FRESH DIFFICULTIES.
In spite of the harmonious relations existing between this curious pair
of friends, another storm was brewing. The basis of this was a
ridiculously slight matter. Miss J. was a stickler for all forms of
deference, and carried this weakness to the verge of absurdity. Upon
this was founded the quarrel. On the same day with the last entries
given from her Diary one finds the following:--
"This morning I received the first letter from the Duke since his
departure from Town,--and felt surprised at the alteration in the
Seal,--_being plain!_ and unlike any other before received, which I
consequently acknowledged with the feeling that a want of apparent
respect where the _deepest_ is merited ought to call forth ... My
feelings were I not afraid of offending God would incline me to
seal up all the Duke's letters and return them, conscious that I
merit an increase rather than a diminution of respect. Except such
is bestowed the Duke need not be surprised at any step The Lord may
incline me to take."
One may be pardoned for the suspicion that the feelings attributed to
the Lord were in fact derived from quite another source. The next day
she continues to harp on the same subject:--
"_September 15th._ I rose this morning with the determination to
write to the Duke, and did so before breakfast, when I took it to
the Post Office myself, leaving the result with Him Who doeth all
things well and leaveth nothing after Him."
A copy of the letter is appended:--
Sept. 15th, 1835.
MY DEAR DUKE,--As you only acknowledge in yours of the 13th, two
letters, I beg to say there were addressed to you by yesterday,
three; One, written on Thursday, another on Friday and the last
on Saturday. And I take this opportunity of making two enquiries
respecting which my mind is not at all satisfied.
The first is; Why I am to receive a change of style in the
appearance of your letters with regard to the Seal thereof? and
the next, _called forth thereby_; _Why_ you _ever_ ceased to sign
your _Name_ at the conclusion of your letters? If either of these
changes sprang from disrespect or want of confidence in my
integrity, confidence, Christianity and friendship, I shall
without hesitation or delay return Your Grace every letter I have
in my possession, as in _that_ case they will cease to have any
value in _my_ estimation. I will also beg to decline all further
intercourse, knowing that the sincerity and purity of my
friendship merits both consideration and respect.
You will perhaps wonder at my noticing your omission with regard
to Signature after the receipt of so many letters. I should not
have done so, however incomprehensible the same may have been and
_was_ to me, had not _this additional_ circumstance tended to
_strengthen_ a momentary feeling experienced when your first
letter signed W. reached me. But this I overcame, fancying you
were in the _habit_ of doing so to all your correspondents of any
and every rank, and imagining you superior to the _capability_ of
taking advantage of circumstances. If I am mistaken with regard
to this being a _general habit_, I am _justified_ in asking--Why
such an unwarrantable liberty was taken with me? I assure you
that however great my affection may be, it is not of a nature to
submit to ANY feeling that is not accompanied with the _deepest
respect_ as well as esteem, nor could the latter be either
durable or _acceptable_ under OTHER circumstances.
Waiting your reply before I can decide what further line of
conduct to pursue, praying in the mean time to be directed BY HIM
Who knows _all_ the _secret_, hidden motives of the human heart
without exception, I inscribe myself,
Your sincere Christian friend,
A. J.
P.S. Since writing the above, my antipathy to the omission of
_either_ your NAME OR seal is so _increased_ that I beg to
decline receiving _any_ letter which does not bring with it
_these_ marks of DUE respect.
