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 sentiments of friendship I feel, from a long acquaintance, will not be in any manner altered

There are many points besides mere personal regard to be considered; these I must refer to the superior knowledge of my father and brother; and if the result of their enquiries is such as my presentiments suggest, I have no doubt my happiness will be attended to by a permission to decide for myself.

At all events, I shall never cease to feel obliged by a preference in itself sufficiently flattering, and rendered still more so by the handsome manner in which it is expressed; and I hope if my parents should see cause to decline the proposed favour of your alliance, it will not produce such a disunion between our families, as to deprive us of friends who possess a great portion of our esteem and regard. I am, Sir, your obliged and sincere friend, and humble servant.

My dear Wife,—Before this short absence from you, I did not know that I loved you so much as I really do; though at the same time I thought I loved you as much as possible. I am under great apprehensions lest you should have any uneasiness whilst I am defrauded of my share in it, and canuotcannot [sic] think of tasting any pleasure that you do not partake with me. Pray, my dear, be careful of your health, if for no other reason but because you know I could not out-live you. It is natural in absence to make professions of an inviolable constancy; but towards so much merit it is hardly a virtue, especially when it is but a bare return to