Martha Jaquelin letter to John Norton, 1769 August 14

Martha Jaquelin, York County, Virginia, letter to John Norton, merchant of London, England, dated August 14, 1769. Jaquelin writes that she has become an Associator and as such has given up tea and expects shortly to be dressed in homespun. With this letter she sent a small invoice for sundrys she desired Norton procure for her.

Your kind letter should have been answer'd
sooner but some little disappointments and
perplexitys prevented me. I have now inclosed
a bill of exchange for some necessaries for House
keeping; I imagine you'l be a little surprised at
my undertaking when I might with more pro-
=priety perhaps have consulted the undertaker
but such is the propensity of Mankind to be
Whimsical; that I am afraid wee shall be so
as long as wee live in this World

You'l see by my invoice that I am an Associator
that I am so I am sure will give me some Merit
with Mrs Norton; not that I doubt Mr Norton
neither : But believe me, our poor Country never
stood in more need of an effort to save her from
ruin than now; not more from the taxes, and
want of Trayd than from our own Extravagances
the 2 shilling linen being for my own wear, I re
=commend it to your choice; I expect to be dresse[d]
in Virginia cloth very soon, and as I am a little

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incommoded with corns, in Mockasins likewise
I have given up the Article of Tea, but some
are not quite so tractable; however if wee
can convince the good folks on your side
the Water, of their Error, wee may hope to see
happier times. Whatever our fate may be
I wish you and yours health, and Happiness
and remain

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Virginia 14th August 1769
Martha Jaquelin
Received 28th September per Liberty
Goods entered page: 145

Answered the   March 1770
per Brilliant