Not satisfied with sending off this letter, Miss J. followed it with
another no less severe. In her Diary she describes the feelings that
swayed her while she awaited a reply to her missives:
"_September 16th--Morning._ I have risen this morning (my first in
this place--Hampstead--) strong in The Lord and in the power of His
might. I am prepared to meet whatever HE may see fit, casting my
burthen wholly on him and desirous of nothing in comparison with
His honor and glory. O may He be magnified powerfully both in my
life and death, and may every period of my remaining days be
dedicated more devotedly unto Him than any hitherto spent; 'growing
up in Him as a tree planted by the waterside' bringing forth fruit
plentifully, knowing that 'it is written' 'He that abideth in ME
and I in him the same bringeth forth much fruit,'--Be with me
graciously and mightily when I hear from the Duke today--if I
do--and especially tomorrow when the reply comes to that sent off
yesterday, strengthening me 'in the inner man' to treat it as Thou
wouldst have me do in every respect, having no will of my own and
loving Thine above all things. Thou knowest, O Gracious God, what
is in the Duke's heart, and why he has recourse to the ways which
have occasioned my displeasure. Therefore I give him up into Thy
Hands to deal with accordingly, beseeching Thee to have mercy on
his precious Soul, bringing it from darkness to light and from the
power of Satan unto Thyself for Christ's sake!
"_September 16th 1835.--Evening._ The whole of this day has been
marked with such divine strength from Him Who causes me to feel the
force of this passage of Holy Writ 'When I am weak then am I
strong,' that it is impossible to be sufficiently thankful. No
letter has arrived from the Duke. However I suppose tomorrow will
bring with it the anticipated answer. O may I be strengthened
additionally to bear it if unkind! and prove myself ready to pluck
out a right eye or cut off a right arm for Christ's sake! which we
may be understood to do when we resign those dearest upon earth at
His command.
"_Friday September 18th 1835._ It is now between 11 and 12 o'clock
and I am sitting at my pretty window with it open, waiting to know
whether the Lord sees fit to allow me to receive a letter today
from the Duke in reply to my two last which have received no
answers yet. O may I be strengthened 'in the inner man' to receive
whatever is agreeable to the will of God, as His Child, dependent
on Him for all things!
"The paragraph noticed in the paper of yesterday was marked with
that presumption which is ever more or less perceivable in 'the
natural man,' who seems to act without any reference to the will of
God whatever, declaring 'I will do this and that,' instead of
remembering that their lives are in His Hands and that He can
snatch them away at any moment. To see the Duke thus presumptuously
reckoning on several weeks to come proves how little what I have
written on that subject is alluded to, showing me still further the
inefficacy of all man's endeavors until accompanied with the mighty
power of God to the soul. The time I trust is at hand for this
rebellious one when he will doubtlessly exclaim 'Thy mercies are
infinite and Thy ways past finding out,' also 'Lord, what is man
that Thou art mindful of him? or the son of man that Thou visitest
him?'"
The Duke's replies to both Miss J.'s effusions followed one another in
rapid succession:--
STRATHFIELDSAYE, Sept. 17, 1835.
MY DEAR MISS J.,--I always understood that the important parts of
a Letter were its Contents. I never much considered the
Signature; provided I knew the handwriting; or the Seal provided
it effectually closed the Letter.
When I write to a Person with whom I am intimate, who knows my
handwriting I generally sign my Initials. I don't always seal my
own Letters; they are sometimes sealed by a Secretary, oftener by
myself.
In any Case as there are generally very many to be sealed; and
the Seal frequently becomes heated, it is necessary to change it;
and by accident I may have sealed a Letter to you with a blank
Seal. But it is very extraordinary if it is so, as I don't
believe I have such a thing! You will find this Letter however
signed and sealed in what you deem the most respectful manner.
And if I should write to you any more; I will take care that they
shall be properly signed and sealed to your Satisfaction.
I am very glad to learn that you intend to send back all the
letters I ever wrote to you. I told you heretofore that I thought
you had better burn them all. But if you think proper to send
them in a parcel to my House; I will save you the trouble of
committing them to the Flames.
Believe me Ever Yours most sincerely
WELLINGTON.
I believe that the letter with the blank seal and signed with my
Initials was sent off last Sunday night from Hartford Bridge and
was franked by me; I hope that this was not deemed disrespectful.
STRATHFIELDSAYE, Sept. 18, 1835.
The Duke of Wellington presents his Compliments to Miss J. The
Duke wrote an answer to Miss J. as soon as he received her Letter
complaining of Disrespect in His having been in the habit of
signing the Initials of His Name to the Letters which he had
written to her; and in having sealed a letter addressed to her
and franked by the Duke, with a plain seal.
