Samuel Johnson (Meynell & Chesterton)/Chapter 12a

LETTERS.

 

To his Wife^[1]

Dearest Tetty,

After hearing that you are in so much danger, as I apprehend from a hurt in a tendon, I shall be very uneasy till I know that you are recovered, and beg that you will omit nothing that can contribute to it, nor deny yourself anything that may make confinement less melancholy. You have already suffered more than I can bear to reflect upon, and I hope more than either of us shall suffer again. One part at least I have often flattered myself we shall avoid for the future, our troubles will surely never separate us more. . . . I can send you twenty pouns [sic] more on Monday, which I have received this night; I beg therefore that you will more regard my happiness, than to expose yourself to any hazards. I still promise myself many happy years from your tenderness and affection . . .

Of the time which I have spent from thee, and of my dear Lucy and other affairs, my heart will be at ease on Monday to give thee a particular account, especially if a Letter should inform me that thy leg is better, for I hope you do not think so unkindly of me as to imagine that I can be at rest while I believe my dear Tetty in pain.

Be assured, my dear Girl, that I have seen nobody in these rambles upon which I have been forced, that has not contribute [sic] to confirm my esteem and affection for thee, though that esteem and affection only contributed to encrease my unhappiness when I reflected that the most amiable woman in the world was exposed by my means to miseries which I could not relieve.

⁠I am,

⁠My charming Love

⁠Yours

⁠Sam. Johnson.

⁠January 31st, 1739-40.

 

1. By kind permission of Mr. W. R. Smith, owner of the MS.