Letter by Susan Decatur, dated 21 February, 1828
(from Miscellaneous Manuscripts Collection GTM130701, Box 4, Folder 9, Booth Family Center for Special Collections)

1. Practice reading the autograph manuscripts first. Then check for accuracy against the transcription below --
Geo Town, February 21st 1828
My Dear General
The mail travels so leisurely between Washington and George Town that your letter of yesterday enclosing a check for a hundred and eighty dollars, did not reach here until to day at 2 o’clock; and I hasten to acknowledge the receipt of it.
I shall be happy to supply Messrs van Buren & co with Hermitage if they happen to like it; and also a little of the Macedonian Madeira as a sort of counterpoise to prevent them from forming any overweening partiality for the French!
It is really a vexatious thing when the Nation owes me at least a hundred thousand dollars, that I shou’d be obliged to sell my goods and chattels; and thus deprive myself of the pleasure of seeing my friends enjoy the wine which was collected with so much care for that express purpose!
I beg you to believe me My dear General, very sincerely yours,
S. Decatur
[Postscript address]
The Honble.
Stephen van Rensselaer
2. Points of Interest (i.e., related subjects and extended research]
- What was the Macedonian?
- What are Hermitage and Madeira?
- What’s the connection between Susan, the Macedonian, Hermitage and Madeira?
- What’s the story behind the letter? Can you craft a narrative?
- Why is Susan vexed?
- Why does “the Nation” owe her money?
- Why is she selling off her “goods and chattels”?
- In what ways does information about the preceding add to your knowledge of and insight to the times (historically and culturally)? Example: insight into 19th century postal service; sea trading; widows' legal rights.