The Letters of the Duke of Wellington to Miss J., 1834-1851: Edited, with Extracts from the Diary of the LatterWellington, Arthur Wellesley, Duke of
History
The Letters of the Duke of Wellington to Miss J., 1834-1851: Edited, with Extracts from the Diary of the Latter
Wellington, Arthur Wellesley, Duke of
Wellington, Arthur Wellesley, Duke of, 1769-1852 -- Correspondence
"In his next, dated the 4th, he writes--'I hope, indeed I am
certain that you will not cease to write to me what you feel and
that you will excuse me if I sometimes venture to act your part
although not exactly in your department. I came down to the house
of Lords directly after the Post arrived and I am writing to you
from thence.' Judging by the next letter, dated August 6th, I had
made some enquiry concerning Major P. as the Duke replies thus, 'I
don't recollect Major P. But as nearly every officer in the Army
who has served has served with me I don't doubt that he has. Ask
him in what regiment he served.'"
LONDON, August 7, 1835.
MY DEAR MISS J.,--I beg pardon again for having omitted to notice
the personal Inconvenience you suffered in your Journey to and
your arrival in Harrowgate. I should have thought the impertinent
Blasphemy of the Travellers in the Stage Coach would have annoyed
you more than any personal inconvenience.
I see no chance of my quitting London; or of having one moment's
respite from Business. I passed twelve Hours yesterday; and I am
going to pass twelve Hours this day in the House of Peers. I hope
therefore that I shall see you even though your stay in
Harrowgate should be prolonged more than you expect.
Believe me Ever Yours most sincerely
W.
This, with the other letters given entire, is copied from the original
MS. in the Duke's handwriting. Miss J. quotes only a line from the
above, and goes on to one written the next day:--
"In that dated the 8th of August the Duke writes 'I don't consider
with you that it is necessary to enter into a disputation with
every wandering Blasphemer--much must depend upon the
circumstances. But I must say that the Meekness of the Christian is
better displayed by silence on such an occasion, and more good is
done by contempt than by any disputation. However I may be wrong
and you right and I only suggest my own opinion.'
"In the Duke's letter dated August 8th he alludes kindly to my
health, adding 'I am very much flattered by your letters but I hope
that you will not think it necessary to write when it will produce
pain or uneasiness to make such an exertion. As long as your
silence will not be attributed to your being offended at anything I
may have done or written, or may have omitted I shall regret it as
it will prove to me that you are indisposed but I shall not feel
that you are displeased.' By the Duke's next letter, dated August
12th, I presume I had referred to his time being so much occupied
as he in reply writes 'It is true that I am very much occupied, and
cannot tell when I shall be less so. But I am at all times happy to
hear from you and to write you an answer in return.'
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account