Chapter 4

"By the Duke's next letter I presume I had dated one to him wrongly as he writes: 'I have received and perused with attention your letter dated the 29th, I conclude by mistake, for which I return my best thanks.'"The next letter from the Duke is dated Aug. 31st, below which he again addresses me on Sept. 1st thus. 'Since writing the above my dear Miss J., I have received your letter of the 31st of Aug. There is no post from home today and you will not receive this acknowledgment of its receipt and thanks for it until Monday.'"The next letter from the Duke is dated Sept. 11th in which he writes; 'I am not capable, I am sorry to acknowledge, of entering on a discussion on the topics in your letter'—and in his next of Sept. the 12th he writes; 'I can read your letters perfectly. I wish that I understood the subjects to which they relate sufficiently to be able to answer them.'"

"The next letter from the Duke is dated Aug. 31st, below which he again addresses me on Sept. 1st thus. 'Since writing the above my dear Miss J., I have received your letter of the 31st of Aug. There is no post from home today and you will not receive this acknowledgment of its receipt and thanks for it until Monday.'

"The next letter from the Duke is dated Sept. 11th in which he writes; 'I am not capable, I am sorry to acknowledge, of entering on a discussion on the topics in your letter'—and in his next of Sept. the 12th he writes; 'I can read your letters perfectly. I wish that I understood the subjects to which they relate sufficiently to be able to answer them.'"

Walmer Castle, Sept. 15, 1838.My dear Miss J.,—I have just now received two Letters from you, both finished on the 12thfor which I return my thanks. One of them contained the Pen wipers for which I am much obliged to you.The Story in the Newspapers about my having been consulted by the Queen about DrHook's Sermon is entirely false. There is no foundation whatever for it.As far as I can Judge from the accounts that I have seen the Queen did not notice DrHook's Sermon in any of the Modes supposed and stated.[Endnote 1]I am very much obliged to you for your Enquiries about my lameness. I thank God! I have entirely recovered from it.Believe me Ever Yours most faithfullyWellington.

Walmer Castle, Sept. 15, 1838.

My dear Miss J.,—I have just now received two Letters from you, both finished on the 12thfor which I return my thanks. One of them contained the Pen wipers for which I am much obliged to you.

The Story in the Newspapers about my having been consulted by the Queen about DrHook's Sermon is entirely false. There is no foundation whatever for it.

As far as I can Judge from the accounts that I have seen the Queen did not notice DrHook's Sermon in any of the Modes supposed and stated.[Endnote 1]

I am very much obliged to you for your Enquiries about my lameness. I thank God! I have entirely recovered from it.

Believe me Ever Yours most faithfully

Wellington.

"I need not say it rejoicesmeto beholdthanksgiven toHimfrom whom all blessings flow."A. J."The Duke's next letter is dated Sept. 16th in which he writes; 'There is no post from the country on Saturday as there is no Delivery in London on Sunday, so you will receive both letters therefore tomorrow, possibly at the same time.' The next from the Duke is dated Sept. 20th in which he writes 'I hope that you will soon recover from your indisposition,' and in that of the 23rd he writes; 'I assure you that I was aware that you had reason to believe that the story respecting the Queen was true.' The Duke means 'was not true' for he had referred to this subject in some letter just passed through my hands."On Sept. the 25th 1838 the Duke writes to thank me for my letters adding 'But you do not mention your health and I hope that you have entirely recovered from your indisposition.'"In the Duke's next letter of Sept. 26th he writes 'I am much obliged by your continued kindness.'"By the Duke's next letter I see he refers to my offering him a Bible of larger Print as follows,

"I need not say it rejoicesmeto beholdthanksgiven toHimfrom whom all blessings flow.

"A. J.

"The Duke's next letter is dated Sept. 16th in which he writes; 'There is no post from the country on Saturday as there is no Delivery in London on Sunday, so you will receive both letters therefore tomorrow, possibly at the same time.' The next from the Duke is dated Sept. 20th in which he writes 'I hope that you will soon recover from your indisposition,' and in that of the 23rd he writes; 'I assure you that I was aware that you had reason to believe that the story respecting the Queen was true.' The Duke means 'was not true' for he had referred to this subject in some letter just passed through my hands.

"On Sept. the 25th 1838 the Duke writes to thank me for my letters adding 'But you do not mention your health and I hope that you have entirely recovered from your indisposition.'

"In the Duke's next letter of Sept. 26th he writes 'I am much obliged by your continued kindness.'

"By the Duke's next letter I see he refers to my offering him a Bible of larger Print as follows,

Walmer Castle, Sept 29th.I am much obliged to you for the offer of a Bible in large Print. That which I now have answers perfectly, and I will not deprive you of another.

Walmer Castle, Sept 29th.

I am much obliged to you for the offer of a Bible in large Print. That which I now have answers perfectly, and I will not deprive you of another.

Walmer Castle, October 2, 1838.My dear MissJ.,—I have received at the Same time your Letters of the 30thSeptrand 1 October.I assure you that I am very sensible of your kindness; and of your motives for writing to me; and that nothing could induce me to write a Word or to commit an Act which would displease much less excite you.When I received the expression of your wish to have my Picture I felt that the compliance with your wish might be inconvenient to you. But I postponed to give you an answer Wishing to avoid to do any thing to displease you; and thinking it possible nay probable that your own reflections would have induced you to avoid to renew the Subject.As however you did mention it again I gave you the answer which has satisfied you.I have not mentioned the Period of my return to London; as it is very uncertain.Believe me My Dear Miss J.Ever Yours most faithfullyWellington.

Walmer Castle, October 2, 1838.

My dear MissJ.,—I have received at the Same time your Letters of the 30thSeptrand 1 October.

I assure you that I am very sensible of your kindness; and of your motives for writing to me; and that nothing could induce me to write a Word or to commit an Act which would displease much less excite you.

When I received the expression of your wish to have my Picture I felt that the compliance with your wish might be inconvenient to you. But I postponed to give you an answer Wishing to avoid to do any thing to displease you; and thinking it possible nay probable that your own reflections would have induced you to avoid to renew the Subject.

As however you did mention it again I gave you the answer which has satisfied you.

I have not mentioned the Period of my return to London; as it is very uncertain.

Believe me My Dear Miss J.

Ever Yours most faithfully

Wellington.

"The Duke's next letter is dated Oct. 7th. 'I have four letters of yours to acknowledge the receipt of, for which I return many thanks. In one you mention your indisposition but as you have not again adverted thereto I trust that you are better.'"The 13th of Oct. the Duke writes 'I read your letters in the order in which you wish they should be read,' before closing which letter he acknowledges or writes another therein acknowledging mine of the 12th dating this additional letter Oct. 14th.

"The 13th of Oct. the Duke writes 'I read your letters in the order in which you wish they should be read,' before closing which letter he acknowledges or writes another therein acknowledging mine of the 12th dating this additional letter Oct. 14th.

Walmer Castle, Oct. 20, 1838.My dear Miss J.,—I have again to acknowledge the receipt of several Letters from you commencing on Sunday the 14th. I have been absent; and did not receive them till this morning. And as the Post for London does not go out till tomorrow, I will keep this till then in order that I may add the acknowledgment of the receipt of any other letter that you may have written me in the end of the Week.In answer to the Wish that you have expressed to know when I shall be in London I mention that I shall not be there for some time.You are in the Habit of writing to me freely upon all Subjects; and you say that you derive satisfaction from so doing. I assure you that I am sensible of the Interest which you feel for my Welfare; and of your Motive in writing to me.But I confess that I cannot understand as you do, the High Authorities which you quote. I wish that I was sufficiently informed to be capable of reasoning with you whether verbally or in writing.I do not pretend therefore to do more than acknowledge the receipt of your Letters; and thank you for your kindness.Believe me Ever Yours most faithfullyWellington.I am delighted to find that you are so well.

Walmer Castle, Oct. 20, 1838.

My dear Miss J.,—I have again to acknowledge the receipt of several Letters from you commencing on Sunday the 14th. I have been absent; and did not receive them till this morning. And as the Post for London does not go out till tomorrow, I will keep this till then in order that I may add the acknowledgment of the receipt of any other letter that you may have written me in the end of the Week.

In answer to the Wish that you have expressed to know when I shall be in London I mention that I shall not be there for some time.

You are in the Habit of writing to me freely upon all Subjects; and you say that you derive satisfaction from so doing. I assure you that I am sensible of the Interest which you feel for my Welfare; and of your Motive in writing to me.

But I confess that I cannot understand as you do, the High Authorities which you quote. I wish that I was sufficiently informed to be capable of reasoning with you whether verbally or in writing.

I do not pretend therefore to do more than acknowledge the receipt of your Letters; and thank you for your kindness.

Believe me Ever Yours most faithfully

Wellington.

I am delighted to find that you are so well.

October 21.There is no letter from you this day.

