REPLY.
I have only time to tell you, my dear and excellent
friend, that “I am innocent.” But the vessel is ready to
sail; and I have neither time nor inclination to tell you
the particulars. At some future day—no, I ought not
to say that—for I never violate my word. I was about
to tell you, that, at some future day, I should be able to
communicate with you, face to face, all that led to this
transaction. But, I cannot promise this, unless something
should transpire to change my present views, radically
and completely. The secret is now in mine own
bosom—there it may die with me. I have nothing therefore,
to offer you, but my simple word. With that, you
must be satisfied. Believe it, if you can—“I am innocent
of the husband's blood; and of the wife's honour.” I
spilt the one, and rifled the other.—I do not deny it—but
I did it, innocently. Do not doubt me. I have no interest
in deceiving you; and no power to undeceive you, if
you continue to wrong me. Perhaps—
perhaps, I may be
able, one day or other, to detail all the mournful and mysterious
adventures of my life, to you, as I would to a father.
There is one event, and
one only, that can lead to
this. If that happen, you will see me, when you least expect
it—either in body or shadow. Dead or alive, if it
be permitted to me, you shall be satisfied of my innocence,
whenever that event arrives. If I be dead—and
the power be upon me, I will stand at your elbow, where
I last stood, and speak, if the miraculous organ of speech
remain to me;—and, if not, I will look into your soul,
my friend, with the aspect of unclouded, and regenerate
innocence.
This will be given you, by Mr. George Stafford.
If you do not know him already, I beg that this may be
a sufficient introduction to you. I shall enclose it to him,
in a long letter, which I finished but yesterday, to go by
this vessel. Farewell—I do forgive you—with all my
heart and soul; and entreat you to burn or forget, which
ever may be easiest, my letter, whenever it comes to hand.
I could almost wish that the vessel had foundered!
Truly yours,
EDWARD MOLTON.
