“I am a stranger to you, Miss Wollstonecraft, and at present greatly enfeebled both in mind and body: but when Mr Godwin desired that I would inform you of the death of his most beloved and most excellent wife, I was willing to undertake the task, because it is some consolation to render him the slightest service, and because my thoughts perpetually dwell upon her virtues and her loss. Mr Godwin himself cannot upon this occasion write to you.
“Mrs Godwin
died on Sunday, Sept. 10, about eight in the morning. I was with her at the
time of her delivery, and with very little intermission until the moment of her
death. Every skil-
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“No woman was ever more happy in marriage than Mrs Godwin. Who ever endured more anguish than Mr Godwin endures? Her description of him, in the very last moments of her recollection was, ‘He is the kindest, best man in the world.’
“I know of no consolations for myself, but in remembering how happy she had lately been, and how much she was admired, and almost idolized, by some of the most eminent and best of human beings.
“The children are both well, the infant in particular. It is the finest baby I ever saw.—Wishing you peace and prosperity, I remain your humble servant,
“Mr Godwin requests you will make Mrs Bishop acquainted with the particulars of this afflicting event. He tells me that Mrs Godwin entertained a sincere and earnest affection for “Mrs Bishop.”