"In the Duke's next letter of Oct. 21st, 1838, he returns me many thanks for a letter 'commenced on the 21st and ended on the 22nd.'"The Duke's next letter is dated Nov. 3rd, referring to impressions on my mind which Time has declared to be erroneous with regard to the end God had in view, but as His glory was then as now my chief consideration I trust to behold this precious portion of Holy Writ verified therein. 'As high as the heavens are above the earth so are My Ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts,' and that God will consequently be much more glorified and magnified under existing circumstances than HE possibly could under any other for His great, glorious, Holy Name Sake!"The next letter from His Grace is dated Nov. 10th 1838 thanking me for my last and the only remaining one of this year dated Nov. 19th wherein he returns many thanks for the letters I had sent him."Letters received during this year from the Duke of Wellingtontwenty two.""1839.—The first letter received during this year 1839 is I see enclosed in a cover addressed to Her Majesty the Queen of England, Buckingham Palace, to whom I must have written, forwarding it to the Duke to deliver, but which as with that to Queen Adelaide was returned to me in his dated May 14th, 1839."Another letter in Aug. I see in like manner contains an Enclosure addressed to Her Majesty, but which was also returned under the same impression that he was not entitled to deliver such. In the Duke's next dated Nov. 17th 1839 he writes—

"In the Duke's next letter of Oct. 21st, 1838, he returns me many thanks for a letter 'commenced on the 21st and ended on the 22nd.'

"The Duke's next letter is dated Nov. 3rd, referring to impressions on my mind which Time has declared to be erroneous with regard to the end God had in view, but as His glory was then as now my chief consideration I trust to behold this precious portion of Holy Writ verified therein. 'As high as the heavens are above the earth so are My Ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts,' and that God will consequently be much more glorified and magnified under existing circumstances than HE possibly could under any other for His great, glorious, Holy Name Sake!

"The next letter from His Grace is dated Nov. 10th 1838 thanking me for my last and the only remaining one of this year dated Nov. 19th wherein he returns many thanks for the letters I had sent him.

"Letters received during this year from the Duke of Wellingtontwenty two."

"1839.—The first letter received during this year 1839 is I see enclosed in a cover addressed to Her Majesty the Queen of England, Buckingham Palace, to whom I must have written, forwarding it to the Duke to deliver, but which as with that to Queen Adelaide was returned to me in his dated May 14th, 1839.

"Another letter in Aug. I see in like manner contains an Enclosure addressed to Her Majesty, but which was also returned under the same impression that he was not entitled to deliver such. In the Duke's next dated Nov. 17th 1839 he writes—

My dear Miss J.,—I am much obliged to you for your letter of the 15th in which you have enquired about my health as you had heard or read a report that I was indisposed. I am and have been quite well, thank God.Ever yours most faithfully,Wellington.

Ever yours most faithfully,

Wellington.

"The Duke's next letter is dated Dec. 14th 1839 in which he writes—'I return a letter which I opened thinking it was addressed to me but I now find it was intended for another, as I find the Name in a Note to myself.'"The Duke's next letter is dated Dec. 18th in which he writes—'I beg you not to make yourself uneasy about the missing letter.' This was a letter which miscarried and lost."The Duke's next letter is dated Dec. 24th, 1839, judging by which I presume some mistake had been made in a former epistle as he writes therein—'I receive so many letters and have so many directions to attend to; that you must not be surprised if I sometimes make a mistake.'"The Duke's next letter is directed Dec. 28th in which he writes—'I have received your Note of the 26th. It certainly does not appear that both Notes have been opened.'"This arose from my enclosing the Duke some covers forwarded to me which Mrs. L. thought had been unsealed."Another letter from the Duke on the same subject after making enquiries of his servants is dated Dec. 31st 1839."Letters received from the Duke of Wellington during this yeareight.""1840.—The first letter from the Duke of this year is dated Jan. the 16th, thanking me for mine of the 15th and on the 18th the Duke again writes—'I am much obliged to you for your letter of yesterday of which I acknowledge the receipt immediately with many thanks.' The Duke's next letter is dated the 20th of Jan. in which he writes—'You may rely upon it that I shall not misunderstand your communications and I am much obliged to you for the confidence reposed in me.'"The Duke's next letter is dated Jan. 30th, 1840, by the contents of which I presume that I had expressed a wish concerning my letters being confined to his perusal as he writes: 'You may rely upon what I tell you. Nobody sees your letters. They reach me as regularly as is possible considering the greatness of the transactions of the Post Office.'"Again in the Duke's next dated Jan. the 31st he writes 'You may rely on it your letters reach me in safety.'

"The Duke's next letter is dated Dec. 18th in which he writes—'I beg you not to make yourself uneasy about the missing letter.' This was a letter which miscarried and lost.

"The Duke's next letter is dated Dec. 24th, 1839, judging by which I presume some mistake had been made in a former epistle as he writes therein—'I receive so many letters and have so many directions to attend to; that you must not be surprised if I sometimes make a mistake.'

"The Duke's next letter is directed Dec. 28th in which he writes—'I have received your Note of the 26th. It certainly does not appear that both Notes have been opened.'

"This arose from my enclosing the Duke some covers forwarded to me which Mrs. L. thought had been unsealed.

"Another letter from the Duke on the same subject after making enquiries of his servants is dated Dec. 31st 1839.

"Letters received from the Duke of Wellington during this yeareight."

"1840.—The first letter from the Duke of this year is dated Jan. the 16th, thanking me for mine of the 15th and on the 18th the Duke again writes—'I am much obliged to you for your letter of yesterday of which I acknowledge the receipt immediately with many thanks.' The Duke's next letter is dated the 20th of Jan. in which he writes—'You may rely upon it that I shall not misunderstand your communications and I am much obliged to you for the confidence reposed in me.'

"The Duke's next letter is dated Jan. 30th, 1840, by the contents of which I presume that I had expressed a wish concerning my letters being confined to his perusal as he writes: 'You may rely upon what I tell you. Nobody sees your letters. They reach me as regularly as is possible considering the greatness of the transactions of the Post Office.'

"Again in the Duke's next dated Jan. the 31st he writes 'You may rely on it your letters reach me in safety.'

London, February 3, 1840.In the Morning.My dear Miss J.,—I received on Saturday night the 1stInst. Your Letter of the 31—Jan—; of which I acknowledge the receipt this Morning according to your Desire.I always write as you Desire. But you must not be surprized if a letter sealed with a seal bearing the Impression of a Coronet; received for you every day at the same place should occasion some curiosity.Nothing can be more innocent than those Letters or more praiseworthy than those, to which they are an answer. But the existence of such a correspondence is calculated to excite curiosity; and Inquiry.Believe me Ever YoursMost faithfully,Wellington.

London, February 3, 1840.In the Morning.

My dear Miss J.,—I received on Saturday night the 1stInst. Your Letter of the 31—Jan—; of which I acknowledge the receipt this Morning according to your Desire.

I always write as you Desire. But you must not be surprized if a letter sealed with a seal bearing the Impression of a Coronet; received for you every day at the same place should occasion some curiosity.

Nothing can be more innocent than those Letters or more praiseworthy than those, to which they are an answer. But the existence of such a correspondence is calculated to excite curiosity; and Inquiry.

Believe me Ever Yours

Most faithfully,

Wellington.

London, Feb. 5, 1840.½ past elevena.m.My dear Miss J.,—I did not return from the House of Lords last night till Midnight; and did not receive Your Letter of yesterday till this Moment.You are quite right not to desire to see me.I refer you to what I wrote some time ago upon that Subject; on which there can be no alteration.Ever Yours Most faithfully.Wellington.

London, Feb. 5, 1840.½ past elevena.m.

My dear Miss J.,—I did not return from the House of Lords last night till Midnight; and did not receive Your Letter of yesterday till this Moment.

You are quite right not to desire to see me.

I refer you to what I wrote some time ago upon that Subject; on which there can be no alteration.

Ever Yours Most faithfully.

Wellington.

"The Duke's next letter is dated Feb. 20th 1840 wherein he writes—'I have only this day received your letter dated Saturday afternoon. I was indisposed last week. But thank God! I have been quite well for some days. So many letters come here for me; that I think it most probable that the Medical Gentlemen desired that none should be given me.'[Endnote 2]"The next letter from the Duke is dated March 3rd in which he writes 'I am very much obliged to you for your letter of the 2nd Inst. now received. I thank you for mentioning my health. I was unwell about three weeks ago but, thank God! I have been quite well ever since.'"

"The next letter from the Duke is dated March 3rd in which he writes 'I am very much obliged to you for your letter of the 2nd Inst. now received. I thank you for mentioning my health. I was unwell about three weeks ago but, thank God! I have been quite well ever since.'"

Another quarrel is now brewing, and Miss J. must, as usual, have lodged the first complaint, since the Duke at once assumes a defensive attitude.

London, March 6, 1840. 11a.m.My dear Miss J.,—I am very much concerned that my affairs should render it necessary for me frequently to go into the Country; and that as you don't receive an answer to your Note you should still think it must have been perused by my Servants or someone else.If you cannot divest yourself of this suspicion you would act more wisely in not writing to me again; if you should care one Pin who sees your Letters!I received last night on my return to London your Letter of the 4thand I acknowledge the receipt thereof this morning.Believe me Ever YourMost faithful Servant,Wellington.

