I received your packet of things the 20th inst. and was very glad of them. If you will be so kind as to send me word whether Sarah’s[7] ear-rings were in the basket, I will be much obliged to you. I have forgotten whether I did or not—write me word if you like your bonnet and the children’s, I hope you do. Give my love to Sarah and all the children, and kiss Arixene,[8] and Robert for me. Never did I know the worth of good parents half so much as now I am from them; I never missed our closet so much, and above all things our cheese and Butter which we have but very little of, but I am very contented. I wish you would send me up my patterns all of them for I want them very much indeed, for I expect to work me a gown. I am with due respect Your dutiful daughter ELIZA SOUTHGATE. Mrs. Mary Southgate. Medford, Sept. 30, 1797. Dear Mother: You mentioned in yours, of the 16th inst. that it was a long time since you had received a letter from me; but it was owing to my studies which took up the greater part of my time; for I have been busy in my Arithmetic, but I finished it yesterday, and expect now to begin my large manuscript Arithmetic. You say that you shall regret so long an absence; not more certainly than I shall, but a strong desire to possess more useful knowledge than I at present do, I can dispense with the pleasure a little longer of beholding my friends and I hope I shall be better prepared to meet my good parents towards whom my heart overflows with gratitude. You mentioned in your letter about my Winter clothes of which I will make out a Memorandum. I shall want a coat and you may send it up for me to make, or you may make it your self, but I want it made loose with a belt. I wish you to send me enough of all my slips to make long sleeves that you can, and I wish you would pattern my dark slip to make long sleeves. I want a flannel waist, and a petticoat, for my white one dirts so quick that I had rather have a colored one. I have nothing more to write, only give my love to all who ask after me. I have just received a letter from Horatio, he is very well. Your ever affectionate daughter ELIZA SOUTHGATE. Mrs. Mary Southgate. Medford, Oct. 17, 1797. Dear Brother: