Your letter has given me both pain & pleasure. I am sorry to learn that you are still — in the worldly sense of the word, an unfortunate man, & that you are withdrawn from pursuits which were consonant to your habits & inclinations, & that a public expression of respect & good will, made in the hope that it might have been serviceable to you, can have no such effect.
Then I observed your autograph on the little book. I wrote to enquire of Mr. Major whether it has come to his hands from you, directly or indirectly, for any use, that in that case I might thank you for it. It proved otherwise, but I would not lose an opportunity which I had wished for.
It is the want of charity which makes men unjust in their judgements of each other. That there will come a time when justice will be rendered to all, & we shall be judged rather according to which we have endeavoured, or defered to do, than for what we have done.
The little parcel which you mention I shall receive with pleasure. And when I may be next in London, I will seek for you, that I may have the satisfaction of shaking you by the hand.
Wishing you success in your present undertaking, whatever it be; & that you may one day, under happier circumstances, resume a pen which has of late years been so meritoriously employed.