London, March 6, 1840. 11a.m.

My dear Miss J.,—I am very much concerned that my affairs should render it necessary for me frequently to go into the Country; and that as you don't receive an answer to your Note you should still think it must have been perused by my Servants or someone else.

If you cannot divest yourself of this suspicion you would act more wisely in not writing to me again; if you should care one Pin who sees your Letters!

I received last night on my return to London your Letter of the 4thand I acknowledge the receipt thereof this morning.

Believe me Ever Your

Most faithful Servant,

Wellington.

"The Duke's next letter dated March 9th wherein he writes: 'I am really much concerned that you should suppose that my last note to you was what you call Cross. But I am not so foolish as ever to be cross much less in writing.'"

The Duke seems in his next letter, dated March 11, to return to the third person again, wherein he writes after presenting his compliments: "The Duke has received her letter of the 10th, Inst. which does not appear to him to require any answer."

London, March 13, 1840.½ past 11a.m.The Duke of Wellington presents His Compliments to Miss J. Miss J. thinks proper to write to the Duke; but complains of the inconvenience attending the observations of the Curious among the Publick, upon the frequency of the Correspondence.She sometimes objects to the Substance; at others to the form of the Duke's Letters. The Duke has endeavored invariably to render them as respectful as possible to Miss J., in form as well as in Substance.The Duke is unfortunately for him not sufficiently informed to enable Him to write upon some of the Higher and more sacred Topicks of Miss J.'s Letters. But he considers it quite useless to write to Miss J. at all; if he should omit to state His opinion when he sees that she has taken an erroneous view of that of which he has a knowledge. He submits these opinions with great deference and Respect; and he is much concerned when any of them give Offence.

London, March 13, 1840.½ past 11a.m.

The Duke of Wellington presents His Compliments to Miss J. Miss J. thinks proper to write to the Duke; but complains of the inconvenience attending the observations of the Curious among the Publick, upon the frequency of the Correspondence.

She sometimes objects to the Substance; at others to the form of the Duke's Letters. The Duke has endeavored invariably to render them as respectful as possible to Miss J., in form as well as in Substance.

The Duke is unfortunately for him not sufficiently informed to enable Him to write upon some of the Higher and more sacred Topicks of Miss J.'s Letters. But he considers it quite useless to write to Miss J. at all; if he should omit to state His opinion when he sees that she has taken an erroneous view of that of which he has a knowledge. He submits these opinions with great deference and Respect; and he is much concerned when any of them give Offence.

London, March 14th, 1840.The Duke of Wellington presents His Compliments to Miss J. He has just received Her Note of Friday evening the 13thInst.The Duke is very sensible of Miss J.'s offer of Service in case the Duke should be sick or afflicted. The Duke is much obliged to Her. He is quite well. He has no reason to believe that he will have occasion to trouble Her upon any object whatever.

London, March 14th, 1840.

The Duke of Wellington presents His Compliments to Miss J. He has just received Her Note of Friday evening the 13thInst.

The Duke is very sensible of Miss J.'s offer of Service in case the Duke should be sick or afflicted. The Duke is much obliged to Her. He is quite well. He has no reason to believe that he will have occasion to trouble Her upon any object whatever.

Indorsed in Miss J.'s hand. "LetnotHim that girdeth on his harnessboast himselfas he that putteth it off. 1 Kingsxx.11.

"Alas! I tremble for you.""The Duke's next letter is dated March 30th expressive of his thanks."The Duke's next letter is dated April 3rd in which he writes 'The Duke assures Miss J. that neither the form, manner nor substance nor even a Word in any letter of hers has offended him.' The Duke's next letter is dated April 4th in which he thanks me for my letter of that day. The Duke's next letter is dated the 4th of April in which he writes—'The Duke is much concerned to learn that Miss J. has been indisposed.'"The Duke's next letter is dated April 10th in which he writes 'He understands that Miss J. wishes him to enclose to Mrs. L. the answers addressed to Herself although that is not stated as usual.'"The Duke's next letter is dated April 18th in which he writes 'The Duke has never been better than for the last month and most particularly for the last few days. He is aware that reports are continually circulated to the contrary but they are entirely undeserving of credit.'"

"Alas! I tremble for you."

"The Duke's next letter is dated March 30th expressive of his thanks.

"The Duke's next letter is dated April 3rd in which he writes 'The Duke assures Miss J. that neither the form, manner nor substance nor even a Word in any letter of hers has offended him.' The Duke's next letter is dated April 4th in which he thanks me for my letter of that day. The Duke's next letter is dated the 4th of April in which he writes—'The Duke is much concerned to learn that Miss J. has been indisposed.'

"The Duke's next letter is dated April 10th in which he writes 'He understands that Miss J. wishes him to enclose to Mrs. L. the answers addressed to Herself although that is not stated as usual.'

"The Duke's next letter is dated April 18th in which he writes 'The Duke has never been better than for the last month and most particularly for the last few days. He is aware that reports are continually circulated to the contrary but they are entirely undeserving of credit.'"

The cause of this coolness between the Duke and Miss J. is not clear. Her Diary throws no light upon the subject, and the only clew to the dissension must be found in the Duke's letters. From these it would seem that Miss J. has again criticised his manner of writing, or resented some fancied liberty. The quarrel begun so promisingly in March is still vigorous late in April, and the Duke is making energetic but futile efforts to break off the correspondence.

Strathfieldsaye, April 24, 1840.The Duke of Wellington presents His Compliments to Miss J. He has received her letter of the 21stInstfor which he returns His thanks being convinced that Her Letters to the Duke are dictated by the best Motives.The Duke cannot but acknowledge however that they are written to but little purpose; and considering their Tone and Tenor, the writing of them can be but little satisfaction to Miss J.; while it must be troublesome; the transmission of them embarrassing; as well as the Reception of the answers to Herself and Her friends.Under these Circumstances the Duke would earnestly recommend to Miss J. not to write to Him again.

Strathfieldsaye, April 24, 1840.

The Duke of Wellington presents His Compliments to Miss J. He has received her letter of the 21stInstfor which he returns His thanks being convinced that Her Letters to the Duke are dictated by the best Motives.

The Duke cannot but acknowledge however that they are written to but little purpose; and considering their Tone and Tenor, the writing of them can be but little satisfaction to Miss J.; while it must be troublesome; the transmission of them embarrassing; as well as the Reception of the answers to Herself and Her friends.

Under these Circumstances the Duke would earnestly recommend to Miss J. not to write to Him again.

London, May 20, 1840.The Duke of Wellington presents His Comptsto Miss J. He is much concerned to learn that His omission to acknowledge the receipt of Miss J. [sic] has occasioned any inconvenience to her. The Duke received all her Letters in due Course.The Duke did not acknowledge the receipt of them. He really thought and thinks still that Miss J.'s correspondence with the Duke is very inconvenient to Her and Her friends; that it exposes her to the Effects of the Curiosity of the Idle; and to the observations of the Malicious; and that however much he may be obliged to the Kindness of Miss J. in writing to him, he ought to endeavour to prevail upon her to refrain from doing which [sic] may be inconvenient to Herself or to Her friends.The Duke is thank God! and has been perfectly well, and he sincerely hopes that Miss J. is so likewise.

London, May 20, 1840.

The Duke of Wellington presents His Comptsto Miss J. He is much concerned to learn that His omission to acknowledge the receipt of Miss J. [sic] has occasioned any inconvenience to her. The Duke received all her Letters in due Course.

The Duke did not acknowledge the receipt of them. He really thought and thinks still that Miss J.'s correspondence with the Duke is very inconvenient to Her and Her friends; that it exposes her to the Effects of the Curiosity of the Idle; and to the observations of the Malicious; and that however much he may be obliged to the Kindness of Miss J. in writing to him, he ought to endeavour to prevail upon her to refrain from doing which [sic] may be inconvenient to Herself or to Her friends.

The Duke is thank God! and has been perfectly well, and he sincerely hopes that Miss J. is so likewise.

Indorsed by Miss J. "There isnowisdom nor understanding, nor counsel againstThe Lord." "MyCounsel SHALL stand, and I will performallMy pleasure."

London, June 30, 1840.The Duke of Wellington presents His Comptsto Miss J. He has received several Letters from Her. The last dated the 29thInst.He has not thought it necessary to answer these Letters. He writes now only because Miss J. expressed an anxiety to know before she leaves town whether Her letters had been received.The Duke would recommend to save Herself from such anxiety in future by omitting to write to Him.

London, June 30, 1840.

The Duke of Wellington presents His Comptsto Miss J. He has received several Letters from Her. The last dated the 29thInst.

He has not thought it necessary to answer these Letters. He writes now only because Miss J. expressed an anxiety to know before she leaves town whether Her letters had been received.

The Duke would recommend to save Herself from such anxiety in future by omitting to write to Him.

