Browne for purchasing the little hat for Walter. It was not the kind I meant, however,—those here are worn only by girls, square crowns altogether for boys. Give my best love to Horatio and Nabby, Isabella and husband, Arixene—I want to send her a pattern to work a frock in; I have a very pretty one, with but little work on. Adieu; write me very particularly about William. E. S. BOWNE. To Mrs. Wm. Browne (Octavia Southgate). New York, Jan. 13, 1808. I have been in daily expectation of hearing farther from you, my dear Miranda. I received a letter from Octavia by the same mail that brought me yours, informing me of the melancholy change in their prospects, which I answered immediately and used every argument I thought could console her at such a time. Her firmness and resolution in relating the particulars, her reasoning on the subject, displayed the real superiority of her mind. She has had severe trials; the danger of her child, and now this stroke; I tremble when I think with how much less firmness I should probably have acted in the same trials. I am extremely anxious to hear all the particulars of their failure, how Mr. Browne bears it, where they will spend their winter. I wish with all my heart Octavia and her child would come and stay with me until Mr. Browne could arrange his affairs a little. But I suppose ’twould be in vain to urge her to leave her husband at this time. You mention that you were in hopes Papa would secure Octavia’s furniture for her. I wish you would write me particularly if he did. Octavia writes me he attached all the personal property he knew of at the time. Pappa too I fear will be quite a sufferer by their failure. I hear Webster is gone,—he, I think, had money of my Father’s. Mr. Bowne has always thought he played rather a hazardous game in letting out money in that way. I hope he is not materially injured,—he will, at any rate, have the consolation to know that the education of his children is principally accomplished; he will always have enough to live with comfort and ease, and as to leaving a great deal, I think ’tis very immaterial. I am glad to find his stock here has produced a very good dividend this month. I hope this won’t depress his spirits any,—old people feel the loss of property much more than younger ones. However, Papa’s is nothing to mention at these times, as he is not in debt, has a good farm, and will always have all the comforts of life; indeed, I think ’twill have a good effect. He has always been determined on leaving such a sum untouched, and from that darling object has deprived himself of the comfort of a comfortable house for many years past. Accident has interfered with the fulfilment of his plan; he will now enjoy what he has left without thinking of leaving