LETTER FROM MR. NORTH, INCLOSING THE FOREGOING. INFLUENCE OF THE LETTER
UPON HIS WIFE.
MY DEAR MR. A. BETTERDAY CUMMING:--
I have, as you see, complied with your request, and herewith I send you
my thoughts and feelings in view of the good Southern lady's letter. I
came near, once or twice, abandoning some of my long-cherished
principles, under the influence of the letter and of the reflections to
which it gave rise. But I have been enabled to retain my integrity. I am
sorry to say that the letter has made me some trouble through its effect
on my wife, to whom, incautiously, I read it. Very soon after I began to
read, I perceived that some natural drops were finding their way down
her tear-passage, leading her to a frequent use of the handkerchief. By
this means she interrupted me, I should say, six or eight times, during
the reading, and as soon as I had finished she rose and left the room.
I remained, and wrote a large part of the accompanying reflections, and,
near midnight, on repairing to my room, I found that Mrs. North was
asleep. She waked me in the morning by asking me if I was asleep. I told
her that I would gladly listen to what she had to say.
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