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diff --git a/35532.txt b/35532.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..9d11f84 --- /dev/null +++ b/35532.txt @@ -0,0 +1,6945 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Letters of the Duke of Wellington to +Miss J. 1834-1851, by Duke of Wellington + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Letters of the Duke of Wellington to Miss J. 1834-1851 + Edited by Extracts from the Diary of the Latter + +Author: Duke of Wellington + +Editor: Christine Terhune Herrick + +Release Date: March 9, 2011 [EBook #35532] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LETTERS OF DUKE OF WELLINGTON *** + + + + +Produced by Steven Gibbs and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + +THE LETTERS OF THE + +DUKE OF WELLINGTON + +TO MISS J. + + +1834-1851 + + +EDITED, WITH EXTRACTS FROM THE DIARY OF THE LATTER, +BY CHRISTINE TERHUNE HERRICK + + +LONDON +T. FISHER UNWIN +26 PATERNOSTER SQUARE + +University Press: +JOHN WILSON AND SON, CAMBRIDGE, U.S.A. + + + + +Transcriber's Note: In this e-text, superscripted characters are +represented by being preceded by a carat, e.g., D^r and 13^th. + + + + +PREFACE. + + +The effort of the Editor throughout this volume has been to repress +fancy rather than to exercise it. There has not been a word added to or +taken from the letters of the Duke, even the occasional eccentricities +of orthography and punctuation having been preserved. + +The editing that was absolutely necessary to render coherent some +of Miss J.'s lucubrations has been restricted to the excision of +superfluous passages of Scripture that added nothing to the sense of +the text, and the correction of the very erratic punctuation both of +her diary and of the copies she has left of her own letters. + +Miss J.'s copies of the Duke's epistles have been verified by +comparison with the originals. In every case where the needful books +and journals of reference were attainable, the Duke's statements in the +letters of his comings and goings and occupations have been +corroborated by contemporary data. + +The particulars of Miss J.'s personal history have been derived from +private family sources. + +CHRISTINE TERHUNE HERRICK. + +BROOKLYN, March 18, 1889. + + + + +CONTENTS. + + +CHAP. PAGE + + I. INTRODUCTION 1 + + II. FIRST INTERVIEWS 10 + + III. THE FIRST DISCORD 21 + + IV. SMOOTH WATERS 39 + + V. FRESH DIFFICULTIES 55 + + VI. COMPARATIVE CALM 79 + + VII. ASPIRATIONS AND REBUFFS 98 + +VIII. A PEACEFUL PERIOD 120 + + IX. MISUNDERSTANDINGS 149 + + X. A BREATHING SPACE 166 + + XI. THE FINAL RUPTURE 183 + + XII. CONCLUSION 210 + +APPENDIX 221 + + + + +THE LETTERS OF WELLINGTON. + + + + +CHAPTER I. + +INTRODUCTION. + + +These hitherto unpublished Letters from the Duke of Wellington to Miss +J., and the Diary of the latter, have lain for years in a trunk in the +attic of a country-house within thirty miles of New York city. Their +publication is permitted through the kindness of a friend with whose +family Miss J. was remotely connected. The facts with regard to Miss +J.'s life and character have been in part obtained through those who +knew her personally, but mainly through her own Diary,--a worn volume +once handsome, that at the first glance would be taken for a Bible. +This book is supplied with a spring-lock. Its hundreds of pages are +closely covered with a minute handwriting, and the ink with which they +were traced has faded to a yellowish brown, indistinct in places, but +never quite undecipherable. The Duke's letters are written in a +peculiar, irregular hand, very difficult to read, and becoming more +crabbed as he advanced in years. While the spelling is almost +invariably correct, the construction of the sentences is often +involved, and the punctuation follows no known method. + +At the time Miss J.'s correspondence with the Duke of Wellington +opened, she was a very beautiful woman about twenty years of age. Her +parents were from among the smaller English gentry, and in her girlhood +she, with her elder sister, attended one of the best schools in +England. Many of her companions were of noble birth, and the +associations then formed were continued in later years. Miss J.'s +father died while she was little more than a child, and not long after +the mother followed. At her death the daughter writes that a vision was +vouchsafed to her of the heaven her mother was entering. + +The elder sister married an American physician and came with him to +this country, leaving Miss J. with a companion and in the nominal care +of her guardian, who seems to have confined himself to supplying her +with the funds accruing from the investments made of the property left +by her mother. Miss J. lived now in lodgings, now in a rented house, in +company with a devoted elderly friend to whom she constantly alludes in +her Diary, and made many visits to the country-houses of former +schoolmates. She appears never to have had any taste for general +society. A woman of deeply devotional nature, her fervor in spiritual +matters had been heightened by associations into which she had been +thrown soon after quitting school, and further strengthened by the +example and precepts of her bosom companion, Mrs. L. But while the +latter evidently possessed strong common-sense and a well-balanced +mind, Miss J. was impulsive, enthusiastic, undisciplined. Whatever she +did was done with all her might. In her sight there could be no middle +course, no half-way measures. By much introspection and pondering of +the Scriptures she developed into a religious zealot, fanatically +anxious for the conversion of those about her. And this conversion was +in her mind nothing less than the turning aside from all worldly +pursuits, and the entire dedication of time and self to religious +avocations. She shrank with horror from what she called "The World," +and interpreted this to mean public offices, wealth, and honors +conferred by the State. All these she considered as snares to draw the +soul from the contemplation of God and eternity, and bind it down to +the things of time and sense. + +While little more than a girl, she had had a love-affair with a young +man, of whom she writes as "Henry," or "H." Although attached to him, +he fell short of her standard in matters spiritual, and she therefore +gave him up. She describes with feeling her deep anxiety for his +salvation, the prayers she offered for him, and her trembling hope that +he might become converted and they might yet be happy together. As the +young man still clung to "The World," she nerved herself to break the +bond between them and to crush down her affection for him. For a while +she seemed to succeed; but the victory over herself was not complete. +In her Diary she writes:-- + + "A few days ago, while Mary was at the harp, in a moment a feeling + of tenderness seemed to return towards H.; but I could not + certainly say it _was_ so until two days after, when Mary returned + from her visit and alluded to him, adding she had looked at Selby + and prayed it may become an abode of _righteousness_, or words to + this effect,--when I was at once overcome, and burst into tears. + This, indeed, verified my suspicion; and what could I say to such + things but this: 'Thy will, O God, be done!'" + +Resolved that she would not let her mind dwell upon one who had "never +known a new _birth_ unto _righteousness_," she devoted herself to good +works, to instructing the school-children in the village, visiting the +poor and afflicted, teaching two gypsy boys, in whom she was much +interested, to read and to pray, writing letters on religious topics to +her friends, and adapting hymns for the harp. She was an earnest +student of the Bible, and held firm faith in the doctrine that even the +most trivial events in one's life are directed by an overruling +Providence. She carried this belief so far that when in doubt as to +what to do in any matter, she would open her Bible at random, read the +first text that caught her eye, and shape her course by the direction +she found there. + +That her friends deprecated such fanaticism--for it really amounted to +that--in so young and beautiful a girl, is apparent from passages in +her Diary, where she states, with evident enjoyment, that she had +undergone "persecution for righteousness' sake," and laments that +certain friends should so evidently be "laboring under the power of +Satan." + +During the month of June, 1833, while staying with a friend, of whom +she speaks as "Mary," in the village of S., intelligence was brought to +Miss J. of a hardened criminal who was confined in the county jail. He +had been convicted of murder, and was to be executed shortly. Both +Catholic and Protestant clergymen had been with him, and had endeavored +in vain to make some impression upon him by prayers and exhortation. +Here was Miss J.'s opportunity. She and her friend Mary went to the +prisoner, and by their ministrations produced such an effect that he +made full confession of his guilt and professed repentance and +conversion. In her Diary Miss J. tells how she dreaded her first +expedition to the jail, the prayers she uttered for strength, and the +direct answers she received. Of a later visit to "poor Cook" she +writes: + + "Oh, what a glorious change was there! The stony heart become a + heart of flesh! Great God, thy mercies are indeed infinite, and thy + ways past finding out!" A few days later she says: "Went again to + S.; found poor Cook rapidly ripening for that eternal kingdom into + which through his Saviour's righteousness he will soon be + gloriously received." + +The two girls kept up their visits, in face of a command to discontinue +them from Mary's parents. + + "Mary received such an angry letter, prohibiting her visiting poor + Cook,--to whom, notwithstanding, we of _course_ went, saw him, and + the next day were at chapel with him (being Sunday); after which he + said he would like _then_ to fall asleep in the Lord, etc. On + Monday evening we had singing and prayers with him. On Tuesday saw + his chains taken off, and remained with him until he left the + prison. On Wednesday were at court, and left S., feeling our work + was done,--grateful, I trust, for such manifold mercies, and more + anxious than ever to glorify our heavenly Lord. Today, the 10th, + poor Cook suffered; and I can now fancy him a glorious spirit, + hovering near, ministering to those that are to be heirs of + salvation." + +The result of Miss J.'s success with this unfortunate man naturally +strengthened her in her devotion to a religious life; and the effect +was deepened by the commendations of her pious friends. It was not so +common then as now to make pets of condemned criminals; and the success +of this young girl in subduing a man with whom priests and parsons had +hopelessly labored, created a sensation and called forth comment from +the press. It would have been almost phenomenal had the girl's head not +been turned. Her devotion to the advancement of the cause of Christ as +she understood it, was strong and genuine. Surrounded by judicious +advisers, she might have manifested her zeal in a different fashion. As +it was, she now felt she had been especially called of God to do a +great work. Looking around her for an object, her attention was drawn +to the Duke of Wellington. She seemed to have known more of him as the +public man than as the soldier; for she expressly states at a later +period that when she first wrote to him she was not aware that he was +the conqueror of Bonaparte, and did not even know when the Battle of +Waterloo took place,--a statement that leads to the inference that +instruction in the fashionable schools of that day dealt more with +playing on the harp and similar showy accomplishments than with a +knowledge of English history. + +Miss J. leaves in her Diary a list of the letters received from the +Duke, prefacing them with the following introduction:-- + + "Seeing that I have adverted in the former part of this book to the + feelings experienced on our return from poor Cook, which induced me + to look up to the Lord, enquiring what next HE would have me to do, + receiving this precious reply, 'Greater things than these, that + they may marvel;' and considering such words must have had a + reference to his condescending dealings a few months afterwards in + influencing me to write to the Duke upon the necessity of a new + _birth_ unto righteousness,--I am solicitous to devote a portion of + this book to his letters, remarking thereon as the list thereof + proceeds: May the Lord be with me, inclining my heart and pen to + perform all his good will and pleasure, be that whatever it may, + for his holy name' sake. Amen." + +The Duke of Wellington was at this time (1834) a man sixty-five years +old. He was in the prime of strength and health, with a capacity for +work which the roughing and the hard service he had undergone in +earlier life had not in the least impaired. In spite of the passing +unpopularity due to his opposition to the Reform Bill, that led to his +being publicly hooted in 1832, he had had many high offices bestowed +upon him. He had now been a widower for three years. + + + + +CHAPTER II. + +FIRST INTERVIEWS. + + +Miss J.'s first letter to the duke was written on the 15th of January, +1834, from Devonshire, where she was spending several months. She was +greatly encouraged by receiving an answer from the duke by return post. +This letter is unfortunately missing, nor does Miss J. give extracts +from it, as from many others, but she indulges in a few comments upon +it. + + "It was," she says, "dated from Hartford Bridge, Jan. 18, 1833, + instead of 1834,--a remarkable circumstance for one so accurate in + such particulars. It had also a mistake in one place and a blot in + two,--betraying consequently, I should imagine, feelings which + overwhelmed him on the receipt of my Epistle; and since it is not + at all unlikely that the same Lord who worked in me to write may + ('His eyes being in every place') have allowed him to participate + in the same in some way known only to Himself, in order to effect + His purposes." + +Stimulated by this reception of her first venture, Miss J. proceeded +further, and on the 24th of April carried a Bible to the town-house of +the Duke, and with her own hand gave it into the charge of the servant. +She writes a minute account of this occurrence:-- + + "After earnest prayer the Bible was taken by me, with a fluttering, + agitated feeling, to the Duke's gates and delivered into the + porter's hands, after asking him if the Duke were at home. He + replied, 'Yes, ma'am.' I then asked, 'Is he engaged?' He told me + Lord--I forget his name--and Sir Thomas Somebody were with him. I + then inquired, 'Who delivers parcels into His Grace's hands?' He + respectfully said, 'I do, ma'am.' I rejoined, 'Then you will + deliver that,'--returning home, marvelling wherefore such things + were permitted, and what the end thereof would be. Of course a + suitable note accompanied The Bible." + +The Duke was not as prompt in acknowledging "The Bible" as he had been +in replying to the first note, for he did not write until the 27th of +August. Even then the letter was delayed by a mistake he made in the +address, directing the envelope to Mrs., instead of Miss J. She says, +"I presume he was in doubt on the subject whether I was a married or +single lady, as my signature could not decide on that point." In this +note the Duke asks if he may not have the pleasure of meeting her; and +Miss J., acting under the advice of her friend Mrs. L., grants his +request and expresses her own desire to know him,--"considering it may +be The Lord's will to permit personal interviews, proposing under such +circumstances to use my influence with him; accordingly craving the +Divine blessing thereon." + +From the Duke's reply, which follows, it is evident that she had +corrected his uncertainty as to whether she was married or single: + + + WALMER CASTLE, Oct. 24, 1834. + + The Duke of Wellington presents his compliments to Miss J. The + Duke has received her Letter in which she expresses a desire to + see the Duke and that he should call upon her. + + The Duke has certainly received one, if not more, letters from + Miss J., all written upon the same important subject and with the + same beneficent object in view, although the desire to see the + Duke was not expressed in them; and the Duke lately acknowledged + the receipt of one, and of the book, etc., accompanying it. + + Although the Duke is not in the habit of visiting young unmarried + ladies with whom he is not acquainted, he will not decline to + attend Miss J. He is at present at a distance from London, and he + will be detained at Walmer Castle by business in this part of the + county for more than a fortnight. + + Miss J. will probably write to the Duke again, and will let him + know whether she will be in London in a fortnight or three weeks + from this time. + + +This was followed by a note, dated November 8, renewing the expressions +of the Duke's desire to meet one who took such an interest in his +welfare, and informing Miss J. of his intention to call upon her the +twelfth of the month. She was then with her friend Mrs. L. in lodgings +in London, and here the Duke presented himself. + +The interview was most curious, and is fully described in Miss J.'s +Diary. It seems to furnish the key to this correspondence, that lasted +over seventeen years. Even the pietistic phrases with which Miss J.'s +account is thickly interspersed are of value as demonstrating the +woman's real character, and making plain how completely all that +concerned her was subordinated to her conception of what constituted +the glory of God. The full statement was not written immediately after +the Duke's visit, although the main facts were noted in her Diary. The +following narrative was committed to paper some years after the +occurrence it reports. Her motive in giving particulars is, as she +herself states, to protect herself, lest at her death some question +might arise as to the precise relations that had existed between the +Duke and herself. + +She writes:-- + + "I was about to enter further into a copy of the list of the Duke's + letters, in the book with the lock and key, without comment on the + past; but I am not permitted to do so, considering the Lord is too + jealous for his holy name to suffer me to be exposed to censure + which a full knowledge of circumstances would explain and prevent. + Consequently, however reluctant (_recoiling from the_ TASK _as I + do_) to enter into such, the honor due to the holy name so justly + declared to be above every name demands the _effort_; and may _HE_, + as I have upon my knees especially implored him, be with my pen + accordingly, influencing it to write only what is agreeable to his + unerring will, and likely to obtain the end in view above alluded + to, for his holy _name's_ sake! Since he must have influenced the + Duke of Wellington to love me above every other lady upon earth + from the first moment he beheld me, I am not afraid, as in his + sight, to imply such feelings were permitted to exist towards one, + through the workings of his power, for the accomplishment of his + own ends, be they _whatever_ they may,--_which_ ends, _however_ + varying from those I had naturally anticipated, will, I trust, + redound far more to _His Glory_ than my anticipations, if realized, + could possibly have done. + + "I say _naturally anticipated!_ And who can presume to think such + were not _justifiable_ when the individual _thus_ brought into my + presence by 'the Lord of Lords' for the purpose of receiving + instruction from his holy word, never spoke, all power of speech + seeming to be withdrawn, until he was compelled to exclaim: 'Oh, + _how_ I _love_ you! _how_ I _love_ you!' repeating the same over + and over and over again with increasing energy. + + "I will proceed to describe this visit, which took place through a + declaration on _his part_ in a former letter that the desire to see + me sprang from the consideration evinced _by me_ concerning his + _everlasting welfare_. This induced me to receive him accordingly, + praying to God to be with me every moment of the time, directing + even my dress. This He did, letting me be dressed on the occasion + as HE pleased, which, as my Diary relates, was in my old _turned_ + dark green merino gown, _daily_ worn,--not permitting me to be + decorated in any way likely to attract notice, which, as the + employment in view was of so sacred a nature, was neither required + nor obtained. + + "Having committed myself on my knees into his gracious hand, 'whose + I am and whom I serve,' to do with me whatever seemed agreeable to + His unerring will, I descended the stairs after the Duke was + announced, with these words from dear Mrs. L. following me: 'Now if + the Lord should send his arrow into his soul!' (She had fancied + from the commencement that God intended to exalt me for the purpose + of showing forth _his_ praise, so that this impression must + necessarily have been powerfully strengthened by what followed.) + + "I entered the Parlour, where, standing before the fire, I beheld + anything but the kind of individual personally imagined. I had not + had the slightest idea that the Duke has such a beautiful, silver + head, such as I always from my childhood admired, inducing me as I + approached to offer my hand with additional pleasure, saying, 'This + is very kind of Your Grace!' He received my hand graciously and + respectfully,--but spoke not a word. I then requested him to be + seated, two chairs having been placed for that purpose each side of + the fire,--and occupied one of them myself; when recollecting the + purport of his visit, I immediately rose, saying, 'I will show you + _my Treasure_!' He also rose, standing until I re-seated myself + with this _large_ beautiful Bible in my arms. I placed it upon the + table between us, opening it at the Third Chapter of Saint John's + Gospel, announcing the same. On arriving at the seventh verse + thereof, containing this MOMENTOUS passage, flowing from the divine + lips of him who spoke as never man spake, '_Ye_ MUST _be born + again_,' I, as is usual with me, raised my hand, pointing my finger + emphatically, with the solemnity so important an occasion demanded, + being desirous to impress the same on his mind, when to my + astonishment he eagerly _seized_ my hand, exclaiming, as before + described: 'Oh, _how_ I _love_ you!' This was his first + utterance!... + + "Should any one consider strange the expression of _agonizing_ + applied to the Duke's feelings at the time he seized my hand, and + exclaimed as written, I can only say that such an expression seems + hardly doing justice thereto in my estimation. Nor can I find _any_ + language adequate to display the same, for God appeared to have + struck the Duke dumb on beholding me, giving him no power of speech + until he _betrayed_ the effect such had on him. He seemed + determined from first to last to overcome or conceal these + feelings; yet on one occasion, with great solemnity of voice and + manner, on my questioning him concerning who caused him to feel + thus towards me, he replied, + + "'GOD ALMIGHTY.'" + +One hesitates how to comment upon this singular interview. As has been +said, the Duke was at the time of its occurrence sixty-five years old, +a father and a grandfather. Under no circumstances was he a man likely +to fall in love at first sight, even with so beautiful and interesting +a woman as Miss J. Yet the length of time that the correspondence +endured, as well as the tone he generally observed of interest in her +plans, of solicitude for her health, and the readiness with which he +renewed his letters when some misunderstanding had for a while +interrupted them, all go to prove that he must have had a feeling for +her of more than common interest. Miss J. does not demur at avowing her +affection for him again and again. In later years, when there had been +a decided break between them, she writes of him constantly as "my +still-loved, precious Duke." + +That the Duke did not have a general reputation for softness of heart, +even among those who knew him well, may be gathered from Greville's +comments. He styles the Duke:-- + + "A man of great energy, decision, and authority. The Duke is a very + _hard_ man; he takes no notice of any of his family, he never sees + his mother, has only visited her two or three times in the last few + years, and has not now been to see Lady Anne, though she has been + in such affliction for the death of her only son, and he passes her + door every time he goes to Strathfieldsaye.... He is a very + extraordinary man certainly, and with many contradictions in his + character.... He will not endure any one who will not be + subservient to him." + +Several passages in the Duke's letters to Miss J. written when there +had been deaths among his friends or in his family, lead one to modify +the estimate made of him by Greville, who was always too apt to let his +personal prejudices color his statements. M'Carthy declares that while +the Duke was cold and brusque in manner, his affections were warm and +enduring. This softer side of his nature was evidently that shown to +Miss J. The oddest part of the affair was that he should have betrayed +it on such short acquaintance. + +On parting from Miss J. the Duke told her he should be absent from town +for several days, but would call upon her on his return. At his request +she promised to write to him. This she afterwards found "the Lord of +Lords" would not permit. + + "I attempted to fulfil my promise repeatedly; but felt so + restrained that I was obliged at length to relinquish all thought + of doing so, considering such was not the will of God." + +A letter from the Duke dated December 5 inquires the reason of this +silence, and proposes calling again. To this Miss J. sent no answer; +but in spite of her silence she received another note, dated London, +December 22, announcing the Duke's return, and informing her that he +would wait upon her the next day at three o'clock. The following +account of this call is from Miss J.'s Diary:-- + + "During the next visit from the Duke he exclaimed, speaking of his + feeling for me, 'This must be for life!' twice over successively. + He then asked me if I felt sufficient for him to be with him a + whole life, to which I replied: '_If it be the will of God_.' I + observed much excitement about him, and he in a very hurried manner + told me that he was going on a visit to the King. This led me to + reply, 'I wish you were going on a visit to _The King_,' which he + evidently interpreted to mean The King of kings. He left me + hastily, saying he purposed returning in a short time. In the + interim I locked my door and knelt down, beseeching God to be with + me and protect me, showing me what he would have me do under such + marvellous circumstances. Forgetting that the door was fastened, I + was obliged on the Duke's return to explain wherefore, stating that + it is written, 'When thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father + which is in secret, and thy Father which seeth in secret shall + reward thee openly;' adding, '_Therefore_ I locked the door when + you were gone, Your Grace, to kneel down and ask God to take care + of me.' On hearing this his eyes dropped, but he said nothing. On + his asking me why I had not written to him during his absence from + town, I replied, 'Because _God_ would not let me;' when his eyes + again fell, and he was silent." + + + + +CHAPTER III. + +THE FIRST DISCORD. + + +The Duke was again summoned out of town before he had the opportunity +to repeat his call. He promised, however, to attend Miss J. upon his +return at the end of a week. He was detained longer than he had +anticipated, and meanwhile reflection appears to have made Miss J. +doubt the propriety of her meeting him again. She writes an account of +her meditations upon this subject in her Diary, and follows it with a +copy of the letter she wrote to the Duke:-- + + "It is now this day a fortnight since the Duke paid me the visit + attended by the circumstances described, which not only occasioned + suffering immediately after his departure of no common nature, but + daily brought with it an increasing unwillingness to submit to + another interview. As this at _length_ approached I was led to + dread it and consequently to meditate on what The Will of the + Lord might be. Whilst thus employed and looking up for help and + guidance, these blessed promises came, 'In Me is the Help.' '_I + will uphold_ _thee_,' after which I slept in peace. The following + morning, (yesterday) I rose, much strengthened in spirit and prayed + that I might be given grace to fulfil all the good pleasure of God + with regard to one inexpressibly dear to my soul. + + "I then rose from my knees, dressed me, and without the slightest + idea what I was about to do descended into the parlor, which I had + no sooner entered than a powerful feeling possessed me to write + to the Duke, and entreat he would desist visiting me, which + accordingly I was compelled to do. In order to know whether he was + in town, I sent for a Newspaper, thereby learning that he arrived + the day before, consequently that in two hours I could prevent a + visit. As the time he mentioned as that of his stay from Town had + doubly elapsed I concluded he would in all probability call that + day and thus subject me to another trying visit, if immediate + measures were not taken to prevent it. Therefore, I wrote on the + letter 'Put in before 4 o'clock,' in which case it is to be hoped + he would receive it at 6,--or at the furthest 8 o'clock, and I thus + feel myself delivered from the anticipation of a visit which under + present circumstances could only have been productive of a + repetition of feelings I am most anxious to avoid." + + + Saturday, Jan. 10, 1835. + + MY LORD DUKE,--Finding my peace, that perfect peace which for so + many years I have almost uninterruptedly enjoyed interfered with + by your visits,--visits which under present circumstances I + cannot feel justified in receiving, as they are of so different a + nature from those I anticipated when I gave you permission to + call upon me,--I think it my DUTY to entreat they should cease. + + My agitation on Sunday week during and after your departure + called forth _reflections_ which actuate my present conduct. I do + not consider it right personally to place myself so fully and + confidentially in the power of one, who, however honorable and + noble, occasionally seems to forget he is confided in by a Being + who _feels_ herself entitled even in the sight of God, not only + to the appellation of virtuous, in the strictest acceptation of + the word,--but RIGHTEOUS. This appellation as far exceeds the + former in _value_ as the heavens do the earth, as the one is to + be found, I trust, frequently in the unregenerate, whilst the + _latter_ springs SOLELY from _above_. + + Pray do not imagine by the step now taken that I am incapable of + duly appreciating your valued affection!