[Lydia] Maria [Child] ALS to Anna Loring, September 28, 1846

New York Sep. 28'th. 1846

Dear Anna,

I was extremely glad to receive your
kind letter. I began to fear that some how or other I had
lost your affection. I was pleased and grateful for the
contents of the box, though I rebelled a little in my own
mind. Your dear mother always loads me so, that it
takes all my breath away. My first impulse was to send
the little green bag right back again; but I have been
scolded at so much, for being unsentimental and ungra-
-cious in my ways, that I suppose I must be on my good
behavior. I have no idea that I shall wish to spend half
that sum in amusements, in the course of the year; but if
I do, I will promise not to deny myself any gratification
of that sort, which I greatly desire.

My next impulse was to refuse the cloak. But I know just
what Louise will say, and I suppose I must submit to
any sort of despotism she pleases to practise. Only I wish
she would humor me so far, as to have it very plain and
simple. She must remember that I am not, like herself,
the wife of one of "our first men"; and moreover, my little
Dutch figure is not calculated to carry off much finery
with a good grace. I like the color of the
merino at S. Stillman Field's rather better than the one
from Hovey and Williams; but mother can do just as she
pleases in that matter. I do not think it worth while

{written perpendicularly in the left margin}

Remember me affectionately to Augusta, and believe me always your loving

Aunt Maria.

{end perpendicular writing}