Margaret [Miller] ALS to Silvanus Miller, January 29, 1808

My dear Miller,

I perused your letter of the
24th. with peculiar satisfaction, arising from
a probable supposition, that you was, at that
very time, reading mine of the same date. I think
they must both have been written in the
same hour, for your short epistle, certainly
betrays your usual haste to get in bed. But
I can readily excuse this, as it was the first
night after your long journey, and you must
have been worn out with fatigue.

Our maids, Betsey and Hetty you
must know, have a great party tonight, and
I have taken the Nurse's place for the even-
ing, that she may have an opportunity of figur-
ing in among the guests. They are full of mer-
riment and send forth such peals of laughter
now & then, as makes me laugh from sympathy.
The rage for parties has become quite con-
tagious, and infects all classes of people.

Pierre is almost sick with a cold, his cough
and hoarseness very violent. I have some ap-