--for I hesitate not to + declare there breathes not the Being so dear to me as yourself. + Yet, whilst I make this declaration and consequently admit that + all the world are as nothing in comparison with you,--I consider + it equally my duty to _add_ that however dear GOD may have made + you to me--(and I feel it is His Work, Why or Wherefore time must + explain) _you_ are as nothing in comparison with CHRIST, Whose + honor I consider concerned, being, I glory to say His openly + acknowledged, however unworthy, servant, And for Whose sake + _consequently_ I have come to the determination of exercising the + _self denial_ herein required. + + That you could ever think of ME, notwithstanding your occasional + forgetfulness,--with any other than the _most_ honorable of + feelings, would of course be as impossible as to imagine you + could at pleasure bring the heavens down under your feet or turn + the Sun out of his course, since _both_ would be more likely than + that I could even for a single moment forget the _high_ END for + which I was created, namely, to _glorify His Holy Name Who_ HAS + REDEEMED _me with His precious Blood_, and _rather_ than dishonor + it I should prefer the sufferings of ETERNAL torments! + + Trusting that the step thus taken may be received by Your Grace + in the light _duty_ both to God and myself demand, I will not + intrude upon your time further than to assure you that should any + _spiritual_ advice from me be considered needful either in + sickness or health, it will _always_ be at your service. + + With an assurance of remembering you from time to time when I + approach _His Throne_ (Who is of purer eyes than to behold + iniquity) and Who looketh into the _deepest_ recesses of the + _human heart_, I beg to subscribe myself that which in reality I + trust you believe I am, namely, + + Your Grace's Most faithful friend + + In The Lord. + + A. J. + + +The Duke's answer was a strong contrast to this effusion. + + + LONDON, Jan. 10, 1835. + + MY DEAR MISS J.,--I have received your letter and enclosures. I + beg to remind you of what I said to you the second day that I saw + you; and if you recollect it you will not be surprised at my + telling you that I entirely concur in the intention which you + have communicated to me. + + I am obliged to you for what you have sent me; and I am + + Ever Yours Most Sincerely, + + WELLINGTON. + + +This note, although courteous in form and substance, brought forth from +Miss J. a reply that, beginning mildly, ended in scathing terms. + + + Monday, Jan. 12, 1835. + + MY LORD DUKE,--I have endeavored in vain to recollect what you + allude to as having said on the second visit paid me, remembering + nothing but what appeared honorable. I supposed it impossible + that there breathed a being who could dare presume to make any + profession of affection for me under opposite circumstances, + feeling as I do, that I should confer as high an honor on a + Prince in bestowing my hand on him as he could on me in receiving + it--but if it be really possible that I have mistaken Your + Grace's feelings I should only degrade my own by adding more than + that I deliver you into His Hands that "judgeth righteously" who + declares to His children the following words--"Ye are the temples + of the Holy Ghost," to which is immediately added "Whosoever + therefore defileth the Temple of God, him will I destroy" + again,--"Take heed that ye offend not one of these little ones," + "Whoso shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me + it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his + neck and that he were drowned in the depths of the sea." + + Trusting that the Lord will bestow upon you that repentance which + is not to be repented of I submit the foregoing scriptures to + your prayerful consideration and subscribe myself that which it + is the highest honor to be considered, however unworthy of the + same I may be and am, + + A Servant of Christ, + + A. J. + + Having on further consideration, I fear found out that to which + you have alluded with such cool, insulting, presuming + deliberation in your note, as being uttered during your second + visit, I have at its remembrance risen in the night with all + those indignant feelings insult demands, to assure you that had I + understood the motives which actuated you to make such an + abhorrent, disgraceful enquiry, one I could not degrade my pen or + self by giving place on paper, however Your Grace may and have + degraded yourself by utterance of the same, I should at the + moment such escaped your lips have spurned you from me as a + serpent whose sting was capable of producing not only + instantaneous but Eternal death! Such a horror should I have had + of one who until now has possessed a share of my affection even + surprising to myself--an affection as pure and sincere as it was + disinterested, but Alas! under present circumstances with the + vail withdrawn from my eyes what a change of feeling exists! such + as would incline me if I did not believe that it was the will of + God we should have met to mourn deeply at ever having desired it. + + In again however reluctantly alluding to the hateful enquiry + above noticed--one at the bare utterance of which it is a mercy + that God "in whose hands your breath is" knowing your despicable + motives (since all hearts are open in His sight and from whom no + secrets are hid however ignorant I may have been and was of the + same) did not in His wrath strike you dead at my feet. I beg to + remind you of my answer which ought, yea, must in itself have + convinced you at the time of my misunderstanding your meaning--it + being in the following words--"_If it be the will of God_;" for + surely you could never for a moment suppose it to be His will + whose purity is such that he charges even His angels with folly + that I, his devoted child and servant, should bring such deep + dishonor on His holy name as to--but my pen with every feeling + of my offended nature recoils from even _writing_, much less + submitting to such abhorrent degradation which none but most + polluted lips could ever dare to vent. + + The answer was given thus hesitatingly although at the time I was + laboring under impressions of its being called forth by the + highest and most honorable intentions on your part. And why thus + hesitatingly? you would ask. Because I was not and am not quite + satisfied that under any circumstances the regenerate soul can be + justified in the sight of God in uniting itself to the + unregenerate, it being written "Be not unequally yoked with + unbelievers," also, "How can two walk together unless they be + agreed?" + + Thus you will perceive that when laboring under the most + favorable impression of your upright intentions, notwithstanding + your rank, etc., all of which with me are beheld in the utter + nothingness such empty things deserve, I should have hesitated + until I perceived in you that change of heart so necessary to + salvation, without which "no man can see the Lord," fearing I + ought not to consent even under the most flattering circumstances + to partake in any outward honors likely to bring the + disapprobation of God. + + When I reflect on my view of the case and then in a moment the + distressing thought of one so sinful on your part darts like a + dagger into my offended spirit, I feel that I should not be + surprised (although rest assured, I do not desire it,) at any + vengeance God saw fit to shower down for such a dreadful + intention upon Your Grace's head. Oh may His Holy Spirit convince + you of the heinousness of the sin in question, leading you from + darkness to light and from "the power of Satan" (under whose + influence you so evidently at present are,) "unto God" in order + that your transgressions may be blotted out in the Blood of the + Lamb--and that consequently the present--and if I mistake not the + greatest sin as far as thought may be concerned in God's sight, + it being of so aggravated a nature arising from the consideration + of the motives which first actuated me to address you and + afterwards receive Your Grace--namely, your eternal + happiness--may never be laid to your charge. In order that such + may not be the case it will be necessary that you should + experience that "Repentance unto life not to be repented of" + which, if felt, would bring with it an unhesitating desire to + apologize with remorse and anguish for the iniquity herein + noticed and which can never be erased from my memory until you + do, feeling it a respect due to myself and Religion. I deliver + you on this second and last occasion,--for of course I here take + a final leave of one I can never wish to behold again under + present circumstances,--once more into His Hands who "is no + respecter of persons," beseeching Him to grant you not only + repentance but forgiveness. I subscribe myself by a title as far + exceeding any Your Grace can possess as the Heavens do the earth + and which I would neither exchange nor resign to become the + Empress of a thousand worlds, + + A Servant of Christ and a Child of God, + + A. J. + + + "After I had written this letter and was meditating, these precious + words came 'FEAR NOT, for I am with thee, be not dismayed, for I am + thy God, I will strengthen thee, I will help thee, yea, I will + uphold thee with the Right Arm of My Righteousness'--and _thus_ + upheld who can faint? _thus_ upheld who can despair? O my Heavenly + Father, strengthen me in the 'inner man' more and more, I beseech + Thee, to endure this and any other trial Thou in Thine unerring + wisdom mayest see fit; anxious for nothing but to fulfil Thy will + in all things, knowing that the path of duty is the path of peace: + also that it is through 'much tribulation we must enter the + Kingdom' that glorious Kingdom where 'the wicked cease from + troubling and the weary are at rest.' Sharp as this trial is, I + have to repeat my frequently acknowledged experience of finding my + strength equal to my day--or in other words the fulfilment of this + Scripture 'Thy strength is made perfect in weakness.' + + "_Tuesday, Jan. 13, 1835._ Last night after experiencing and + penning the feelings herein described, I retired to rest and slept + sweetly and peacefully until about three o'clock--when I awoke with + a disinclination to sleep again--consequently adverted in thought + to my late distressing trials and whilst thus occupied felt assured + what I had suggested must have been _that_ to which the Duke + alludes with such daring effrontery! I then rose, put on my + dressing gown and wrote the language of my indignant soul as far as + such could be painted! but a faint picture at best! Alas! that one + so esteemed should give such cause to show his unworthiness. But it + is doubtlessly permitted for some end which poor blind mortals + cannot penetrate, therefore let me not murmur, but bless God who + has thought me worthy whilst so _un_worthy to rank among that + blessed number described by the angel to Saint John as having 'come + out of much tribulation and washed their robes and made them white + in the Blood of The Lamb.' This may stand as the greatest trial I + ever had! Yet I am so wonderfully upheld, agreeably to the gracious + promise previously given, that I can hardly believe such degrading + circumstances exist! Oh! What an awful thing that one so high in + power is afraid to do that which can call forth the gaze and + disapprobation of a sinful, dying, misjudging world, yet fearless + of committing the most dreadful crime before Him 'Who is of purer + eyes than to behold iniquity.' O may the letter just about to be + sent be permitted to sink deep into his rebellious soul calling it + from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God. Then + indeed we shall have cause to declare the goodness of God in thus + permitting (however revolting and distressing,) late occurrences to + take place! And since He can bring good out of evil, I submit all + that has transpired to His gracious, condescending and unerring + governance for this purpose, knowing that He can bring 'light out + of darkness and make crooked things straight.' O I can never be + sufficiently grateful for the powerful strength which so powerfully + upholds me! and trust the same will be a means among His other + innumerable, unmerited blessings of causing me to glorify His Holy + Name with the best powers of my soul and body under whatever trials + or sorrows may be yet in store for me! Oh may each and all tend to + ripen me 'for an inheritance among the saints in light for Christ's + sake!' + + "Since the above was written I have indeed in a few hours had + additional cause for gratitude and love to God, having received a + letter from the Duke apologizing in every way I could expect, + considering all circumstances, for occasioning my displeasure. Oh! + how gracious is the Lord of Heaven and Earth thus to undertake for + so unworthy a worm! for which I praise Thee, I bless Thee, I + magnify Thee to Whom all power, majesty and dominion belong!" + +The Duke's letter of apology is full of calm dignity, but one regrets +that the accusation was not dismissed with a show, at least, of +righteous indignation. + + + LONDON, Jan. 13, 1835. + + MY DEAR MISS J.,--I beg your pardon if I have written a line or + used an expression which could annoy you. Believe me; it is the + thing of all others that I would wish to avoid! And that there is + nobody more strongly impressed than I am with veneration for your + Virtues, attainments and Sentiments! + + Believe me Ever Yours + + Most sincerely, + + WELLINGTON. + + +This quarrel is of chief interest as indicating that Miss J.'s anxiety +for the Duke's soul was not altogether disinterested. If it had been, +her resentment at his gallantry would hardly have been expressed in +this manner. It is evident that to her mind, the Duke had been trifling +with her. His kindly reception of her efforts to promote his +"everlasting welfare" had raised hopes that would have seemed absurd to +any one of every-day common-sense. She asserts openly in several places +in her Diary that she believed it was the will of God that she should +become the wife of the Duke. + +In this persuasion she was confirmed by her friend Mrs. L.; and to her +and to Miss J. there was nothing unreasonable in the expectation. The +latter considered herself no whit inferior to the Duke in any respect, +as she takes pains to affirm. Instances of this may be given from her +Diary. She says:-- + + "I was impressed throughout my correspondence with and knowledge of + the Duke with a feeling that the end God had in view was my + exaltation for His Glory, or in other words to show forth His + power.... I attach so little importance to rank or worldly + grandeur, that I should have considered I conferred as high an + honor on the Duke in bestowing my hand as he would in receiving it, + of which he was well aware!" + +Miss J. judged herself to be actuated by no worldly motives in her +desire for such promotion. She cleverly concealed the mundane nature of +her aspirations even from herself. Throughout, her declaration is that +her sole aim in life has invariably been, "Glorify Thyself in Me!" By +her elevation to a position where she will be a centre of observation +she hopes to influence those ungodly souls by whom she will be +surrounded, and to imbue them with true piety. She writes:-- + + "I in my turn was permitted to love the Duke, but the honor and + glory of God were ever my consideration. Consequently such + affection of mine being of so opposite a nature to his own was + principally displayed in my watchful solicitude for his everlasting + welfare, concerning which I was firm and faithful throughout, + believing God would convert him _eventually_, causing him to shine + forth gloriously in His adorable service. As in that case the + erroneous impressions in my mind would in all probability have been + verified, I looked forward to becoming as 'a city set on a hill + which cannot be hid,' conceiving such exaltation would admit of + showing forth _His_ praises _openly_ before men. But I doubt not + that I am _far_ happier thus situated, enjoying a lively sense of + His Divine, Adorable presence than I could possibly have had under + the turmoil attending more exalted circumstances. As the poor Duke + evidently did everything in his power to overcome the feelings + referred to, I am aware the _World_ could form no idea of the + extent or power of the same without this explanation from my pen." + +The Duke's affection for Miss J. can hardly have been altogether the +work of her imagination. Besides the interview copied in her Diary, +there is the evidence of the correspondence. True, his epistles are +lacking in open protestations of devotion. Miss J. herself remarks that +the Duke's letters were always cautiously written. He was too much a +man of the world to run the risk of compromising himself in black and +white. But the very existence of this correspondence, extending over a +period of seventeen years, is a strong argument in favor of his having +felt for her a remarkably warm friendship at the least. + +It can hardly be supposed that the Duke seriously intended to marry +Miss J. As he himself writes to her,-- + + "I should not treat you as I should wish to be treated myself. The + commands of all others which we ought to obey are those dictated to + us by our social relations. What would be said, if I, a man of + seventy years of age, nearly, were to take in marriage a lady young + enough to be my Granddaughter?" + +Upon this Miss J. comments:-- + + "_Alas! Alas!_ how deceitful is the human heart! For I am convinced + that although the Duke _wrote_ thus, there was not a moment during + our acquaintance when if I had _not_ been _by the Grace of God_ + what I was and am that he would have thought I was too young to bow + down before me with the most sinful adulation." + +What was either a flirtation or a manifestation of fatherly fondness on +the part of the Duke was a grand passion to Miss J. Perhaps her vanity +was as deeply touched as her heart; but those who knew her best +declared that never until the Duke's death did she resign all hope of +becoming the Duchess of Wellington. + +In another part of her Diary she writes, with the diffuseness and +reiteration that mark her style:-- + + "That I loved the Duke I am not ashamed to say, God knows, and that + too with the purest affection. Consequently when he asked me if I + felt sufficient to be with him a whole life, (which was the + question referred to in that odious letter, for odious indeed it + still appears in my sight, yea, increasingly so with time, for I + recoil with unspeakable horror from the thought that I could be + thus enquired of without being clearly comprehended), I replied to + the same in the following words, '_If it be the will of God_,' not + supposing for a moment, as expressed, that such an enquiry could be + made of one with God's Holy Book before me, to which I had been + attracting his attention with all the reverence and veneration so + holy an employment demanded, except under intentions the most + honorable. This idea many would perhaps say must have arisen from + my want of knowledge of mankind and the world etc. But in that case + how was it that dear Mrs. L----, a perfect woman of the world in + her early life, could think the same and consequently encourage + such views?" + +Long after the Duke had wearied of his passing fancy Miss J. clung to +the idea that she could yet draw him to her. Her secluded life, given +up to good works and pious meditations, and still later her confirmed +ill-health, heightened her unworldliness, and rendered it more than +ever difficult for her to see the impossibility of what in the eyes of +the Duke and his family and friends would have been a misalliance. + +It is perhaps uncharitable to suppose that Miss J. intended by her +assumed reluctance to grant the Duke a third interview to force him to +make a formal declaration of his intentions and ask her hand in +marriage. If this, however, was her plan, it met with a signal failure. +Clearly nothing was farther from the Duke's thoughts than to make +himself the butt of popular ridicule by taking a wife forty-five years +younger than himself, and of retired even though perfectly respectable +social position. Besides that, it can hardly be wondered at if the +Duke, a man free from binding domestic ties, were not in a humor to +place permanently at his elbow so strict a mentor as Miss J., no matter +how pretty she might be. The prudishness and piety that were +fascinating in a beautiful woman seldom seen, would wax wearisome in +the most charming creature bound to him by indissoluble ties. + + + + +CHAPTER IV. + +SMOOTH WATERS. + + + LONDON, June 2, 1835. + + MY DEAR MISS J.,--I received your Note. We perfectly understand + each other; and with your permission I will call upon you + to-morrow at three o'clock. + + There is only one point that I wish to explain in reference to + our last meeting. There might have been a difference of Manner. + There was none of feeling. + + You told me that you had written to me; and I certainly was + anxious to possess your Letters. You certainly wished to take + them out of the Paquet; but if I had thought that your reluctance + to give them was deeply felt, you may rely upon it that I would + not have pressed to have them. + + At all events my perusal of them has occasioned an explanation + which can do no Harm. + + Believe me ever Yours most sincerely + + W. + + +From this it appears that the personal interviews had recommenced. The +letters now follow one another closely. + + + LONDON, June 15, 1835. + + MY DEAR MISS J.,--I have received your Letter of this Day, for + which I return many thanks. + + I was not able to go to see you last week as I intended. I was + confined to my Home by Indisposition for some days; and I was + much occupied. I am going out of town to-morrow. But I hope to be + able to go to see [_sic_] on Saturday at three o'clock if you + should not at that time have left town for the Seaside? + + I will bring with me the Letters and Books which you lent me. I + have read that one which you wish that I should return to you. + + If you should go before I shall see you again I hope that you + will let me know where. + + Believe me Ever Yours most sincerely + + WELLINGTON. + + +Miss J. states that the book here alluded to was an account of the +conversion of the criminal Cook, and touches upon her instrumentality +in bringing about this result. + + + LONDON, June 22nd, 1835. + + MY DEAR MISS J.,--I have read all your Letters since I saw you on + Saturday. Why do you not send each of them to me when you write + it? + + I think that you will have perceived on Saturday that you was + mistaken in the Notion under which you wrote some of them. + + We may differ in opinion and I may be in Error. But I assure you + that I cannot feel otherwise than grateful to you for your + kindness to me; and respect and veneration for the Motives for + it. + + Let me know before you go out of town that I may not misdirect a + Letter to you. + + Believe me Ever Yours most sincerely, + + WELLINGTON. + + +In the latter part of June Miss J. went to Ramsgate. The Duke's letter +of July 1st is directed there:-- + + + LONDON, July 1st, 1835. + + MY DEAR MISS J.,--I am very sorry if in my Letter of Monday I + should have said a Word which could have hurt your feelings. I + think that by this time you ought to be convinced that I could + not intend to do so. + + I might have done so erroneously. I might have been misled by + circumstances. But I could not willingly hurt the feelings of any + body. + + In this particular case you forget that you asked the Question + whether your letters were not overweight. I told you that they + were. + + I likewise informed you of a Rule which we are all under the + necessity of adopting; that is of returning Letters over weight; + because too many Persons are in the habit of thinking that they + may inclose their Letters to a well known Person; and the Charge + becomes enormous. Under these circumstances my Porter has the + usual order not to take in Letters overweight; which he generally + returns; unless I should happen to be in the House when he + enquires. I stated the fact very shortly, as I generally do; in + answer to a question from yourself; and I pointed out to you that + if you desired to write to me more than you could put in two + Sheets, you should put your Letter in two or three or more + covers. + + You must not be so susceptible. Rely upon it, that many many + Years will pass over your Head; before I shall intentionally + offend you. + + Believe me Ever Yours most sincerely + + W. + + + July 7, 1835. + + I have received your two Letters My Dear Miss J., and according + to your desire I write immediately. + + My writing is not very legible by a person not accustomed to it. + But I never could have intended to apply the word mistrust to + you. + + You expressed apprehension that your Letters might be seen by a + third person; as they might have been returned to the Post + Office. + + I did not write the word _relatives_ but _relations_, and that + not in the meaning of relatives. I adverted to your ordinary + relations with other persons, which I said must be attended by + some observance of their Habits and Customs. + + However, there is an end of this matter. I hope that your writing + to me will never be disturbed again by any checks or + difficulties; or expressions which I assure you can never be + intended to convey any meaning but one of kindness towards you, + and of admiration of your Talents, your character and your + Devotion to what is good. Believe me Ever Yours most sincerely + + W. + + +Of the following letters Miss J. gives extracts in her Diary. There are +few of his epistles in which the Duke fails to express his thanks to +Miss J. for her kindness in writing to him. However gratifying this may +have been to her, the constant repetition becomes monotonous to the +indifferent reader. Miss J. writes:-- + + "The next letter from His Grace is dated July 11th, 1835, in which + he writes--'You are mistaken in thinking that I at all disapprove + of the independence of character and conduct which I had observed. + I hope that you may never feel otherwise towards me than in the + State of Independence to say and write to me whatever your mind may + suggest.' + + "In his letter of July 18th the Duke writes--'I thank you for your + Letter received this morning. What I meant by reflection was not to + call your attention to anything particularly passing in the world, + but to the impressions made upon your own mind by any circumstance + you might have observed.----You will tell me that God will direct + you. So He will. But He has given us a Mind, the power of comparing + and reflecting, of deciding what is true and what is false and He + requires us to exercise our judgment in Matters on which He has + given us the capability of forming judgment. You'll tell me that I + am acting your part and teaching you instead of attending to you. + But I beg you observe it is only in explanation of what I wrote to + you in a former letter upon the subject of your change of opinion + respecting an individual at Ramsgate.' + + "The Duke here refers to a Preacher who had spoken in the open air + at Ramsgate of whom I had previously written." + + "The Duke's next letter implies that he understood I was about to + return to Town, inducing him to express an intention of calling on + me but such was not the will of The Lord of Lords, therefore I did + not accede to it, but proceeded expeditiously from Ramsgate to + Harrowgate. Here His Grace's letters followed me." + + + LONDON, July 24th, 1835. + + MY DEAR MISS J.,--I received your Letter by the Post written on + Wednesday; and have this day received that written in London to + inform me that you was about to go to Harrowgate. I am much + obliged to you for both. + + It is true that I am in the habit of writing Answers to all + Letters. But I feel great satisfaction in writing to some; to + those in particular from whom I am desirous of receiving Letters; + and who express a Desire to hear from me. + + I am very glad that you corrected your first Impressions + respecting your Preacher. I believe that we cannot too frequently + pass in review our opinions upon what passes before us. We shall + find ourselves frequently in Error. + + I sincerely hope that the Waters of Harrowgate, may have the + effect of restoring Your Health entirely. Believe me Ever Yours + most sincerely + + W. + + + LONDON, August 3, 1835. + + MY DEAR MISS J.,--I have received your letter of the 31st and I + am really much concerned to learn that I have again created a + feeling of displeasure in your Mind by having omitted to notice + the Inconvenience which you felt upon your Journey to Harrowgate. + + There is always Inconvenience in travelling in a Stage Coach. It + cannot be otherwise. Indeed it is wonderful that there should be + so little; and I must observe that there is less of a physical + and personal Nature in travelling in this Manner in England than + elsewhere. The Inconvenience felt in England is of a moral and + mental description. It is formed of the trash and nonsense which + a traveller is condemned to hear in these vehicles; because every + body talks; and says not what he thinks but what the fancy of the + Moment suggests. For this which was the particular Inconvenience + which you suffered upon this Journey, there is no remedy, but + _Patience;_ and I would add _Silence_. + + You would practice neither. You would not sit _patiently_ and + hear the stupid Irreligion of the Talker; you would reply to Him; + and this occasioned much of the Annoyance which occurred. + + I find that I am again taking your part, instead of my own. I do + so in my own satisfaction. If you are not satisfied with my + observations, you will at least perceive that I had read, nay + more reflected upon your Letter and the account you gave of + yourself. + + But why should you torment yourself by thinking that I did not + read, and did not care for what you represented that you + suffered. You must be aware that you are mistaken! Believe me + Ever Yours most sincerely + + W. + + + "I presume from the Duke's next letter that I had given him a + description of my interview and acquaintance with Major and Mrs. P. + as he therein writes--'I am very happy that you have again seen + Major and Mrs. P. I don't wonder that they should have been + desirous of finding you.' + + "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.' + + "In the Duke's little lecturing letter of the 13th of August he + writes; 'I beg you not to hesitate about writing to me whenever it + can be agreeable to you. I am not capable of answering you and + quoting Chapter and verse in support of my answer but I take from + your own letter a word which I think supports my opinion, "Charity + beareth all things." You will quote much to show that you ought to + enter the lists upon every occasion that offers or rather that is + intruded upon you, etc, etc, etc. You see that I am fast taking + your part from you.' + + "O that you could! for it was my desire that the Duke should become + a Paul in his generation, sitting at his feet accordingly. + + "In the Duke's letter of the 14th of August he writes--'My + attendance in the House of Lords is not at this moment so constant + as it was some days ago. Yet its business occupies much of my time + in the morning but I have some for other purposes.' + + "By the Duke's letter of the 17th I must have assured him of my + intention to return to Town--for he writes--'I shall not have left + London when you will return and I will certainly call upon you as + soon as I shall have heard where you will be. I shall still be as I + am now, much occupied with the Business of Parliament but I don't + doubt that I shall be able to find a moment to call upon you either + in the morning or the evening.' + + "In the Duke's letter of the 18th he kindly advises me not to + travel at night fearing it may prove injurious adding 'I have more + experience than most persons in travelling.' + + "In the Duke's letter of August 19th he writes as follows--'I write + to you constantly in return for your letters and I find time to do + so without inconvenience, but I am afraid that I shall not be able + to go to see you with so much fidelity. A visit takes time, to + write a letter is an affair of a few minutes. I am never in Town + excepting during the sitting of Parliament and then only when there + is much business to be transacted which occupies my whole time.' + + "By the Duke's of the 20th I must have complained of the + worldliness, etc. around me for he writes after remarking thereon; + 'But if you should recover your health there you must not mind the + annoyance of the irregularities of what is called the Company.' The + Duke kindly says in his next, dated August 21st, 'I hope you are + not coming away sooner than is good for you.' + + "In the Duke's next letter of the 22nd of August he writes--'I + shall expect to hear from you when you will arrive and will be + settled in London and I will pay you a visit as soon afterwards as + it will be in my power.' + + "The next letter from the Duke is dated August 26th, implying he + proposed calling when in his power, but adds 'You arrive at a + moment in which I am much occupied. You are at some distance from + hence; and I don't think that from nine in the morning till 12 at + night I could easily find half an hour which I can call my own and + at my disposition.' + + "In the Duke's letter of the 27th he writes; 'I will endeavor to + call upon you this day before three. I cannot afterwards. If I + should call when you don't expect me I will send up that I am the + Gentleman to whom you wrote; unless I should previously hear from + you that I may mention my Name.' + + "Which of course I did not allow, as it was not my desire to be + noticed in the neighborhood, shrinking from it then, as I do now, + when it can be avoided. I recollect the Duke's visit well for he + had to wait until I was dressed by dear Mrs. L. who was in the + house at the time, as usual, for I think he came earlier than I had + expected. Consequently in his next of the 29th he writes; 'I don't + see why you are to take the trouble of dressing to receive me. But + that is your own affair. If you should do so I can wait with + Patience.' + + "This was very pretty in His Grace, but as my dress was always very + simple, it did not require any great exercise of that virtue. + + "By the Duke's next letter of Sept. 1st I fear another letter is + missing as he writes therein 'Mine of yesterday morning will have + informed you that I was obliged to attend the King at Windsor on + Saturday and a part of His family at Kew on Sunday.--I did not say + that _all_ my time was passed in the House of Lords. Much of it is + certainly passed out of the House, but a great part of it is passed + in receiving and talking to the Hundreds, I may say, of the persons + who have business in the House and come to converse on the business + with me.' + + "In the Duke's next letter of Sept. 4th he writes; 'I received this + morning your letter of yesterday, but have not received the Tract + that you mention. It is possibly too heavy for the 2nd Post.' + + "Perhaps this was the case, as I do not recollect hearing any more + of it. The next letter from His Grace is dated the same, Sept. 4th, + Noon, in which he writes; 'I will endeavor to fix and let you know + the time in which I can wait upon you again.' + + "The Duke's next is dated Sept. 5th, in which he writes; 'I was in + the House of Lords from 5 in the evening till two this morning. I + am much obliged to you for the Tract which I will return as soon as + I shall have perused it.' I presume this must have been a little + book entitled The Joy of Israel as I only _lent_ that to people, + its having been a Gift, for it is still in my possession. In the + Duke's next, dated Sept. 7th, the Duke writes--'I have received + your letter written on Saturday for which I return you many thanks. + I am very sorry that I am so much occupied as to be unable to make + my acknowledgments in person.' + + "The Duke's next letter of Sept. 9th acknowledges one from me + wherein I presume I have shown submission to the Divine will + concerning the difficulty attending his visits for he writes; + + "'This could not be otherwise. In the mean time be assured that I + am anxious to have the pleasure and benefit of conversing with you + as often as it may be in my power to see you.'" + +A few passages taken from Miss J.'s Diary at this time are interesting +as displaying the intimate friendship that at this period existed +between her and the Duke. On the 6th of September she writes:-- + + "I have been here (in London,) nearly a fortnight, yet have seen + the Duke only twice, but receive letters daily,--and last night a + particularly kind one. I have been expecting him, but he comes not, + being so occupied with his Parliamentary business. What can I say + to such things but this,--'Shall not the Judge of all the earth do + right?' and, 'Has HE not a right to do what HE will with His own?' + + "_September 10th._ I wrote to the Duke to-day and hope the Lord + will permit him to receive and answer it kindly. The Subject on + which I addressed him was on Christ becoming sin for us and bearing + the wrath of the Father. O Lord, I pray Thee, have mercy upon his + precious soul! + + "_September 14th._ I shall have been here three weeks to morrow, + during which I have seen the Duke four times, and will just allude + to the subjects introduced during each visit. + + "The first brought with it remarks on TRUE Nobility, obliging me to + declare it is to be found only in _Christ_ and _His Righteousness_ + in man. I mentioned what St. Paul said when contrasting the Bereans + with the Thessalonians, namely, 'These were more NOBLE than those + _in Thessalonica in that they received the word with all readiness_ + of mind, and _searched the Scriptures_ DAILY, _whether these things + were so_.' + + "During the second visit, I read to him the 49th Psalm and + particularly called his attention to the last verse thereof thus + written--'Man that is in honour and understandeth not, is like the + beasts that perish,' reminding him they were GOD'S _Words_. + + "During his third visit I told him I should like to be hated of all + men for Christ's sake! and during his fourth and last that he did + not believe Christ to be The Son of God! since which I have written + to him daily and the first reply I receive is one calculated to + produce another check to my feelings, all of which I give up + entirely to the Lord, imploring Him to govern and actuate them just + as HE sees His own honor and glory require, causing me to make + nothing a consideration in comparison therewith." + +One can hardly imagine the Iron Duke, the conqueror of Napoleon, the +representative of the nation in foreign councils, the ex-Prime +Minister, the man upon whom his country delighted to heap honors, +hearkening meekly to these homilies from pretty lips upon what +constituted true nobility. It is impossible to believe that his secret +feelings were not those of amusement, however respectful his outward +semblance. Nor is there much room for question as to whether he would +have listened with as commendable patience had his lecturer been a man +or a plain-faced woman advanced in years. + + + + +CHAPTER V. + +FRESH DIFFICULTIES. + + +In spite of the harmonious relations existing between this curious pair +of friends, another storm was brewing. The basis of this was a +ridiculously slight matter. Miss J. was a stickler for all forms of +deference, and carried this weakness to the verge of absurdity. Upon +this was founded the quarrel. On the same day with the last entries +given from her Diary one finds the following:-- + + "This morning I received the first letter from the Duke since his + departure from Town,--and felt surprised at the alteration in the + Seal,--_being plain!