From May Anne Cox   July 31st¹

Burnt Island² | July 31^st3

My dear Sir

I feel that I – as an utter stranger, ought to apologize for thus intruding upon you – but I really cannot resist the desire I feel, to thank you most warmly – most gratefully – for the exceeding kindness you have shown my boys.⁴

Words fail me to express the feelings with which I read your letter to Alick⁵ – but you may understand them when I tell you that I had not read far before “tears – big tears” filled my eyes – nor had I concluded without those tears coursing each other down my cheeks. There was pure unmixed Pride and Pleasure that my boy should have made such a friend of such a Man – but along with these, was the deep regret, that he was no longer to be under the influence, of such precept and such example.

I have however the conviction, that you must look upon him as no common boy, or you never would have written him such a letter – and I earnestly pray that he may so conduct himself, as to make you satisfied that your kindness was not ill bestowed. I do hope you will not be displeased with my having seen your letter – but I was so surprised and gratified by the fact of your writing to him at all, that I insisted upon Alick’s letting me see the letter – need I say – indeed I cannot – how much that gratification was enhanced by its perusal?

I have not ventured to tell him that I am writing to you but I hope you will pardon the liberty and allow for the feeling which impels me to write.

Most cordially do I hope your health may ere long be thoroughly re-established.

Pray do not think of troubling to notice this – but allow me to subscribe myself with much respect and in all sincerity

Yours most gratefully | and obliged | May Anne Coxe

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