[Addressed on outside fold of letter:]
Mrs Maria McLean
Franklins Mead Pearl St. New York
London 2 December 1796
My Dear Mary, We arrived at Portsmouth after a Pleasant Passage
of 28 days, the Company Agreeable with but one exception, and he was too
insignificant to give any uneasiness. I found my Darling Boys in
excellent health and very much improved in there [sic.] manners - my
sister was not returned from Scotland, but expect her this week. The
rest of the family were here to receive me and very happy they seemed. I
have not yet received my Cloaths, for the Ship has not yet got up. I
have wrote Margaret a little of fashions but the truth is, I cannot at
present say much as I have not yet been out, except to purchase a bonnet
which is not yet come home the front is exactly like a postilions Jockey
Cap, all made of black velvet, or plush, trimmed with purple, Rose, or
Coquelicot, the last about two inches longer than they were, and round
Dresses [?] altogether - when I left America I supposed it probable that
we should return in a year, but at present do not think that will be the
case, as we are about purchaseing [sic.] the lease of a House at
Highbury Terrace - they have just been in to tell me I must close my
letter immediately. God bless you my Dear Sister, give my love to your
excellent Husband from his and your Affectionate Sister. Cornelia
Galbreath
my David desires me to say everything that is
affectionate for him, to you both. I will write by next opportunity. Mr
Elmes is much better and likes England better than America.
------------------------------------------------------ Original
letter in possession of Andrew Trotter.
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