My dear Miss J.,—I am very sorry if in my Letter of Monday I should have said a Word which could have hurt your feelings. I think that by this time you ought to be convinced that I could not intend to do so.
I might have done so erroneously. I might have been misled by circumstances. But I could not willingly hurt the feelings of any body.
In this particular case you forget that you asked the Question whether your letters were not overweight. I told you that they were.
I likewise informed you of a Rule which we are all under the necessity of adopting; that is of returning Letters over weight; because too many Persons are in the habit of thinking that they may inclose their Letters to a well known Person; and the Charge becomes enormous. Under these circumstances my Porter has the usual order not to take in Letters overweight; which he generally returns; unless I should happen to be in the House when he enquires. I stated the fact very shortly, as I generally do; in answer to a question from yourself; and I pointed out to you that if you desired to write to me more than you could put in two Sheets, you should put your Letter in two or three or more covers.
You must not be so susceptible. Rely upon it, that many many Years will pass over your Head; before I shall intentionally offend you.
Believe me Ever Yours most sincerely
W.
July 7, 1835.
I have received your two Letters My Dear Miss J., and according to your desire I write immediately.
My writing is not very legible by a person not accustomed to it. But I never could have intended to apply the word mistrust to you.