_ and unlike any other before received, which I + consequently acknowledged with the feeling that a want of apparent + respect where the _deepest_ is merited ought to call forth ... My + feelings were I not afraid of offending God would incline me to + seal up all the Duke's letters and return them, conscious that I + merit an increase rather than a diminution of respect. Except such + is bestowed the Duke need not be surprised at any step The Lord may + incline me to take." + +One may be pardoned for the suspicion that the feelings attributed to +the Lord were in fact derived from quite another source. The next day +she continues to harp on the same subject:-- + + "_September 15th._ I rose this morning with the determination to + write to the Duke, and did so before breakfast, when I took it to + the Post Office myself, leaving the result with Him Who doeth all + things well and leaveth nothing after Him." + +A copy of the letter is appended:-- + + + Sept. 15th, 1835. + + MY DEAR DUKE,--As you only acknowledge in yours of the 13th, two + letters, I beg to say there were addressed to you by yesterday, + three; One, written on Thursday, another on Friday and the last + on Saturday. And I take this opportunity of making two enquiries + respecting which my mind is not at all satisfied. + + The first is; Why I am to receive a change of style in the + appearance of your letters with regard to the Seal thereof? and + the next, _called forth thereby_; _Why_ you _ever_ ceased to sign + your _Name_ at the conclusion of your letters? If either of these + changes sprang from disrespect or want of confidence in my + integrity, confidence, Christianity and friendship, I shall + without hesitation or delay return Your Grace every letter I have + in my possession, as in _that_ case they will cease to have any + value in _my_ estimation. I will also beg to decline all further + intercourse, knowing that the sincerity and purity of my + friendship merits both consideration and respect. + + You will perhaps wonder at my noticing your omission with regard + to Signature after the receipt of so many letters. I should not + have done so, however incomprehensible the same may have been and + _was_ to me, had not _this additional_ circumstance tended to + _strengthen_ a momentary feeling experienced when your first + letter signed W. reached me. But this I overcame, fancying you + were in the _habit_ of doing so to all your correspondents of any + and every rank, and imagining you superior to the _capability_ of + taking advantage of circumstances. If I am mistaken with regard + to this being a _general habit_, I am _justified_ in asking--Why + such an unwarrantable liberty was taken with me? I assure you + that however great my affection may be, it is not of a nature to + submit to ANY feeling that is not accompanied with the _deepest + respect_ as well as esteem, nor could the latter be either + durable or _acceptable_ under OTHER circumstances. + + Waiting your reply before I can decide what further line of + conduct to pursue, praying in the mean time to be directed BY HIM + Who knows _all_ the _secret_, hidden motives of the human heart + without exception, I inscribe myself, + + Your sincere Christian friend, + + A. J. + + P.S. Since writing the above, my antipathy to the omission of + _either_ your NAME OR seal is so _increased_ that I beg to + decline receiving _any_ letter which does not bring with it + _these_ marks of DUE respect. + + +Not satisfied with sending off this letter, Miss J. followed it with +another no less severe. In her Diary she describes the feelings that +swayed her while she awaited a reply to her missives: + + "_September 16th--Morning._ I have risen this morning (my first in + this place--Hampstead--) strong in The Lord and in the power of His + might. I am prepared to meet whatever HE may see fit, casting my + burthen wholly on him and desirous of nothing in comparison with + His honor and glory. O may He be magnified powerfully both in my + life and death, and may every period of my remaining days be + dedicated more devotedly unto Him than any hitherto spent; 'growing + up in Him as a tree planted by the waterside' bringing forth fruit + plentifully, knowing that 'it is written' 'He that abideth in ME + and I in him the same bringeth forth much fruit,'--Be with me + graciously and mightily when I hear from the Duke today--if I + do--and especially tomorrow when the reply comes to that sent off + yesterday, strengthening me 'in the inner man' to treat it as Thou + wouldst have me do in every respect, having no will of my own and + loving Thine above all things. Thou knowest, O Gracious God, what + is in the Duke's heart, and why he has recourse to the ways which + have occasioned my displeasure. Therefore I give him up into Thy + Hands to deal with accordingly, beseeching Thee to have mercy on + his precious Soul, bringing it from darkness to light and from the + power of Satan unto Thyself for Christ's sake! + + "_September 16th 1835.--Evening._ The whole of this day has been + marked with such divine strength from Him Who causes me to feel the + force of this passage of Holy Writ 'When I am weak then am I + strong,' that it is impossible to be sufficiently thankful. No + letter has arrived from the Duke. However I suppose tomorrow will + bring with it the anticipated answer. O may I be strengthened + additionally to bear it if unkind! and prove myself ready to pluck + out a right eye or cut off a right arm for Christ's sake! which we + may be understood to do when we resign those dearest upon earth at + His command. + + "_Friday September 18th 1835._ It is now between 11 and 12 o'clock + and I am sitting at my pretty window with it open, waiting to know + whether the Lord sees fit to allow me to receive a letter today + from the Duke in reply to my two last which have received no + answers yet. O may I be strengthened 'in the inner man' to receive + whatever is agreeable to the will of God, as His Child, dependent + on Him for all things! + + "The paragraph noticed in the paper of yesterday was marked with + that presumption which is ever more or less perceivable in 'the + natural man,' who seems to act without any reference to the will of + God whatever, declaring 'I will do this and that,' instead of + remembering that their lives are in His Hands and that He can + snatch them away at any moment. To see the Duke thus presumptuously + reckoning on several weeks to come proves how little what I have + written on that subject is alluded to, showing me still further the + inefficacy of all man's endeavors until accompanied with the mighty + power of God to the soul. The time I trust is at hand for this + rebellious one when he will doubtlessly exclaim 'Thy mercies are + infinite and Thy ways past finding out,' also 'Lord, what is man + that Thou art mindful of him? or the son of man that Thou visitest + him?'" + +The Duke's replies to both Miss J.'s effusions followed one another in +rapid succession:-- + + + STRATHFIELDSAYE, Sept. 17, 1835. + + MY DEAR MISS J.,--I always understood that the important parts of + a Letter were its Contents. I never much considered the + Signature; provided I knew the handwriting; or the Seal provided + it effectually closed the Letter. + + When I write to a Person with whom I am intimate, who knows my + handwriting I generally sign my Initials. I don't always seal my + own Letters; they are sometimes sealed by a Secretary, oftener by + myself. + + In any Case as there are generally very many to be sealed; and + the Seal frequently becomes heated, it is necessary to change it; + and by accident I may have sealed a Letter to you with a blank + Seal. But it is very extraordinary if it is so, as I don't + believe I have such a thing! You will find this Letter however + signed and sealed in what you deem the most respectful manner. + And if I should write to you any more; I will take care that they + shall be properly signed and sealed to your Satisfaction. + + I am very glad to learn that you intend to send back all the + letters I ever wrote to you. I told you heretofore that I thought + you had better burn them all. But if you think proper to send + them in a parcel to my House; I will save you the trouble of + committing them to the Flames. + + Believe me Ever Yours most sincerely + + WELLINGTON. + + I believe that the letter with the blank seal and signed with my + Initials was sent off last Sunday night from Hartford Bridge and + was franked by me; I hope that this was not deemed disrespectful. + + + STRATHFIELDSAYE, Sept. 18, 1835. + + The Duke of Wellington presents his Compliments to Miss J. The + Duke wrote an answer to Miss J. as soon as he received her Letter + complaining of Disrespect in His having been in the habit of + signing the Initials of His Name to the Letters which he had + written to her; and in having sealed a letter addressed to her + and franked by the Duke, with a plain seal. + + If Miss J. had waited till she would receive the answer to a + letter which she wrote on Tuesday she might have been satisfied + with the reasons of the Duke for the Marks of Disrespect of which + Miss J. complained. + + The Duke has to add that since his return here, he has found upon + His Table, a plain seal which it is probable was used by + accident. He apologizes for having used it. At the same time he + assures Miss J. that he could not have intended to be + disrespectful. + + The Duke requests that Miss J. will be so kind as to have a + parcel made of the Letters from the Duke; that she will direct it + to Him in Piccadilly; and have it booked at Hampstead and sent by + any Coach to London. + + +Miss J. resolved to lose no time in returning the Duke's letters, and +went so far as to put them up in a parcel preparatory to sending them +off by coach. She thus comments:-- + + "In returning the parcel I send away 60 letters, received in less + than 12 months. + + "_Saturday, Sept. 19, 1835._ I have been to the Post Office with my + last letter to the Duke and leave the result thereof with the Lord, + 'Whose ways are in the deep waters and whose footsteps are + unknown'. I have acknowledged myself thankful for the strength + still imparted--thus fulfilling that gracious promise made to me + when on my knees before I came to this place 'I will never leave + thee nor forsake thee.' I have just risen from my knees, after + spreading the Duke's letters before the Lord, beseeching Him to do + under present circumstances whatever seemeth good in His sight for + Christ's sake. And I feel, as a prayer-hearing God He will--causing + even this unkindness to work together for good, since 'His ways are + not our ways' but as high above such as the heavens are above the + earth--That He moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform, + who can doubt that watches His divine finger in this great work? + And since His purposes must stand, all I have to say is, Let them + be whatever they may, I desire His Holy Will alone to be done! + + "My feelings will not allow me to copy this letter of the Duke's; + it is so unkind; but as those words were powerfully applied at the + commencement of my correspondence, 'The haughtiness of man shall be + brought low etc. and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day.'" + +Apparently it was not the will of "The Lord" that the letters should be +returned, for Providence interposed in the shape of Miss J.'s friend, +Mrs. L. Miss J. writes:-- + + "_Saturday Night._ Just as my day had been filled with all the + duties my God had graciously permitted and I was about to take a + walk, dear Mrs. L. arrived, and on my telling her all strongly + advised my _not_ returning the Duke his letters--which struck me + forcibly, as I had asked the Lord to put it into her heart to + advise me agreeably to His will. + + "On my return home I found a note from the Duke addressed to me in + the third person, like the last, but thanking me for the trouble I + had taken respecting his Men's Book Bill. Thank God my feelings are + so subdued as to be resigned to His divine Will concerning seeing + or hearing from him, and I heartily pray to be directed in every + single particular, knowing if left to myself I cannot stand a + moment in safety. + + "The Duke seems more indifferent respecting the return of his + letters--consequently as dearest Mrs. L. so strongly advised my + retaining them I mean to do so without noticing that formal note + received to night, leaving everything as it stands in the Lord's + Hands. Having cast my burthen upon the Lord all I now have to do is + to dedicate my time more exclusively to my usual daily duties as + before intended, endeavoring to recall perfectly to memory all my + hymns--360--and the Gospels of St. Matthew and John, with my + beautiful Psalms--which latter have been neglected more than either + of the former, although none have been allowed so much time as if I + had not been so occupied with the Duke. + + "_Sept. 22nd._ My disinclination to write to the Duke continues. O + may the Lord bless him by quickening his dead soul and call him + forth to glorify Him mightily for Christ's sake! + + "_Oct. 1st, 1835._ How wonderful are the dealings of God. Last + night I came home fully determined to write and send off a letter + to the Duke and this morning, although it is ready for the Post + Office, I am restrained from forwarding it. Therefore I keep it + until I see why my mind is acted upon thus, feeling 'it is the + Lord.' I knelt upon the bed in the night and implored Him to let + His honor and glory alone be considered, and before I rose this + morning, on again calling upon Him to direct me these words seemed + to follow--'Be still and know that I am God, I will be exalted in + the heavens, I will be exalted in the earth.' So, as this is the + case, it is my duty quietly and patiently to submit to the way He + may condescendingly choose for that glorious purpose. In the mean + time, in order to satisfy my feelings towards the poor dear Duke I + can indulge in writing them at all events and thereby proving it is + no want of feeling or friendship for him that keeps me silent, but + the consideration due to ONE as far above Himself not only _in + reality_ but I trust through the Grace of God in _my_ estimation + also as the heavens are above the earth. Nor would I resign one of + His gracious glorious smiles to become the Empress of a million + worlds, even were my loved precious Duke the chosen individual to + participate in such honors. + + "Perhaps the Duke's conversion is at hand! Lord, if this be the + case permit me through Thy Power and Grace to become the source of + deep spiritual consolation to his precious soul, by being unto me a + mouth and wisdom which all my adversaries shall not be able to + gainsay or resist 'for without Thee I can do nothing!'" + + + MY LORD DUKE,--Judging from your silence to my last that all + communication between us is about to cease, having written the + accompanying Hymn for your acceptance, I take this opportunity of + bidding you Farewell! being enabled through God's Grace which is + all sufficient! to exclaim in _Scripture_ language, "THE LORD + GAVE and The Lord hath taken away _and_ BLESSED BE THE NAME OF + THE LORD!" That HE brought you to me in the _first_ place I feel + convinced and heartily hope that I have omitted no faithful + Christian duty towards you consistent with my "high calling in + Christ Jesus," _consequently_ shall not have cause to reproach + myself of neglect when _that_ AWFUL period arrives which MUST + bring us once more together, however separated on _earth_ by His + ALL WISE _decrees_, "Whose paths are in the deep waters and Whose + footsteps are not known,"--and Who knoweth FAR _better_ what is + GOOD for us than we do for _ourselves_. Consequently it is our + duty, and doubtless for our future and eventual happiness under + any and all circumstances, however trying and painful such may + be, to say THY will, O GOD, NOT MINE BE DONE! Trusting that you + will not suppose any unkind feelings are experienced towards you + by such DUE resignation to the Divine will or conclude that my + future silence renders me forgetful of you _when kneeling_ before + Him "Whose eyes are in EVERY place _beholding_ the evil and the + good," with Whom the darkness is no darkness at all but the night + is as clear as the day, I subscribe myself with much serenity as + in His sight Ever My Lord Duke. + + Your faithful Christian Friend, + + A. J. + + The hymn enclosed is entitled-- + + THE SHORTNESS OF TIME AND FRAILTY OF MAN. + + ALMIGHTY _Maker_ of my frame! + TEACH ME _the number of my days_! + TEACH ME _to know how_ FRAIL _I am_ + AND SPEND THE REMNANT TO THY PRAISE. + + My days are shorter than a span, + A little point my life appears; + How FRAIL at best is DYING MAN; + HOW VAIN are ALL _his hopes and fears_! + + _VAIN his_ AMBITION, NOISE and SHOW! + VAIN are the cares Which rack his mind! + _He heaps up treasures_ MIXED WITH WOE + And dies, and leaves them all behind! + + Oh be a _NOBLER portion MINE_! + _MY GOD_ I bow before Thy Throne; + Earth's _fleeting_ treasures I resign + And fix my hopes on THEE _ALONE_! + + "I have underlined all just as forwarded to the Duke." + +The next letter from the Duke that has been preserved is dated October +5, and contains a reference to a later note from Miss J.:-- + + + WALMER CASTLE, October 5, 1835. + + The Duke of Wellington presents his Compt^s to Miss J. He has + only this morning received her letter without date; in which Miss + J. apprizes the Duke that she is about to quit Hampstead; but she + does not state where she is about to reside. + + In respect to Miss J.'s wish that the Duke should write to Her, + the Duke assures her that he will receive Her Letters with + pleasure; and that he will answer them regularly. But that he + must be permitted to do so, in a form, which shall not expose him + to the accusation of treating a Lady with disrespect. + + From the perusal of Miss J.'s Letter the Duke does not exactly + understand whether Miss J. did or did not send back the Paquet + containing the Duke's Letters to her. As the Duke stated upon a + former occasion, it is a matter of Indifference whether Miss J. + has burnt the Letters; or kept them; or sent them back. + + The Duke begs leave to inform her however that if she sent them + back he has not yet received them. They may however be in His + House in London as he has been absent from there since the 19th + of last Month. + + +In Miss J.'s next letter she inquires into the truth of a report of the +Duke's indisposition that has appeared in the papers. The reply is +decidedly testy. + + + WALMER CASTLE, Nov^r 3, 1835. + + The Duke of Wellington presents his Compliments to Miss J. + + He received only this morning Miss J.'s Letters of the 28^th and + 31^st October. + + The Duke returns his thanks to Miss J. for her kind Enquiries + about His Health. The Duke was unwell for one day; of which the + Newspapers obtained Intelligence; and as usual misrepresented and + exaggerated the facts. + + The Duke is much concerned that Miss J. is not satisfied with the + formal style of His Notes. She was not satisfied when he wrote to + her in a form more consistent with familiarity. Such form was + considered disrespectful. + + The Duke assures Miss J. that he can reply to any letter which + she may think proper to address the Duke as fully in one form as + the other. + + +The poor Duke's life was frequently made a burden to him by the +comments expressed by the papers upon his health and his conduct. His +letters abound in impatient references to the inaccuracies of the daily +journals in all that pertained to himself. These finally irritated him +to such an extent that, against the advice of wise friends, he sued the +"Morning Journal" for libel, and succeeded in obtaining the punishment +of the editor and printer by fines and imprisonment. His course in this +matter was deprecated by those who thought that a man of his +acknowledged character and position could afford to disregard such +attacks. + +Apparently after this time matters returned to their former state, in +so far as the frequency of the letters was concerned, although the +formal mode of address was still retained, greatly to Miss J.'s +dissatisfaction. She continues in her Diary the account of the Duke's +letters: + + "In the Duke's next letter of the 6th of November written in the + third person since I wrote to him concerning that plain seal he + writes; 'The considerations urged by Miss J. with her usual + facility and eloquence are for all times and seasons.' + + "Thus graciously did he usually receive my letters on religious + subjects, which under circumstances of illness were doubtlessly + additionally earnest. + + "In the next of November 6th His Grace writes thus; 'The Duke + assures her that he feels the deepest interest in everything that + Miss J. writes to him.' The next from the Duke is dated November + 10th wherein he writes; 'The Duke will have great pleasure in + attending Miss J. when he will be in London if she will permit him + and will let him know where she resides.' + + "In the Duke's next letter of Nov. 11th he writes in allusion to + me; 'She is so kind to the Duke; and she writes to him with so much + earnestness and feeling that it is impossible that he should not be + impressed with a deep sense of His obligation to her for taking so + much trouble.' + + "In his next of the 12th of November he returns me many thanks for + my letters. + + "By the next letter I presume some inconvenience attended my + receiving the Duke as he writes--'It appears that for some reason + with which Miss J. states it to be her intention at some future + time to acquaint the Duke--it will not be in Miss J.'s power to + receive the Duke.' + + "Another letter dated the 16th of November, as was the above, + refers to my dating my letters on the outside. He writes 'Franks + are dated on the outside because the Law requires the use of that + form.' + + "What I had written to call it forth I cannot remember but the Duke + in his next of the 16th of November says 'he has no pretension to + superiority,' reminding me of a circumstance which took place at + the commencement of our acquaintance when I told him that his being + the Duke of Wellington was nothing to me--leading him to reply 'I + know it, I know it and I respect you for it.' + + "Judging by the Duke's next letter of the 16th (being the second of + that date) I had formed the wish to have a letter of mine + returned--which letter I found with all others had been destroyed. + The Duke encloses the succeeding one." + + + MY LORD DUKE,--I once more take up pen, but in all probability + for the last time, if I rightly understand you to mean you are + capable of receiving my letters in _silence_, to which I decline + subjecting myself. I consider a reply and a very different one to + those _lately_ received due to me in the sight of _That God_ Who + _created_ such an interest in your eternal happiness and I am + very much mistaken if he does not make you feel the power of this + impression by exercising His ALMIGHTY _power_ in some unforeseen + manner. + + The information that you have destroyed my letters is _any + thing_ but gratifying; one and all being more or less marked + with _Divine_ Truth, calculated if properly and _seriously_ + considered, to benefit your _immortal Soul_. Nor should I imagine + myself _justified_ in spending my time in _future_ by penning + such to have them committed to the flames. Therefore I shall + decline troubling you with a repetition of this kind, until you + consider them sufficiently valuable to retain instead of destroy. + In the mean time I shall occupy myself with any other work my + Heavenly Father may condescendingly point out; it being of very + little consequence to me how I am employed so that it is under + _His direction_ and in HIS _Service_.... + + I remain, My Lord Duke, so long as God permits. + + Your faithful Christian Friend. + + A. J. + + + "The Duke's next letter is dated Dec. the third followed by one of + the 8th which implies I wrote to the Duke on the death of the + Countess of S., as he writes 'It is true that a near relation of + the Duke's has died a terrible death.' + + "By the Duke's letter of the 11th of December I presume I continued + displeased at his having burnt my letters,--a truth elicited + through wishing one of them returned, which consequently it was not + in his power to do--considering as I told him that it was a sin in + the sight of God to destroy Epistles intended for his everlasting + good." + +The Duke's reply to this is given in full:-- + + + STRATHFIELDSAYE, Dec^r 15, 1835. + + The Duke of Wellington presents his Comp^ts to Miss J. He has + only this day received her Letter commenced on Saturday and + finished on Monday. He is much concerned to learn that Miss J. + has been indisposed; and he hopes that she will have been + relieved by attending to the Advice of the Medical Gentleman for + whom she had sent. + + Nothing will be more satisfactory to the Duke than to put an end + to all Dissension upon bygone subjects. He has no feeling upon + any of them excepting a desire to avoid to give occasion + unknowingly and unwillingly for irritation. + + The Duke is much obliged to Miss J. for her Letter. He does not + entirely concur in all the opinions contained in that Letter. He + assures her however that he has perused it as he Does all those + received from her, with attention. He will state his objections + at some future time. + + It is quite impossible for the Duke to keep Miss J.'s letters. + They are in general long; and they succeed each other rapidly. If + the Duke was to keep them, they might be seen by others. He + therefore destroys them as soon as he has read, and perfectly + understands them. + + +This explanation evidently soothed Miss J.'s ruffled feelings, for she +makes no further reference at this time to the "Dissension." The Diary +continues:-- + + "The Duke's next letter expresses concern at my illness, dated Dec. + 21, 1835. + + "The Duke's next letter of the 24th of Dec. implies my account of + my health was not satisfactory--which I suppose must have been + justifiable as I was then so seriously ill. + + "Another letter dated the 26th of December kindly expresses anxiety + concerning my health also one of the 31st of December. + + "Letters received from the Duke during the year 1835, + SEVENTY-EIGHT." + + "1836.--The first letter of this year is dated Jan. 2nd wherein the + Duke writes 'The Duke is very sensible of the kindness which + induces Miss J. to write to him. He would have wished to receive + from her some account of Her Health as well as her opinion upon + other matters, however important. The Duke will certainly request + Miss J.'s permission to pay His Respects to her when he will return + to Town.' + + "The Duke's next letter is dated Jan. 19th, in which he writes--'On + his passage through London he has received her letter of the 11th + Inst. He sincerely rejoices at and congratulates Miss J. upon the + progress which she has made in the recovery of her health.' + + "I see this is a mistake as the Duke's next letter is dated Jan. + 7th in which he thanks me for my account of my health and the next + is dated Jan 13th wherein he writes thus; 'He will wait upon her + after having notified His intention and received her permission + when he will be in London. He rejoices at the improved state of + Miss J.'s health.' + + "'Feb. 3rd he regrets much to learn that she has been again + indisposed.' + + "In the Duke's letter of Feb. 19th he writes; 'He returns his + thanks for her note of the 17th received this morning and the + printed Enclosures.' What these printed enclosures were I do not + now remember but presume they were a tract and handbills. + + "In his next dated the 25th of February he writes; 'He returns his + thanks for her letter, and he is very happy to hear that Miss J. is + sufficiently recovered to be able to quit her room and go down + stairs.' + + "In the Duke's next letter dated March 9th 1836, he writes--'The + Duke has been out of Town for some time so therefore he did not + receive her first note till last night, and this day the second + which Miss J. has written to him, enclosing printed tracts; and the + latter some Manuscript Lines. The Duke begs leave to return his + thanks.' + + "Again on the 12th of March the Duke writes 'He has received her + note and the Tract on one leaf; for which he returns his thanks.' + Again on the 19th of March the Duke writes--'The Duke of Wellington + presents his Compliments to Miss J. and returns his thanks for the + Tract and other papers received from her.' + + "The Duke's next letter likewise acknowledges--'His thanks for her + letter of the 20th and its Enclosures.' To which he adds--'The Duke + is happy to learn that Miss J. is sufficiently recovered to be able + to walk out.' + + "In the Duke's next letter dated, March 25th he writes 'The Duke of + Wellington presents his Compliments to Miss J. and returns thanks + for her Note and the Tract which she enclosed to him.' + + "Again London, March the 29th, the Duke writes--He 'returns his + thanks for her letter of Sunday and the enclosures.' + + "The next letter from His Grace is dated April 2nd, 1836, thanking + me for two letters, one received on Good Friday and the other + written on Good Friday,--which last, of course, treated on our + Lord's Sufferings for us sinners, as usual on such occasions. + + "On the 11th of April the Duke again writes 'He has received her + Note with some Tracts.' + + "The next letter from the Duke is dated April 12th, 1836, in which + he returns me, as requested, a letter I had sent for his perusal + and consideration, addressed to a Minister of the Gospel by my dear + friend Mrs. L. + + "The Duke's next letter is written on and dated June 18th, 1836. + 'The Duke of Wellington presents his regards to Miss J. and returns + thanks for her letter and its enclosure. The Duke is happy to learn + that Miss J. is in good Health. He was apprehensive that she was + unwell, and had gone out of Town, as so much time had elapsed since + she had written to the Duke.' I need scarcely remark that this was + the day on which the Duke gave his yearly Banquet--yet The great + Lord of Lords compelled him to find time thereon to write to me, + thus verifying His own Divine declaration, 'Them that honor ME I + will honor.'" + +One wonders where the busy statesman could have found time to read not +only the letters, but the hymns and tracts Miss J. constantly showered +upon him. There seems a tone of resignation, if not actual despair, in +the notes wherein he acknowledges the receipt of this flood of pious +literature. + + "In the Duke's next letter of June 21st he writes--'The Duke of + Wellington presents his Compliments to Miss J. and he acknowledges + the receipt of, and thanks her for her letter of the 19th inst. and + enclosures. Miss J. does not advert to the state of her health, but + as she says that she walks in the Park, the Duke hopes that she is + entirely recovered.' + + "His Grace's letter of June 23rd returns his thanks, adding: 'When + Miss J. mentions her walks in the park The Duke concludes that she + means in what is called the Regent's Park, in the neighborhood of + the Street in which she lives.' Which was the case yet of which + beautiful Park I knew nothing until dearest Mrs. L. took me into it + for the benefit of the air, after the illness herein alluded to. + + "The next letter from the Duke is dated June 27th, 1836, in which + he writes--'Miss J. complains of the change of the style of the + Duke's letters; although she does not express a wish that the + former style should be renewed.' + + "I certainly had a great objection to the formality attending the + Duke's letters when written in the third person, feeling restrained + in replying to such in like manner." + + + + +CHAPTER VI. + +COMPARATIVE CALM. + + +The next letter is copied from the original: + + + LONDON, June 28, 1836. + + The Duke of Wellington presents his Comp^s to Miss J. The Duke + has this morning received her very kind Letter of yesterday for + which he returns His thanks. The Duke begs leave again to assure + Miss J. that whatever may be the form in which he writes to her; + the motive in doing so is the same as ever; and that he is ever + sensible of and grateful for her kindness. + + The Duke will with the greatest pleasure go to see her whenever + it may suit Miss J. to receive him. + + The Duke did not say anything upon the Letter which Miss J. had + written to the Gentleman in question because he was unwilling to + obtrude His opinion upon a matter which Miss J. considers one of + Duty; in which the Duke is so unfortunate as to differ in opinion + with her. + + Prudence and Discretion would appear to require that Miss J. + should not rebuke a Gentleman for words spoken not to Her; not + even in Her Presence; but to Her Landlady in the relation of a + Lodger in the House. + + The Duke may be wrong. But he considers the exercise of Prudence + and discretion virtues; not unbecoming to any Character however + exalted. + + +The Diary continues:-- + + "Judging by the contents of the Duke's next letter dated June 29th, + 1836, I presume I had felt from circumstances under the necessity + of putting aside his proposed visit adverted to in his last, as + follows 'The Duke will with the greatest pleasure go to see her + whenever it may suit Miss J. to receive him'--for in this of the + 29th he writes--'I cannot but concur in your decision to postpone + to receive my visit. Nothing would distress me more than to give + you any pain. I sincerely hope that your journey to the Country + will reestablish your health and spirits.' + + "I perceive by this that the Duke had again commenced addressing me + in the first person. + + "It would appear by the Duke's next, dated July 1st, 1836, that I + had changed my intention concerning receiving him, as he + wrote--'Since I wrote you this morning I have had a fall by which I + have bruised my knee so that Leaches have been applied. I am not + otherwise hurt but it is quite obvious that I shall not be able to + wait upon you to-morrow. I hope to be able to do so however at the + same hour on Monday.' That such was not the will of the Lord of + lords I now perfectly recollect proving to the Duke that 'The way + of man is not in himself; it is not in man that walketh to direct + his steps,' a divine lesson which I was so anxious from time to + time, as circumstances permitted, to impress on his mind." + +The Duke probably had a vivid realization of this truth just at this +juncture, although possibly not in the sense intended by Miss J. She +seems to have been devoid of any sense of humor, and saw nothing but +the spiritual application of this one of her favorite quotations. + + "In the Duke's next, of the 4th of July, he writes; 'I am much + recovered from the accident under which I suffered on Friday--but I + am afraid that I shall not be allowed to quit my House this day. + Indeed I am convinced that I could not do so without increasing the + risk of being confined to my house for weeks or months. I lament + this particularly as you are going out of Town early to morrow. I + am very sensible of your Confidence in attending to my opinion in + sending your letter to Mr. B.' + + "This was a letter written by me to a Minister of the Gospel whose + worldliness was justifiably condemned. It is still I believe in my + possession among my papers, the Duke having received it for perusal + and at my request returned with advice not to forward it. + + "In the letter dated the 5th the Duke acknowledges a packet from me + to which he adds 'I continue to improve and hope to go out tomorrow + or next day.' + + "I presume this was a very thick letter. In that of the 9th of + July, the Duke writes; 'I am better and I am in hopes that on + tomorrow I shall be able to put my foot to the ground.' + + "The Duke's next letter is I see directed to me at Hastings, in + which he writes on July 11th, 1836--'I am so much better that I am + going to the House of Lords and I hope soon to be able to go about + without inconvenience' to which the Duke again refers in his next + thus; 'I continue to recover from the effects of the Accident and I + hope to be able to go out in a day or two. I am happy to find that + you are settled at Hastings to your satisfaction.' + + "The next of the 13th of July refers to my letters being + overweight--apparently, but judging by the letter of the 28th I + must have been mistaken, as the Duke writes; + + "'You did not send me a letter overweight. But I warned you of the + necessity of taking care not to do so because I was apprehensive + that if I should be absent my servants would decline to receive the + letter.' + + "The next letter from the Duke is dated July 30th wherein he + writes; 'I am much better and can walk a little. But my Knee is + bandaged up; and some time will elapse before I shall have the use + of it as heretofore.' + + "The next letter from the Duke is dated Aug. 3rd 1836 in which he + writes 'I am much flattered by the anxiety which you express + respecting the injury which I received in my knee. I am getting the + better of it and I hope soon to be quite well.' + + "Alas! it grieves me as I thus proceed, running my eye over so many + references to God's mercies to observe such were not adverted to by + the Duke--a subject I did not omit expatiating upon occasionally, + however reluctant to irritate whilst laboring under indisposition, + as my Diary will doubtlessly imply. + + "On the 5th of August the Duke writes; 'I am very much obliged to + you for your letter and flattered by your desire to see me. I am so + far better as to be able to walk and I can go to see you when you + will come to Town.' + + "By that of the 8th of Aug. I presume I had made enquiries + concerning his seal as the Duke writes--'I use black wax to seal my + letters as a Relation of mine died lately.'" + +Immediately after the receipt of the last letter quoted, Miss J. left +Hastings for Tunbridge Wells. The Duke's letters followed her here. She +writes:-- + + "The Duke's next letter is directed to Tunbridge Wells, thanking me + for my letter to him dated Aug. 11th, 1836. In the Duke's next he + again adverts to his knee thus--'My knee continues to improve and I + hope to walk as well as ever in a few days.' + + "In the Duke's of Aug. 16th he writes--'I entertain some doubt + whether a letter which I wrote to you yesterday was sent to the + Post. If not, I laid it by in one of my writing cases and in the + uncertainty I think it best to write again. I hope that the waters + will prove beneficial to your Health and that you will remain at + Tunbridge as long as it may be necessary that you should drink + thereof.' + + "In the Duke's letter of the 20th of Aug. he writes--'I have found + in one of my writing cases the letter which I had omitted to send + on the day before yesterday. I rejoice to learn that your health + improves so much at Tunbridge Wells.' + + "The Duke's next letter is directed to me at Brighton wherein he + writes 'My Knee continues to improve but it has not yet all its + strength and elasticity, but I hope that it will soon. I am much + obliged to you for enquiring about it.' + + "Judging by the Duke's next letter, dated Aug. 22nd, I must have + requested him to send me the letter he had placed in one of his + writing cases, for he replies--'You will have seen that I had + destroyed the letter not sent.' + + "In the Duke's next, dated Aug. 31st, the Duke writes--'I received + in due course a letter which you were so kind as to write to me on + nineteen sides of paper under three covers.'" + +One ceases to wonder at the slowness of the poor man's recovery, under +such circumstances as these. + + "Upon the 6th of September a letter arrived from the Duke in which + he again refers to his accident as follows--'I am getting better + every day--but slowly, as is the case with recovery from such + accidents. I hope however to recover entirely and to be quite + well.'" + +Another cause of offence had been found by Miss J. The Duke's letter +explains it:-- + + + WALMER CASTLE, Sept. 17, 1836. + + MY DEAR MISS J.,--I was much surprized at not hearing from you; + and I am still more surprized now that I learn the Cause of your + Silence. + + Begging Your Pardon you don't repeat accurately what I wrote + respecting Your Hand writing; and you have consequently + misrepresented my Meaning; which was however not worth attending + to. + + I totally forgot that your Mind is occupied with affairs of more + Importance; the Hand writing in which you convey your thoughts to + others, is a matter of but little Importance to you; and that at + all events you are seldom in a disposition to allow any body to + complain; much less to find fault with you. + + Accordingly I beg your Pardon for having ventured to tell you + that I experienced great Difficulty in reading your Hand writing. + + I hope that you will not give yourself the trouble of writing to + me; if it should be at all irksome or inconvenient to you. + + Believe me Ever Yours most faithfully + + WELLINGTON. + + +The unmistakable irony of the above seems to have been quite thrown +away upon Miss J., for she placidly remarks:-- + + "I am well aware that the poor Duke was justified in finding fault + with my writing, through finding my pen could not keep pace with my + feelings, more especially as I generally sent off whatever I wrote + just as it was _thus_ written. + + "Again I see by the Duke's letter of Sept. 26th that he has + returned to the third person in addressing me, which may have been + accidental as his next dated Oct. 1st, 1836, is again in the first + and on the 11th he writes--'I have received your Note and two + Covers containing Tracts, for all of which I return my thanks.' + + "In the Duke's letter of Oct. 14th he writes--'I am, I assure you, + very sensible of the kindness of your motive in writing to me.' + + "The Duke's next letter is as follows 'I did not arrive in London + in time to be able to wait upon you this evening but I will wait + upon you to-morrow afternoon as soon after five as it may be in my + power.' + + "On October 19^th the Duke called, after an absence of about two + years. So seldom did The Lord of Lords allow personal interviews to + take place which doubtlessly was wisely ordered for His Glory Who + knows the end from the beginning and is consequently too jealous of + His Holy Name to suffer it to be tarnished. Of this holy jealousy I + was rendered especially sensible on the visit above alluded to. I + accosted the Duke accordingly on his entering the room. He + exclaimed 'You shall do this and you shall do that!' without any + reference to God's holy Will, expatiating accordingly until dear + Mrs. L. who was only separated from us by folding doors said + afterwards she pitied the Duke and was glad when I had said + whatever I considered my duty. Nor was it until then that I even + asked him concerning his knee, although that was the first visit + since the Accident. When I did so, he appeared delighted, brushing + up his chair nearer to me, which of course met with the withdrawal + on my part _due_ to Christianity. I bless God for the grace and + strength afforded me on that occasion, causing the Duke to sink + into the utmost insignificance in comparison with His favor which + is better than life. + + "The next letter from the Duke is dated Nov. 3rd, 1836, wherein he + writes, 'I am much flattered by your desire to have my opinion + whether you should send the letter you had written to a gentleman, + but had refrained from putting it into the Post.' + + "The Duke alludes again to this in his next letter of Nov. 10th. + The next letter from the Duke is dated Nov. 11th, 1836, entreating + me to date my letters. + + "In the Duke's next letter dated Nov. 12th he writes--'It is true + that I burn every letter the preservation of which is not of + importance, but I do not forget their contents as you will have + perceived, at least, those that are material.' With this letter I + see one of mine thus written and which I presume consequently was + forwarded.--'I had imagined My Lord Duke this day would have + brought with it an acknowledgement of my two last letters whereas I + have only received a brief reply to that addressed to you on + Sunday. However as it is my duty to acknowledge the receipt of that + this day received--I do so subscribing myself + + "'Your Grace's faithful Christian Friend + + "'A. J.' + + "The above looks very formal but I presume it was all right, + yielding up my heart to God as I did and do to govern as seemed + good in His sight. + + "The next letter from the Duke is dated Nov. 14th, 1836, wherein he + writes; 'I shall be in London in the end of this week, that is on + Friday, and I beg you to write to me if you should wish to see me.' + How little did the poor Duke think when he wrote thus that the + great Lord of lords had decreed he should not behold me again for + nearly eight years, namely until the summer of 1844--O how + mysterious are His unerring ways!! + + "During the year 1836 I received from the Duke fifty-six Letters. + + "1837.--I do not see any letter from the Duke until Feb. 26th in + this year when he writes therein as follows from Hartford Bridge; + 'I am very much obliged to you for your letters, and I assure you + that I always receive with thankfulness whatever you think proper + to write to me. I do not like to trouble you when you do not write + to me lest my intrusion should be considered offensive.' + + "The next letter from His Grace is dated March 2nd, wherein he + writes; 'I have now got such a cold that I cannot quit the house. I + have no fever however and I shall be quite well, I hope, in a day + or two.' + + "The Duke's next letter is dated March 5th wherein he writes--'I am + much obliged to you for your enquiries. I came down to the Country + to get rid of the cold and I am much better, indeed, nearly well. I + will return the letter enclosed in yours the next time.' + + "The Duke's next letter is dated March 12th 1837 in which he again + notices my letter, as follows; 'I return you the enclosed which I + ought to have sent you when I wrote last.'" + +Still another dispute is now chronicled. Miss J. states that she wrote +the Duke a letter in which she referred to his "brushing up his chair +to me with so much familiarity during his last visit." The Duke's +answer shows his irritation very plainly:-- + + + LONDON, April 18, 1837. + + The Duke of Wellington presents His Compliments to Miss J. She is + quite mistaken. He has no Lock of Hair of Her's. He never had + one. + + The Duke is not aware that he has been guilty of _presumption_, + of _daring presumption_. + + Miss J. wrote to him a letter in which she expressed displeasure + at his having omitted to call upon Her as she expected he would. + + The Duke was extremely concerned that Miss J. was displeased. But + he considered it best not to aggravate the Offence by writing + again. If he had ventured to approach Miss J., or had written to + her; he might have been accused of _daring presumption_. But he + purposely avoided both; in order not to give fresh grounds for + Irritation. + + The Duke is exceedingly concerned that Miss J. should consider + that she has reason to complain of Him. + + He thinks that upon reflection she will be opinion [_sic_] that + she has no reason to be offended. + + +Miss J. does not mention what ground she had for supposing the Duke to +be in possession of a lock of her hair. He had bestowed one of his upon +her, and it is only natural to surmise that she had given one of hers +in return. The matter was apparently smoothed over, as there is no +cessation of letters. + + + LONDON, April 27, 1837. + + The Duke of Wellington presents his Comp^ts to Miss J. and is + very sensible of the kindness of her expressions on the loss + which a part of His family has recently sustained. + + The Duke is much concerned to learn that Miss J. still thinks + that she has cause to be displeased with the Duke. + + The Duke trusts that Reflection and time will convince her; that + no such cause [_sic_]. The Duke assures her, Miss J., that he is + not sensible that he has given her such cause; by anything that + he has said written done or omitted. + + + "In a letter dated April 29th the duke writes 'He is very + grateful for the interest which Miss J. has been pleased to + express about the health of the Duke's brother. The Newspapers + were misinformed. The Duke's brother has not been seriously + indisposed. His niece however has lost her daughter which is the + misfortune to which the Duke imagined that Miss J. had + referred.'" + + + LONDON, May 1, 1837. + + The Duke of Wellington presents His Comp^ts to Miss J. He returns + many thanks for Her Note. The Duke will make enquiries respecting + that of the 22^nd addressed by the Duke to Miss J. which she had + not received in due course. + + It is wonderful that there should be so little delay and so few + mistakes in an establishment of this Description. But the few + that do occur should render letter writers cautious not to write + in a moment of Irritation; that which would not be written if + time were taken for reflection. + + +Some coolness followed this letter. The Duke wrote once again saying, +"He does not know what to do to please her." Miss J. adds, "Which it +was quite impossible he could do while in and of 'the world.'" + +A silence of over three months followed this latest tiff. Miss J., as +usual, re-opened the correspondence. The Duke's reply was not +cordial:-- + + + LONDON, August 14, 1837. + + The Duke of Wellington presents His Comp^ts to Miss J. He returns + His thanks for her Letter of the 13^th. + + The Duke is going out of town; and he intends to go to Walmer + Castle in a few days. + + The Duke assures Miss J. that he has not published an Intention + of giving what is called a grand Dinner at Walmer Castle. + + In general he would recommend to Miss J. not to believe one Word + that she reads respecting the Duke of Wellington. + + LONDON, August 16, 1837. + + The Duke of Wellington presents his Comp^ts to Miss J. He returns + His thanks for Her letter of the 15^th. + + The Duke is much concerned that Miss J. should have had the + trouble of writing a second time upon the subject of + misrepresentation in the Newspapers. They are really not + deserving of Notice. + + + "The next letter from the Duke is dated Aug. 16th, with which I see + a copy of a letter referring to a parcel containing Tracts, etc. + for his acceptance, from which I copy as follows--'Miss J. trusts + the accompanying Tracts may not be considered an intrusion, but + received and perused with the prayerful consideration they deserve + as not from man but from That God Who has put it into her heart to + send them; relying on His own gracious Word which runs thus, "My + Word shall not return unto ME void but it shall accomplish that + which I please and shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent + it."--Miss J. begs to be excused giving her address, being desirous + to avoid all observation etc. but if on her return to Town it + should be the will of God that she should make His Grace acquainted + with her abode, wherever that may be, (respecting which there is at + present great uncertainty,) she will then give him an opportunity + of acknowledging the receipt of the parcel and its consequences, + hoping they may be of a gratifying nature; that is, beneficial to + His Great Soul which Miss J. is still desirous to behold robed in + the only Robe of righteousness that can render it safe for + Eternity.' + + "The letter written on Aug. 26th is as follows 'He has received and + returns His thanks for her Note of Friday and the Tract enclosed + therewith.' + + "In the Duke's next letter dated Sept. 1st he writes--'He is happy + to learn that her health is so far reestablished as that she can go + to the Country.' + + "The next letter from His Grace dated Oct. 5th, 1837, acknowledges + the parcel referred to in mine as follows 'He returns thanks to + Miss J. for Her Note of the 3rd inst. received this morning, with a + Hymn for which he is very grateful. He received the Parcel + containing Tracts etc, some time ago.' + + "Finding a copy of the letter which called forth the above enclosed + with it I am induced to give it a place herein, more especially as + I perceive one portion is almost defaced, regretting exceedingly + that I do not recollect the title of the Hymn alluded to and + forwarded. + + "'Miss J. having promised His Grace the Duke of Wellington the + accompanying Hymn, takes the present opportunity for sending it, + however unsuited to the taste of any but the Regenerated Soul, + which _blessed_ state Miss J. has no good reason for believing His + Grace the Duke of Wellington has yet experienced. However, as there + is nothing too hard for The Lord of Lords, it is not impossible + that the period _may_ arrive when the accompanying Hymn will be + _experimentally_ understood, _consequently_ admired and valued, + being one of the most beautiful to be found. + + "'Miss J. is not in the habit at present of seeing _any_ Newspaper, + and is consequently unacquainted with His Grace's present + proceedings. She concludes they are as worldly as ever, therefore + calculated to draw from her pen nothing but a _repetition_ of what + she has so frequently written, namely; "What is a man profited if + he shall gain THE WHOLE WORLD and LOSE his own SOUL? or what shall + a man give in _exchange for_ his _SOUL?_" An important enquiry sent + by her for a long time almost without interruption in every letter + to His Grace,--but Alas! with how little effect!! Rest assured, the + moment will arrive when a fervent desire will be experienced that + such advice, entreaties, observations, Scriptures, etc, etc, etc, + had been _practically_ attended to. Yes, there _is_ a period, and + an _awful_ one which must induce the _trembling soul_ that has been + swelled up by earthly splendor and earthly adulation, (BOTH + _equally empty_ and _unsatisfying_) to exclaim in the words of + Cardinal Wolsey, "Had I but served my GOD with HALF the zeal I + served my King, etc." + + "'That such may not be His Grace the Duke of Wellington's fearful + state when the things of Time are giving place to those of + Eternity, Miss J. continues fervently to hope, however _groundless_ + at present such hopes may appear. + + "'Nor would she hesitate to address him more frequently if she had + not from long experience proved how little impression anything she + writes or says is permitted to make either in his life or + conversation, having no reason to imagine the slightest alteration + has taken place in his worldly feelings from the moment she first + beheld him to the present--on which account God seems to think + proper to restrain her pen, and address--thus preventing her from + being subject to receiving Notes as formal as they are + unsatisfactory, the loss of which she cannot,--does not regret, + being happier, infinitely happier when allowed by her gracious + Heavenly Father to indulge in, and enjoy her former as well as + present loved occupations. Yet when HE thinks proper to make her do + either, she submits, and only then--as the pleasure once enjoyed on + such occasions has long since fled, giving place to others more + satisfying. + + "'Miss J. does not for a single moment by the above acknowledgments + mean to offend or displease His Grace which were she to find him + labouring under any _serious_ afflictions either of body or mind + she trusts her conduct would prove, as in the hour of necessity her + desire would be to afford him comfort and consolation: and since he + is so public a character as to insure such circumstances being + _generally_ known Miss J. trusts they will be obliged to meet her + eye or ear whenever God thinks proper to occasion the one or the + other--which HE _can_ do at any moment, and to any extent, and WILL + _if His Holy Name can be magnified thereby_.' + + "I have underlined the above just as forwarded to His Grace. + + "The Duke's next letter is dated Oct. 6th, in which he writes--'He + returns his thanks for her letter of Saturday just received' also + the next, dated Oct. 11th contains his thanks. + + "In the Duke's next letter of the 12th of Oct. he writes--'He + returns many thanks for her letter of the 10th inst.,' and his + letter of the 14th of Oct. acknowledges another from me. + + "In the Duke's letter of Nov. 1st he writes 'The Duke is unable to + give any other answer to Miss J.'s letters excepting His thanks for + taking the trouble of writing them.' + + "The next is dated Nov. 7th also containing his thanks, followed by + one of the 15th, the last of that year." + + + + +CHAPTER VII. + +ASPIRATIONS AND REBUFFS. + + + "The first letter I find for this year is dated Aug. 21st 1838 + which I see contains an Enclosure of three sheets addressed to Her + Majesty Queen Adelaide, sent for the Duke's perusal, also to be + delivered by him into Her Majesty's hands, which he felt under the + necessity of declining, consequently returned it to me--having + written therein as follows. + + "'It is impossible for me to be at all instrumental in transmitting + a letter to the Queen Dowager. Her Majesty has Chamberlains and + Ladies in attendance upon Her Whose duty it is to receive and lay + before H. M. the letters addressed to Her. I could not interfere in + the performance of their Duties. I could not be instrumental in + forwarding an anonymous Letter however proper, respectful and + dictated by the Highest Motives. I could not say that I did not + know that the Letter was sent; or the Writer thereof if enquiry + should be made; and I should make myself liable to the Imputation + of being instrumental in the forwarding to the Queen Dowager an + anonymous letter! I hope therefore that you will excuse me for + declining to forward this Letter and for returning it to you. + + "'You are mistaken give me leave to observe in respect to the + Subject to which this Letter relates. The House in which the Queen + resides is Royal property; if not a Royal Palace! It is Her + Majesty's Jointure House. The Royal Palaces used as such are not + liable to the payment of Rates and Taxes. Her Majesty would not + have been justified in making the payment on demand without + reservation of the Right to Exemption. But she pays the money as a + Gift which was improperly and illegally demanded as a Right. You + will see it is the Parish and not the Queen which has contravened + the Lord.' + + "Having thus introduced so much of the Duke's letter it will be + necessary to quote some passages from that referred to by him, + which as implied still remains in the same position and will + continue to do so among my papers for further investigation should + such be resorted to after my decease; with the six cards that + accompanied it, upon which are written in full: Matt. ii. 28, 29; + Luke xvi. 15; Romans xii. 2; Isaiah xliii. 21; Acts xiv. 22; + Hebrews xii. 6; John iii. 3; 2 Cor. v. 17; Rev. iii. 12; 1 John v. + 3, 4; and James iv. 4. + + "After addressing Her Majesty _at length_ on the subject alluded to + by the Duke with every desire to render 'honour to whom honour,' I + next refer to the necessity of reverencing the Sabbath, adding; 'I + recollect on one occasion seeing in a Newspaper that the Duke of + Wellington quitted Your Majesty at Hastings for Dover on The Lord's + Day and slept at the Ship Inn, on his way home. + + "'Now such is the character and _loyalty_ of His Grace that had the + respected Consort of his beloved though deceased King [William IV.] + only _hinted_ a desire that he should postpone his departure until + the morrow I believe it would have been sufficient to insure his + immediate obedience. Consequently I could not help lamenting the + omission for two reasons, feeling so desirous to behold Your + Majesty a shining vessel in The Lord's Hands to show forth His + praise by honouring His Commands, also, that the Duke should be + restrained from doing that which on a dying bed would pain him to + remember. That he like too many other men of the world acts + contrary to His Maker's laws in numerous instances is, Alas! but + too evident; yet I cannot for a single moment imagine him one of + Your Majesty's Advisers with regard to resisting the Laws of His + Country, feeling assured he is too much your real friend to approve + of the same and too loyal to acquiesce in an evil the consequence + of which his penetrating eye would in an instant perceive could + only tend to your dishonor. + + "'Fearing an evil may arise by my thus distinguishing or singling + out the Duke of Wellington as an adviser, duty forbids my + conclusion so immediately as intended, in order that I may beseech + your Majesty to lean to no Adviser or advice in comparison with + Christ and His Gospel, which if sedulously studied will in itself + enable you rather to instruct the Duke of Wellington than to be + instructed by him; for however great and wise he may justly be + considered in a worldly point of view, he must be brought to + acknowledge all his wisdom foolishness and all his greatness, + littleness before he can appear worthy in His sight "in Whose + presence is Life." Therefore he must be humbled before he can be + exalted far beyond all that he now is even in this world, believing + as I do, that his present greatness will bear no comparison with + that which he will experience when robed in the "Wedding garment of + Salvation" and rendered meet thereby for "an inheritance among the + saints in light," considering him in The Lord's Hands a mighty + vessel intended to show forth His praise in this present generation + as powerfully as a Daniel, David, or Paul, living more to the glory + of his Redeeming God during the few short years of his eventful + life than others who have professed themselves Christians even from + their infancy, consequently ranking among those of whom it is + written "The last shall be first." When this great glorious change + takes place in so faithful and tried a subject,--I should then + encourage your Majesty to rely on his judgment not only in one case + but all.'" + +This astonishing production--whose impertinence borders upon +sublimity--being thus returned to Miss J., she proceeded to show the +Duke that she could communicate with at least one prominent personage +unaided by him. She sent him the following letter from Sir Robert Peel, +in answer to one she had written to that statesman:-- + + + WHITE HALL, April 25th. + + MADAM,--I avail myself of the earliest opportunity after my + return to London, of acknowledging the Receipt of your last + Letter and of assuring you that the former Communications with + which you favored me were received by me in the spirit in which + they were dictated. + + I have the honor to be, Madam, + + Your Obedient Servant, + + ROBERT PEEL. + + + WALMER CASTLE, August 25, 1838. + + MY DEAR MISS J.,--I return the inclosed Letter which I received + yesterday; and at the same time the Spectacle Wipers which you + was so kind as to send me. I had already some which you had sent + me; and I am much flattered and obliged for your thinking of my + convenience. + + Believe me Ever Yours most faithfully + + WELLINGTON. + + I had read the Work which you have sent me.[1] The same author + has recently published another which I have got; but have not yet + read. + + [1] Keith on the Prophecies (A. J.). + + + WALMER CASTLE, August 27, 1838. + + MY DEAR MISS J.,--I have received your letter of the 22^nd. + + You do me Justice in believing that I could not allow any + circumstances to prevent my writing to you when I should think + that my doing so could be useful or agreeable to you. + + Feeling it to be desirable that I should write to you I should + have been unpardonable if I had allowed a recollection of bygone + Dissensions to induce me to address you on topicks which might + displease, or in a form which would be disagreeable to you. + + There is nothing under Heaven worth quarrelling about. Of all + disputes and quarrels those in writing are the least pardonable. + In the Heat of Conversation or of Discussion we may say that + which is not justifiable. But our communications in writing are + the Result of Reflection. That very act ought to cool us and + prevent the use of angry and irritating expressions. + + You are quite right in having determined not to address the Queen + Dowager about the payment of Rates for Marlborough House. I was + certain that I should convince you upon the Subject. + + It is very possibly true, that some Notice ought to be taken of + the above of the Queen upon this subject. But the expediency of + taking such Notice must not be considered as a Matter of Course; + because the answer on the part of the Queen would be triumphant. + + In all these Cases particularly those in which High Personages + are concerned Prudence requires that those who advise should look + a little farther than the one Case under consideration. + + Believe me, Ever Yours + + Most faithfully + + WELLINGTON. + + + "By the Duke's next letter I presume I had dated one to him wrongly + as he writes: 'I have received and perused with attention your + letter dated the 29th, I conclude by mistake, for which I return my + best thanks.' + + "The next letter from the Duke is dated Aug. 31st, below which he + again addresses me on Sept. 1st thus. 'Since writing the above my + dear Miss J., I have received your letter of the 31st of Aug. There + is no post from home today and you will not receive this + acknowledgment of its receipt and thanks for it until Monday.' + + "The next letter from the Duke is dated Sept. 11th in which he + writes; 'I am not capable, I am sorry to acknowledge, of entering + on a discussion on the topics in your letter'--and in his next of + Sept. the 12th he writes; 'I can read your letters perfectly. I + wish that I understood the subjects to which they relate + sufficiently to be able to answer them.'" + + + WALMER CASTLE, Sept. 15, 1838. + + MY DEAR MISS J.,--I have just now received two Letters from you, + both finished on the 12^th for which I return my thanks. One of + them contained the Pen wipers for which I am much obliged to you. + + The Story in the Newspapers about my having been consulted by the + Queen about D^r Hook's Sermon is entirely false. There is no + foundation whatever for it. + + As far as I can Judge from the accounts that I have seen the + Queen did not notice D^r Hook's Sermon in any of the Modes + supposed and stated. [Endnote 1] + + I am very much obliged to you for your Enquiries about my + lameness. I thank God! I have entirely recovered from it. + + Believe me Ever Yours most faithfully + + WELLINGTON. + + + "I need not say it rejoices _me_ to behold _thanks_ given to _Him_ + from whom all blessings flow. + + "A. J. + + "The Duke's next letter is dated Sept. 16th in which he writes; + 'There is no post from the country on Saturday as there is no + Delivery in London on Sunday, so you will receive both letters + therefore tomorrow, possibly at the same time.' The next from the + Duke is dated Sept. 20th in which he writes 'I hope that you will + soon recover from your indisposition,' and in that of the 23rd he + writes; 'I assure you that I was aware that you had reason to + believe that the story respecting the Queen was true.' The Duke + means 'was not true' for he had referred to this subject in some + letter just passed through my hands. + + "On Sept. the 25th 1838 the Duke writes to thank me for my letters + adding 'But you do not mention your health and I hope that you have + entirely recovered from your indisposition.' + + "In the Duke's next letter of Sept. 26th he writes 'I am much + obliged by your continued kindness.' + + "By the Duke's next letter I see he refers to my offering him a + Bible of larger Print as follows, + + + WALMER CASTLE, Sept 29th. + + I am much obliged to you for the offer of a Bible in large Print. + That which I now have answers perfectly, and I will not deprive + you of another. + + + WALMER CASTLE, October 2, 1838. + + MY DEAR MISS J.,--I have received at the Same time your Letters + of the 30^th Sept^r and 1 October. + + I assure you that I am very sensible of your kindness; and of + your motives for writing to me; and that nothing could induce me + to write a Word or to commit an Act which would displease much + less excite you. + + When I received the expression of your wish to have my Picture I + felt that the compliance with your wish might be inconvenient to + you. But I postponed to give you an answer Wishing to avoid to do + any thing to displease you; and thinking it possible nay probable + that your own reflections would have induced you to avoid to + renew the Subject. + + As however you did mention it again I gave you the answer which + has satisfied you. + + I have not mentioned the Period of my return to London; as it is + very uncertain. + + Believe me My Dear Miss J. + + Ever Yours most faithfully + + WELLINGTON. + + + "The Duke's next letter is dated Oct. 7th. 'I have four letters of + yours to acknowledge the receipt of, for which I return many + thanks. In one you mention your indisposition but as you have not + again adverted thereto I trust that you are better.' + + "The 13th of Oct. the Duke writes 'I read your letters in the order + in which you wish they should be read,' before closing which letter + he acknowledges or writes another therein acknowledging mine of the + 12th dating this additional letter Oct. 14th. + + + WALMER CASTLE, Oct. 20, 1838. + + MY DEAR MISS J.,--I have again to acknowledge the receipt of + several Letters from you commencing on Sunday the 14^th. I have + been absent; and did not receive them till this morning. And as + the Post for London does not go out till tomorrow, I will keep + this till then in order that I may add the acknowledgment of the + receipt of any other letter that you may have written me in the + end of the Week. + + In answer to the Wish that you have expressed to know when I + shall be in London I mention that I shall not be there for some + time. + + You are in the Habit of writing to me freely upon all Subjects; + and you say that you derive satisfaction from so doing. I assure + you that I am sensible of the Interest which you feel for my + Welfare; and of your Motive in writing to me. + + But I confess that I cannot understand as you do, the High + Authorities which you quote. I wish that I was sufficiently + informed to be capable of reasoning with you whether verbally or + in writing. + + I do not pretend therefore to do more than acknowledge the + receipt of your Letters; and thank you for your kindness. + + Believe me Ever Yours most faithfully + + WELLINGTON. + + I am delighted to find that you are so well. + + + _October 21._ There is no letter from you this day. + + + "In the Duke's next letter of Oct. 21st, 1838, he returns me many + thanks for a letter 'commenced on the 21st and ended on the 22nd.' + + "The Duke's next letter is dated Nov. 3rd, referring to impressions + on my mind which Time has declared to be erroneous with regard to + the end God had in view, but as His glory was then as now my chief + consideration I trust to behold this precious portion of Holy Writ + verified therein. 'As high as the heavens are above the earth so + are My Ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your + thoughts,' and that God will consequently be much more glorified + and magnified under existing circumstances than HE possibly could + under any other for His great, glorious, Holy Name Sake! + + "The next letter from His Grace is dated Nov. 10th 1838 thanking + me for my last and the only remaining one of this year dated Nov. + 19th wherein he returns many thanks for the letters I had sent him. + + "Letters received during this year from the Duke of Wellington + TWENTY TWO." + + "1839.