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
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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
Your kind wish that I should not fatigue myself with writing too
much is, rest assured, appreciated as it deserves, as every other
mark of kindness and consideration shown to
Yours devotedly,
A. J.
A Harold Skimpole in petticoats! The ineffable condescension to the
worldly-mindedness of the Duke, the tone of spiritual pride that
pervades the letters, would be exasperating if they were not absurd.
That the humorous side of the affair was not apparent to the Duke is
shown by his reply:--
LONDON, July 16, 1850.
MY DEAR MISS J.,--I am very sorry indeed if I should have
offended you. But when you wrote to me a description of the State
of your affairs, I concluded that you intended that I should form
an opinion upon them and communicate the same to you!
It is very true that you and I are of a different opinion. I
think that God having endowed Men with reason, and the Power of
judging Right from wrong! Has made Him responsible for the care
of _Himself_ and for good will to all!
You think that Man is responsible only for His Duty towards the
Almighty! who charges Himself with the Rest! I dare say that I am
mistaken! notwithstanding my Studies. You know more of this
matter than I do!
Ever Yours most faithfully,
WELLINGTON.
Miss J. does not give a copy of her next letter to the Duke, but she
remarks that it consisted principally of observations upon complete
reliance on God, and disregard of earthly means; taking as her text,
"Seek FIRST the Kingdom of God and HIS righteousness and all these
things shall be added unto you."
The Duke's answer does not savor of things spiritual:--
LONDON, July 23, 1850.
MY DEAR MISS J.,--I am very much concerned to observe from your
last letter that notwithstanding that you feel that you require
my Worldly assistance; and are willing to accept and receive the
same, you will not state to me the mode in which I am to render
the Assistance required! I know that you have a Banker in London!
Why don't you then let me know His Name? or state in whatever
mode of those stated by me you would wish to receive what I
should send. You may rely upon it that unless precautions are
taken you will not receive the money sent! It will fall into the
hands of thieves!
Ever Yours most faithfully
WELLINGTON.
Miss J. writes:--
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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