110 



the contest, will be treated with unexampled severity; 

 and should the enemy prevail, I could not bear the 

 thought of seeing those I loved treated with in- 

 humanity. My witnessing such shocking scenes 

 could avail them nothing. How much better then 

 is it, if necessary, in trying to defend them and 

 yourself to the last, to end your life in the most 

 glorious way in defending all that is dear to you ? — 

 What will Mrs. Smith say to my long declamation ? 

 I think, however, and I beg you will tell her so, 

 that an old captain, a soldier at sixty-seven, deserves 

 at least, by way of encouragement, the approbation 

 of the ladies ; and you may assure her there is but 

 one amongst them whose good opinion I should set 

 a higher value upon than hers. 



Having now intruded upon your patience, it is 

 time that I should release you, by assuring you how 

 sincerely Lady East and her sister join in every kind 

 wish with your faithful friend, 



W. East. 



From Mans. Mirbel. 



Monsieur, 

 Sa Majeste l'lmperatrice m'ordonne de vous ad- 

 dresser la suite de la Flore de Malmaison et des Lili- 

 ace'es. Je saisis cette occasion pour vous offrir mon 

 traite RAnatomie et de Physiologie Vegetales. Je 

 vous prie, Monsieur, d'agreer cet ouvrage comme 

 une marque de ma profonde estime pour vous, et 

 du prix que j'attache a votre jugement. Je serois 