London, July 29, 1840.My dear Miss J.,—I have received your Note of the 28thand I thank God! that I am and have been quite well for this last week.There was some casual Derangement of my Stomach a week ago; and the Editors of Newspapers immediately discovered that I was in great Danger.They forget that their Reporters reported that I appeared in the House of Lords quite well.I am very much flattered by the anxiety which you express for my recovery. I assure you that I am as well as I have been for Years.Believe me Ever Your most faithful Servant,Wellington.

London, July 29, 1840.

My dear Miss J.,—I have received your Note of the 28thand I thank God! that I am and have been quite well for this last week.

There was some casual Derangement of my Stomach a week ago; and the Editors of Newspapers immediately discovered that I was in great Danger.

They forget that their Reporters reported that I appeared in the House of Lords quite well.

I am very much flattered by the anxiety which you express for my recovery. I assure you that I am as well as I have been for Years.

Believe me Ever Your most faithful Servant,

Wellington.

London, August 3, 1840.The Duke of Wellington presents His compliments to Miss J., and again returns His thanks for Her Kind Enquiries about His Health.The Duke is quite well. He earnestly recommends to Miss J. to be satisfied with the Accounts which she gets in the Newspapers.It is impossible for the Duke to be certain of receiving a letter from Miss J. to a Moment; and that he will be able to send an answer forthwith. He has frequently stated this to Her; and in order to avoid disappointment he now tells her that he will write no more.

London, August 3, 1840.

The Duke of Wellington presents His compliments to Miss J., and again returns His thanks for Her Kind Enquiries about His Health.

The Duke is quite well. He earnestly recommends to Miss J. to be satisfied with the Accounts which she gets in the Newspapers.

It is impossible for the Duke to be certain of receiving a letter from Miss J. to a Moment; and that he will be able to send an answer forthwith. He has frequently stated this to Her; and in order to avoid disappointment he now tells her that he will write no more.

Whois he that saithand it cometh to pass, when THE LORDcommandeth itNOT?

Lam. iii. 37.

Indorsed by Miss J.

Miss J. writes in her Diary at this period:

"Whether the Duke would write again or not, I told him in my reply, must depend upon God rather than himself, adding that I never wished to hear from him till God pleased, and defied him accordingly,—trusting in 'The Lord of Lords.'"

[1]Keith on the Prophecies (A. J.).

CHAPTER VIII.

a peaceful period.

Of the long silence that followed, extending from the third of August, 1840, to the tenth of June, 1844, Miss J. thus speaks:—

"That Christ is The Lord of Lords unto Whom all power is given in Heaven and on earth, nothing can more clearly imply than the circumstances connected with this Portion of my Diary. The Duke's last letter had decidedly declared he would write no more, and his character is too well known by the World for such to conclude he would not act up to his word and determination. But since 'it is written' 'The King's Heart is in the Hands of the Lord as the rivers of water, He turneth it which way soever he pleaseth,'solikewiseallhearts. Consequently whenThe Lord'stime came for proving to him the folly of forming such a rash resolution, he writes accordingly, and that too at a moment when I least expected it, so long a period having elapsed in silence. Nor do I, as he therein specifies, recollect requesting him to answer that any more than other letters from time to time forwarded as the Lord condescendingly influenced me, however solicitous I was for their safety. I continued to hope that their contents would eventually be permitted to lead him to feel the emptiness and nothingness of all earthly grandeur, in comparison with the enjoyment of a Crown of Glory."

What induced the Duke to reopen the correspondence is hard to determine; but the interchange of letters was soon as regular as ever.

June 10, 1844.My dear Miss J.,—I have received all your letters, including one written yesterday, the 9thInst; and I am very sensible of your kindness in giving me so continually such good Counsel.I did not write to acknowledge the receipt of your Letters; because you did not express a wish that I should do so clearly till you wrote this last.Believe me Ever Yours most faithfullyWellington.

June 10, 1844.

My dear Miss J.,—I have received all your letters, including one written yesterday, the 9thInst; and I am very sensible of your kindness in giving me so continually such good Counsel.

I did not write to acknowledge the receipt of your Letters; because you did not express a wish that I should do so clearly till you wrote this last.

Believe me Ever Yours most faithfully

Wellington.

London, June 14, 1844.At night.My dear Miss J.,—I have received your letter of this day's date; and I am very much obliged to you for your kindness in the expression of an Interest about my Health. I am thank God! as well as I was twenty years ago, and no longer feel any Inconvenience from the Injury at that time done to my left Ear: excepting that I don't hear by the use of it, as I do by that of the other.I hope that you are quite well.Believe me Ever Yours most faithfullyWellington.

London, June 14, 1844.At night.

My dear Miss J.,—I have received your letter of this day's date; and I am very much obliged to you for your kindness in the expression of an Interest about my Health. I am thank God! as well as I was twenty years ago, and no longer feel any Inconvenience from the Injury at that time done to my left Ear: excepting that I don't hear by the use of it, as I do by that of the other.

I hope that you are quite well.

Believe me Ever Yours most faithfully

Wellington.

London, June 18, 1844.My dear Miss J.,—I have to express to you my Gratitude for two very kind letters since I wrote to you last; the one of the 15th, the other of the 17thInst.Nothing can be more satisfactory to me than to read the statements which you write of the Interest you take in my Welfare; and I beg you to believe meEver Yours most faithfullyWellington.

London, June 18, 1844.

My dear Miss J.,—I have to express to you my Gratitude for two very kind letters since I wrote to you last; the one of the 15th, the other of the 17thInst.

Nothing can be more satisfactory to me than to read the statements which you write of the Interest you take in my Welfare; and I beg you to believe me

Ever Yours most faithfully

Wellington.

"As this book only admits of my referring to the Duke's letters in order to distinguish them and thereby secure their future safety I only occasionally introduce one wholly; therefore state that the next dated June 20th is an acknowledgment of others received by him."

London, June 21, 1844.My dear Miss J.,—I am much obliged to you for your Letter of yesterday evening. It is true that I made no observations upon the Domestick Details which your former Letter contained: nor upon your opinion on the Inmates of the Houses in which you had been visiting.My object in writing to you was to thank you for the kind Interest which you had not ceased to feel for my welfare; and which you have expressed with so much sincerity. I am very grateful to you; and I hope that I do not fail in expressing what I feel.It is true! You are quite right my Time and attention are much occupied by the Publick Duties which I have engaged to perform, and I have very Little of the leisure to write upon subjects upon which I can have but an imperfect knowledge.Believe me Ever Yours most faithfullyWellington.

London, June 21, 1844.

My dear Miss J.,—I am much obliged to you for your Letter of yesterday evening. It is true that I made no observations upon the Domestick Details which your former Letter contained: nor upon your opinion on the Inmates of the Houses in which you had been visiting.

My object in writing to you was to thank you for the kind Interest which you had not ceased to feel for my welfare; and which you have expressed with so much sincerity. I am very grateful to you; and I hope that I do not fail in expressing what I feel.

It is true! You are quite right my Time and attention are much occupied by the Publick Duties which I have engaged to perform, and I have very Little of the leisure to write upon subjects upon which I can have but an imperfect knowledge.

Believe me Ever Yours most faithfully

Wellington.

"I presume by a portion of the Duke's next letter dated June 22nd, 1844, that I had expressed uneasiness concerning some of mine reaching him, as he writes—'If you should have any apprehension of your letters not reaching me, you have only not to sign them. I know your handwriting perfectly and moreover should know from their purport that they could come from you alone.'"In the Duke's next letter dated June 24th, he writes; 'You are very kind my dear Miss J. in writing to me so frequently. I have to thank you for two letters received, the last on this morning. I assure you that I am very sensible of the constant interest which you feel in my welfare.'"The portion about to be copied in the Duke's next letter dated June 26th requires some explanation on my part previously, as it refers to a short separation which took place between my dear friend Mrs. L. and myself—arising from a circumstance that wounded me concerning a letter which interfered with my gratifying a request therein made by my dear Father before his death."'I am much concerned likewise to learn that you do not feel yourself on the same satisfactory terms as usual with your old friend Mrs. L. I regret this, because the Impression on my mind is, that she was your friend and that you were much attached to her. I hope therefore that before long that confidence in your mind will revive and that you will return to your old Habits of friendly intercourse with that lady which were heretofore so satisfactory to you.'"These remarks on the part of the Duke had the desired effect and my intimacy with Mrs. L. was speedily renewed."In the Duke's next letter dated June 28th, 1844, he writes—'I am happy to learn that you are likely to be reconciled to Mrs. L. It is impossible that you should be otherwise than of a forgiving temper and disposition, particularly as I hope in this Case no voluntary cause for Irritation could have been given.'"In the Duke's next letter dated July 1st he writes—'I am delighted to hear that you have renewed your old relations with Mrs. L. which I am convinced will prove satisfactory to you.'"In the Duke's next letter dated July 3rd he writes—'I beg that you will have no scruple about writing to me on any paper, or at the moment most agreeable to you. I am aware of your occupations, that you write as well as read a great deal, that you write your thoughts as they occur to you, and that you do not attend to penmanship or Hand writing which however I assure you that I peruse with the greatest facility and always with satisfaction on account of the great interest which you express for my welfare.'"