If Miss J. had waited till she would receive the answer to a
letter which she wrote on Tuesday she might have been satisfied
with the reasons of the Duke for the Marks of Disrespect of which
Miss J. complained.
The Duke has to add that since his return here, he has found upon
His Table, a plain seal which it is probable was used by
accident. He apologizes for having used it. At the same time he
assures Miss J. that he could not have intended to be
disrespectful.
The Duke requests that Miss J. will be so kind as to have a
parcel made of the Letters from the Duke; that she will direct it
to Him in Piccadilly; and have it booked at Hampstead and sent by
any Coach to London.
Miss J. resolved to lose no time in returning the Duke's letters, and
went so far as to put them up in a parcel preparatory to sending them
off by coach. She thus comments:--
"In returning the parcel I send away 60 letters, received in less
than 12 months.
"_Saturday, Sept. 19, 1835._ I have been to the Post Office with my
last letter to the Duke and leave the result thereof with the Lord,
'Whose ways are in the deep waters and whose footsteps are
unknown'. I have acknowledged myself thankful for the strength
still imparted--thus fulfilling that gracious promise made to me
when on my knees before I came to this place 'I will never leave
thee nor forsake thee.' I have just risen from my knees, after
spreading the Duke's letters before the Lord, beseeching Him to do
under present circumstances whatever seemeth good in His sight for
Christ's sake. And I feel, as a prayer-hearing God He will--causing
even this unkindness to work together for good, since 'His ways are
not our ways' but as high above such as the heavens are above the
earth--That He moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform,
who can doubt that watches His divine finger in this great work?
And since His purposes must stand, all I have to say is, Let them
be whatever they may, I desire His Holy Will alone to be done!
"My feelings will not allow me to copy this letter of the Duke's;
it is so unkind; but as those words were powerfully applied at the
commencement of my correspondence, 'The haughtiness of man shall be
brought low etc. and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day.'"
Apparently it was not the will of "The Lord" that the letters should be
returned, for Providence interposed in the shape of Miss J.'s friend,
Mrs. L. Miss J. writes:--
"_Saturday Night._ Just as my day had been filled with all the
duties my God had graciously permitted and I was about to take a
walk, dear Mrs. L. arrived, and on my telling her all strongly
advised my _not_ returning the Duke his letters--which struck me
forcibly, as I had asked the Lord to put it into her heart to
advise me agreeably to His will.
"On my return home I found a note from the Duke addressed to me in
the third person, like the last, but thanking me for the trouble I
had taken respecting his Men's Book Bill. Thank God my feelings are
so subdued as to be resigned to His divine Will concerning seeing
or hearing from him, and I heartily pray to be directed in every
single particular, knowing if left to myself I cannot stand a
moment in safety.
"The Duke seems more indifferent respecting the return of his
letters--consequently as dearest Mrs. L. so strongly advised my
retaining them I mean to do so without noticing that formal note
received to night, leaving everything as it stands in the Lord's
Hands. Having cast my burthen upon the Lord all I now have to do is
to dedicate my time more exclusively to my usual daily duties as
before intended, endeavoring to recall perfectly to memory all my
hymns--360--and the Gospels of St. Matthew and John, with my
beautiful Psalms--which latter have been neglected more than either
of the former, although none have been allowed so much time as if I
had not been so occupied with the Duke.
"_Sept. 22nd._ My disinclination to write to the Duke continues. O
may the Lord bless him by quickening his dead soul and call him
forth to glorify Him mightily for Christ's sake!
