Sarah Ricketts

Letter, Sarah Ricketts to Susan and Eliza Livingston, June 1, 1779   

Kean Galleries and Collections, Liberty Hall Collection  

Audio Credits:   

Reader: Carla Scalera  

Audio Director: Christopher Mallari, Audio Engineer, Kean University  

My dear girls  

I cannot omit this opportunity of writing, though I think you do not deserve to hear from me as neither of you have thought it worth your whiles to write me a single line since I have been in this island. You never were from home, or would know what I suffer by not hearing from my friends, & I am sure if you did, you would never miss an opportunity of writing. Although I know it is wrong to anticipate evil, yet my fears are always foremost, or when I don’t hear conclude something has happened. If Mr. Ricketts [her husband] could with any propriety go to America, I would go in the first ship, but while those unhappy troubles last, & he in the army, it is impossible He has got a company without purchasing, which is a very lucky thing for him if he is not obliged to join his Regiment at Antigua.  

You will be much surprised that since I have been in this Parish, which is now 5 months, that I have never seen Mrs. Bosley. Kitty & her father I have met at Mr. Goodins, but none of the family have been to see me. I don’t think it is Kitty’s fault. She seems to wish to be with me, but she is seldom allowed to go abroad. I believe she longs to go back again to America & never speaks of it without tears in her eyes. Miss Goodin, you will be as much surprised, has never been to see me but once, & that for one night her papa was with her & he has never been here since. Whether it is her fault or her father’s – or both – I will not pretend to determine. Mr. & Mrs. Woolery & Mrs. Tomlinson have as much politeness. Neither of them have been to see one, or sent to enquire, how we did since we came to this island. In short, not one of Miss B. or Miss G. & friends have been to see us. for what reason I know it. Gratitude seems to be quite out of fashion in this part of the island. Politeness, I believe, has always been a stranger in this Parish. I had letters from Mrs. Barn [letter fragment missing]. In January, they were very anxious to hear from you. They had not heard for upwards of a twelve month. You ought to write by every opportunity. I have wrote to Mary Bayard & sent some sweat meats for them.  

Write me particularly how you & how papa looks & what kind of spirits. Your little nephew sends you many kisses. Ever your affectionately,   

SR  

Many kisses to you both ...  
June 1st 79   

[outside page]  
Miss Susan & Eliza Livingston  

Sarah Ricketts  

From an undisclosed island  
June 1, 1779  

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