"In the Duke's next letter dated June 24th, he writes; 'You are very kind my dear Miss J. in writing to me so frequently. I have to thank you for two letters received, the last on this morning. I assure you that I am very sensible of the constant interest which you feel in my welfare.'

"The portion about to be copied in the Duke's next letter dated June 26th requires some explanation on my part previously, as it refers to a short separation which took place between my dear friend Mrs. L. and myself—arising from a circumstance that wounded me concerning a letter which interfered with my gratifying a request therein made by my dear Father before his death.

"'I am much concerned likewise to learn that you do not feel yourself on the same satisfactory terms as usual with your old friend Mrs. L. I regret this, because the Impression on my mind is, that she was your friend and that you were much attached to her. I hope therefore that before long that confidence in your mind will revive and that you will return to your old Habits of friendly intercourse with that lady which were heretofore so satisfactory to you.'

"These remarks on the part of the Duke had the desired effect and my intimacy with Mrs. L. was speedily renewed.

"In the Duke's next letter dated June 28th, 1844, he writes—'I am happy to learn that you are likely to be reconciled to Mrs. L. It is impossible that you should be otherwise than of a forgiving temper and disposition, particularly as I hope in this Case no voluntary cause for Irritation could have been given.'

"In the Duke's next letter dated July 1st he writes—'I am delighted to hear that you have renewed your old relations with Mrs. L. which I am convinced will prove satisfactory to you.'

"In the Duke's next letter dated July 3rd he writes—'I beg that you will have no scruple about writing to me on any paper, or at the moment most agreeable to you. I am aware of your occupations, that you write as well as read a great deal, that you write your thoughts as they occur to you, and that you do not attend to penmanship or Hand writing which however I assure you that I peruse with the greatest facility and always with satisfaction on account of the great interest which you express for my welfare.'"

London, July 6, 1844.My dear Miss J.,—I have received regularly and have thanked you I believe for all the kind Letters which you have written to me, excepting one commenced on Wednesday night, and finished on thursday which reached me yesterday afternoon: and another commenced thursday afternoon which I received last night. I thank you for them all; you are most kind in writing to me: I beg you not to scruple about telling me what you think and feel. I can read your hand writing with great facility; particularly by day light, and I feel your kindness for me; and all that you express.The Publick Duties in which I am employed occupy most of my Time: but knowing that it is satisfactory to you to receive a Note from me, I do not omit to write to you whenever I hear from you; as soon as the opportunity of doing so is afforded to me.Believe me Ever Yours most faithfullyWellington.

London, July 6, 1844.

My dear Miss J.,—I have received regularly and have thanked you I believe for all the kind Letters which you have written to me, excepting one commenced on Wednesday night, and finished on thursday which reached me yesterday afternoon: and another commenced thursday afternoon which I received last night. I thank you for them all; you are most kind in writing to me: I beg you not to scruple about telling me what you think and feel. I can read your hand writing with great facility; particularly by day light, and I feel your kindness for me; and all that you express.

The Publick Duties in which I am employed occupy most of my Time: but knowing that it is satisfactory to you to receive a Note from me, I do not omit to write to you whenever I hear from you; as soon as the opportunity of doing so is afforded to me.

Believe me Ever Yours most faithfully

Wellington.

"The next letter from the Duke is dated July 10th, 1844, wherein he writes—'Your two letters reached me on Monday night. As I was occupied all day yesterday by the marriage of my Son[Endnote 3]it was not in my power to write to you and thank you for your letters, which I do now and for your continued kindness to me.'"In the Duke's next letter dated July 12th he writes—'It is true that my time is much occupied by the various public duties which I have to perform and that it frequently occurs that I am under the necessity of postponing to thank you for your kindness and continued interest for my welfare. But you may rely upon it that however I may fail or rather delay to make my acknowledgments I feel your kindness and your expressions of it.'"

"In the Duke's next letter dated July 12th he writes—'It is true that my time is much occupied by the various public duties which I have to perform and that it frequently occurs that I am under the necessity of postponing to thank you for your kindness and continued interest for my welfare. But you may rely upon it that however I may fail or rather delay to make my acknowledgments I feel your kindness and your expressions of it.'"

London, July 15, 1844.My dear Miss J.,—I have to thank you for a very kind Letter commenced on friday evening and ended on Saturday; which I received on that night. I think that I answered in a former letter all the queries which you had stated in yours?But if I have been mistaken and you will let me know on what subject I will write upon it upon the first occasion.I beg you not to attend to Interruptions at least so as to annoy you. I should not perceive such in your letters: which are invariably uniform in the expression of a kind Interest in my Welfare of which as well as of your kind expressions I am very sensible.As I was going into Divine Service yesterday morning; a gentleman who met me told me that it had been reported on the previous day that I had met with a serious accident.As this false report might reach and would annoy you; I avail myself of the first opportunity of telling you that I thank God! there is not the slightest foundation for it. I have met with no accident and have not been better for twenty Years than I am at this moment.Believe me Ever Yours most faithfullyWellington.

London, July 15, 1844.

My dear Miss J.,—I have to thank you for a very kind Letter commenced on friday evening and ended on Saturday; which I received on that night. I think that I answered in a former letter all the queries which you had stated in yours?

But if I have been mistaken and you will let me know on what subject I will write upon it upon the first occasion.

I beg you not to attend to Interruptions at least so as to annoy you. I should not perceive such in your letters: which are invariably uniform in the expression of a kind Interest in my Welfare of which as well as of your kind expressions I am very sensible.

As I was going into Divine Service yesterday morning; a gentleman who met me told me that it had been reported on the previous day that I had met with a serious accident.

As this false report might reach and would annoy you; I avail myself of the first opportunity of telling you that I thank God! there is not the slightest foundation for it. I have met with no accident and have not been better for twenty Years than I am at this moment.

Believe me Ever Yours most faithfully

Wellington.

"In the Duke's next letter of July 19th he writes; 'I hope that you will continue to write to me all that you feel and think. I cannot express to you how grateful I am for your anxiety for my welfare.'"In the Duke's next letter dated July 24th he writes—'I am very much obliged to you for your continued anxiety for my welfare and I read with pleasure your expressions of kind interest for me.'"

"In the Duke's next letter dated July 24th he writes—'I am very much obliged to you for your continued anxiety for my welfare and I read with pleasure your expressions of kind interest for me.'"

London, July 27, 1844.My dear Miss J.,—Since I last wrote to you; I have received one letter from you of the 24thand two of the 25thfor all of which; and your continued kindness I thank you. I am very sensible of the freedom with which you write to me and tell me all that occurs to your Mind.I do not yet know at what time the parliament will be prorogued: I should think in the end of August.Notwithstanding the continued attendance; I continue thank God! as well as ever.Believe me Ever Yours most faithfullyWellington.

London, July 27, 1844.

My dear Miss J.,—Since I last wrote to you; I have received one letter from you of the 24thand two of the 25thfor all of which; and your continued kindness I thank you. I am very sensible of the freedom with which you write to me and tell me all that occurs to your Mind.

I do not yet know at what time the parliament will be prorogued: I should think in the end of August.

Notwithstanding the continued attendance; I continue thank God! as well as ever.

Believe me Ever Yours most faithfully

Wellington.

"In the Duke's next letter dated July 31st he writes doubtlessly in reply to some enquiry on my part—'It is impossible for me to say at what period Parliament will be prorogued. I thank you for the beautiful lines which you have sent me.'"

London, August 10, 1844.My dear Miss J.,—Many days have elapsed since I have been able to write you; but I have been again at Windsor Castle, upon the occasion of the Queen's confinement; and have besides been much occupied in Parltand elsewhere. I have received and thank you for your letters, the last received having been commenced on the 4thand ended on thursday morning the 8th. I am very sensible of your kindness in writing to me; notwithstanding that you had not heard from me.I hope you are assured that when I do not write the cause is that I am much occupied and not that I am insensible or less sensible of your kindness.Believe me Ever Yours most faithfullyWellington.

London, August 10, 1844.

My dear Miss J.,—Many days have elapsed since I have been able to write you; but I have been again at Windsor Castle, upon the occasion of the Queen's confinement; and have besides been much occupied in Parltand elsewhere. I have received and thank you for your letters, the last received having been commenced on the 4thand ended on thursday morning the 8th. I am very sensible of your kindness in writing to me; notwithstanding that you had not heard from me.

I hope you are assured that when I do not write the cause is that I am much occupied and not that I am insensible or less sensible of your kindness.

Believe me Ever Yours most faithfully

Wellington.

