They are now given to the public, enriched with a considerable number of contemporary portraits and other illustrations, carefully reproduced from original miniatures and old prints; and with an abundance of biographical notes, industriously collected by a competent hand, which cannot fail to be of value to the social chronicler of our time. While the importance of these letters as illustrations of the domestic life of our country at a most interesting time is considerable, their chief value, after all, lies in the picture they give of the writer. It is a picture drawn, as we have said, with a thousand graceful touches, and the natural girlish loveliness of the portraiture shows best when it is read from end to end. Then, as we look up from the printed page to Malbone’s portrait, the vision takes shape: “A hair-brained, sentimental trace Was strongly markèd in her face; A wildly witty, rustic grace Shone full upon her; Her eye, even turned on empty space, Beamed keen with honour.” CLARENCE COOK. FISHKILL-ON-HUDSON, October 1, 1887. A GIRL’S LIFE EIGHTY YEARS AGO Medford, Jan. 23, 1797. My Mamma: I went to Boston last Saturday, and there I received your letter. I have now to communicate to you only my wishes to tarry in Boston a quarter, if convenient. In my last letter to my Father I did not say anything respecting it because I did not wish Mrs. Wyman to know I had an inclination to leave her school, but only because I thought you would wish me to come home when my quarter was out. I have a great desire to see my family, but I have a still greater desire to finish my education. Still I have to beg you to remind my friends and acquaintances that I remain the same Eliza, and that I bear the same love I ever did to them, whether they have forgotten me or not. Tell my little Brothers and Sisters I want to see them very much indeed. Write me an answer as soon as you can conveniently. I shall send you some of my work which you never have seen,—it is my Arithmetic. Permit me, my Honored Mother, to claim the title of Your affectionate daughter, ELIZA SOUTHGATE. Mrs. Mary Southgate. Medford, May 12, 1797. Honored Parents: