University of Virginia Library

LETTER LXXXIX.

You are not the first of my correspondents whom my
inveterate habit of scribbling has induced to suppose that I
would continue to write to them whether I received any encouragement
to do so, or not. At present, however, there
exist impediments to my accustomed readiness and punctuality
in this respect which I cannot overcome. It gives me
great pleasure to hear that you have regained your composure
of mind. Into the causes which disturbed it I never
ventured to inquire, content to receive such portion of your
confidence as you chose voluntarily to bestow upon me.

The death of poor Echo is a severe blow upon me. "I
ne'er shall look upon her like again." And, among the inducements
which I felt to revisit my own comfortless home,
it was not the least that I should again see her, and witness
the sagacity and attachment of this humble yet faithful four-footed
friend.

My best love to Carter.