(seq. 26)

[fol. 1v]

No. 11 Wales Lane. October 1s.t 1795.

Beloved Friend,

It seems a long time, tho but a fortnight, since
I saw you. I shall, therefore, consider you at the other side of my
table, asking such questions as, How does my dear E. do? What
pleasing anecdotes have you laid up? &c. As to E's health, employment,
& even most interesting thoughts, you have undoubtedly received infor-
mation by your epistolary telegraphes. What then remains? "Anecdotes
"copied on the spot", you say, "do not fail to produce pleasure." Let me
think. ----- On Monday, 21st ult. I went with Misses E & N to
hear Judge Lowell's address before the Roxbury-Charitable-Society. It was
a union of learning, taste & sensibility. The latter was exhibited in a degree
suitable to the occasion. As a good evidence of this, E. was all attenton, &
expressed the most noble sentiments in her countenance, while her heart
beat in unison to every eulogium on charity. N. was not unimpressed
at a scene so melting. But as she is made of "sterner stuff" than E.
she was less affected. I ask Miss N's pardon, if by this decription, I have
done her injustice. My meaning is this only, that she is, by nature,
formed differntly form E. On our return, the subject of discourse, as
was highly proper, was dictated by the recent occasion. Miss E. remarked,
that she was highly pleased, to hear the Judge call in the aid of re-
ligion to plead the cause of charity. After he had displayed, from our
natural feelings, the loveliness, importance, & rewards of charity, he
hoped, he should not be considered, as invading the province of a
vernable & respectable order of men, if he should proceed to shew, how
exceedingly these were heightened by the consideration of religion. Like
a Scribe well instructed in the Scriptures, he then had recourse to
the Bible, and spiced his discourse with some of its most interest-
ing truths.

As if my measure of enjoyment was not full, I, the last
Thursday, accompanied these ladies to Dedham, by the particular
invitation of Mr Wight. The weather was fine; and our conversa-
tion a mixture of the social & sentimental. Absent friends afford-
ed not the least pleasing topics. At one time I so wrought upon
E. by my enthusiam, that she even expressed a wish, that her
best friend & mine were present to complete our happiness. I
should, then, have used a liberty, which is your preogative, rath-
er than mine, had I not entertained a greater regard for deli-
cacy than for feelings. We passed the day in social glee, & returned in
the evening with those impressions, which innocent cheerfulness
& agreeable conversation never fail to create.
By N. I am informed of the purpose of a letter, wh E. has