Mrs. Derby has returned from Philadelphia, and intends leaving here for Boston on Tuesday. She spent a long sociable day with me yesterday and I found it quite a treat; I have seen so little of her but in mix’t parties that it hardly seems like a visit. She is almost worn out with dissipation, and I greatly fear her constitution has suffered an injury from this kind of life it will never recover. She has absolutely refused all invitations since her return, and means to rest for a few days while she remains here; she takes one of our _belles_ on to Boston with her,—Miss Fairlie;[91] Miranda knows her. Martha had a letter from Mrs. Sumner yesterday, where she mentions Miranda leaving there for home the Sunday before with Mr. and Mrs. Kinsman; I am really hurt at her unaccountable silence. I promised to tell her all the news and account of all the parties after she left me, but I was quite provoked at her not writing. Tell her, however, that there seems no end to the gaiety this Spring; it does not abate as yet at all. The day after she left me I paid the bride’s visit to young Mrs. Murray; there was a prodigious crowd, a hundred and fifty at least, and many never sat down at all. Madame Moreau[92] wore a long black velvet dress with Pearl ornaments, looking elegantly. The next day I dined at Uncle Rufus King’s with company; on Tuesday following, went to a ball at Mrs. Stevens’;[93] next day, a ball at Miss Murray’s, very pleasant; they very much regretted her not being here; she was intended to be one of the Bridesmaids; and the day after the last Assembly, as you may suppose, was completely tired dancing three nights in succession. Last Friday I was at a ball at the Watts’s, and the week before at Miss Lyde’s[94] to a ball, and Mrs. Turnbull’s to a monstrous tea-party. Yesterday at Mrs. Morris’. On Monday next Aunt King has a very large party. On Tuesday I go to Mrs. Stoughton’s, on Thursday to Mrs. Hopkins’, and on Friday dine at Mrs. Bogert’s, and this evening to Mrs. Henderson’s to a _ball_. I think it will be one of the most elegant we have had this winter. I wish Miranda was here,—so much for Miranda. Adieu! I have promised to go shopping with Mrs. Derby this morning and ’tis growing late. I look forward with delight to the approaching summer spent amidst all my family. Give my affectionate regard to all. Ever yours, E. S. BOWNE. New York, Dec. 1, 1807.