Address:
M^rs Flinders
14 London Street
    Fitzroy Square
      London

                                HMS Bedford Plymouth Sound
My dear M^rs Flinders             August 27^th 1814

      I cannot describe my sensations, nor my anxiety,
nor even the apprehensions I have laboured under on your
account, since the melancholy information of the truly
irreparable loƒs you have sustained, has reached me:–
I have almost daily formed a resolution of offering that condolence
and sympathy on the awful Event which I most sincerely feel
but as often have waved it; fearing that the sympathy even
of the nearest Friend must in the moment of affliction be
intrusive. – I trust on this my dear Madam though severe
and dreadful must have been the shock, and great your Trial;
True Piety, and a due sense of the Allwise Dispensation of the
Almighty, has brought you that alleviation and consolation
which they only can give to the afflicted. To a mind so
sensibly alive to the tenderest feelings as yours, and so impreƒsed
with such a just sense of religion. I cannot offer any alleviation
which it does not poƒseƒs. I can only be permitted to unite
with you in the consoling hope that he is removed from a
world of pain & trouble – to the mansions of rest & bliƒs – Such
aƒsuredly should be our comfort – such I trust is yours. –
Though dreadfully great has been your loƒs – mine is truly severe;
I entertained for him the highest Friendship & Esteem; no person
was nearer my heart. – I venture to hope from the perusal
of your letter to Wiles, that your state of mind is more easy – indeed I