LETTER LXXIV.
TO MRS. M. WHARTON.
Boston.
DEAR MADAM,
We have paid the last tribute of
respect to your beloved daughter. The day
after my arrival, Mrs. Sumner proposed that
we should visit the sad spot which contains the
remains of our once amiable friend. The
grave of Eliza Wharton, said she, shall not be
unbedewed by the tears of friendship.
Yesterday we went accordingly, and were
much pleased with the apparent sincerity of
the people, in their assurances that every thing
in their power had been done to render her
situation comfortable. The minutest circumstances
were faithfully related; and from the
state of her mind, in her last hours, I think
much comfort may be derived to her afflicted
friends.
We spent a mournful hour, in the place
where she is intered, and then returned to
the inn, while Mrs. Sumner gave orders for
a decent stone to be erected over her grave,
with the following inscription:
“THIS HUMBLE STONE,
IN MEMORY OF
ELIZA WHARTON,
IS INSCRIBED BY HER WEEPING FRIENDS,
TO WHOM SHE ENDEARED HERSELF BY UNCOMMON
TENDERNESS AND AFFECTION.
ENDOWED WITH SUPERIOR ACQUIREMENTS,
SHE WAS STILL MORE DISTINGUISHED BY HUMILITY
AND BENEVOLENCE.
LET CANDOR THROW A VEIL OVER HER FRAILTIES,
FOR GREAT WAS HER CHARITY TO OTHERS.
SHE SUSTAINED THE LAST
PAINFUL SCENE, FAR FROM EVERY FRIEND;
AND EXHIBITED AN EXAMPLE
OF CALM RESIGNATION.
HER DEPARTURE WAS ON THE 25th DAY OF
JULY, A. D. —,
IN THE 27th YEAR OF HER AGE,
AND THE TEARS OF STRANGERS WATERED HER GRAVE.”
I hope, madam, that you will derive satisfaction
from these exertions of friendship, and
that, united to the many other sources of consolation
with which you are furnished, they
may alleviate your grief; and while they leave
the pleasing remembrance of her virtues, add
the supporting persuasion, that your Eliza is
happy.
I am, &c.
FINIS.
