gay,--from corresponding with the learned, the sentimental, and the
refined,--my heart and my pen turn with ardor and alacrity to a tender
and affectionate parent, the faithful guardian and guide of my youth,
the unchanging friend of my riper years. The different dispositions of
various associates sometimes perplex the mind which seeks direction; but
in the disinterested affection of the maternal breast we fear no
dissonance of passion, no jarring interests, no disunion of love. In
this seat of felicity is every enjoyment which fancy can form, or
friendship, with affluence, bestow; but still my mind frequently returns
to the happy shades of my nativity. I wish there to impart my pleasures,
and share the counsels of my best, my long-tried, and experienced
friend. At this time, my dear mamma, I am peculiarly solicitous for your
advice. I am again importuned to listen to the voice of love; again
called upon to accept the addresses of a gentleman of merit and
respectability. You will know the character of the man when I tell you
it is Mr. Boyer. But his situation in life! I dare not enter it. My
disposition is not calculated for that sphere. There are duties arising
from the station which I fear I should not be able to fulfil, cares and
restraints to which I could not submit. _This_ man is not disagreeable
to me; but if I must enter the connubial state, are there not _others_
who may be equally pleasing in their persons, and whose profession may
be more conformable to my taste? You, madam, have passed through this
scene of trial with honor and applause. But, alas! can your volatile
daughter ever acquire your wisdom--ever possess your resolution,
dignity, and prudence?
I hope soon to converse with you personally upon the subject, and to
profit by your precepts and example. I anticipate the hour of my return
to your bosom with impatience. My daily thoughts and nightly dreams
restore me to the society of my beloved mamma; and, till I enjoy in
reality, I subscribe myself your dutiful daughter,
ELIZA WHARTON.
LETTER XXI.
TO MISS ELIZA WHARTON.
HARTFORD.
How welcome to me, my dear Eliza, are the tidings of your return! My
widowed heart has mourned your absence, and languished for the company
of its now dearest connection. When stripped of one dependence, the mind
naturally collects and rests itself in another. Your father's death
deprived me, for a while, of every enjoyment. But a reviving sense of
the duties which I owed to a rising family roused me from the lethargy
of grief. In my cares I found an alleviation of my sorrows. The
expanding virtues of my children soothed and exhilarated my drooping
spirits, and my attention to their education and interest was amply
rewarded by their proficiency and duty. In them every hope, every
pleasure, now centres. They are the axis on which revolves the temporal
felicity of their mother. Judge, then, my dear, how anxiously I must
watch, how solicitously I must regard, every circumstance which relates
to their welfare and prosperity! Exquisitely alive to these sensations,
your letter awakens my hopes and my fears. As you are young and
charming, a thousand dangers lurk unseen around you. I wish you to find
a friend and protector worthy of being rewarded by your love and your
society. Such a one I think Mr. Boyer will prove. I am, therefore,
sorry, since there can be no other, that his profession should be an
objection in your mind. You say that I have experienced the scenes of
trial connected with that station. I have, indeed; and I will tell you
the result of this experience. It is, that I have found it replete with
happiness. No class of society has domestic enjoyment more at command
than clergymen. Their circumstances are generally a decent competency.
They are removed alike from the perplexing cares of want and from the
distracting parade of wealth. They are respected by all ranks, and
partakers of the best company. With regard to its being a dependent
situation, what one is not so? Are we not all links in the great chain
of society, some more, some less important, but each upheld by others,
throughout the confederated whole? In whatever situation we are placed,
our greater or less degree of happiness must be derived from ourselves.
Happiness is in a great measure the result of our own dispositions and
actions. Let us conduct uprightly and justly; with propriety and
steadiness; not servilely cringing for favor, nor arrogantly claiming
more attention and respect than our due; let us bear with fortitude the
providential and unavoidable evils of life, and we shall spend our days
with respectability and contentment at least.
I will not expatiate on the topic of your letter till we have a personal
interview, for which I am indeed impatient. Return, my daughter, as soon
as politeness will allow, to your expecting friends; more especially to
the fond embraces of your affectionate mother.
