The New Hampshire Gazette

For the NEW-HAMPSHIRE GAZETTE.
A FRAGMENT.
Mr. PRINTER,

By publishing the following you will oblige one at least of your customers.

My Amiable Friend,

I HAVE again written you by my former mode of conveyance, and have again been disappointed; how to account for it I know not—I have waited a long time to know (for it is now in my power) whether it has reached you, my hopes are exhausted, I attempt a new channel, you may yet possibly receive the former, this I hope you will, as this is the only happiness, and the only means of happiness left for your unfortunate friend, you may assure yourself, he will omit no opportunity to communicate his thoughts ;—an intercourse between congenial souls, souls cemented with genuine love and friendship is at first, blush a real happiness, I mean that friendship which the hurry of business, the perplexities of life, and absence, the destroyer of the more sordid and selfish attachment cannot eradicate—Such a friendship my dear friend is really worthy to be cherished, without it life is not worth possessing—why should I talk of, or expect happiness? She has long since deserted my bosom, never to return—I vainly court and grasp the shadow, whilst the substance is far removed :—A correspondence I esteem in my present situation, happiness, compare it with an interview, it becomes a phantom, compare an interview with the real bliss resulting from the union of hearts and hands, and it becomes unworthy of the name. I wrote in my former the situation of my health and mind, it may possibly reach you, I will not recite it here—why should I wound your tender breast with a relation of troubles, not at present to be alleviated. Troubles which you my friend were once kindly solicitous to prevent, had fate determined otherwise, I should now enjoy all the felicity heaven could have bestowed—Is there yet a ray of hope? I fondly imagine there is—Shall I again see you my friend? Hope, answers yes—shall I have an interview? Hope, answers yes, the season will render it practicable. I have more to say, than can be contained in a letter—Life itself would be too short to relate the heart-rending tale—I was indisposed when I last saw you, which with other reasons occasioned my apparent infelicity—I will some time make them known to you, be assured of my real and undiminished affection—While my heart cherishes life's vital spark, it shall beat for you alone; Let me hear from you as usual—Let me see you.—Adieu.

WERTER.