"In the Duke's next letter dated Aug. 12th he writes—'I have just now received your kind letter written yesterday Morning, the 11th, and according to your desire I do not delay to acknowledge the receipt thereof as I understand that you are going out of Town to morrow.'"The next letter of the Duke's of Aug. 14th—'I am sorry to hear that you do not feel very well but hope the Indisposition will be but short. The weather has been and still continues very bad and is but little inviting for a journey.'"The Duke's next letter is dated Aug. 16th 'I am very sorry indeed to learn that any of your letters have been returned from the House to the Post Office opened and sent back to you. I have frequently told you to beware of the weight of your letters and to take care that each of them had upon it the proper stamp, etc. You who do not trouble yourself with the affairs of this world can form no idea of the extent of the occupation of those whose duty it is to attend to them.'"In the Duke's next letter dated Aug. 22nd he writes 'I have been out of Town at Portsmouth and at Oxford with the Prince of Prussia since I wrote to you.'"[Endnote 4]

"The next letter of the Duke's of Aug. 14th—'I am sorry to hear that you do not feel very well but hope the Indisposition will be but short. The weather has been and still continues very bad and is but little inviting for a journey.'

"The Duke's next letter is dated Aug. 16th 'I am very sorry indeed to learn that any of your letters have been returned from the House to the Post Office opened and sent back to you. I have frequently told you to beware of the weight of your letters and to take care that each of them had upon it the proper stamp, etc. You who do not trouble yourself with the affairs of this world can form no idea of the extent of the occupation of those whose duty it is to attend to them.'

"In the Duke's next letter dated Aug. 22nd he writes 'I have been out of Town at Portsmouth and at Oxford with the Prince of Prussia since I wrote to you.'"[Endnote 4]

London, Sept. 2, 1844.Morning.My dear Miss J.,—I write to you now as I am under the necessity of going out of Town to Windsor Castle from whence I shall not be permitted to return till late on Wednesday.I found a crowd around my horses after I quitted you on Saturday and I was followed away by the same persons who had followed me to your part of the Town.I enclose what I told you that I would send you; it appears to me to be a good likeness, judging from the recollection of other Busts.I will write to you as soon as I am certain at what time I can call upon you.Ever Yours most faithfully,Wellington.

London, Sept. 2, 1844.Morning.

My dear Miss J.,—I write to you now as I am under the necessity of going out of Town to Windsor Castle from whence I shall not be permitted to return till late on Wednesday.

I found a crowd around my horses after I quitted you on Saturday and I was followed away by the same persons who had followed me to your part of the Town.

I enclose what I told you that I would send you; it appears to me to be a good likeness, judging from the recollection of other Busts.

I will write to you as soon as I am certain at what time I can call upon you.

Ever Yours most faithfully,

Wellington.

Miss J. writes in her Diary for this date:

"The Duke told me that aboyfrom hisowndoor called after him, attracting others accordingly all the way. This annoyed him particularly on my account, as he was aware of my objection to notice, notwithstanding that I was at the time under Mrs. L.'s roof, where all the visits referred to took place and under her protection."

Of the picture to which the Duke refers, Miss J. thus writes, after his death:—

"This was his own Picture in wax, made by himself and was an impression conveying a striking resemblance. It is made upon one of his own Cards, cut inhalf. On this is engraved 'Field M. The Duke of ——.' How this valuable Article is eventually to be disposed of, I wait upon The Lord of Lords, who permitted it to be bestowed upon me, to point out. He must determine whether it is to be sent to the British Museum, as a remembrance of one who in His Hands was permitted to become the preserver of our nation, or to be disposed of for the propagation of Christianity among the Jews in whom I am so deeply interested. Whichever it may be I trust that His Holy Name will be magnified, on account of its having been bestowed on one so devoted to the poor Duke's everlasting welfare, during the last eighteen years of his life,—hiseventfullife!"

London, Sept. 6, 1844.My dear Miss J.,—I did not return from Windsor Castle till late on Wednesday. I was in the field with the Troops yesterday Morning; in the House of Lords from one o'clock till the Parliament was prorogued and in the Public Offices till between six & seven in the evening. Now I am about to return to Windsor Castle this afternoon for the Christening of the Infant Prince and I shall not return till night or possibly to-morrow. Here they are crying out for me in the levee Robes. Under these Circumstances I cannot fix a time at which I could go to pay you a visit.Ever Yours most faithfully,Wellington.

London, Sept. 6, 1844.

My dear Miss J.,—I did not return from Windsor Castle till late on Wednesday. I was in the field with the Troops yesterday Morning; in the House of Lords from one o'clock till the Parliament was prorogued and in the Public Offices till between six & seven in the evening. Now I am about to return to Windsor Castle this afternoon for the Christening of the Infant Prince and I shall not return till night or possibly to-morrow. Here they are crying out for me in the levee Robes. Under these Circumstances I cannot fix a time at which I could go to pay you a visit.

Ever Yours most faithfully,

Wellington.

The infant prince here referred to was Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh.

London, Sept. 7, 1844.Morning.My dear Miss J.,—I write you thus early; as I see clearly that it will not be possible for me to go to see you this day.I did not reach Home from Windsor Castle last night; till after half past twelve, and I am now required to go into the Cinque Portes.Continue to direct to My House in London. I shall be back in a few days.Believe me Ever Yours most faithfullyWellington.

London, Sept. 7, 1844.Morning.

My dear Miss J.,—I write you thus early; as I see clearly that it will not be possible for me to go to see you this day.

I did not reach Home from Windsor Castle last night; till after half past twelve, and I am now required to go into the Cinque Portes.

Continue to direct to My House in London. I shall be back in a few days.

Believe me Ever Yours most faithfully

Wellington.

"In a letter of Sept. 9th the Duke writes from Walmer; 'My duty has obliged me to come to this part of the Country. I will return to London as soon as it will be in my power and with your permission will call upon you. It is very true that I am as well known everywhere as in my own House and that I am followed everywhere, and all that I do observed and commented upon according to the inclinations of those who think proper to follow and observe me. I am therefore anxious not to expose you or your abode to such observations.'"The Duke's next letter is from Walmer, dated Sept. 11th, wherein he writes, after thanking me for my letter; 'I am as usual very much employed but I thank God, quite well.' In the Duke's next letter, dated Sept. 12th, he writes; 'I again express my gratitude to you for your continued kindness and good wishes. I will go to see you as soon as I shall return to Town, of course giving you Notice.'"The next letter from the Duke is dated Sept. 21st, in which he writes—'I am under the necessity of going out at a very early hour in the Morning and I do not return till night. But your kindness is always welcome to me and I wish that it was in my power at all times immediately to acknowledge the receipt of it.'"In the Duke's next letter, dated Sept. 24th, he writes—'I am very grateful for your constant and continued kindness: you may rely upon it that if not immediately responded to it is because my time is so much occupied at a distance from my Residence.' In the Duke's letter of the 27th of Sept. he thanks me for my letters of the 24th and one concluded on Wednesday afternoon, purposing to call if in his power."In the Duke's next letter, dated Sept. 30th, he writes—'I am very happy to learn that you are not separated from Mrs. L. as soon as you expected.'"The commencement of Oct. brought me a letter from the Duke dated Oct. 1st, acknowledging mine previously forwarded."I see there is a letter dated Oct. the 5th in which the Duke writes; 'I write one line to apprize you that I am in Town and that I will endeavour to go to see you at three this day.'"

"The Duke's next letter is from Walmer, dated Sept. 11th, wherein he writes, after thanking me for my letter; 'I am as usual very much employed but I thank God, quite well.' In the Duke's next letter, dated Sept. 12th, he writes; 'I again express my gratitude to you for your continued kindness and good wishes. I will go to see you as soon as I shall return to Town, of course giving you Notice.'

"The next letter from the Duke is dated Sept. 21st, in which he writes—'I am under the necessity of going out at a very early hour in the Morning and I do not return till night. But your kindness is always welcome to me and I wish that it was in my power at all times immediately to acknowledge the receipt of it.'

"In the Duke's next letter, dated Sept. 24th, he writes—'I am very grateful for your constant and continued kindness: you may rely upon it that if not immediately responded to it is because my time is so much occupied at a distance from my Residence.' In the Duke's letter of the 27th of Sept. he thanks me for my letters of the 24th and one concluded on Wednesday afternoon, purposing to call if in his power.

"In the Duke's next letter, dated Sept. 30th, he writes—'I am very happy to learn that you are not separated from Mrs. L. as soon as you expected.'

"The commencement of Oct. brought me a letter from the Duke dated Oct. 1st, acknowledging mine previously forwarded.

"I see there is a letter dated Oct. the 5th in which the Duke writes; 'I write one line to apprize you that I am in Town and that I will endeavour to go to see you at three this day.'"

Windsor, Saturday Evening,Oct. 12, 1844.My dear Miss J.,—I have been here since the day after I left London; having gone to and returned from Portsmouth.I have received two letters from you the last commenced on Wednesday evening and finished, on Friday morning or rather later in the day on Friday after you had taken a Lodging No. 4 Fitz Roy Street Fitz Roy Square.There is no Post from hence to London this evening and I am going this night to my own House in Hampshire, where I shall put this letter in the Post tomorrow; and it will reach you on Monday. I am going there on my way to Portsmouth for the embarkation of the King of the French. I shall go there please God! on Monday morning.I cannot say when I shall be able to return to London. But I will write to you; I am very sensible of your kindness in writing to me although I have been so much occupied and so constantly in movement that I have not been able to thank you.I hope that you will find your new Lodgings quiet; and comfortable.Believe me Ever Yours most faithfullyWellington.

