Elizabeth Birkbeck letter to S.B. Birkbeck, Cincinnati June 21st 1819

              B-16-01b
page 1

                Cincinnati June 21st 1819
My dear boy,
     Mr Grounds an English gentleman who intends settling in the Misouri brought us letters from Papa the other day and one which appears to be from Charles to you- I enclose it, so far so good I have scarsely time to write to you, I have so many letters of importance to write before tomorrow morning for Mr Lawrance to take to England.  he arrived by himself last night & tomorrow is actually off for the old country so far so good that’s a good as Papa writes that our house will be finished in two months & [illegible] that I expect we shall later return. Jane Cooper has engaged herself in our service and taken up her abode with little [illegible] in the new house, now is this not this a devil’s  be good in I begin to be happy again and to for former comfort.
  Mr & Mrs Hanks are in our cabin. Mr H creates hurricanes & is boisterous. He has actually been fighting with Taylor the waggoner! Taylor had the [illegible], got him sown & fell upon him with intent to bite & gouge when Mrs. Hanks rushed out & rescued her husband!
  We are well and I am Your affectionate sister
    Elizabeth Birkbeck
  Do not forget how unfortunately notorious our name has become, and be careful dearest boy not in the slightest degree to disgrace that name.