My kind friends did all the housekeeping, and the servants in the house, and on the plantation, were so faithful, that I feel indebted to all who have made my time so easy; and your absence has not, I am sure, been attended with any ill effects, without you find me a little cross and complaining, and Mr.Barbour out of his senses with joy, on your return.

Good Mr.Barbour! he has superintended and encouraged the servants, and visited us forlorn ladies frequently, so that he must come in for a portion of our thanks too.
"You will perhaps think I ought only to write you cheerful news, but it is best to let you know as well as I can, the condition that you will find us in, on your return.

Phillis is the only one of us, whose concerns are of any immediate importance, but I am sorry to have to tell you that she is now seriously indisposed.
Her cough has never really yielded--her other symptoms have varied; but for the last few weeks, her disease has not only progressed, but assumed a certain form.

She is in consumption, and has no doubt inherited the disease from her mother.
"I have, throughout the winter, felt great anxiety about her, and have not permitted her to work, though sometimes I found it hard to prevent her.

Her children have been constantly with her; indeed, I have passed a great deal of my own time in her cabin, which, under Martha's superintendence, is so neat and comfortable.
"You will all perhaps blame me that I have not been thus plain with you before, but Dr.Lawton said it was not necessary, as she has never been in any immediate danger, and Phillis would not consent to my doing so.