M. WHARTON.
LETTER XXII.
TO MISS ELIZA WHARTON.
HAMPSHIRE.
Can time, can distance, can absence allay or extinguish the sentiments
of refined affection, the ardor of true love? No, my dear Eliza. If I
may judge by my own heart, I shall say they cannot. Amidst the parade
which has attended me, the interesting scenes in which I have been
engaged, and the weighty cares which have occupied my attention, your
idea has been the solace of my retired moments, the soother of every
anxious thought. I recall with pleasure the conversation which we have
shared. I dwell with rapture on the marks of favor which I have received
from you. My first wish is the continuance and increase of these favors;
my highest ambition, to deserve them. I look forward and anticipate with
impatience the future enjoyment of your society, and hope we shall one
day experience the reality of those beautiful lines of Thomson:--
"--an elegant sufficiency,
Content, retirement, rural quiet, friendship,
Books, ease, and alternate labor; useful life,
Progressive virtue, and approving Heaven;
These are the matchless joys of virtuous love.
Mr. Selby, my particular friend, will have the honor of delivering this
letter. He will be able to give you any information, relative to our
public transactions, which you may wish. May I solicit the favor of a
line, through him, in return? It will relieve, in some measure, the
tediousness of this separation. I intend to pay my respects to you
personally in about a fortnight; till when I subscribe myself your
sincere and affectionate friend,
J. BOYER.
LETTER XXIII.
TO THE REV. J. BOYER.
NEW HAVEN.
I have executed your commission, and been amply rewarded for my trouble
by the pleasures I enjoyed in the society of the agreeable family to
which I was introduced; especially of the amiable and accomplished lady
who is the object of your particular regard. I think she fully justifies
your partiality to her. She appears to possess both the virtues and the
graces. Her form is fine, and her countenance interests us at once in
her favor. There is a mixture of dignity and ease which commands respect
and conciliates affection. After these encomiums, will you permit me to
say there is an air of gayety in her appearance and deportment which
savors a little of coquetry? I am persuaded, however, that she has too
much good sense to practise its arts. She received your letter very
graciously, asked leave to retire a few moments, and returned with a
smile of complacency on her brow, which I construe favorably to you.
There was a Mr. Lawrence, with his lady and daughter, and a certain
Major Sanford, at the house. The latter, I believe, in the modern sense
of the phrase, _is much of a gentleman_; that is, a man of show and
fashion.
Miss Wharton asked me when I should leave town, and when I should
return, or have an opportunity of conveyance to Hampshire. I told her I
should write by the next post, and, if she had any commands, would be
happy to execute them. She would send a line to her friend, she said, if
I would take the trouble to enclose it in my letter. I readily
consented, and told her that I would call and receive her favor
to-morrow morning. This chitchat was a little aside; but I could not but
observe that the aforesaid Major Sanford had dropped his part in the
conversation of the rest of the company, and was attending to us, though
he endeavored to conceal his attention by looking carelessly over a
play which lay on the window by him. Yet he evidently watched every word
and action of Miss Wharton, as if he were really interested in her
movements.
It is said she has many admirers, and I conceive it very possible that
this may be one of them; though, truly, I do not think that she would
esteem such a conquest any great honor. I now joined in the general
topic of conversation, which was politics; Mrs. Richman and Miss Wharton
judiciously, yet modestly, bore a part; while the other ladies amused
themselves with Major Sanford, who was making his sage remarks on the
play, which he still kept in his hand. General Richman at length
observed that we had formed into parties. Major Sanford, upon, this,
laid aside his book. Miss Lawrence simpered, and looked as if she was
well pleased with being in a party with so fine a man; while her mother
replied that she never meddled with politics. "Miss Wharton and I," said
Mrs. Richman, "must beg leave to differ from you, madam. We think
ourselves interested in the welfare and prosperity of our country; and,
consequently, claim the right of inquiring into those affairs which may
conduce to or interfere with the common weal. We shall not be called to
the senate or the field to assert its privileges and defend its rights,
but we shall feel, for the honor and safety of our friends and
connections who are thus employed. If the community flourish and enjoy
health and freedom, shall we not share in the happy effects? If it be
oppressed and disturbed, shall we not endure our proportion of the evil?
