New York, October 9.
You judge truly when you imagine that your character and history are
not unknown to me; and such is my opinion of you, that there is probably
no person in the world more solicitous for your happiness, and more
desirous to answer any inquiries in a manner agreeable to you.
Mr. Colden has made no secret to us of the relation in which he stood
to you. We are well acquainted with the cause of your late separation.
Will you excuse me for expressing the deep regret which that event gave
me? That regret is the deeper, since the measures which he immediately
adopted have put it out of his power to profit by any change in your
views.
My husband's brother being on the point of embarking in a voyage to the
western coast of America and to China, Mr. Golden prevailed upon his
friends to permit him to embark also, as a joint adventurer in the voyage.
They have been gone already upwards of a year. We have not heard of them
since their touching at Tobago and Brazil.
The voyage will be very tedious; but, as it will open scenes of great
novelty to the mind of our friend, and as it may not be unprofitable to
him, we were the more easily disposed to acquiesce.
Permit me, madam, to proffer you my warmest esteem and my kindest
services. Your letter I regard as a flattering proof of your good opinion,
which I shall be most happy to deserve and to improve, by answering every
inquiry you may be pleased to make respecting one for whom I have
entertained the affection becoming a sister.