Letter 25 To my sister* Gloucester January — 1776
Dearest of Girls
I should esteem it a signal favour, if, in these days of calamity, we could, when we are obliged to leave our present residence, obtain a situation near you — such a vicinity would, I should imagine, shed a gleam of sunshine, upon our days, however we might be circumstanced —
It appears to me, we have, at this moment, an opportunity of accommodating ourselves — We have fixed upon a dreary spot, and shall be obliged to submit to many inconveniences — But I am content, for it is in the neighbourhood of my Mother — It is not my dear the place, but the society to which we must look to soften the gloom of the coming winter —
If then you would take the Doctor’s house, who informed Mr Stevens, it would be finished in a week, it would make me very happy — The time employed in fitting up the apartment you might pass, with me, Your presence would adorn my solitary hours, come my amiable sister — Let your sweet Boy come with you, and give pleasure to a heart which I do assure you, stands much in need of such an effort of affection
*Esther Sargent Ellery, Judith's younger sister by four years
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Notes:
"days of calamity" = British ships threatening the port of Gloucester ("The Battle of Gloucester" had taken place mere months earlier)
"dreary place" = Chebacco Parish of Ipswich (later, renamed Essex)
"Mr Stevens" = John Stevens, Judith's first husband
"your sweet boy" = John Stevens Ellery, Esther's son