Why, then, should the love of our country be a masculine passion only?
Why should government, which involves the peace and order of the society
of which we are a part, be wholly excluded from our observation?" Mrs.
Lawrence made some slight reply, and waived the subject. The gentlemen
applauded Mrs. Richman's sentiments as truly Roman, and, what was more,
they said, truly republican.
I rose to take leave, observing to Miss Wharton that I should call
to-morrow, as agreed. Upon this, General Richman politely requested the
favor of my company at dinner. I accepted his invitation, and bade them
good night. I shall do the same to you for the present, as I intend,
to-morrow, to scribble the cover, which is to enclose your Eliza's
letter.
T. SELBY.
LETTER XXIV.
TO THE REV. J. BOYER.
NEW HAVEN.
I resume my pen, having just returned from General Richman's; not with
an expectation, however, of your reading this till you have perused and
reperused the enclosed. I can bear such neglect in this case, as I have
been alike interested myself.
I went to General Richman's at twelve o'clock. About a mile from thence,
upon turning a corner, I observed a gentleman and lady on horseback,
some way before me, riding at a very moderate pace, and seemingly in
close conversation. I kept at the same distance from them till I saw
them stop at the general's gate. I then put on, and, coming up with them
just as they alighted, was surprised to find them no other than Major
Sanford and Miss Wharton. They were both a little disconcerted at my
salutation: I know not why. Miss Wharton invited him in; but he
declined, being engaged to dine. General Richman received us at the
door. As I handed Miss Wharton in, he observed, jocosely, that she had
changed company. "Yes, sir," she replied, "more than once since I went
out, as you doubtless observed." "I was not aware," said Mrs. Richman,
"that Major Sanford was to be of your party to-day." "It was quite
accidental, madam," said Miss Wharton. "Miss Lawrence and I had agreed,
last evening, to take a little airing this forenoon. A young gentleman,
a relation of hers, who is making them a visit, was to attend us.
"We had not rode more than two miles when we were overtaken by Major
Sanford, who very politely asked leave to join our party. Miss Lawrence
very readily consented; and we had a very sociable ride. The fineness of
the day induced me to protract the enjoyment of it abroad; but Miss
Lawrence declined riding so far as I proposed, as she had engaged
company to dine. We therefore parted till the evening, when we are to
meet again." "What, another engagement!" said Mrs. Richman. "Only to
the assembly, madam." "May I inquire after your gallant, my dear? But I
have no right, perhaps, to be inquisitive," said Mrs. Richman. Miss
Wharton made no reply, and the conversation took a general turn. Miss
Wharton sustained her part with great propriety. Indeed, she discovers a
fund of useful knowledge and extensive reading, which render her
peculiarly entertaining; while the brilliancy of her wit, the fluency of
her language, the vivacity and ease of her manners are inexpressibly
engaging. I am going myself to the assembly this evening, though I did
not mention it to General Richman. I therefore took my leave soon after
dinner.
I have heard so much in praise of Miss Wharton's penmanship, in
addition to her other endowments, that I am almost tempted to break the
seal of her letter to you; but I forbear. Wishing you much happiness in
the perusal of it, and more in the possession of its writer, I subscribe
myself yours, &c.,
T. SELBY.
LETTER XXV.
TO THE REV. J. BOYER.
NEW HAVEN.
Sir: Your favor of the 4th instant came to hand yesterday. I received it
with pleasure, and embrace this early opportunity of contributing my
part to a correspondence tending to promote a friendly and social
intercourse. An epistolary communication between the sexes has been with
some a subject of satire and censure; but unjustly, in my opinion. With
persons of refinement and information, it may be a source of
entertainment and utility. The knowledge and masculine virtues of your
sex may be softened and rendered more diffusive by the inquisitiveness,
vivacity, and docility of ours, drawn forth and exercised by each
other.
