From a young Lady to her Father, acquainting him with a Proposal of Marriage made to her.

Honoured Sir, Nottingham, April 4.

I think it my Duty to acquaint you, that a Gentleman of this Town, by Name Derham, and by Business a Linen-draper, hasmade some Overtures to my Cousin Morgan, in the way of Courtship to me. My Cousin has brought him once or twice into my Company, which he could not well decline doing, because he has Dealings with him; and has an high Opinion of him, and his Circumstances. He has been set up Three Years, and has very good Business, and lives in Credit and Fashion. He is about Twentyseven Years old, and a likely Man enough: He seems not to want Sense or Manners; and is come of a good Family. He has broke his Mind to me, and boasts how well he can maintain me: But, I assure you, Sir, I have given him no Encouragement; and told him, that I had no Thoughts of changing my Condition, yet a while; and should never think of it but in Obedience to my Parents; and I desired him to talk no more on that Subject to me. Yet he resolves to persevere, and pretends extraordinary Affection and Esteem. I would not, Sir, by any means, omit to acquaint you with the Beginnings of an Affair, that would be want of Duty in me to conceal from you, and shew a Guilt and Disobedience unworthy of the kind Indulgence and Affection you have always shewn to, Sir,

Your most dutiful Daughter.

My humble Duty to my honour’d Mother, Love to my Brother and Sister; and Respects to all Friends. Cousin Morgan, and his Wife and Sister desire their kind Respects. I cannot speak enough of their Civility to me.