Page:Memoir and correspondence of Caroline Herschel (1876).djvu/192

168 H, July 14, 1823. 2em As a proof of my being still among the number of the living, you will perhaps not dislike to see my own hand- writing added to that of the three gentlemen who signed my certificate. But I am at a loss for a subject which should be interesting to you, because, hearing so seldom from you, I begin to fear my correspondence may turn out to be troublesome. But still I long to hear a little oftener that you and your dear mother are well; for since April eleventh (date of Lady H.'s letter) I have had no assurance of the same on which I could depend.

I wish often that I could see what you were doing, that I might give you a caution (if necessary) not to overwork yourself like your dear father did. I long to hear that the forty-foot instrument is safely got down; your father, and Uncle A. too, have had many hair-breadth escapes from being crushed by the taking in and out of the mirror; but God preserve you, my dear nephew, says Your most affectionate aunt, P.S. My brother and family join me in many compliments to you and your dear mother. They are all well; I am the only one who is complaining, but I think I have a right to that preference, for I am the oldest.

D, August 1, 1823. 2em I have been long threatening to send you a long letter, but have always been prevented by circumstances