Theodosia Bartow Prevost Letters for the years 1781 thru 1791

Litchfield, CT - 12 February 1781

Your opinion of Voltaire pleases me, as it proves your judgment above being biased by the prejudices of others. The English, from national jealousy and enmity to the French, detract him.

Litchfield, CT - 6 March 1781

How strangely we pass through life! All acknowledge themselves mortal and immortal; and yet prefer the trifles of to-day to the treasures of eternity.

Litchfield, CT - 0 May 1781

Our being the subject of much inquiry, conjecture, and calumny, is no more than we ought to expect. My attention to you was ever pointed enough to attract the observation of those who visited the house.

Sharon, CT - 11 September 1781

We were obliged to Dr. Cutting for the most pleasing account of your health and spirits. Also, of your great progress in law.

Albany, NY - 25 March 1783

Some think absence tends to increase affection; the greater part that it wears it away. I believe neither, but that it only tends to prove how far the heart is capable of loving

Albany, NY - 14 August 1783

When she sleeps, I watch anxiously; when she wakes, anxious fears accompany every motion. I talked of my love towards her, but I knew it not till put to this unhappy test.

New York, NY - 22 February 1784

My Aaron had scarce quitted the door when I regretted my passiveness. Why did I consent to his departure? Can interest repay the sacrifice?

New York, NY - 0 April 1785

I persuade myself this is the last day you spend in Philadelphia.

New York, NY - 0 April 1785

The family as you left it. Thy Theodosia's health and spirits increase daily. Bartow's industry and utility are striking to the family and strangers.

New York, NY - 0 May 1785

Your dear little daughter seeks you twenty times a day; calls you to your meals, and will not suffer your chair to be filled by any of the family.

New York, NY - 0 May 1785

I have a little fever hanging about me, which tends to depress my spirits for the time.

New York, NY - 22 May 1785

Your dear little Theo. grows the most engaging child you ever saw. She frequently talks of, and calls on, her dear papa.

New York, NY - 28 August 1785

I really believe, my dear, few parents can boast of children whose minds are so prone to virtue.

New York, NY - 29 August 1785

Our little daughter's health has improved beyond my expectations.

New York, NY - 25 September 1785

I was relieved, delighted, till the recollection of the storm you have since weathered took place.

New York, NY - 27 September 1785

I have counted the hours till evening; since that, the minutes, and am still on the watch; the stage not arrived: it is a cruel delay. Your health, your tender frame, how are they supported!

New York, NY - 0 August 1786

If you finish your causes before court is over, cannot you look at us, even should you return to the manor?

New York, NY - 0 November 1787

What language can express the joy, the gratitude of Theodosia? Stage after stage without a line. Thy usual punctuality gave room for every fear; various conjectures filled every breast.

New York, NY - 0 November 1787

My health is better. As I fondly believe this the most interesting intelligence I can give thee, I make it my preamble.

New York, NY - 30 June 1791

The Edwardses dine with me; they had taken lodgings previous to their arrival, in consequence of a report made them by the little Bodowins ... that my house was too small and inconvenient to admit of a spare bed.

Pelham, NY - 23 July 1791

I was apprehensive travelling in the heat and bad accommodations would check your recovery. Do return home as soon as possible; or, rather, come to Pelham

Pelham, NY - 27 July 1791

Poor Dr. Wright had his house two days ago burnt to the ground, and all the furniture, with every article of clothing both of themselves and the children.