"_Oct. 1st, 1835._ How wonderful are the dealings of God. Last
night I came home fully determined to write and send off a letter
to the Duke and this morning, although it is ready for the Post
Office, I am restrained from forwarding it. Therefore I keep it
until I see why my mind is acted upon thus, feeling 'it is the
Lord.' I knelt upon the bed in the night and implored Him to let
His honor and glory alone be considered, and before I rose this
morning, on again calling upon Him to direct me these words seemed
to follow--'Be still and know that I am God, I will be exalted in
the heavens, I will be exalted in the earth.' So, as this is the
case, it is my duty quietly and patiently to submit to the way He
may condescendingly choose for that glorious purpose. In the mean
time, in order to satisfy my feelings towards the poor dear Duke I
can indulge in writing them at all events and thereby proving it is
no want of feeling or friendship for him that keeps me silent, but
the consideration due to ONE as far above Himself not only _in
reality_ but I trust through the Grace of God in _my_ estimation
also as the heavens are above the earth. Nor would I resign one of
His gracious glorious smiles to become the Empress of a million
worlds, even were my loved precious Duke the chosen individual to
participate in such honors.
"Perhaps the Duke's conversion is at hand! Lord, if this be the
case permit me through Thy Power and Grace to become the source of
deep spiritual consolation to his precious soul, by being unto me a
mouth and wisdom which all my adversaries shall not be able to
gainsay or resist 'for without Thee I can do nothing!'"
MY LORD DUKE,--Judging from your silence to my last that all
communication between us is about to cease, having written the
accompanying Hymn for your acceptance, I take this opportunity of
bidding you Farewell! being enabled through God's Grace which is
all sufficient! to exclaim in _Scripture_ language, "THE LORD
GAVE and The Lord hath taken away _and_ BLESSED BE THE NAME OF
THE LORD!" That HE brought you to me in the _first_ place I feel
convinced and heartily hope that I have omitted no faithful
Christian duty towards you consistent with my "high calling in
Christ Jesus," _consequently_ shall not have cause to reproach
myself of neglect when _that_ AWFUL period arrives which MUST
bring us once more together, however separated on _earth_ by His
ALL WISE _decrees_, "Whose paths are in the deep waters and Whose
footsteps are not known,"--and Who knoweth FAR _better_ what is
GOOD for us than we do for _ourselves_. Consequently it is our
duty, and doubtless for our future and eventual happiness under
any and all circumstances, however trying and painful such may
be, to say THY will, O GOD, NOT MINE BE DONE! Trusting that you
will not suppose any unkind feelings are experienced towards you
by such DUE resignation to the Divine will or conclude that my
future silence renders me forgetful of you _when kneeling_ before
Him "Whose eyes are in EVERY place _beholding_ the evil and the
good," with Whom the darkness is no darkness at all but the night
is as clear as the day, I subscribe myself with much serenity as
in His sight Ever My Lord Duke.
Your faithful Christian Friend,
A. J.
The hymn enclosed is entitled--
THE SHORTNESS OF TIME AND FRAILTY OF MAN.
ALMIGHTY _Maker_ of my frame!
TEACH ME _the number of my days_!
TEACH ME _to know how_ FRAIL _I am_
AND SPEND THE REMNANT TO THY PRAISE.
My days are shorter than a span,
A little point my life appears;
How FRAIL at best is DYING MAN;
HOW VAIN are ALL _his hopes and fears_!
_VAIN his_ AMBITION, NOISE and SHOW!
VAIN are the cares Which rack his mind!
_He heaps up treasures_ MIXED WITH WOE
And dies, and leaves them all behind!
Oh be a _NOBLER portion MINE_!
_MY GOD_ I bow before Thy Throne;
Earth's _fleeting_ treasures I resign
And fix my hopes on THEE _ALONE_!
"I have underlined all just as forwarded to the Duke."
The next letter from the Duke that has been preserved is dated October
5, and contains a reference to a later note from Miss J.:--
WALMER CASTLE, October 5, 1835.
The Duke of Wellington presents his Compt^s to Miss J. He has
only this morning received her letter without date; in which Miss
J. apprizes the Duke that she is about to quit Hampstead; but she
does not state where she is about to reside.
In respect to Miss J.'s wish that the Duke should write to Her,
the Duke assures her that he will receive Her Letters with
pleasure; and that he will answer them regularly. But that he
must be permitted to do so, in a form, which shall not expose him
to the accusation of treating a Lady with disrespect.
