From: The Harp in Catherine Street, in the Strand
Honoured Madam,
I had put on my Boots, & ordered my Horses to be in readyness, to Come to Glostershire pursuant to Mine dated the 3rd instant, when I receive'd a letter from Mrs Chamberlen, acquainting me that she had not the opportunity to deliver my letter, & that you were gon to Salisbury,1Elizabeth had Estcourt relations in Salisbury. & not to return till the beginning of next week, which made me deferr leaving till I hear the Certainty of your return; for since I have no Business but to pay my Respects at Shipton, I am loath to run the risque of the Disappointment of seeing your Ladyship.
If the Amiable Widow proves Cruel (as I have great cause to fear she will) it will be a severer shock to me, then any I have hitherto mett. The Sincerity of my Affection for her has been such as to Engage me to a strict Fidelity (from the time I was first acquainted with her) not only of action, but Even of Thought, I have been so far from any Other Courtship, as to resolve not to admitt even the thoughts of one, till such time as I am Convinc'd of the Impossibility of Succeeding with her; and I am so far from having Views of preying upon her fortune any further then to remove the incumbrances my Brother left, that I should Willingly submitt it entirely to her Management and power. - I believe if she knew the steady Resolutions of Gratitude & of Pleasing, that I have form'd, in Case she Condescends to admitt my Love, that she would not longer refuse it.
I hope this will find you return'd safe and in good health, which no one would be more sincerely glad to hear then
Honoured Madam, Your Ladyship's most Obedient and most faithful humble servant
J. Ellis
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