Page:New letter-writer.pdf/21

Rh

My dear Son,

I received your Letter, and my reaſon for not anſwering you ſooner, is, that it being an affair of great importance, I was willing to proceed therein with the utmoſt caution. I wrote to Mr. Johnſon, my Attorney in New Inn, deſiring him to enquire concerning the family you deſire to be allied with; and I am glad to hear his account does not differ from your own. I hope you do not think that I would deſire to ſee you one moment unhappy. Your reaſons for entering into the marriage-ſtate, are every way ſatisfactory, and I am glad to hear that the perſon on whom you have placed pouryour [sic] affections is ſo deſerving. When you have fixed the wedding-day, I will come to London, to be preſent at the ceremony, and ſpend a few days with my old friends. I hope you will continue to attend your buſineſs with the ſame diligence you have hitherto done; and if you ſhould live to an old age, you will then be able to retire from trade with honour, both to yourſelf and your family. I am, dear Son.

Your affectionate Father.