certainly see her, now she knew I was in town and had set out to call on her; and Mr. Sumner particularly asked where we were to be found,—we told him Mrs. Carter’s, and parted. From that time, every time I heard the bell, I supposed ’twas Mrs. Sumner. We staid 2 days, and neither Mr. nor Mrs. Sumner called. I felt amazingly hurt, as so many ladies I was very little acquainted with called on me immediately. Late in the evening before we left town, Tom Coffin called in, appeared rather formal, never mentioned Mrs. Sumner or any reason why they did not call, nor any apology. As I could no way account for such mysterious conduct, it greatly mortified me. This is the true statement, which you may mention to Mrs. Coffin, and then ask her who has a right to feel offended. The great dinner given in honor of Uncle Rufus I have not yet mentioned; ’twas very superb, and 200 of the most respectable citizens of New York attended. Mr. Bowne says, tho’ he has been at many entertainments given in honor of particular persons, yet he never saw one that was so complimentary, and never a person conduct himself on such an occasion with such ease, elegance, and dignity in his life. He returned quite in raptures,—such insinuating manners—such ease in receiving those presented and introduced,—he is a most amazing favorite here. Democrats and Federalists and all parties attended. French Consul on his right—English Consul on his left. When Mr. Bowne went up, he held out his hand with all the ease of an old friend, without even bowing, and said, “How! is it Bowne? How’s your wife?”—so familiar. I went to see the tables: very novel and elegant—there was one the whole length of the Hall and 4 branches from it; there was an enclosure about 2 feet wide, filled with earth, and railed in with a little white fence, and little gates every yard or two ran thro’ the centre of all the tables, and on each side were the plates and dishes. In this enclosure there were lakes, and swans swimming, little mounds covered with goats among little trees,—some places flocks of sheep, some cows laying down, beautiful little arches and arbors covered with green,—figures of Apollo, Ceres, Flora, little white pyramids with earth and sprigs of myrtle, orange, lemon, flowers in imitation of hothouse plants,—nothing could have a more beautiful effect in the hot weather; those opposite to you were divided, their plates quite hidden. Adieu; some ladies have just called. We are going about 20 miles to enjoy the sea, Rockaway, a place of fashionable resort; ’tis intensely hot, exceeded only by Ballston Springs. We don’t go to Bethlehem till the last of the month. Mr. Bowne’s business detains him in the City only one or two days in a week perhaps, yet prevents a long journey just now. We ride out every day or two, go into the baths whenever we please, they have very fine public ones. Adieu. The ladies will think