534 MARY NORRIS [1783. 



state. We have no public account of their being in Carolina, 

 though some think they are, by this time. 



Thee will observe, in yesterday's paper, that they have taken a 

 French Island, St. Lucie. General Washington left Philadelphia 

 yesterday, to go to the army. It was reported, that a party of 

 British troops had landed at Elizabethtown. 



We hear many reports, some with, others without foundation. 

 As to what thee says you have heard, of some going away privately, 

 I believe there is nothing in that. 



I wish this unhappy affair was settled. If an end is not put to 

 it soon, I don't know how we shall live. For my part I never ex- 

 perienced so many difficulties before. You, who live in the country 

 don't know, nor cannot have an idea of, the expense of living in 

 town now, every necessary is at such an excessive price. The 

 prospect before us looks very dark ; to me, never more so than now. 

 * * * * 



I hope, as the spring comes on, I shall have the pleasure of see- 

 ing some of you in town. My sons and girls send their love to you. 

 I am, with kind respects, thy obliged and sincere friend, 



Mary Norms. 



I don't know the date of the prophecy ; but believe it was in 

 Charles the First's time. 



MARY NORRIS TO H. MARSHALL. 



***** 



We now have winter in good earnest ; but, with good fires, are 

 pretty comfortable. I hear no public news of any kind, except 

 that on the 22d of this month, General Washington resigned his 

 commission to Congress ; and at the same time made a most pa- 

 thetic and eloquent speech, which was answered by the President. 



The Council of Censors sit ; but I don't hear anything of their 

 proceedings. ***** 



I am thy obliged friend, 



Mary Norris. 



Philada., Dec. 30th, 1783. 



