Friday, December 30th, 1796

My Dearest, Philip,

                                       I am tremendously sorry for not meeting you like I said I would. Just a few days prior to our scheduled meet up, I fell ill. Do not get yourself worried, Philip, as I know you will, it was nothing but a cold, but Father insisted I stay inside. I begged for him to let me go outside, but Father has grown increasingly paranoid of any small illness I gain. After Mother, he would rather keep me prisoner in my own home then risk looking me.

Although I see where he is coming from in regards to the horror we experienced when Mother passed, I do find myself wishing he would not keep me prisoner. A cold is nothing to worry about seeing as I have suffered from many in the past and I am still standing. I would have given anything to see you again, Philip, more than anything I wanted to be able to hold you. Father continues to get in our way, even if it is unintentional.

Maybe we can arrange to see each other when the weather clears and I am able to leave the house without several layers of clothing. Write to me when you are next in Albany and we are able to see each other again.

Love Always,

Theodosia Burr.

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Notes;

This is the first time throughout our collection of letters where the meeting between Burr and Hamilton was halted by anything, not even their own parents. To see it halted by an illness, more specifically a cold, was a new development.

What we do not find surprising is Aaron Burr's reaction to his daughter's illness. As we know, he lost his wife only two years before so it is right that he would keep an eye on his daughter. We find Theodosia's use of the term 'prison' to be an extreme hyperbole.