University of Virginia Library

LETTER XXV.

Your favor of the 4th inst. 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 your's 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,