My thankful heart with grateful feelings beat, With filial duty I my Parents greet, Your fostering care hath reared me from my birth, And been my Guardians, since I’ve been on earth, With love unequalled taught the surest way, And Check’d my passions when they went astray. I wish and trust to glad declining years,— Make each heart gay—each eye refrain from tears. When days are finished and when time shall cease May you be wafted to eternal peace Is the sincere wish of your dutiful Daughter, ELIZA SOUTHGATE. Robert Southgate Esqr. & Lady. Medford, June 13, 1797. Dear Mother: With what pleasure did I receive your letter and hear the praises of an approving Mother! It shall be my study to please and make you happy. You said you hoped that I was not disappointed in learning French; I hope you think that I have too much _love_ and _reverence_ for my Parents to take any thing amiss that _they_ thought most proper for me. I was very happy to hear that you had received the bonnets, and I hope they will suit you. I have never received a letter from Horatio[3] since I have been here. I expect to begin Geometry as soon as I have done Cyphering, which I hope will be soon, for I have got as far as Practice. Tell Isabella[4] and Mama[5] King, that some letters from them would give me great pleasure and that I hope to experience it soon. I should have written to Mama King, but I had not time, but I intend to, the first opportunity. I have found the nubs and sent them to Portland. I received your letter by my Brother Boyd, and was very much surprised to hear that Octavia[6] was going to have the small-pox. Please to give my love to Harriet Emerson, and Mary Rice, and tell them that I intend to write to them very soon and shall expect some letters from them. Give my love to all my friends and tell them that I often think on them, and I hope they will not forget your affectionate daughter ELIZA SOUTHGATE. Mrs. Mary Southgate. Medford, August 11, 1797. Dear Parents: