“This day thirteen years I became the wife of my beloved Brenton; and most truly can I say, that never was woman blessed with a superior, or more exalted character in a husband than myself. When I say that I found him possessed of every virtue that can adorn or dignify human nature, I think I do not exaggerate, for I am not singular in my opinion: grateful indeed then do I feel to the all-wise disposer of events, that it pleased Him to vouchsafe me such a blessing, frail and erring mortal that I am. Our lives since our marriage have been chequered with a variety of scenes, but thanks be to Almighty God we have not met with any real misfortune; and the blessings we have received have preponderated so much, when weighed against the scale of disappointments, annoying circumstances, and pecuniary losses; that we can only have one feeling, when we view our situation in its true and proper light, and that is, most unbounded gratitude to the Father of all mercies.” CHAPTER XVI. REFLECTIONS ON THE DEATH OF LADY BRENTON.—EXTRACTS FROM THE PRIVATE MEMORANDA.—SUFFERINGS FROM HIS WOUND, AND REMARKS ON THE SUBJECT. Lady Brenton’s death took place on July 29, 1817. A letter addressed to his mother, dated Simon’s Bay, Sept. 17, 1817, will shew more clearly than any attempt at description, the feelings with which her attached and devoted husband contemplated his loss. “SIMON’S BAY, SEPTEMBER 17th, 1817 “MY DEAR MADAM, “I have been long intending to write to you, but from the nature of the melancholy communication you will have received long before this reaches you, I could with difficulty bring myself to the exertion necessary.