“I had lately the honour of receiving your letter, dated the 16th of February last, communicating to me your views and intentions with respect to the sons of my highly respected and amiable friend, of whose early loss I first received the painful account from your letter. Short as was the time during which I had the pleasure of Count Rantzau’s acquaintance, I know sufficient of him to be able to appreciate his many great and excellent qualities, and deeply to feel for you, Madam, who have been so early deprived of his affection and society.
“It is, however, gratifying to me to find, that this afflicting dispensation of Providence has been supported by you in a manner worthy the chosen companion of such a man, and that your attention and care are earnestly devoted to prevent, as much as possible, the disadvantages his children must experience from the loss of such a parent. Happy, indeed, should I be, were it in my power to suggest any thing that might assist your kind maternal efforts, or give any useful information as to the plans you propose to adopt.”
