Imágenes de páginas
PDF
EPUB

Those which follow are but faint expressions of my agonized feelings, in reply to the kind inquiries and solicitude of my dear friends. Their letters of condolence I have inserted, which serve to show in what high estimation my dear boy was held, and how universally his death is mourned. These testimonials of regard convey to me the proud satisfaction of the strong impression in their minds of the matchless integrity, high honour, and unsullied virtue of him, whose loss they deplore.

The biography of poor Benjamin is, as his life was, short. He was born at Tooting, in Surrey, on the 12th of October, 1798. His puerile years were spent under the care of a fond mother, who gradually initiated him into the path of moral and religious pursuits, until his eighth year, when he was placed in Mr. Elwell's academy at Hammersmith, preparatory to his being removed to the Charter House in 1810, where, under the amiable and learned Doctor Raine, he imbibed the best rudiments of his education, and where he remained until the summer of 1813.

Before he attained his fifteenth year he possessed those acquirements which were valuable to me in my pursuits, and so identified himself in every thing which related to my future prospects, that we seemed to move but as one body. His heart-his soul-his very anticipations were the precursors to my happiness, delight, and comfort. Formed to please, attentive to instruction, intelligent in explanation, devotedly watchful to my interests, beloved, and possessing the confidence of my friends, he stood pre-eminently conspicuous as the brightest star of youthful purity. “But who can control his fate?" This son of promise, in the bright sunshine

of vigorous health and vivacity, was arrested by the arm of death, on the 21st day of November, 1815, at the premature age of seventeen years.

Thus fell, after two days of agonized sufferings, occasioned by an inflammation in the abdomen, the fairest flower that nature ever, in its brightest fancy, formed: a youth of fine endowments-conceptions brilliant — imagination beyond his years rich in character, and high in the estimation of all who appreciate worth and talent. His associates were those of mature experience in the world, from whom he imbibed a manliness of character, which directed his mind to the contemplation of objects both useful and instructive. In conversation

he was intelligent, acute in reasoning, and a most pleasant companion. He was my companion, friend, and confident" one whose blood and friendship were so well co-mingled" with my own, that nothing but death could turn its course. But his spirit is fled! "He has shuffled off this mortal coil," and flown to regions of immortal bliss-" to that country from whose bourn no traveller returns" to that seat of happiness, where, if his spirit looks down to earth, he will behold the poignant feelings of an affectionate father, deploring the irreparable loss he has sustained; but buoyed up in the hope of a re-union, where the dreadful pang of separation can never be felt, and " where true joys only can be found.”

[ocr errors]

BENJ. OAKLEY.

On the morning of the 28th of November, 1815, his dear remains were conveyed to Tooting, in the county of Surrey, and deposited in a vault under the communion table.

for

To BENJAMIN OAKLEY, Esq.

MY GOOD SIR,

Tavistock Place, November 21, 1815.

PRAY let me know if I can do any thing you; if I can write letters - go into the city — or, in any other respect, afford you any assistance, or mitigate your grief. I wish it were in my power to effect the latter, and I would gladly forego any comfort or convenience of my own.

I will not trouble you to write an answer, unless you direct me to do something. Mrs. B. also begs me to say, that she will gladly do the same for Mrs. O., any of your daughters.

or

Believe me most truly,

J. BRITTON.

TO BENJAMIN OAKLEY, ESQ. TAVISTOCK PLACE.

MY DEAR FRIEND,

November 21, 1815.

I CANNOT express to you my feelings on the truly melancholy event of this day: be assured, that it has excited in me every sentiment of the deepest regret. I loved the dear boy; and therefore most sincerely condole with you, and your family. To attempt to offer any thing in the way of consolation, at a moment like this, I know is vain: it is only to be found in a perfect resignation to the Almighty Disposer of all events, and in the reflection, that, if much has been taken away, much has been spared: but I could not let pass this opportunity of showing my affection and esteem, and of expressing that friendship which I have long enter

tained for you. Mrs. Wade too, who unfortunately called at your door this day, without knowing your loss, has been most sensibly and deeply affected. If there be any thing in which I can be of the smallest use to you, either in the city or elsewhere, you will confer an obligation on me by letting me know it, and it will be the only consolation I can receive.

I am, my dear Oakley,

Very sincerely and affectionately yours,

R. W. WADE.

To ROBERT WATSON WADE, Esq. TONBRIDGE PLACE.

MY DEAR KIND FRIEND,

November 21, 1815.

How can I sufficiently thank you for your warmth of affection! Emanating from a heart like yours, it is a welcome cordial to soften grief: but, alas! it serves, at the same time, to awaken sensations almost too keen to be borne. You loved the boy judge then how I loved him! O Wade! language has not power to tell how I loved him! It is hard- very hard; but "to the Almighty Disposer of events" I submit. Thank dear Mrs. Wade; and many thanks to yourself for your kind offer.

Unhappy

B. O.

To MRS. OAKLEY, TAVISTOCK PLACE.

Bedford Place, November 21, 1815.

THOUGH I am well aware, my dear madam,

sympathy is the only consolation that can be offered to

you and your family, in this early stage of your very severe affliction; yet I cannot delay a moment longer assuring you, if you think I can render you any service, you have but to command me. To tell you that we feel deeply for your loss, does but half express our regret; but I will refrain from dwelling upon so painful a subject, and commend you to that God, whose ways are past finding out, and cannot err: and may he, in his great mercy, enable you and your family to support this hour of severe trial with becoming fortitude, is the sincere wish of both the Doctor and myself; and believe me to remain, my dear madam, much interested for you, with our best wishes for the restoration of your peace of mind, and that of your family.

I remain, with best regards,
Yours sincerely,

ISABELLA POWELL.

To BENJAMIN OAKLEY, Esq. TAVISTOCK PLACE.

DEAR OAKLEY,

Winchester, November 22, 1815.

YOUR letter, of yesterday's date, has plunged me into the deepest affliction; and I participate in the sorrow and distress that this sad and melancholy event occasions to my dearest friends and relations. I shall be in town the moment I get leave of absence. In the mean time, pray tell Hannah, and my nieces, how much I feel for their distress, and how much I lament the occasion of it. Pray thank your brother George for me, for his very friendly letter.

Ever sincerely yours,

J. BUTCHER.

« AnteriorContinuar »