London, March 10th, 1851.
It has so frequently occurred that I have unintentionally offended Miss J. that whenever I write it is with Caution! I confess likewise; that I don't much like to send letters through the hands of a third Person; of whom I know nothing! It is a liberty in my mind which I ought not to take!
I therefore wished that the correspondence should cease of itself; and that all friendly feeling should be continued! I know well that Miss J.'s Mind is occupied by Reflections on Spiritual things; and that she must despise the occupation of one who considers it His duty to serve the Public to the best of His Ability!
With due respect for Her Higher occupations, I hope she will excuse my adhering to my own Course of duty!
Ever Miss J.'s most faithfully obedient
Humble Servant,
Wellington.
The above is the Duke's last letter to Miss J. Although he lived until September of the following year, he never wrote to her again. Miss J.'s efforts did not cease, however. She sent letter after letter to the Duke, without being discouraged by his utter silence. Indeed, a note directed to him was lying on her table ready to be sent to the post the morning that she received the news of his death. She gives an account of her reception of the tidings:—
"November 28th, 1852. I dare not trust my pen to refer to the unanticipated dreaded end which has caused me so much deep sorrow although nearly three long months have rolled over my head since that awful blow was given and which, had it not been for divine support would I fear have deprived me of my reason, for it was so unexpected that when my Physician called to acquaint me thereof, I said, pointing to a letter on the table: 'That is for the Duke,' intending to ask him to put it into a Post Office, being sealed and ready.
"On perceiving my doctor silent, instead of offering with his usual kindness to post the letter, I enquired wherefore? he replied that he thought it had better be postponed. This made me still more anxious, eagerly asking, if he were ill? when Dr. P. said he had not been well, and thus by degrees unfolded the awful truth that he was indeed No more.