melworth-hall.

With inexpressible concern, I take up the pen to inform you, my dear Rhoda, that an event has occurred which puts it out of my power to gratify your wishes and my own by meeting you at Scarborough this season. It would be superfluous to add, how severely I feel the disappointment, after having so long flattered myself with the pleasing idea. – But daily experience convinces us of the uncertainty/of every human enjoyment; and we ought to learn not to depend very strongly upon the completion of any of them. It is the fate of every mortal, while in existence, to be perpetually learning; but few are thoroughly taught. The various dispensations of providence towards us, afford innumerable lessons for our advantage; but, like thoughtless children at school, we are apt to turn over the leaf, when we find a difficulty or dislike in our hearts to read it. – This is a lesson to me of submission and patience on one account, and on another, of pious gratitude to the most high for having mercifully preserved the life of a valuable relation in a time of great danger.

You have often, my dear, heard me speak of my uncle Watson, my mother's brother. He has been in the East Indies during the last ten years and was returning hither, with an intention to spend the remnant of his days in his native country, when the ship he was on board of was wrecked, and many lives were lost in consequence. Providentially, Mr. Watson was amongst the few who were preserved, by clinging to pieces of the wreck; in which dismal/situation, hopeless of relief they continued a night and a day – destitute of food – nearly so of covering; and their strength so nearly exhausted, that they would inevitably have perished, if a French vessel, bound for Havre-de-Grace, had not appeared in sight; and, as soon as they came near enough to behold the poor sufferers, immediately sent out their boat and took them all on board, where the utmost humanity and tenderness was extended towards them.