1858 August 4, to Ruth Anna Cope

              
Awbury 8 mo 4th [1858]
Fourth day night

Dear
Nanny,

Its frightfully late, and if I say so--thee
may be sure it is late; my eyelids have told me so sometime
since, and bed, over yonder, looks wonderous inviting--but
remembering Uncle's last injunction to write-- I begin forth
with, though thee must'nt expect much from sleepy folks--I
only am going to deliver Uncles message, which I have tried
to remember and transcribe exactly in his words-- "We only
desired thy return with Edward Biddle, thinking thee might
not have another opportunity for some time, if thee chooses
to run the risk of another escort do so--" I have just been
repeating this to Cousin Frank & he says, oh tell Anna there
will be some way of her getting home and to stay longer, if
she wishes it--We