Mr. Williams delivered me your short yet pleasing letter.... I hope you passed Christmas agreeably.... I can assure you I did, being favored with the company of Mr. K. and his sister. I regret that her stay in town is so short. Ever since her arrival my time has been so occupied that my moments for writing were few. Tis now late--they leave early in the morning--so you must accept a few lines this time. I have sent my little namesake a New Year's frock, which I beg your sister will let her accept of. The ribbon I before mentioned accompanies this. Good night--and Happy New Year to you all. Write soon, and a long letter. Remember me to my friends, and think of Yours affectionately and in great haste, ELIZA. ELIZA MACDONALD TO CHLOE FULLER. Albany, February 10, 1799. Why, my dear Chloe, do you preserve this long silence? To forgetfulness of me, or want of affection I dare not impute it, for even the most distant idea of this is too painful. No, I will judge more favorably of my lovely Friend, and think want of time has been hitherto the cause. Yet let me urge you not to continue this painful silence, but think of, and write to your absent friend. Cooperstown and its inhabitants will ever afford a pleasing subject to Eliza. Tell me how you spend your time, your most intimate companions, whether you often see my father, and if any of my friends ever talk of me.... All our family is now in bed, yet cannot I let Mr. Strong go without writing a few lines. I wish you felt as anxious to write me. Does your Hat please you? I am almost afraid it will not, tho' I know I have used my utmost endeavors. If it does not, you must take the _Will_ for the _Deed_. My best love to your dear Sister. Kiss my little namesake for me. Remember me to all enquiring friends, and think of me as ever Your truly affectionate ELIZA. Mr. Kent is still at Poughkeepsie; it I fear has more powerful attractions than Albany. HANNAH COOPER TO CHLOE FULLER. My dear Chloe--Your sister informs me--she sets out to-morrow upon her visit to you. I profit by her going to write a few lines to you. I have nothing very material to communicate--except that I often think of you--and continue to love you--which I hope you did not doubt--before I mentioned it. We jog along much after the old way here--you know there are but three articles of news worth mentioning--Births--Deaths--and Marriages--for this last you know we were never renowned--from the second, thank Heaven, we are in a great measure exempted, and atone by the multitude of our first--for the deficiency of both.