July, to Henry Cope, Weston

              Well my dear Children, here I am, left entirely alone, the parlour deserted by all but myself, while I remain, sole, sovereign and solitary possessor thereof. 
Your Grandmother has retired to Fair - hill - your little Sister to her [Nest] - your Father and Cousin L.C. have fled I know not whither, while I transciensly steps back - Molly has [------] slipt off somewhere with her lame foot, and Tillman is by this time, perhaps, asleep in the Kitchen.Can I not, then immagine my dear Boys are here, and I enjoying their agreeable company - to one, more interesting by far than all the recreations the world can offer? - 
I might read - but Books, tho' choice companions, would just now, be cold and dry; because, the lively images my creative [Fancy] has portray'd, surpasses in interest an satisfaction to my maternal feelings, all they could impart. 
Have I not already painted you, on either hand, nestling close to my side, as you were wont to do at Weston; your hearts glowing and eyes sparkling all the while, with affectionate delight? Yes: tis thus I see you - - and while the picture I have drawn, is still vividly imprinted on my mind, let me, as I can with double pleasure, while immagining you present and ever some part of my Henrys demands; and tell him, also, what cordial feelings of approbation and pleasure his last letter excited. 
We parted from you my dear Children, with much more regret, than we thought it proper, or for your benefit to express; for tho' we should cherish tender feelings as one of the best, and most noble distinctions of our nature - yet we should not suffer our feelings to govern us, lest they, betray us into weakness and inconsistancy: When we feel conscious we are sincerely desirous of acting for the best, and accor -