My dearest Wife                                                               Bedford   24 April 1797

We got here this morning after breakfast, but experienced dreadful roads. – We were much fatigued yesterday, but forgot all our cares, when we came to   Hartley’s 6 miles from hence.   A fine woman, handsomely but plainly dressed, welcomed us to her house.   Good trout, asparagus, olives & apples garnished our table, and I had as good a bed as we, I lay in, to console me after my ride. – Mr. Washington once told me on a charge which I made against the President, at his own table, that the admiration he warmly professed for Mrs. Hartley, was a proof of his homage to the worthy part of sex & highly respectful to his wife.   In this same light I by you will consider my partiality to the elegant accomplishments of Mrs. Hartley.

              I wrote to you from Chambersburgh by Mr. Bowie. – I now consider you at   Belmont & often speak to Mr. Smith about what I presume to be your engagements.   In about a month I shall begin to turn my face homewards & rejoice at the anticipation.   But I am fearful of pursuing the idea long, least my stay abroad should be made doubly uneasy on reflection.

              My love to our dear children.   I ever shall be

                                                                                    my dear wife

                                                                                                  most affectionately yrs

                                                                                                                              J. Yeates

Mrs. Yeates