--The first letter received during this year 1839 is I see + enclosed in a cover addressed to Her Majesty the Queen of England, + Buckingham Palace, to whom I must have written, forwarding it to + the Duke to deliver, but which as with that to Queen Adelaide was + returned to me in his dated May 14th, 1839. + + "Another letter in Aug. I see in like manner contains an Enclosure + addressed to Her Majesty, but which was also returned under the + same impression that he was not entitled to deliver such. In the + Duke's next dated Nov. 17th 1839 he writes-- + + + MY DEAR MISS J.,--I am much obliged to you for your letter of the + 15th in which you have enquired about my health as you had heard + or read a report that I was indisposed. I am and have been quite + well, thank God. + + Ever yours most faithfully, + + WELLINGTON. + + + "The Duke's next letter is dated Dec. 14th 1839 in which he + writes--'I return a letter which I opened thinking it was addressed + to me but I now find it was intended for another, as I find the + Name in a Note to myself.' + + "The Duke's next letter is dated Dec. 18th in which he writes--'I + beg you not to make yourself uneasy about the missing letter.' This + was a letter which miscarried and lost. + + "The Duke's next letter is dated Dec. 24th, 1839, judging by which + I presume some mistake had been made in a former epistle as he + writes therein--'I receive so many letters and have so many + directions to attend to; that you must not be surprised if I + sometimes make a mistake.' + + "The Duke's next letter is directed Dec. 28th in which he + writes--'I have received your Note of the 26th. It certainly does + not appear that both Notes have been opened.' + + "This arose from my enclosing the Duke some covers forwarded to me + which Mrs. L. thought had been unsealed. + + "Another letter from the Duke on the same subject after making + enquiries of his servants is dated Dec. 31st 1839. + + "Letters received from the Duke of Wellington during this year + EIGHT." + + "1840.--The first letter from the Duke of this year is dated Jan. + the 16th, thanking me for mine of the 15th and on the 18th the Duke + again writes--'I am much obliged to you for your letter of + yesterday of which I acknowledge the receipt immediately with many + thanks.' The Duke's next letter is dated the 20th of Jan. in which + he writes--'You may rely upon it that I shall not misunderstand + your communications and I am much obliged to you for the confidence + reposed in me.' + + "The Duke's next letter is dated Jan. 30th, 1840, by the contents + of which I presume that I had expressed a wish concerning my + letters being confined to his perusal as he writes: 'You may rely + upon what I tell you. Nobody sees your letters. They reach me as + regularly as is possible considering the greatness of the + transactions of the Post Office.' + + "Again in the Duke's next dated Jan. the 31st he writes 'You may + rely on it your letters reach me in safety.' + + + LONDON, February 3, 1840. + In the Morning. + + MY DEAR MISS J.,--I received on Saturday night the 1^st Inst. + Your Letter of the 31--Jan--; of which I acknowledge the receipt + this Morning according to your Desire. + + I always write as you Desire. But you must not be surprized if a + letter sealed with a seal bearing the Impression of a Coronet; + received for you every day at the same place should occasion some + curiosity. + + Nothing can be more innocent than those Letters or more + praiseworthy than those, to which they are an answer. But the + existence of such a correspondence is calculated to excite + curiosity; and Inquiry. + + Believe me Ever Yours + + Most faithfully, + + WELLINGTON. + + + LONDON, Feb. 5, 1840. + 1/2 past eleven A.M. + + MY DEAR MISS J.,--I did not return from the House of Lords last + night till Midnight; and did not receive Your Letter of yesterday + till this Moment. + + You are quite right not to desire to see me. + + I refer you to what I wrote some time ago upon that Subject; on + which there can be no alteration. + + Ever Yours Most faithfully. + + WELLINGTON. + + + "The Duke's next letter is dated Feb. 20th 1840 wherein he + writes--'I have only this day received your letter dated Saturday + afternoon. I was indisposed last week. But thank God! I have been + quite well for some days. So many letters come here for me; that I + think it most probable that the Medical Gentlemen desired that none + should be given me.' [Endnote 2] + + "The next letter from the Duke is dated March 3rd in which he + writes 'I am very much obliged to you for your letter of the 2nd + Inst. now received. I thank you for mentioning my health. I was + unwell about three weeks ago but, thank God! I have been quite well + ever since.'" + +Another quarrel is now brewing, and Miss J. must, as usual, have lodged +the first complaint, since the Duke at once assumes a defensive +attitude. + + + LONDON, March 6, 1840. 11 A.M. + + MY DEAR MISS J.,--I am very much concerned that my affairs should + render it necessary for me frequently to go into the Country; and + that as you don't receive an answer to your Note you should still + think it must have been perused by my Servants or someone else. + + If you cannot divest yourself of this suspicion you would act + more wisely in not writing to me again; if you should care one + Pin who sees your Letters! + + I received last night on my return to London your Letter of the + 4^th and I acknowledge the receipt thereof this morning. + + Believe me Ever Your + + Most faithful Servant, + + WELLINGTON. + + + "The Duke's next letter dated March 9th wherein he writes: 'I am + really much concerned that you should suppose that my last note to + you was what you call Cross. But I am not so foolish as ever to be + cross much less in writing.'" + +The Duke seems in his next letter, dated March 11, to return to the +third person again, wherein he writes after presenting his compliments: +"The Duke has received her letter of the 10th, Inst. which does not +appear to him to require any answer." + + + LONDON, March 13, 1840. + 1/2 past 11 A.M. + + The Duke of Wellington presents His Compliments to Miss J. Miss + J. thinks proper to write to the Duke; but complains of the + inconvenience attending the observations of the Curious among the + Publick, upon the frequency of the Correspondence. + + She sometimes objects to the Substance; at others to the form of + the Duke's Letters. The Duke has endeavored invariably to render + them as respectful as possible to Miss J., in form as well as in + Substance. + + The Duke is unfortunately for him not sufficiently informed to + enable Him to write upon some of the Higher and more sacred + Topicks of Miss J.'s Letters. But he considers it quite useless + to write to Miss J. at all; if he should omit to state His + opinion when he sees that she has taken an erroneous view of that + of which he has a knowledge. He submits these opinions with great + deference and Respect; and he is much concerned when any of them + give Offence. + + + LONDON, March 14th, 1840. + + The Duke of Wellington presents His Compliments to Miss J. He has + just received Her Note of Friday evening the 13^th Ins^t. + + The Duke is very sensible of Miss J.'s offer of Service in case + the Duke should be sick or afflicted. The Duke is much obliged to + Her. He is quite well. He has no reason to believe that he will + have occasion to trouble Her upon any object whatever. + + +Indorsed in Miss J.'s hand. "Let NOT Him that girdeth on his harness +_boast himself_ as he that putteth it off. 1 Kings XX. 11. + + "Alas! I tremble for you." + + + "The Duke's next letter is dated March 30th expressive of his + thanks. + + "The Duke's next letter is dated April 3rd in which he writes 'The + Duke assures Miss J. that neither the form, manner nor substance + nor even a Word in any letter of hers has offended him.' The Duke's + next letter is dated April 4th in which he thanks me for my letter + of that day. The Duke's next letter is dated the 4th of April in + which he writes--'The Duke is much concerned to learn that Miss J. + has been indisposed.' + + "The Duke's next letter is dated April 10th in which he writes 'He + understands that Miss J. wishes him to enclose to Mrs. L. the + answers addressed to Herself although that is not stated as usual.' + + "The Duke's next letter is dated April 18th in which he writes 'The + Duke has never been better than for the last month and most + particularly for the last few days. He is aware that reports are + continually circulated to the contrary but they are entirely + undeserving of credit.'" + +The cause of this coolness between the Duke and Miss J. is not clear. +Her Diary throws no light upon the subject, and the only clew to the +dissension must be found in the Duke's letters. From these it would +seem that Miss J. has again criticised his manner of writing, or +resented some fancied liberty. The quarrel begun so promisingly in +March is still vigorous late in April, and the Duke is making energetic +but futile efforts to break off the correspondence. + + + STRATHFIELDSAYE, April 24, 1840. + + The Duke of Wellington presents His Compliments to Miss J. He has + received her letter of the 21^st Ins^t for which he returns His + thanks being convinced that Her Letters to the Duke are dictated + by the best Motives. + + The Duke cannot but acknowledge however that they are written to + but little purpose; and considering their Tone and Tenor, the + writing of them can be but little satisfaction to Miss J.; while + it must be troublesome; the transmission of them embarrassing; as + well as the Reception of the answers to Herself and Her friends. + + Under these Circumstances the Duke would earnestly recommend to + Miss J. not to write to Him again. + + + LONDON, May 20, 1840. + + The Duke of Wellington presents His Comp^ts to Miss J. He is + much concerned to learn that His omission to acknowledge the + receipt of Miss J. [_sic_] has occasioned any inconvenience + to her. The Duke received all her Letters in due Course. + + The Duke did not acknowledge the receipt of them. He really + thought and thinks still that Miss J.'s correspondence with the + Duke is very inconvenient to Her and Her friends; that it exposes + her to the Effects of the Curiosity of the Idle; and to the + observations of the Malicious; and that however much he may be + obliged to the Kindness of Miss J. in writing to him, he ought to + endeavour to prevail upon her to refrain from doing which + [_sic_] may be inconvenient to Herself or to Her friends. + + The Duke is thank God! and has been perfectly well, and he + sincerely hopes that Miss J. is so likewise. + + +Indorsed by Miss J. "There is _no_ wisdom nor understanding, nor +counsel against THE LORD." "MY Counsel SHALL stand, and I will perform +ALL My pleasure." + + + LONDON, June 30, 1840. + + The Duke of Wellington presents His Comp^ts to Miss J. He has + received several Letters from Her. The last dated the 29^th + Ins^t. + + He has not thought it necessary to answer these Letters. He + writes now only because Miss J. expressed an anxiety to know + before she leaves town whether Her letters had been received. + + The Duke would recommend to save Herself from such anxiety in + future by omitting to write to Him. + + + LONDON, July 29, 1840. + + MY DEAR MISS J.,--I have received your Note of the 28^th and I + thank God! that I am and have been quite well for this last week. + + There was some casual Derangement of my Stomach a week ago; and + the Editors of Newspapers immediately discovered that I was in + great Danger. + + They forget that their Reporters reported that I appeared in the + House of Lords quite well. + + I am very much flattered by the anxiety which you express for my + recovery. I assure you that I am as well as I have been for + Years. + + Believe me Ever Your most faithful Servant, + + WELLINGTON. + + + LONDON, August 3, 1840. + + The Duke of Wellington presents His compliments to Miss J., and + again returns His thanks for Her Kind Enquiries about His Health. + + The Duke is quite well. He earnestly recommends to Miss J. to be + satisfied with the Accounts which she gets in the Newspapers. + + It is impossible for the Duke to be certain of receiving a letter + from Miss J. to a Moment; and that he will be able to send an + answer forthwith. He has frequently stated this to Her; and in + order to avoid disappointment he now tells her that he will write + no more. + + +WHO is he that saith _and it cometh to pass_, when THE LORD _commandeth +it_ NOT? + + Lam. iii. 37. + +Indorsed by Miss J. + +Miss J. writes in her Diary at this period: + + "Whether the Duke would write again or not, I told him in my reply, + must depend upon God rather than himself, adding that I never + wished to hear from him till God pleased, and defied him + accordingly,--trusting in 'The Lord of Lords.'" + + + + +CHAPTER VIII. + +A PEACEFUL PERIOD. + + +Of the long silence that followed, extending from the third of August, +1840, to the tenth of June, 1844, Miss J. thus speaks:-- + + "That Christ is The Lord of Lords unto Whom all power is given in + Heaven and on earth, nothing can more clearly imply than the + circumstances connected with this Portion of my Diary. The Duke's + last letter had decidedly declared he would write no more, and his + character is too well known by the World for such to conclude he + would not act up to his word and determination. But since 'IT IS + WRITTEN' 'The King's Heart is in the Hands of the Lord as the + rivers of water, He turneth it which way soever he pleaseth,' _so_ + likewise ALL hearts. Consequently when _The Lord's_ time came for + proving to him the folly of forming such a rash resolution, he + writes accordingly, and that too at a moment when I least expected + it, so long a period having elapsed in silence. Nor do I, as he + therein specifies, recollect requesting him to answer that any more + than other letters from time to time forwarded as the Lord + condescendingly influenced me, however solicitous I was for their + safety. I continued to hope that their contents would eventually be + permitted to lead him to feel the emptiness and nothingness of all + earthly grandeur, in comparison with the enjoyment of a Crown of + Glory." + +What induced the Duke to reopen the correspondence is hard to +determine; but the interchange of letters was soon as regular as ever. + + + June 10, 1844. + + MY DEAR MISS J.,--I have received all your letters, including one + written yesterday, the 9^th Ins^t; and I am very sensible of your + kindness in giving me so continually such good Counsel. + + I did not write to acknowledge the receipt of your Letters; + because you did not express a wish that I should do so clearly + till you wrote this last. + + Believe me Ever Yours most faithfully + + WELLINGTON. + + + LONDON, June 14, 1844. + At night. + + MY DEAR MISS J.,--I have received your letter of this day's date; + and I am very much obliged to you for your kindness in the + expression of an Interest about my Health. I am thank God! as + well as I was twenty years ago, and no longer feel any + Inconvenience from the Injury at that time done to my left Ear: + excepting that I don't hear by the use of it, as I do by that of + the other. + + I hope that you are quite well. + + Believe me Ever Yours most faithfully + + WELLINGTON. + + + LONDON, June 18, 1844. + + MY DEAR MISS J.,--I have to express to you my Gratitude for two + very kind letters since I wrote to you last; the one of the + 15^th, the other of the 17^th Ins^t. + + Nothing can be more satisfactory to me than to read the + statements which you write of the Interest you take in my + Welfare; and I beg you to believe me + + Ever Yours most faithfully + + WELLINGTON. + + + "As this book only admits of my referring to the Duke's letters in + order to distinguish them and thereby secure their future safety I + only occasionally introduce one wholly; therefore state that the + next dated June 20th is an acknowledgment of others received by + him." + + + LONDON, June 21, 1844. + + MY DEAR MISS J.,--I am much obliged to you for your Letter of + yesterday evening. It is true that I made no observations upon + the Domestick Details which your former Letter contained: nor + upon your opinion on the Inmates of the Houses in which you had + been visiting. + + My object in writing to you was to thank you for the kind + Interest which you had not ceased to feel for my welfare; and + which you have expressed with so much sincerity. I am very + grateful to you; and I hope that I do not fail in expressing what + I feel. + + It is true! You are quite right my Time and attention are much + occupied by the Publick Duties which I have engaged to perform, + and I have very Little of the leisure to write upon subjects upon + which I can have but an imperfect knowledge. + + Believe me Ever Yours most faithfully + + WELLINGTON. + + + "I presume by a portion of the Duke's next letter dated June 22nd, + 1844, that I had expressed uneasiness concerning some of mine + reaching him, as he writes--'If you should have any apprehension of + your letters not reaching me, you have only not to sign them. I + know your handwriting perfectly and moreover should know from their + purport that they could come from you alone.' + + "In the Duke's next letter dated June 24th, he writes; 'You are + very kind my dear Miss J. in writing to me so frequently. I have to + thank you for two letters received, the last on this morning. I + assure you that I am very sensible of the constant interest which + you feel in my welfare.' + + "The portion about to be copied in the Duke's next letter dated + June 26th requires some explanation on my part previously, as it + refers to a short separation which took place between my dear + friend Mrs. L. and myself--arising from a circumstance that wounded + me concerning a letter which interfered with my gratifying a + request therein made by my dear Father before his death. + + "'I am much concerned likewise to learn that you do not feel + yourself on the same satisfactory terms as usual with your old + friend Mrs. L. I regret this, because the Impression on my mind is, + that she was your friend and that you were much attached to her. I + hope therefore that before long that confidence in your mind will + revive and that you will return to your old Habits of friendly + intercourse with that lady which were heretofore so satisfactory to + you.' + + "These remarks on the part of the Duke had the desired effect and + my intimacy with Mrs. L. was speedily renewed. + + "In the Duke's next letter dated June 28th, 1844, he writes--'I am + happy to learn that you are likely to be reconciled to Mrs. L. It + is impossible that you should be otherwise than of a forgiving + temper and disposition, particularly as I hope in this Case no + voluntary cause for Irritation could have been given.' + + "In the Duke's next letter dated July 1st he writes--'I am + delighted to hear that you have renewed your old relations with + Mrs. L. which I am convinced will prove satisfactory to you.' + + "In the Duke's next letter dated July 3rd he writes--'I beg that + you will have no scruple about writing to me on any paper, or at + the moment most agreeable to you. I am aware of your occupations, + that you write as well as read a great deal, that you write your + thoughts as they occur to you, and that you do not attend to + penmanship or Hand writing which however I assure you that I peruse + with the greatest facility and always with satisfaction on account + of the great interest which you express for my welfare.'" + + + LONDON, July 6, 1844. + + MY DEAR MISS J.,--I have received regularly and have thanked you + I believe for all the kind Letters which you have written to me, + excepting one commenced on Wednesday night, and finished on + thursday which reached me yesterday afternoon: and another + commenced thursday afternoon which I received last night. I thank + you for them all; you are most kind in writing to me: I beg you + not to scruple about telling me what you think and feel. I can + read your hand writing with great facility; particularly by day + light, and I feel your kindness for me; and all that you express. + + The Publick Duties in which I am employed occupy most of my Time: + but knowing that it is satisfactory to you to receive a Note from + me, I do not omit to write to you whenever I hear from you; as + soon as the opportunity of doing so is afforded to me. + + Believe me Ever Yours most faithfully + + WELLINGTON. + + + "The next letter from the Duke is dated July 10th, 1844, wherein he + writes--'Your two letters reached me on Monday night. As I was + occupied all day yesterday by the marriage of my Son [Endnote 3] it + was not in my power to write to you and thank you for your letters, + which I do now and for your continued kindness to me.' + + "In the Duke's next letter dated July 12th he writes--'It is true + that my time is much occupied by the various public duties which I + have to perform and that it frequently occurs that I am under the + necessity of postponing to thank you for your kindness and + continued interest for my welfare. But you may rely upon it that + however I may fail or rather delay to make my acknowledgments I + feel your kindness and your expressions of it.'" + + + LONDON, July 15, 1844. + + MY DEAR MISS J.,--I have to thank you for a very kind Letter + commenced on friday evening and ended on Saturday; which I + received on that night. I think that I answered in a former + letter all the queries which you had stated in yours? + + But if I have been mistaken and you will let me know on what + subject I will write upon it upon the first occasion. + + I beg you not to attend to Interruptions at least so as to annoy + you. I should not perceive such in your letters: which are + invariably uniform in the expression of a kind Interest in my + Welfare of which as well as of your kind expressions I am very + sensible. + + As I was going into Divine Service yesterday morning; a gentleman + who met me told me that it had been reported on the previous day + that I had met with a serious accident. + + As this false report might reach and would annoy you; I avail + myself of the first opportunity of telling you that I thank God! + there is not the slightest foundation for it. I have met with no + accident and have not been better for twenty Years than I am at + this moment. + + Believe me Ever Yours most faithfully + + WELLINGTON. + + + "In the Duke's next letter of July 19th he writes; 'I hope that you + will continue to write to me all that you feel and think. I cannot + express to you how grateful I am for your anxiety for my welfare.' + + "In the Duke's next letter dated July 24th he writes--'I am very + much obliged to you for your continued anxiety for my welfare and I + read with pleasure your expressions of kind interest for me.'" + + + LONDON, July 27, 1844. + + MY DEAR MISS J.,--Since I last wrote to you; I have received one + letter from you of the 24^th and two of the 25^th for all of + which; and your continued kindness I thank you. I am very + sensible of the freedom with which you write to me and tell me + all that occurs to your Mind. + + I do not yet know at what time the parliament will be prorogued: + I should think in the end of August. + + Notwithstanding the continued attendance; I continue thank God! + as well as ever. + + Believe me Ever Yours most faithfully + + WELLINGTON. + + + "In the Duke's next letter dated July 31st he writes doubtlessly in + reply to some enquiry on my part--'It is impossible for me to say + at what period Parliament will be prorogued. I thank you for the + beautiful lines which you have sent me.'" + + + LONDON, August 10, 1844. + + MY DEAR MISS J.,--Many days have elapsed since I have been able + to write you; but I have been again at Windsor Castle, upon the + occasion of the Queen's confinement; and have besides been much + occupied in Parl^t and elsewhere. I have received and thank you + for your letters, the last received having been commenced on the + 4^th and ended on thursday morning the 8^th. I am very sensible + of your kindness in writing to me; notwithstanding that you had + not heard from me. + + I hope you are assured that when I do not write the cause is that + I am much occupied and not that I am insensible or less sensible + of your kindness. + + Believe me Ever Yours most faithfully + + WELLINGTON. + + + "In the Duke's next letter dated Aug. 12th he writes--'I have just + now received your kind letter written yesterday Morning, the 11th, + and according to your desire I do not delay to acknowledge the + receipt thereof as I understand that you are going out of Town to + morrow.' + + "The next letter of the Duke's of Aug. 14th--'I am sorry to hear + that you do not feel very well but hope the Indisposition will be + but short. The weather has been and still continues very bad and is + but little inviting for a journey.' + + "The Duke's next letter is dated Aug. 16th 'I am very sorry indeed + to learn that any of your letters have been returned from the House + to the Post Office opened and sent back to you. I have frequently + told you to beware of the weight of your letters and to take care + that each of them had upon it the proper stamp, etc. You who do not + trouble yourself with the affairs of this world can form no idea of + the extent of the occupation of those whose duty it is to attend to + them.' + + "In the Duke's next letter dated Aug. 22nd he writes 'I have been + out of Town at Portsmouth and at Oxford with the Prince of Prussia + since I wrote to you.'" [Endnote 4] + + + LONDON, Sept. 2, 1844. + Morning. + + MY DEAR MISS J.,--I write to you now as I am under the necessity + of going out of Town to Windsor Castle from whence I shall not be + permitted to return till late on Wednesday. + + I found a crowd around my horses after I quitted you on Saturday + and I was followed away by the same persons who had followed me + to your part of the Town. + + I enclose what I told you that I would send you; it appears to me + to be a good likeness, judging from the recollection of other + Busts. + + I will write to you as soon as I am certain at what time I can + call upon you. + + Ever Yours most faithfully, + + WELLINGTON. + + +Miss J. writes in her Diary for this date: + + "The Duke told me that a _boy_ from his _own_ door called after + him, attracting others accordingly all the way. This annoyed him + particularly on my account, as he was aware of my objection to + notice, notwithstanding that I was at the time under Mrs. L.'s + roof, where all the visits referred to took place and under her + protection." + +Of the picture to which the Duke refers, Miss J. thus writes, after his +death:-- + + "This was his own Picture in wax, made by himself and was an + impression conveying a striking resemblance. It is made upon one of + his own Cards, cut in _half_. On this is engraved 'Field M. The + Duke of ----.' How this valuable Article is eventually to be + disposed of, I wait upon The Lord of Lords, who permitted it to be + bestowed upon me, to point out. He must determine whether it is to + be sent to the British Museum, as a remembrance of one who in His + Hands was permitted to become the preserver of our nation, or to be + disposed of for the propagation of Christianity among the Jews in + whom I am so deeply interested. Whichever it may be I trust that + His Holy Name will be magnified, on account of its having been + bestowed on one so devoted to the poor Duke's everlasting welfare, + during the last eighteen years of his life,--his _eventful_ life!" + + + LONDON, Sept. 6, 1844. + + MY DEAR MISS J.,--I did not return from Windsor Castle till late + on Wednesday. I was in the field with the Troops yesterday + Morning; in the House of Lords from one o'clock till the + Parliament was prorogued and in the Public Offices till between + six & seven in the evening. Now I am about to return to Windsor + Castle this afternoon for the Christening of the Infant Prince + and I shall not return till night or possibly to-morrow. Here + they are crying out for me in the levee Robes. Under these + Circumstances I cannot fix a time at which I could go to pay you + a visit. + + Ever Yours most faithfully, + + WELLINGTON. + + +The infant prince here referred to was Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh. + + + LONDON, Sept. 7, 1844. + Morning. + + MY DEAR MISS J.,--I write you thus early; as I see clearly that + it will not be possible for me to go to see you this day. + + I did not reach Home from Windsor Castle last night; till after + half past twelve, and I am now required to go into the Cinque + Portes. + + Continue to direct to My House in London. I shall be back in a + few days. + + Believe me Ever Yours most faithfully + + WELLINGTON. + + + "In a letter of Sept. 9th the Duke writes from Walmer; 'My duty has + obliged me to come to this part of the Country. I will return to + London as soon as it will be in my power and with your permission + will call upon you. It is very true that I am as well known + everywhere as in my own House and that I am followed everywhere, + and all that I do observed and commented upon according to the + inclinations of those who think proper to follow and observe me. I + am therefore anxious not to expose you or your abode to such + observations.' + + "The Duke's next letter is from Walmer, dated Sept. 11th, wherein + he writes, after thanking me for my letter; 'I am as usual very + much employed but I thank God, quite well.' In the Duke's next + letter, dated Sept. 12th, he writes; 'I again express my gratitude + to you for your continued kindness and good wishes. I will go to + see you as soon as I shall return to Town, of course giving you + Notice.' + + "The next letter from the Duke is dated Sept. 21st, in which he + writes--'I am under the necessity of going out at a very early hour + in the Morning and I do not return till night. But your kindness is + always welcome to me and I wish that it was in my power at all + times immediately to acknowledge the receipt of it.' + + "In the Duke's next letter, dated Sept. 24th, he writes--'I am very + grateful for your constant and continued kindness: you may rely + upon it that if not immediately responded to it is because my time + is so much occupied at a distance from my Residence.' In the Duke's + letter of the 27th of Sept. he thanks me for my letters of the 24th + and one concluded on Wednesday afternoon, purposing to call if in + his power. + + "In the Duke's next letter, dated Sept. 30th, he writes--'I am very + happy to learn that you are not separated from Mrs. L. as soon as + you expected.' + + "The commencement of Oct. brought me a letter from the Duke dated + Oct. 1st, acknowledging mine previously forwarded. + + "I see there is a letter dated Oct. the 5th in which the Duke + writes; 'I write one line to apprize you that I am in Town and that + I will endeavour to go to see you at three this day.'" + + + WINDSOR, Saturday Evening, + Oct. 12, 1844. + + MY DEAR MISS J.,--I have been here since the day after I left + London; having gone to and returned from Portsmouth. + + I have received two letters from you the last commenced on + Wednesday evening and finished, on Friday morning or rather later + in the day on Friday after you had taken a Lodging No. 4 Fitz Roy + Street Fitz Roy Square. + + There is no Post from hence to London this evening and I am going + this night to my own House in Hampshire, where I shall put this + letter in the Post tomorrow; and it will reach you on Monday. I + am going there on my way to Portsmouth for the embarkation of the + King of the French. I shall go there please God! on Monday + morning. + + I cannot say when I shall be able to return to London. But I will + write to you; I am very sensible of your kindness in writing to + me although I have been so much occupied and so constantly in + movement that I have not been able to thank you. + + I hope that you will find your new Lodgings quiet; and + comfortable. + + Believe me Ever Yours most faithfully + + WELLINGTON. + + + WALMER CASTLE, Oct. 17, 1844. + + MY DEAR MISS J.,--I arrived here yesterday evening having been in + movement since I quitted my own House in Hants on Monday morning + to go to Portsmouth to meet the King of the French. I was out + during the thunder, Lightning and Rain on that day; and travelled + afterwards: and thank God! after all this movement and exposure I + am just as well as ever. [Endnote 5] + + I have to thank you for all your Letters; the last in answer to + mine written before I quitted Windsor Castle; but sent from my + House in Hampshire in which I enquired how you liked your new + Residence. + + I am much obliged to you for your continued kindness. I will go + to see you as soon as I shall return to London. But I cannot yet + say at what time that will be: as I am called away so frequently + for other Affairs; and I have still much to occupy my attention + in this part of the Country. + + Your last letter was commenced on Monday the 14^th and ended on + Tuesday. + + I am very certain that I have received all your Letters, and I am + very sensible of your kindness in writing to me; particularly one + on five sheets of paper commenced on the 7^th of Octo^r. + + Believe me Ever Yours most faithfully + + WELLINGTON. + + + "The Duke's next letter is dated Oct. 19th, in which he writes; + 'This Note cannot be sent from hence this day, there being no post. + I will add a line to it when I shall have an opportunity of sending + it off, concluding at present with thanking you for your continued + kindness toward me. + + "'P.S. I add a line to tell you that I have received; and am very + sensible of the kindness of your Letter of the 18th in the middle + of the day; which was brought down here this evening by a messenger + from my House in London. + + "'I am happy to find that you had received my Letter; you need not + be apprehensive of my catching Cold on my Journeys. You may rely + upon my taking care of myself. + + "'Believe me Ever Yours most faithfully, + + "'WELLINGTON.' + + "In the Duke's next letter, dated Oct. 24th, he writes--'I have to + acknowledge the receipt of, and to thank you for your continued + kindness in writing me two long letters.' At the end the Duke + writes; 'It is possible that I may be under the necessity of going + to London to attend to the opening of the New Royal Exchange.' + + "The next letter from the Duke is dated Nov. 6th wherein he writes; + + "'Some days have elapsed since I have heard from you and as I + cannot recollect any reason for your silence I begin to be + apprehensive that you may have been unwell and have been prevented + by indisposition from writing to me. I therefore write this line to + request you to write to me and let me know how you are.' + + "On the same sheet the Duke writes Nov. 7th; 'I have this morning + received yours of the 6th and am delighted to find that you are not + indisposed. I was in Town on two different days in last week; in + one I attended the Ceremony of opening the Royal Exchange by Her + Majesty the Queen [Endnote 6]--on another to attend the marriage + and indeed to give away in marriage a young Lady and was under the + necessity of returning here as Time, Tides and Trains or Railroads + wait for no Man and I had not time even to write, much less to go + to see you.' + + "The Duke's next letter is dated Nov. 10th 1844 wherein he + writes--'You always express in your letters the same interest for + my welfare which has always drawn from me the expressions of my + grateful sense of your kindness.' Again in the Duke's next letter + dated Nov. the 12th he writes; 'Notwithstanding that I wrote to you + so lately I will not suffer the Post to go this day without + expressing my sense of your kindness in writing to me.' + + "The Duke's next letter is dated Nov. 19th, in which he writes--'I + intend to go to see you as soon as I shall have a moment's leisure. + But my time is really so much employed in the service of the Public + as to leave me none for social purposes and scarcely enough for + Repose.' + + "The Duke's next letter is dated Nov. 20th, wherein he writes--'I + write you one line to tell you that if it should be in my power I + will call upon you this day after three o'clock.' + + "The Duke's next letter is dated Dec. 3rd, wherein he writes--'I + was so much occupied with public business that I could not call + upon you again. I am quite well. Then I was at Windsor Castle in + attendance upon Her Majesty the Queen during the five last days of + last week. I have not got the Parcel to which you referred.' + + "In the Duke's letter dated Dec. 11th, he writes; 'I have been very + much concerned to hear that you are unwell. You must take care of + yourself and keep yourself very warm in this bad weather.' + + "The Duke's next letter is dated Dec. 14th wherein he writes--'I + returned to London last night having been detained at Windsor + Castle till late in the afternoon and I went there on Thursday and + received your Note dated the 13th, for which I am much obliged.' + + "The Duke's next letter is dated Dec. 20th wherein he writes--'I am + very sorry, but my time is so much occupied, and while the Almighty + will deign to permit me to live will be so occupied as that I shall + not have leisure to pay visits. I have frequently expressed my + regret that it should be so and repeat them now.' + + "In the Duke's next letter, dated Dec. 21st, he writes; 'I am very + sensible of the kindness of your letter of yesterday afternoon + which I received last night. + + "'I am, thank God! in perfect good health but have had the + misfortune of losing my Sister. But I trust that by the Mercy of + God! She is Happy.' [Endnote 7] + + "The Duke's next letter is dated Dec. 24th, wherein he writes--'I + have received several letters from you after my return to Town + after paying the last Respects to the Memory of my poor Sister--I + return you my thanks for them all and am very sensible of your + kindness in writing to me.' + + "In a letter from the Duke dated Dec. 26th, he writes--'I am sorry + to learn that you have caught cold and are suffering from sore + throat. I hope that you will take care of yourself and avoid to + expose yourself to cold in this severe weather. I am very sensible + of your kindness in writing to me as you have; I hope that I feel + as I ought upon the occasion of the recent described affliction + which I have suffered.' + + "1845.