Windsor, Saturday Evening,Oct. 12, 1844.

My dear Miss J.,—I have been here since the day after I left London; having gone to and returned from Portsmouth.

I have received two letters from you the last commenced on Wednesday evening and finished, on Friday morning or rather later in the day on Friday after you had taken a Lodging No. 4 Fitz Roy Street Fitz Roy Square.

There is no Post from hence to London this evening and I am going this night to my own House in Hampshire, where I shall put this letter in the Post tomorrow; and it will reach you on Monday. I am going there on my way to Portsmouth for the embarkation of the King of the French. I shall go there please God! on Monday morning.

I cannot say when I shall be able to return to London. But I will write to you; I am very sensible of your kindness in writing to me although I have been so much occupied and so constantly in movement that I have not been able to thank you.

I hope that you will find your new Lodgings quiet; and comfortable.

Believe me Ever Yours most faithfully

Wellington.

Walmer Castle, Oct. 17, 1844.My dear Miss J.,—I arrived here yesterday evening having been in movement since I quitted my own House in Hants on Monday morning to go to Portsmouth to meet the King of the French. I was out during the thunder, Lightning and Rain on that day; and travelled afterwards: and thank God! after all this movement and exposure I am just as well as ever.[Endnote 5]I have to thank you for all your Letters; the last in answer to mine written before I quitted Windsor Castle; but sent from my House in Hampshire in which I enquired how you liked your new Residence.I am much obliged to you for your continued kindness. I will go to see you as soon as I shall return to London. But I cannot yet say at what time that will be: as I am called away so frequently for other Affairs; and I have still much to occupy my attention in this part of the Country.Your last letter was commenced on Monday the 14thand ended on Tuesday.I am very certain that I have received all your Letters, and I am very sensible of your kindness in writing to me; particularly one on five sheets of paper commenced on the 7thof Octor.Believe me Ever Yours most faithfullyWellington.

Walmer Castle, Oct. 17, 1844.

My dear Miss J.,—I arrived here yesterday evening having been in movement since I quitted my own House in Hants on Monday morning to go to Portsmouth to meet the King of the French. I was out during the thunder, Lightning and Rain on that day; and travelled afterwards: and thank God! after all this movement and exposure I am just as well as ever.[Endnote 5]

I have to thank you for all your Letters; the last in answer to mine written before I quitted Windsor Castle; but sent from my House in Hampshire in which I enquired how you liked your new Residence.

I am much obliged to you for your continued kindness. I will go to see you as soon as I shall return to London. But I cannot yet say at what time that will be: as I am called away so frequently for other Affairs; and I have still much to occupy my attention in this part of the Country.

Your last letter was commenced on Monday the 14thand ended on Tuesday.

I am very certain that I have received all your Letters, and I am very sensible of your kindness in writing to me; particularly one on five sheets of paper commenced on the 7thof Octor.

Believe me Ever Yours most faithfully

Wellington.

"The Duke's next letter is dated Oct. 19th, in which he writes; 'This Note cannot be sent from hence this day, there being no post. I will add a line to it when I shall have an opportunity of sending it off, concluding at present with thanking you for your continued kindness toward me."'P.S. I add a line to tell you that I have received; and am very sensible of the kindness of your Letter of the 18th in the middle of the day; which was brought down here this evening by a messenger from my House in London."'I am happy to find that you had received my Letter; you need not be apprehensive of my catching Cold on my Journeys. You may rely upon my taking care of myself."'Believe me Ever Yours most faithfully,"'Wellington.'"In the Duke's next letter, dated Oct. 24th, he writes—'I have to acknowledge the receipt of, and to thank you for your continued kindness in writing me two long letters.' At the end the Duke writes; 'It is possible that I may be under the necessity of going to London to attend to the opening of the New Royal Exchange.'"The next letter from the Duke is dated Nov. 6th wherein he writes;"'Some days have elapsed since I have heard from you and as I cannot recollect any reason for your silence I begin to be apprehensive that you may have been unwell and have been prevented by indisposition from writing to me. I therefore write this line to request you to write to me and let me know how you are.'"On the same sheet the Duke writes Nov. 7th; 'I have this morning received yours of the 6th and am delighted to find that you are not indisposed. I was in Town on two different days in last week; in one I attended the Ceremony of opening the Royal Exchange by Her Majesty the Queen[Endnote 6]—on another to attend the marriage and indeed to give away in marriage a young Lady and was under the necessity of returning here as Time, Tides and Trains or Railroads wait for no Man and I had not time even to write, much less to go to see you.'"The Duke's next letter is dated Nov. 10th 1844 wherein he writes—'You always express in your letters the same interest for my welfare which has always drawn from me the expressions of my grateful sense of your kindness.' Again in the Duke's next letter dated Nov. the 12th he writes; 'Notwithstanding that I wrote to you so lately I will not suffer the Post to go this day without expressing my sense of your kindness in writing to me.'"The Duke's next letter is dated Nov. 19th, in which he writes—'I intend to go to see you as soon as I shall have a moment's leisure. But my time is really so much employed in the service of the Public as to leave me none for social purposes and scarcely enough for Repose.'"The Duke's next letter is dated Nov. 20th, wherein he writes—'I write you one line to tell you that if it should be in my power I will call upon you this day after three o'clock.'"The Duke's next letter is dated Dec. 3rd, wherein he writes—'I was so much occupied with public business that I could not call upon you again. I am quite well. Then I was at Windsor Castle in attendance upon Her Majesty the Queen during the five last days of last week. I have not got the Parcel to which you referred.'"In the Duke's letter dated Dec. 11th, he writes; 'I have been very much concerned to hear that you are unwell. You must take care of yourself and keep yourself very warm in this bad weather.'"The Duke's next letter is dated Dec. 14th wherein he writes—'I returned to London last night having been detained at Windsor Castle till late in the afternoon and I went there on Thursday and received your Note dated the 13th, for which I am much obliged.'"The Duke's next letter is dated Dec. 20th wherein he writes—'I am very sorry, but my time is so much occupied, and while the Almighty will deign to permit me to live will be so occupied as that I shall not have leisure to pay visits. I have frequently expressed my regret that it should be so and repeat them now.'"In the Duke's next letter, dated Dec. 21st, he writes; 'I am very sensible of the kindness of your letter of yesterday afternoon which I received last night."'I am, thank God! in perfect good health but have had the misfortune of losing my Sister. But I trust that by the Mercy of God! She is Happy.'[Endnote 7]"The Duke's next letter is dated Dec. 24th, wherein he writes—'I have received several letters from you after my return to Town after paying the last Respects to the Memory of my poor Sister—I return you my thanks for them all and am very sensible of your kindness in writing to me.'"In a letter from the Duke dated Dec. 26th, he writes—'I am sorry to learn that you have caught cold and are suffering from sore throat. I hope that you will take care of yourself and avoid to expose yourself to cold in this severe weather. I am very sensible of your kindness in writing to me as you have; I hope that I feel as I ought upon the occasion of the recent described affliction which I have suffered.'"1845.—The first letter from the Duke, of this year, is dated Jan. 3rd, wherein he writes; 'I am very much obliged to you my dear Miss J. for several letters received from you in these last days; and regret that I was so much occupied when I received each of them as to be unable to acknowledge its receipt by return of Post. I am very sensible of your kindness in writing to me.'"The next letter from the Duke is dated Jan. 13th wherein he writes—"When I wrote to you last My dear Miss J. I omitted to thank you for one letter which I had received from you. The one to which I refer was dated the 23rd Inst., the day on which I attended the funeral of my poor Sister. I was in London for three days but my time was so much occupied that I could not even write to you, much less fix a time at which I could be able to pay you a visit.'"In the next letter from the Duke dated Strathfieldsaye, Jan. 17th, he writes; 'You have been correctly informed; Her Majesty the Queen does intend to pay me a visit here on Monday the 20th and to remain till Thursday the 23rd.'[Endnote 8]"In the next letter from the Duke, dated Jan. 23rd, he writes—'I am much obliged to you my dear Miss J. for all your letters dated the 18th, 19th, 20th and 21st which I have received regularly in due course. I wish that it were in my power to peruse them when I receive them—still more to acknowledge the receipt of them regularly. But that is impossible. My time is so much occupied that I have scarcely sufficient for Rest. However my Health continues excellent and my strength unimpaired.' The next letter from the Duke is dated Feb. 7th 1845, wherein he writes; 'I have received many letters from you, dated the 20th, 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 26th and Feb. 2nd, which I have not expressed the sense of gratitude I felt for your kindness in writing them. But in truth I have been so much occupied, not alone by my public business but by the afflicting sickness of one of my Family; one of whom,—My Niece, we have lost; and another, my brother, is still very unwell that I have really scarcely had time to turn about. However I thank God! my brother is stronger and better and I hope that he will be able to bear the remedies which must be administered to him.'"In the Duke's next letter he writes, dating it Feb. 8th—'I fear that there was one letter which I did not acknowledge in my note of yesterday—that of the 3rd Inst. But I must say that my time and attention are so much taken up from morning till I go to bed at night that it is not surprising that I should pass over a letter in acknowledging the receipt of others, however kind and interesting, its contents. I have really more to do than I can find time for, notwithstanding my constant attention and diligence.'"In the poor Duke's next letter he writes—dating it Feb. 25th; 'My omission to write to you etc—is to be attributed to my constant occupation in the Public service and since My return to Town in these latter days, since the Queen paid me a visit, by the continued illness of my poor brother; and by my attendance upon Him, his wife and afflicted family. I was very sensible of your kind offer of Assistance—But he had everything. We lost him, Alas! on Saturday night, I am happy to say without pain or suffering.[Endnote 9]His last moments were those of a good Christian in peace with all the world and I trust, in the Mercy of the Almighty, in favor with Him! You are very kind and I am very sensible of your kindness in offering me consolation and in urging me to call upon you and I will do so as soon as it will be in my power and will write to apprize you of the Time.'"In the Duke's next letter, dated March the 1st, he writes—'It is true I have been greatly afflicted. But by the Mercy of God My poor Brother suffered but little in his last Moments. Indeed I may say—no pain, from the disorder by which he had been afflicted and his mind was at ease and full of confidence in the Mercy of the Almighty.'"In the Duke's next letter dated March 6th he writes—'I am concerned to learn that you are not well.'"In the Duke's next letter he, after dating it March 15th, 1845, reports how occupied he is, adding; 'I regret exceedingly to learn that you are still unwell. But hope that we shall have moderate weather usual at this season, which will soon recruit your health.'"

