As to a friend of my brother, sir, I have taken the liberty to delay
sending the letter, till his wound has been examined. The surgeons are
divided in their judgment. Two of them affirm the wound is mortal; the
third is positive that a cure is possible; especially considering the
youth and high courage of the patient, on which he particularly
insists. I dare not indulge myself too much in hope: I merely state
opinion. Neither dare I speak of my own sensations. Of the worth of a
mind like that of Mr. Clifton, you, sir, his friend and correspondent,
cannot be ignorant. The past is irrevocable; but hope always smiles on
the future. Should he recover--! Resignation becomes us, and time will
quickly relieve us from doubt.