--The first letter from the Duke, of this year, is dated Jan. + 3rd, wherein he writes; 'I am very much obliged to you my dear Miss + J. for several letters received from you in these last days; and + regret that I was so much occupied when I received each of them as + to be unable to acknowledge its receipt by return of Post. I am + very sensible of your kindness in writing to me.' + + "The next letter from the Duke is dated Jan. 13th wherein he + writes-- + + "When I wrote to you last My dear Miss J. I omitted to thank you + for one letter which I had received from you. The one to which I + refer was dated the 23rd Inst., the day on which I attended the + funeral of my poor Sister. I was in London for three days but my + time was so much occupied that I could not even write to you, much + less fix a time at which I could be able to pay you a visit.' + + "In the next letter from the Duke dated Strathfieldsaye, Jan. 17th, + he writes; 'You have been correctly informed; Her Majesty the Queen + does intend to pay me a visit here on Monday the 20th and to remain + till Thursday the 23rd.' [Endnote 8] + + "In the next letter from the Duke, dated Jan. 23rd, he writes--'I + am much obliged to you my dear Miss J. for all your letters dated + the 18th, 19th, 20th and 21st which I have received regularly in + due course. I wish that it were in my power to peruse them when I + receive them--still more to acknowledge the receipt of them + regularly. But that is impossible. My time is so much occupied that + I have scarcely sufficient for Rest. However my Health continues + excellent and my strength unimpaired.' The next letter from the + Duke is dated Feb. 7th 1845, wherein he writes; 'I have received + many letters from you, dated the 20th, 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 26th and + Feb. 2nd, which I have not expressed the sense of gratitude I felt + for your kindness in writing them. But in truth I have been so much + occupied, not alone by my public business but by the afflicting + sickness of one of my Family; one of whom,--My Niece, we have lost; + and another, my brother, is still very unwell that I have really + scarcely had time to turn about. However I thank God! my brother is + stronger and better and I hope that he will be able to bear the + remedies which must be administered to him.' + + "In the Duke's next letter he writes, dating it Feb. 8th--'I fear + that there was one letter which I did not acknowledge in my note of + yesterday--that of the 3rd Inst. But I must say that my time and + attention are so much taken up from morning till I go to bed at + night that it is not surprising that I should pass over a letter in + acknowledging the receipt of others, however kind and interesting, + its contents. I have really more to do than I can find time for, + notwithstanding my constant attention and diligence.' + + "In the poor Duke's next letter he writes--dating it Feb. 25th; 'My + omission to write to you etc--is to be attributed to my constant + occupation in the Public service and since My return to Town in + these latter days, since the Queen paid me a visit, by the + continued illness of my poor brother; and by my attendance upon + Him, his wife and afflicted family. I was very sensible of your + kind offer of Assistance--But he had everything. We lost him, Alas! + on Saturday night, I am happy to say without pain or suffering. + [Endnote 9] His last moments were those of a good Christian in + peace with all the world and I trust, in the Mercy of the Almighty, + in favor with Him! You are very kind and I am very sensible of your + kindness in offering me consolation and in urging me to call upon + you and I will do so as soon as it will be in my power and will + write to apprize you of the Time.' + + "In the Duke's next letter, dated March the 1st, he writes--'It is + true I have been greatly afflicted. But by the Mercy of God My poor + Brother suffered but little in his last Moments. Indeed I may + say--no pain, from the disorder by which he had been afflicted and + his mind was at ease and full of confidence in the Mercy of the + Almighty.' + + "In the Duke's next letter dated March 6th he writes--'I am + concerned to learn that you are not well.' + + "In the Duke's next letter he, after dating it March 15th, 1845, + reports how occupied he is, adding; 'I regret exceedingly to learn + that you are still unwell. But hope that we shall have moderate + weather usual at this season, which will soon recruit your health.'" + + + LONDON, April 18th, 1845. + + MY DEAR MISS J.,--I will give you an answer to your Note of the + 17^th just now received because my attention has just now been + drawn to two paragraphs in the Morning Post, stating that I was + taken ill in the House of Lords last night. I was last night and + am at this moment thank God! as well as I ever was. + + The truth is this. A Noble Lord, well known to be blind was + standing on the floor near the place where I was sitting. I + arose, gave him the assistance of my Arm and conducted him + towards the door till I met another person who took charge of + him. + + That is the whole Story! + + I returned to my place where I sat and took part in the + discussion going on till the House adjourned. + + A man called at my door to enquire how I was at _eleven_, not at + _twelve_ o'clock. The answer was. _He is quite well_, not, _He is + convalescent_. + + Ever Yours most faithfully, + + WELLINGTON. + + + "The next letter from the Duke is dated April 21st, 1845, in which + he replies to an enquiry I had made in a former Note or letter as + follows; 'You did not see me in Piccadilly on Saturday the 19th. I + was not in the Street on that day except to cross it on Horseback + from my own House to the Park.' + + "The Duke's next letter is dated May 8th wherein he writes; 'I have + received and thank you for all your letters; the truth is that it + takes me a long time to peruse them and I am obliged to do so by + daylight, which I have not at command of sufficient duration to + finish the whole that I have to read at one time.' + + "In the Duke's next letter dated May 28th he writes--'The truth is + that nobody can tell the amount of business which I have to + transact who should not be a witness of my constant and unremitting + exertions, and the degree in which my time is occupied. Thank God + that I have health to perform all that is required.' + + "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.' + + "In the next letter from the Duke, dated July 14th, he writes; 'I + have received from you letters of the 9th and 13th Inst. since I + wrote last, for which I return my best thanks. I hope that the + rainy weather will not prevent you from receiving the benefit which + you expected to derive from your residence near the Sea.' Again the + Duke writes in his next letter, dated July 17th; 'The weather still + continues unpleasant but I hope that your residence by the Sea will + be beneficial.' + + "In the Duke's next letter, dated July 23rd, he writes--'I have + received several letters from you lately, for which I return my + grateful thanks. I only regret that I have not leisure to answer + them punctually. I have not been able to dine for the last two days + but I am quite well, thank God!' + + "The next letter from the Duke is dated July the 26th, wherein he + writes--'I return thanks for all your letters; I am very sensible + of your kindness in writing to me and I am very happy to find that + you think of returning to London.' + + "The next letter from the Duke, dated Aug. 12th, refers to letters + being rightly stamped, adding--'Your remedy is very simple--take + care not to send a letter that is overweight. If you write one that + is upon so much paper as that one Stamp will not be sufficient, put + half the paper in one cover and half in the second or put two or + three stamps on the same cover. I have likewise received back some + letters written to you, notwithstanding that I invariably myself + direct and stamp the letters addressed to you. I am really ashamed + of giving you so much trouble.' + + "In the Duke's next letter, dated Aug. 13th, he writes--'It is true + that my public duties render it necessary for me to move to a + distant part of the Country--I cannot complain. But it is the fact, + that at a period of life at which other Men are seeking Repose, + every moment of my time should be as it is, occupied by National + duties which require my constant attendance and all my attention, + and render me unfit for social duties and incapable of performing + them.' + + "In the next letter of the Duke's, dated Aug. 14th, he writes 'I + write only one line to acknowledge the receipt of and thank you for + your letter of the 13th which reached me last night. I am really + very much concerned that my public duties and the attention which I + am under the necessity of paying to their performance render me + unfit for social life. I really have not leisure time for visits, + scarcely to write. I am under the necessity of going out of Town + this afternoon.' + + "In his next letter, dated Aug. 19th, the Duke writes--'I perceive + again that I must be very cautious to cross my t's and put dots to + my i's and not omit an expression which I may ever have used or to + make use of one which may be unusual lest I should again give + offence.' + + "Judging by the Duke's next letter, dated Aug. 23rd, I had begun to + fear I should never see the Duke again, for he writes--'It has + often occurred to me that you do not read my letters and that at + all Events you pay but little attention to their Contents--If you + had perused these letters and had believed what I wrote, you could + not have asked this question. However I answer it--I do intend to + go to see you whenever I can find time; that is, when my + occupations in the Service of the Public will give me leisure for + the performance of any Social duty or the pursuit of any + relaxation, amusement or pleasure.' + + "The Duke's next letter, dated Aug. 29th, conveys an impression + that I had felt hurt at something written, as he writes 'I did not + think it possible that I should ever write one word that could hurt + your feelings and I sincerely beg your pardon.' The next letter + from the Duke is dated Oct. 9th, 1845, wherein he thanks me for my + letters and adds 'I am much obliged about your enquiries about my + Health. I am quite well thank God! though much fatigued by hard + work.' + + "The next and the last letter of this year from the Duke is dated + Dec. 3rd, wherein he writes; 'I assure you that I am very sensible + of your continued kindness. I have not written to acknowledge the + receipt of your letters and to thank you for them, as I really have + not had time, having been so much occupied in the public Service. + When I write to you I am sensible that I must not omit a word or a + letter. The feeling that such omission will give you offence is + alone an impediment, therefore I hope that you will excuse me.'" + + + + +CHAPTER IX. + +MISUNDERSTANDINGS. + + +The correspondence for 1846 begins smoothly, with no warning of the +storm that was to burst before the year was out. From the Duke's first +letter, it is evident that Miss J. had continued her epistles steadily, +undeterred by the tartness of the Duke's last note, of December 3d. His +first billet of the New Year is friendly in tone, while the brusqueness +of the second quoted is explained by her comment thereupon. From the +knowledge gained of her through her letters one can imagine what must +have been the pious querulousness of her "remark." + + "1846.--The first letter from the Duke in this year is dated Jan. + 7th, wherein he writes--'I have received your letter of the 4th + Inst., having before received many for which I really have not had + the time to enable me to write and thank you as I ought to have + done, as my sincere and heartfelt acknowledgments are due to you + for your continued kindness towards me.' + + "I presume judging by the Duke's next letter that I had made some + remark concerning his silence, as he writes therein dating it Jan. + 14th--'I have scarcely time for rest or meals. You must excuse me! + I cannot do it! Surely patience is a Christian virtue enjoined to + us by the precepts as well as by the example of our Saviour.'" + +Biographers of the Duke mention his power of going for hours without +food, and then atoning for his abstinence by a hearty meal. His usual +daily routine was to rise at seven, and go out of doors at once, +returning to breakfast at nine. He ate no lunch, and dined at seven. +When much pressed with work, he was accustomed to have his dinner +served on a small round oaken table in the library, where he ate alone, +surrounded by his papers. His correspondence was enormous, owing to his +practice of answering all his letters himself. He occasionally availed +himself of a lithographed form in reply to some correspondents, and +also sometimes adopted a sharpness of tone in answering irrelevant +communications, in the hope that he might thus hinder their authors +from writing again. As a rule, however, a courteous letter was apt to +receive a courteous reply. The narrowness of Miss J.'s mental horizon +is nowhere more strikingly shown than by her inability to comprehend +the whirl of business that must have made life, to a man of the Duke of +Wellington's conscientiousness, a ceaseless round of fatiguing labor. + + "In the Duke's next letter, dated Feb. 4th, he writes--'I have + received many letters from you and I am really ashamed of being + under the necessity of repeating over again what I have stated so + repeatedly, that I have not leisure time to acknowledge the receipt + of and thank you for each of your letters when it reaches me.' + + "In the Duke's next letter, dated March 13th, he writes--'I don't + know whether you ever read the letters which I write to you. I + doubt it, because I cannot make out how it happens that you do not + notice or believe what I tell you in every one that I write, + namely, that my time is so much occupied that I have scarcely time + for the rest which is necessary.' + + "In the Duke's next letter, dated March 20th, he writes--'I have + received all your letters, the last this day, dated Wednesday, + March 18th. I should have answered the two earlier ones at the time + I received them if I had had one moment's leisure.'" + + + STRATHFIELDSAYE, April 17, 1846. + + MY DEAR MISS J.--I have just now received your Note of the 15^th + and I am very sorry to observe that I have again offended you by + quitting London without going to pay you a visit; and because I + have not acknowledged the receipt of some late letters received + from you. + + I wish I could induce you to believe that the disposal of my time + does not depend upon myself; whether to pay visits or to write. + + I have received all your letters, but have not written answers to + them; or to thank you for them; because I really have not had + Time. + + I am obliged to you for having informed me that you intend to + quit your Residence on Saturday that is to-morrow. + + If you will let me know where you will reside in future I will go + to pay you a visit if I should have one Moment of Leisure. + + I don't recollect to have sent my Servant with a letter to Mr. L. + + If he took one there, I conclude it was because when I gave it to + put into the Post, the Hour was passed at which it would be + received at the Post Office and he took it to the Gentleman to + whom it was directed. + + But this is mere Conjecture. I know nothing about the matter. + + Ever, My Dear Miss J. Yours most faithfully, + + WELLINGTON. + + + "In the Duke's next letter, dated May 30th, he writes--'I am not + surprised at your vexation in neither receiving an acknowledgment + of the receipt of your letters nor a visit from me. But I have + always considered Patience an eminently Christian virtue--I assure + you again that my time is so much occupied! I have dined but once + since last Sunday! These are well known facts!--I returned home to + rest at five o'clock yesterday morning on Horseback! I was employed + all day yesterday after that Repose and did not return till two in + the morning!' + + "In the Duke's next letter, dated June 24th, he writes, after + thanking me for my 'continued kindness;'--'I had before received + several letters from you, for all of which and your continued + kindness I return you my thanks. In respect to your question + whether it is probable that I can go to see you before the 1st of + July I answer that I will if it should be in my power but I cannot + be certain or now fix the time. Till this night I have not dined + since last Sunday and I doubt whether I shall again till next + Sunday. I have scarcely time for Rest--None for Meals and as you + may suppose none for visits. However I will go to see you if it + should be in my power and will write to give you Notice.' + + "I think if the Duke were to return to the world he would consider + no duties before those connected with communion with me, who was so + solicitous to strengthen him in every good word and work. But it + was not to be! Therefore however much I may and did suffer, such I + trust will be permitted to rank among the 'All things that are to + work together for Good to them that love God, to them that are the + called according to His purpose,' and since there never was a + moment when the Duke did not sink into the utmost insignificance in + comparison with His good will and pleasure, such must necessarily + follow. + + "The poor Duke's next letter, dated July 13th I will copy + throughout as it refers to his affliction--in the loss of his Grand + Son." [Endnote 10] + +This letter is interesting as giving a glimpse of that softer side of +the Duke's nature, generally lost sight of in contemplation of his +sterner characteristics. + + + LONDON, July 13, 1846. + + MY DEAR MISS J.,--I have received your letters of the 12^th and + Friday last on the subject of the loss I recently sustained of my + Grandson, the eldest Son of my second son. Poor boy! he died on + Tuesday! By the Mercy of God! the second son, an infant has + recovered. But at one time I was apprehensive that the grief of + the Mother who was nursing the youngest child would have affected + Her Health; and that we should have lost that Child; and + eventually the Mother. But thank God! Both are now safe! I am + very sensible of your kindness upon this occasion. I wish that it + was in my power to tell you that I have any prospect of being + able to go to see you! But I cannot expect to be able to do so at + present! Believe me, My Dear Miss J. Ever Yours + + Most faithfully, + + WELLINGTON. + + + "The Duke's next letter, dated July 23rd, 1846, is expressive of + concern at my having caught cold, adding; 'I am very sorry still to + be unable to fix a time at which I can go to see you.' + + "In the Duke's next letter, dated Aug. 13th, he writes--'I have to + express my acknowledgments for several letters which I have + received from you since you left London and I am very happy to + learn that you like your situation there. I am still very much + occupied by my duties in London but hope the Parliament will soon + be prorogued and that I may be enabled to quit London and move to + other parts of the Country where my presence is required;' and in + the Duke's next, dated Aug. 17th, he writes; 'My duties will + require my removal at a distance from London for at least two + months or more.' + + "In the Duke's next letter, dated Aug. 25th, he writes; 'I am under + the necessity of going out of Town early tomorrow.'" + + + Sept. 1st, 1846. + + I am concerned to find that my silence is considered _unkind_ and + that this unkindness is aggravated by my having travelled up from + Portsmouth on Sunday! It is true! I did so. I was sorry for it. + But my services to the Public rendered necessary my being in + London early Monday morning which I could not have performed if I + had not travelled on Sunday. However you shall not again have + reason to complain of disappointment. I announce to you that I + will write no more. If you could have attended to anything so + trifling as what you might read in the Newspapers about Me! You + might have seen that in the last week I was occupied at a + distance from London during five days out of the seven and that + in that space of time I have travelled and rode little short of + 800 miles. + + +Indorsed by Miss J. "Who is he that saith and it cometh to pass when +THE _Lord_ commandeth it not?" + +And now came the storm, springing from a misunderstanding pitifully out +of proportion to the _furore_ it excited! Miss J. and her friend Mrs. +L. had engaged a cottage, and were about to move into it. Miss J. wrote +to her guardian, desiring him to advance her funds for the furniture of +her new abode. A day or so later, in writing to the Duke, Miss J. told +him of the transaction, in her usual involved style, and asked his +opinion of the matter. The rest of the note was, as usual, filled with +incoherent reproaches for his lack of promptness in writing. The +unfortunate Duke probably perused the letter hastily, and comprehended +nothing but that Miss J. found fault with him about something, and that +she wished a loan from somebody. His patience had been worn threadbare +by much carping and criticism, and he answered her letter in that given +below. The whole affair is so absurd, as sketched in Miss J.'s Diary, +that the account is given in her own words, only omitting a few of the +superfluous and irrelevant quotations from Scripture. + + + LONDON, Sept. 23, 1846. + + In order to prevent Irritation; and to avoid the receipt of + repeated Letters expressing the same; I determined that I would + inform Miss J. that I would write no more. + + I had before repeatedly assured her, that I could not answer Her + Letters regularly; but nothing would do, She continued to be + angry and to complain with bitterness. + + I have therefore been under the necessity of announcing that she + is not to expect to hear from me! She has now mentioned to me + that she had written to me to desire that I would assist Her with + a Loan of Money. I have not received the Letter containing that + Desire. + + But I answer at once; that I will give her any reasonable + assistance she can require from me; when she will let me know in + clear distinct Terms what is the Sum she requires. + + But I announce again; that I never will write upon any other + Subject. + + WELLINGTON. + + + "_Friday, September 26^th, 1846._ O my God, Wherefore hast Thou + thought proper to let Satan try and distress me in this + unanticipated manner? + + "I did not ask Thee to bestow the Duke upon me! I did not think of + ever writing to him until Thou madest me do so! and therefore I + marvel at his being allowed to torture me first in one way and then + in another for the last twelve years of my life, and above all by + what he has now so insultingly done in pretending to think that I + have written to him for a _Loan_, which Thou knowest, for Thy honor + and glory I would not do under existing circumstances, for a + thousand worlds! And I bless Thee for influencing me to Copy the + letter addressed to my Guardian, word for word in my Diary, + commencing my letter to the Duke as follows: + + "'Having just written to my Guardian requesting him to oblige me + with a Loan to purchase the furniture required for my Cottage I + resume my pen, My dearest Duke to acquaint you thereof feeling + still influenced to let you know how things are going forward + respecting it. Which Loan he will be at liberty to deduct out of my + Dividends being by no means large as I propose furnishing it so + simply, being all that is necessary living in such retirement as we + shall always do,' etc. + + "At which, the more I look, the more unlikely it would appear that + the Duke would understand it in any light that would for a moment + lead him to suppose I could so far forget myself or the honour I + have for His great name Which is above every name as to bow down + thus, God having declared, 'It is _abomination_ for the righteous + to bow down before the wicked.' Consequently my indignation at his + insulting letter led at once to my treating it as it deserves, + telling him that _nothing upon earth could_ have astonished me more + than such insult, conveying an idea that I had purposed + condescending receiving any Loan from his hands, which I would + rather starve than do! and so I would! Yes, I would if I had no + other means of subsistence die with starvation sooner than ask any + favor of that kind from him! knowing as I do that Christ's Great + Holy Name would be so dishonored thereby. Consequently, since it + would be for _His Holy Name sake_, as well as knowing what was due + to my high calling in Him, starvation would be comparatively sweet! + rejoicing in being considered worthy, whilst so unworthy, so + utterly unworthy of suffering for His Great Holy Name sake. I have + called upon the Duke to apologize to me as the unwarrantable insult + offered to me demands. Having given this over with himself into + _God's_ Hands to undertake the whole cause for me in whatever way + is most for His own honor and glory, He will doubtlessly make him + do as HE pleases,--and if not, HE will deliver me, I hope from him + for ever. After _such_ a letter as this, displaying more of his + character than I have ever yet seen, I have too much contempt for + him to desire any further communication with him, despising him + accordingly.-- + + "Having given a little vent to my feelings by writing the above, I + will now attempt to describe the circumstances concerning this + insulting letter. + + "The first thing on awaking I was influenced to get up however + unwell, in case a letter by the earliest Post should arrive from + the Duke, little imagining what was in store for me, when God + thought proper to attract my attention to so remarkable a + Scripture, namely. 'The preparation of the heart in man and the + answer of the tongue is from the Lord.' HE permitted me sensibly to + feel His 'strength made perfect in weakness,' otherwise I should + have sunk under the blow! But as his letter was put into my hands, + such an upholding power was exercised over me that however + astonished at its contents and indignant thereat, The Lord was with + me.... + + "I lost no time in answering the Duke as he deserved, my heart + glowing with all the holy indignation such an insulting offer so + _coarsely_ conveyed was calculated to call forth. I then hurried + off to Mrs. L. with that and the one just before received, which + she viewed in like manner, considering it disgraceful treatment in + his daring to write to me thus. She only waits his reply to mine + (which I read to her and on my return home enclosed and forwarded, + hastening off myself to a Post Office for that purpose) and the + Lord's influence in order to take up _her_ powerful pen and address + him as his offered insult deserves. + + "On my return from the Post Office I opened my loved Bible at the + words; 'The wicked fleeth when no man pursueth, but _the righteous + are bold as a lion_,' encouraging me to think increasingly that my + bold indignant fearless reply to the Duke was justified." + +Then follow other "Scriptures," all applied to her credit and the +Duke's disadvantage, and a prayer in which she beseeches the Almighty +to "take this man into Thy Hands and compel him to do me the justice I +deserve." + +A tempest in a teapot! That the Commander-in-chief of the British +armies, the greatest soldier of his age, should have been subjected to +the attacks of a peevish woman's tongue, is ridiculous; but there is a +pitiable side to the affair as well. One cannot help feeling compassion +for the poor old man,--seventy-seven years of age now,--even while one +laughs at the absurdity of the situation. Miss J., as usual, could not +let matters rest, but prepared for another attack. Her Diary describes +her sensations of suspense as she awaited a reply from the Duke, and +"the Scriptures" with which she fortified her position. On Sunday she +writes:-- + + "I have written another indignant letter to the Duke, in which I + purpose enclosing his hair and picture, which last being made of + sealing wax is of course of no value. These being the only things + ever received or required by me, I am solicitous to relieve myself + from the burthen they necessarily become under present circumstances. + Consequently, after considering or reflecting that it may perhaps + be more for the honor and glory of God to return them in silence, I + have enclosed them in two blank covers, waiting now only to + ascertain their weight in order that they may be stamped + accordingly and reach him in safety." + +It may be stated that even after receiving the Duke's letter of apology +Miss J. remained firm in her intention to return these gifts of the +Duke's. Mrs. L., however, who was constantly taking the part of a _deus +ex machina_ in Miss J.'s affairs, succeeded in persuading her to keep +both the hair and the picture. + +The fiercely demanded apology arrived on Monday. Miss J. writes:-- + + "I have to thank my good and gracious God for his indulgent + kindness in sending me not only a letter from my Guardian with + Enclosures, but also one from the Duke, apologizing fully." + + + Sept. 27, 1846. + + I am very much concerned to find by a letter which I received + this Morning from Miss J., that I was so unfortunate as to have + read incorrectly or to have misunderstood Her letter! + + It appears that it was from Her Guardian and not from me that she + intended to borrow money! I confess that it frequently happens to + me to be unable to make out Miss J.'s handwriting! and I + sometimes do not exactly comprehend what it appears to me that + she intended to write! This is to be attributed to the Celerity + with which she writes! + + I beg leave to apologize for my mistake and above all for + thinking it possible that she might want to borrow money from me! + I beg her forgiveness for this Error! + + Miss J.'s Most faithful + + Humble Servant + + WELLINGTON. + + P.S. I will never offend again in any manner. + + +Miss J. delayed acknowledging the Duke's reply for several days, but +finally sent off the following epistle, which she no doubt regarded as +a model of Christian forgiveness. + + + Oct. 3rd, 1846. + + MY LORD DUKE,--I am grieved to say that it has taken a much + longer period to subdue my indignation than as a Christian I + could wish: consequently as I am incapable of dissimulation I + have been reluctant to resume my pen since the day on which I + received your merited apology, when I hastily answered it. But + that reply was not permitted to be forwarded, therefore I sealed + it up with the articles intended to accompany it until I could + further learn what God would have me do, nor is it until this + moment that He has given me even a capability of addressing you + again! + + Yet as life is uncertain with all! it would, I doubt not, + eventually have grieved me if anything had happened in the + interim to rob me of the power of granting your request + respecting my forgiveness. This I now do and sincerely hope God + will forgive also! and far more perfectly and freely than I alas! + as a Creature am enabled to do! _HE_ condescendingly assures them + Who offend HIM yet seek forgiveness ... that their sins and + iniquities are remembered "no more."