I have described one of the blessings of creation in Mrs. Rawson, and now I will describe Mrs. Wyman as the reverse: she is the worst woman I ever knew of all that I ever saw; nobody knows what I suffered from the treatment of that woman—I had the misfortune to be a favorite with Miss Haskell and Mr. Wyman, she said, and she treated me as her own malicious heart dictated; but whatever is, is right, and I learnt a good lesson by it. I wish you, my Father, to write an answer soon and let me know if I may learn music.—Give my best respects to my good Mother, tho’ what I say to my Father applies to my Mother as much as to my Father. May it please the disposer of all events to return me safe home to the bosom of my friends in health safely. I never was happier in my life I think, and my heart overflows toward my heavenly Father for it; and may it please him to continue it and afford it to my Parents, is the sincere wish of Your ELIZA SOUTHGATE. Robert Southgate, Esqr. Boston, May 12th, 1798. My dear Parents: Now at the end of the week, when my hopes are almost exhausted of seeing my brother, I attempt to address you,—a task which was once delightful but now painful since my Mother’s last letter. I see my errors, and if I can hope they will no longer be remembered by my Parents, I shall again be happy. My Mother’s letter greatly surprised me after having received so different a one from my Father. Indeed, my Parents, did you think I would any longer cherish a passion _you_ disapproved? After expressing your disapprobation it was enough, your _wishes are_ and ever shall be my commands. I have spent a week of painful expectation; no letter, no brother, no father have come, and I am now in anxious expectation to receive a letter to-night, but I dare not hope it to be so. Do, my Father, as soon as you receive this send for me as soon as possible, for my quarter at Mrs. Rawson’s was out last Saturday, and as circumstances are, I thought it proper not to go to Mr. Boyd’s. I beg of you to send for me home directly, for I only board at Mrs. Rawson’s now, for I am in expectation of seeing or hearing every day and therefore I have not begun any more work. My time is spending without gain. I am at Mrs. Frazier’s and have been here ever since Thursday. I shall go back to Mrs. Rawson’s to-night and there wait for further orders. Time hangs more heavy than ever it did before. I am with the most sincere Respect and affection Your daughter ELIZA. R. & M. Southgate. Scarborough, Dec. 16th.