To Miss Montague, at Silleri.
Montreal, May 20.
It is with a pleasure no words can express I tell my sweet Emily, I
have fixed on a situation which promises every advantage we can wish as
to profit, and which has every beauty that nature can give.
The land is rich, and the wood will more than pay the expence of
clearing it; there is a settlement within a few leagues, on which there
is an extreme agreable family: a number of Acadians have applied to me
to be received as settlers: in short, my dear angel, all seems to smile
on our design.
I have spent some days at the house of a German officer, lately in
our service, who is engaged in the same design, but a little advanced
in it. I have seen him increasing every hour his little domain, by
clearing the lands; he has built a pretty house in a beautiful rustic
style: I have seen his pleasing labors with inconceivable delight. I
already fancy my own settlement advancing in beauty: I paint to myself
my Emily adorning those lovely shades; I see her, like the mother of
mankind, admiring a new creation which smiles around her: we appear, to
my idea, like the first pair in paradise.
I hope to be with you the 1st of June: will you allow me to set down
the 2d as the day which is to assure to me a life of happiness?
My Acadians, your new subjects, are waiting in the next room to
speak with me.
All good angels guard my Emily.
Adieu! your
Ed. Rivers.