Madam

My aunt has just brought me her letter to enclose to you. – I have perused it, and find she has rendered it almost unnecessary for me to make any addition to it: but, lest you should do me the injustice to suppose I am acting only by compulsion, I cannot omit telling you, that every sentence she has written, meets my warmest approbation. Our friendship, if it can be called so, where there is no congeniality of mind to cement the union, has, for a long time past, been a source of disquiet to me. Tho’ I wanted strength of mind to break the attachment, and courage to avow my abhorrence of your principles and conduct, hints have been passed over with ridicule or inattention, and a false delicacy prevented my going farther./

The resolution I have formed of relinquishing all intercourse with you, relieves my spirits from the painful weight which has long oppressed them. I intend, firmly to adhere to it. Henceforth, I will endeavour to copy the bright example my aunt's conduct sets before me. I will form no friendships, no connections of any kind, that are not founded on the basis of virtue. – I can then have no reason to blush in secret, for the sentiments of a correspondent. I had hoped, alas! how vainly! that the conjugal tie would have been a means of reforming both your principles and manners; I am concerned at finding myself mistaken, since only that reformation could have restored you to my esteem, which has long ceased.

To assure you, however, that the apparent alteration in me does not, in the least degree, proceed from the alteration in your circumstances, I add, with the permission of my aunt, that we will either of us be ready, at any time, to render you pecuniary assistances, if you will apply them to virtuous purposes. – But upon this subject you must address her;/ for I will not open any more letters with your hand writing on the superscription.