ABSTRACT
Dear sir, Agreeably to your friendly injunctions, I came hither yesterday to meet,
in the sympathetic kindness of my friend Sir Edward Melworth, that consolation which my recent a iction really needs; but instead of lessening my griefs, I nd them augmented by my concern for this valuable man, who, in the bloom of life, and blessed with every amiable quality, is a prey to the most poignant sorrow, for the loss of a wife, to whom he had been united only six weeks, when she was torn from him by the inexorable hand of death. She was too tenderly beloved by him to leave any room to hope that the wound made by grief may be healed by another lling up the vacancy which her death has occasioned in his heart. He seems, now, as inconsolable as/ when it rst happened, which was ten months back; and I o en fear the life of the Baronet will fall a sacri ce to his unavailing sorrow. – is idea, when I view his altered looks, a ects my spirits too powerfully to admit of my making a very long stay with him. In my adverse circumstances, a peculiar exertion of fortitude is necessary against every degree of sloth or supineness, since it is no longer in my power to indulge it. I am sensible too, that it is highly criminal. – Our great Creator formed every human being for usefulness, in some respect or other; none for idleness. ose who are not naturally industrious, are, o en, by the wise dispensations of providence, thrown into a situation which compels them to be so. I come under this description, and cannot help considering every hour as lost while I remain thus disengaged from every useful employ. It is my wish to enter into the active scenes of life, as soon as possible; and, as I know not any thing else I am calculated for, I design going into the army. – e present appearance of war, res my breast with martial ardor and heroic courage. – My mind presages my/ return to my native country, honored with those trophies which are the rewards of merit. I am impatient to o er my services, and am detained only by waiting your arrival at the Grove, where I will meet you, at any time you shall appoint. Permit me to beg, sir, you will hasten that period for the reason above-mentioned. – Other reasons too, contribute to render your presence necessary there. Farmer Dobson and Farmer Skellow, are in a state of anxiety about their farms. – e term their leases were granted for expired last week. – ey are extremely desirous to have fresh ones; and, – as they are very industrious, worthy men, – you will not, I dare say, refuse their request. e servants at the house are likewise solicitous to know whether they may still think themselves settled in their stations, particularly old John and Mrs. Ellis, for whom indeed I am most concerned; their long and faithful services have
merited to be distinguished; – but in your hands they will undoubtedly be safe, and there I must leave them.
