"I remarked to him in reply to this style of addressing me that I cared no more for his Field Marshalship than his Generalship,—which I dare say amused him. He was well aware of this, knowing it is written, 'If any man will be a pleaser of man then is he not the servant of Christ,' consequently however solicitous to render 'honour to whom honour,' my chief concern then as now consisted in obedience to this Divine enquiry, 'Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?' delighting in the same accordingly."
London, May 6, 1847.
My dear Miss J.,—I am very much obliged to you for the kind letter which I have this morning received without date! upon the subject of the Misfortune by which I have lately been afflicted in the loss of my Brother! [ ][Endnote 11] ]
I am very sensible of your kindness in writing to me; for the consolation upon which you suggest my reflection and for your enquiry about my health! I thank you! I am by the Mercy of the Almighty quite well!
Believe me Ever Yours most faithfully
Wellington.
This letter is, as Miss J. states in her Diary, "clad in deep mourning," or in other words, with a black seal, and written on black-edged paper.
"The Duke's next letter is dated May 11th, in which he writes—'I am very much obliged to you for your letter of the 9th. I answered the last which you wrote to me on the day I received it.'
"Having had an objection to the Notice which the Duke's letters, seal, etc., attracted I was in the habit generally of receiving them through my friend Mrs. L.'s hands however aware that the Duke preferred addressing me at my own residence which the following paragraph from his letter dated May 14th implies."
London, May 14, 1847.