Note 46 — Chapter XIV · BY THE SEA-SHORE.

Most of Edward’s correspondence has been lost, destroyed, or used for “kindling.” He never had the least idea that old letters could be useful. When the author made inquiry about them, Edward said, “I fear there will be a great blank there. I am not aware when I began to correspond; and as for keeping letters, I had no reason for that; still, I may have some, and I will try and find them.” After about a week, he said, “I have found no old letters yet; but my wife tells me that she saw a box, about two years ago, in an old lumber garret, which she thinks may contain some useless old papers of mine. I will try and get it out, and make a search. I might have had many hundreds, if not thousands, if I had kept them. The postman, as well as my master and shopmates, were all surprised at the great number of letters I received for many years.” At last the box in the garret was discovered, and a small collection of letters was found in it, which the author has made use of in writing the latter part of this Memoir.