In regard to the _particular_ subject of yours, I shall be silent. Ideas
of that kind are better conveyed, on my part, by words than by the pen.
I congratulate you on your agreeable settlement, and hope it will be
productive of real and lasting happiness. I am convinced that felicity
is not confined to any particular station or condition in life; yet,
methinks, some are better calculated to afford it to me than others.
Your extract from a favorite poet is charmingly descriptive; but is it
not difficult to ascertain what we can pronounce "an elegant
sufficiency"? Perhaps you will answer, as some others have done, we can
attain it by circumscribing our wishes within the compass of our
abilities. I am not very avaricious; yet I must own that I should like
to enjoy it without so much trouble as that would cost me.
Excuse my seeming levity. You have flattered my cheerfulness by
commending it, and must, therefore, indulge me in the exercise of it. I
cannot conveniently be at the pains of restraining its sallies when I
write in confidence.
Is a sprightly disposition, in your view, indicative of a giddy mind
or an innocent heart? Of the latter, I presume; for I know you are not a
misanthrope.
We expect the pleasure of Mr. Selby's company to dinner. You are
certainly under obligations to his friendship for the liberal encomiums
he bestowed on you and your prospects yesterday. Mrs. Richman rallied
me, after he was gone, on my listening ear. The general and she unite in
requesting me to present their respects.
Wishing you health and happiness, I subscribe myself your friend,
ELIZA WHARTON.
LETTER XXVI.
TO MISS LUCY FREEMAN.
NEW HAVEN.
I am perplexed and embarrassed, my friend, by the assiduous attentions
of this Major Sanford. I shall write circumstantially and frankly to
you, that I may have the benefit of your advice. He came here last
Monday in company with Mr. Lawrence, his wife, and daughter, to make us
a visit. While they were present, a Mr. Selby, a particular friend of
Mr. Boyer, came in, and delivered me a letter from him. I was really
happy in the reception of this proof of his affection. His friend gave a
very flattering account of his situation and prospects.
The watchful eye of Major Sanford traced every word and action
respecting Mr. Boyer with an attention which seemed to border on
anxiety. That, however, did not restrain, but rather accelerated, my
vivacity and inquisitiveness on the subject; for I wished to know
whether it would produce any real effect upon him or not.
After Mr. Selby's departure, he appeared pensive and thoughtful the
remainder of the evening, and evidently sought an opportunity of
speaking to me aside, which I studiously avoided. Miss Lawrence and I
formed an engagement to take an airing in the morning on horseback,
attended by a relation of hers who is now with them. They called for me
about ten, when we immediately set out upon our preconcerted excursion.
We had not proceeded far before we were met by Major Sanford. He was
extremely polite, and finding our destination was not particular, begged
leave to join our party. This was granted; and we had an agreeable tour
for several miles, the time being passed in easy and unstudied remarks
upon obvious occurrences. Major Sanford could not, however, conceal his
particular attention to me, which rather nettled Miss Lawrence. She grew
somewhat serious, and declined riding so far as we had intended,
alleging that she expected company to dine.
Major Sanford, understanding that she was going to the assembly in the
evening with Mr. Gordon, solicited me to accept a ticket, and form a
party with them. The entertainment was alluring, and I consented. When
we had parted with Miss Lawrence, Major Sanford insisted on my riding a
little farther, saying he must converse with me on a particular subject,
and if I refused him this opportunity, that he must visit me at my
residence, let it offend whom it would. I yielded to his importunity,
and we rode on. He then told me that his mind was in a state of suspense
and agitation which was very painful to bear, and which I only could
relieve; that my cheerful reception of Mr. Boyer's letter yesterday, and
deportment respecting him, had awakened in his breast all the pangs of
jealousy which the most ardent love could feel; that my treatment of Mr.
Boyer's friend convinced him that I was more interested in his affairs
than I was willing to own; that he foresaw himself to be condemned to an
eternal separation, and the total loss of my favor and society, as soon
as time and circumstances would allow.
