Her Answer.

Dear William,

For so I may call you nowwe are sure: and so my Mother says. This is to let you know, that nothing shall prevail upon me to alter my Promise made to you, when we parted: With heavy Hearts enough, that's true. And yet I had a little Inkling givenme, that Mr. Alford 's Son the Carpenter would be glad to make Love to me: But, do you think I would suffer it? No, indeed! For I doubt not your Loyalty to me, and do you think I will not be as loyal to you!—To be sure I will. These Sailors run such sad Chances, said one that you and I both know. They may return, and they may not.Well, I will trust in God for that, who has returned safe to his Friends, their dear Billy, so many a time, and often. They will have a Mistress in every Land they come to, said they. All are not such naughty Men, said I, and I’ll trust Billy Oliver all the World over. For why cannot Men be as faithful as Women, tro’? And for me, I am sure no Love shall ever touch my Heart but yours.

God send us a happy Meeting! Let who will speak against Sailors; they are the Glory and the Safeguard of the Land. And what would have become of Old England long ago but for them? I am sure the lazy good-fornothing Land-lubbers would never have protected us from our cruel Foes. So Sailors are and ever shall be esteemed by me; and, of all Sailors, my dear Billy Oliver. Believe this Truth from

Your faithful, &c.