tter Colonel Lucas picked out two
suitors and wrote to her about them. How she felt on the subject the
following letter shows: She says:

_Honoured Sir:_--

Your letter by way of Philadelphia w^{ch} I duly
received, was an additional proof of that paternal
tenderness w^{ch} I have always Experienced from
the most Indulgent of Parents from my Cradle to
the present time, and the subject of it is of the
utmost importance to my peace and happiness.

As you propose Mr. L. to me I am sorry I can't
have Sentiments favourable enough to him to take
time to think on the Subject, as your Indulgence
to me will ever add weight to the duty that
obliges me to consult what pleases you, for so
much Generosity on your part claims all my
Obediance. But as I know 'tis my Happiness you
consult, I must beg the favour of you to pay my
compliments to the old Gentleman for his
Generosity and favourable Sentiments of me, and
let him know my thoughts on the affair in such
civil terms as you know much better than any I can
dictate; and beg leave to say to you that the
riches of Chili and Peru put together if he had
them, could not purchase a sufficient Esteem for
him to make him my husband.

As to the other gentleman you mention, Mr. W., you
know Sir I have so slight a knowledge of him I can
form no judgment, and a Case of such consequence
requires the nicest distinction of humours and
Sentiments.

But give me leave to assure you my dear Sir that a
single life is my only Choice;--and if it were
not, as I am yet but eighteen hope you will put
aside the thoughts of my marrying yet these two or
three years at least. . . .

I truely am

D^r Sir Your most dutiful & affect Daughter
E. LUCAS.

As no further reference to the rejected lovers is made, it seems that
the Colonel was too fond of his daughter to press a matter evidently so
against her wishes, and she was allowed to remain heart-whole until the
man of her choice came to satisfy her dreams.

Meanwhile she was as busy as usual. Polly was now at school in Charles
Town, which added to Eliza