Hayley-XII-21

[page 1]

Thursday Morn
Sept 12 1782

My dear Sister

That I may not detain a letter more justly precious in yr sight than any that I can send as its Companion, I dispatch the inclosed, tho I have only a few Moments to add a hasty Line or two in the Frank that conveys it -

My best Thanks are still due to you for the pleasing & early Intelligence of yr safe arrival at the Mansion of the fair & hospitable Quaker, & for the charming verses composed on your Journey: what an Enchantress you are to convert every Postchaise you enter into the car of Apollo! - I believe verily you engaged all the Nine Nymphs of Parnassus to attend you, as we have not had even a Glimpse of one of them

[page 2]

on this Hill since you departed, but have remained most dismally unpoetical – I long to hear how you have been entertained by the dear Longinus & the various Pictures & drawings of the sublime Artist, who has animated his Canvass So happily with yr poetical Spirit — Adieu! you will the more readily pardon this Laconic Scrawl, as it will find you restored to the arms of an affectionate Father, who will sufficiently engage you for some little Time in relating the History of yr Travels – do not fail to return Him our warmest Thanks for his kindness in sparing you from his side - accept the united good wishes of our little Circle & believe me

ever yr affectionate
WH