367. Elizabeth Hingston to Robert Bloomfield, 12 January 1823 * 

Alexandria, U.S.A.

January 12th 1823

My dear Brother,

I cannot describe the pleasure your letter gave me. I am in better health though far from well. I believe I told you I had dropsy severely and had to undergo an extreme salination which so unhinged the frame I have never been well since. I have lost the sight of my right eye entirely and the other is very weak. You say party spirit and faction and what is still worse we are imitating the vices and luxuries of Europe at a terrible rate. Formerly you might travel from one end of the Union to the other through woods and bye roads without danger, and now the papers are every day giving accounts of robberies murders etc.

So your poor old King is travelling in his old age to gain popularity, but I feel he begins too late. I wish he could see how some of our papers handle him, they do not scruple to insinuate the poor Queen's death was hastened etc...

Mr. Hingston holds his health well for his age; he was glad to hear from you and wonders you do not write, it's now more than 3 years since we heard from you.

Give my love to all enquiring friends, write soon. I must bid you adieu I cannot write much at a time.

Yours

Elizabeth Hingston