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
"Again in the Duke's letter dated May 30th he writes--'The truth is
that my occupation in the service of the Public is incessant from
one week's end to the other. It is not given to Man to be in two
places at the same time and I have scarcely time for Rest--none for
recreation or amusement even social.'
"In the Duke's next letter dated June 5th he writes 'My time is
really so much employed as to have none for either repose or meals.
We are now at the 5th of June. I have dined but twice since the
29th of May, although in perfect Health. I have scarcely time for
Repose as you will see when I tell you that I returned home this
morning only at half past four.'
"I knew that the Duke could find time to go to parties, etc, etc,
therefore I considered such letters as mine ought not to be laid
aside in silence, more especially as he was continually implying he
meant to call upon me, but never did, so thus keeping my mind in
suspense and expectation. This doubtless The Lord of lords in His
infinite wisdom did not see fit to gratify, knowing far better what
is good for us than we do for ourselves. Otherwise HE could and
would have compelled him to come to me daily, whatever his
occupations may have been.
"The Duke's next letter is dated June 7th, wherein he
writes--'Besides being very good, you must admit that patience
under disappointment is required from us all. That is all I ask
from you.'
"Which I suppose sprang from my expressing disappointment at not
seeing the Duke, little imagining that the Lord of lords had
decreed he should never call again, knowing far better what is good
for us than we do for ourselves. O that His Holy Name may be
magnified throughout for His blessed Holy Name's Sake!
"In the Duke's next letter he writes at its conclusion, having
dated it June 16^th 1845 'I am quite well, thank God!
notwithstanding the constant fatigue which I endure.'
"The next letter in due course from the Duke is dated June 27th,
1845, wherein he writes--'I am very sensible of your kindness in
writing. I am anxious that you should recollect that if I omit to
acknowledge the receipt of, and to thank you for the receipt of
your letters regularly it is because I really have not leisure
time. I assure you that since last Sunday I have dined only once,
and that was on Wednesday. I thank God that I preserve my health
and strength; and am really as strong as I was twenty-two years
ago, but have not leisure time for social occupations of any
description.'
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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