Log In Register

Source & Citation Info

title:“Elbridge Gerry to Ann Gerry”
authors:Elbridge Gerry
date written:1787-9-1

permanent link
to this version:
https://consource.org/document/elbridge-gerry-to-ann-gerry-1787-9-1/20130122082644/
last updated:Jan. 22, 2013, 8:26 a.m. UTC
retrieved:April 19, 2024, 4:01 a.m. UTC

transcription
citation:
Gerry, Elbridge. "Letter to Ann Gerry." Supplement to Max Farrand's The Records of the Federal Convention of 1787. Ed. James H. Hutson. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1987. 254-55. Print.
manuscript
source:
Autograph Letter Signed, Sang Collection, Southern Illinois University

Elbridge Gerry to Ann Gerry (September 1, 1787)

Saturday 1 Sep.
I am distressed my dearest Girl exceedingly, at the information in yours of the 29th and the notice of your indisposition, and shall prepare myself to leave this city on the arrival of the next post unless you are better: indeed I would not remain here two hours was I not under a necessity of staying to prevent my colleagues from saying that I broke up the representation, and that they were averse to an arbitrary System of Government, for such it is at present, and such they must give their voice to unless it meets with considerable alterations. I think it probable that the Convention will rise in ten days, but in case of my absence my dearest Life I think it will be proper and indeed necessary for you to take Rhubarb two or three evenings successively, and drink gruel morning and evening with cold camomile tea when thirsty, to remove that Sickness & pain in your Stomach. Likewise have a chicken boiled every day and drink the broth without fat on it or much thickenning, taking care that it is not weak and that it is seasoned with such herbs as you like. I am glad you have quitted tea, but milk is not good for the Bile, which afflicts you at present. I am very happy to hear our little darling is so thriving and wish most ardently to have the same good tidings respecting yourself. It has been very warm here, but I have not Suffered much. As to Kellus I am done thinking of him: I have had two others offering their Service Since he went away, but Servants in general are a pack of such idle fellows, that without the best recommendations I am not disposed to take any of them. I sent you two letters for Miss Stanford and you mention the receipt of only one. The silk is not a good bargain by any means. I will desire Miss Dally to look out for some here and will shop myself. What quantity is sufficient for a suit.
Sunday Yesterday I dined with General Pinckney and Mrs. Pinckney made particular inquiry for you and the baby. There was considerable company, and she was very agreable and attentive. The General is as we always thot the cleverest being alive. I love him better every time I meet him. Mrs. Pinckney says Mrs. Butler proposes to return to New York from Newport, having been there some time without being introduced to a person. I am sorry for this, but she should not have gone or remained there without letters to some of the citizens. Mrs. Rimbaugh landed at New York; did you hear of it or was her stay too short for you to know it or for her to know you was there? She had an infant about the age of ours, which died on the passage. It was ill when they left Charleston and she had hopes by the voyage of saving it. I have not seen her, but had this from Mrs. Pinckney. Don't omit what I have recommended for restoring your health, as I am persuaded there is no necessity for you taking nauseous draughts of physicians, and they generally make their patients invalids. Give my warmest Regards to your mamma, sisters brother & pappa if he has returned; kiss our delightful little darling plentifully for me and be assured I am ever Yours most affectionately E. Gerry

Resource Metadata

Type

Date

1787-9-1

Authors

Recipients

Collections

Annotations (0)