Francis Barber Ogden, Liverpool, to James Monroe, 1829 December 15

Liverpool Decem 15th 1829
My dear Monroe
The Florida as you will already have been informed arrived after the very short passage of seventeen days during which it appears that nothing was experienced but the finest weather You will have had good cause for surprize at not hearing from me by the John Jay which Packet sailed two days after the arrival of the Florida. but if it had been announced to me that two persons of my acquaintance had just descended from the moon. I could hardly have been more astonished that I was when Mr Chapman on tuesday (the ship arrived on Sunday) told me that Mrs Douglas and Miss Margaret had come in her. I had heard for three or four Packets before that negociations had been going on for their passages. I have heard the report from a variety of sources that Miss M. was to be married in the morning and immediately embark on board the packet. but the Caledonia the Canada and the Manchester having arrived without them, and Captain Smith of the latter informing me that he had heard nothing of them, induced me to believe that all idea of the voyage had been abandoned. I lost no time in calling on them of course in offering my services, as I should most sincerely under my circumstances, with or without your letter which Miss Margaret handed me two days after. Mr Chapman had heard by accident of their being on board the Ship, for a letter from Mr Halliday to him, that he has since heard of has not yet come to hand, went immediately to them and insisted very kindly and most fortunately that they should go at once to his house instead of a hotel. And how my dear Monroe as all disguise with you would be worse than folly as I am convinced too Betsy Mary would likewise think it with regard to herself I feel myself bound to state to you candidly the state of Mrs Douglas' health. she is really very low and although her Physician says, not perhaps in immediate danger, there is but little chance of her recovery. there appears to be a total prostration of her physical powers while her mind, like a sharp sword cutting its scabbard, is constantly increasing her debility. she has fallen into the hands of kind friends and nothing will be omitted to make her as comfortable as possible, she has the best medical attendance Liverpool affords, and as good a nurse in constant attendance as any in the world, whilst Mrs Chapman is indefatigable in her attempts to anticipate every want. B. M. must therefore be satisfied that every thing will be done to assist and alleviate but she must make up her mind for the worst.
According to the usual temporizing policy, the first letter written to Harriet, would have induced her to believe that nothing extraordinary was the matter, and that her mother in a few days would be able to leave Liverpool for Bath, and perhaps to join her on the Continent. At my suggestion and indeed on my almost insisting on it, Miss Margaret has however, as she assures me, written exactly the truth, but whether it will be in time is yet a matter a doubt, as by a letter from Sir James Shaw it appears that having given up all expectation of their arrival this fall Harriet, with George & William, was to have left Paris on the 30th Ult for Italy—the usual family failing however may in this instance have been favorable, as if they have only put off their departure for ten or twelve days, letters will reach them in Paris. if not God knows when—Between ourselves M— appears to me to be if possible more fidgety than she ever was. at one moment she is complaining of the hardship of being obliged to leave New York, contrary to her inclinations, of the sufferings she has endured, of her shattered nerves & & in the next she asks what dresses are worn at parties here, expresses her wish to go to one or two while she stays, just for curiosity, wonders what kinds of beaux those of Liverpool are & & & complains how hard it is that Harriet should be enjoying herself while she is unable to leave the house. and she might add her bed, for it appears to me she only leaves it for her meals. Good help the rich, the poor can beg! It is an absolute fact that she gave the chamber maid of the ship for all her services out but one shilling & six pence New York currency—
God bless you. Remember me to your wife and remember also yourself that you have one that any man ought to be proud of. Kiss Fan for me & Will & the young one, and recollect, I tell you if you are not happy with such possessions, it is your own fault—I will write you again by next packet, until when believe me Yours truly
Fras B Ogden
Ask James if by virtue of his office as Post Master he is exempted from the necessity of acknowledging the receipt of letters—