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Nelly is ashamed for not writing since getting to Louisiana. She just arrived at Parke's from New Orleans. She [Nelly] has been very ill and had bad accident. Angela very ill; had premature baby, Angela Lewis Conrad, now 4 months old. Grandson Edward George Washington Butler is 30 miles away at school. she regrets that Ed Butler left the army. Hopes to see Woodlawn and Audley next summer, if they live. Mr. Lewis's gout better in Louisiana.

Nelly writes beginning with her excuses for not writing sooner. She describes her happiness in marriage. Mentions her approaching confinement. Describes the change in her personality with her marriage and approaching motherhood. Separation from her grandmother was hard at the beginning of a long round of visits. Describes their visits in Culpeper and at Shirley, near Richmond. Lawrence Lewis's illness with eye inflammation, and her own influenza. Their house in Frederick not ready for them. Saw their old friend Susan [Beverley] Randolph in Richmond. She wasn't informed of her beloved grandmama's severe illness, but both of the Washingtons are "quite well" now.

Nelly was forced to leave Parke's house because of Butler's insults: his vile treatment of Parke and her unhappiness. Parke "has suffered almost ten years of sorrow and privations of every kind, and for the last six years the most brutal treatment." Butler is mean and selfish. Since Mr. Lewis's death, and he knows he'll get nothing from her, his opinion of her has come out in open. Nelly hopes to take Angela's orphan boys to Audley in Spring.

Nelly writes of the death of Angela's child [Angela Lewis Conrad] from whooping cough. She died March 25, had been a year old on the 17th. Nelly will be unable to visit Woodlawn this summer because she cannot leave Angela and Angela cannot leave Charles. Wishes they lived in Virginia or Philadelphia, as the climate here sickly. Planters lose much by fall of sugar and cotton prices. Parke has another child [Lawrence Lewis Butler]. Lorenzo has another boy [Edward Parke Custis Lewis].

Accepts the Gibson's invitation to visit Philadelphia. She is enjoying her New York visit, "the fact is, New York is enchanting." Douglas family and friends of grandparents rally around them. Visiting friends in New York and New Jersey area. Mentions Mrs. Vanbrugh Livingston, Mrs. Varick of Paulus Hook, Thomas Morris, and others. Parke loves New York, but Agnes retires from crowds. Inform America Peter, who was then in Philadelphia of their health.

Nelly sends her thanks for lemons. Dr. Chapman gave Agnes a dose of Laudanum. Describes her symptoms, treatments and medicines. Requests a watch that keeps time because she must administer the powders every half hour.

Nelly asks her friend to send another bottle of her good old wine, as the doctors say Agnes should drink more and stronger.

The doctor is due at one o'clock. Agnes wants wine and water if doctors will allow it. Nelly fears she "will not survive many hours."

Small single sheet. Agnes is just as she was. Nelly sends thanks for the wine. Returning empty bottle. Desires beef essence next time.

Agnes says she is better, but she looks badly. Nelly describes her symptoms and medical treatments. Asks Elizabeth to send more wine and unseasoned beef broth for the child.