BC_1761_EMONTAGU_EC_1

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<Q A 1761 TC EC EMONTAGU>
<X ELIZABETH MONTAGU>
[}ELIZABETH MONTAGU TO ELIZABETH CARTER. LONDON. 1761 JAN 31. MO 2439}]
<P1>
y=e= 31=st=
   I believe the melancholly articles in the papers relating to Admiral Boscawen would make my Dear M=rs= Carter apprehend why I have not answers her letter, a letter too, which had so interesting an article as that of her coming to Town. My heart felt all the joy upon it that it was capable of under the sad circumstance of seeing one of the best of Women & dearest of my friends made most unhappy by the loss of a Husband she loved with the greatest tenderness & admired to a degree of enthusiasm. This great man snatch'd away with all his blushing honours thick upon him, in the noon of life & glory must be a striking object to every thinking mind, but to me who lived constantly in view of his widows sorrows & his childrens tears it must be deeply affecting. Her behaviour on
<P2>
This as well as all other occasions has been very noble & very tender; at first she was the dumb statue of grief, she hardly knew more than the marble figure that in a mournfull attitude bends over a tomb, in a day or two tears began to flow, she pray'd, she wish_d, she tried to be resignd acknowledged her duty but found it almost past her power; the humility of her sorrow has engaged the mercifull protector of his creatures to support her beyond all human hopes under her condition, & tho she will probably never again be the lively happy Woman she was, yet I see she will be able to go through the duties of a double Parent to her children. One of the greatest joys I had, was in seeing her as happy as the condition of human life will allow, her prosperities & pleasures I had in a manner appropriated & I have now for many weeks been paying interest for my borrow'd joys. She sees no one but Lady F Williams Lady Smythe & my self besides M=r= Boscawens family & her own Father
<P3>
So that I have been with her as much as my health would allow, and thank God I have been but little interrupted by illness, tho' the agitation I felt during ye Ad=ls= long sickness & ye shock of ye sad event at last reduced me low. I am now much better in ye main, tho I had so bad a pain in my head this afternoon I was forced to go to bed at six o'clock, however warm tea & a nap refresh_d me, & I am now sitting up in bed to write this. I long to see you in Town. I sent y=r= letter to M=rs= Norman immediately. I hope you will find benefit by coming to Town. I wish I was sure of it as that your friends will. I am with the most tender affection & esteem my Dear M=rs= Carters
   Most faithfull & Obliged
   EM