From the perusal of Miss J.'s Letter the Duke does not exactly
understand whether Miss J. did or did not send back the Paquet
containing the Duke's Letters to her. As the Duke stated upon a
former occasion, it is a matter of Indifference whether Miss J.
has burnt the Letters; or kept them; or sent them back.
The Duke begs leave to inform her however that if she sent them
back he has not yet received them. They may however be in His
House in London as he has been absent from there since the 19th
of last Month.
In Miss J.'s next letter she inquires into the truth of a report of the
Duke's indisposition that has appeared in the papers. The reply is
decidedly testy.
WALMER CASTLE, Nov^r 3, 1835.
The Duke of Wellington presents his Compliments to Miss J.
He received only this morning Miss J.'s Letters of the 28^th and
31^st October.
The Duke returns his thanks to Miss J. for her kind Enquiries
about His Health. The Duke was unwell for one day; of which the
Newspapers obtained Intelligence; and as usual misrepresented and
exaggerated the facts.
The Duke is much concerned that Miss J. is not satisfied with the
formal style of His Notes. She was not satisfied when he wrote to
her in a form more consistent with familiarity. Such form was
considered disrespectful.
The Duke assures Miss J. that he can reply to any letter which
she may think proper to address the Duke as fully in one form as
the other.
The poor Duke's life was frequently made a burden to him by the
comments expressed by the papers upon his health and his conduct. His
letters abound in impatient references to the inaccuracies of the daily
journals in all that pertained to himself. These finally irritated him
to such an extent that, against the advice of wise friends, he sued the
"Morning Journal" for libel, and succeeded in obtaining the punishment
of the editor and printer by fines and imprisonment. His course in this
matter was deprecated by those who thought that a man of his
acknowledged character and position could afford to disregard such
attacks.
Apparently after this time matters returned to their former state, in
so far as the frequency of the letters was concerned, although the
formal mode of address was still retained, greatly to Miss J.'s
dissatisfaction. She continues in her Diary the account of the Duke's
letters:
"In the Duke's next letter of the 6th of November written in the
third person since I wrote to him concerning that plain seal he
writes; 'The considerations urged by Miss J. with her usual
facility and eloquence are for all times and seasons.'
"Thus graciously did he usually receive my letters on religious
subjects, which under circumstances of illness were doubtlessly
additionally earnest.
"In the next of November 6th His Grace writes thus; 'The Duke
assures her that he feels the deepest interest in everything that
Miss J. writes to him.' The next from the Duke is dated November
10th wherein he writes; 'The Duke will have great pleasure in
attending Miss J. when he will be in London if she will permit him
and will let him know where she resides.'
"In the Duke's next letter of Nov. 11th he writes in allusion to
me; 'She is so kind to the Duke; and she writes to him with so much
earnestness and feeling that it is impossible that he should not be
impressed with a deep sense of His obligation to her for taking so
much trouble.'
"In his next of the 12th of November he returns me many thanks for
my letters.
"By the next letter I presume some inconvenience attended my
receiving the Duke as he writes--'It appears that for some reason
with which Miss J. states it to be her intention at some future
time to acquaint the Duke--it will not be in Miss J.'s power to
receive the Duke.'
"Another letter dated the 16th of November, as was the above,
refers to my dating my letters on the outside. He writes 'Franks
are dated on the outside because the Law requires the use of that
form.'
"What I had written to call it forth I cannot remember but the Duke
in his next of the 16th of November says 'he has no pretension to
superiority,' reminding me of a circumstance which took place at
the commencement of our acquaintance when I told him that his being
the Duke of Wellington was nothing to me--leading him to reply 'I
know it, I know it and I respect you for it.'
"Judging by the Duke's next letter of the 16th (being the second of
that date) I had formed the wish to have a letter of mine
returned--which letter I found with all others had been destroyed.
The Duke encloses the succeeding one."
