Coleridge, Sara (1802-1852). - Letter, from an unstated address, to Edward Quillinan (1791-1851), at Rydal Mount (?), dated c.July 1847 (from contents). WLMS A / Coleridge, Sara / 45.

My dear Mr Quillinan

One line I must write to you to thank you for your kind, though most sad letter: though I feel it best not to detain you long with my thoughts and feelings on the subject of your deep deep sorrow. You know how much it is mine personally, as well as all my power of entering into that part which is peculiarly your own. Keenly as I feel that, yet when I think of dear Mr & Mrs Words-

[page break (2)]

worth, & feel that were I to lose Herbert or Edith I should be far more bowed down than I have ever been yet, though my best friend and most beloved & liked companion is taken from me for ever - I grieve for them scarce less than for you, who are to undergo a separation the pangs of which I know so well.

Dearest Dora! It seems scarce credible that so much life and love, and such a noble heart, - such a bright open mind should be passing away so soon! She is one of those whom

[page break (3)]

it is scarce possible to think of as thus drawn within the [vail] - & to us [here] no more except so far as by prayer & earnest religious feeling we can realize that better state.

But I must say no more of the many things which crowd into my mind. My heart is heavy: never has it been so heavy since my mother's death before.

I feel troubled to think of Edith Warter - But no more of that.

Be assured that you will ever have my earnest wishes and great interest in your welfare.

[page break (4)]

You are a friend for Dora's sake, and for your own. Indeed you could never have been her's, had you not been one whom all her friends could unite with her in their friendliest feelings. Miss Fenwick's letter to me is full of deep feeling - and speaks of you in a manner which I am sure would be comfortable to you. You have her deep sympathy.

I am relieved to hear that she does not yet think her case hopeless. I have a strong opinion on this point - I mean of the rashness & unjustifulleness of communication to the sufferer of medical opinions such as you have heard. It was one of my anxieties & [[?]] - in a time of deepest trouble -

[page break (1 top of sheet)]

Believe me, with many earnest prayers for you all, Your's faithfully and affectionately Sara Coleridge. Thanks to Jemima & love; and to Rotha.

How I think of all her warm kind ways!

---

Object summary: WLMS A / Coleridge, Sara / 45