University of Virginia Library

In looking around my humble little
parlour for some memento of our cottage to bestow upon
you, I could think of nothing more appropriate than my
perfectly proportioned inkstand and arrowy pen. They
have little value in themselves, but they come from one
whose heart is full of sincere affection for you.
God bless you, my dear young friend, and preserve
that pure simplicity of character, which makes you
such a diamond in the desert of this pretending world.

I return the "Spirit's Voyage,"
because my new destination makes it impossible for
me to prepare the book, in which I intended to insert
it. The little volume that accompanies it was loan
-ed by Mrs Wells sometime since.

Many thanks for your beautiful and affectionate lines
about my garden. I shall take them to England with
me, as a memento of the dear dove-cot, and your own
sweet self.

I am ashamed of Mr. Lauriat. He does not behave like

a gentleman; but this is not my fault.

Give my kind regards to your sister and Miss Parsons.
I wish I could see them again before I go to England;
but I hope to see them early when I come back.
I shall try hard to make my long-promised visit to you before I go.

Remember me most kindly and respectfully to Mr.
Osgood. I am glad he is taking the portrait of that
great and good man, Mr. Thompson. I will take care
that it shall be well known in England, where it will
at least do him no injury. When shall I see you there?
My heart will give you both a warm welcome.

Again, may God bless you, and enable you
through trust in Him, to make a blessed use of the
genius wherewith he has richly endowed you.