fir-grove.

How soon, my dear Sir Edward, are our brightest prospects clouded over, and our mirth turned into mourning! My last was written in the gaiety of my heart; – I write this under the impression of unaffected sorrow. Mr. Montgomery, - the worthy, the excellent Mr. Montgomery is no more! Yesterday afternoon, in apparent good health, and/ with his usual degree of spirits, he was walking with his son and me in the grove, when he suddenly dropped down in an apoplectic fit, and expired before he could be got into the house. Immediate assistance was obtained, but the utmost medical skill proved ineffectual; the lamp of life was totally extinct! It is impossible to paint to you the distraction and grief of poor Charles; - he was like one bereft of his senses; he caught the corps in his arms; bathed the face with his tears; called upon his father; knelt, and implored him to speak. The gentlemen of the faculty, who had been summoned, informed me of the necessity of his being let blood to prevent a fever. With some difficulty we drew him from the corps, and brought him to submit; after which, we got him to bed. I am sorry to add, that the precaution has not been perfectly successful: he was feverish all night; remains yet much indisposed; and has not left his chamber. They have just told me, he inquires for me. I will take up the pen again at the first leisure moment./

Charles is better! - but, alas! his thoughts again revert to his Fanny, as he calls her; he is extremely desirous that she should be informed of the afflictive event, to account for his not visiting her yet. – I have, therefore, promised to ride over to Leeds with the intelligence to-morrow, if he is sufficiently recovered to admit of my leaving him.