I do not know how far you may suffer, as I do, under the
persecution of letters, of which every mail brings a fresh load.
They are letters of inquiry, for the most part, always of good will,
sometimes from friends whom I esteem, but much oftener from persons
whose names are unknown to me, but written kindly and civilly, and to
which, therefore, civility requires answers. Perhaps, the better known
failure of your hand in its function of writing, may shield you in
greater degree from this distress, and so far qualify the misfortune of
its disability. I happened to turn to my letter-list some time ago, and
a curiosity was excited to count those received in a single year. It
was the year before the last. I found the number to be one thousand two
hundred and sixty-seven, many of them requiring answers of elaborate
research, and all to be answered with due attention and consideration.
Take an average of this number for a week or a day, and I will repeat
the question suggested by other considerations in mine of the 1st. Is
this life? At best it is but the life of a mill-horse, who sees no
end to his circle but in death. To such a life, that of a cabbage is
paradise. It occurs, then, that my condition of existence, truly stated
in that letter, if better known, might check the kind indiscretions
which are so heavily oppressing the departing hours of life. Such a
relief would, to me, be an ineffable blessing.
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