LETTER XXXVIII.
To Henry Colden, Senior.
I was not informed till to day, of the correspondence
that has passed between you and my mother, nor of your
aversion to the alliance which was designed to take place
between your son and me.
It is my duty to inform you that, in my opinion, your approbation
was absolutely necessary to such a union; and
consequently, since your concurrence is withheld, it will
never take place. Every tie or engagement between us, is,
from this moment dissolved, and all intercourse, by letter
or otherwise, will here end.
Your son, in opposing your wishes, imagined himself
consulting my happiness. In that he was mistaken; and I
have now removed his error, by acquainting him with my
present determination.
I am deeply grieved that his attachment to me has forfeited
your favor. I hope that there is no other obstacle to
reconcilement, and that the termination of all intercourse
between us may remove that obstacle. Jane Talbot.
I join my daughter in assuring you that the alliance, for
which a mutual aversion was entertained, cannot take place;
and that all her engagements with your son are dissolved.
I join her likewise in entreating you to forget his disobedience,
and restore him to your protection and favor.
