[Lydia] Maria [Child] ALS to Louise [Louisa Loring], December 1, 1845

self-sufficient pedantry in the musical world. I feel
it, and know it, though I don't dare to peep.
Though I am no botanist, I know the difference
between an artificial flower and a natural one,
however perfect the imitation may be; and John S
Dwight himself can't reason me out of my own
senses.

Since that dreadful accident on the Sound, I seem
to love you and hold you nearer to my heart
than ever. Do you know you went in that same
steamer, the last time you returned from N. York?
And do you remember how very kind the Captain
was, and how many little things he caused to be
done for your comfort and accommodation?

He was a beautiful man, and a very worthy
one. His death excited a great sensation here.
ninety carriages followed his hearse. He left his
wife and six children, unconscious of danger.
They saw him in the bloom of health and beauty,
and two days after, he was brought home a corpse,
without one word to prepare them for the dreadful
event. It is heart-breaking to think of it; and
what must it have been to endure it?

Edmund is here now. I love
and honor him for his generosity, integrity of
principle, and many excellent qualities. But