“Although, from the daily accounts which Mr. Robert Roscoe gave me, of the distressing
state to which Mrs. Roscoe was reduced,
I expected every morning to hear of her release from her continued suffering,
yet believe me, your letter, informing me of the close of her valuable life,
struck me almost with as great a shock, as if it were an event that could not
have been anticipated. Not having seen her during her long illness, I can only
remember what she was when in the enjoyment of health, and of all the blessings
attendant upon it. Her heart and her cares were yours and her family’s,
with a devotion so pure, as to give me (who had more frequent opportunities of
witnessing them, through many years of her life, than almost any other of your
friends) the most exalted opinion of the nobleness of her character, and of the
happiness you enjoyed in the possession of such a companion. To every one who
came within the range of her influence, she was generous, kind, and benevolent.
As a friend of long standing, I have to lament her; for when I call to mind the
many happy hours I have passed with her and you, and the marks of esteem she
always extended towards me, from the moment I was introduced
| LIFE OF WILLIAM ROSCOE. | 319 |
