Eliza
Letter, Eliza Gough to Susan Livingston, January 11, 1791
Galleries at Kean University · ELIZA GOUGH TO SUSAN
Kean Galleries and Collections, Liberty Hall Collection
Audio Credits:
Reader: Katharine McLeod
Audio Director: Christopher Mallari, Audio Engineer, Kean University
Beaufort January 11th, 1791
Time, health, nor spirits will admit a long letter to my dear Mrs. Kean. It is only within these ten days that I have been able or inclined to see or speak to anyone. Three weeks confined, and although not apparently ill, I have not been so sick these five years past. I felt myself incapable of reading, writing, or working – my spirits depressed, my appetite entirely gone, and senses stupefied. I sat from morning until night, with my hands fold – more like an insensible than reasonable being. In this instance, among many others, I have reason to be thankful to a merciful Father, who has spared me one blessing – to comfort and support a mind distressed. I am afraid, much afraid, my dear Mrs. Kean, I love this darling child too much! Her attention, her anxiety, and soothing comfort in this last illness has endeared her more to me. I love my sorrows for her sake – that is, my friend, I am loath to leave this vale of disappointment. The world is dear to me on her account.
It is three long months since I have had the inexpressible pleasure of a line from you. Your ill-natured snowstorms and frozen rivers debars me from receiving this happiness. We were much surprised long days ago on opening our windows to feel the earth entirely covered with snow, the heaviest that has been seen here for twenty-five years past. It remained to the north on the roofs of houses for five days. I pitied you in your frozen clime, but your young friend wished she was with you to partake of the pleasure of a sleighing party.
I am sorry to tell you, our village – I may say island – can no longer boast of health. Not a family has escaped the influenza. Among the Whites it has been severe, among the Blacks fatal. My brothers each has lost several. My brother Nath, Caliph, Hector his driver, his brother and two others. I have been particular, as I know Mr. Kean will regret the death of Caliph, he was a faithful slave. Sam sent up to let us know there was twelve ill with it at Parris [Island]. My brother sent down directions & necessaries, and they are all recovering. I am informed in the neighborhood of Prince Williams, it is melancholy. The Barns all shut, nothing to be seen but children(the complaint being partial to those under sixteen). There is no appearance of fortunes being made but by lawyers and doctors. I do not know which of the evils is the least. There has been three sheriff sales within the month in our little village. Mr. Daniel John Green, Mr. Fitzsimmons, and Ellis: a sight not very common in Beaufort.
You will not be surprised when I tell you Mrs. Nath Barnwell is no more. She departed this life the fifth of December. A few weeks before she died, she insisted on going down to the seaside, which I am afraid hastened her death. Although her friends were well assured that her days in the land of the living would be but few, yet her death was sudden nor did she think death was so near. Your sympathizing heart would weep to see my poor brother: an afflicted mourner, has had the Influenza for six weeks to a most violent degree, and is now confined to his bed with the gout and a most dreadful cough. You can more feelingly imagine than I can describe this melancholy situation. Mrs. Cuthbert has lost her son Nathaniel. He was, I think, as fine a child as I ever saw, died with six hours illness. I truly believe you will scarcely know my brother Robin! He has reduced as thin as possible, his spirits entirely depressed. I hope & pray your northern air will restore his health & cheerfulness. It grieves me to see the alteration. My dear aged parent in a great decline. She is at present confined with a violent cough. Marianne is dancing alone in the rest room by way of exercise for fear she should lose the use of her limbs! Beaufort has been duller for six months past than I ever knew it to be.
Pray remember us to Mr. Kean with every good wish our hearts can form. For his, yours, and dear little rogue Peter, happiness & love– a dozen kisses for us. Vain is the wish when I tell you I long to see you all. You must excuse this scrawl, it tis the second letter I have written for two months and I am finishing it with difficulty by candlelight.
Adieu my much-esteemed friend; respects to your Father, Mother, & Mrs. Rickets. Remember me as an unfortunate friend of yours, remember my darling daughter as worth of your love.
Your ever affectionate E Gough
[backside page]
Eliza Gough of Beaufort
January 11, 1791
Mrs. Susan Kean
Philadelphia
Pray let me know the date of letters as I am afraid they get lost. The last I received was the 15th of October.
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