The Albany, February 1st, 187—
My dear Madam,
Thank you very much for thinking of me on Saturday. I should have liked to have joined your party immensely, but I go to Ventnor that afternoon, and am therefore unable to have the pleasure of accepting your very kind invitation.
My mother and sisters have gone to Beaumaris; they left on Wednesday, and on the same day our friends the Boscawens returned to Ventnor. I hope to reach that truly lovely place on Saturday. Although a month has elapsed since the last year left us, I must send you and your sister all good old-fashioned New Year's wishes, hearty and sincere; will you both accept them? And with many thanks, repeated, for your kind note,
Believe, me,
Dear Mrs. B——,
Your sincere friend,
Henry Ross.
Invitation to a Gentleman to Row in a Boat.