I have just received (via Charles Doble , Ashbrittle) a fragment of a letter sent by on Thomas Coster to his "Aunt Hill" dated 14.6.1753. Can anyone elucidate? (My interest in the Costers stems from their interests in early 18th Century copper mining in the Tamar Valley).
"But losses and disappointments are so common to people of all stations in this world that to be as little affected by them as possible is certainly the wisest method to be easy. Two very melancholy accidents by fire happened very lately at Wheal Fortune and Trevasgus, both mines Mr Hoblyn is largely concerned in. He took the news in the same manner he did that of the horses being burnt at Bristol without the least uneasy expression or seeming discontent. You can't imagine how much my happiness in this respect increases, for there scarce a day passes without a fresh instance of his serene and constant temper. A blessing far beyond riches, as every day's experience will convince us that is what the largest share of them cannot purchase. And now you see my dear aunt what a happy creature I am in the possession of such a partner, and a much greater abundance of the only things by some people thought valuable than I deserve. A person of your generous disposition does indeed I think justly merit the best fortune in everything, but I must now not arraign Providence, but think with that charming divine poet Milton, best are all things as the will of God ordains them, and a perfect submission to his Will I hope make all who suffer here ample amends hereafter."
Rick Stewart
|