MY LORD DUKE,--I once more take up pen, but in all probability
for the last time, if I rightly understand you to mean you are
capable of receiving my letters in _silence_, to which I decline
subjecting myself. I consider a reply and a very different one to
those _lately_ received due to me in the sight of _That God_ Who
_created_ such an interest in your eternal happiness and I am
very much mistaken if he does not make you feel the power of this
impression by exercising His ALMIGHTY _power_ in some unforeseen
manner.
The information that you have destroyed my letters is _any
thing_ but gratifying; one and all being more or less marked
with _Divine_ Truth, calculated if properly and _seriously_
considered, to benefit your _immortal Soul_. Nor should I imagine
myself _justified_ in spending my time in _future_ by penning
such to have them committed to the flames. Therefore I shall
decline troubling you with a repetition of this kind, until you
consider them sufficiently valuable to retain instead of destroy.
In the mean time I shall occupy myself with any other work my
Heavenly Father may condescendingly point out; it being of very
little consequence to me how I am employed so that it is under
_His direction_ and in HIS _Service_....
I remain, My Lord Duke, so long as God permits.
Your faithful Christian Friend.
A. J.
"The Duke's next letter is dated Dec. the third followed by one of
the 8th which implies I wrote to the Duke on the death of the
Countess of S., as he writes 'It is true that a near relation of
the Duke's has died a terrible death.'
"By the Duke's letter of the 11th of December I presume I continued
displeased at his having burnt my letters,--a truth elicited
through wishing one of them returned, which consequently it was not
in his power to do--considering as I told him that it was a sin in
the sight of God to destroy Epistles intended for his everlasting
good."
The Duke's reply to this is given in full:--
STRATHFIELDSAYE, Dec^r 15, 1835.
The Duke of Wellington presents his Comp^ts to Miss J. He has
only this day received her Letter commenced on Saturday and
finished on Monday. He is much concerned to learn that Miss J.
has been indisposed; and he hopes that she will have been
relieved by attending to the Advice of the Medical Gentleman for
whom she had sent.
Nothing will be more satisfactory to the Duke than to put an end
to all Dissension upon bygone subjects. He has no feeling upon
any of them excepting a desire to avoid to give occasion
unknowingly and unwillingly for irritation.
The Duke is much obliged to Miss J. for her Letter. He does not
entirely concur in all the opinions contained in that Letter. He
assures her however that he has perused it as he Does all those
received from her, with attention. He will state his objections
at some future time.
It is quite impossible for the Duke to keep Miss J.'s letters.
They are in general long; and they succeed each other rapidly. If
the Duke was to keep them, they might be seen by others. He
therefore destroys them as soon as he has read, and perfectly
understands them.
This explanation evidently soothed Miss J.'s ruffled feelings, for she
makes no further reference at this time to the "Dissension." The Diary
continues:--
"The Duke's next letter expresses concern at my illness, dated Dec.
21, 1835.
"The Duke's next letter of the 24th of Dec. implies my account of
my health was not satisfactory--which I suppose must have been
justifiable as I was then so seriously ill.
"Another letter dated the 26th of December kindly expresses anxiety
concerning my health also one of the 31st of December.
"Letters received from the Duke during the year 1835,
SEVENTY-EIGHT."
"1836.--The first letter of this year is dated Jan. 2nd wherein the
Duke writes 'The Duke is very sensible of the kindness which
induces Miss J. to write to him. He would have wished to receive
from her some account of Her Health as well as her opinion upon
other matters, however important. The Duke will certainly request
Miss J.'s permission to pay His Respects to her when he will return
to Town.'
"The Duke's next letter is dated Jan. 19th, in which he writes--'On
his passage through London he has received her letter of the 11th
Inst. He sincerely rejoices at and congratulates Miss J. upon the
progress which she has made in the recovery of her health.'
"I see this is a mistake as the Duke's next letter is dated Jan.
7th in which he thanks me for my account of my health and the next
is dated Jan 13th wherein he writes thus; 'He will wait upon her
after having notified His intention and received her permission
when he will be in London. He rejoices at the improved state of
Miss J.'s health.'
