Queenston 28th 1812
I have a thousand pardons My dear Father, to ask for so long delaying to write you - but since
I have got to be a Housekeeper I have also got to be lazy in the writing, way - I received a box of asparagus - a
few days ago - for which I return you many thanks - I have just dined off some of it - it is very fine - and was very
acceptable I assure you - McCormick also received some garden seeds - for which he returns you many thanks -
our garden looks very well - the blossoms begin to fall from the trees- Queenston has looked like a flower garden
for some time past - Mr. Dickson has been laid up for some days with the gout - did not for three
or four days even turn in bed, or move hand or foot - He had it as far up as his knees- this time - Maria has been in
two nights and two days - but the child is not yet born, or was not an hour or two ago when I was there - I am going
down presently and will tell you how I find her - Eliza this morning recieved your letter this morng...she is now with
me - she has desired me to say she has sent the cake - but sent the letter first- she is very well - I am sorry Hannah
makes so poor a Housekeeper - but I think she will do better by and by - this is her first attempt. Thomas is
getting much the better of his lameness. He yesterday took me to Town in a chair and I as far as Mr. (Butlers?) - the
first time he has been from Queenston for many months, the General arrived yesterday - Mama is well and the rest
of the family - Uncle and family leave Niagara for York the end of the (?). Ingersoll leaves this, tomorrow,
and takes My letter - Thomas send love to all, I will now go to Marias - 10 o'clock - I have just come home
Maria is safely delivered of the finest and largest Boy I ever saw - the very image of Samuel - it weighs between 13
and 14 lb was born 1/4 before 7 --- Ingersoll is now waiting for my letter - I have not as yet been down to see Maria -
but George has sent the enclosed - which I suppose will inform you - She is doing very well - adieu My Dear Father I
shall soon pay you a visit tell Wm. I heard a sad tale of his growing to an immense size on the receipt of his
commission - give my love to all - Yours sincerely
Augusta H McCormick