"'P.S. I add a line to tell you that I have received; and am very sensible of the kindness of your Letter of the 18th in the middle of the day; which was brought down here this evening by a messenger from my House in London.

"'I am happy to find that you had received my Letter; you need not be apprehensive of my catching Cold on my Journeys. You may rely upon my taking care of myself.

"'Believe me Ever Yours most faithfully,

"'Wellington.'

"In the Duke's next letter, dated Oct. 24th, he writes—'I have to acknowledge the receipt of, and to thank you for your continued kindness in writing me two long letters.' At the end the Duke writes; 'It is possible that I may be under the necessity of going to London to attend to the opening of the New Royal Exchange.'

"The next letter from the Duke is dated Nov. 6th wherein he writes;

"'Some days have elapsed since I have heard from you and as I cannot recollect any reason for your silence I begin to be apprehensive that you may have been unwell and have been prevented by indisposition from writing to me. I therefore write this line to request you to write to me and let me know how you are.'

"On the same sheet the Duke writes Nov. 7th; 'I have this morning received yours of the 6th and am delighted to find that you are not indisposed. I was in Town on two different days in last week; in one I attended the Ceremony of opening the Royal Exchange by Her Majesty the Queen[Endnote 6]—on another to attend the marriage and indeed to give away in marriage a young Lady and was under the necessity of returning here as Time, Tides and Trains or Railroads wait for no Man and I had not time even to write, much less to go to see you.'

"The Duke's next letter is dated Nov. 10th 1844 wherein he writes—'You always express in your letters the same interest for my welfare which has always drawn from me the expressions of my grateful sense of your kindness.' Again in the Duke's next letter dated Nov. the 12th he writes; 'Notwithstanding that I wrote to you so lately I will not suffer the Post to go this day without expressing my sense of your kindness in writing to me.'

"The Duke's next letter is dated Nov. 19th, in which he writes—'I intend to go to see you as soon as I shall have a moment's leisure. But my time is really so much employed in the service of the Public as to leave me none for social purposes and scarcely enough for Repose.'

"The Duke's next letter is dated Nov. 20th, wherein he writes—'I write you one line to tell you that if it should be in my power I will call upon you this day after three o'clock.'

"The Duke's next letter is dated Dec. 3rd, wherein he writes—'I was so much occupied with public business that I could not call upon you again. I am quite well. Then I was at Windsor Castle in attendance upon Her Majesty the Queen during the five last days of last week. I have not got the Parcel to which you referred.'

"In the Duke's letter dated Dec. 11th, he writes; 'I have been very much concerned to hear that you are unwell. You must take care of yourself and keep yourself very warm in this bad weather.'

"The Duke's next letter is dated Dec. 14th wherein he writes—'I returned to London last night having been detained at Windsor Castle till late in the afternoon and I went there on Thursday and received your Note dated the 13th, for which I am much obliged.'

"The Duke's next letter is dated Dec. 20th wherein he writes—'I am very sorry, but my time is so much occupied, and while the Almighty will deign to permit me to live will be so occupied as that I shall not have leisure to pay visits. I have frequently expressed my regret that it should be so and repeat them now.'

"In the Duke's next letter, dated Dec. 21st, he writes; 'I am very sensible of the kindness of your letter of yesterday afternoon which I received last night.

"'I am, thank God! in perfect good health but have had the misfortune of losing my Sister. But I trust that by the Mercy of God! She is Happy.'[Endnote 7]

"The Duke's next letter is dated Dec. 24th, wherein he writes—'I have received several letters from you after my return to Town after paying the last Respects to the Memory of my poor Sister—I return you my thanks for them all and am very sensible of your kindness in writing to me.'

"In a letter from the Duke dated Dec. 26th, he writes—'I am sorry to learn that you have caught cold and are suffering from sore throat. I hope that you will take care of yourself and avoid to expose yourself to cold in this severe weather. I am very sensible of your kindness in writing to me as you have; I hope that I feel as I ought upon the occasion of the recent described affliction which I have suffered.'

"1845.—The first letter from the Duke, of this year, is dated Jan. 3rd, wherein he writes; 'I am very much obliged to you my dear Miss J. for several letters received from you in these last days; and regret that I was so much occupied when I received each of them as to be unable to acknowledge its receipt by return of Post. I am very sensible of your kindness in writing to me.'

"The next letter from the Duke is dated Jan. 13th wherein he writes—

"When I wrote to you last My dear Miss J. I omitted to thank you for one letter which I had received from you. The one to which I refer was dated the 23rd Inst., the day on which I attended the funeral of my poor Sister. I was in London for three days but my time was so much occupied that I could not even write to you, much less fix a time at which I could be able to pay you a visit.'

"In the next letter from the Duke dated Strathfieldsaye, Jan. 17th, he writes; 'You have been correctly informed; Her Majesty the Queen does intend to pay me a visit here on Monday the 20th and to remain till Thursday the 23rd.'[Endnote 8]

"In the next letter from the Duke, dated Jan. 23rd, he writes—'I am much obliged to you my dear Miss J. for all your letters dated the 18th, 19th, 20th and 21st which I have received regularly in due course. I wish that it were in my power to peruse them when I receive them—still more to acknowledge the receipt of them regularly. But that is impossible. My time is so much occupied that I have scarcely sufficient for Rest. However my Health continues excellent and my strength unimpaired.' The next letter from the Duke is dated Feb. 7th 1845, wherein he writes; 'I have received many letters from you, dated the 20th, 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 26th and Feb. 2nd, which I have not expressed the sense of gratitude I felt for your kindness in writing them. But in truth I have been so much occupied, not alone by my public business but by the afflicting sickness of one of my Family; one of whom,—My Niece, we have lost; and another, my brother, is still very unwell that I have really scarcely had time to turn about. However I thank God! my brother is stronger and better and I hope that he will be able to bear the remedies which must be administered to him.'

"In the Duke's next letter he writes, dating it Feb. 8th—'I fear that there was one letter which I did not acknowledge in my note of yesterday—that of the 3rd Inst. But I must say that my time and attention are so much taken up from morning till I go to bed at night that it is not surprising that I should pass over a letter in acknowledging the receipt of others, however kind and interesting, its contents. I have really more to do than I can find time for, notwithstanding my constant attention and diligence.'

"In the poor Duke's next letter he writes—dating it Feb. 25th; 'My omission to write to you etc—is to be attributed to my constant occupation in the Public service and since My return to Town in these latter days, since the Queen paid me a visit, by the continued illness of my poor brother; and by my attendance upon Him, his wife and afflicted family. I was very sensible of your kind offer of Assistance—But he had everything. We lost him, Alas! on Saturday night, I am happy to say without pain or suffering.[Endnote 9]His last moments were those of a good Christian in peace with all the world and I trust, in the Mercy of the Almighty, in favor with Him! You are very kind and I am very sensible of your kindness in offering me consolation and in urging me to call upon you and I will do so as soon as it will be in my power and will write to apprize you of the Time.'

"In the Duke's next letter, dated March the 1st, he writes—'It is true I have been greatly afflicted. But by the Mercy of God My poor Brother suffered but little in his last Moments. Indeed I may say—no pain, from the disorder by which he had been afflicted and his mind was at ease and full of confidence in the Mercy of the Almighty.'

"In the Duke's next letter dated March 6th he writes—'I am concerned to learn that you are not well.'

"In the Duke's next letter he, after dating it March 15th, 1845, reports how occupied he is, adding; 'I regret exceedingly to learn that you are still unwell. But hope that we shall have moderate weather usual at this season, which will soon recruit your health.'"

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