LETTER I

MISS ANNA HOWE, TO MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE
JAN 10.


I am extremely concerned, my dearest friend, for the disturbance that
have happened in your family. I know how it must hurt you to become
the subject of the public talk: and yet, upon an occasion so generally
known, it is impossible but that whatever relates to a young lady,
whose distinguished merits have made her the public care, should
engage every body's attention. I long to have the particulars from
yourself; and of the usage I am told you receive upon an accident you
could not help; and in which, as far as I can learn, the sufferer was
the aggressor.

Mr. Diggs, the surgeon, whom I sent for at the first hearing of the
rencounter, to inquire, for your sake, how your brother was, told me,
that there was no danger from the wound, if there were none from the
fever; which it seems has been increased by the perturbation of his
spirits.

Mr. Wyerley drank tea with us yesterday; and though he is far from
being partial to Mr. Lovelace, as it may well be supposed, yet both he
and Mr. Symmes blame your family for the treatment they gave him when
he went in person to inquire after your brother's health, and to
express his concern for what had happened.

They say, that Mr. Lovelace could not avoid drawing his sword: and
that either your brother's unskilfulness or passion left him from the