LETTER LVII.
To Jane Talbot.
New York, October 9.
My dear Madam,
You judge truly when you imagine that your character
and history are not unknown to me; and such is my opinion
of you, that there is probably no person in the world
more solicitous for your happiness, and more desirous to
answer any inquiries in a manner agreeable to you.
Mr. Colden has made no secret to us of the relation in
which he stood to you. We are well acquainted with the
cause of your late separation. Will you excuse me for expressing
the deep regret which that event gave me? That
regret is the deeper, since the measures which he immediately
adopted, has put it out of his power to profit by any
change in your views.
My husband's brother being on the point of embarking in
a voyage to the western coast of America and to China, Mr.
Colden prevailed upon his friends to permit him to embark
also, as a joint adventurer in the voyage. They have been
gone already upwards of a year. We have not heard of
them since their touching at Tobago and Brazil.
The voyage will be very tedious, but as it will open
scenes of great novelty to the mind of our friend, and as it
may not be unprofitable to him, we were the more easily
disposed to acquiesce.
Permit me, madam, to proffer you my warmest esteem
and my kindest services. Your letter I regard as a flattering
proof of your good opinion, which I shall be most happy
to deserve and to improve, by answering every inquiry you
may be pleased to make respecting one, for whom I have
ever entertained the affection becoming a sister.
I am, &c.
M. Montford.
P. S. Mr. Montford desires to join me in my offers of
service, and in my good wishes.