His zeal, his pathos, alarmed me. I begged him to be calm. "To you,"
said I, "as a friend, I have intrusted my situation in relation to Mr.
Boyer. You know that I am under no special obligation to him, and I do
not intend to form any immediate connection." "Mr. Boyer must have
different ideas, madam; and he has reason for them, if I may judge by
appearances. When do you expect another visit from him?" "In about a
fortnight." "And is my fate to be then decided? and so decided, as I
fear it will be, through the influence of your friends, if not by your
own inclination?" "My friends, sir, will not control, they will only
advise to what they think most for my interest, and I hope that my
conduct will not be unworthy of their approbation." "Pardon me, my dear
Eliza," said he, "if I am impertinent; it is my regard for you which
impels me to the presumption. Do you intend to give your hand to Mr.
Boyer?" "I do not intend to give my hand to any man at present. I have
but lately entered society, and wish, for a while, to enjoy my freedom
in the participation of pleasures suited to my age and sex." "These,"
said he, "you are aware, I suppose, when you form a connection with that
man, you must renounce, and content yourself with a confinement to the
tedious round of domestic duties, the pedantic conversation of
scholars, and the invidious criticisms of a whole town." "I have been
accustomed," said I, "and am therefore attached, to men of letters; and
as to the praise or censure of the populace, I hope always to enjoy that
approbation of conscience which will render me superior to both. But you
forget your promise not to talk in this style, and have deviated far
from the character of a friend and brother, with, which you consented to
rest satisfied." "Yes; but I find myself unequal to the task. I am not
stoic enough tamely to make so great a sacrifice. I must plead for an
interest in your favor till you banish me from your presence, and tell
me plainly that you hate me." We had by this time reached the gate, and
as we dismounted, were unexpectedly accosted by Mr. Selby, who had come,
agreeably to promise, to dine with us, and receive my letter to Mr.
Boyer.
Major Sanford took his leave as General Richman appeared at the door.
The general and his lady rallied me on my change of company, but very
prudently concealed their sentiments of Major Sanford while Mr. Selby
was present. Nothing material occurred before and during dinner, soon
after which Mr. Selby went away. I retired to dress for the assembly,
and had nearly completed the labor of the toilet when Mrs. Richman
entered. "My friendship for you, my dear Eliza," said she, "interests
me so much in your affairs that I cannot repress my curiosity to know
who has the honor of your hand this evening." "If it be any honor," said
I, "it will be conferred on Major Sanford." "I think it far too great to
be thus bestowed," returned she. "It is perfectly astonishing to me that
the virtuous part of my sex will countenance, caress, and encourage
those men whose profession it is to blast their reputation, destroy
their peace, and triumph in their infamy." "Is this, madam, the avowed
design of Major Sanford?" "I know not what he avows, but his practice
too plainly bespeaks his principles and views." "Does he now practise
the arts you mention? or do you refer to past follies?" "I cannot answer
for his present conduct; his past has established his character." "You,
madam, are an advocate for charity; that, perhaps, if exercised in this
instance, might lead you to think it possible for him to reform, to
become a valuable member of society, and, when connected with a lady of
virtue and refinement, to be capable of making a good husband." "I
cannot conceive that such a lady would be willing to risk her all upon
the slender prospect of his reformation. I hope the one with whom I am
conversing has no inclination to so hazardous an experiment." "Why, not
much." "Not much! If you have any, why do you continue to encourage Mr.
Boyer's addresses?" "I am not sufficiently acquainted with either, yet,
to determine which to take. At present, I shall not confine myself in
any way. In regard to these men, my fancy and my judgment are in scales;
sometimes one preponderates, sometimes the other; which will finally
prevail, time alone can reveal." "O my cousin, beware of the delusions
of fancy! Reason must be our guide if we would expect durable
happiness." At this instant a servant opened the door, and told me that
Major Sanford waited in the parlor. Being ready, I wished Mrs. Richman a
good evening, and went down. Neither General Richman nor his lady
appeared. He therefore handed me immediately into his phaeton, and we
were soon in the assembly room.