... + + That you, My Lord Duke, may experimentally feel this, not only as + regards this offence to one hitherto so devotedly bestowed upon + you by Himself,--but any and every other transgression that can + ever become an impediment to your eternal happiness is the + earnest wish of + + His devoted Child and Servant + + A. J. + + Should it be the will of God to allow this to call forth a reply, + it becomes my duty to add that I am still in the same lodging, my + Cottage not yet being ready for our reception, nor will it be + until Thursday the 8^th Ins^t. if so soon,--having required more + time than anticipated for our entrance which I hope will be + blessed. + + P.S. The idea, My Lord Duke, that there may come a moment when + any spiritual consolation on my part may be sought for by you, + induces me to place it in your power in that case to obtain such + by adding that the address with which you are so familiar will + always find me or my Guardian as follows.... Having said this, I + hope that I have now done all that God requires from me, leaving + it with Him accordingly. + + +Apparently the Duke did not feel the need of any spiritual consolation +from Miss J., for she did not hear from him again for two months. Even +then he only wrote because of her request that he would return a letter +she had sent him, announcing the death of her guardian. + + + Dec. 15th, 1846. + + Field Marshal the Duke of Wellington presents his Compliments to + Miss J. He assures her that whenever she has expressed a Desire + to have back a paper enclosed to Him, he has invariably complied + with her desire immediately on his having perused it. Letters + addressed by the Duke to Miss J. have been returned to him: and + he has invariably thrown them into the fire, and possibly the + enclosed Letter! + + + + +CHAPTER X. + +A BREATHING SPACE. + + +The first letter from the Duke for 1847 was not written until the year +was nearly two months old. + + + LONDON, Feb. 22, 1847. + + Field Marshal the Duke of Wellington presents His Compliments to + Miss J.; and acknowledges the receipt of two letters from her one + on Saturday last; the other of the 21^st Ins^t this morning. + + He writes only for this purpose! He declines to anything [_sic_] + further to Miss J. Being convinced that as usual any + correspondence will end in his giving Her Offence, However much + he may desire and endeavour to please her. + + + "I remarked to him in reply to this style of addressing me that I + cared no more for his Field Marshalship than his Generalship,--which + I dare say amused him. He was well aware of this, knowing it is + written, 'If any man will be a pleaser of man then is he not the + servant of Christ,' consequently however solicitous to render + 'honour to whom honour,' my chief concern then as now consisted in + obedience to this Divine enquiry, 'Lord, what wilt THOU have me to + do?' delighting in the same accordingly." + + + LONDON, May 6, 1847. + + MY DEAR MISS J.,--I am very much obliged to you for the kind + letter which I have this morning received without date! upon the + subject of the Misfortune by which I have lately been afflicted + in the loss of my Brother! [Endnote 11] + + I am very sensible of your kindness in writing to me; for the + consolation upon which you suggest my reflection and for your + enquiry about my health! I thank you! I am by the Mercy of the + Almighty quite well! + + Believe me Ever Yours most faithfully + + WELLINGTON. + + +This letter is, as Miss J. states in her Diary, "clad in deep +mourning," or in other words, with a black seal, and written on +black-edged paper. + + "The Duke's next letter is dated May 11th, in which he writes--'I + am very much obliged to you for your letter of the 9th. I answered + the last which you wrote to me on the day I received it.' + + "Having had an objection to the Notice which the Duke's letters, + seal, etc., attracted I was in the habit generally of receiving + them through my friend Mrs. L.'s hands however aware that the Duke + preferred addressing me at my own residence which the following + paragraph from his letter dated May 14th implies." + + + LONDON, May 14, 1847. + + MY DEAR MISS J.,--I have received your Letter dated Wednesday + night. + + I have directed all my Letters lately and covers to Mrs. L. + excepting one to ---- and will direct this under cover to the + same Gentleman. + + You feel an anxiety respecting my Welfare and write to me + accordingly! for which I entertain a grateful Sense: and I am in + the habit of returning My thanks; which Letters you are anxious + to receive. + + This is all very right and proper; and there can be no reason for + which you should not send your Letters to me; and for which I + should not send you answers directed to _yourself_ at your own + _Residence_! + + But you desire that my Letters should be sealed with my own Seal! + which having a Coronet; and other usual Marks of Distinction, + occasion some observation in your Lodgings and your Neighborhood! + which you do not much like! You therefore desire that the letters + addressed to you by me should be sent to one of your friends. + + Your friends know nothing about me! and do not like to receive + Letters for you from an unknown Person! Of this I am quite + assured and to tell you the truth I don't like to send a letter + addressed to you to one of your friends, unless I should be able + to cut off part of your Letter directing me to do so, the name of + that friend in your hand writing! + + I therefore tell you that I will not write to you unless I am + enabled to direct to yourself at your own Residence; or I should + have in your hand writing the name and address of your friend, + which I can include with your Letter. + + I will not be guilty of the unpardonable act of writing a letter + to a Lady or Gentleman addressed to another; without showing that + I have Authority for so doing! + + Believe me Ever Yours most faithfully + + WELLINGTON. + + + LONDON, May 19th, 1847. + + MY DEAR MISS J.,--I have received your Letter of the 17^th. I + have already acknowledged all that I had received from you! at + least I believe so! + + But you write at great length; with much celerity, in light + colored Ink, and much time is required to read one of your + Letters! However I am sensible of your Motives for and your + kindness in writing them! + + I peruse them with attention as soon as I can! and I answer them + when in my power. + + Believe me Ever Yours most faithfully + + WELLINGTON. + + + "In the Duke's next letter, dated Aug. 3rd, he writes; 'I have + received several letters from you the dates of which you will find + at the bottom of this. I am very sensible of and grateful for the + interest that you feel and express in my welfare.' + + "In the Duke's next letter, dated Aug. 14th, he writes--'I am much + obliged to you for your letters my dear Miss J., particularly for + the last of Thursday afternoon in which you inform me that you are + better which I am rejoiced to hear. I trust that you will keep + yourself quiet and follow the advice of your Medical Attendant.' + + "In the Duke's next letter, dated Aug. 21st, he writes; 'I write to + thank you for your letters and to express my congratulations upon + the improvement of your Health, which I trust in God will soon be + restored entirely.' + + "The Duke's next letter is dated Sept. 9th wherein he writes; 'I am + very much concerned to learn that you are again indisposed, but as + you tell me that the Medical gentleman who attends you thought well + of you I hope that this relapse is only accidental.' + + "In the Duke's next letter, dated Sept. 11th, he writes--'Since I + last wrote to you I have received your letters of the 8th & 9th and + I am much concerned that you are still unwell, suffering from cold. + I hope that you will soon be quite well.' Again in the Duke's next + letter he writes, dating it Sept. 22nd; 'I have been very much + concerned to learn from the perusal of the several letters which I + have received of different dates up to the 20th Inst. that you are + still suffering from indisposition, although at times rather + better. I trust you will avoid to tire yourself by writing. There + is nothing like Rest for ailing remedies, and the bounty of + Providence in a recovery from sickness.' + + "In the Duke's next letter he again refers to my indisposition, for + I had been dangerously ill at that time. It is dated Sept. 28th. 'I + am very much concerned to hear that you continue to feel + indisposed.' + + "In the Duke's next letter, dated Oct. 2nd, he writes--'I hope that + you will continue in good health. You will if you keep yourself + warm in the severe weather of the Autumn and commencement of the + winter--and in tranquillity.' + + "In the Duke's next letter dated Oct. 7th he writes--'I have and + thank you for your letters of the 2nd & 3rd, the last finished on + the 4th, and I am happy that you are in your new dwelling which I + hope you will find satisfactory to you, and above all that the Air + will be salubrious.' + + "Judging by the Duke's next, I think that he must have + misunderstood my intentions, as he writes in his letter, dated Oct. + 16th; 'I am concerned to learn that you are again about to change + the place of your Abode. I should think that these constant changes + must fatigue you.' + + "In the Duke's next letter, dated Oct. 12th, which I now perceive + ought to have been introduced above that of the 16th, he writes--'I + am very much pleased that you are not otherwise than comfortable in + your new residence.' + + "I presume, judging by the Duke's next letter, dated Dec. 18th, + that I had referred to my poor Jane's illness, as he writes; 'I am + sorry to hear that your favorite companion disturbs your rest as + rest is especially necessary after the recovery from any illness.'" + +The correspondence had in 1848 dwindled down almost to nothingness, at +least on the Duke's side. It is only doing Miss J. justice to believe +that her zeal and industry continued unabated. There had apparently +been no other dispute. Miss J. herself remarks upon the fact that +during the entire year she received but three letters from the Duke. + + "It may be seen judging by these letters, that there was not any + other cause for the fewness of such but the full occupation of his + time alluded to so frequently. Therefore I presume this was + permitted by The Great Lord of Lords for unerring purposes known + only to Himself. + + "The first in this year is dated May 8th, wherein the Duke + writes--'It is perfectly true that much time has elapsed since I + have written to you and that I have received many letters from you + for which I ought to have returned my thanks, but the demands upon + and the employment of my time in the service of the Public has been + so constant that I really have not had leisure. I hope that you are + well and that the weather will re-establish your health entirely, + and by enabling you to go out into the Air fortify against future + attacks.'" + + + LONDON, July 30, 1848. + + MY DEAR MISS J.,--I have received many Letters and this morning + one of yesterday with copies of many others before written! I was + and am sorry to learn that you are unwell. Your letters are + extremely difficult to read, and my time is and has been much + occupied by my Duties! + + Believe me Dear Miss J. ever + + Yours most faithfully + + WELLINGTON. + + P.S. I have frequently entreated to write your Address, your + place of Abode on each Letter. It is not possible for me to + recollect every thing! + + + "In the next letter from the Duke, dated Dec. 24th, he writes; 'I + am really much concerned that my time has been so much occupied + lately and I have been so much in movement as that I have not been + able to write to you.'" + +1849. + + + LONDON, Feb. 2, 1849. + + MY DEAR MISS J.,--I am really much concerned that the Newspapers + should insert statements of my being sick, of which the Editors + can know nothing. I thank God! I am & have been as well + throughout the Winter as I have been in my Life. + + Ever Yours Most Faithfully + + WELLINGTON. + + + LONDON, Feb. 20, 1849, Morning. + + It is very true My Dear Miss J. that some time has elapsed since + I have been able to go to see you, and that I have omitted to + write to you. The reason of this last mentioned omission is, that + I could not go to see you or fix a time at which I could and as I + had not heard from you, I thought it best not to write. I beg you + observe likewise that I have been time [_sic_] at Windsor Castle; + and also at my own House in Hants since I saw you. + + I am very sorry; but my Time is so much occupied; and while the + Almighty will Deign to permit me to live, will be so occupied; as + that I shall not have leisure to pay visits. I have frequently + expressed my regrets; that it shd be so; and repeat them now. I + received a letter on Saturday night last; commenced that morning; + and ended in the afternoon. I wrote an answer; and just as I was + about to close it and send it off on Monday; I received the + Report of the occurrence of a severe Family misfortune; which + prevented the execution of my purpose. + + I received a second note from you last night dated yesterday + afternoon, and I am delighted to learn that your Eyes are better. + I wish to thank you for these Letters. But I cannot hold out any + prospect of being able to go to see you. I will not deceive you. + I am employed every day at this time by Candle Light from six in + the Morning till twelve at night! After all! God Almighty has so + framed all His Creatures, that even that noble, Animal Man! + requires refreshment food & Rest as well as others. + + At my Age I feel that I require it: and I asked you not to press + me to do that which I cannot do; without neglecting Duties which + I have engaged to perform. I will go to see you; notwithstanding + that I tell you fairly that nothing can be more disagreeable to + me than to be followed by a Mob; as I invariably am; when I go to + the part of the Town in which you reside. + + But I don't care: I will go to see you when I find that I can do + so; and I will give you previous notice as usual. + + Ever My Dear Miss J. + + Yours most faithfully + + WELLINGTON. + + +In spite of this sudden resumption of cordiality, Miss J. did not hear +from the Duke again for over five months. But the letter then is +kindly, bearing no trace of the harshness that marked his epistles +written a couple of years earlier. + + + LONDON, July 31, 1849. + + MY DEAR MISS J.,--I have been at Windsor Castle since Monday from + whence I have only now returned. I have to acknowledge the + receipt of several letters from you written with your usual + kindness, of motive as well as of sentiment and expression. + + I congratulate you upon your success upon Mrs. L.'s Nephew! + + I hope that you may go to the Seaside during the period of the + fine season. Whether you are to derive benefit from the air or + Bathing; it will be more beneficial during fine weather than + after or even during the Storm of the Equinox. + + It is impossible for me to say at what period Parliament will be + prorogued. + + I thank you for the beautiful Lines which you have sent me. + + One of your Letters was written on Sunday the 28^th, another on + Monday the 29^th, and a third on Tuesday the 30^th. + + I hope that this may reach you this evening. But it is late, and + I am afraid it may not. + + Ever yours most faithfully + + WELLINGTON. + + + WALMER CASTLE, Sept. 7th, 1849. + + MY DEAR MISS J.,--I have this day received your letter dated + Wednesday; as you did not know the day of the month. I am writing + to you on Friday the 7^th You ought to receive this on Saturday + the 8^th inst. + + I had not heard of the Indisposition, still less of the death of + your Guardian! But I have been for some time absent from London + and it is possible that letters may have been missent. But they + will reach me at last. + + I sincerely condole with you upon the loss which you have + sustained! I hope that this loss will not be an inconvenience to + you in the management of your pecuniary affairs. + + I am concerned to read in this same letter received this Morning + the report of the illness of your friend Mrs. L.; and that of + your young and protected companion Jane! and even that you had + not yourself been well! I trust that the Almighty will restore + them to Health as well as by His favor your Health may likewise + be reestablished and secured. + + I have been quite well! and am as strong and hearty as ever. + + Believe me ever yours most faithfully + + WELLINGTON. + + +Miss J. appends a word of explanation to this letter:-- + + "The Lady here referred to by the Duke is older than myself, + therefore the Duke is in _that_ respect mistaken, never having seen + her." + + + WALMER CASTLE, Sept. 13, 1849. + + MY DEAR MISS J.,--I received your Letter dated Saturday 8^th and + this morning that of the 11^th in which you communicate to me the + sad Intelligence of the loss which you had sustained in your + friend Mrs. L.! I sincerely condole with you! She was a good and + sincere friend of yours and I felt sincere respect and esteem for + Her Character! You do not mention your young friend Jane; who was + suffering also when you wrote before. I sincerely hope that she + is better and progressing towards recovery as you could wish! + + Believe me My Dear Miss J. + + Yours most faithfully + + WELLINGTON. + + + "I presume by the Duke's next letter, dated Sept. 26th, that I made + previous enquiries concerning some letters previously forwarded as + he writes; 'I cannot now lay my hands on that letter but I must + have received it. I think that you need not make yourself uneasy + about any letter which you may address me.'" + +The caustic tone common in the Duke's letters now reappears. Miss J.'s +habit of enclosing to him letters she had written to others, with the +request that he would read and return them, had long been a source of +annoyance to him; and now his irritation breaks bonds. + + + WALMER CASTLE, October 22, 1849. + + MY DEAR MISS J.,--I have received this evening your Letter dated + September 30^th which was Sunday, Inclosing in a colored cover, + two Letters addressed to Miss Coutts which I return in the same + cover according to your desire without loss of time. + + I have not received a book, and considering the uncertainty of + receiving a letter from you; which you have only to direct, + stamp; and put into the Box at the Post Office; which it is not + certain that you can do with precision! I don't recommend you to + endeavour to send me a Book. I am happy to learn that you will + see your sister! + + Believe me Ever Yours most faithfully + + WELLINGTON. + + + "In the Duke's next letter, dated Nov. 15th, he writes--'I have no + recollection of having failed to write an answer to any letter of + which you desired to receive an acknowledgment. + + "'I receive thousands of letters, a vast proportion of which I am + under the necessity of answering, and I am of course desirous of + avoiding to write more than is necessary; particularly to a person + so particular as you are in respect to the forms and contents of + the letter addressed to you.' + + "The Duke's next letter is evidently an angry one. It is dated Nov. + 21st, wherein he writes--'I have received your letter of the 17th + Inst. in which you have enclosed certain letters which you have + written to Sir Robert Peel which I return! I am not the Post Man! + nor the Secretary of Sir Robert Peel nor your Secretary!'" + +Miss J. retained a copy of her answer to the last. + + + November 25th, 1849. + + MY LORD DUKE,--Your unmerited angry letter astonished me + inexpressibly, being a reply to one as kind and affectionate as + my heart could dictate. Nor had I the most remote intention of + taking the unwarrantable liberty of considering you in either of + the characters you mention, but simply in that of a valued and + beloved friend whose kind advice I was desirous to receive before + taking a step which I had feared may otherwise vex you. This + feeling my Letter to Your Grace plainly expressed, nor could I + have believed after such affectionate disinterested devotedness + to you for the last sixteen years such a simple confidential + request would meet with the answer received. That letter, as is + my custom in the time of perplexity, distress and trouble, I + prayerfully spread before The Great "Lord of lords," beseeching + Him to undertake for me, showing me how I ought to act under such + circumstances, relying upon Him accordingly. Since then I made an + attempt to address you not wishing you to remain ignorant of the + safe arrival of those enclosures, but had I been given worlds I + could not proceed. Consequently I laid aside my pen, fancying The + Lord did not mean me to write at all. However, finding myself + this morning thus influenced, I purpose, if HE permit forwarding + what I write, promising should it be His good will and pleasure + ever to allow me to intrude on Your Grace again, to procure such + paper, etc., etc., as you require, apologizing for any _apparent_ + want of respect on such points, which, loving you as I have done, + I did not consider was expected. But as "it is written," "Honour + to whom honour," I shall sedulously avoid every repetition of the + kind, such being the command of Him "with Whom is no + variableness, neither shadow of turning," "Who is the same + yesterday, to-day and forever," consequently One I must ever love + _above all_ remaining to the latest moment of my existence, + + His devoted Child and Servant + + A. J. + + +This note did not call forth a reply of equal amiability from the Duke. + + "I have felt no displeasure nor anger and was not even surprised by + your letter complaining of my answer in which I returned the + volumes of letters which you had sent for my perusal. Considering + the Numberless occasions which you have quarrelled with me because + of some omission of Seal or Signature or even of a word or a + letter. I thank God that I am never angry with anybody; upon any + subject. + + "Many would think on reading the above that I had treated the Duke + unkindly, but as I can appeal to Him Who seeth not as man seeth, I + have nothing to fear from any erroneous impressions, having + depended upon The Great Lord of lords throughout my acquaintance + with him to direct and influence my heart and pen to fulfil all His + good will and pleasure by working in me for that purpose, for His + Holy Name sake! which I trust will be glorified and Magnified + accordingly!" + +The Duke's last letter for this year is not marked by increased +suavity:-- + + + STRATHFIELDSAYE, Dec. 14, 1849. + + MY DEAR MISS J.,--I have nothing to add to what I stated in my + former Letters regarding your sending me your Letters addressed + to others! + + I beg that you will not do so. + + To read one letter from you is as much as I can do. + + Ever Yours most faithfully + + WELLINGTON. + + +Miss J. adds:-- + + "This in all probability was the case, as he advanced in years, + consequently I never intruded any others upon him afterwards." + + + + +CHAPTER XI. + +THE FINAL RUPTURE. + + +Early in 1850 Miss J. accidentally received a painful blow in the +breast. A tumor soon developed, that caused her great suffering. +Frequent references to her "affliction" are found in her Diary for this +year and the next. She wrote an account of the occurrence to the Duke, +and received the following reply, quoted from the Diary:-- + + "'I was much concerned on receiving this intelligence, but I hope + that the consequences will not be so serious as I had apprehended. + I hope that you will take care of yourself and not move at this + severe season from your comfortable dwelling till you will be + well.' + + "Anyone would perhaps conclude by the Duke's remark that he had + seen my house but as such was never the case I presume my + description thereof had made this impression, alluding to it + accordingly, for however much I may and did wish it to be honored + with his presence, I found such was not apparently His will Who + declares the Way of man is not in himself. + + "In the Duke's next letter, dated March 18th, he refers to my dear + Sister being with me as follows--'I am very sensible of this last + circumstance and of the kindness and necessity of her attention to + you during your illness.' + + "A parcel from me having been left at the Duke's house he writes + referring to the same." + + + STRATHFIELDSAYE, April 3, 1850. + + MY DEAR MISS J.,--I received a letter from you yesterday evening; + another this morning dated the 2^nd Ins^t, both about a Parcel + left at my House by your Sister! + + I am very much concerned that the regulations which I have been + under the necessity of making and enforcing in respect to the + Reception of Parcels at my House should have been inconvenient to + you or your sister. + + But I have been under the necessity of ordering my Servants not + to receive parcels; without previous orders from me! in order to + prevent my private dwelling being made the Deposit of all the + Trash that is written, invented, or in any manner made up! You + find that I am frequently out of town. You wrote me that you + would send a parcel but I received the notification only last + night, and this morning one later; complaining that the Porter + refused to take the Parcel. I am very sorry for any thing that + can annoy you! + + But I cannot prevent this now that my Duties and avocations call + me to a distance from London! But I have not yet acquired the + practice of being in two places at the same time: that is to say + in London to receive your letters and Parcels or those of your + sister; and in the Country, about my Duties and avocations. + + If you will only reflect upon this! You will relieve yourself + from great anxiety, and me from the vexation of annoying you. + + Ever Yours most faithfully + + WELLINGTON. + + I will review the contents of the Parcel as soon as I shall + return to London in some days hence. + + + LONDON, April 5, 1850. + + MY DEAR MISS J.,--I returned to London this day and immediately + enquired for the Parcel. I will peruse the Books which you have + sent as soon as I shall have leisure. + + Ever yours most faithfully + + WELLINGTON. + + + "This largest book was a book of my brother-in-law's on Prison + discipline. What other books accompanied it I have forgotten. + + "In the Duke's next letter, dated April 26th, he writes--'I + anxiously hope that you will soon be quite well.' Again, in his + next letter, dated April 29th, he writes--'I hope that this fine + weather which may be expected at this season of the year will + altogether reestablish your health.' + + "By the Duke's next letter, dated May 21st, I must have referred to + some thoughts of leaving England--as he writes--'I can understand + your desire to avoid separating from your sister. I hope that you + will let me know of your safe arrival in the United States and + State your correct address in legible Hand writing if you should + wish that I should write to you.'" + + + LONDON, June 5, 1850. + + MY DEAR MISS J.,--I have this morning received your Note directed + to me, in which you ask to know whether I had before received a + letter to inform me that your Voyage to the United States had + been set aside. + + I had answered every letter I had received. I do not recollect to + have received a letter containing this information! + + I am very glad to learn that you had set aside this Intention. + + Ever Yours most faithfully. + + WELLINGTON. + + + "In the Duke's next letter, dated June 15th, he writes 'I have just + now received your letter of the 15th. As I receive thousands of + letters in a week it is impossible for me to say whether I received + one from you put into the Post Office Friday Week.' + + "'I answer invariably, as I do this night at midnight, as soon as I + receive your letter if due. I am much concerned but hope that you + may recover entirely.' + + "It is very evident that from this period Satan was permitted to + work in the Duke's mind, weakening consequently the power I had + been permitted to exercise, by rendering my communications tedious, + for in his next letter, dated May 14th 1850 he writes, 'Knowing + your extreme sensitiveness about letters, their contents, the + manner in which signed, sealed and folded up, I have always been + most cautious about any letters sent you! Indeed, such Caution is + quite laborious!'" + + + LONDON, July 4, 1850. + + MY DEAR MISS J.,--I am very sensible of your kindness in + recollecting that I should feel exceedingly the loss of Sir + Robert Peel! + + I assure you that I write to you whenever there is occasion and + that I can have a moment's leisure! But a person who does not see + it can have no notion of the Numbers of letters which I receive + at all times of the day and night. Every body who hears of this + applies to me; the least that I can do is to read and take care + of and return the required acknowledgment. I am not surprised + that you should be disappointed and complain! But I really write + when I can! + + Your most faithful Servant, + + WELLINGTON. + + + "In the Duke's next letter, dated July 9th, he writes--'I am much + concerned to learn by the perusal of your Note of the 8th that you + are still suffering. I am very sorry to hear that you are likely to + lose the society of your Sister.' + + "In the Duke's next letter, dated July 12th, he writes--'I entreat + you to write legibly and to avoid fatiguing yourself by writing too + much.' + + "Part of the Copy of a letter written to the Duke, July 8th, 1850, + in reference to my dear Sister's leaving me.' + + "'I dare not on this occasion indulge the hope of my dear Sister's + continuation in England, she having this morning received a letter + which renders it necessary that she should return home and I must + pray to God to give me grace and strength to bear such a + separation, Who alone can prevent my sinking under these various + surrounding perplexities, for when she is gone I shall not have + anyone but Himself to look to, with the exception of yourself to + whom I have much to say if I could but consider it His Will that I + should repose in you accordingly. O that HE may direct me and + influence you to receive all I have to communicate in whatever way + to His unerring Will prays yours devotedly.'" + +The final quarrel was now approaching. The account of it is best given +in Miss J.'s own words, omitting, as heretofore, a large proportion of +the Biblical quotations. + + "May The Lord enable me to proceed as HE would have me do for His + great holy name sake! for when, or how, to commence a description + of the circumstances in which I was placed with regard to pecuniary + matters, I know not. However, having besought the Lord to aid me I + will at once state that my own Income, limited at best, had become + still more so through a fire which took place on the property + mortgaged, rendering it so small that it was impossible to live + upon it without further help added! Meanwhile, the landed property + we had expected to possess appeared, through a Will drawn out at a + later date to belong to the younger branches of our family, which + was a dreadful disappointment to my beloved Sister. She had buoyed + up her hopes that _her_ portion thereof, united to mine would + compensate for hopes which could now no longer be anticipated. This + rendered her grief on my account additionally distressing, causing + her to reason with and beseech me to spread the whole affair before + the Duke. From the very thought of this I recoiled unutterably, + thus inducing her to reproach me with a want of due affection and + consideration for herself, as my death would be insupportable and + must necessarily take place if she left me in England so situated. + At length, considering as she had justly remarked that the Duke's + abundant riches were bestowed upon him by God to do good with when + in his power and that any aid afforded me could never be + sufficiently great to admit of his feeling the loss thereof; also + considering the gold and silver are _The Lord's_ Who could + consequently dispose of it accordingly, ... therefore it appeared a + _duty_ due to God and man to appeal to the Duke Who in _God's_ + sight may _justifiably_ have been expected to become a father unto + me under _such_ circumstances. That, too, as above observed, + without feeling the consequences thereof any more than the Ocean + would miss a bubble that had appeared on its surface and then + vanished forever. + + "O that I could pass over this part of my life in silence! But such + does not appear to me consistent with the will of God. Therefore I + must proceed and prepare to introduce the letter first addressed to + His Grace on this subject. + + "July 11, 1850. + + "After waiting all day yesterday, desirous to resume my pen, yet + unable to do so through conflicting feelings, I deferred it until + to day, hoping to make a commencement to the details and complete + it by degrees as my strength may admit. First of all, I thank you + for your prompt reply to my last, which becomes my encouragement + for thus intruding upon you particulars to which nothing but the + most absolute necessity could ever have reconciled me.... + + "I resume my pen after a brief interval to tell you that a remark + made in one of your letters after my dear Mrs. L.'s death,--namely, + 'I do not know your circumstances,' combined with the remembrance + of your never to be forgotten kindness in once affectionately + exclaiming 'My Child!'--unite in encouraging me to think that you + have but to know them (the circumstances,) in order to take such + into due consideration and act thereon accordingly. O that God may + enable me to relate and you, My dearest Duke, to receive the + relation in whatever way is most agreeable to His unerring will! + And may any and every valued attention extended to me be regarded + by Him in the light which is calculated to call down upon your + precious head eventually the consequences springing from those + blessed words. 'Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these + My children, ye have done it unto ME.' '_Enter thou into the joy of + thy Lord!_' + + "When I had arrived thus far I was too much affected to proceed and + was relieved by a burst of tears,--for who among all your earthly + friends will feel half so rejoiced at your being so distinguished + by the Great 'Lord of Lords' as one who has loved you so + disinterestedly and devotedly? But since my own feelings as well as + your wishes require brevity I must proceed. + + "At my beloved Mother's death, a Deed of Gift entitled me to a + small Income which afterwards for my advantage was placed on a + Mortgage by my Trustees, but which through a dreadful fire proved + the reverse eventually, as I have found since my poor Guardian's + death that the expenses or losses deriving therefrom were deducted + from the principal of the Property. This leaves me, consequently, + when again sold into the Funds, entitled to an Income quite + inadequate to my support, although hoping that some landed Property + would sell advantageously and become compensation for the same. My + Sister felt most anxious that at such a time as this I should have + every advantage, my _life_ depending upon nourishment and support. + She therefore wrote to make enquiries concerning the sale of the + Property, when to our disappointment a letter arrived showing that + neither my sister or self were entitled to any portion thereof, it + having been at a later period made over to the younger branches of + the family. Consequently all her fondest wishes to render me + through such means all that aid which her affectionate heart could + desire have been hereby frustrated, leaving her in the greatest + distress of mind at the thought of being obliged to quit me thus + situated, namely, with two wounds arising from the blow and another + about to break. These occasion a drain on my constitution which + threatens to take away all my strength, reducing my frame + accordingly. + + "The Medical Gentlemen impress upon my dear Sister the idea that I + must die if I do not receive sufficient nourishment to supply the + loss such occasion. These produce the most violent and continued + perspirations, requiring the most strengthening things, namely, + jellies, wines, soups, etc., etc., as they say it is a complete + battle between the disease and the constitution. Which will conquer + remains for Time to prove. Dr. P. further tells her that I may go + on thus for three years and yet recover if great care is taken of + me, as the lump since it has broken is considerably smaller. It is + hoped that the linseed poultices will eventually draw it entirely + away if my strength can only cope therewith. He also says that I + ought to have a Nurse with me by night as well as by day, + continually, as I am much too exhausted and debilitated to be left + alone. This expense would in itself be more than the whole of my + Income is adequate to defray. Consequently, it would appear that it + is the will of God to place my life humanly speaking, in your + hands, as the friend, next to Himself most dear to the heart of-- + + "Yours Devotedly, + + "A. J." + +The Duke's reply was energetic and to the point:-- + + + LONDON, July 12th, 1850. + + MY DEAR MISS J.,--I have just now received from you a letter + dated July 11^th written upon four sides of letter paper, and I + am concerned to learn, after a most difficult Perusal thereof + that your Health is still in a bad and precarious state! and your + pecuniary affairs very much deranged! You had never before + mentioned this last to me! You frequently named to me in your + letters Your Guardian and your receipt through his hands of your + Dividends, and I therefore concluded that your worldly affairs + were well managed, while your Mind was occupied by reflecting on + the future! But I have seldom read of such a state of pecuniary + affairs as that you give in the letter which I have at last been + able to read and to which I am endeavoring to write an answer! + + I beg you to let me know what sum it is you wish, at what time or + times to be paid? Whether an order at a Banker would suit you? If + Payable at a Banker usually employed by you, will you be so kind + as to let me know his Name? All this _legibly written!