The Virginia Gazette

A copy of a letter from the sister of a Right Honourable Lord, who lately eloped with a Gentleman to France, addressed to her mother.

Dear Madam,

CALAIS, October 25, 1769

I have anticipated every parental uneasiness you must have felt from the moment you discovered I left your house. As I have therefore been the occasion of it I think myself in duty bound to give you as early an explanation of my conduct as possible, flattering myself, when you come to balance it properly in your mind, I shall be acquitted even from your understanding, without the interposition of maternal tenderness.

"Ever since I could associate an idea I have looked upon matrimony as the source from whence we were to draw the most finished happiness, or accumulated misery. Clear in this opinion, I thought persons could not be too circumspect in their choice, and that every thing that led to this was to be primarily pursued. I was confirmed in this theory by the contrary practice of most of my acquaintances, who, dedicating their pursuits to interest and connections, so far lost sight of happiness that divorces frequently succeed the marriage rites; however, shocked by such examples, I was determined to benefit by the lesson. Mr. M- introduced himself to my acquaintance; his person, his manner, his address, in short, that je ne sais quoi that determines every sentimental man or woman's fate in love, soon furthered the introduction to my heart. Our mutual sentiments thus known, the rest may be easily guessed: I agreed to marry and elope with him; a post chaise and four soon carried us to Dover, and a few hours afterwards landed us here.

"As my husband may want the fortuitous appendages of rank and fortune, I expect to be told I have acted imprudently and meanly; but this is a vulgar error, that, among many others, is adopted without any authority. How can I be guilty of the former, when I have acquired every thing my heart wished for? Or how of the latter, when by the laws of nature he is my equal?

"Be superior then, my dear Madam, to vulgar opinions. Consider how much better it is to see your daughter happy than either rich or titled; pleased, though in an humble situation, than miserable in an elevated one; the affectionate wife of private Mr. M-, than the legal prostitute of some Right Honourable Lord.

"I shall leave you to these reflections, hoping they will produce the wished for consequences, and beg leave to subscribe myself,

With great duty and respect,

Your affectionate daughter,