LETTER XLIII.
TO MISS ELIZA WHARTON.
New-Haven.
MY DEAR ELIZA,
Through the medium of my
friends at Hartford I have been informed of the
progress of your affairs, as they have transpired.
The detail which my sister gave me of
your separation from Mr. Boyer was painful;
as I had long contemplated a happy union between
you. But still more disagreeable sensations
possessed my breast, when told that you
had suffered your lively spirits to be depressed,
and resigned yourself to solitude and dejection!
Why, my dear friend, should you allow this
event thus to affect you? Heaven, I doubt not,
has happiness still in store for you; perhaps
greater than you could have enjoyed in that
connection. If the convisction of any misconduct
on your part, give you pain, dissipate it
by the reflection, that unerring rectitude is not
the lot of mortals, that few are to be found
who have not deviated in a greater or less
degree from the maxims of prudence. Our
greatest mistakes may teach lessons which will
be useful through life.
But I will not moralize. Come and see us;
and we will talk over the matter once, and then
dismiss it for ever. Do prevail on your mamma
to part with you a month or two, at least.
I wish you to witness how well I manage my
nursery business. You will be charmed with
little Harriot. I am already enough of the
mother to think her a miniature of beauty and
perfection.
How natural, and how easy the transition
from one stage of life to another! Not long
since I was a gay, volatile girl; seeking satisfaction
in fashionable circles and amusements;
but now I am thoroughly domesticated. All
my happiness is centered within the limits of
my own walls; and I grudge every moment
that calls me from the pleasing scenes of domestic
life. Not that I am so selfish as to exclude
my friends from my affection or society.
I feel interested in their concerns, and enjoy
their company. I must own, however, that
conjugal and parental love are the main springs
of my life. The conduct of some mothers in
depriving their helpless offspring of the care
and kindness which none but a mother can
feel, is to me unaccountable. There are many
nameless attentions which nothing short of maternal
tenderness, and solicitude can pay; and
for which the endearing smiles, and progressive
improvements of the lovely babe are an
ample reward.
How delightful to trace from day to day
the expansion of reason and the dawnings of
intelligence! Oh, how I anticipate the time,
when these faculties shall be displayed by the organs
of speech; when the lisping accent shall
heighten our present pleasure, and the young idea
be capable of direction “how to shoot”!
General Richman is not less interested by
these enjoyments than myself. All the father
beams in his eye! All the husband reigns in
his heart, and pervades his every action!
Miss Lawrence is soon to be married to Mr.
Laiton. I believe he is a mere fortune-hunter.
Indeed she has little to recommend her to any
other. Nature has not been very bountiful,
either to her body, or mind. Her parents
have been shamefully deficient in her education;
but have secured to her what they think
the chief good; not considering that happiness
is by no means the invariable attendant of
wealth.
I hope this incoherent scroll will amuse, while
it induces you speedily to favor us with another
visit.
My best wishes attend your honored mamma,
while I subscribe myself, &c.
