Honoured Madam,
Having heard a very extraordinary Character of your person & qualifications that first inclined me to do myself the honour of waiting on you, & then the advantage I had (tho but short) of your most pleasing conversation raisd & augmented the great opinion I before had conceived of you, it is with true sincerity I apply myself to you in this manner, & therefore desire the happiness of an admission into your favour, which if I shall be so fortunate as to be allowd, I shall always endeavour to pay you that regard your merit deserves, & study that which will mostly contribute to make you happy; I write to your Brother1Estcourt Hodges died in February 1721. The lack of reference to her mother implies a date after 1717. & therefore shall not trouble you, Madam, with my complements to him, I desire you will please to believe I am with entire respect Honoured Madam
Your most obedient faithful humble servant whilst [remainder obliterated]
[Top right and bottom right corners have been deliberately removed, presumably to obscure the name and address of the sender. ]
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