University of Virginia Library

Indeed, my dear Harriot, you are making
an important change of situation; a change interesting
to you and your friends; a change
which involves, not only your own happiness,
but the happiness of the worthy man whom you
have chosen, of the family, over which you are
to preside, and perhaps, too, of that with which
you are to be connected.

I rejoice to hear that this connexion, on which
so much depends, is not hastily formed; but
that it is the result of long acquaintance, is
founded on merit, and consolidated by esteem.
From characters like yours, mutually deserving
and excellent, brilliant examples of conjugal virtue
and felicity may be expected. Yet as human
nature is imperfect, liable to errors, and apt
to deviate from the line of rectitude and propriety,
a monitorial guide may be expedient and
useful. Your partiality has led you to request
this boon of me; but diffidence of my own abilities
compels me to decline the arduous task.
Nevertheless, I have it happily in my power to
recommend an abler instructor, who has written
professedly upon the subject. The American
Spectator, or Matrimonial Preceptor, lately
published by Mr. David West, of Boston,

contains all you can wish. The judicious compiler
has collected and arranged his materials
with admirable skill and address. Peruse this
book, and you will be at no loss for counsels to
direct, and cautions to guard you through the
intricate cares and duties of the connubial life.
The essays are, chiefly, extracted from the most
approved English writers. The productions of
so many able pens, properly disposed, and exhibited
in a new and agreeable light, must not
only be entertaining, but useful to every reader
of taste and judgment. I wish this publication
to be considered as a necessary piece of furniture
by every housekeeper. The editor has certainly
deserved well of his country; and Hymen
should crown him with unfading garlands.

I shall visit you, my dear Harriot, after the
happy knot (for such I flatter myself it will
prove) is tied. In the mean time, I subscribe
myself, with the most ardent wishes for your
prosperity and happiness, your sincere friend,