BC_1744_EMONTAGU_MB

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<Q A 1744? TC MB EMONTAGU>
<X ELIZABETH MONTAGU>
[}ELIZABETH MONTAGU TO MARGARET CAVENDISH HARLEY. 1744 SEPTEMBER 16 MO 378. ALLERTHORPE, YORKSHIRE.}]
<P1>
[\ADDED? Allerthorpe. [\Sebt=r=.\] 16
1744\]
   I am much obliged to my Dear friend for her tender concern for me; I would have wrote to you before, but I could not command my thoughts so as to write what might be understood. I am well enough as to health of Body, but, God knows, the Sickness of the Soul is far worse; however as so many good friends interest themselves for me, I am glad I am not ill. I know it is my duty to be resign'd & [\to/] submit; many, far more deserving than I am, have been as unfortunate. I hope Time will bring me comfort, I will assist it with my best endeavours; it is in afflictions, like mine, that Reason ought to exert [\exert BY A LATER HAND\] itself, else one should fall beneath the Stroke. I apply my self to Reading as much as I can, & I find it does me service. Poor M=r= Montagu shews me an example of patience & fortitude, & endeavours to comfort me, [\tho INTO though BY A LATER HAND\] undoubtedly he feels as much Sorrow as I can do, for he loved his Child as much as ever Parent could do.
   My Sister has been of great service to me; & on this, as all other occasions, a most tender friend.
<P2>
I am much obliged to you for wishing yourself with so unhappy a companion, y=r= conversation w=d= [\would BY A LATER HAND/] be a cordial to my Spirits, but I should be afraid of being otherwise to yours. (\Adieu\) ; think of me as Seldom as [\You/] can, & when you do, remember I am patient, & hope that same Providence that snatch'd this Dear Blessing from me may Give me others, if not I will endeavour to be content if I may not be happy. Heaven Preserve you, & your Dear precious Babes; thank God you are far removed from my misfortune; & hardly can fear to be Bereft of All.
   I am,
   ever your Grace's most affectionate
  EM:
[\ADDRESS\] To / Her Grace / The Duchess of Portland / At Bullstrode / near Garreds crop / Bucks
Free / Edw: Montagu. [\SEAL\]