LETTER from Eliza Helme to Elizabeth (Helme) Davis - 4 October 1806

East Hampton
October 4th, 1806

Dear Mother

I received your kind letter last Tuesday which I perused with the utmost pleasure. You wrote me word that you thought I had better employ more of my time working on my piece of embroydery. If I do Mrs. Beecher thinks if I work forenoon and afternoon I shall finish it this quarter & I think I shall. I shall send you the piece of flowers that I worked. I wish you to be very carefull of them for the least touch almost will soil them. I have finished your cap all but the border. I will send the crown and forepiece home & if you wish to wear it you can put a piece of lace on it till I can work one for you. I shall send the two Mrs. Davis's borders home & that one you gave me (paper torn) to work when you was here. I shall send home Maria's bonnet. I think it will be large enough for her a year or two, they wear them so very large now that I don't think but that she can wear it now or very soon if she grows pretty fast. Corinna wrote me word that she was a fine little girl which gave me great pleasure. I wish you to put that trimming of straw around the edge that was taken off Corinna's bonnet, it would look much better if it was whitened. I did not get it lined and trimmed on that account. The making and all come to as much as 14 shillings. There was 38 yards of braid in it. Hannah & I think of getting us cotton velvet shawls as they are very fashionable now. They will cost about a Dollar or ten shillings. I shall send home the bill of my schooling in this letter. Please present my love to the family & accept the same for yourself,