_ + + Ever yours most faithfully. + + WELLINGTON. + + I entreat you to write _legibly!_ and to avoid fatiguing yourself + by writing too much! + + +This letter of the Duke's, if hardly gracious, is at least not unkind. +The answer he received was of a nature to drive a man of his +practicality to the verge of distraction:-- + + + MY DEAR DUKE,--As "for me to live is Christ, but to die is gain," + you may rest assured however surrounded by pecuniary + difficulties, I should have preferred the latter to making known + my circumstances to you. Had I not been so continually urged by + my dear Sister telling me that it would kill her, that she could + never bear to leave me in England thus situated and that she + hoped for her sake that I should use the only means in my power + for prolonging my life I never could have told you such truths. I + am not surprised that they drew forth the remark that you had + never read of such a state of pecuniary affairs. Nor would I + offer so great an insult to my Christianity as to do more than + add that the same God Who has thought proper thus to situate me + knows that I would never dishonor His great Name by the slightest + misrepresentation. Therefore, My dear Duke, if you read that + letter carefully you will be much better able to calculate what I + require than I am to tell you. I would not do so, nor am I able + to tell you by what means I am to receive it as I never did such + a thing and know nothing of money arrangements. Consequently I + must leave all to God and yourself, beseeching Him to guide, + influence and direct you to treat me in whatever way is most + agreeable to His unerring will and to bless you accordingly. + + 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:-- + + "In my reply to the Duke I assured him that I had no Banker in + London to my knowledge, never having had to do more than + occasionally receive my _Dividends_, when my Guardian transacted + business, which generally speaking he forwarded by letter. But in + order to give the Duke a clear idea how things stood, I promised to + enclose two letters for his perusal, one from my Guardian _before_ + his death and the other from his wife _after_ it! Alas! by doing + this I brought upon myself more trouble and sorrow than can ever be + forgotten, through the untoward, unlooked for circumstances that + attended them. These I would willingly omit if faithfulness to God + and the world did not call upon me to proceed regularly as + occurrences took place, however torn and wounded my mind may be!... + I feel even now as I write that I wonder at myself for ever + addressing the Duke again. However, I was then laid upon a bed of + sickness and apparently approaching death, therefore it is probable + that the eternal welfare of one to whom I had dedicated myself for + so many years increased in importance in my estimation, if this + were possible. Nor can I ever account for such devoted feelings to + any individual beyond concluding that God had so decreed it. + + "Of course I lost no time in sending the letters promised and + required, but they miscarried." + +Hearing nothing from the Duke, Miss J. wrote again:-- + + "July 23, 1850. + + "As I cannot think it possible, My Dear Duke, that you _could_ + treat me with so much cruelty in my present state as to have + received two such letters as my last without noticing them, I write + to enquire whether you have heard from me twice since I heard from + you. I entreated you not to keep my mind in suspense, as I was not + in a State to bear it. + + "I have a Physician twice a week, and yesterday, on finding my + pulse in such a State he seemed very dissatisfied, saying if my + mind were not kept free from all anxiety it will kill me. + Therefore, My Dear Duke, you surely cannot hear this without using + every means in your power to relieve it. + + "You ask me in your Letter of the 12^th Inst. in what way I should + like you to acquiesce with my wishes? or through what Bank? I + answered that I should be guided entirely by your advice, yet not a + word did I receive in your next on the subject, nor from that time + to this have you referred to it. This to me is quite + incomprehensible, as you in the same letter imply it is your + intention that I shall have all that is necessary. I cannot help + adding I consider this the least _God_ would have me expect from + _Your_ hands, My dearest Duke, under present trying circumstances, + feeling towards you as HE knows I have done so many years such + disinterestedness dedication and affection." + +The Duke's next letters show his irritation. + + + LONDON, July 25, 1850. + + MY DEAR MISS J.,--I have received your Letter of the 24^th that + is yesterday, but not the one which you state in that letter that + you had written to me yesterday--it is on Tuesday--containing + _two enclosures_ being a letter from your Guardian and another + from his Wife. + + These letters when forwarded will enable me to judge of what it + is you require! and the mode in which I am to send you what you + require! + + It is indeed very difficult to supply the daily wants of those + who will not state what they are; or adopt any means of receiving + what she requires! + + However I shall be able to form a judgment when I shall receive + the letters you received from Mr. & Mrs. ---- + + Ever Yours most faithfully, + + WELLINGTON. + + + LONDON, July 26, 1850. + + MY DEAR MISS J.,--I have received your Note of the 25th and the + number inclosed of the Shop at which the Post Office is kept, ... + and I wish you to make Enquiries after your own Letter! If I am + to make enquiries they will be forwarded as a letter from + yourself which I must send to the Post Office; and I beg you to + write accordingly in plain simple Terms reciting the fact! and as + your letter must be sent to the general Post Office I beg leave + without intending any Offence to request that all endearing + expressions which do not suit the Relations in which we stand + towards each other should be omitted! as they might lead to false + conclusions injurious to you! I must observe to you that the + General Post Office will probably answer that if the last letter + contained papers of consequence; it ought to have been marked and + paid for as a registered letter; when put into the Post! The cost + is sixpence! + + This is the mode in which I proposed to send you Money! You would + have to do no more than sign the printed receipt for the letter + which would be sent to you with it. + + The Post Office would know nothing of the Contents of the Letter! + + Living in the World and with the Wants and necessities incident + to Human Nature! it is necessary that _even you_ should comply + with its simple Rules and Customs. + + Yours most faithfully, + + WELLINGTON. + + +The missing packet was at last found and forwarded. The enclosures +stated about the same explanation of Miss J.'s affairs that she had +herself given in her letter to the Duke. They also stated that the +amount of her income from this time would be only _L_12 10_s._ 1_d._ +every half year. At the same time these came to hand, the Duke received +Miss J.'s letter of July 23rd, given above. + + + LONDON, July 30, 1850. + + _Miss J._,--Since I addressed you last your letter of the 23rd of + July which had been refused or missing reached me with the + enclosed letters returned. I confess that I cannot admit of the + Christian Justice of your _Reproaches_. + + I told you that I was ready and willing to give you pecuniary + assistance if you would say what you required, and would adopt + one of several Modes in which I offered to send it to you! But + you have given no answer either as to warrant, a means of sending + you this; and yet you reproach me! This is not just or fair! + + In truth according to the statement in these letters there is no + absolute _necessity_ for any Assistance at present! + + Your most obedient Humble Servant + + WELLINGTON. + + +Miss J. writes,-- + + "To describe how I recoiled from this letter received from His + Grace would be impossible. My feeling was both on his account and + my own. On his, to think that while possessed of thousands yearly + he could thus have reconciled himself to imply that the utterly + insufficient sum alluded to in those enclosed letters was enough + for me in that truly distressing helpless state. On my own part, I + lamented deeply that I should ever have been _influenced_ under ANY + circumstances to ask a favor at his hands. This I would rather have + died than do, had not the affection of so fond a Sister, who judged + of others by her own generous heart overcome every selfish feeling + and at length prevailed!" + +Miss J. immediately prepared and sent off the following letter to the +Duke. + + + July 30, 1850. + + MY LORD DUKE,--Having placed my cause in His Hands "Who judgeth + righteously and Whose Countenance beholdeth the thing that is + right," consequently Who will not, I am assured, suffer you with + impunity to treat me with greater coarseness and want of due + consideration than I under similar circumstances should have + extended to a common menial that I had known or who had served me + for the same number of years, I leave you in His Hands + accordingly. I resume my pen merely to inform you that as you + thought proper after reading my Guardian's letter written several + years ago and his wife's of later date, _yet_ can at the + conclusion of your most unwelcome letter write as follows, "In + truth, according to the contents of these letters there is no + absolute necessity for any assistance at present,"--I desire to + remark that if it were not necessary _then_ it will _never_ be + necessary from _Your_ hands. Consequently, should you at _your_ + good will and pleasure think proper to take the liberty of + sending me a _Registered_ letter with an _Enclosure_, I shall not + only decline receiving it but likewise refuse to sign the paper + that accompanies it in the Post Man's charge, let the + consequences be whatever they may. It is to prevent such an + Intrusion on your part and such a due mortification on mine + towards Your Grace that I have now resumed my pen--for ill as I + still feel I would rather beg my bread from door to door than + receive a favor at _such_ hands! preferring to trust myself + wholly in _His_ Hands Who declares "The silver is Mine and the + gold is Mine."... + + May God in His infinite mercy, My Lord Duke, give you Grace to + understand this Divine assertion, "Whoso shall offend one of + these little ones which believe in ME, it were better for him + that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were + drowned in the depth of the Sea." + + May HE before it is too late incline you to draw near unto Him + accordingly prays, + + His devoted Child and Servant, + + A. J. + + + LONDON, August 7, 1850. + + Field Marshal the Duke of Wellington presents His Compliments to + Miss J. He is much concerned at her answer and that he has given + her Offence, however unintentionally! The Duke may have been + mistaken! But it certainly appeared to him that the Money lent + upon Mortgage; of which the Interest was in arrears of a year, + and paid very irregularly might with advantage have been called + in and the rest of the Sum might with advantage have been applied + to defray the expenses attending Miss J.'s illness! More + particularly as Miss J. was unwilling to adopt any of the modes + suggested by which pecuniary assistance might have been sent her! + + The Duke assures her that he is not disposed to expose her to any + thing inconvenient by desiring that she should sign any papers! + + He was anxious that she should receive the pecuniary assistance + which might be useful or necessary to Her in the manner least + tiresome to Herself and least likely to occasion the inquiries of + busy and impertinent curiosity! + + However Miss J. may rely upon it that he will not interrupt her + repose excepting in consequence of her own expressed desire! + + +One fancies a mocking tone in the last sentence of the Duke's letter, +as though he surmised Miss J.'s silence would not be of long duration. +He did not reckon without his host. Miss J. held her peace for three +weeks. Then, seeing by the "Times" that the Right Hon. Charles +Arbuthnot had died suddenly at the house of the Duke of Wellington, she +wrote a letter of condolence which in its expressions of deep sympathy +and its religious consolations would not have been out of place if +indited upon the death of the Duke's nearest of kin. [Endnote 12] To +this effusion the Duke sent no answer. Nothing daunted, Miss J. only +waited for an excuse to write again. This she soon found in a newspaper +paragraph stating that the Duke had been thrown from his carriage. Her +letter and the Duke's reply follow: + + + Sept. 16, 1850. + + MY LORD DUKE,--Notwithstanding my changed feelings I am deeply + concerned to hear of your late accident, and still more deeply + grateful to Almighty God for your preservation. I sincerely hope + that such gracious interposition of Providence in your favor may + eventually lead you to glorify Him in your life and conversation + accordingly, 'seeking Him while HE may be found, and calling upon + Him while HE is near," ever bearing in mind that _HE_ is "no + respecter of persons." Consequently none but those who through + His Grace have undergone "a new birth unto righteousness," can + justifiably expect to enter into His Kingdom. That HE may enable + you to understand this experimentally is the earnest wish of + + His devoted Child and Servant, + + A. J. + + P.S. I do not give you my address, My Lord Duke, in order to + elicit an answer, but merely to imply that should my Christian + advice be required you may know where to find me. + + +By the Duke's answer, he apparently feels no need nor desire for +Christian advice. + + + WALMER CASTLE, Sept. 17, 1850. + + Field Marshal the Duke of Wellington begs leave to acknowledge + the receipt of Miss J.'s Note of the 10^th Ins^t. + + He is thankful that he received no injury by the overturn of his + carriage a week ago! He returns his thanks to Miss J. for + noticing the accident! + + +Miss J. was so delighted at the receipt of this note that she +immediately replied to it in four sheets of closely written note-paper. +She began by explaining elaborately that she had seen the notice of his +accident only a few days before, although by his letter she learned it +had occurred a week ago. After ringing the changes on this, she +proceeded to bestow Christian admonition in her usual liberal fashion. +The Duke's reply was little more effusive than the note he had sent +last. + + + WALMER CASTLE, Sept. 20, 1850. + + Field Marshal the Duke of Wellington presents his Comp^ts to Miss + J. He is very sensible of her kindness in writing to him. He + merely mentioned as a fact that the accident to which she + referred had occurred in the preceding week! + + He is happy to learn that Miss J. is improved in Health! + + +In Miss J.'s next she reprimands the Duke for having misdirected the +envelope of his last note to her, and inquires if he ever received her +letter on the death of _Charles_ Arbuthnot, as she now calls him. + + + WALMER CASTLE, Sept. 24, 1850. + + F. M. the Duke of Wellington presents His comp^ts to Miss J.! He + has received Her note without Date in which she encloses the + Cover which the Duke returns! + + He regrets much that he made a mistake; which has given her the + trouble of writing again! + + The Duke does not recollect to have received a letter from her + upon the Subject of the Death of Mr. Arbuthnot! + + But he thanks [_sic_] for having thought of writing to him upon + the melancholy occurrence. + + +There were no letters exchanged after this for many weeks. Miss J.'s +health improved slowly, and through her sister funds were supplied for +her maintenance. The next entry of any interest in the Diary is dated +November 9th:-- + + "I have felt _dreadfully shocked_ to day at reading a report of the + Duke's death which thank God, is false! [Endnote 13] O that I may + be enabled to write to him expressions of my feelings, if such be + The Lord's will! I find I feel more than I had imagined was + possible! having suffered exceedingly at this report and at length + have addressed him as follows: 'O My dear Duke, for I cannot use + formality under my present excited, distressed feelings, having + been so shocked by that dreadful Advertisement in the Times of this + day, saying you were gone forever! This God in His infinite mercy + has proved to be false, having spared you, I trust, for a far more + glorious end than the one therein described. For this I can never + thank him sufficiently, subscribing myself consequently with + additional gratitude + + "'His devoted Child and Servant + + "A. J. + + "'P.S. I have been six weeks confined to my room, inflammation + having taken place on the day after I wrote you last. O that God in + these troublous threatening times may guide and counsel you to act + as He would have you do to Whom I beseech you to look for the same + most prayerfully.'" + +As Miss J. received no reply to the above, she wrote again. This time +her epistle was in sharp contrast with her preceding semi-affectionate +note. She arraigned the Duke for his silence, and succeeded in +provoking a response:-- + + + STRATHFIELDSAYE, Dec. 21, 1850. + + Field Marshal the Duke of Wellington presents His Compliments to + Miss J.! He understood from a former letter; that it was Miss + J.'s desire never to hear from the Duke again! + + Therefore he did not write! nor should he write now! excepting a + mere matter of Courtesy! He thus finally takes His leave! + + WELLINGTON. + + + + +CHAPTER XII. + +CONCLUSION. + + +Miss J. was in nowise dismayed by the crushing reply she received from +the Duke. + +She wrote again and again, and yet again. These letters, of which she +has left copies, are made up in about equal parts of accounts of her +health, verses of Scripture, and reproaches to the Duke for his +silence. She at last extorted an answer:-- + + + LONDON, January 17, 1851. + + It is very satisfactory to me to learn from the receipt of this + Day of a Letter of the 16^th that Miss J. is better! And I write + to thank her for giving me the satisfactory Information! + + I hope to hear of her continued convalescence and perfect + Recovery of her Health! + + Most faithfully Her Obedient Humble Servant + + WELLINGTON. + + +The Duke's next note was less amicable:-- + + + LONDON, January 21, 1851. + + In order to avoid to create irritation in the Mind of Miss J. and + the receipt of a Note expressing such irritation in strong terms! + + I write to acknowledge the receipt of Miss J.'s letter! written + on four sides of letter paper; in the Night of the 19^th of + January! I entreat her to avoid the Irritation of writing again! + + Most faithfully Her Obedient Humble Servant + + WELLINGTON. + + +All the entreaties of the Duke proved futile, however, when Miss J. had +convinced herself that it was her duty to write. The occasion she +desired soon came. She says in her Diary for February 6th:-- + + "I have been pondering over the account given in the Times paper of + this day wherein the Queen's visit to the House of Peers is noticed + and among other things the following remark in reference to the + Duke--'His Grace appeared to shrink from the attention and respect + of which he was the object.'--This induced me to marvel whether The + Great Lord of lords has not at length begun to exercise His Godly + Power over his precious soul, making him consequently feel the + nothingness of all things in comparison therewith!" + +Upon the strength of this impression Miss J. wrote to the Duke, asking +him if he recollected where he was and how he was occupied at the time +she mentions. His answer came promptly, although Miss J. did not find +it at all satisfactory. + + + LONDON, Feb. 8, 1851. + + I have received Miss J.'s Letter! And I hope that Her Health + continues to improve! But she does not mention it! I thank her; I + am quite well! + + I was employed on Tuesday in the usual Manner in giving + attendance upon the Sovereign when she opened Parliament! I + perform all my worldly Duties to the best of my ability! Miss J. + despises things of this world, but I fear that if all followed + her good example strictly they would suffer. + + Her Humble Servant. + + WELLINGTON. + + +Miss J.'s reply begins as follows:-- + + "Alas! My Lord Duke! it is grievous to me to find that the + remarkable expression in the Newspaper on Wednesday referred to in + my last, namely; 'His Grace appeared to _shrink_ from the attention + and respect of which he was the object' did not come from the + impression I had hoped of Regeneration--or Divine Grace having + begun its work in your precious Soul, to which at present you are + so evidently a stranger. Judging by the latter portion of your + reply you never desire or expect to be otherwise, as you seem to + imply if all were to follow my example you fear you should not be + improved. This assertion is but too true except the Great Lord of + lords put forth His Almighty Power for that purpose." + +And so on through pages of pious abuse. + +The Duke's answer to this is characterized by a calm dignity in +noticeable contrast to the petulance of most of his notes of this +period. + + + LONDON, Feb. 12, 1851. + + I beg Miss J.'s pardon if I misunderstood Her Letter; in which + she understood what passed on the day on which Parliament met! I + understood that she had adverted to my attendance upon the + honorary Service of the Queen! + + In my Answer I observed that unless such services as well as + other worldly Offices were attended to; the Affairs of the World + would not go on so quietly as might be wished by those who like + Miss J. thought more of Spirituals and of the next World! I hope + that I do not fail in feeling due Humility upon all occasions! + And most anxious to merit approval where alone such can be of any + avail! I have thought it proper to explain this to Miss J.; as I + wish not to be misunderstood! + + Her Most faithful Servant + + WELLINGTON. + + + LONDON, Feb. 20, 1851. + + F. M. the Duke of Wellington presents His Comp^ts to Miss J.! He + has received Her Letter of the 17^th of which he acknowledges the + receipt; in order to save her the trouble of making farther + enquiries about it! + + But he really entreats Her not to give herself the trouble of + writing to him again! + + It is obvious that the act of doing so irritates Miss J.! which + cannot be beneficial to Her Health! He hopes that she will not + write again! + + +Miss J. in her Diary for February 21st gives a copy of a note she wrote +the Duke at this time:-- + + + MY LORD DUKE,--I wrote to you on the 13th Inst. Whether you + received it I know not, therefore acquaint you that such was the + case. Feeling assured that there was nothing in that letter which + in the sight of God ought to have displeased your Grace, I leave + the consequences with Him accordingly, remaining Ever + + His devoted Child and Servant + + A. J. + + +The Duke's reply is as follows:-- + + + LONDON, Feb. 22, 1851. + + I received in due course Miss J.'s letter, but as I did not + consider that its contents required any observation on my part; + or tended to manifest Miss J.'s desire or wish to hear from me + again, I did not think it really expected I acknowledge the + receipt. + + She did not in that letter and has not in this last mentioned Her + Health, which I therefore hope continues to improve! + + Her obedient Humble Servant + + WELLINGTON. + + +Miss J. gives a copy of the letter she wrote the Duke after receiving +the above, but, as she tells us, postponed sending it until she had +laid the matter before the Lord:-- + + "Having written a long letter of four sides to the Duke, referring + so unexpectedly and unintentionally to his neglect from time to + time of one bestowed upon him by God Himself for his Spiritual aid, + I now commit the same into His gracious Hands, beseeching Him to + deal with it in whatever way is most calculated to promote His own + honor and glory, preparing me accordingly for His great holy Name + sake." + +This letter was never sent, but in its place Miss J. despatched a +shorter one, given below: + + + March 4th, 1851. + + MY LORD DUKE,--As it is written, Yea, declared by Him "Who spake + as never men spake" "By Me kings reign and princes decree + justice" may that "Holy One" in this time of especial need + incline Your Grace to look to and honor Him accordingly, for His + great holy Name sake, and may HE graciously and condescendingly + enable you to advise, direct, influence and comfort our beloved + Sovereign bestowed upon us by Himself, as the first portion of + Scripture quoted implies, (who appears at the present moment in + so additionally interesting a light), in the way that is most + agreeable to His unerring will, and in that most calculated to + promote His honor and glory as "The Governor among the Nations;" + prays + + His devoted Child and Servant + + A. J. + + + LONDON, March 4, 1851. + At Night. + + I have this night received Miss. J.'s letter written this day! + + I had received in due course the Note written on the Monday in + the previous week! I did not send an acknowledgment of the + Receipt as I wished to avoid to give Miss J. the trouble of + writing again! + + However little Miss J. cares for the Affairs of this world, I + entertain that she is satisfied with any arrangement calculated + to be satisfactory to Her Majesty the Queen! + + Her obedient Humble Servant + + WELLINGTON. + + + MY LORD DUKE,--As you say that your silence arose from a desire + to prevent my having the trouble of writing to you again, I + presume such is not agreeable to Your Grace. Consequently until + it pleases The Great "Lord of lords" to influence you to request + me to do so I purpose, if HE permit, intruding on you no more, + knowing that I have never given you any cause to make such a + remark, considering nothing a trouble which God pleases me to do. + + In reply to Your Grace's observation concerning my interest in + Her Majesty I have only to observe that I consider it the duty of + every real Christian to stand by the Sovereign God has thought + proper to bestow upon us, in every time of necessity and danger, + for His sake. + + I remain, Ever His devoted Child and Servant, + + A. J. + + + LONDON, March 10th, 1851. + + It has so frequently occurred that I have unintentionally + offended Miss J. that whenever I write it is with Caution! I + confess likewise; that I don't much like to send letters through + the hands of a third Person; of whom I know nothing! It is a + liberty in my mind which I ought not to take! + + I therefore wished that the correspondence should cease of + itself; and that all friendly feeling should be continued! I know + well that Miss J.'s Mind is occupied by Reflections on Spiritual + things; and that she must despise the occupation of one who + considers it His duty to serve the Public to the best of His + Ability! + + With due respect for Her Higher occupations, I hope she will + excuse my adhering to my own Course of duty! + + Ever Miss J.'s most faithfully obedient + + Humble Servant, + + WELLINGTON. + + +The above is the Duke's last letter to Miss J. Although he lived until +September of the following year, he never wrote to her again. Miss J.'s +efforts did not cease, however. She sent letter after letter to the +Duke, without being discouraged by his utter silence. Indeed, a note +directed to him was lying on her table ready to be sent to the post the +morning that she received the news of his death. She gives an account +of her reception of the tidings:-- + + "_November 28th, 1852._ I dare not trust my pen to refer to the + unanticipated dreaded end which has caused me so much deep sorrow + although nearly three long months have rolled over my head since + that awful blow was given and which, had it not been for divine + support would I fear have deprived me of my reason, for it was so + unexpected that when my Physician called to acquaint me thereof, I + said, pointing to a letter on the table: 'That is for the Duke,' + intending to ask him to put it into a Post Office, being sealed and + ready. + + "On perceiving my doctor silent, instead of offering with his usual + kindness to post the letter, I enquired wherefore? he replied that + he thought it had better be postponed. This made me still more + anxious, eagerly asking, if he were ill? when Dr. P. said he had + not been well, and thus by degrees unfolded the awful truth that he + was indeed No more. + + "O I can never forget my feelings! continuing after his departure + as if riveted to my seat and speechless." + +Miss J. then laments that the Duke had never given any marked proof of +his conversion, and recapitulates her efforts to lead him into the way +of righteousness. She dwells upon the longing she had felt to be +assured that he had known a "new birth," but adds:-- + + "Alas! this satisfaction was not afforded me. Nevertheless as + before expressed, I build my hopes on the last five hours of His + Grace's life, however insensible to all around, knowing nothing to + be impossible with God, consequently that even at this the eleventh + hour his precious soul may through a Saviour's righteousness have + been permitted to wing its flight to Mansions of eternal glory." + +The remainder of Miss J.'s life was of little interest. She became more +bigoted as she advanced in years; and although not long after the +Duke's death she joined her sister in the United States, her +peculiarities had developed so unpleasantly that the two could not live +peacefully in the same house. Miss J. resided in New York until her +death in 1862. + +A list of the Duke's letters is appended, copied from Miss J.'s Diary. + + + + + _List of Letters received from the Duke._ + + + In 1834 6 + 1835 78 + 1836 56 + 1837 25 + 1838 (one being double) 23 + 1839 8 + 1840 25 + 1844 (and Picture) 55 + 1845 32 + 1846 18 + 1847 19 + 1848 3 + 1849 10 + 1850 24 + 1851 8 + --- + Total Number 390 + + + + +APPENDIX. + + +NOTE 1, page 105. + +In a sermon preached at the Chapel Royal, Hook (afterwards Dean of +Chichester) told the Queen that the Church would endure, let what would +happen to the Throne. On her return to Buckingham House, Normanby, who +had been at the chapel, said to her, "Did not your Majesty find it very +hot?" She said, "Yes; and the sermon was very hot too."--GREVILLE, +_Memoirs_ (1837-1852), vol. i. p. 116. + + +NOTE 2, page 112. + +The Duke of Wellington had an attack the other night in the House of +Lords, and was taken home speechless, but not senseless. It was severe, +but short; and after the stomach was relieved, he rapidly recovered, +and in a day or two _pronounced_ himself as well as ever. Of course the +alarm was very great.--GREVILLE, _Memoirs_ (1837-1852), vol. i. p. 267. + + +NOTE 3, page 126. + +Charles, the second son of the Duke of Wellington, married, July 9, +1844, Augusta Sophia-Anne, daughter of the Right Hon. Henry +Manvers-Pierrepont. The marriage took place at St. George's Church, +Hanover Square, and was followed by a grand wedding-breakfast, given at +Apsley House by the Duke of Wellington. + + +NOTE 4, page 129. + +Prince William of Prussia, afterwards the great Kaiser Wilhelm, arrived +in England from Ostend, Aug. 13, 1844. Among the many honors paid him +were entertainments given him at Apsley House and at Strathfieldsaye +by the Duke of Wellington. The Prince was an honored guest at the +christening of the Queen's fourth child, Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh, who +was born Aug. 6, 1844. Prince William left England on Saturday, +September 7. + + +NOTE 5, page 134. + +Louis Philippe and his Queen visited England Oct. 8, 1844. Their stay +lasted until October 15. The "Times" of the date, describing the +embarkation of the royal party, says:-- + + "The Duke of Wellington was in the yard on horseback in his + regimentals, but wrapped in a brown great-coat (like a sentry's + coat), buttoned to the chin to keep off the rain.... + + "Even before the arrival of the royal party in the Victualling + yard, the rain had already begun to fall heavily; and the + circumstance of a vivid flash of lightning, accompanied by a long + roll of thunder, occurring just before their entry, was the cause + of some curious observations among the superstitious." + + +NOTE 6, page 136. + +The Duke of Wellington on entering the room was received with the most +lively demonstrations of respect. The band at the entrance of the room +played the air, "See, the Conquering Hero Comes!" and the appearance of +his Grace was the signal for a general clapping of hands, and even some +cheering from the gentlemen, and waving of handkerchiefs from the +ladies.--_Account of the opening of the Royal Exchange, from the London +"Times" of Oct. 29, 1844._ + + +NOTE 7, page 138. + +This sister, Anne, married first the Hon. Henry Fitzroy, and secondly +Charles Culling-Smith, Esq., of Hampton, Co. Middlesex.--BURKE, +_Peerage_. + + +NOTE 8, page 139. + +A detailed report of the Queen's progress to Strathfieldsaye is given +in the "Times" of Jan. 21, 1845; but the account of her visit there is +less full. The "Times" says:-- + + "The visit to Strathfieldsaye is intended to be of a more private + nature than either of those with which her Majesty has lately + honored any of her subjects.... + + "The following characteristic reply from the Duke of Wellington to + an application for admission will show that his Grace at least will + not allow the royal party to be disturbed:-- + + "'Field-Marshal the Duke of Wellington presents his compliments + to Mr. ----, and begs to say he does not see what his house at + Strathfieldsaye has to do with the public Press.'" + + +NOTE 9, page 141. + +This was the brother next older than the Duke of Wellington,--William, +Lord Maryborough. + + +NOTE 10, page 154. + +Arthur, the child of Charles (the son of the Duke of Wellington) and of +Augusta Sophia-Anne, daughter of the Right Hon. Henry Manvers-Pierrepont, +was born May 5, 1845, and died July 7, 1846. + + +NOTE 11, page 167. + +Lord Cowley, the youngest brother of the Duke of Wellington, died April +27, 1847. + + +NOTE 12, page 205. + +On Sunday last the death of Arbuthnot took place at Apsley House, where +he had been gradually sinking for some time. He is a great and +irreparable loss to the Duke of Wellington, who is now left alone in +the world. The Duke told him and talked to him about everything. He +will feel it as keenly as at his age and with his character he can feel +anything.--GREVILLE, _Memoirs_ (1837-1852), vol. iii. p. 362. + + +NOTE 13, page 207. + +This report stated that the Duke had had a fatal fall while hunting in +Lincolnshire. The whole story was a hoax. + + +THE END. + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Letters of the Duke of Wellington +to Miss J. 1834-1851, by Duke of Wellington + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LETTERS OF DUKE OF WELLINGTON *** + +***** This file should be named 35532.txt or 35532.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/3/5/5/3/35532/ + +Produced by Steven Gibbs and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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