Miss Martha Manton to Lt. Edward Manton:

24 August 1793
Hantsford Parsonage

My dearest Edward,

We have received your two letters together in the post, and we are
amazed at your good fortune in both escaping harm and also in your
captain's favor! I shall be certain to pass on your kind (and
believe me, brother, I know you meant it as such) advice to Miss
Post. I think she may even be in a mind to hear it, for we have
heard rumors of Mr. DuLaine's finances that are very troublesome. Do
you recall Betsy, the parlor maid? Her uncle is the owner of the
milliner's shop in the village, and she says her papa says that the
DuLaines have not paid their bills in nearly a year. None of the
merchants are extending credit to them any longer. (If Miss Post
has heard word of this, she has not told me.)

Yet even so, Mr. DuLaine brags that he is about to purchase a
commission! Until I see him myself in Regimentals, I will not
believe it. Of course as soon as I know, I will write you, knowing
how very impartial you are.

At the Assembly last night, Miss Post danced only once with Mr.
Dulaine, and that only a country dance. He was so desperate for a
partner that he asked ME twice, and what could I do but accept? At
least I do not have to fear he will fall in love with me, what with
my lack of funds. I have nothing at all to tempt a Mr. DuLaine!

From Kenneth there is no word, but I do not believe that will
surprise you. I cannot tell if Christopher is relieved or not.

Betsy is doing well, but is very tired these past weeks. Christopher
is worried about her, I can tell, and sends for the doctor at the
slightest provocation. I believe it is making both Betsy and the
doctor quite tired with the constant visits! She did not attend our
assembly last night, but remained home.

Do tell me all about the admiral's ball! It must have been a grand
affair – so very much the opposite of what we endured last night,
with you and all of your brother officers taking the place of our
boring country gentlemen. Tell me, Edward, did you dance with any
Spanish ladies? I should hope so, for then I will have something
to tell Miss Post to make her insane with jealousy!

But if you think you have trouble with reconciling Spanish and
allies, you have not seen a copy of the Times in a fair piece, I
daresay.

When will you be coming home, brother? And before you chastise me
for asking such a question, of being a mewling weakling for not
understanding sacrifice, I will tell you a secret…

I asked because Miss Post wanted me to.

There! What can you say to that?

Your loving and devoted sister,
Martha