
          Wms. Coll. May 3. 1824.

Dear Sir,

The most important item in your
last letter, was your projected tour to the terra
firma of matrimony. Tho' I have not seen
any notion of the event in the papers, I presume
the matter is accomplished. I have only
to offer you my cordial congratualtions upon
this change of your state, & to express my
sincere desires that the union may prove highly
conducive to your happiness & that of your
better self. This [?] is most [?],
mourning as I am the [?] of it in
my own case in the death of her I most
loved, I offer the smile of congratulation thro'
a tear. Still it is not the less cordial because
I know that terrible pangs will attend the
dissolution of the tie that holds your hearts
now as one. I have learned what I knew not
before, & desire that you both may be
long preserved from a separation so overwhelming
to the soul. I have not before touched
upon my situation in my letters to you, &
now should not, had not you told of your plan.
I mourn on my own account _ I rejoice on
account of your happiness & prosperity. Should
I see your city this spring, I shall endeavor
to pay you my respects in propria persona.

May blessings rest upon you.
        