University of Virginia Library

I thank you, my dear friend, for the
book you were so obliging as to send me; and
for the letter which accompanied it. The book
I had read; but, as you justly observe, I must
be a gainer by a second perusal.

Upon the subject of reading, I perfectly accord
with you in sentiment. It is an amusement,
of which I was always enthusiastically fond.
Mrs. Williams regulated my taste; and, by directing
and maturing my judgment, taught me
to make it a source of refined and substantial
pleasure. I do not wish to pursue study as a
profession, nor to become a learned lady; but I
would pay so much attention to it, as to taste the
delights of literature, and be qualified to bear a
part in rational and improving conversation.
Indeed, I would treasure up such a fund of useful
knowledge, as may properly direct my course
through life, and prove an antidote against the
vexations and disappointments of the world. I
think, Sophia, that our sex stand in special need
of such a resource to beguile the solitary hours
which a domestic station commonly imposes. Is
it not for want of this that some females furnish
a pretext for the accusation (which is illiberally
brought against all) of having recourse to scandal,

and the sallies of indelicate mirth? Conversation
requires a perpetual supply of materials
from the mind: and, accordingly as the mind has
been cultivated or neglected, dignified or degrading
subjects will be introduced.

I received a letter, yesterday, from our lively
and lovely friend, Anna Williams. How delightfully
blended in this charming girl, are vivacity
and sentiment, ease and propriety. Adieu.