MR. BELFORD, TO ROBERT LOVELACE, ESQ.
SUNDAY MORN. EIGHT O'CLOCK, SEPT. 10.
I staid at Smith's till I saw the last of all that is mortal of the
divine lady.
As she has directed rings by her will to several persons, with her hair
to be set in crystal, the afflicted Mrs. Norton cut off, before the
coffin was closed four charming ringlets; one of which the Colonel took
for a locket, which, he says, he will cause to be made, and wear next his
heart in memory of his beloved cousin.
Between four and five in the morning, the corpse was put into the hearse;
the coffin before being filled, as intended, with flowers and aromatic
herbs, and proper care taken to prevent the corpse suffering (to the eye)
from the jolting of the hearse.
Poor Mrs. Norton is extremely ill. I gave particular directions to Mrs.
Smith's maid (whom I have ordered to attend the good woman in a mourning
chariot) to take care of her. The Colonel, who rides with his servants
within view of the hearse, says that he will see my orders in relation to
her enforced.
When the hearse moved off, and was out of sight, I locked up the lady's
chamber, into which all that had belonged to her was removed.
I expect to hear from the Colonel as soon as he is got down, by a servant
of his own.