"'Feb. 3rd he regrets much to learn that she has been again
indisposed.'
"In the Duke's letter of Feb. 19th he writes; 'He returns his
thanks for her note of the 17th received this morning and the
printed Enclosures.' What these printed enclosures were I do not
now remember but presume they were a tract and handbills.
"In his next dated the 25th of February he writes; 'He returns his
thanks for her letter, and he is very happy to hear that Miss J. is
sufficiently recovered to be able to quit her room and go down
stairs.'
"In the Duke's next letter dated March 9th 1836, he writes--'The
Duke has been out of Town for some time so therefore he did not
receive her first note till last night, and this day the second
which Miss J. has written to him, enclosing printed tracts; and the
latter some Manuscript Lines. The Duke begs leave to return his
thanks.'
"Again on the 12th of March the Duke writes 'He has received her
note and the Tract on one leaf; for which he returns his thanks.'
Again on the 19th of March the Duke writes--'The Duke of Wellington
presents his Compliments to Miss J. and returns his thanks for the
Tract and other papers received from her.'
"The Duke's next letter likewise acknowledges--'His thanks for her
letter of the 20th and its Enclosures.' To which he adds--'The Duke
is happy to learn that Miss J. is sufficiently recovered to be able
to walk out.'
"In the Duke's next letter dated, March 25th he writes 'The Duke of
Wellington presents his Compliments to Miss J. and returns thanks
for her Note and the Tract which she enclosed to him.'
"Again London, March the 29th, the Duke writes--He 'returns his
thanks for her letter of Sunday and the enclosures.'
"The next letter from His Grace is dated April 2nd, 1836, thanking
me for two letters, one received on Good Friday and the other
written on Good Friday,--which last, of course, treated on our
Lord's Sufferings for us sinners, as usual on such occasions.
"On the 11th of April the Duke again writes 'He has received her
Note with some Tracts.'
"The next letter from the Duke is dated April 12th, 1836, in which
he returns me, as requested, a letter I had sent for his perusal
and consideration, addressed to a Minister of the Gospel by my dear
friend Mrs. L.
"The Duke's next letter is written on and dated June 18th, 1836.
'The Duke of Wellington presents his regards to Miss J. and returns
thanks for her letter and its enclosure. The Duke is happy to learn
that Miss J. is in good Health. He was apprehensive that she was
unwell, and had gone out of Town, as so much time had elapsed since
she had written to the Duke.' I need scarcely remark that this was
the day on which the Duke gave his yearly Banquet--yet The great
Lord of Lords compelled him to find time thereon to write to me,
thus verifying His own Divine declaration, 'Them that honor ME I
will honor.'"
One wonders where the busy statesman could have found time to read not
only the letters, but the hymns and tracts Miss J. constantly showered
upon him. There seems a tone of resignation, if not actual despair, in
the notes wherein he acknowledges the receipt of this flood of pious
literature.
"In the Duke's next letter of June 21st he writes--'The Duke of
Wellington presents his Compliments to Miss J. and he acknowledges
the receipt of, and thanks her for her letter of the 19th inst. and
enclosures. Miss J. does not advert to the state of her health, but
as she says that she walks in the Park, the Duke hopes that she is
entirely recovered.'
"His Grace's letter of June 23rd returns his thanks, adding: 'When
Miss J. mentions her walks in the park The Duke concludes that she
means in what is called the Regent's Park, in the neighborhood of
the Street in which she lives.' Which was the case yet of which
beautiful Park I knew nothing until dearest Mrs. L. took me into it
for the benefit of the air, after the illness herein alluded to.
"The next letter from the Duke is dated June 27th, 1836, in which
he writes--'Miss J. complains of the change of the style of the
Duke's letters; although she does not express a wish that the
former style should be renewed.'
"I certainly had a great objection to the formality attending the
Duke's letters when written in the third person, feeling restrained
in replying to such in like manner."