[82] Felon-cord.—"As I suffer in the defence of my Country, I must consider this hour as the most glorious of my life.—Remember that I die as becomes a British Officer, while the manner of my death must reflect disgrace on your Commander." See Major André's last words, inserted in the General Evening Post, for Tuesday, November the 14, 1780.
[83] Tappan.—The place where Major André was executed.
[84] Funeral scarf.—Our whole Army in America went into mourning for Major André, a distinguish'd tribute to his merit.
[85] Vestal flame.—The Vestal fire was kept perpetually burning, and originally kindled from the rays of the Sun.
LETTERS
ADDRESSED TO THE AUTHOR OF THE FOREGOING POEM, BY MAJOR ANDRÉ, WHEN HE WAS A YOUTH OF EIGHTEEN.
LETTER I.
Clapton, October 3, 1769.
From their agreeable excursion to Shrewsbury, my dearest friends are by this time returned to their thrice-beloved Lichfield. Once again have they beheld those fortunate spires, the constant witnesses of all their pains and pleasures. I can well conceive the emotions of joy which their first appearance, from the neighboring hills, excites after absence; they seem to welcome you home, and invite you to reiterate those hours of happiness, of which they are a species of monument. I shall have an eternal love and reverence for them. Never shall I forget the joy that danced in Honora's eyes, when she first showed them to me from Needwood Forest on our return with you from Buxton to Lichfield. I remember she called them the Ladies of the Valley—their lightness and elegance deserve the title. Oh, how I loved them from that instant! My enthusiasm concerning them is carried farther even than yours and Honora's, for every object that has a pyramidal form recalls them to my recollection, with a sensation that brings the tear of pleasure into my eyes.