some calamity which has befallen him. A calamity may be either the loss of life or property; either internal, (i. e. personal) or external.

2.

The calamity must be but slightly adverted to in the letter, as a new recital of it is calculated to open afresh the wounds of grief.

3.

The reasons for bearing the calamity with fortitude, must be brought forward in good order, but in a concise manner, as too much prolixity cannot be borne by a grieved mind.

4. If the object of the letter is to console a person for the death of a relation or friend; it is proper to dwell a little on the good qualities of the deceased; and thence to conclude, that it behooved the Divine Justice to call him to the reward of his deserts. A comparison also, between the present and future life of the happy spirits, may be made with good effect, showing that to die is properly to live, and to live in this world is often worse than death; hence, rather than mourn, we should envy the fate of the deceased.

5. In general, the loss sustained must be ex

(2.) How must the allusion to a calamity be made? (3.) How must the reasons for bearing it be given?

(4.) How may consolation be administered, on account of the death of a relation or friend?

(5.) What is to be observed in general, in letters of consola

tenuated, if it cannot be represented to be a gain.

6. The style adapted to this class of letters, is the simple. It may, however, rise to the sublime, if reference be made to God, and a blissful life.

7. This kind of letters is frequently in use among all classes of men, but principally among friends and relations.

8. The letter of Mrs. Webster to her husband, upon the death of their little son, affords a beautiful illustration on this subject:

Mrs. Webster to Mr. Webster.

$6 BOSTON, December 28, 1844.

I have a great desire to write to you, my beloved husband, but I doubt if I can write legibly, as I can scarcely hold my pen in my fingers. I have just received your letter in answer to William, which told you that dear little Charley was no more. I have dreaded the hour that should destroy your hopes, but trust you will not let this event afflict you too much, and that we both shall be able to resign him without a murmur, happy in the reflection that he has returned to his Heavenly Father, pure as I received him. It was

(6.) What style is adapted to this kind of letters ? (7.) By whom are they addressed?

(8.) Give an example of a letter of this kind?

an inexpressible consolation to me, when I contemplated him in his sickness, that he had not one regret for the past, nor one dread for the future; he was patient as a lamb during all his sufferings, and they were at last so great, I was happy when they were ended.

I shall always reflect on his brief life with mournful pleasure, and, I hope, remember with gratitude all the joy he gave me; and it has been great. And oh! how fondly did I flatter myself it would be lasting!

'It was but yesterday, my child, thy little heart beat high; And I had scorned the warning voice that told me thou must die.'

Dear little Charles! He sleeps alone under St. Paul's. I cannot express how much I regret that it did not occur to any one of us to have the dear remains of Grace removed. I thought much of it when the tomb of Mr. Sullivan was opened for Mrs. Sullivan's little boy. I regretted you were not here to consult upon the subject. Oh, do not, my dear husband, talk of your own final abode; that is a subject I can never dwell on for a moment. With you here, my dear, I can never be desolate. Oh, may Heaven in its mercy long preserve you! and that we may ever wisely improve every event, and yet rejoice together in this life, prays your ever affectionate G. W."

TV.

OF LETTERS OF RECREATION.

THEIR OBJECT AND QUALITIES.

1. The object of these letters is to exhilarate, or delight the person addressed; also to excite in him noble and pleasant affections; such as love, benevolence, gratitude, etc.

2. The subject of these letters must be agreeable to the party addressed; hence, it must be carefully selected. Obscene witticisms and remarks, being contrary to decency, must be strictly avoided.

3. Vivid and florid descriptions of places, persons, fashions, public amusements, festivities, celebrations, marriages, and of anything calculated to exhilarate the mind, are particularly appropriate to this class of letters.

4. Their style is the florid, mixed with the simple.

5. In letters of recreation, great length is not considered a fault; provided the writer can interest the reader.

(1.) What is the object of letters of recreation?

(2.) What quality must the subject of these letters have?

(3.) What is appropriate to letters of recreation?

(4.) What is their style?

(5.) Is great length in these letters a fault?

6. This class of letters belongs especially to friends, relations, and lovers who contemplate marriage.

7. The following is an example of a letter of recreation :

Mr. Webster to Mrs. Paige.

"WASHINGTON, November 28, 1842.

DEAR HARRIETTE-I was quite happy to hear from you yesterday. You seem, by all accounts, to have had an agreeable Thanksgiving. Such family occasions, in the absence of recent causes of grief, are usually pleasant and joyous.

I think the love of family grows upon us, as we get along in life. 'Tis certain that I find myself more frequently than formerly thinking over my remote kindred, and dwelling upon the connections created by the ties of blood. We are thinking of getting up a little Thanksgiving in this District. Many people desire it, and I have recommended to the President to issue a short proclamation or recommendation. It will seem to bring us more into the circle of Christian communities.

Mr. Curtis came on with me, and stayed a week. Since his departure I have been quite alone; and not having once dined out since I came here, I, of course, sit down daily to a table with one plate. This is not cheerful, certainly; but then, it encourages the virtue

(6.) To whom are they addressed?

(7.) Give an example of a letter of recreation.