The House-Keeper's Guide and Indian Doctor

1851, and one small book promises ice creams, perfumery, soap, furniture polish, a complete system of doctoring — and model letters for every occasion.

HomeThe Letter Writer › From the young Gentleman's Mother to the young Lady

From the young Gentleman's Mother to the young Lady

DEAR MISS: If you find any thing in these lines improperly written, you will candidly excuse it, as coming from the hands of a parent, in behalf of an only, beloved, and dutiful son.

My dear Charles has told me that you have made such an impression on him, that he knows not how to be happy in any one else, and it gives me great happiness to find that he has placed his affections on so worthy an object. Indeed it has been my principal study to instruct him in the principles of our holy religion; well knowing that those who do not fear God will never pay any regard to domestic duties. His father died when his son was only ten months old, and being deprived of the parent, all my consolation was that I had his image left in the son. I nursed him with all the tenderness possible, and even taught him to read and write.

When he was of proper age, I sent him to a boarding school, and afterwards to college. Whilst he was prosecuting his studies, I daily recommended him to the care of that God whose eyes behold all his creatures, and will reward and punish according to their merit. Ever since his return from Princeton, he has resided constantly with me, and his conduct to every one with whom he has had any connection has been equal to my utmost wishes. At present, my dear girl, I am in a very sickly condition, and, although I have concealed it from him, yet, in all human probability, my time in this world will not be long. Excuse the indulgent partiality of a mother, when I tell you it is my real opinion you can never place your affection on a more worthy young man than my son. He is endowed with more real worth than thousands of others whom I have known; and I have been told of instances of his benevolence which he has industriously concealed. I have only to add further, that the only worldly considderation now upon my mind is to see him happily married, and then my whole attention shall be fixed on that place where I hope we shall all enjoy eternal felicity. I am, dear Miss, your sincere well wisher.

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